10.1 As his hunger subsided, his courage rose

Wichita, Kansas - June 1874

They passed a saloon, across the street, that had been quiet when they walked by earlier. ARJ could hear men yelling and laughing inside, their voices exhibiting an air of celebration of the finished cattle drive and long-awaited freedom.

“Give them a couple of hours and there’ll be a few cowboys out those doors on their ears!” Uncle Albert said.

Dad nodded. “I’ve heard the police keep them under their thumb around here. It’s good they’re required to check their guns this side of the river like everyone else.”

More cowboys on horses appeared from around the far end of the depot. They rode up the street and secured the horses on the rails, ready to join the celebration. The Dibbens men walked on toward the east end of Wichita.

They came to a glass front building with a large sign in the window – Valley House Dining Room - Lunch at 12 noon or any hour of the day. $1.50 per day. Proprietor: Jackson Roland – 

“This looks fine!” Uncle Albert said as he opened the door, beckoning his brother and nephew to go through. “It smells good, whatever they’re cooking!”

A woman in a white apron carried a large tray through a door at the back and toward a table where several men awaited their meal. She smiled at ARJ and called to them. “Find a table of your choosing and I’ll be right there!”

Dad looked around the room and finally spotted an empty table near the front window. They hung their hats on a rack and got settled. ARJ looked around at the crowded room while Dad and Uncle Albert talked.

“So, did your lawyer give you an exact date?”

“He said they would likely seat the jury on Thursday. They’d like Anna to testify on Friday.”

Uncle Albert breathed out a long sigh. “I know you’re worried about her but it’s better for your case if she can be there in person.”

“The baby is due any day.”

“Welcome to Valley House!” The aproned waitress appeared at their table, brushing a loose lock of hair out of her eyes with her forearm. “What can I get you all? We have a hearty beef stew going in the kitchen. It’s been very popular today!”

Albert smiled. “That sounds wonderful to me! How about you, Arthur? ARJ?”

They both nodded. “That will be fine for me.” Dad said.

The woman bustled off and ARJ heard her repeating their order to the kitchen staff.

Dad continued, “I do worry about the stress of the trip into town, having to appear in court and the concern over the… future.”

“Anna is a strong woman. It isn’t her first child and she’s adamant about being there. I’ll be there, also, to keep an eye on her.” 

ARJ took a deep breath and opened his mouth. A roar of laughter suddenly burst from the big table of men, momentarily drowning out the conversations at the other tables. ARJ closed his mouth again.

He looked at his dad, wondering when it would be the right time to ask an important question.

The woman rushed by their table, setting a platter stacked high with big slices of bread, along with a pot of tea, before hurrying on to take an order across the room. A generous portion of butter sat in a bowl next to the bread. Dad led them in a quiet prayer. That ended just as the woman came back with 3 large bowls of stew.

For a while, the three ate in silence. ARJ didn’t realize how hungry he was, even with the worry that tickled his stomach whenever he thought about the trial. As his hunger subsided, his courage rose, and he turned in his chair.

“Dad, I really want to be at the trial. Can I go?” ARJ could tell he’d surprised him.

Dad put his fork down and slowly turned his head, locking eyes with him. “Son, I don’t know if it’s a good place for a boy...”

“Please, Dad? I don’t want to wait at home all day, wondering what’s happening here.”

Uncle Albert cleared his throat. “Arthur, I’ll be there. He can stay right with me. After all, ARJ did experience the ordeal, too. It will be good for the boy to see how justice works.”

He held Dad’s eyes before continuing. “Arthur, you will get justice.”

Dad looked at his brother. ARJ could tell there was communication happening between them, as he waited on the edge of his chair.

“He was there that night. He has a stake in the whole matter…”

Dad sighed. “Alright. But…” He turned back to ARJ. “I want you to obey Uncle Albert and always do what he says. Understand? You may hear things that don’t fit with what you know happened.” Dad captured his eyes again. “You’ll need to remain quiet – no matter what.”

ARJ nodded solemnly. “I promise, Dad.” His stomach did another leap. Dad kept his eyes on him another moment and then he sighed again.

“Now,” Dad continued. “Let’s finish this fine lunch and get that lumber loaded.”

They ended lunch with apple pie. ARJ couldn’t
remember a time his stomach was so full.

Uncle Albert paid for their meals, and they walked

down the street to Shellabarger & Oliver.

A sign set near the door read – CHICAGO LUMBER – KILN DRIED – GLAZED SASHES – BEST FINISHED AND SEASONED DOORS –

“Looks like we’ve come to the right place!” Uncle Albert said, as they entered the building.

In an hour they had the wagon loaded and secure. Dad went to retrieve Sugar and Spice and hitched them to the wagon.

“We’ll make it home in time to unload before dark.” Dad said, as the three climbed onto the seat.