The Jensen Dynasty by William W. Johnstone

Author:William W. Johnstone
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pinnacle Books
Published: 2023-12-27T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

Smoke had been riding for more than six hours. Behind him, the darker color of hoof-churned earth stood out against the lighter, sunbaked ground. Before him, the desert stretched out in motionless waves, one right after another. As each wave was crested, another was exposed, and beyond that another still.

The only sounds were the jangle of the horse’s bit and harness, the squeaking leather as he shifted his weight upon the saddle, and the dull thud of hoofbeats.

He had filled the canteen before he left Rattlesnake Canyon, but that was more than forty miles ago and he had come across no other water since then.

His tongue was swollen with thirst and the canteen was already down by a third, but he was allowing himself no more than one swallow of water per hour. He was also rationing the water for Seven by taking two mouthfuls, then spitting the water into his hat and holding the hat up for Seven to drink.

“I’m sorry, boy. This is all we have,” he apologized, feeling sorry for the horse. “I tell you what. I won’t be riding you anymore. We’ll both walk the rest of the way,” he promised.

Smoke had no idea how much farther he would have to go, but he was determined not to burden Seven any longer.

Just before dark, a scattering of adobe buildings rose from the desert floor, wavering in the shimmering heat waves. The buildings so matched the desert in color and texture that Smoke wasn’t even sure the town was there. Gathering what strength he had remaining, he started toward it. He had no other choice. If it was real, he and Seven would live. If it was a mirage, they would probably die.

It took at least another hour to reach the town, but within thirty minutes he knew that the town was real. “It’s real, Seven!” Smoke exclaimed, his voice hoarse from thirst. “It’s a real town! A real town with water!”

At the edge of town he stopped to catch his breath and read the sign.

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