Well, as I rotate between having my knee elevated and accomplishing what little housework I can do, I was wondering what I was going to write about. I had nothing. Then I remembered today that I was supposed to have published another section of Oscar Hoback’s stories. Ooops. Sorry about that!
LIFE OF O. E. HOBACK as told to Edna Greet (Vernon’s grandmother)
Oscar was young (about 19 or 20 now) and had trouble remembering brands and names, so he started listing the brands in the herd they were driving north. Occasionally some riders would meet them, with a few head of cattle which they would throw into the herd. Oscar would make a record of the new brands and the names of the riders if he chanced to hear them.
They were well up into Wyoming before Oscar became aware that the outfit was crooked, and that the cattle they were receiving were stolen. When they reached U-Cross they turned the cattle into Arthur Semp’s pasture, and he learned that the outfit owned butcher shops in Sheridan and Buffalo where they disposed of a part of their stolen beef. Some they planned on taking north to the Rosebud country.
One evening Oscar was in a saloon known as “Jeff Ward’s” place in Sheridan, where he met a man by the name of Tom O’Day. He was to learn later that Tom was a noted outlaw, but Oscar has always been grateful to him. He turned to Oscar and asked: “What are You doing with this outfit, Kid?”
“I don’t know how to get away.” Oscar replied.
“Just as I thought.” muttered O’Day.
He then told Oscar that his life was in danger, but that if he really wanted to get away he would help him. What he didn’t tell Oscar, but what I strongly suspect to be the case, was that he himself had been commissioned to do the killing. Oscar was only too glad to accept the offer, and listened eagerly while O’Day told him his plan. So that night Oscar went to a certain alley and found O’Day there with Oscar’s horse all saddled and ready to go.
“But,” said O’Day, “There’s just one little thing you have to do before I turn this horse over to you.”
(to be continued)
Talk about cliff hangers!!!!!!!
Take it easy with that knee. Knees are slow, so give it all the time it needs, please.
Another very interesting, true life story. I’ll be “staying tuned” for the next installment, AND to know how you too, are coming along.