SINGLE TREE 3

single tree walked up to the wagon parked in the street in front of ronstadts general store. he carried a bag in one hand and a henry rifle in the other.the wagon was a old time frieght wagon loaded high and canvas covered.single tree put his bag and the rifle up under the seat. as he stepped down and turned a hostler drove a six up team from the livery up to the wagon. he backed them over the tounge . singletree took the off side and began hitching them to the wagon while the hostler did the near side. single tree was takeing in this whole set up. the six horse team was horses that wernt seen in the desert, big, heavy boned and high quality for draft animals. the harnes was the best money could buy and well cared for. he ran his hands over the leather likeing the feel of it that only a true teamster would appreciate. the hostler had gotten a hitch weight from the wagon and snaped it to the lead horses bit. he smilled over at single tree" they are all yours single. ill see you when you get back" single waved a hand at him and stepped around the lead team in time to see his employers ride up on a matched pair of sorrel , high headed, high stepping horses. another item not seem in the desert south west. clara had a full skirt spread over her legs and back on her horses rump. a true lady, side saddle. hanford sat erect. " are we ready mr. tree?"he asked. " all i need to do is climb on up and shake the lines."single tree unsnapped the hitch weight and carried it to the wagon and put it under the seat.he climbed the side of the wagon and picked up the lines. then he released the brake and shook the lines and smooched to the teams. they didnt lurch into the collars but took easy steps and leaned into them, when the wagon moved they just walked on.a smooth start. single tree was amazed, he had heard of this kind of teams but never seen them. clara and hanford were leading them headed out of town to the south west. at the edge of town a mexican with a two wheel cart pulled by a team of burros fell in behind. hanford rode back to single tree" our cook and camp man, ramundo." he turned and rode back up next to clara. single tree was impressed more and more. this trip was shapeing up to be a vacation instead of a job. the day passed unevent ful. a hour before dark hanford and clara rode off the road into a clearing in the brush. single tree knew the spot as a over night camp for travlers. off to one side was a water hole for stock. he pulled the team to a stop. he set the brake on the wagon then got down and started unhitching the team. hanford and clara were unsaddling . ramundo had brought his cart up and was makeing camp. every one and everything moved in a coordinated effort, smooth. single tree was still takeing it in with amazement. when his team was watered he tied them along each side of the wagon. under the tarp he found bales of hay and sacks of grain. no desert grass for this good bunch of horses. when every animal had been fed and watered ramundo beat a pan with a fork. supper was served on top line china. silver wear and porceline cups. "i fell a little under dressed. i should have a coat and tie for this kind of fare!"single tree commented as he got his plate filled with tacos and refried beans. " we believe in the finer things. we were raised in up state new york under a genteel hand. my mother. it dont cost much more to go first class."clara explained. while they were eating ramundo was pitching a little tent and setting up cots. single tree took it all in with wide eyed containment. a cot was set up at the rear of the wagon with a bedroll spread on it. ramundo pointed at it" esta por la senior." after putting his dirty dishes in a dish pan of soapy water single went around the wagon and checked on the horses makeing sure all were tied secure. as he waalked he mumbled to himself" when this is over i wont be worth a damn to anybody else. "he chuckled.