BOOGER RED & COWBOY CHAPTER 25
By Waddie Greywolf

A female elephant broke away from a small traveling circus and found it's way to
the ranch. Dad, Uncle Joe, Ben Jr., Big Ben, Mrs. Russell, Tim and Master Ben,
Master Earl, Boots and Sonny, Bull and Charlie, Beryl and Blaine, Master Zack, Cal
and Steve, Ben, Tim and old Lester were all there with several other family
members.

 We watched the huge elephant coming down the main road at a pretty pace,
looking over her shoulder to see if she was being followed. You could tell she was
upset and distressed. People would drive by slowly looking at the unusual sight of
a huge pachyderm almost running down the side of the blacktop.

"Who wants to bet me she turns and comes down the road to the ranch?"  Dan put
it to the folks who gathered around to watch. No one wanted to take his bet. 
Sure enough, she didn't even hesitate but turned immediately into the gravel road
to the ranch and increased her speed still looking over her shoulder to see if she
was being followed.

Griz came lumbering up from the barn and waved to her.  Dan looked at me and I
shrugged my shoulders.

"Watch her," Dan said quietly to everyone assembled, "bet the deed to this ranch
she'll go directly to Griz like he was her long lost friend.  Any takers?"  There
were no takers. 

Most had seen or heard what Griz could do with animals. The huge creature went
directly to Griz and acted like he was an old friend she hadn't seen for years and
she couldn't be happier to see him.  She wouldn't let go of him. 

She rapped her big trunk around his neck and pulled him close to her as if she
were trying to hug and kiss him.  He petted her, soothed her, called her by name
and told her not to worry she was safe now; he wouldn't let nothing bad happen to
her.  Her whole demeanor changed in an instant.


She relaxed and listened to Griz.  She took hold of his flannel shirt in the rear and
followed him.  Griz walked over to us and according to Master Beryl, who's told
this story for years,

"We didn't know whether to run or just stand there and shit in our pants."

"Folks, Master Dan, Master Billy," Griz announced, "this, here, lady's Ms. Sophie. 
My Friend showed her the way to the ranch.  He told her to come to the ranch,
find me and I'd help her.

The people at the circus mistreat her.  They beat her and they starve her.  She
wouldn't mind so much,  but you see, Ms. Sophie's,  well, you know,---!"  The big
man turned beet red.

"Is she pregnant, Griz?"  I asked as I walked toward Griz and Ms. Sophie.

"Yes, Sir, Master Billy,  how'd ju' know?"

"I guess I've been around you too long, Big Bear. I've learned to speak and
interpret the Bear language."  Griz threw back his head and laughed.  Ms. Sophie
let go of Griz's shirt and gently wrapped her trunk around my neck and pulled me
to her. 

She put her trunk down around my waist and held me close like she wanted my
love.  Master Beryl went in to hysterical convulsions laughing at me bonding with
yet another magnificent beast.  I spoke softly to her and petted her.  I had an
apple in my pocket I was going to give one of the ponies.  I got it out and gave it
to her.

Ms. Sophie took it immediately and ate it.  Then she lovingly put her big trunk
back around me.  I petted her some more and spoke gently to her.  Our family was
having a field day of funny remarks, being silly and generally going nuts, laughing
their ass's off watching me make love to the big beast.

Didn't bother me, Griz or Ms. Sophie a bit.  I had plenty of experienc making love
to big, ugly beasts and reminded them of that fact.  I thanked God I was.  There
was much hooting and laughter from our family.  I told them of all my beasts,
including Master Beryl, Ms. Sophie had to be the best looking of the bunch.

"Ms. Sophie, Dear heart, I'll bet you're thirsty. It's a hot day, isn't it, my Lady? You
were coming down that at a pretty good clip.  Never seen a fat girl move that fast;
don't sweat much neither.  

"Would you like some refreshments? A beverage, perhaps? Hum? Griz and I will
be happy to take you to the tank for a big gulp and then to the barn to get you
some nice hay to munch.

Let me go, Sweetheart, and we'll show you the way.  That's a good girl.  Now take
hold of Griz's shirt. That's good.  Come on, Ms. Sophie."  Off we went.  She'd do
anything Griz or I asked of her.

When we got to the tank Ms. Sophie got into the water and drank and drank. Then
she waded all the way in and had a ball.  She had a twinkle in her eye.  She'd get
a snoot full and spray Griz and me; much to the delight of all our family gathered
to watch.

Griz told me she was being nice to us like she would another elephant by sharing
her water with them.  That was sweet of her but we were soaked. What the hell, 
it was a hot Tucson day and Griz and I probably needed a shower anyway.

Our family followed us.  Some grabbed their cameras and took pictures. Dan took
videos. Everyone was having a ball laughing at Griz and me.  I don't think I ever
heard Mrs. Russell laugh as hard at the three of us. 

Big Beryl was ringmaster and the rest fed him material. There were some
wickedly funny one liners coming from our audience.  They were having great fun
with such an unusual happening; however, with Griz and me, they'd come to
expect it.  Nothing we did would surprise them anymore.

We took her to the barn and she immediately went into one of the end stalls at
the far end of the barn well away from the front.  She was, in effect, hidden from
sight.  Anyone driving into the property and up to the house couldn't see her.

Griz seemed to know exactly what she needed to eat.  He gave her some fresh
hay and some oats.  He told me she needed fresh fruits of all kinds.  Of course
that caused a great deal of laughter from our family. Dan went to the house to
contact the sheriff to tell him about Ms. Sophie.

"How'd ju' know her name, Mr. Yates?"

"You mean that's really her name?"  Dan asked in surprise. Dan knew better but
sometimes Griz was hard to believe.  He's never wrong.  You'd think we'd learn. 
He still amazes us today.

"Well, yes, Sir.  That's the name the circus people gave us; said she's dangerous;
tried to kill her handler."

"I wouldn't doubt it Sheriff from the condition she's in.  She was just trying to
protect her baby."

"She has a baby with her?"

"No, Sheriff, she's pregnant."

"They never said nothing 'bout her being pregnant."

"They probably don't know."

"How do you,...Oh,....Griz?"

"Yes, Sir, Griz."

"She came directly to Griz, Mr. Yates?"

"Yes, Sir, Sheriff.  She didn't pass "Go" she came directly to Griz.  There was no
question in anyone's mind seeing her running down the back top she was headed
for our ranch."

"And,... that's how you know her name?"

"Right again, Sheriff."

"You remember several years ago, Mr. Yates,... Griz nursed my favorite mare back
to health when the vets wanted to shoot her?  Remember, they laughed at me for
wanting to bring her to Griz?  Told me there weren't no use.

Well, you know, thanks to that big man, I still have my favorite mare.  She's given
me three young'uns since then.  Why, she's healthy as..."

"A horse, Sheriff Lake?"  the sheriff laughed, Dan continued, "Yes, Sir,... I
remember it well, Sheriff. I'm glad Griz could help."

"That critter came to Griz for a reason and I ain't about to go against that.  That
man may not be the brightest bulb in the marquee but he's got a direct line to
somebody pretty darn powerful who would tell that elephant to go to him.

As far as I'm concerned, that's a much higher judge and court of law than
anything we got down here.  Can you folks keep her for a while and let me see
what I can find out.  If anyone comes looking for her just tell them to see me,
okay?"

"I'm with you, Sheriff Lake, if'n God sent her to Griz, and I have no doubt he did,
we'll be happy to take help and take care of her.  Griz and Cowboy are feeding her
right now. Lord, she took to the two of them like they was long lost relatives.  We
have a passel of visitors to the ranch for the weekend and they can't believe what
they're seeing."

The Sheriff started laughing at Dan's description of the brouhaha. 

"I wanted to call so's you'd know she ain't out causing mayhem.  Didn't know
what you'd want to do about her but we'll be happy to help any way we can.  She
ain't mean or nothing.  Seems about as docile a big critter as you'd ever fine."

"You, Cowboy, Griz and the Gunn boys are good men Mr. Yates and I know she's
safe there.  Thanks for your help.  I'll get back to you either this evening or
tomorrow morning.  Thanks for letting us know."

"You're welcome, Sheriff.  We'll wait to hear from you."

Dan came walking into the barn with a big smile on his face and was
chuckling to himself.

"Folks,--- her name really is Ms. Sophie.  The Sheriff confirmed it.  Griz, I apologize
for seeming to doubt you."

"That's all right, Master Dan, you know I love you."

"I love you, too, Big Man, proud to call you my slave and my friend."

"Here, here!"  agreed all the others.

"Sheriff Lake wants us to keep her for a while, says he'll let us know this evening
or tomorrow what should be done with her."

"Would you consider letting Cowboy and me help her, Master Dan?"

"We may not be able to, Big Guy, if the Sheriff says she has to be returned to the
circus."

"He won't, Master Dan, my other Master done told me he's taking care of that."

"Okay, Griz, I promise, I'll never doubt you again.  If that's what the Big Man told
you then we'll take good care of her. We'll make damn sure she has her baby
safely."  Dan was leaning over the stall fence. Ms. Sophie turned to him put her
trunk around his shoulders and gently hugged him.  Our Master got tears in his
eyes and we all had a good laugh at his soft heart.

"You're welcome, Ms. Sophie.  Welcome to the zoo.  With all these other animals
around here you'll be right at home."  Everyone cheered and hooted at Dan's joke. 
He'd become a true member of our family.

Griz was right.  His Friend took care of the circus folks.  The sheriff asked us to
keep her a while longer.  We did, the circus left, went bust financially, disbanded
and we never heard another thing from them.  

The sheriff comes out regularly to rodeo with us, brings his wife and kids to see
Ms. Sophie and Griz.  The kids climb all over Gris.  At any given time, he's got two
in one arm and two in the other.  They must think he's a 'jungle gym' just for them
to climb on.  I put that thought to our Master and he smiled,

"Why should that shock you?  We love to climb around on him every now and then
ourselves."  I had to laugh. I couldn't gainsay that.

Griz is the first one Sheriff Lake calls when he has a sick animal.  Hell, if we let
him he'd bring his damn kids to Griz when they got sick.  Sheriff Lake asked if we
wanted to keep Ms. Sophie.  Dan knew Griz did without asking.  Besides, he
promised Griz and Ms. Sophie we'd see her through having her baby.  He kept his
word.

Griz took wonderful care of her.  She gained weight, became the most docile
animal on the ranch, and began to earn her keep.  She loved to work for us and up
'til about a month before her calf was due she wouldn't let Griz, Dan or me pick up
anything heavy.

She'd gently move us aside with her trunk and carry the load where ever we
asked her.  She quickly became loved by everyone and began to trust and love
everybody in return.  She never failed to show appreciation to Griz, me or Dan.

Approximately a year and a half later Ms. Sophie gave birth to her baby girl.  That
baby elephant was the cutest damn thing you ever saw.  It was perfect in every
way.  Ms. Sophie was so proud of her.  We thought she'd be very protective of the
baby but she wasn't. 

The little thing got to know everyone and would run up to us to be petted. It knew
we always had a treat for her and she would pester the shit out of you 'til she got
it.  You didn't dare go to the barn without a treat for her if you didn't want your
clothes torn off.

She had several of her mother's personality traits.  She was born with a twinkle in
her eye.  She quickly developed a sense of humor.  She was mischievous as hell
and was all the time getting into trouble.

One of her favorite targets was Big Beryl; however, she decided Dan was to her
surrogate dad.  (Gris and I told her she had good taste.) She would run up behind
Dan when he wasn't looking and run her little trunk between his legs and up his
front to pull him to a stop.

When she had him stopped she'd move her little trunk around to make it look like
it was Dan's dick.  She's blow a stream of water out her snoot that looked just
like Dan taking a piss.  She'd shake it, just like a man does to get the last drops
out before putting it back in his pants.  

Then she'd let her trunk go limp and hang to the ground.  She was hilarious.  Dan
would laugh and blush beet red every time she did it.  Our family really got a
laugh out of that. Of course, it only encouraged her.

You couldn't get mad at her.  She was too damn cute.  Griz said Ms. Sophie
wanted to name her Grace because it was God who directed her to to Griz,
Cowboy, and Master Dan.  It was by His grace that her baby was saved and born
healthy.  When she came to Griz she was very close to miscarriage.

Well, Dan started calling her 'Gracie' and it stuck.  Ms. Sophie told Griz that was
fine with her.  We jokingly sent out notice of impending birth of Ms. Sophie's baby
girl, 'Gracie.'  How did we know she was going to have a female?  She told Griz.

No one doubted her baby would be female.  Our little joke backfired on us.  We
had three entire family groups camped out around our place, Big Ben and Ben Jr.
flew down for the occasion. Bulldogger Dave, his mate Ken, and old Barn drove all
the way for Gracie's birth.  There must have been four or five hundred
motorcycles there.

It made Strugis look like a Sunday poker run.  Master Ben, Tim, Keshan and Harry
flew in to be with us.  Ben's dad called from Los Angeles and asked if it would be
all right if he came. I spoke to him and told him we'd be honored to have him.

The local newspaper, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, Houston , Denver, and Las
Vegas had reporters who wanted to cover the story.  They were 'on call.'  When
Griz announced tomorrow was the day,  almost the entire sheriff's station
personnel were there. Many of the Tucson Fire department and Police were there.

There must have been a thousand people at the ranch that day.  It was a party
atmosphere and everyone shared.  Dan and I called three caterers and told them
to hurry.  We sent some of the family for beer, sodas, ice and coffee for the
crowd.  I handed Big Jim a thousand dollar bill.  He looked at it shook his head
and put it in his pocket. They wiped out two supermarkets.

Master Beryl told us it was bad enough Ms. Sophie was instructed by The Big Man
to find her way to the ranch, he was going to shit his pants if he saw three wise
men riding up on camels.

Ms. Sophie took it all in stride.  She knew the folks were there to welcome her
new baby.  She didn't want Griz to leave her though.  We had to take his meals to
the barn for him and he slept on a blanket and some hay in the next stall.

If he went up to his den she'd come to the base of the stairs and call for him.  He
was supremely patient and understanding with her. She couldn't have had a
better mid-wife than Griz. Ms. Sophie and her baby were doing fine.

We had, what seemed like, an endless line of raunchy, mean ass looking bikers,
town folks, sheriffs, reporters and our family passed by with their hats in their
hands to see and congratulate Ms. Sophie.  No one got out of hand and when the
people went passed they whispered and made as little noise as possible.  They
respected Ms. Sophie's privacy.

The little girl was all ready up and running around her mother looking out at all
the folks passing by.  Ms. Sophie wasn't concerned.  Griz told us she was so
relieved at having a successful delivery that she was in a mellow mood.  Said she
didn't mind the people taking a look at her baby as long as they were respectful
and Griz was there to make sure they were.

Dan and I relieved Griz every now and then so he could eat and use the facilities. 
The visitors were thoughtful and considerate of Ms. Sophie's privacy.  It was a
wonderful time and a good time was had by all.  It was remembered for years as
one of the highlights of our life at the ranch.

* * * * * * * * * * * * 

Came time for spring round up and Gracie was about three months old.  Every
man on the ranch participated in the round up including Griz. The first day, Griz
got Wilma saddled up and was getting ready to join us but Ms. Sophie wouldn't
stay in the barn.  She wanted to go with Griz.

He finally explained to her about the round up and she and the baby had to stay in
the barn.  Mrs. Russell and one of the neighbor boys would be there to feed them.

We made camp way back on part of the ranch that was so far away from anything
you couldn't see a road, house, or vehicle for miles.  We were awakened early the
next morning by Ms. Sophie and her imp-child, Gracie.

Gracie found her favorite target, Big Beryl, got on her knees, ran her trunk all the
way down his bed roll and pinched him right on the butt.  You never saw a big
man get out of a sleeping bag so fast in your life.  There he was standing stark
naked in front of the camp, cursing and laughing his ass off at Gracie.

She got a crush on Master Beryl and loved being around him. Whenever we served
food out doors Gracie would always be right behind big Beryl picking choice bits
of food off his plate for herself.  If Beryl started to complain or get on her case
she'd grab something and shove it in his mouth to shut him up.  He finally gave up
and would just get two plates of food, one for him and one for his girlfriend,
Gracie.  She's still eat off his plate.

Sometime Beryl would let out a whoop that could be heard all over the ranch. 
You'd see Beryl come fogging out of one of the barns with Grace in hot pursuit.
Gracie delighted in pinching him on the butt.  Once she found out she could make
him holler she'd chase poor Beryl all around the ranch.

Beryl would be running for dear life trying to get to a fence before Gracie could
catch up with him.  He'd have his cowboy hat in his hand in case she got to close
to swat her away.

"Goddamn it, Gracie!"  he'd yell at her, "I ain't a' gonna' let you pinch my butt no
more.  I was black and blue for a fuck'n month after my last visit to this ranch and
I'm just too damn old for your shenanigans.  Go away, leave me be!  Go pester
Griz.  I ain't gonna' let you eat off'n my plate no more, ya' hear."

Beryl got almost as good as Griz at reading them.  Gracie would promise to be
good and the next thing we'd see is Beryl walking back across the compound
with Gracie holding on to his flannel shirt.  He'd get her a treat of some kind,
she'd graciously accept, and all would be forgiven. She was a lady in love. 
'Course Big Beryl had a couple more names for her.

She tormented the holy hell out of Beryl.  He became the brunt of some of her
worst pranks but he'd laugh good naturedly.  He loved her but always kept an eye
out for her.  He never knew when she was going to come around a corner and do
something God awful to him.

He told Gracie stories around the campfires many nights that would have the
family rolling on the ground in agony from laughing so hard.  Those that didn't
know about Gracie thought he was bull shitting and making it all up.  Several of
the men would come to his defense and tell them he wasn't lying. They were
there, they saw it happen. Every word was true and furthermore we had videos to
prove it.

Sophie tracked us all that way into the back country. Dan wasn't upset with her
but he was disappointed Griz would have to take her and her baby all the way
back.  It didn't turn out that way.  Griz came to Dan and I and told us Ms. Sophie
wanted to know why the hell she couldn't help with the round up?  Hell, them
critters weren't near as smart as she was.

For some reason it struck Dan funny. He started laughing and laughed so hard he
had everyone else laughing with him. Even Ms. Sophie trumpeted.

"An elephant buckaroo?"  he asked all of us and then shrugged his shoulders. We
all fell out laughing with him.  The idea was ludicrous.

"Would you call her a cow-lephant?" I asked.

"More like a bovine pachyderm?"  laughed my dad.

"Nope!  A cowgirl."  stated Big Beryl.  Ms. Sophie agreed.  She threw back her
head and trumpeted loudly. 

Needless to say the round up was a little late getting started that morning.  Then,
the damnedest thing happened.  Mr. Sophie began riding with us and started
rounding up the strays better than us buckaroos.  There weren't nary a cow, no
matter how big their damn horns, that wanted to argue with Ms. Sophie.

If one came too near her or Gracie, she'd trumpet a sound that would make them
turn away instantly.   She put the fear of God in a couple of cowboys, too. We
finished the round up in record time thanks to Ms. Sophie.  Gracie was right
behind her every step of the way. 

Once again, Dan had his video camera and we have videos of Ms. Sophie and
Gracie working them damn cows better'n any buckaroo.  We've shown it to
hundreds of people, some of whom claim it just couldn't happen.

Afterwards, Griz, Dan, me, Boots and Sonny would have to take pliers and pull out
the choya cactus hooks before they worked themselves deep. It wouldn't take us
long.  The trouble was getting Gracie to stand still, or leave us alone long enough
to pull them out.  Ms. Sophie would come to our rescue and issue her a warning in
a low, barely audible, low frequency sound.  Griz would laugh and thank Ms.
Sophie.

"She just told Gracie if she didn't settle down and let us finish, she was gonna' sit
on'er and hold her down."  We all laughed and told Gracie she better listen to her
momma.  We wouldn't want her sit'n on us. She settled right down.

Old Beryl, for all his guff, took measurements on Gracie and Ms. Sophie legs and
took the information to an upholsterer buddy of his, Bernie Hoffestler, whom he'd
fucked for years.  He made all of Beryl's leathers for him and was a supreme
leather craftsman.  Many of the family went to him as well, including Red, Boots,
Sonny and I.

Eventually, he had more business by word of mouth than he could handle.  Beryl
drew out an idea on paper and Bernie caught on to exactly what he wanted.  That
is after he stopped rolling on the floor from laughter after Beryl showed him a
snap-shot of his two girl friends that the leggings or chaps were for.  Beryl told
him they were for two rather large ladies.

Bernie got to work and called Beryl after a couple of days to come get his
elephant chaps.  He made them out of a heavy duty canvas sail cloth that the
choya couldn't penetrate yet was flexible enough it wouldn't hinder nor chafe the
ladies.

They were like old WWI military leggings except they were held on and adjustable
with velcro.  Griz told Ms. Sophie and Gracie what Big Beryl had made for them
and they were pleased and grateful that the big man went out of his way to help
protect them against the cactus.

They worked great and at the end of the next roundup we found just a few of the
hooks stuck in and around their feet but minimal to what we had to remove
before their 'pachyderm buckaroo chaps.'  It only endeared Beryl to the two of
them more.  They worshiped him and wanted to be near him the whole time he
was at the ranch. 

It was sort of a mixed blessing for Beryl but Gracie did let up on some of her
awful pranks.  He was grateful for that.  They memorized the sound of each bikers
Harley and Griz would tell us hours before someone was to arrive who was
coming.

In Beryl's case they'd both run out to the lot the bikers parked in and stand there
for an hour or more waiting for their friend. For fun, sometimes we'd take a large
piece of cardboard and using a magic marker pen write welcome to the expected
biker.  We'd nail it to the fence so they'd see it as they rode in.  The bikers
couldn't figure out how the hell we always knew they were coming.

As she grew up, Gracie developed her own personality. She'd never been around
people who abused her or tried to force her to do anything.  If she wanted to help,
we let her, if not we didn't get upset with her.  She was always there wanting to
help.

She would pester Griz to death about how many more days to round up.  She and
her Mother loved to work.  They'd rather be with us helping than back in the barn
standing around doing nothing.  They were very social creatures and always
wanted to be were the family was and watch what was going on.

The first thing the kids who came to the ranch wanted to see was Ms. Sophie and
Gracie.  They would run pell mell towards them to pet them and say hello.  The
two ladies were always gracious and exceptionally gentle with the kids.

Several quickly learned how to talk to Ms. Sophie and they'd talk her into putting
them on Gracie's back for an elephant ride.  Gracie would ride those kids all over
the place with slow sure steps so's not to knock one off.  Ms. Sophie would be
right along beside her to catch one if they began to slip.

Gracie fell in love with Sonny. We have videos of Sonny riding her all over the
ranch.  He wasn't watching what he was doing one time and fell off.  Before he
could hit the ground, Ms. Sophie had him in her trunk and gently lowered him to
safety.  She may have saved his life.

Ms. Sophie and Gracie helped with eight round ups.  By that time Gracie was
almost fully grown and between the two of them it took us no time to round up
the strays.  They earned their keep but they became too much for Griz to take
care of along with his other responsibilities and his Friend told him to have Dan
contact the wild animal park that just opened outside of San Diego. 

Dan contacted the director of the park.  They'd heard of Ms. Sophie and Gracie
and wanted to come to Tucson to see them.  They came to the ranch, were really
taken with Ms. Sophie and Gracie and contracted with Dan and Griz to transport
them to the park.

They were so impressed by the health of the animals and the care they'd been
given, they offered Griz a job on the spot.  They wanted him to be their elephant
keeper.  Griz was flattered but he'd never leave Dan and I. By that time we
wouldn't consider letting him go.  Losing Griz would be like cutting Dan and my
hearts out.  We love him that much.

Our family adored Griz and the ranch just wouldn't be the same without him. 
There were too many people that loved and depended on Griz's love in our lives.
To say nothing of a passel of little folks that would form a posse and lynch Dan
and I for letting him go.

We showed them videos of Ms. Sophie and Gracie rounding up the dogies wearing
their 'choya chaps' and they were dumbstruck.  They couldn't believe what they
were seeing.

"And you never trained them to do that?" one asked.

"No, Sir.  First year, Gracie was only three or four months old, Ms. Sophie tracked
us way back on the ranch where we'd spent the night.  She was pissed 'cause we
left her behind.  She asked Griz why the hell she couldn't help with the round-up? 
Said she and Gracie were a hell of a lot smarter than them critters we were trying
to gather up."

"Griz talks to her?"

"Yes, Sir, he does."

"Remarkable."  The older one said. "I've heard of people who could communicate
with animals through telepathy.  Is it sort of like that, Griz?"

"Yes, Sir, I can hear what she's thinking and she has a low frequency speech you
can't hear."

"Can you...?"

"Oh, yes, Sir, it carries for miles.  I can hear her in the barn talking to Gracie,
right now.  She just told her she hopes it ain't as hot today as it was yesterday." 
They fell out laughing.

"I have to believe you, Big Man."  The older one told Griz.  "When Mr. Yates called
us and agreed to let us come see them, I though we were going to find two
miserable, badly kept animals.  We're truly impressed with the care you've given
them.  They're healthier than our elephants and certainly happy.  We'd be proud to
have them."

Ms. Sophie loved Griz, Dan and I dearly and was happy on the ranch. Dan and I
made it a ritual every afternoon to walk out to the barn or pasture to visit the
girls.  We'd both be packing an apple or pear.  They'd see us coming and no
matter where they were they'd start a fast walk back to the barn. 

Believe me, when an elephant wants to move fast, they can get that mass in
motion and haul some ass.  During all the round-ups we never saw a steer or
heifer out run Ms. Sophie or Gracie.

Dan and I loved those times with them in the afternoon.  We'd talk to them and
pet them.  Tell them how good they looked today.  They wouldn't let us just come
to the fence.  They wanted us in with them so they could pet and fondle us as
well.  We learned they are very social creatures and enjoyed touching and feeling
exchanges even with humans.

Neither one ever made a move purposely or accidentally to hurt anyone on the
ranch.  That included a lot of little kids, too.  They were always extremely careful
and thoughtful.  We hated to say goodbye to them.  Hell, they were family.

Who suffered the worse?  Big Beryl.  He and Gracie had become a comedy team. 
We referred to them as 'George and Gracie.'  She learned the sound of his Harley
and could hear him coming miles before any of us even knew he was on his way.

She'd run out to the front and stand swaying back and forth waiting for her friend. 
Usually he'd have someone with him who never visited the ranch before.  The first
time he brought his new slave Blaine to the ranch he purposely didn't tell him
about Ms. Sophie or Gracie.

They damn near scared the shit out of poor Blaine.  They pulled up out front only
to have an enormous elephant be all over Beryl and Blaine looking for treats and
running her trunk down the back of Blaine's leather pants to tickle his butt.  If
that wasn't bad enough here'd come Ms. Sophie and almost scared poor Blaine to
death.

All you could hear across the yard was Blaine's screams, "Beryl,  Master,  help
me, Master Beryl, for God sake, help me!"  Beryl couldn't do anything he was so
doubled over with laughter.  Beryl would never warn any visitor he brought to the
ranch or say a word about having two elephants for best friends.  Several men got
the shock of their lives.

Finally Beryl would holler at both of them to come to him and tell him 'hello.' 
They'd stop pestering the poor guest and come to Beryl and go through their
elaborate greeting ritual.  They expected to be petted and made over like they
were old friends and how good it was to see them again.

"How you been, Ms. Sophie.  Gracie, Honey, you're look'n great!  Tell me,
Girlfriend, you put on a little weight?  On you it looks good, Darlin.' Damn, it's
good to see you ladies again.  Come on, let's go up to the house and old Beryl will
get you a treat.  Follow me, Ladies."

They would be all over Beryl and the guest would run for his life to the house.  
Here'd come Beryl with an elephant on either side of him up to the house.  He'd
go in and come back with a treat for them.  They were always happy to see their
friend, Beryl.

We think Ms. Sophie realized how much work it was for Griz and us to care for
them.  She reluctantly boarded the trailer but she insisted Griz go along.  We all
went; the whole damn family. There was over two hundred motorcycles parked
outside the entrance to the Wild Animal Park that day. There was much weeping
and touching goodbyes after we got them settled.  The park was beautiful and
Ms. Sophie and Gracie took to the other elephants right away.  We knew they
were going to be happy there.

When we returned home the next evening it was like we were coming home to a
deserted ranch.  Dan, Griz and I sat in the truck for thirty minutes.  We couldn't
get out.  Had we done the right thing?  Thank God, Griz saved the day.

"Master Dan, Master Cowboy, I want to thank you for allowing Ms. Sophie and
Gracie to stay at the ranch as long as you did but it was time for them to go. 
They'll be a lot happier there and we did the right thing. Our other Master told me
so."  Dan and I both hugged the big man between us and cried on his shoulder. We
all ready missed them.

* * * * * * * * * * *

We go back to the park about three or four times a year and Ms. Sophie and
Gracie go nuts every time we come to visit. They're not satisfied just to see Gris,
Dan and I over the rail.  They want us in the enclosure with them so they can
touch us.

The director gave the keeper permission to let us in the enclosure when we
come.  We walk in and Ms. Sophie and Gracie have a hold of one of us at all times. 
The keeper is amazed because even the biggest males will come up and pay their
respects.  They all know us because Ms. Sophie and Gracie's told them all about
us.

We get permission from the director to bring them favorite treats and we have a
good time seeing them again. The other female elephants will come over and
want treats like their sisters. We usually take three plastic milk crates filled with
seasonal fruits.

Griz talks to all of them and asks about their health.  About two years ago we
were there and one of the larger females told Griz she had a terrible toothache
and could he help her. We told the keeper and he notified the men that came to
the ranch for Ms. Sophie.  They went immediately to see.

She wouldn't let any of them check her but Griz.  Griz had to get in the enclosure
with her and calm her while the vet checked her back molar.  Sure enough it was
rotten and stank.

We had to stay over that night because they couldn't have their infirmary
open until the next morning and she insisted Griz be with her. The zoo was
very hospitable and put us up for the night because we had to be up early the
next morning for Griz to go with her into the infirmary.

The men didn't question him or us but welcomed us early the next morning.  Griz
went with her handler and she followed Griz back to the infirmary. They gave her
a mild sedative and had her lay down while they removed the tooth. Griz was by
her side with his hand on her head the whole time.

She thanked Griz and apologized if she inconvenienced him but she was afraid. 
She knew they took care of them well but she'd never had a tooth removed
before. She was frightened and it helped to have Griz there to calm and reassure
her.

Once during the removal she told him she was in pain and they gave her more
sedative.  Griz told them to go ahead and finish the pain had subsided.  We were
there, too.  Beryl and Blaine went with us.  We had to walk out of the room into
the fresh air because that damn tooth stank like you wouldn't believe.  It was
rotten.

It took a while because the vet would work a while, gag, go throw up, take
a break and go back to it.  You don't just yank an elephant's tooth.  The
vet had a hammer and chisels and had to chip the damn thing it out a piece
at a time.

It was a long slow process but it had to be done or she might have died from
infection.  Griz never moved from her side.  I got him a mask to wear but he
wouldn't put it on.  I have to give it to the big man, none of us could've done what
he did.  The staff speak his name with reverence.

Word of Griz and his amazing abilities with animals got around quickly among the
zoo world.  We're on call from four zoos.  When they can't get an animal to
cooperate as a final resort they'll sent for Griz.  He's never failed to calm any
animal and get it to do what they want.

He amazed everyone one day when he walked right up to a South African white
Rhino and put his hand on her. She was throwing up and wouldn't eat.  She fell in
love with Griz right away and followed him everywhere.  She told him she didn't
know what the fuss was all about.  She was pregnant.  This would be her third
calf and she always got sick the first month. The zoo men laughed.  Sure enough
it was her third calf and when they checked her, she was pregnant.

We have videos of him jumping down into a den of lions and bringing out one of
the fiercest male lions.  It had a degenerative leg condition in it's hind legs and
was in great pain. The handlers were going to dart the big cat to tranquilize it. 
Griz told them no, let him go in and talk to it.

They didn't want him to but we assured them he'd be all right.  His Friend was
right by his side.  We didn't tell them but we knew. All the other cats moved away
from Griz as he slowly walked over to the big cat.  He knelt by it's side and put his
hand on the big cats side.

It reached over and licked his hand. Then to everyone's amazement the big cat
went limp. Griz picked up the huge cat and slowly walked to the gate of the
enclosure.  The big cat acted like it was out but we knew it wasn't. Griz told it to
move as little as possible and he would help it.  He sat in the back of Dan's
pickup with the big cat in his lap.  The director of the zoo got in the front with Dan
and I and we slowly drove to the infirmary.

"I been around the world many times; seen lots of unusual things.  Never seen
anything like that in my life." the zoo director commented softly as if he were in
awe.  My Master looked at him and smiled.

"That's nothing.  We could tell you stories you wouldn't believe.  Then after we
show you the videos, you still won't believe. We have a mountain lion that brings
her cubs every spring to visit Griz 'cause he nursed her back to health one year." 
Dan chuckled to himself.

"Amazing.  I'd believe anything now. If that man told me he could teach an
elephant to fly, I'd ask him how long a runway he was gonna' need?"  We all
laughed.

"There's just one nagging question I have for you gentlemen."  He seemed
hesitant to ask his question.

"You want to know about the ring through Griz's nose?"  My Master said without
looking at the director.  

"If it's not too personal."

"It's very personal but I don't think Griz would mind me telling you.  He wears it
because his previous owner had it put in and insisted he wear it.  It was originally
a training device to teach the big man manners and gentility.  We may question
his methods but obviously it worked.  We inherited Griz a number of years ago
when his owner passed away and he wears it because his new owners, Cowboy
and I, say he must.  It reminds him he is loved and who owns him."

Not another question was asked.  For some reason the zoo director was pleased
and satisfied with my Master's answer and was more relaxed around Griz and us
from then on.

The big cat talked to Griz on the way to the infirmary.  It told him anything, even
death, would be better than the pain.  They operated and implanted two new
polystyrene joints.  The operation was a total success. It healed properly and
`Leo,' as the staff named him, got better and was able to get around pretty well.

The Doctors called and ask if we wanted to come see him released back into the
pen. They later admitted they wanted Griz to ask the big lion if it still had any
pain.  Griz did inquire and assured them the big cat was pain free and he thanked
them very much.

He though they brought him there to die.  He knew his friend Griz explained they
were going to help him but he didn't see how.  They were going to put him in a
cage and haul him out to the enclosure.  Griz wouldn't hear of it. The people at
the zoo shook their heads like Griz was crazy but they let him have his way. He
proved over and over again what he could do with animals.

Griz took the old lion by his mane, and he slowly followed Griz like a well trained
dog.  Griz asked Dan to back the pickup to the loading dock.  We did and the
director of the zoo sat up front with Dan and I.  Griz got in the back, held Leo
around his neck, petted him and away we went.  We got there and the handlers
were ready to open the gate.  The old lion came to the edge of the tale gate and
hesitated.  Griz told him he'd help him.
That big man slowly grabbed the huge lion and gently set it's four paws on the
ground.  It looked up at Griz, licked him right in the face, and walked along
without a limp by Griz's side into the enclosure. It turned once and looked Griz
right in the eye, turned and walked away.  We didn't have to ask.  My heart
skipped more than one beat that day.  He's amazed many people and us as well.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Little Sister got married and we all went to her wedding.  Her first bornwas a boy
she named Rowley William Birdsong for the two men, next to her husband, she
loved most in her life. He's a handful. He was called Rowley-Bill from birth.  He
was a cowboy from his first breath. His Uncle Billy taught him to rope and ride by
the age of five. He's growing up to be a carbon copy of his Uncle Rowley right
down to way he swaggers when he walks in his boots. His last name may be
Birdsong but he's a Twissleman, through and through.  He's the apple of Mr. and
Mrs. Twissleman's eyes.

By the time he was in junior high school he won every junior championship rodeo
in the area. He had Betty Bob's sense of wonder and the gentle, kind, loving spirit
of his namesake, Uncle Rowley.  He and his brother and two sisters have spent
several summers with us while Mr. and Mrs. Birdsong traveled Europe as the
guest of the Sultan of Bahrain, and we have a ball with them.

A couple of summers their grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Twissleman have come to
the ranch and been our guest for a week at a time. Dan and I really love the
Twissleman's.  Their older boy Tollar left home, bought a Harley, and they haven't
seen him but once or twice since then.  They were worried about him.  What had
they done to have him reject them so?  The still loved him and never knew of any
bad feelings between them.  Tollar was like so many young men.  He didn't want
to cause his family pain yet he couldn't go home and feel he had to live a lie.  So
he did like thousands of good men before him,  nothing.

The year after they confided in Dan and I some members of an associate family
dropped by the ranch for R & R. Who should be riding with them as road captain
with his handsome slave but Tollar Twissleman.  He took one look at me and was
in my arms in a flash.  He didn't know I'd come to live with Dan Yates.  We see
more of him than the Twisslemans do.  The old man begged me to let him know
when I hear from him and how he's doing. With my Master's approval I do.  Tollar
never told us not to and we're not sure he knows we're still in touch with his
family.

Mr. Twissleman got Dan and I aside one day and asked me to tell his son to come
visit and for God's sake bring his biker family and his slave with them. They know
and understand.  They're all welcome.  Just don't cut them out of his life, they
haven't cut him out of theirs.  They still love him very much.

Dan and I sat Toller down and told him what his dad said.  He cried in our arms
and thanked us.  He told his family he and his slave were going home they would
catch up with them later.  Dan and I got the loveliest letter from Mr. and Mrs.
Twissleman.  They were so thrilled that they had their son back and now they had
another fine son to love as well.

They added that they would always think of Dan, Griz, Boots, Sonny and I as their
sons as well.  The door is always open. Don't bother to call,  ya'll come.

Griz was wonderful with kids. They would climb all over him.  We never had to
worry when Griz was in cub patrol mode. We'd sometime lose track of one or
more of them but we didn't worry `cause yonder'd come griz with one under each
big arm carrying `em like sacks of flour, them giggling and yelling at him the
whole time. Nothing would happen to those kids. Griz got letters from those kids
for years.  Still does. They send us pictures of their kids and bring them to the
ranch to crawl all over Griz.

Griz loves the little folk, as he calls them. I've never seen such a big man be so
gentle with kids in my life.  He forever has two or three climbing over him at any
given time.  He communicates with them because no one ever told the little child
inside Griz to grow up.  I thank God every day no one ever did.

Griz realizes that he and I are Dan's slaves; however, he's also my slave. That's
the way his last Master insisted it be.  As time went on I never thought much
about it until Dan sat me down and talked to me.  He was going to talk to Griz as
well then talk to the two of us together.

He decided that Griz should start showing me proper respect as his Master.  Dan
explained to me if something should happen to him it would become a more
natural transition for Griz and I if I should have assume complete responsibility
for him.

Our clan family adopted Griz and inducted him into the family with a formal slave
induction ceremony.  I think it was at that time Griz gave up the idea of becoming
a Master.  He knows he's better off being a slave and particularly, me and Dan's
slave. He loves us so much he'd never consider being anything but our slave.  Griz
had no problem with Dan's decision and occasionally in front of Dan or our family,
Griz will pay homage to me.  (I think he does it sometimes to get a hug and a kiss,
but what the hell, it works for me.)

If Dan should be called home before me, I'll be Griz's Master until one of us
passes. I would never consent to being another man's Master but Griz's. Our clan
family laughs and jokes with us.  Big Beryl and Blaine tell me they always knew
under my willingness to serve beat the heart of a true Master. Maybe so, I don't
know. All I know is, if I have to, I'll do my damnedest to protect our magnificent
beast, the Old Mans's friend, from the hurts of the world with my dying breath. 
Not because the Old Man wants me to but because of my love for the giant man.

To accept the responsibility for a man like Griz, to be his Master is, in essence, to
be his slave.  Griz has always walked a step behind me, catered to me like a
proper slave should to his Master, paid homage to my boots, and has never
embarrassed me by refusing an order.  `Course, I don't have to order him to do too
much.  He reads my mind most of the time. Then, too, I never try to humiliate Griz
as a slave. I would never ask him to do something I might find uncomfortable if I
were in his position.

The lines between Master and slave haven't blurred over the years. I won't let
them.  Griz needs control. He always has and he probably always will. Dan and I
have talked and think that's why the Old Man wanted us to take care of him, to
control him and keep him from harms way.  When Red told him about leaving Griz
to us, Dan didn't think twice about accepting Griz as part of our family.  Neither of
us has had a moments regret over my Master's decision.

Dan and I are Griz's undisputed owners and he never fails to introduce me as his
Master as well as Dan. I always introduce him as my slave and magnificent beast. 
Griz's consolation?  He knows he can become Master to his cowboy in his den;
however, he's never failed to resume his slave role when we've finished our play
and I snapped my fingers.  He's on my boots in a second.

I asked Griz one time if he felt bad that he'd spent his life as a slave and probably
would die a slave to someone.  He mused for a minute and replied,

"God gave me what I wanted out of life, Master Billy, I don't need no more."

"What's that, Griz?"

"You, Master Billy. Remember?  I never stopped believing in my dream, I had
faith, I asked God and he gave me to you and Master Dan.  You were right, Master
Billy, I asked him and he did."  I had forgotten what I said to Griz all those years
ago and never remembered until he reminded me. He was right, God had given
him to us.

His Friend still walks along side the big man and talks to him. In the late
afternoon Griz lights up the pasture when his Friend comes to walk with him. 
Dan, Boots, my dad, Ben Jr., Mrs. Russell, Sonny and I will stand and watch in
awe. Many times in the past, behind him would be two large elephants, fifteen to
twenty wild ponies following less than three feet behind him.

 Ms. Sophie would put her trunk over and into the light.  It would surround the tip
of her snoot, tickle her, she'd pull back, look at the light on the end of her trunk,
then like a graceful ballet dancer she would lower her trunk and bring it back up
with the gentlest of motions to set the light free over Griz's head only to have it
settle back into the whole from which it came.

Then she'd take another small bit on her trunk but this one she'd set free over her
back and it would illuminate the ponies and settle on them to cause them to glow
softly.  Not one of the ponies spooked when she did it.  They were following their
friend that talks to them, and knew them all by name.

Griz loved them all. So did the light that surrounded the big man. They were
listening in on a conversation that we can only imagine.  There wouldn't be a dry
eye among the observers.

Dan and I live well and we have no great needs financially.  We aren't consumers. 
We live simply.  We don't have a T.V. in the bedroom.  We have a large one in the
living room we can watch videos on.  Griz never seemed to want a T.V.  The few
times we watch he seems to enjoy it.  T.V. becomes a low priority when you run a
large ranch.

There's always something to do. We spent our evenings talking with each other. 
We'd welcome Griz from his evening walk.  He never talks about his walks.  Once
in a great while he'll have a message for one of us.  Sometimes they're even
funny.

For some reason the ranch kept getting more and more profitable.  At the end of
each year Dan would get this strange look on his face and tell Griz and I,

"Gentlemen, we doubled last years profits and have been operating at a higher
profit level since you both came to live here." He further narrowed it down to the
year that Ms. Sophie came to us as the first year of truly major record profits from
the ranch.  Was there a connection?  I wasn't about to ask.  I didn't want to know. 
Dan laughed at me and admitted he didn't either.

We work our ass's off on the ranch but we love it and it's brought us all closer
together.  It was paying off for Dan and the more financially stable he became,
aside from mine and Griz's money, there developed in him a new assuredness and
self-worth.  It translated directly into his strength of purpose to be a fine Master. 
Something clicked in his head and he blossomed into a Master that was damn
near the jack-boot disciplinarian Griz and I dreamed about.  Here we were,
coming upon our tenth year together and he awakened within his two slaves a
dormant treasure of sexual experiences.

Boots traded Sonny for me one night.  We hadn't done that in a long time. The
next morning Sonny had to sit on a pillow at breakfast his ass was so sore from
Dan's whip and hard fucking.  Boots giggled, shook Dan's hand, and
complemented him.  Sonny got me off by ourselves in the barn later that day.

"What in the hell happened to your Master?  Last time I went with him several
months ago, he was good sex and I enjoyed it, but NOW, that man just may
surpass our other Master.  You know us Cowboy, a night like that man gave me
last night makes you hungry for more.  He's become a Master to reckon with.  

How is it Cowboy you end up with the best Masters.  Don't take me wrong, my old
man is the only Master for me but a good slave that can appreciate a fine Master
has bragging rights after a night like that."

"I know.  Griz and I are thrilled.  We couldn't be happier.  Dan has always been
wonderful sex. He gave me an `attitude' adjustment the other night that left a silly
smile on my face for damn near a week.  That's why I ate standing at the bar for
two days.

He felt so bad about it and told me he was sorry.  I just told him if he was truly
sorry, he'd do it again in a week or two.  Like you said Brother, it hurts s'damn
good.  Every time I'd think about Dan securing me for his `attitude ` adjustment I
get a boner and almost come in my pants.

He's even insisting that Griz and I have several bottles of `his beer' a week.  Griz
loves it better'n you and I.  If I don't watch him like a hawk he'll finish mine, too."
For the last few years there's been a pattern Griz and I noticed.  Dan would stay
at the same level of intensity for his slaves for a year or more then throw Griz,
Sonny, and I for a loop by gearing up two more levels.

Come to find out he and Boots would get their heads together and brainstorm new
ideas.  Boots was increasing in intensity with his slave, too. He'd sometimes keep
Sonny in total bondage for two sometimes three days at a time.  Sonny loved it.

In our tenth year together my Uncle Joe passed away unexpectedly.  He'd been in
robust health but had complained of reoccurring headaches that would sometime
last for a day or two.  He'd take aspirin and go to bed. They seemed to pass.

One night he felt so bad he went to bed early.  Dad wasn't worried because Uncle
Joe had taken aspirin before and they seemed to help.  He'd take them at night
and the next morning his headache would be gone.  Dad didn't join him for an hour
or so but when he got into bed next to Uncle Joe, his mate, his slave, his cousin,
didn't respond.

All those years he would roll over into my dad's big arms to let dad hold him
and pet him for a while.  He had a massive stroke and was gone.  My cowboys
had come to take him home.

Dad and Uncle Joe retired and sold the garage the year they decided to ride the
rodeo circuit.  They were the oldest competitors on the circuit that year but they
won everything.  They kept busy going to local rodeos and teaching kids in the
community to rodeo.  Ben, Tim and Dr. Keshan made all the big city rodeos we
competed in and rooted for the old guys.  Dad and Uncle Joe were thrilled they
got such encouragement.

Dad was lost without Uncle Joe.  Lester passed away several years earlier and
that was a big blow to him. Lester's passing was a big blow to all of us, but Uncle
Joe's passing damn near killed my dad.  Everyone rallied to be there for him and
not let him be alone.

Junior Roamer moved in with his granddad to be with him and not let him grieve
himself to death. He sold Joe's house and wanted to keep his and still live in
Mason. Dan tried to talk him into coming to live with us but he wanted to stay in
Mason.  Walker and Xander begged him to come to Glen Rose and stay with them.

Ben came home for Lester's and Uncle Joe's funeral and kept in touch with Dad. 
Ben had become Sultan of Bahrain after his father passed away and it limited his
trips to the U.S.  He still managed to get to the U.S.  four to six times a year for
extended periods.  My dad was probably the only man in the world that had a son
become a royal head of state in his country that would pick up the phone, call,
and say,

"Hey, Dad, how are you?  This is Ben." He called him two or three times a week.
Ben flew Dad all over the world to meet him and Tim to go someplace. Ben flew
him to Vegas and Reno many times.

Dan and I got dad to come stay with us quite a bit and he loved the ranch. He
loved Griz and came to look upon the big man like we all did.  Dad would sit and
talk to Griz by the hour.  Griz thought my dad was a special person and delighted
in being in my dad's company.  After all it was by my dad's permission Gris
carried the last name of Gunn.  Griz actually thought of dad as his dad.  Dad loved
it when anyone called him 'dad.'

They spent a lot of time together. Griz became the greatest single factor in my
dad's recovery from the loss of Uncle Joe. Griz would ask his Friend to relay
messages.  His Friend told him he had to stop that.  Big Gunn would never heal if
he kept his mate alive.  He told Griz to tell my dad that Uncle Joe love him but
wanted him to go on with his life.  It was important.  He would soon have
someone else to live for.

With both his Master's permission, Griz offered himself to my dad but dad couldn't
do it.  Dan got dad off by himself and wanted to give me to him for an evening.  He
couldn't do it.  He had no interest in sex for almost two years after Joe died.  He
said he wasn't trying to be faithful to Joe, he simply had no interest.

Ben Stafford and Ben Jr. flew to Tucson regularly to rodeo with us at the ranch. 
We either took the motor coach or flew up a couple of times a year to visit them.
Big Ben and his kid rode the rodeo circuit a couple of years after Mrs. Stafford
passed and we all became close friends.

Big Ben thought my dad was one of the best men he'd ever met.  He knew dad
was having a hard time letting go of Uncle Joe and going on with his life.  Big
Ben talked to my dad one afternoon sitting on the corral fence watching some of
the kids rodeo.

"Gunn, I know you've been having a tough time letting go of Joe.  I don't mean to
offend or intrude but would you consider an offer?"  Big Ben asked.

"What'd ju' have in mind, Cowboy?"

"Let me send my slave boy to you tonight to serve you.  I've seen you watch Ben
Jr. and he's quite sure you're capable of walking on water; told me so. He pisses
his pants every time you come around.  Heaven forbid you should put your arm
around him.  He's come in his pants twice when you've had your arm around him.

I'll be honest with you, Gunn, I've only shared my slave with a couple other
Masters but I'd be proud to send him to you for an evening. I've trained him to be
a right good slave.  I think he'd please you.  I knew better'n to ask but I asked him
the other day if he found you attractive. Ben Jr. rarely expresses interest in
another man.

He turned to me and told me if I was thinking about sharing him with you he
would consider it a great honor; said he found you one of the hottest cowboys
he's ever met. He told me he'd do anything he could to please you."

"Gee, Ben, that's awfully nice of you but I don't know.  I haven't been interested in
sex with anyone nigh on two years. It's not because Joe's gone; although, I miss
him with all my heart.  The old saying about not realizing what you've got `til it's
gone is partially true for me.  I woke up one morning after being sober for about
six months, rolled over in bed, took Joe in my arms and realized what a treasure I
had in my cousin all these years.  He was so devoted to me for as long as I could
remember, was always there doing for me, I sort of took him for granted.

I immediately had our family draw up a contract and in a small ceremony made
Joe my slave.  He'd been begging me for years to make him my slave.  I never
realized how important it might be to him. Changed my life and I know it did
Joe's.  I started treating him with the love, respect and consideration a Master
should a good and faithful slave.  Our new sobriety allowed me more time and
patience to demand more discipline from Joe.

I worked hard at it after Bud died and Joe couldn't have been happier being my
slave.  The more control I demanded the more he performed and loved me. I'd was
such a fool all those years.  I should've done it earlier.  They were the best years
of our lives.

We never would've won the finals if I hadn't accepted Joe as my slave.  He
became more focused, faster and more accurate.  He wanted to please his
Master, and he did.  How many old farts our age win the finals?

Nevertheless, I never understood until Joe was gone just how much my happiness
and comfort depended on him.  I never realized how much I loved him.  I don't
know why I haven't been interested in sex, but if it's subconscious then I'd like to
start healing.  Joe would want that for me. Maybe what I need is to lay next to a
good looking slave like your son for a evening.  If I couldn't do anything do you
think it would hurt his feelings?"

"Oh, hell, no, Gunn!  He understands what you're going through and would love to
serve you for an evening no matter what happens. Shit, my boy's so taken with
you he told me he could die happy to sleep in your arms for one night."

"Well, if you're sure you don't mind, Ben.  I'll have to admit I find your boy one of
the easiest buckaroos to look at I've seen in a long time. Often wondered what
splitting that sweet ass of his would feel like.  I've admired the two of you for
sometime now."
 
"He'll be at your door cleaned and ready for use at eight o'clock, Gunn!"

"Thanks Ben, I really appreciate it."

"Hell, Gunn, you'd do the same for me.  When Dan and Billy come to Calgary,
Dan and I swap off and I dearly love that kid of yours. He's grown up to be a
carbon copy of Bud.  You done a good thing by having that kid, Gunn. Cowboy
turned out to be probably the greatest thing that could've happen to you.  Billy
loved his Uncle Bud but I have to tell you, Gunn, he worships you. He's all the
time saying,

"Don't make `em no better'n my dad, Mr. Stafford."

"God gave me a good'n when he gave me Cowboy. If'n it hadn't been for him, his
brother Ben, Dan Yates, Junior and most of all Griz, I don't think I would've made
it after Joe died.  Dan's offered Cowboy to me several times since Joe died,
and,  well, while I appreciated it, I couldn't do it.

Don't know why.  I love my boy. He's come to my bed many times, but I just can't.
I know it disappointed Cowboy `cause he and I had us some good rodeos.  I have
to be honest, his little butt fucks almost the same as Bud's and that drives me
nuts."

"Damn!  Don't I know it.  I do that boy an injustice because while I'm
aware it's him I'm fucking, sometimes it feels so good, gettin' me some
good stuff way up there, my mind drifts and the next thing I know I'm
fucking Bud. 

I'm ashamed to admit it but I let my mind go with it and I'm back years ago gettin'
me a piece of that cowboy's ass I loved so much. Your boy ain't no dummy
neither.  He knows.  Never says a thing but smiles at me like he understands and
it's all right with him.  If you want to know the truth, I think he loves giving that to
me.  He did hit me with a zinger one evening that made me fall out laughing.  He
asked me if I was aware that I fuck Bud differently than I fuck him?"  Both men
roared with laughter.

"Not too damn much gets by that kid, I guarantee you, Ben.  Tell Ben Jr., if
nothing else I'd appreciate making a little love to him and holding him in my arms
all night.  Have ta' admit Ben, you gotta' a winner there.  You did the right thing
making him your slave.  That kid never would've been happy being anything else. 
He'll treasure these years with you as his Master the rest of his life.  We finally
convinced Boots to claim Sonny for his slave.  Red paid for Sonny's slave training
before the four of them left on their trip.  He loved Boots and Sonny as much as I
do.  Cowboy told me it was like Red had two slaves and a Master to train.

According to my boy, Red was in his element.  He fell in love with Sonny and
Boots.  Red and Cowboy's bond was so strong Cowboy had no problem with
sharing his Master with Sonny and Boots.  Of course when Red was putting
Sonny through his paces, Cowboy was getting the B'jesus fucked out of him
by Boots.  He told me Boots fucked him exactly the same way I do."  Ben and my
dad were all over each other laughing.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ben Jr. did go to my dad.  It was kept private between Ben Jr.'s Master and my
dad.  Ben Jr. never said a word to me, Griz or Sonny.  Ben Jr. and I became close
friends.  Seems Ben Jr. jump started my old man's heart and renewed his interest
in life.

The next trip Dan, Griz and I made to Calgary, dad asked if he could tag along. 
We didn't think anything of it and were glad he wanted to join us.  Ben, Tim, Dr.
Keshan and a lot of our family met us there and we had a wonderful time. The
next time Big Ben and his slave came to Tucson they called dad in advance and
he was at our ranch when they arrived.

Dan and I noticed he and Ben Jr. were getting close and the three of them would
be missing for hours at a time. The two, older, fine looking cowboys would order
Ben Stafford's slave between them and Ben Jr. would get both holes plugged at
the same time. Ben Jr. was certain he had died and gone to heaven.

No one said anything.  They always reappeared with the most self-satisfied,
relaxed smiles on their faces.  Of course Ben Jr. would try to appear as stone
faced as possible, but I knew him too well.

"I've rarely been jealous of anyone, Ben," I told him laughing, "but I have to say,
the thought of you being used by those two old cowboys makes my face turn
green."  he'd just smile real big.  One time he did say something;   said it was the
closest he could imagine heaven might be like.

"I love my Master, Cowboy, and there's none other for me; however, dad and I've
talked about it and we've both fallen in love with your dad.  He's one hell of a
man."

Three years later, Ben Stafford had a massive stroke and was in the hospital for
several months.  My dad was by Ben Jr.'s side and by Big Ben's bed as fast as he
could get a plane out.

Ben kept getting worse until finally he realized he wasn't going to make it.  My
dad never left his or Ben Jr.'s side during the couple of months Big Ben was in the
hospital.

Dad simply took over helping Ben Jr. run the ranch and the rest of the time they
were by Big Ben's side at the hospital.  Ben Stafford told his son to go to the
cafeteria, get himself something to eat, and wait for Big Gunn to come get him.  
His slave didn't hesitate, excused himself and left the room.

"Gunn, we both know I've had it.  Just to damn old.  I want you to consider
something.  Now, I ain't gonna' hold you to it or nothing.  I don't believe in death
bed promises.  That ain't the way you treat a friend you love and loves you.

I wanted to talk to you alone, old friend, 'cause, well,...Gunn, my boy loves you.  I
don't know what he would've done without you here these last few months.  You
gotta' know I love and appreciate you for it, too,---- but then, I've come to expect
that from you.  You've been a good friend.

Gunn, I'd appreciate it if'n you'd consider taking my boy for your slave. I've grown
to love and admire you. I've seen how you care for and treat him.  I know you love
him, too. I've seen you control him with the slightest glance. I've seen you
demand discipline and respect from him and he needs that.

I've spoiled him but tried to teach him the fundamentals of being a slave to a
good Master.  I know you'd give him the control he needs to live a happy life as
your slave.  I couldn't imagine another man I'd rather leave him to than you.

I've left the ranch to him but he can't run it by himself.  My other kids ain't the
least interested in the ranch but they are interested in the money it represents;
however, like the little red hen that baked her bread and ate it, too,--- all those
years, I loaded Ben Jr. with all the chores around the ranch, they never so much
as asked if they could help him.

The other boy could've helped and taken some of the load off of him.  I made sure
Ben Jr. did all the chores while they played or goofed off.  I knew one day I could
look at them and say,

"I'm sorry kids, the ranch is Ben Jr.'s he's earned it.  You kids never lifted a hand
to help him or me."

I don't care where you two decide to live.  Move to Calgary or help him sell the
ranch and go live with you.  The ranch isn't that important to me, my boy's
happiness is.  Sell the damn thing if'n you two decide that's what you want.
Maybe buy a small place near Dan and your boy.  Like I say, I ain't asking a death
bed promise from you 'cause I don't want you to do something you might be
uncomfortable with."

"Well, Ben,...you're right, I do love Ben Jr.  I was gonna' talk to you in the near
future and lay my cards on the table.  I would never try to come between you.  I
love you both too much for that but I realized I was falling in love with him.  

Sometimes, if you're honest and up front with a friend, problems that seem big
can be made manageable.  I thought maybe I was seeing too much of you and Ben
Jr., but you've both been so generous with me. I enjoy being around the two of
you, and it's hard saying no sometime.  I was gonna' butt out for a while and leave
you guys to yourselves."

"Oh, hell, Gunn, we couldn't see you enough.  We were gonna' talk to you about
moving up here and living with us.  We love you that much.  I have to be honest
with you, too, Gunn.  I've rarely shared anything that turned me on more than
watching you plow my boy's butt. I see the look on that kid's face when you're
using him, and my kid's a happy, contented slave.  I know if you took him for your
slave he'd be satisfied."

"You know, Ben, I never thought I would love again.  Especially as much as
I loved Joe all those years, but thanks to you, I have.  I don't love your boy the
same way I did Joe 'cause they're different people, but I love Ben Jr. just as
much.  I have to admit, old man, most of the wonderful things about him I love are
the same one's I love about you.  He's so much like you, Ben, and I agree with
you, you've trained him well.

Cowboy once told me he picked old Booger out of six or seven good looking
Masters at the Johnson Ranch in Glen Rose because old Red, "Just felt right!" 
That's what I feel when I hold your boy, Ben. He just feels right in my arms.

I was beginning to have guilt feelings when I found myself falling in love with Ben
Jr. I felt like I was betraying my love for Joe. That's not what Joe would've
wanted for me.  He came to me in a dream recently and told me I had his blessing
to love again.  He was my devoted slave for over thirty-five years.  'At's a long
time to share a bed with a man, Ben.

To put your heart at rest, old friend, I would be honored and proud to accept your
boy as my slave.  He's a loving and giving young man.  I talked with him about
what he was gonna' do if the worst happened and he was honest with me.

Scared me a little but he asked if I would consider taking him for my slave. At
first I dismissed the idea, but the more I thought about it, the more comfortable I
became. Did you have a contract between you?"

"No, it all fell into place, especially after my wife died, and I didn't see any need
for it. I realize now I may have been wrong.

"Talk to him Ben,...I only have one condition, and,....I won't take him for my slave
if he has a problems with it.  I'm not trying to be hard nose or mean it's for his
happiness and mine I require total trust from a slave. If he has questions I'll be
happy to explain my reasons, the pros and possible cons of such an action.

I expect him to sign a contract without clauses or conditions.  He must be willing
to sign it as is, there won't be any negotiation.  It will be gone over with him with
a third party of his choosing."

"He'll do what I tell him...but, you know what?  I think I want that to be his
decision.  It's gonna' be a little different for him to be actually owned by another
man.  Of course he knows I own him but I also have a previous claim to him as his
dad.  Make's a difference; however, I doubt he'll have a problem with it.  I know
how badly he wants to become your slave.  I'll talk to him.

"What would you think if I were to consider slave training for him with Jeb and
Big Jim?"

"Best thing you could do, Gunn,  for him and for you,  but do it immediately
after I'm gone so's you won't get too attached and not want to let him go.  It'll
clear the slate for both of you and won't let him sit around wasting his life
grieving for me.  Jeb and Jim will help him with that. I know you'll help him. I
know you'll let him lean on you.

I know you'll allow him a time for healthy grieving then demand he start living to
serve you. Slave training sounds perfect. I say do it. It'll give him something to
work for and look forward to becoming your slave.

He has to make an investment by going through training and it will tell you he's
serious about becoming your slave. Having him recognized by your family is a
great idea."

"I don't know how many years I have left either, Ben, but to protect him, when he
finishes slave training he'll be recognized first as a slave to our family.  Then my
slave after contracts and oaths. Then, if something should happen to me his
ownership would fall to the family and they would sell him to another good
Master.

Once he's trained by Jeb and Jim he can never be anything else but a man's
slave. It will also give me the right to leave him to some other Master within our
family, like Red left Cowboy to Dan Yates.  I might find a good Master I might
want to leave him to."

"I never thought of that but it makes damn good sense to me, Gunn.  Ben Jr.'s
become dependant on me as his Master.  He desperately wanted to become my
slave.  He begged and pleaded with me to train him to be a good slave.  I didn't
want to at first but I remembered talking to Bud about training Cowboy and it
never seemed to do him any harm.  He's one of the finest slaves and young men
I've ever met; love your kid, Gunn.

I worked Ben Jr. pretty hard to get him to start thinking like a slave and to serve
me like I expected.  I don't know if he could adjust to being on his own with out a
good man to serve.  I know he won't be happy unless he knows he's owned by a
Master. He's been trained to never question a decision I made as his Master.  He
never has.

I've talked to him a few times about becoming your slave and he understands as
his Master you will make all the decisions for your lives.  I told him at most you
might feel him out to see if he has an opinion about something but the final
decision will be yours.  He accepts that.

Like I say if you're uncomfortable living up here and want to move closer to your
family.  Dump the ranch and take him with you.  It will be your decision. He
understands if he becomes your slave he will have absolutely no say in the
matter.

I'm grateful, Gunn.  I'll rest easy knowing he has you, Dan, Cowboy, Griz and the
family to look after him, and thanks, thanks for everything, especially being a
friend to us.  I love you, Gunn."

"Oh, God! I love you too, Ben. Thank you for leaving me your greatest treasure.
Your boy is worth more than all the gold in the world.  You gotta' admit, Ben, out
of the four, he was your greatest achievement as a father.  I know you're proud of
him and you damn well have reason to be. He's a fine young man.  If he wants me
to be his Master, I'll do my damnedest to see he's a happy, well trained and
contented slave."

Once Big Ben Stafford, one of the major loves of my life, was satisfied his beloved
slave, his son, would be taken care of and have a good Master to own him, he
slowly slipped away.

He passed away shortly after the first of the year.  My dad was by Ben Jr.'s side
the whole time. The family gathered to support Ben Jr.  His brother and sisters
were miffed his dad left him the ranch.  They didn't say a word though.  They
knew why.

They knew it was right.  It made up for all the times when Ben Jr. was growing up
he didn't get the love from his dad they did. Big Ben bought off the younger kids
with sizable cash inheritances with a clause in his will if any one or all of them
contested his will or tried go against his wishes their inheritance would be
reduced to one dollar.

The rest of the money would go into a trust fund for the ranch.  He was clever
because he had an attorney set up a living trust in Ben Jr.'s name listing the
ranch, all equipment and livestock. Upon Ben's death it automatically became
Ben Jr.'s, tax free.

Dad closed up his house, moved to Calgary to be with Ben Jr. and help him run
the ranch.  Dad made immediate arrangements with Master Jeb and Master Jim
for training for Ben Jr.  Dan had Griz and I drive the motor coach to Calgary to
help dad run the ranch for the three months Ben Jr. would be in training.

Boots and Sonny wanted to help our dad so they tagged along with us in the
coach.  Dad wanted to be able to visit Ben Jr. after his first month of training and
left us in charge.  Those times I sent our Master a plane ticket to fly up to be with
us.

Ben Jr. was a changed man when he returned from slave training.  It was
remarkable.  He was mature, serene, calm, more friendly, more outgoing, and
purposeful.  His only need in life was to serve my dad as his Master.  He told me 
training was the most remarkable, wonderful experience of his life.  He made me
seriously think about asking my Master to consider sending me.  Many times I
wish Red had sent me at the first of our relationship.

My Dad found a new reason to live and love again.  There couldn't have been
a more perfect slave for my dad than Ben Jr.  He waits on my old man hand and
foot and gives dad comfort in the night.  After a year of running that huge ranch,
Dad decided he didn't want to work that hard anymore or be that far from us and
the family.

A ranch isn't a nine to five job.  It's an eighteen hour a day job and still you don't
get everything done.  Dad told me, he had a wonderful slave he loves and loves
him and he can't enjoy him. By the time they hit the sack, he and Ben Jr. were so
tired they'd fall asleep immediately.

As his Master, Dad made the decision to sell the ranch in Calgary and bought a
smaller ranch near Dan's.  Dad never asked Ben Jr.'s opinion when he put the
ranch on the market. It sold at a good price within days of being on the market.  

Ben Jr. never questioned my dad's decision. He was so in love with my dad and
contented being his slave that he could care less about where they lived as long
as his Master has need of him.

Ben Jr. became my dad's faithful slave and loves my old man so much he would
never consider questioning him even today.  My dad demands his best from Ben
Jr. and makes it quite clear will accept nothing less.  Ben Jr. is a happy slave.

He even got my old man roping again.  Funny thing, Big Ben and Ben Jr. would win
every now and then.  My old man and Ben Jr. were beating everyone they came
up against.  They made a damn good team. Dad is so much in love with Ben Jr. he
always has his arm around him or Ben Jr. sitting by his feet where dad can touch
him.  They make other people in the family feel good having them around.

We see them all the time.  Dan jokingly told me he was gonna' miss swapping
slaves with old Ben 'cause he, too, had come to love and appreciate Ben Jr. He
shouldn't have worried.  My old man got his second wind loving Ben Jr. and
decided he should start fucking the meanness out of his upstart kid again.

Dan and he began to swap slaves to everyone's delight.  Ben Jr. dearly loved Dan
Yates and would have done anything for him.  Ben Jr. treasured the times they
spent together.

Dad would loan Ben Jr. out to Griz every now and then. Ben Jr. confided in Dad he
always wondered what an evening in the bear's den would be like. Dad made sure
Ben Jr. wasn't afraid to please the big man and then gave him to Griz for an
evening on Griz's birthday that year.

(Griz didn't know when his birthday was so I gave him one.  I figured the middle of
summer was good.  July 15th) Ben Jr. was like me and Sonny.  He fell in love with
the big man. Dad began to loan his slave to Griz regularly. Griz never has asked
anyone to bunk it in with him. It seems folks care about him and most of the
Masters who come to the ranch with their slaves eventually offer Griz their slave.

Ben Jr. kept begging my Dad to join them and Griz did, too.  Griz had longed to
pleasure my dad for sometime. Finally, one night, dad consented and he fell in
love with the big man all over again.  From that time on, Griz had two more good
looking cowboys in his bed when they could share an evening with him.  Griz
always loved my Dad but the added treat of dad and Ben Jr. was wonderful for
him.

Ben Jr. and Griz bonded closer than anyone might have suspected.  Ben Jr. was
always a quiet man and he and Griz spent hours together, enjoying each other's
company without saying a word.  I knew I would always be Griz's first love, Dan
second but it was a close race between my Dad, Ben Jr. and Sonny for third.  He
loves them all with a passion.

We loaned Griz to them sometimes if they had some big project that needed man
power.  Most times we'd all pitch in to get something done quicker. Griz is like
having your own construction crew rolled into one giant man.

Griz is always happy to come home though.  Dan and I shower him with attention
when he returns.  We try never to give Griz a reason to doubt our love for him.

When Sonny completed slave training, the family had a ceremony and he became
Boots' slave.  Neither could have been happier.  They made the transition from
father and son to Master and slave.

Boots turned out to be one of the finest Masters in our family and is always
willing to share his knowledge and experience with a novice Master.  He
remembered well the patience shown to him one time by a big, ugly Master and
felt in some small way he was repaying him by giving a hand to new Masters.

Dad made arrangements with Boots to swap Ben Jr. for Sonny one evening and
both slaves found new delights.  Ben Jr. confided in me Boots fucked him same's
our old man.  I had to laugh and tell him sometimes I could close my eyes while
Boots was fucking me and swear it was my old man.

We had a good laugh.  Sonny worships my dad anyway and dad felt the same
about his grandson.  After they spent several evenings together they were even
thicker than before.  The four of them have a really close relationship.

After Mrs. Russell bought her new double wide trailer we moved her old one down
behind the other barn.  Dan came to love Boots and Sonny as much as everyone
else in the family.  He decided to give the old trailer to them for a place to live
when they weren't on the road.

They would have a permanent base to return to when they wanted.  They loved it
and fixed it up.  When they're here they work their ass's off around the ranch and
have become pretty damn good buckaroos. Boots always plan their runs to make
sure they're here for spring round up.

For two weeks from sun up to sun down we work their ass's off.  It's become a big
thing for friends and family but they know when they come it's not party time,
they work.  They work but they always claim they have more fun and some of the
best times of their lives.  Beryl and Blaine come almost every year.

We can always tell when Boots gets that look in his eye it won't be long before he
and Sonny hit the road.  However, over the years it's become longer and longer
between trips.  Boots seems to be comfortable living on the ranch, as long as he
knows the gate is always open. Dan puts no demands on them.

I've grown to love and appreciate Dan more each year.  Our bond is solid. We
never talk about it much, we just know. We never think much about roles of
Master and slave. When I became worried Dan and I never seemed to talk about
being Master and slave, Master Jeb told me that can sometimes be the truest test
of a fine Master/slave bonding.

It's just accepted without the need to constantly redefine roles.  I accept Dan as
my Master and he's learned to accept me as his slave.  Dan learned from our
family, Dad, Ben, and of all people, Mrs. Russell's help, I wouldn't be happy unless
Dan accepted me as his slave and treated me as one.

Once I gave my complete person over to Master Red I began to realize I never
wanted to be free again. Red trained me and helped me understand I would
always need to be owned by another man.  I'll always love Red for his training and
continuing my education as a slave after Uncle Bud.

Dan learned quickly and has become a wonderful Master for me and Griz. He's
become the Master any slave would be proud to call 'Master.'  My family, God love
them, and my Dad, took Dan under their wing and began to discuss and train him
to become a Master.

Big Jim, Master Beryl, Master Jeb, Master Earl, Master Sam, Master Walker and
Master Zack spent hours discussing the benefits of the Master/slave lifestyle. 
They impressed on Dan, he had two men on his hands that loved him who
required him to be their Master.

Of course our clan leader was highly instrumental in Dan's transformation. He and
Master Zack spent hours giving him lessons on how to use a whip and correct his
slaves.  They also gave him lessons for using the whip to keep his slaves 'tuned
up' and happy.

Once he began to break Griz and I in on his whip, neither of us could get enough. 
The better our Master got using his whip the more he enjoyed using it.  Dan found
himself with two adoring slaves at his feet paying homage to their handsome
Master.

Dan makes all the decisions for our lives and we never question him. Once again I
have Master Red to thank for that.  He helped me understand if he or any Master
owned me, they had the right to make the decisions for our lives. 

If I give myself into slavery to be owned by a Master, I automatically accept my
life would become an extension of his.  Red taught me, for my peace of mind and
his success as my Master depended on me learning never to question his
decisions.

When I was first with Red it was difficult because I was young and thought my
opinions should count for something.  Red would ask me how I felt about
something and I would tell him. I didn't realize it at the time but it probably
related to a decision he was thinking about.

He always made it a point to know how I felt about most things.  As time passed
and I could see the benefit of no hassles, no bickering, no fighting, no jockeying
for position,  no energy was wasted on anger, hard feelings, lost time and left
me with more stamina and interest in loving and pleasing my Master.

Slowly, Master Red, tightened his control over me and the more he did, the more I
wanted him to.  I had to admit the truth of the phrase he kept repeating over and
over: "The only purpose of a slave is for his Master's use, to pleasure him and
serve him."

So it's been with Master Dan.  He's in complete control of Griz and I.  The more
control he demands the more we gratefully give. He's stopped asking my opinion;
he knows it most of the time anyway.

Dan wasn't easy with that much control over two men at first but began to see
the benefits for the three of us.  There are no arguments; no fighting for control. 
Our Master makes a decision and Griz and I accept it.  There's no room for
argument in our relationship.  Griz and I wouldn't consider arguing with our
Master.

I perform the ritual for both our benefits and turn on, especially when our family
comes to visit. Within the last five years, Griz and I have been showing our Master
a lot more homage in our private lives because we've come to love and respect
him so much we seem to have a need to show him our appreciation.

Sometimes, I perform the ritual then snap my fingers for Griz for do the same.  I
don't have too, it always turns Griz on to show homage to our Master same's it
does me. Griz is as proud to have Dan for his Master as I am.  He loves Dan as
much as I do.

Dan is always pleased to have us show him homage.  He told us, it's a wonderful
physical reinforcement of our love and need for him as our Master. It reminded
both slave and Master of their positions. Sometimes it can be the smallest of
rituals that bind a society together.

Once in a while he'll surprise Griz and I by snapping his fingers at the two of us to
show him our homage immediately.  Of course, we never fail no matter where we
are or what we're doing.  It impresses our family too! Dan is one of only two clan
family members that owns two slaves.

Especially two devoted slaves that get along as well as Griz and I. The other
Master who owns two slaves is a wonderfully, colorful man named Sarge.  He
lives in the San Diego area with his two slaves and they get along great.  Sarge is
in complete control of his slaves at all times.

Our family marvels at our relationship and Griz takes the lead from me to give our
Master credit.  We impress on our family Master Dan is a strong, disciplined,
demanding, no nonsense Master who makes his slaves tow the line.

Dan knows what we're doing, keeps his mouth shut and beams with pride. Our
Master knows in his heart we're devoted to him but when we go out of our way to
show him homage, to honor him, before our family, it never fails to bring a big,
pleased smile to his handsome face; to say nothing of the sex his two slaves get
for weeks afterward.

Funny though, years later, Griz and I talked one night about Dan, as our Master. 
We decided he doesn't have to be all those things. Dan is a good man who
demands respect and all the goodness you can bring to a life with him. Dan is
thoughtful, caring, kind, considerate and spoils the two of us shamelessly;
however, he demands our best in all things and we try hard never to fail him.  Griz
and I love Dan so much, we'd take out any man who might raise a hand to him in
anger.

We still get back to Mason every year for the Annual Booger Red Rodeo.  Now
days, most folks don't remember who Booger Red was but it doesn't matter.
Those who know and love me remember. It's become a once a year event folks
come to from all over the world.  It has become a great money making
tourist attraction for the locals.  Bikers from all across the nation come.

Sometimes there's close to a thousand bikes parked around.  Nobody seems to
get rowdy and everyone loves the rodeo.  Dan and I still rope together. Phil and I
rope together and Dan and Phil rope together.  Dad and Ben Jr. stomp our butts
most of the time.  That kid loves my old man almost as much as I do. I feel pretty
damn lucky to have ended up with five wonderful brothers; two of them named
Ben and three of them named Gunn.

I go out to clean Red's grave every time we're back in Mason.  Don't really need
to, Phil and Wilma Jo go two or three times a year and clean his, Bro. Red's and
Uncle Bud's. Red still roughs me up a little and makes me cry when I go to the
cemetery.  I guess he still wants to know I love him.

I do, I always will. You can't have a love as passionate and as right as our love
was and not carry it in your heart forever.  I'll never again know the passion I had
with that ugly, old, tattooed, battle scarred, hard living, loving man.

Master Walker told me he would see to Red's headstone and he did.  I hadn't been
back for a while but when I read the epitaph carved into Red's headstone, it made
me smile and then I fell to my knees and cried:

"Here lies a magnificent beast. Cowboy told him so."


THE END


End Chapter 25~BOOGER RED & COWBOY
Copyright 2003 Waddie Greywolf
Mail to:  <waddiebear@yahoo.com>