Excerpt ( total 999 words from different chapters(

He was a gentle, unselfish soul, who found delight in helping others; a trait he inherited from his saintly mother. Before the war, he completed two years at the University of Georgia, one of the finest schools anywhere. Those were his plans, that is, until the war . . . then everything changed.

In almost constant danger for three years, he escaped injury except for a few minor cuts and bruises. Had he not volunteered to go on patrol two days before the fighting ended, he would now be finishing medical school. He did go out that day and as a result lost his left arm from just below the elbow.

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Sam Roberts told him that his family owned a small ranch outside of St. Louis where they raised and sold beef cattle. It was Sam who was with Frank on patrol that fateful day when the injury occurred that almost cost him his life. If it had not been for Sam(s presence and fast thinking, Frank may not have survived. Sam applied the tourniquet that stopped the bleeding until Frank could reach the makeshift dispensary. That act on the part of Sam permanently sealed their friendship and as a result, Frank felt that he owed Sam plenty. He hoped that someday and in someway he would be able to repay him.

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The first few days and nights on the trail went well. They had to dodge a few raindrops but it was nothing they couldn(t handle. Although it had been some time since it was necessary. Frank rediscovered the art of sleeping in a bedroll, as well as building a campfire. This was common practice during the war but never much fun. There were many things he learned in the military that would come in handy.

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Once again Frank found himself in the position of saying, goodbyes to friends he had made during the past six months. During that time he had accumulated several items that required a trunk instead of saddlebags. He was waiting for the stage to New Orleans, due any day. He couldn(t help but think that this was a trip that he and Friend would have made, but he couldn(t allow himself to dwell on that. All of a sudden he became anxious to move on. Less than a week later, Frank was sitting in the caf enjoying a cup of coffee when he heard the cry, ( The stage is coming(. It was always cause for excitement when the stage rolled into town. It could bring something or someone new, this time it didn(t. Frank went up the street to see the driver and make arrangements for his trip. As he approached the coach the driver looked familiar. When he got even closer Frank realized that it was Tom Frazier, an old friend from his army unit. They had served together for more than two years and went on many scouting patrols together.

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Tom was reaching for a piece of luggage from the roof rack when Frank, looking up, said, (Tom Frazier, what in the world are you doing in Alabama? You're supposed to be in Virginia.

Looking down Tom said, Frank Davis, I never thought that I'd see you here. What in the world are you doing in this part of the country?

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Shortly thereafter Wilson offered Frank a job but Frank wasn(t sure that he could adjust to a life on the river. The most time he had ever spent on a boat was fishing on the river in Athens in a Johnboat.

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The steamboat and stagecoach served the same purpose, both got people from one place to another. The steamboat had more room to move around and was a smoother ride. Wilson convinced Frank to take a ride to Natchez just to see if he might like it. The agreement was for free passage he would perform minor duties requested by the pilot or captain.

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That next morning the stage left for Topeka. Frank was both apprehensive and eager to see his brother. After all it had been a long time and so many things had changed. Wayne didn't even know he had lost part of his arm. He couldn't help but wonder what Wayne's reaction would be to that. It was difficult for Frank to picture Wayne married and settled down with maybe a couple of kids. He was never the type to stay in the same place long enough for that to happen. He always seemed like the kind who was just passing through on his way to somewhere else. His wife, Jean, must really be some special person.

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Riding along Frank mused, How in the world did Wayne ever end up in law enforcement. He could imagine his brother being anything but a sheriff. All of this will be explained in due time.

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Other than some nasty weather and more tasteless food the trip to Topeka was routine. One would think the relay stations would have been able to provide better food. It was rare to find one where good food was a priority. Frank had been spoiled at Miss Ellie(s and while working on (My Lady( not to mention Mrs. Hunts( boarding house.

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The hotel in Topeka didnt measure up to that in Kansas City, but Frank checked in to get bathed and freshened up before going to see Wayne. He wanted to walk into his office and surprise him. At four o(clock Frank was walking across the road heading for the front door of the sheriff(s office. When he was about half way across the road, the door to the sheriff(s office burst open and directly toward Frank came Wayne running as fast as he could. They grabbed each other and hugged like only brothers do who truly care. Frank said, How in the world did you know it was me? Its been five years but I(d know that walk anywhere.

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