The Cowboy Rides For Christmas, Part Iii

Santa flew off to make his rounds, and Dix made quick tracks for home, to a one-room shack outside of town, that his ma and sister called their own. It wasn’t much too look at, and his pay barely made ends meet. He shuddered to think that without it they’d both be out on the streets. They exchanged countless hugs, Ii really had been a long while. His sister sang all she knew of songs in a Christmas style. It was a crowded Christmas Eve, even tighter than the bunkhouse. But he was home for the holiday, and could deal with the resident mouse. On Christmas morn, while ma cooked, a knock rapped loudly on the door. Ma asked,”Who could that be?” then opened up to Boss McChord. Dix was stunned, and jumped up, scrambling ‘round, trying to dress. Boss said,”Now hold on, take your time, they’re ain’t no reason to fret! “See I came on down to tell you something that you need to hear. Then this strange old man gave me this sack, And said,’Bring Dix some Christmas cheer.’” With that he lowered a red sack, and spilled in out on the floor. Gifts and gold and food spilled out, at least fifty pounds or more! “And the think I wanted to ask you Dix, if you’ll forgive my holiday entrance, is if you want to be my partner, I’m expanding the McChord Ranch. “I bought three thousand acres more, And I’ll give you a ten percent share. For all the work you’ve done to save the herds, I think that it’s only fair.” Dix was stunned, and could only nod, McChord clasped him quietly warmly. “You’ll have plenty of space to build a house, big enough for the whole family.” Ma she cried and thanked him, and invited him to stay for lunch. They sang and ate and opened presents, which came in a mighty bunch. In the sack, amongst the gifts Dix found for himself a new red scarf. Then below it something that struck still his beating heart. It was a brand, new Winchester, well machined, oiled, and slick. Hanging from it was a simple tag that bore the name ‘Ol’ Nick.’ He saw writting inscribed on the stock, and the words it said were this: ‘To My Good Friend Dix, now forever more 'The Cowboy Who Rode for Christmas.’'