To Rocks disappointment, he found that Slagle was
not at home, and hecould do nothing but ride on.
Arms and neck, of exquisite contour, likewise were
of a dazzlingwhiteness. Shore I always was curious, but I never let on I was. I
didnt take to Hesbitt, mused Rock, as if making comparisons.
I dont know his real first name, His last is
Peeples.
Howre you ever gointo sell all that meat before it
spoils? They stood under an archway beside the fountain. Rock peeredinto his palm at
the note, then rushed off to find a light by which hecould read it. True, I like you
better than I used to, she said softly.
Not forgetting a mask, he asked for a plain black
one.
Rock, shake hands withHesbitt, one of our new
ranchers. I dare say hes very busy buyin supplies, replied
Hesbitt,nervously.
Naturally then he reached up to feel where he could
not see. True, she has been in half a dozen times, went on Winter. Theres an
undercurrent of feeling against them.
True, I like you better than I used to, she said
softly.
Dabb, she interrupted, flashing dark passionate
eyes at him. He had to puthis toes in crevices between the stones to climb up and
reach over thetop of the wall. Aw, too bad, Amy, replied Rock, deeply touched: You
never should havemarried Dabb.
Thanks fer talkin out, rejoined Preston, bending
deep, inscrutable eyesupon Rock. I dont know his real first name, His last is
Peeples. Dabb, I always had a hunch you werent a bad fellow, under your skin. Then,
leaning her head forward to his shoulder shegrew silent.
Father was in debt to John and I had to foot that
bill, True, shereturned bitterly.
The situationwould certainly become a delicate one
for Rock unless he betrayed Prestonat once. Something or other like that, murmured
Thiry.
Dear Trueman,I am in terrible fear, but I will come
to the dance, cost what it may. He is capable of stripping me before
thecrowd.
At breakfast Rock asked permission to leave that
day, and it was readilygiven.
Rock, removing his hat, made heran elaborate bow.
Rock, help yourself to a smoke and sit down. Rock, shake hands withHesbitt, one of
our new ranchers.
And Im not yet so set in my mindthat I cant learn
from any man.