The thud of horses hoofs awoke Sterl before Larry
called into the tent:Two oclock, boys.
Sterl and Red had learned to like tea, but
theyconfined drinking it to two meals a day. Sterl saw all this, understood it only
vaguely. Hazelton,you spoke right from the shoulder. Letting her carryhis rifle, he
secured a long stout stick, and they set out. His familiarity with Leslie
isinsufferable. Silent acceptance of that statement attested to its significance. It
was well Sterl had an oilskin cover over his rifle as King went in, upto his neck.
He watered King, then rode down the creek into camp. In another yearLeslie would be
a beautiful woman, and irresistible. I wondered if youd ever catch up, said Sterl.
You promised not to sock me hard, an lookwhat you did!
Cowboy, youd gone to hell long ago but for
me.
All the cattle except Woolcottswere
unbranded.
I bent over him, too, and I could see thatRed was
not only hurt but glorying in it. Today has been a little too much for yourcowgirl.
But if youre as good as you look, well be pards. Sterl smothered an impulse to kick
the man with all his might.
Cowboy, youd gone to hell long ago but for
me.
In places the shining ribbon of streamwound through
verdure.
Leslieabout stripped to rags and lost say five
pounds. Yes, you can be with me all you want, promised Sterl, helpless in
thecurrent.
Easy to say, far as the girls air
concerned.
Andyou can be as sure that my opposition to
Ormiston is on your behalf.
A dark wave of color changed the paleness of her
face.