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“You have the advantage, sir,” she murmured

“My name’s Giles My friends call me Bull,” he introduced himself “I’m bossin’ a herd a few miles back down the trail”

“I’m pleased toabout one herd following theh there wereMr Boston’s cattle?”

“That’s right enough,“You not only sit a horse pretty, but you got a bright mind, too”

No one—not even Benteen—had coence and ability to think Ever since her norant and naïve But this man had just s for her self-esteem

“You’re very kind, Mr Giles” She was glowing

“How can aelse in the coallant flattery seenacious appearance Perhaps that’s what ht

Cantering hooves signaled Benteen’s approach Thelook in her husband’s direction and shoved his hat back onto his head The smile went from his face as it took on that closed-in expression Lorna had noticed men hen they met each other When Benteen halted his horse, it was positioned between Lorna and the Ten Bar trail boss

“Giles” Benteen greeted the man with a nod of his head

“How’s the river?”

“A little soft on the other bank, but otherwise it’s in good shape” River water dripped from Benteen, and his horse was shiny ith it

&nb

sp; “When’re you figurin’ to cross?” the big man asked

“To”

“Don’t be all day at it,” Giles said “Else I’ll have to push you aside to take my cows across”