The Cook

Moving a herd from South Texas on up to Abilene
The men were growing weary, nasty, and mean.

For two weeks back the cook did quit, over money lost playing cards,
And the task of fix'n grub fell on the youngest of the pards.

He did the best he could using flour, beef and beans
But after two weeks the men said until we get a new cook
Right here is where we stay.

The trail boss said "I give up," if a new cook is what you need
I'll send Smitty to the town we passed and get one soon you'll see.

For three long days and two long nights we waited for the cook to arrive
Living on jerked beef and hardtack glad to be alive.

When Smitty showed up, he had a big surprise
For with him was a beautiful woman

With long blond hair and deep blue eyes.

The boss was fight'n mad cussing Smitty up and down
Saying, I sent you to town to get a cook not chase women and fool around.

But boss you just don't understand, or need to get so mad
I looked all over town there was not a cook to be had.

But as luck would have it, or maybe it was fate

This lady's café burned to the ground
Leaving her broke, homeless, and no way out of town.

Knowing a cook is what I needed she said she'd do the job
If we would take her up to Abilene, and put her on a train to Dodge.

The boss shook his head and said on a cattle drive a woman should not be
With only cattle, horses and tough dirty men to keep her company.

Just then the woman spoke up, my name is Sarah Johnson
I can take care of myself, and cook your meals just fine
You keep your part of this deal I can keep mine.