He had Sterl marked but could not see
him.
My son, I very much fear Leslie is in love with
you. And in the next day or so the cattle on that side were to be swum across. But
for her Id shore havebored him before he got in thet first shot. The bullet had
lodged just under the skin on the far side.
Dann, ventured Larry, with hesitation, the creeks,
waterholes,springs will be full for months. But Eric has importuned me and I have
decided. Sterl would haveprefered to be with Red, for more than one
reason.
Ill never forgive myself for believing she ran off
with him! Harder than the hinges on the gates of hell. The suddenopening of a healed
wound flayed him. Butbad as they came, I never seen one as low down as you! The
trunk was notbroad enough wholly to protect his body.
If she had faintedwhen Friday speared Ormiston, it
would not have been so bad for her. Never mindguard duty while Krehl needs
attention. But I think yourewise not to attempt mustering the cattle that stampeded
by us up there.
Quick as thought he leaped out of the
wagon.
That was well, replied Dann, as Larry
hesitated.
In the gloom he saw Red lying exactly as he had
seen him hours ago.
With a tense wait like this, it was almost
impossible not to think.
It was almost dark and the rain still fell
steadily.
When one night the stars came out, Dann said, That
rainbow today isGods promise. But Ill send Larry and four men up there tomorrow,
tofetch back the other two wagons.
Then youll keep to this Gulf road, if we find it?
Rol and I didnt know it though, till right at the last, he ran out,yelled at
Anderson and Henley. He caught himself listening for Redsbreathing.
The rain had let up to a fine mist when the posse
climbed another rockyedge.