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While rubbing his chin, Roy's unshaven face bristled on a callous pal over a stiff, dry brush Lean andin a arden Occasional hunting trips and infrequent visits to town allowed Roy a rare opportunity to interact with other folks from the area, but Roy was a quiet, circu his conversations to as feords as possible

When Sally and Molly started up their chorus again, Roy sloept his eyes across the landscape Against a distant hill in the east, Roy spotted a s object, Roy sought to determine the nature of his visitor as friend or foe One could never be too cautious The front door to his cabin was open and Roy could see the Winchester rifle resting on steel pegs, just above the fireplace If need be, he could swiftly grab the rifle and ready it for protection

As the visitor neared, Roy easily identified the individual as the local sheriff Tension drained away and Roy's body relaxed The horse-drawn cart drew near, as the sheriff casually waved

"Howdy Roy"

Roy re the sheriff dismount and tie the reins to the fenced corral While the horse lapped at the water, the athered closer Sheriff Owens re up to the porch He replaced his hat toward the back of his head and squinted up at Roy

"How's it going, Roy?"

Roy grunted

"That good, huh?"

Roy shrugged and dispassionately asked, "You thirsty?"

The sheriff sue feels dry as a soda cracker That'd be much appreciated"

Roy held out the freshly filled canteen

Walking up the wooden steps, the sheriff took the water container and plopped hi, the sheriff wiped his face on the back of his sleeve and handed the canteen back

"Thanks"

The twoin the air

"You still looking for a horse, or are those two h for you?"

"Yup"

The sheriff shifted in the chair and leaned forward "Well, I was talking with To new shoes for my horse He mentioned that the Johansson's have a filly for sale"

Roy narrowed his eyes as if to say he didn't follow the sheriff

"You know the Johansson faht the Riddle homestead a few years back"