May 3rd, 185-
My dear Lydia,
It feels as if ages have passed since I moved away from you, and oh! how my heart still aches with missing you. But God knows best, and I am sure that this will be a better job for Papa than the last one was. He is already busy building the new school for the neighborhood, and drawing out the plans for our new home. Right now we are renting a small house in the middle of town, but Papa has bought about 25 acres five miles out of town.

This is the first story I ever completed. I wrote it back in Mar/Apr of 2011, for a story contest. Thought I'd just share it with y'all.. Hope ya like it.

In this story, I do reveal what one of the characters thinks.. but since I can't get italics to work.. I'll use *this* to denote his thoughts.

Without further ado, delay or chatter... I present to you; A Saga of the West!

James reached the top of the ridge, and pulled up his horse. In the valley ahead of him lay his destination, the town of Grillhorn. James pulled out the letter again.

McCaughlin adjusted the red-checked neckerchief over his face, and slipped into the doorway where the shadows would hide him from any passerby. He slipped a piece of stiff wire from his pocket and deftly picked the lock.

He glanced around the street. Not a person was in sight, although he heard the sounds of raucouslaughter coming from the nearby saloon. All the better. He thought, Their laughter will cover any noises I might make.