Where the Long Grass Blows (1976) by L'amour Louis

Author:L'amour, Louis [L'amour, Louis]
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2010-12-12T06:26:11.984000+00:00

Chapter XII

Canavan rode away, Mabry beside.

Mabry stole a glance at Canavan. "You sure turned the knife in him. What you want him to do? Start something?"

"He's a planner and a plotter, Mabry. He works out a careful plan, but he's got too much temper for it He'll get impatient, and maybe he'll do things he hadn't planned on. And if he does, he'll make mistakes."

He drew up and turned in the saddle to look back. Levitt was gone. "I wish I knew what he has on the Venables." He scowled. "You don't suppose she really likes him, do you?"

Mabry shrugged. "Sometimes I can guess what a steer will do, and I've even outguessed a wild bronc or two, but keep me away from women. I never could read the sign right, and every time I think I've got one figured, she crosses me up."

Despite the growing sense of trouble, the roundup was proceeding at a good pace. Yet it was like no roundup either Canavan or Mabry had experienced.

The men were tense, less inclined to joke as the days went on, and conversation was at a minimum. Several times Canavan saw Dixie, but she avoided him.

Tom Venable was there, sharing the work like any other cowhand, and proving himself to be not only ready and willing, but fairly knowing about cattle. It was obvious the hands liked him. He asked no favors but stepped up and did his share of the work and even a little more. From the first day, however, he had pitched right in and had worked hard, driving himself to keep up the pace set by the older, more knowledgeable hands.

He was a man to like, a man who could make a place for himself anywhere, so what was it with Levitt and him? Or her?

The days continued hot and dusty. Tempers grew short, but despite that fact there were no serious arguments or fights such as can occur on any roundup crewand on some outfits are almost the order of the day. It seemed as if nobody wished to give offense, as if everybody knew something was about to happen and must be guarded against.

The next day, the roundup moved to the vicinity of Soledad, and there Canavan got his break. He had been trying to find a chance to talk to Dixie, and suddenly he saw it. She had been talking to Levitt, and she turned away from him and rode into the cottonwoods that bordered the W ranch.

Canavan started after her and, looking around, saw himself watched by Dahl. His hard, lupine face set in grim, watchful lines was staring after him. Mabry was very much in the center of things, and working hard. Voyle had pulled out to saddle a fresh horse.

Dixie had gone but a few yards into the woods when he overtook her. For the first time, he noted how thin and pale of face she had become, and was shocked by the change.

"Dixie? Wait ... I must talk to you.

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