gonewacky
Veteran Member
(Demon Hunters) The Doctor Tells a Story
It was late in August and Jim, Albert and Henry had hired some men to help Seig build the Hotel. Seig was running a four man crew, and the Hotel was going up fast. The Water Tower and Windmill were up and working. Down at the boardinghouse the Doctor was in town checking on Rebecca’s Baby. He was also open to checking on any female problems any of them might be having. After checking Bella and answering a few problems. Victoria, Suzy, Kathy, Mable, Emily, Rebecca, and little Bella were at the table. In the House alone with the women Patrick asked, “You want to hear a story about Albert? No one knows about this but me, so if I tell you it you have to keep it to yourself.”
Everyone was eager to hear the story, so Patrick went on, “It was about five years ago. Albert was already Sheriff and living in the Boarding house with Rebecca.”
Rebecca smiled as Patrick went on, “Most people didn’t even know who the sheriff was. They all knew about the Marshal. Bill was a household name, but Albert was way down in Dention and just visited once in a while. They knew there was a Sheriff but almost no one knew him. He was coming to see me when it happened.”
Sheriff Blocker rode into Lambert on a Dention livery horse. The gun in his holster was gray steel with an unmarked rainbow mother-of-pearl handle.
The sky was dark like it would rain at any moment. It wasn’t raining yet, but it started all of a sudden. Just after Albert left his horse at the livery stable, and headed up the Main Street towards Dr. Heanley’s office. A crack of thunder rang out, and a cloudburst started. The wind was from the north and strong enough, so that the water was beaten against the buildings.
The wheel ruts in the street were turning in a puddle pools. The rain barrels were sloshing over their sides. It was like the whole town had been pushed under a leaky bucket. Albert headed for cover. All he could spot was the front porch of the mercantile. He sort of shook himself off like a half drown pup. Then he noticed the young fella standing beside him. Albert didn’t recognize him at first.
Then the young man asked, “Sheriff?”
Albert turned to David and replied, “Yes.”
The young man went on, “Sorry I wasn’t sure till I saw your badge. I guess you don’t remember me? I’m David Parker.”
Albert replied, “Oh sure I remember you now. Say you really sprung up haven’t you?”
David replied, “I am a little taller.”
Albert question, “How’d you manage to do so much growing so fast?”
David replied, “It wasn’t so fast Mr. Blocker it’s been six years since I saw you.”
Albert shook his head, “Six years? That long?”
David replied, “It’s that long. It was right after my 15th birthday that’s when I saw you last. Six years ago it was.”
Albert revealed, “That must make you write about 21 years old yes.”
David said, “Sir 21, yeah that’s supposed to be a man’s age. It’s too bad everybody doesn’t realize it.”
Albert replied, “Well sometimes it takes a while for people to get used to the fact that you’ve grown up.”
David replied, “I guess so.”
Albert inquired, “How are your folks?
David revealed, “You mean my Mom. Dad died last summer.”
Albert confessed, “Oh no I hadn’t heard that I’m sorry. I didn’t know your dad died. I’m awful sorry about that. He was a fine man.”
David admitted, “Yeah at least I thought so.”
Albert advised, “Well everybody thought so you know that.”
David mumbled, “Did they?”
Albert questioned, “What do you mean.”
David informed, “Nothing, looks like it’s letting up. Are you staying in town Mr. Blocker?”
Albert explained, “No, just overnight. I kind of twisted my hand while I was Shoeing a horse the other day and the swelling wouldn’t go down, so I thought maybe I ought to have the Doc look at it.”
David asked, “You ever been to a place called Silver Creek.”
Albert replied, “It’s somewhere down on the south part of the Territory. Oh yes I was out there.”
David inquired, “I’d like to know what kind of setup the McCarty ranch is?”
Albert looked puzzled, “McCarty ranch?”
David replied, “Yeah it’s supposed to be one of the biggest.”
Albert informed, “It’s odd it’s in those parts. I don’t know I never heard of a McCarty ranch round there.”
David asked, “You certain Mr. Blocker. Yeah of course that doesn’t mean that there isn’t like…”
David butted in, “Yeah I know well goodbye.
Albert yelled, “Say hello to your mom for me David she’s alright I trust”
David replied, “Sure she’s fine.”
Albert answered, “I reckon your father… while it must have hit her pretty hard huh.”
David informed, “She had a real fast recovery. Why 10 months ain’t very long to morn. It’s not even a year.”
Albert thought, Just 10 months.
Patrick went on with the story. David had done a lot more than just grow up since the last time Albert saw him. The strange way he was carrying on Albert sure couldn’t figure out what caused it, and when he talked about his mother. Why Peat and Bridget Parker were just about as suitors two people he ever met up with. You couldn’t even think about one without thinking of the other. They must have been married on closer to 35 years. David was their third child he was the only one of their children that survived. Bridget thought the world of him. It wouldn’t be the same without Peat. The rain had stopped now it even started to warm up a little, and the mud puddles out in the street were giving off little quips of steam.
Albert went over to Dr. Patrick Heanley’s office it was just around the corner from the hotel.
Patrick checked Albert’s arm, “Yeah Albert it don’t look like you broke a thing, but it’s a real bad sprain. It’s a wonder you were even able to ride into town today.”
Albert complained, “Well it wasn’t all too comfortable. I’ll tell you that much.”
Patrick asked, “What have you been doing for it.”
Albert informed, “Well there wasn’t much I could do for it at the Blacksmith shop.”
Patrick informed, “Some hot water and Epsom salts might be a little help. I’ll put the kettle on and get it warming. It was so darn chilly during all that rain I built me a little fire in the stove. Good thing that ain’t your shooting hand Albert.”
Albert replied, “Yeah, I haven’t needed a shooting hand much lately.”
Patrick assured, “Yeah you never know. Things look quiet enough around Lambert for the Marshal being out of town.”
Albert agreed, “Yeah its quiet all right considering the Marshal’s out of town.”
Patrick informed, “Yeah he had some business that took him down to Fort Boise. Then he’s checking up on some fellow in Silver Creek.”
Albert exclaimed, “Wow that’s kind of a coincidence.”
Patrick asked, “What do you mean?”
Albert replied, “Well I just ran into David Parker on the way up to see you and he was asking me about Silver Creek.”
Patrick insisted, “That wasn’t any coincidence Albert. Why you see that’s the reason the Marshal went to Silver Creek. Well of course officially he’s picking up a prisoner, but the reason he went himself instead of sending somebody. The Marshal wanted to do a little inquiring about David’s new Dad.”
Albert echoed, “David’s new Dad?”
Patrick advised, “Yep, new paw for sure. Bridget married again didn’t David tell you?”
Albert replied, “No I didn’t even know.”
Patrick hypothesized, “Yeah I guess maybe he was just too ashamed to mention it.”
Albert proclaimed, “That doesn’t seem possible Bridget Parker remarry.”
Patrick explained, “Oh he was all mighty surprised. Nobody ever figured she’d look at another man. Much less take a new husband especially so soon after, well it was less than a year, Ernst McCarty that’s the fellas name.”
Albert asked, “McCarty, Well when did it happen Doc?”
Patrick revealed, “Mmm she a… about a month ago maybe five weeks, and it’s as plain as day he married her because she’s got a little money. Peat left her pretty well off with the fenced ranch and all the cattle.
Albert asked, “What about David?”
Patrick went on, “Oh he came into some money too. Enough for a good start in life and David’s a hard worker. He’ll get along. I feel kind of sorry for him though you know he just worshipped his paw, and Bridget getting hitched again. Well it was sort of like a slap in the face to him. Sounds like that water’s boiling.
Albert asked, “What kind of a man is this Ernst McCarty?”
Patrick explained, “That’s his name all right. You know the type a big fella, white hair, mustache, and always smiling. Where’s that big pan. Here we are. You know a real flashy guy you can spot a mile off. He dresses like a dude, and uses a lot of fancy words. Just stick your hand in here. All the way Albert. This here is good for sprains.”
Albert complained, “That water as hotter than my forge Doc.
Patrick assured, “Is good for you. That’s what draws out the pain. You’ll get used to it. Ernst grabbed something right near Elk Point out side of Silver Creek. Bridget says he’s worth more than she is. Well maybe he’s got her convinced, but he’s not fooling anybody around here.
Albert suggested, “It could be the truth.”
Patrick went on, “If he’s so well off. Then why are they living on Bridget’s property? Just answer me that thing.”
Albert replied, “I see what you mean.”
Patrick pointed out, “Hmm guess that water is cooling down. Maybe I ought to pour some fresh Water in there.”
Albert insisted, “No, no the water is just fine Doc. That’s just fine I don’t need it to be a bit hotter. You just leave it there. That hands feeling better already.”
Patrick insisted, “Well you just leave it in a little while longer.”
Albert agreed, “Just for a little while Doc.”
Patrick went on, “I reckon even Bridget will get her eyes open up when the Marshal gets back from Silver Creek. You know as the truth about Ernst McCarty comes out. Of course it’s going to hurt her some. A woman don’t like the idea finding out she made a fool of herself, but it’ll be better for her to find it out now than later.”
Albert insisted, “Well I just don’t see how this concerns the Marshal Doc.”
Patrick declared, “When a man tells a widowed woman a batch of lies and finagles her around so he can get control of her property. That should concern a Sheriff or Marshal don’t you think?
Albert mumbled, “I’m not sure.”
Patrick insisted, “You might do a lot worse Albert, and he might do a whole lot worse. You just mark my word. All right let’s have a look at that hand of yours. Oh sure it looks all right now. Don’t let the redness worry you ain’t scalded or such. The swelling has gone down and I’ll just wrap it up real tighten in a day or so it’ll be good as new. I swear I don’t know how I’d get along without Epson salt. It seems like it’s a remedy for almost everything. I used it on old lady Parry’s leg last year when her ankle was acting up. After four or five doses she ain’t had a bit of trouble since. Why she was even at the barn dance last week. She carried on like she didn’t have no trouble at all. Now if you just hold out your hand. That looks good. Just leave a dime on the table on your way out.”
After Dr. Heanley got the bandage on Albert’s hand it was feeling better. The throbbing had seemed to go away, so Albert left his office, and he wandered over to the Hotel. By the time he got there they were serving supper in the dining room. Not family-style either. They had real fancy table cloths with separate table flowers on them. Two waitresses wore little checkered apron sort of matching the table cloths, and of course when a place is all fixed up like that. They always make it up on the price. You can figure on paying a little extra for your food.
Albert made the mistake of ordering the steak and it was going to cost him thirty five cents, but that’s what was on the menu.
The waitress exclaimed, “You’re gonna have trouble cutting it. What’s wrong with your hand?”
Albert insisted, “Nothing ma’am it’s just a sprain. I guess maybe I should have ordered something like a spoon through.”
The waitress asked, “You want me to slice up the meat for you?”
Albert insisted, Oh no I’ll get this. Thanks.”
Albert thought, I didn’t know they were giving me the toughest steak in the whole kitchen. For 35 cents you think, oh well I’ll eaten here tonight. I can’t believe there’s no bread.
The Doctor came in looking around. He saw Albert and went to his table and explained, “I was looking for you. David came for me he just came riding into town. Says his mom’s been shot and shortly McCarty that’s what David call’s Ernst. David says he doesn’t think it’s too serious, but I’m going out to the ranch now to see what I can do for her.”
Albert insisted, “Oh of course for sure.”
Patrick went on, “David told me to bring you along.”
Albert asked, “What’s wrong?”
Patrick insisted, “I don’t know. He just told me to find you, and to bring you along.”
Albert replied, “That’s funny.”
Patrick insisted, “Are you coming or not?”
Albert pondered, “Well I sure don’t see where I figure in this thing.”
Patrick insisted, “Sorry to drag you away from your supper.”
Albert mumbled, “Oh that’s alright. I’m afraid I was fighting a losing battle with that stake anyway.”
The Parker ranch was about a half hour hard ride out of town. The main ranch house was just off the road. It was built two stories tall with big windows. I remember hearing folks tell that Peat Parker had to send all the way over to Chicago to get glass big enough. Riding up they could see there was a couple of lamps burning somewhere on the first floor. You could see a little light going through the drape.
Parking the buggy in front of the house I got my bag with my instruments and we walked up to the carved mahogany door.
Ernst opened the door, “Oh Dr. Heanley just what can I do for you?”
Patrick replied, “Parker I mean McCarty your wife was hurt somehow.”
Ernst explained, “Oh I see, well it’s nothing serious just a scratch. My gun went off accidentally and a bullet grazed her shoulder, but Bridget’s perfectly all right. Now as a matter of fact I think she’s already gone to bed.”
Bridget called out, “Who is it Ernst?”
Patrick insisted, “Sounds to me like she’s still up.”
Ernst admitted, “I guess I was mistaken. Yeah it’s a doctor dear.”
Albert insisted, “My name’s Albert Blocker.”
Ernst questioned, “Mr. Blocker?”
Albert replied, “That’s right Mr. Blocker Mr. McCarty.”
Ernst offered, “Well I suppose you might as well come in Doctor, Mr. Blocker. Just come this way. I told him it was only a scratch dear, but as long as Dr. Heanley’s way out here. I suppose he might as well have a look at you. Just to be on the safe side.”
Bridget questioned, “Why what are you doing in lambert Sheriff?”
Ernst asked, “When did you get into town?”
Albert informed, “This afternoon didn’t David tell ya?”
Ernst replied, “Well I haven’t…”
Bridget butted in, “No it must have slipped his mind.”
Patrick announced, “Good evening Bridget let me see here.”
It was late in August and Jim, Albert and Henry had hired some men to help Seig build the Hotel. Seig was running a four man crew, and the Hotel was going up fast. The Water Tower and Windmill were up and working. Down at the boardinghouse the Doctor was in town checking on Rebecca’s Baby. He was also open to checking on any female problems any of them might be having. After checking Bella and answering a few problems. Victoria, Suzy, Kathy, Mable, Emily, Rebecca, and little Bella were at the table. In the House alone with the women Patrick asked, “You want to hear a story about Albert? No one knows about this but me, so if I tell you it you have to keep it to yourself.”Everyone was eager to hear the story, so Patrick went on, “It was about five years ago. Albert was already Sheriff and living in the Boarding house with Rebecca.”
Rebecca smiled as Patrick went on, “Most people didn’t even know who the sheriff was. They all knew about the Marshal. Bill was a household name, but Albert was way down in Dention and just visited once in a while. They knew there was a Sheriff but almost no one knew him. He was coming to see me when it happened.”
Sheriff Blocker rode into Lambert on a Dention livery horse. The gun in his holster was gray steel with an unmarked rainbow mother-of-pearl handle.
The sky was dark like it would rain at any moment. It wasn’t raining yet, but it started all of a sudden. Just after Albert left his horse at the livery stable, and headed up the Main Street towards Dr. Heanley’s office. A crack of thunder rang out, and a cloudburst started. The wind was from the north and strong enough, so that the water was beaten against the buildings.
The wheel ruts in the street were turning in a puddle pools. The rain barrels were sloshing over their sides. It was like the whole town had been pushed under a leaky bucket. Albert headed for cover. All he could spot was the front porch of the mercantile. He sort of shook himself off like a half drown pup. Then he noticed the young fella standing beside him. Albert didn’t recognize him at first.
Then the young man asked, “Sheriff?”
Albert turned to David and replied, “Yes.”
The young man went on, “Sorry I wasn’t sure till I saw your badge. I guess you don’t remember me? I’m David Parker.”
Albert replied, “Oh sure I remember you now. Say you really sprung up haven’t you?”
David replied, “I am a little taller.”
Albert question, “How’d you manage to do so much growing so fast?”
David replied, “It wasn’t so fast Mr. Blocker it’s been six years since I saw you.”
Albert shook his head, “Six years? That long?”
David replied, “It’s that long. It was right after my 15th birthday that’s when I saw you last. Six years ago it was.”
Albert revealed, “That must make you write about 21 years old yes.”
David said, “Sir 21, yeah that’s supposed to be a man’s age. It’s too bad everybody doesn’t realize it.”
Albert replied, “Well sometimes it takes a while for people to get used to the fact that you’ve grown up.”
David replied, “I guess so.”
Albert inquired, “How are your folks?
David revealed, “You mean my Mom. Dad died last summer.”
Albert confessed, “Oh no I hadn’t heard that I’m sorry. I didn’t know your dad died. I’m awful sorry about that. He was a fine man.”
David admitted, “Yeah at least I thought so.”
Albert advised, “Well everybody thought so you know that.”
David mumbled, “Did they?”
Albert questioned, “What do you mean.”
David informed, “Nothing, looks like it’s letting up. Are you staying in town Mr. Blocker?”
Albert explained, “No, just overnight. I kind of twisted my hand while I was Shoeing a horse the other day and the swelling wouldn’t go down, so I thought maybe I ought to have the Doc look at it.”
David asked, “You ever been to a place called Silver Creek.”
Albert replied, “It’s somewhere down on the south part of the Territory. Oh yes I was out there.”
David inquired, “I’d like to know what kind of setup the McCarty ranch is?”
Albert looked puzzled, “McCarty ranch?”
David replied, “Yeah it’s supposed to be one of the biggest.”
Albert informed, “It’s odd it’s in those parts. I don’t know I never heard of a McCarty ranch round there.”
David asked, “You certain Mr. Blocker. Yeah of course that doesn’t mean that there isn’t like…”
David butted in, “Yeah I know well goodbye.
Albert yelled, “Say hello to your mom for me David she’s alright I trust”
David replied, “Sure she’s fine.”
Albert answered, “I reckon your father… while it must have hit her pretty hard huh.”
David informed, “She had a real fast recovery. Why 10 months ain’t very long to morn. It’s not even a year.”
Albert thought, Just 10 months.
Patrick went on with the story. David had done a lot more than just grow up since the last time Albert saw him. The strange way he was carrying on Albert sure couldn’t figure out what caused it, and when he talked about his mother. Why Peat and Bridget Parker were just about as suitors two people he ever met up with. You couldn’t even think about one without thinking of the other. They must have been married on closer to 35 years. David was their third child he was the only one of their children that survived. Bridget thought the world of him. It wouldn’t be the same without Peat. The rain had stopped now it even started to warm up a little, and the mud puddles out in the street were giving off little quips of steam.
Albert went over to Dr. Patrick Heanley’s office it was just around the corner from the hotel.
Patrick checked Albert’s arm, “Yeah Albert it don’t look like you broke a thing, but it’s a real bad sprain. It’s a wonder you were even able to ride into town today.”
Albert complained, “Well it wasn’t all too comfortable. I’ll tell you that much.”
Patrick asked, “What have you been doing for it.”
Albert informed, “Well there wasn’t much I could do for it at the Blacksmith shop.”
Patrick informed, “Some hot water and Epsom salts might be a little help. I’ll put the kettle on and get it warming. It was so darn chilly during all that rain I built me a little fire in the stove. Good thing that ain’t your shooting hand Albert.”
Albert replied, “Yeah, I haven’t needed a shooting hand much lately.”
Patrick assured, “Yeah you never know. Things look quiet enough around Lambert for the Marshal being out of town.”
Albert agreed, “Yeah its quiet all right considering the Marshal’s out of town.”
Patrick informed, “Yeah he had some business that took him down to Fort Boise. Then he’s checking up on some fellow in Silver Creek.”
Albert exclaimed, “Wow that’s kind of a coincidence.”
Patrick asked, “What do you mean?”
Albert replied, “Well I just ran into David Parker on the way up to see you and he was asking me about Silver Creek.”
Patrick insisted, “That wasn’t any coincidence Albert. Why you see that’s the reason the Marshal went to Silver Creek. Well of course officially he’s picking up a prisoner, but the reason he went himself instead of sending somebody. The Marshal wanted to do a little inquiring about David’s new Dad.”
Albert echoed, “David’s new Dad?”
Patrick advised, “Yep, new paw for sure. Bridget married again didn’t David tell you?”
Albert replied, “No I didn’t even know.”
Patrick hypothesized, “Yeah I guess maybe he was just too ashamed to mention it.”
Albert proclaimed, “That doesn’t seem possible Bridget Parker remarry.”
Patrick explained, “Oh he was all mighty surprised. Nobody ever figured she’d look at another man. Much less take a new husband especially so soon after, well it was less than a year, Ernst McCarty that’s the fellas name.”
Albert asked, “McCarty, Well when did it happen Doc?”
Patrick revealed, “Mmm she a… about a month ago maybe five weeks, and it’s as plain as day he married her because she’s got a little money. Peat left her pretty well off with the fenced ranch and all the cattle.
Albert asked, “What about David?”
Patrick went on, “Oh he came into some money too. Enough for a good start in life and David’s a hard worker. He’ll get along. I feel kind of sorry for him though you know he just worshipped his paw, and Bridget getting hitched again. Well it was sort of like a slap in the face to him. Sounds like that water’s boiling.
Albert asked, “What kind of a man is this Ernst McCarty?”
Patrick explained, “That’s his name all right. You know the type a big fella, white hair, mustache, and always smiling. Where’s that big pan. Here we are. You know a real flashy guy you can spot a mile off. He dresses like a dude, and uses a lot of fancy words. Just stick your hand in here. All the way Albert. This here is good for sprains.”
Albert complained, “That water as hotter than my forge Doc.
Patrick assured, “Is good for you. That’s what draws out the pain. You’ll get used to it. Ernst grabbed something right near Elk Point out side of Silver Creek. Bridget says he’s worth more than she is. Well maybe he’s got her convinced, but he’s not fooling anybody around here.
Albert suggested, “It could be the truth.”
Patrick went on, “If he’s so well off. Then why are they living on Bridget’s property? Just answer me that thing.”
Albert replied, “I see what you mean.”
Patrick pointed out, “Hmm guess that water is cooling down. Maybe I ought to pour some fresh Water in there.”
Albert insisted, “No, no the water is just fine Doc. That’s just fine I don’t need it to be a bit hotter. You just leave it there. That hands feeling better already.”
Patrick insisted, “Well you just leave it in a little while longer.”
Albert agreed, “Just for a little while Doc.”
Patrick went on, “I reckon even Bridget will get her eyes open up when the Marshal gets back from Silver Creek. You know as the truth about Ernst McCarty comes out. Of course it’s going to hurt her some. A woman don’t like the idea finding out she made a fool of herself, but it’ll be better for her to find it out now than later.”
Albert insisted, “Well I just don’t see how this concerns the Marshal Doc.”
Patrick declared, “When a man tells a widowed woman a batch of lies and finagles her around so he can get control of her property. That should concern a Sheriff or Marshal don’t you think?
Albert mumbled, “I’m not sure.”
Patrick insisted, “You might do a lot worse Albert, and he might do a whole lot worse. You just mark my word. All right let’s have a look at that hand of yours. Oh sure it looks all right now. Don’t let the redness worry you ain’t scalded or such. The swelling has gone down and I’ll just wrap it up real tighten in a day or so it’ll be good as new. I swear I don’t know how I’d get along without Epson salt. It seems like it’s a remedy for almost everything. I used it on old lady Parry’s leg last year when her ankle was acting up. After four or five doses she ain’t had a bit of trouble since. Why she was even at the barn dance last week. She carried on like she didn’t have no trouble at all. Now if you just hold out your hand. That looks good. Just leave a dime on the table on your way out.”
After Dr. Heanley got the bandage on Albert’s hand it was feeling better. The throbbing had seemed to go away, so Albert left his office, and he wandered over to the Hotel. By the time he got there they were serving supper in the dining room. Not family-style either. They had real fancy table cloths with separate table flowers on them. Two waitresses wore little checkered apron sort of matching the table cloths, and of course when a place is all fixed up like that. They always make it up on the price. You can figure on paying a little extra for your food.
Albert made the mistake of ordering the steak and it was going to cost him thirty five cents, but that’s what was on the menu.
The waitress exclaimed, “You’re gonna have trouble cutting it. What’s wrong with your hand?”
Albert insisted, “Nothing ma’am it’s just a sprain. I guess maybe I should have ordered something like a spoon through.”
The waitress asked, “You want me to slice up the meat for you?”
Albert insisted, Oh no I’ll get this. Thanks.”
Albert thought, I didn’t know they were giving me the toughest steak in the whole kitchen. For 35 cents you think, oh well I’ll eaten here tonight. I can’t believe there’s no bread.
The Doctor came in looking around. He saw Albert and went to his table and explained, “I was looking for you. David came for me he just came riding into town. Says his mom’s been shot and shortly McCarty that’s what David call’s Ernst. David says he doesn’t think it’s too serious, but I’m going out to the ranch now to see what I can do for her.”
Albert insisted, “Oh of course for sure.”
Patrick went on, “David told me to bring you along.”
Albert asked, “What’s wrong?”
Patrick insisted, “I don’t know. He just told me to find you, and to bring you along.”
Albert replied, “That’s funny.”
Patrick insisted, “Are you coming or not?”
Albert pondered, “Well I sure don’t see where I figure in this thing.”
Patrick insisted, “Sorry to drag you away from your supper.”
Albert mumbled, “Oh that’s alright. I’m afraid I was fighting a losing battle with that stake anyway.”
The Parker ranch was about a half hour hard ride out of town. The main ranch house was just off the road. It was built two stories tall with big windows. I remember hearing folks tell that Peat Parker had to send all the way over to Chicago to get glass big enough. Riding up they could see there was a couple of lamps burning somewhere on the first floor. You could see a little light going through the drape.
Parking the buggy in front of the house I got my bag with my instruments and we walked up to the carved mahogany door.
Ernst opened the door, “Oh Dr. Heanley just what can I do for you?”
Patrick replied, “Parker I mean McCarty your wife was hurt somehow.”
Ernst explained, “Oh I see, well it’s nothing serious just a scratch. My gun went off accidentally and a bullet grazed her shoulder, but Bridget’s perfectly all right. Now as a matter of fact I think she’s already gone to bed.”
Bridget called out, “Who is it Ernst?”
Patrick insisted, “Sounds to me like she’s still up.”
Ernst admitted, “I guess I was mistaken. Yeah it’s a doctor dear.”
Albert insisted, “My name’s Albert Blocker.”
Ernst questioned, “Mr. Blocker?”
Albert replied, “That’s right Mr. Blocker Mr. McCarty.”
Ernst offered, “Well I suppose you might as well come in Doctor, Mr. Blocker. Just come this way. I told him it was only a scratch dear, but as long as Dr. Heanley’s way out here. I suppose he might as well have a look at you. Just to be on the safe side.”
Bridget questioned, “Why what are you doing in lambert Sheriff?”
Ernst asked, “When did you get into town?”
Albert informed, “This afternoon didn’t David tell ya?”
Ernst replied, “Well I haven’t…”
Bridget butted in, “No it must have slipped his mind.”
Patrick announced, “Good evening Bridget let me see here.”
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