A Mess on the Mesa

Chapter Two: Camp Fire Tale

Day two, The Broken Arrow Ranch, Early afternoon

It had taken a full days drive, a somewhat restful night in the Mystery Machine and another half day of driving to arrive at Uncle Matt’s ranch. It was Fred behind the wheel when the van pulled into the semi circular drive way. He, Daphne, and Shaggy had all shared the duties of driving; Velma had claimed being height disadvantaged eliminated her from driving obligations.

The engine pinged as everyone piled out to stretch tired muscles. The man who appeared out of the ranch house could have stepped off a western movie set. Tall as Shaggy’s six feet, dark brown hair with just a touch of snow white hair at the temples, and a thick mustache; blue jeans, work shirt with snaps rather than buttons and a white well worn stetson completed the movie star impression.

“Glad to see you made it. We were about to send out a search party.”

“All you would’ve found would be skeletons left from starvation!”

“Don’t mind Shaggy, Uncle Matt. If he doesn’t eat every fifteen minutes he thinks he’s starving.” Smiling, Daphne gave her uncle a hug.

“Oh, I remember Shaggy’s appetite. That’s why we’re having a barbeque with all the trimmings this evening but I imagine you could use some lemonade and relax for now.”

“That does sound good. That van can get awfully uncomfortable after a day and half of traveling.” The red head rubbed her backside. ‘not to mention sleeping,’ she thought.

“Then come on, I’ll have your bags taken to your rooms. This is John Long Bow, my foreman.”

“How.” John Long Bow held up his right hand in greeting. Daphne laughed at her friends with their gaping mouths. John had his long hair with two feathers woven into two long braids.

“How yourself, John. How are Maria and the kids?” Turning to the other three, Daphne added, “I’ve known John since he was just a ranch hand. He’s worked up to top hand and now foreman and can speak three languages.”

“Maria and the kids are doing fine and look forward to seeing you at the barbeque, Daphne.”

—–Xxxxxx

Even Shaggy had to admit he was beyond full. Scooby gnawed happily on a bone at Shaggy’s feet. The food had been excellent from crisp
salad to perfectly cooked steaks to a choice of pies for dessert.