Chapter Thirteen
August 1869
August was a beautiful time in the mountains. Most days were clear and warm with cool nights. The barns brimmed with fresh hay, and more piled in the pastures. There was still plenty of work to do before winter, but life was a little more relaxed on the ranches. The snows would soon come, and life would get harder, but right now, life was good.
The ranchers usually had a short planning session after Preacher finished his sermon. They cooperated to tackle certain tasks, like haying, but each rancher and their hands mostly worked on their own tasks. The previous planning session generally focused on how everything was coming together for them. The mines were producing well, and everyone was content with the size and quality of their herds. It seemed al
