The Triple K Ranch is the third novel of the Kincaid trilogy and the life of the brothers in the emerging territory of Texas in the mid 1800s. Tal, Ken and Billy Kincaid are living in Mystery, Texas and are in the process of building a working cattle ranch from the proceeds of the treasure Tal had found on his return to Mystery from Abilene.
“Where did you come from?” puzzled Ken as he looked at the rough dressed man at his campfire. The man looked like he was the combination of a mountain man and plainsman. His hair was long—almost shoulder length — his eyes were piercing blue. His face was wrinkled and deeply weathered from years in the weathering sun and wind. The pistol at his hip was one of the new Colt peacemakers that Ken had heard about. The Colt was worn low on the man’s hip and tied down for a quick draw. Ken was a tolerable judge of men and this one was not the type to be trifled with. The longhaired man looked mean enough to stare down a panther and Ken was very wary of this stranger at his campfire.
Tal slid in behind a large boulder at the back of the cave and waited. From the light from the fire, Tal could see a large form move back and forth across the openings between the rocks at the front of the cave. Whatever was out there was looking for a way in. It was not until the shadowy form growled that Tal realized that it was a large bear at the entrance to the cave. The bear was confused when he smelled the human scent mixed with the smell of Tal’s horses.
JUST RELEASED
The men moved ahead and stopped by the site of an Indian attack. Men, women and children were lying where they fell. All were dead; the wagons and things the travelers were carrying in them destroyed. The Indians took what was of value to them and destroyed the rest. The traveler’s wagons lay in ruins and their personal belongings scattered. Although the Indian hunting party was not looking for the settlers, attacking this small wagon train was too good an opportunity to pass up. When the attack was over, the Indians continued back to their village in the mountain to the south. It did not appear this band of Indians would cause the Kincaid group any trouble; but there would be more, you could be sure of it.
