The Measure of a Man by Carol Cox

Author:Carol Cox
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2014-08-09T16:00:00+00:00

eleven

Adam’s thoughts whirled on his way back. “Has the whole world gone crazy?” he muttered to himself. Willie, whom he had always looked on as a younger brother, was sure acting like it, with his cocky new attitude and his admiration for Tom.

Lizzie, too, had been acting like a madwoman when he pulled her off her brother earlier. He shook his head ruefully, remembering how he had hesitated to take hold of her, not knowing if she would turn on him next. Yes, Lizzie was definitely acting unbalanced, and the cause for that, too, was tied to Tom Mallory.

And what about himself? Adam snorted derisively. He was definitely crazy. Crazy to get involved in Willie’s and Lizzie’s brawl, crazy to try to straighten out a kid who obviously didn’t want straightening out, and crazy—definitely, absolutely, certifiably crazy—to have fallen in love with a woman who was smitten with someone else.

Lord, what’s going on? Things have always been so peaceful and straightforward around here, but lately it seems like everything’s turned upside down. Show me the way so I can know what You want me to do.

Topping a low hill, he spotted Tom Mallory, who was back from the south range and riding in to headquarters. Adam spurred his horse into a lope and set his course to intercept Tom’s.

Tom seemed surprised to see Adam bearing down on him, and pulled his horse to a stop. He tilted his hat further back on his head and met Adam with an inquiring grin.

Adam reined in beside Tom and spoke abruptly. “You’ve been teaching Willie to fast draw.”

Tom’s grin widened and he leaned back lazily in his saddle. “The boy wanted to learn,” he said. “No harm in it.”

“Don’t you think you should have checked with his father first?”

Tom chuckled. “He’s almost a man. When I was his age, I’d been taking care of myself for years. He’s got to grow up sometime, and if his daddy won’t let him, he’ll find a way to do it on his own.” He tipped his hat mockingly and rode away.

Adam watched him through slitted eyes. This was beyond anything he could handle alone. He needed help, and he needed it now.

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