He had drawn the night watch. Twenty years herding cattle for so many spreads, he couldn’t remember all their names. He now rode for the Lazy Z. He hadn’t liked the owner from the time he signed on, but he was flat broke and couldn’t be choosy. Mr.Gage was a green horn from back East. He did not understand the importance of getting the most experienced cowboys and having enough horses on the drive. He was trying to get off cheap, but would find out the hard way when he lost a good part of the herd on the trail. They should be changing horses more often during the day instead of overtiring them. The horses were always loyal to their riders and gave them all that was asked. Tom looked sadly into their eyes, ” Ok boys, whose going to ride with me tonight? ”
This is beautifully told with such authority. How could any one of us measure up to this? Just great!
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Thank You so much.
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I really like this! I believe your protagonist is a very experienced cowboy and knows what he’s talking about. I think Mr. Gage would be wise to follow his advice. Great story! I have one correction if you don’t mind. In the 3rd sentence I believe that “road” should be “rode.” I enjoyed your story very much and thank you for participating in FFfAW Challenge!
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Thank You. And thanks for pointing out the word I missed. I will look at it again. 🙂
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I tend to forget that Americans spell some things much differently than other countries, so I very well could be wrong.
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No I checked it quickly and I think you are correct.
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I enjoyed this take on the prompt, the voice of experience speaks Wise words indeed.
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Thank You.
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This has made me think about all the cowboy shows we watched growing up in the 50s and 60s.
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Yes. I like the character of the old west cowboy. I watched a lot of those shows and movies too.
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This is wonderful–so well written! 🙂
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Thank You Tanya so much. ❤
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You’re welcome! 😊
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Such a descriptive tale! Love your Flash Fictions, Deborah! You have such a talent to captivate your reader!
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Thanks very much Lia! It is something a bit new for me but I am liking it. ❤
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Please keep it up !! I’m enjoying it so much:)
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Thank You! <3<3
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Love a great western tale. Excellent short, with a lot further to go if you desire!
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Thanks Yolanda. I was surprised that I was able to write it. Yes I love tales of the old west and cowboys. 🙂
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Lovely story.
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Thank You very much.
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Great story!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Great story..good example of the experienced not being utilized to the max. His employer has the means to make everything work , but he lets his -know it all – attitude or stubbornness get in the way of real progress.
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Thank You. And thinking he is cutting costs which could end up costing him his investment.
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Great characterisation and a sad truth about today’s generation who want to get rich as quickly as possible without realising what the consequences could be.
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Thank You. Yes I believe I was thinking about someone who wanted to get rich quick but also show some of the ways a real trail drive was done and that an experienced cowboy would know that.
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I enjoyed your story. The characterisation is excellent. Oh yes, and South Africans also spell differently to Americans.
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Thank You. Yes I have heard that from another blogger, that South Africans spell differently. The British and Americans do as well. I think it is very interesting and I always get a bit of a kick out of seeing a different spelling. Like characterisation instead of characterization.(My spell checker is going crazy right now.)
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Gage shoud have relied on Tom’s experiences and not gobfor shortcuts methods to make money.
A strong equisterian story.
http://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2015/09/rode-away.html?m=1
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Thank You. 🙂
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Good story, Deborah. It would be hard to be experienced and see all the mistakes being made by a beginner, a “greenhorn.” I hope things work out well for the cowboy in your story. Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank You Suzanne.
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I love the respect, sympathy, and knowledge your MC possesses and the overall atmosphere created in this piece. Thanks for writing and sharing this with us. Excellent job ❤
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Thank You Izzy!
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You wove an excellent tale here. Full of so much in so few words. Brava
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Thank You!
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Mr Gage really needs to listen to those more experienced than him! A well written story. Nicely done. 🙂
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Thank You. 🙂
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