Texas Trails 1 by Patrick E. Andrews

Author:Patrick E. Andrews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: colt 45, piccadilly publishing, winchester rifles, patrick e andrews, cowboys versus gunfighters, old west ranch wars, texas cattle drives, western and cowboy ebook
Publisher: Piccadilly Publishing

Thirteen

Chaw Stevens rode silently alongside his partner, Rawley Pierson, glancing at him from time to time. The older man thoughtfully chewed on the wad of tobacco in his jaw as he pondered the current situation in his mind.

They moved slowly along the top of Rattlesnake Arroyo, watching the cattle grazing in the large gully. Rawley couldn’t help but notice he was under some kind of scrutiny, but each time he tried to catch Chaw’s eye, the ex-Johnny Reb would quickly look away.

Finally tiring of the game, Rawley urged his horse next to Chaw’s. “What’s on your mind?”

“Huh?” Chaw replied with what he considered an expression of complete innocence on his whiskery, grizzled old face. “Now what makes you think I got something on my mind?”

“Don’t act so all-fired smart. You got a burr under your saddle,” Rawley said. “Let’s get it out and maybe you’ll feel better.”

“Well,” Chaw said slowly. “I was just wondering about something, that’s all.”

“Yeah?” Rawley remarked. “That ain’t hard to figger out. But what do you got flitting through your mind?”

“Well,” Chaw repeated slowly again. “I was just wondering about what’s gonna happen after the cattle drive up north to Kansas.”

“What about it?”

“Well—”

“If you say that one more time I’m gonna stop talking to you,” Rawley threatened.

“I was wondering if I’d be going down to Delbert’s place alone after the cattle drive,” Chaw said rapidly. “What I need to know is if you’re coming back here to the Diablos and the Circle H Bar.”

Rawley grinned, enjoying the chance to tease his old pal. “Why, Chaw. What makes you think I’d come back here to this particular range?”

“On account o’ when you went back to fix that corral yesterday, you was gone long enough to build a dozen new ones,” Chaw said. “Then you bring that ham and biscuits back with you. I might add that them was buttermilk biscuits.”

“So what?” Rawley asked.

“I figger Miss Nancy went outta her way on account o’ it was you that went back to work on the ranch,” Chaw said.

“That don’t mean nothing,” Rawley said, enjoying himself.

“And you had a real dumb look on your face too,” Chaw said accusingly. “Fact o’ the matter is, you look kinda dumb right now.”

“Maybe I’ve always looked kinda dumb.”

“I gotta admit you’re right about that!” Chaw spat a stream of tobacco juice. “But this time it’s a differ’nt kinda dumbness with a lotta stupid grinning. Now tell me straight out—have you and Miss Nancy come to a understanding?”

Rawley nodded. “I reckon I gotta tell you. Yeah. We’re intending for each other.”

Chaw nodded, then smiled and offered his hand. “I’m glad to finally see it happen. Best wishes for a good life from your old pard here.”

Rawley shook his hand. “Thanks, Chaw. I didn’t know if you’d approve or not.”

“Damnation, yes, I approve!” Chaw said. “Just ’cause I ain’t the marrying kind never meant I figgered it best for you. She’s a fine young woman—though I’d prefer a nice, broke-in widder myself if I was to hitch up with a gal—and I know you two is gonna do fine together.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.