Lonely Dove
thought the visit might provide a little amusement. It had been in short supply lately. The only thing there had been to laugh at was Allen O’Brien getting pitched into a pile of prickly pears by a bronc. When he emerged he even had thorns in his beard. But that was a normal hazard, the horses being unreliable and the prickly pear abundant. A woman in pants was far more unusual. Jake rode right up to the cook fire, though Augustus could tell from his manner that he was nervous. “Howdy, boys,” he said. “Mind if we make a meal?” “Course not, you’re as welcome around here as money, Jake,” Augustus said. “You and Lorie too.” Call watched the proceedings silently, unable to decide who he was mor