Charley said, stepping in front of me with his big blade. "I think the boy is in a sod-pawin' mood. I suggest you boys roll your tails outta town."

The three drovers mumbled something about not being heeled and moved away toward the south part of town.

"Charley Higgins is the name," he said, sticking his hand out for me to shake.

"William Battles," I responded, shaking his hand. "Much obliged for the help."

Higgins then headed for the Long Branch Saloon, and I continued my paper route. At the time, I didn't make the connection. I saw him again a few days later and several times over the next several weeks. Finally, on one occasion, after my mother had written me that Charley was kin, I brought up the fact that his father was my mother...

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