The Adventures of Buff, Gray and Chocolate: Behind the Secret Wall

by Lionel James

Overview

The Adventures of
Buff, Gray & Chocolate
Behind the Secret Wall
How the Logan Brothers Tamed the Wild West
DARING DOG MARSHALS RULE WITH QUICK PAWS AND FUDGE PELLETS, BRINGING PEACE AND ORDER THROUGHOUT THE WILD WEST.

Marshal Ben Colby could see his hands were full when he entered Fat Cat's Saloon. Cowhands from the Bar X Ranch were drunk on Chicken Broth, talking loud saying," Tree Cockapoo burn the town down!" From Labradors to huskies to shepherds, these crazy cowhands were yelling and shooting pellets into the ceiling everywhere. When Marshal Colby tried to stop the next shot, a pellet came from the outside window bringing down the marshal. Who shot Marshal Colby? It's up to Deputy Buff Logan, and his brothers, Gray and Chocolate, to solve this shooting, and the mystery around the Bar X Ranch. Join the Logan brothers as they bring law and order to the Wild West, and discover gold along the way...

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781491746196
Publisher:	iUniverse, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/23/2014
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.51(d)

Read an Excerpt

The Adventures of Buff, Gray & Chocolate

Behind The Secret Wall

---

By Lionel James

iUniverse

Copyright © 2014 Lionel James
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4917-4619-6

---

CHAPTER 1

Pittsville Welcomes You

In Gordon Setter County during the big gold rush folks were pouring into Pittsville. Some came by rail, by horseback and by stagecoach, while others travelled in covered wagons. Folks came from all across the county to prospect for Gold or Silver in and around the town. They came with dollar signs in their eyes, high hopes, big dreams, and big ideas. The land was free and squatter's rights went a long way. The west was just right for folks looking to raise new families and set up new homesteads while trying to make a go of the land.

Some of it was good land, while some of it wouldn't grow peanuts, but folks were buying up dime novels and reading all about the big gold and silver rush on their way out West to Gordon Setter County. There were other nearby boomtowns but Pittsville was the most rapidly growing town for miles around. There wasn't any law there 'bouts to speak of, so many folks paired up in order to protect what was theirs. Families like the Potts and the Logans, who came in covered wagons right around the same time, were looking to homestead in Pittsville and mine their share of Gold like everyone else. Folks who made out way better than some had started to build saloons, hotels, and 50¢/ eating diners, with some opening up $1.00/ baths. There was even a barber shop.

Why, it seemed like overnight there were new proprietors. Families that struck it rich in gold or silver started to build big beautiful ranches, all along the Pyrenees River. Folks were working the land, growing crops, raising cattle and fighting the outlaws just to keep what was theirs. Some folks worked their tails off just to make ends meet. As time went by, Pittsville had grown into a nice sizeable town. Since there was no law to speak of, they formed a town council, and they even had a town Doctor. Pittsville had become a wide open town. The prairie between Pittsville and neighboring towns was no place to be caught without a horse, buggy, and a good sized canteen of water.

Pittsville is located southeast of the great Blue Dane Mountains and southwest of the grand Mastiff Mountains along the Pyrenees River which ran throughout Gordon Setter County and right into the Cockapoo River. The view of the Blue Dane Mountains and the Mastiff Mountains from the town of Pittsville was breathtaking. You could see where the sky meets the tip tops of the tall pointed Redwoods, Dogwoods, and Maple trees. The landscaping all along the big Pyrenees River was magnificent with rows and rows of glorious evergreens, magnolias, and cedar trees. There were stunning lakes, running streams and creeks within each county. Some Ranch owners even had large bodies of water on their property. Pittsville had the most wonderful view of the sunset anyone has ever seen.

Marian and Charlie Potts had a little girl named Annie. She was a beautiful Toy Poodle with white wavy hair and a little black patch under her chin. Annie was an amazing little girl with many athletic qualities. Annie's acrobatic abilities and skills seemed to be effortless. They amazed everyone who knew her. Some thought Annie might go on to become part of the famous circus and travel all over the west showing off her many talents. Annie was sensitive, yet very brave. She was approachable, graceful, and had an elegant way of entering a room. Annie always seemed prepared. She was smart and obedient; one might consider her to be the perfect little angel.

Annie's Ma was Marian Potts. Marian was a gorgeous Miniature Poodle with curly black and white hair. In her youth, Marian was a former Miss Pittsville having won the title three years in a row. Marian knew what it took to be a showgirl; she was in the spot light constantly. She made sure Annie visited the groomers every four to five weeks, anything longer than that and little Annie's hair would be a mess. What Marian remembered most about her younger days was all the hard work, training and the long hours waiting to be groomed. It all paid off in the end, because Marian was as beautiful today as she was many years ago.

Marian loved to run in the early morning, she called it a nice wake me upper. Marian also realized all the wonderful amazing talents her littler girl had and she wanted Annie to be the adult that she had wanted to be. Marian didn't want Annie to have the kind of life that she had, not that it was a bad life, because it wasn't, it was just a demanding one. Marian owned the only dressmaker shop in the town of Pittsville. She made dresses, tops, and pants for some of the richest ladies in town.

They were showgirls like the Afghan hounds with their long pointed faces and their long beautiful white-golden hair and tall statuesque figures. The Standard Poodle was another show girl and a former contestant that had competed against Marian and lost. Some had thick curly and coarse hair while others wore short stylish hair. They are often obedient and smart with adventurous spirits, indeed, born to be performers; light on their paws, with springy gaits, they made jumping seem effortless. It's no wonder they had won so many titles.

The English Cocker Spaniels were also clients, and one had been a contestant who competed against Marian for the title of Miss Pittsville and lost. The social ones have short legs that help them move quickly, and reddish hair, while others sported tan, wavy and/or flat, silky hair. However, all these beautiful ladies had one thing in common, their taste for new, quality clothing, which is why they shopped at Marian's Dress Shop.

They came from miles around and since Marian sewed her own clothes, she always had something new and rich for the ladies to buy. Over the years as Annie grew up she began to show an interest in her Ma's business. One day Annie asked, "Ma, today's Saturday, may I come to work with you?"

This was a wonderful surprise for Marian because up until now Annie showed no interest in her Ma's dressmaking business. Instead, she seemed to enjoy playing dolls and baking with her best friend Sophia.

Marian replied. "Of course darling and I believe today is payday, too!"

Annie was happy to hear this news. The first thing on Annie's mind was a bag of treats.

She said, "But Ma how can today be payday? This will be my first day."

Marian sincerely replied to Annie, "Oh honey, didn't I tell you? We pay a whole dollar in advance."

An excited little Annie could hardly contain herself. She said, "Oh boy, Ma! A whole dollar! Thank you Ma! I believe I'm going to like working with you in the dress shop!" Annie's reply warmed Marian's heart.

"Nothing would make me happier darling than having you working beside me. You'll learn so much. One day when you grow up and marry, you might be making clothes for your little ones too," Marian told her little girl.

"I love you, Ma," Annie said.

"I love you more," Marian said as she reached down to give Annie a big bear hug.

Annie's Pa was Charlie Potts, a purebred Standard Poodle with shiny black hair. Charlie was known for his many talents, but there was nothing Charlie Potts was known for more than panning for gold. Charlie Potts found gold every where he sniffed.

He was big, strong and muscular too, which came in handy when it came time for digging. Everyone in Pittsville knew Charlie Potts had diggings all across the prairie, but only Charlie knew where.

One day Marian said, "Charlie honey, haven't you sniffed out enough gold? Look at your nose! It's all dried up." This made Marian a bit concerned.

Charlie cheered Marian up and remarked, "Marian, my nose is fine and when I'm done sniffing around, that there prairie won't have a gold nugget left to be found."

Marian said, "Oh Charlie," and laughed so loud it made her stomach hurt.

Charlie loved his little girl more than anything in the world and the older Annie got the prettier she became. Annie had the boys knocking down the door asking her Pa if they could call on Annie. Charlie knew most of those "no goods" as he referred to those who came a-calling and wasn't about to allow Annie to throw her life away on any of them. But there was one young man Mr. Potts liked. Annie did too.

His name was Roy Logan; he was a gentleman's gentleman with good manners, and lots of respect. He would always say, "Good evening," to Marian and Charlie and he always called them "sir and "ma'am." Roy would often sit and talk with Charlie because like most girls, Annie wasn't usually ready on time.

Yes, Charlie knew Roy came from a good pair of genes. Roy was pure bred cocker spaniel just like his Ma and Pa. He had medium length, silky tan and cream hair. He was soft-spoken and cheerful most of the time and loved long evening walks, especially with Annie. Roy was one of the most popular young men in all of Pittsville.

While Roy waited for Annie, he would tell Charlie all about the marshal business and how he wanted to be just like his Pa, proud and a good provider. Roy loved everything about his Pa except one thing, his badge.

Charlie said to Roy one evening, "Son, even though you have no interest in being a Lawman like your Pa, don't be in such a hurry to grow up. Take your time growing up because time flies by when you get to be our age."

Roy answered Charlie simply by saying, "Yes sir, I hear you Mr. Potts."

Roy's Pa was Russell Logan, but family and friends called him Russ. To the town, he'd become Marshal Logan of Pittsville. Having quick paws, he was just right for the job. He struck it rich with his best friend Charlie Potts when Pittsville was a boomtown. Russ had a nice big ranch and plenty of cowhands so he had time to keep the peace in Pittsville. He had tan wavy hair, a nice muscular build, and good strong legs, which he needed when it came to running down outlaws. Russ was an easygoing kind of guy, cheerful most of the time, and it took a lot to get Marshal Logan's dander up.

Roy's Ma was Sarah Logan, who owned the only ladies hat shop in Pittsville. It was called Sarah's Bonnets! Sarah was also a former Miss Pittsville contestant, having won the crown once. Sarah only entered the contest to make her Ma happy. Once was enough for Sarah. She realized early on how demanding a life it was and she wanted no part of it.

Sarah had silky cream wavy hair and a gorgeous petite figure. One of many things Russ loved about Sarah was the way she waggled her tail when she was on the move. Sarah and Russ flatter one another all the time. She loved his wavy hair just as much as he loved her wiggle. Russ knew how much Sarah loved his curly, wavy hair, so he made sure he and Roy visited the barber monthly for hair cuts and paws trimmed.

Marshal Logan had quick paws, so he could not allow his paws to go untrimmed because it would slow down his draw. Roy wasn't much interested in being a lawman, but having quick paws was the way of the West. Russ told Roy a long time ago, "Son, the quicker your draw the longer you live, its just the way things are right now. One day folks will be walking down the streets in bigger cities and small towns, with nothing around their waist."

Folks in Pittsville thought a lot of Marshal Logan. Most of them thought he was one of the smartest lawmen to have ever worn the badge. More than anything, Marshal Logan loved his family and he did whatever it took to keep them safe, as well as the town of Pittsville.

The Logan's ranch was a beautiful place and Russ had it built from the ground up just for Sarah, as Charlie did for Marian, and as Roy would do for Annie. It was just down the road from the Bar G, Charlie's ranch, (G) for Gold. Russ Logan was a soft spoken man; he was neat, organized and a true provider. He liked things peaceful at home, as well as in town.

Sarah would often say to Russ, "Russ your bark is worse than your bite."

Russ's reply would often be, "Sarah I think you're right."

Roy took after his Pa and rightly so; he was soft spoken, neat and well received by everyone in Pittsville. Russ would tell his young son that respect isn't something that's given; it's something that is earned. "Always remember that."

Russ and Sarah wanted the best for Roy; they raised him well. Roy knew all about farming, cattle, and everything there was to know about running a big ranch. Roy was schooled from home. Like his Pa, Roy loved learning new things, but they differed in other ways. Unlike his Pa, who favored hunting, Roy favored reading. In fact, he loved reading dime novels. They told fairly true stories of the different Lawmen throughout the Wild West. Books like the one about Marshal Lance Colby.

Now he was one tough cookie. He kept the peace in Cockapoo, one of the roughest little towns south of the Mastiff Mountains. Then there were the Russell brothers. Jack I and Jack II, were the first two Wardens at the Legendary Canine Territorial Prison. Jack III and Jack IV were the present ones. Those Russell boys were the real deal.

The prison was given the name Legendary because it was the final resting place to some of the most famous, notorious outlaws, like Jess Terrier, Frank Terrier and that heartless, disreputable, Al-Capone Hound from the hound family. They were all hanged and buried there, just to name a few.

It was located southeast of Pittsville, smack dead center in the hills of the great Mastiff Mountains, overlooking the Pyrenees River. There was only one long dusty road leading up to the big cast iron gate. The prison was almost escape proof.

The one-man-cell prison was three stories tall, shaped like a square with five outlook towers and all windows facing the courtyard. Each prisoner had a spectacular view of the fifteen steps leading to Hang-Man Noose gallows, with a platform and trap door leading to an eight-foot drop. Each prison cell, six feet by eight feet, was made of brick with an iron door containing a four by five peep hole. Each prisoner was allowed one wash bucket, wash towels, and a bar of soap, along with three meals a day.

Unfortunately, one thing about the dime novels that Roy didn't care for was the fact that they printed true stories that painted a picture of outlaws who wanted to rule the Wild West, and some did for awhile. The dime novels often told stories of the Nate Bengal, Havana Brown, and the Kitty Kat Gangs, three of the oldest established gangs in the West. They were hard to bring down and they are still giving the Middleton detectives a nightmare. Other old established gangs were the Red Basset and the Bloodhound gangs. There were many of them.

The dime novel Roy treasured most was about his Pa; it was one of the most popular ones they ever printed. It told the real, true story of Pittsville Marshal Logan who really gave the fast draw the new name - "quick paws." Yes sir, Pittsville was a right peaceful town, until that cold rainy night, revengeful Asa Morgan came trotting into town.

CHAPTER 2

A Pellet for Marshal Logan

Marshal Logan from time to time had trouble with outlaws trying to make a run on Pittsville. But Logan had one of the fastest, most intimidating draws any outlaw had ever seen. He could pull that big long forty-five and have it in your face before most pistol toting cowboys had their paws drawn. Most outlaws were afraid to take the big Marshal on, so many of them stayed clear of Pittsville. Marshal Logan kept a peaceful town.

Sarah Ann Morgan was the school marm, a mighty friendly soul from the English Spaniel family. She was very soft spoken, medium height, nicely figured with light brown wavy hair. She lived on a farm a few miles from town. Sarah Ann walked to school often, stopping to smell and taste the honeysuckles along the dusty road.

Sarah Ann had a little girl named Sophia, whose best friend was Annie Potts. Sadly but true, Sophia wasn't Sarah Ann's natural child. Sophia was an orphan. One day Sarah Ann noticed Sophia walking down Front Street. The clothes she had on were like rags, tattered and dirty. She took her in and raised her as her own. Sarah also had a little boy, his name was Gus Morgan.

Sarah Ann Morgan was also the wife of the famous farmer turned outlaw, Asa Morgan. Asa wasn't an outlaw when they married; he was a farmer who raised pigs, chickens, and cows. From time to time Asa would go on little ventures of cattle rustling with outlaws from the Red Basset gang. They were always recruiting new men from all over the territory.

One day Asa Morgan left on a venture with the Basset gang and never returned. Sarah Ann planned to leave Asa anyway because she didn't want to be the wife of a cattle rustler, so this was welcome news to her ears. Little Sophia was coming along just fine but Gus was turning out to be like his Pa, he just kept getting meaner as the years rolled by.

Asa Morgan became one of the most wanted men in the county, holding up trains, banks, and stage coaches. Asa only shot one man in his entire career. It was a guard riding point on a stage coach carrying a strong box with over Ten Thousand Dollars. He even robbed the passengers of their valuables. He had become a greedy man.

The day he held up the stage from Yorkie City, Asa rode out of a green pack of tall trees, pistols drawn and firing into the air, with a red and white bandana over his face. As the stagecoach came over the hill, the guard took a shot at ole Asa and missed.

Asa fired back and didn't. The guard fell off the stage-coach on to the dusty road with fudge all over him. Asa usually carried a thirty-eight with .10 fudge pellets, not as deadly as the forty-eight, which held a .15 fudge pellet and are only used by lawmen and Government detectives, like the Middletons, but thirty-eight can still cause considerable body damage and broken paws.

(Continues...)

---

Excerpted from The Adventures of Buff, Gray & Chocolate by Lionel James. Copyright © 2014 Lionel James. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

---

Table of Contents

Contents

Chapter One: Pittsville Welcomes You, 1,
Chapter Two: A Pellet for Marshal Logan, 14,
Chapter Three: Roy Meets Chad, 31,
Chapter Four: Wedding Day, 45,
Chapter Five: A Morgan Done It, 64,
Chapter Six: A Pellet for My Brother, 73,
Chapter Seven: Going Home, 81,
Chapter Eight: Marked from Birth, 88,
Chapter Nine: The Family Secret, 104,
Chapter Ten: Three Roses for Annie, 117,
Chapter Eleven: Next Stop Poodleville, 131,
Chapter Twelve: Cockapoo City Limits, 144,
Chapter Thirteen: Marshal Colby Gets It, 158,
Chapter Fourteen: Fast Ride to Cockapoo, 173,
Chapter Fifteen: Who Shot Marshal Colby?, 182,
Chapter Sixteen: Bringing Down the House, 197,