North to the Salt Fork (30 page)

 

Jack sent out a second set of wires that day and the next morning U.S. Marshal Tim Harris answered.

Jack filled her in over breakfast. “According to the Kansas Brand Inspectors that herd was sold by Hiram Sawyer.”

She beamed at him. “No one else would've been able to figure that out, Jack Starr. Thank goodness we have you around.”

He kissed her. “Our bank meeting is at one o'clock today. Almost everyone will be there.”

“It's a big day for most of them. As for me, I can't believe you managed to bring in so much money for our family.” She reached over and squeezed his hand.

“Well, I wanted to get the most I could for our friends and neighbors. And by paying out the money at the bank, folks will know they got an honest deal.”

When they arrived at the bank, the large office room where they were meeting was full of folks who were eager to shake Jack's hand. His crew was lined up against the wall, shaking hands and taking compliments from the grateful folks.

Bank President Claymore called the room to order. “I've sent for more ice and lemonade. I didn't expect so many people. You have really overwhelmed us. I'm glad you-all came so far for this event. It certainly is an important day for not only you, but the state of Texas as well. The money you spend will build our economy and help it grow strong.

“You will receive a receipt for your money and you must sign for it. When you're ready, you can take it to one of our tellers and fill out a deposit slip and we'll place it into your account. In case you want cash, we'll pay you from the signed receipt. But this bank is strong, and we would appreciate you leaving it with us. The interest you'll accrue will only make this venture more fruitful for you.”

Claymore turned back to Jack. “Mr. Starr, do you wish to say anything?”

All eyes were on Jack. “I'm glad we did this. I lost one man. He was a good man. But there could have been more. I'm not a preacher, but I'd ask anyone that was so inclined to say a prayer to God and thank him for watching over us and making this a success.”

Red Larson stepped out of the crowd to lead the prayer while the men removed their hats. After saying a quick word about Shanks, Red continued.

“Lord, we sure want to thank you for sending us Jack Starr. Wasn't no accident that he came by here and stayed. Thanks, Lord, for giving him the strength to go up there and make the best cattle deal we had ever heard of. Bless his new baby, Dallas, and his wife, Lucy, who, like the rest of the wives, must have talked a lot to you while the men were gone.

“Lord, love, guide and protect us in this life that we may better serve you.”

“Amen,” everyone echoed.

“Thanks, Red,” Jack said.

Afterward, as everyone received their sale receipts, Jack watched their faces. Their eyes were wide with disbelief and their heads shook. Some even cried with joy.

“We can't thank you enough,” one gray-haired lady said. “My husband and I are going to have real granite tombstones made for ourselves. For years I figured we'd never be able to afford one and it worried me. God bless you, Jack Starr.”

Tears streaming down her face, the woman who'd fed him the night before they went after the bandits ran toward him and threw her arms around his shoulders. “Oh, we owe you so much. I'm going to add a new kitchen to the house and buy a decent rig for me to go to town in.”

Lucy deposited all but a thousand dollars. She gave the money to Jack to hold for her. “That's for things the kids might need. I also have to pay Shanes. He's got a real corn crop coming in. Not a weed in it. He's quite the farmer.”

 

The drive home required two days. They stayed at Lucy's cousin's house overnight, but Jack was itching to get into his own bed.

When they finally descended the hill to the ranch, Jack could see Sister pacing up and down the front yard. She looked up when the dogs started barking and smiled, her hands on her hips.

“She'll be happy with her receipt,” Lucy said. “She wasn't expecting much.”

Lucy waved Dallas's tiny hand at Sister.

“I just wish that Luke had come home with us,” she said with a frown.

Jack smiled. “Boys have to sow their oats. But he'll be back. He loves this land.”

He leaned over and kissed her and she smiled up at him. “My husband is home at last.” They both laughed as he helped her and the baby down from the wagon.

 

Two weeks later U.S. Marshal Harris arrived at the ranch with two deputies. Jack went out to talk to them.

“Come in for dinner,” Jack said.

“No, Jack, we're going to Fredericksburg to arrest Hiram Sawyer. Just thought you'd like to come along.”

“You have a warrant, I take it?”

“Yes, we do. We also have his bank accounts frozen by a court order both here and in Kansas.”

Jack grinned broadly. “Of course I'll come. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he hears the news.”

“Good, get your horse and bedroll and come on out.”

Jack told Lucy the good news and headed out on Mac.

 

Two days later the posse arrived at Sawyer's place. They dismounted in the yard and Sawyer came to the door without his coat.

He looked to Jack to be a lot frailer than he was that morning on Dog Creek when he told him to ride on. His unshaven face looked white as snow.

“You're under arrest, Mr. Sawyer, by the U.S. government for fraud and larceny across state and territorial lines.”

“You'll never make it stick. I'll have lawyers wring your case out of court,” Sawyer said with a sneer.

“Hiram,” Jack said, “you'll regret not killing me up at Lost Dog Creek last summer.”

He chuckled softly. “I do. I do every day.”

“Well, before you die inside the federal penitentiary, I'm sure you'll have many more opportunities.”

“You son of a bitch,” Sawyer said under his breath.

Jack remounted Mac. “No, Sawyer. I'm afraid you're the son of a bitch.”

Hiram Sawyer lasted eighteen months in federal prison in Ohio before he died. He was buried there.

Jack Starr and his partners, Jangles, Cotton and Arnold formed the Prairie Cattle Company and through the good years of the 1870s bought many sections of land in the bluestem hills of southeast Kansas. Their real estate holdings were extensive. As a grass-stocker operation, they paved the way for an industry that flourishes to this day. Dallas Starr took over the operation of the Kansas ranches in 1890 when Jack died from a sudden heart attack while working cattle on their Texas operation, which Luke ran for the family. Lucy lived to be ninety and was buried beside her man at the Lost Dog Creek Cemetery.

Tally and Shanes farmed a large tract of black land south of Dallas. Shanes, who had taken his education seriously after Jack taught him how to read, was elected as a state senator for two terms. The boy who Jack and his crew caught in his nightshirt became a respected Texas civic leader and an outstanding area farmer.

Dallas' two sons inherited the Kansas holdings. The depression of the 1930s cut deep into their operation. The Kansas ranches were broken up and sold. Dallas' great-great grandson, Jack Starr III, owns the old home place and the D-T brand. He is now a corporate lawyer in Austin.

On a weather-worn tombstone in the cemetery, the words are written: HERE LIES CAPTAIN JACK STARR, THE MAN WHO SAVED AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY.