Past the cemetery, where most of our people eventually rest, we head west , down the ore trail to Carthage, 3 four day ride , back on train , and home. Settling in each night on our way to Carthage the discussion centers on the White Oaks visit and our people and the others there. In some strange way, it seems the town is and will dictate how the individual fares.
It’s not like the people there can raise the town up by their brains and efforts , which is usually the case in most successful long term city survival. All efforts directly attached to the town’s future are of little use individually. Gradually we come to the conclusion, to some degree, we are in the same position ,over in Pinos Alto, even though our futures are not connected to the towns final disposition.
After much reflection and discussion, it is decided we will move on from the buckhorn and find a new adventure, some where else. Colorado is too cold, California too far , Arizona too hot , seems we have become picky in our old age. After about a month of wandering around ,we arrive back at the buckhorn. All is well. Just like never left. Same core group ,same passers by. The introduction of BBQ ribs quickly establishes them as a staple. . Adding an ice cream machine is a huge plus. For the next few months, we dive back into rooting around like a couple of wart hogs.. Our most favorite pastime.
A letter comes in around the end if 1885 from Charlie Siringo, whom was busy chasing the wild bunch around new Mexico for the Pinkerton’s detective agency. That includes butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid, yep the ones in the movie. We listen when Charlie, who’s acquainted with us from down El Paso way, speaks. The idea is to set up shop in a place called Las Vegas new Mexico. Never been there, but heard of it.
The Winter comes and goes , Spring in the air, we pass in the Buckhorn to Bill and Daniel and with just what we have packed on the boys, We head out for Las Vegas February 21 1896.