Sacketts 05 - Ride the River by L'Amour Louis

Author:L'Amour, Louis [L'Amour, Louis]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Louis L'Amour
Published: 2010-12-10T00:00:00+00:00

12

"Did I understand you to say, Miss Sackett, that you are leaving the steamer at Cincinnati?"

"That is my present plan, Mister ... is it Chantry?"

"Dorian Chantry, at your service. I believe you know my Uncle Finian?"

"I've had the pleasure, and indeed it was a pleasure. He is a very fine man, a remarkable man."

"And a stern one, very stern."

"With reason, perhaps?"

His glance was cool. "No doubt he feels it so." He resumed the former topic. "From Cincinnati you go home, I believe? Is not that very rough country?"

"Some might think it is."

"But there is a stage? Or can you take another steamer?"

"There is, I think, but right across country is quicker."

He was irritated. How foolish of her to come so far, unprotected and alone! Because of it he had to leave everything and come on this wild-goose chase, escorting a girl who did not seem in the least grateful. She was pert, almost impudent.

"I am astonished that your family would permit it. Suppose you met a bear? Or a man of evil intention?"

I made my eyes very wide. "I'd take him home for supper."

"What? You'd invite such a man to your home?"

"I meant the bear." I smiled innocently. "Could I do less?"

His expression showed his exasperation. "Uncle Finian said I was to see you safely home. He was quite worried about you. He said there were — "

"They are here."

Startled, he looked up. "Here?"

Before he could say more, I said, "It is very nice of your Uncle Finian to worry about me, but I shall be quite all right. I would not want you to go to so much trouble. There are bears where I am going, and quite a few men, but most of them are very nice."

"It is preposterous for you to travel alone." He glanced at the woman who sat beside me. "Don't you agree?"

"I should say I do! And across country? Dear me!"

"But there was no one else. My uncle was not well, and the trip must be made. Anyway, it is nearly over now. Soon I shall be home."

Irritated, he looked down at his plate. What must he think of me? Yet I could not keep from teasing him. He looked so exasperated, and so handsome.

"You must not worry, sir. I shall be all right, and there will be no need of an escort. I shall manage very nicely."

He was very cool. "I am not at all sure of that. From what I have heard, you have had your bag stolen from you already — "

"I have it back."

"And you disappeared from the stage for several days. I had no end of trouble finding you."

I gave him my prettiest smile. "But you did find me! I can't thank you enough! I don't know what I'd have done without you!"

He gave me a very cool, level glance. "Miss Sackett, my uncle insisted I see that you got home safely. I shall do my best to do just that."

I glanced at the third table. Timothy Oats was gone.

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