The Horse Thief by Tea Cooper

Author:Tea Cooper
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises Pty Ltd Australia

Twenty-Two

Jim opened the wooden gate and ran his fingers over the carved words—Helligen Stud. He led the two horses through and shut it firmly behind him. This was his final opportunity and he would make good his promise to his father. He would right past wrongs. Return Goodfellow to his lawful owners and move on. The old horse raised his head and breathed the air. Jim’s heart lifted. Helligen was in his blood and he suspected in Goodfellow’s, too. He kicked up his heels as if to urge Jefferson on and tell him fresh water and a biscuit of lucerne waited just around the corner.

‘Hey, Mr Cobb, sir. We’ve been wondering when you’d be back—’ Fred’s eyebrows disappeared into the shock of hair hanging over his forehead and he let out a low whistle. ‘Who’s that?’

‘Goodfellow. Jefferson’s sire. I told you—Jim. Cut the Cobb and the sir bit.’

‘Yes sir, Jim.’ Fred walked around the back of the two horses, an appraising grin on his face. ‘That’s what I call a horse. And he throws true. No doubt he’s Jefferson’s sire. The missus was right.’

Jim grunted. Now he’d arrived the wisdom of his idea rankled. Supposing Mrs Kilhampton became upset when she saw Goodfellow. Maybe the truth was more than she could bear. She might collapse into a decline. Then India would never forgive him. His stomach churned and he pulled the horses up sharp before he rounded the corner of the barn.

‘Let’s put them in the barn, Fred, not the stables. I don’t want them near the other animals yet. They’ll need a good feed. It’s been a long trip for the old boy.’

‘Doesn’t look as though he’s suffered much to me.’ Fred opened the wide double doors.

The light streamed in through the gabled windows illuminating the timber interior.

Jim glanced around and inhaled. ‘The barn’s looking good, Fred. Been keeping on top of things?’ He handed Goodfellow’s reins to the boy.

‘Thought you might promise me another ride.’ He threw a wink.

Cheeky bugger. ‘We’ll see. There might be a few people lining up before you.’

‘I’ll give them both a rub down. Peggy’s in the kitchen. Better go tell her you’re here otherwise you’ll miss out on your tucker.’

Jim’s feet dragged as he made his way across the courtyard. Without India the place had lost its sparkle, or perhaps his mood had something to do with it. The problem was when and how to tell Mrs Kilhampton that Goodfellow was back. With Fred and Peggy’s big mouths it wouldn’t stay a secret for long. He pushed the door to the kitchen wide, unsure of the reception he’d receive.

When Peggy turned around to see who dared cross into her territory her face broke into a welcoming smile. ‘You’re back. About time too. Mrs Kilhampton’s asking after you.’

Jim pulled off his hat and scratched at the road dirt on his face. ‘I thought I’d get a mouthful when I got back here.’

‘You might have done except she’s been busy telling us what a wonderful man you are.

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