Re: ...of course, of course
August 1865: Cole sticks around Marshfield enjoying the hospitality of the towns folk
September 1865: Cole leaves Marshfield and heads home to see his family. After what happened to the family Osterfeld, Cole thinks he'd best make sure his sister and parents are ok. Before Cole leaves, he gives Jeb and Owen his family's address.
October 1865: Cole discovers his sister has married and is a few months pregnant. Regretfully, his new brother-in-law had been killed by a stranger with a circular scar on his left cheek. OUt of concern, Cole decides to stick around until the birth of his nephew.
April 1866: Cole's sister gives birth to a little girl named Susan. Guess Cole was wrong, wasn't a boy after all.
July 1866: Feeling restless Cole leaves town
October 1866-October 1867: Cole finds odd jobs working Ranches and riding protection for stagecoaches. During that time, he discovered that coaxing a little more distance out of his rifle served him well.
Jan 1868: Cole sees that Bart is getting up there in years. The kids at the McPherson ranch have taken a shine to Bart, so Cole decides it would be best to leave him there.
May 1868: Cole ends up in South Arkansas. Finds 'hisself another pup. Names him Jack.
August 1868: Tired of whoring it up in saloons, Cole begins to court Jane Gally, a local innkeeper's daughter.
December 1868: After a terrible misunderstanding regarding, well, whores, Cole decides it might be best to leave town in a hurry. The timin' just wasn't right with Jane.
Spring 1869: Cole makes his way to Mississippi. He discovers the joys of riverboat gambling, and re-discovers, whoring. Must forget Jane!
Fall 1869: Cole is quickly reminded that gambling can be just as dangerous as the trail. Particularly, after a long lucky streak. Some fellers just don't take kindly to losing. Sheriff decides to "suggest" Cole leave town for a while 'fore someone gets shot, again.
April 1870: Cole, Buck and Jack finds themselves in San Antonio. He joins the No Buffalo outfit, driving Cattle north to Abilene. Nice place to lay low and make some money while things settle down in Mississippi. 'Sides, being on the trail is where Cole feels most at home.
Fall 1871: Figuring his old friends might appreciate some opportunities in Texas, Cole sends a letter addressed to the Osterfeld Homestead addressed to both Chance and Jeb.