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There was a studious attempt by the cowboys to take no notice of her return to the camp circle, but it didn’t make it any easier to rejoin the, and the dirty plates and cutlery were piled in the “wreck pan” to be washed Lorna noticed the tubful of dishes Without offering a word of explanation to Benteen, she on, where the cook was putting some beans to soak

“I ash the dishes for you,” she stated, and saw his head jerk, a refusal for in his expression, so she quickly continued with more poise than she felt “You ine anyto wash dishes So I’ll do them for you”

“Usually the wrangler or his helper does them,” the cook explained “But I reckon they won’t object to losin’ the job”

“Thank you, Mr Rusty” Lorna began rolling up her sleeves to tackle the tubful of dishes Benteen had indicated everyone regarded her as a spoiled child She intended to show the ht

Her new role as cook’s help was duly

noted by the cowboys as they caet their bedrolls stowed in the front Benteen noticed, too, but with mixed reaction He wanted her accepted by the men as his wife, but he didn’t want her to associate with the haul, it would invite trouble For the ti, he let it stand

After assigning ht herd duty, Benteen saddled his night horse for his own final check of the cattle He led it to the chuck wagon, where Lorna was busy scouring the tin plates Her glance was faintly defiant

“I’ out to the herd,” he said

She nodded, rinsed the plate in her hand, set it aside, and reached for another Benteen briefly lance, then looped the reins over his horse’s neck and swung into the saddle

The herd was bedded down not far frohorns would have picked for themselves With their thirst quenched and their bellies full, the cattle were lying down Despite the sta restive As Benteen walked the dun horse in a wide circle around the herd, he picked out the brindle steer in thea little off from the main bunch Willis and Garvey had pulled the first watch A rider approached,loosely over the saddle Benteen recognized Garvey’sa stanza of “The Old Chisholm Trail”

I’ht

And afore I sleep the ht

Come a ti yi yippy, yippy yay, yippy yay,

Come a ti yi yippy, yippy yay

No chaps and no slicker, and it’s pouring down rain,