Larry and Stretch 7 by Marshall Grover

Author:Marshall Grover
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: piccadilly publishing, cowboys and gunfighters, a larry and stretch western, leonard f meares, marshall grover western writer, the american old west ebook, westerns written by leonard f meares
Publisher: Piccadilly Publishing

Chapter Six

Cash Sale

Punctually at ten o’clock next morning, an open wagon rumbled into Horton’s main street, and the locals viewed the driver with keen disfavor. Here and there, a few rowdies called jeering greetings. But, today, Annie Stogie was determined to keep her temper. She wore her Sunday best, a sober black gown that had seen better days. Her poke-bonnet was devoid of floral decoration, and she was resolutely sedate—at least outwardly so.

Towards the Blue Belle she guided her plodding team, never sparing a glance for the curious locals. Her new friends were on hand, standing on the boardwalk some fifteen yards from the saloon entrance. With the Texans, Annie saw and wondered about the regal beauty in the crisp summer gown. Who was that uncommonly good-looking girl?

She halted her team and eyed them expectantly. Larry came to the edge of the boardwalk and muttered a brief explanation.

“This here’s Miss Beth Baldwin, Annie. She offered to lend a hand.”

“Right neighborly of her,” Annie acknowledged. “But I still say they’ll never let me inside that fancy emporium.”

“That’s why Beth bought in,” Larry told her. “If Miss Cora turns leery, Beth is gonna lean on her—you know what I mean? Don’t you fret, Annie. Just leave everything to Beth.”

“Boost me,” Beth briskly ordered him.

He boosted her up to the seat. She perched beside Annie, patted her shoulder comfortingly.

“Drive on, Mrs. Stogie. First stop the Bon Ton—and you have nothing to worry about.”

Soon the wagon was stalled outside the Bon Ton. The Texans helped the women to the boardwalk. Beth furled her parasol, smiled encouragingly at the still-nervous Annie, winked at Larry and said:

“Shall we go in?”

“Let’s just do that,” grinned Stretch.

Beth sauntered gracefully into the store, escorted by Stretch. The stout Cora emerged from behind the counter and gaped incredulously as Larry moved in with Annie. Then, rallying quickly, she began a vehement protest.

“How dare you? This is an outrage ...!”

“Good morning, Cora,” smiled Beth.

“Miss Baldwin ...” Cora gestured helplessly, “I just don't understand ...!”

“My good friend Mrs. Stogie,” Beth calmly explained, “requires a new gown for tomorrow’s function. Something white, I think. White satin.”

“Really ...!” began Cora.

“Or would you prefer that we take our friend to some other establishment?” Beth’s eyes gleamed in challenge. “May I remind you, Cora, that competition is keen among the ladies’ salons of Horton?” She rapped on the counter with her parasol. “Well, Cora?”

“You expect me to—wait upon this ...?” blinked Cora.

“To wait upon this lady,” said Beth, “and with the same courtesy you would extend any other cash customer. Don’t be stubborn, Cora. Unless you’re reasonable about this, I’ll patronize some other emporium—permanently.”

“I do value your custom, Miss Baldwin,” Cora hastened to assure her. “But really ...”

“Then it’s settled,” smiled Beth. “And now, if you please, shall we make a selection?”

“Whatever you say, Miss Baldwin.” The bulky proprietress darted a glance at Annie, heaved a sigh of resignation and, at last, got down to business. “White satin would be appropriate, I believe ...”

“Gentlemen ...” Beth

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