The Rare Breed

1884. Cultured Martha Evans, just widowed en route, and her young adult daughter Hilary, have just arrived at the Stockmen's Exhibition in St. Louis. Their purpose is to introduce Hereford cattle into the US, they having brought a number of head from their native England for sale. One in particular, a bull named Vindicator, who Hilary raised herself, is to be sold for the express purpose of breeding with American cattle, such as the Longhorn, something so far untested. Many of the potential buyers and onlookers at the exhibition have no interest in the unusual - to them - cattle, while some have interest having nothing to do with the cattle themselves. Regardless, meat packer Charles Ellsworth purchases Vindicator on behalf on his business partner, grizzled Scotsman Alexander Bowen, a Texas rancher. Ellsworth hires cowboy Sam "Bulldog" Burnett to transport Vindicator to Texas to Bowen's "fort". Due to trusting no one to do what they say, Martha and Hilary, instead of traveling immediately back to England as was their plan, instead decide to accompany Sam to Texas to ensure that Vindicator is used for the reason they sold him. They have every right to be concerned as everyone involved has his own individual agenda. If Sam, Martha, Hilary and Vindicator are able to make it to Bowen's, their individual perspectives may change with changing circumstances.—Huggo