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“I can’t keep this food hot er, Benteen, or it will be ruined,” she finally interrupted him

He was so engrossed in the otten she was there Then her words sank in, and Benteen leaned back in his chair and coh his hair

“I’ve got it pretty well finished,” he said with a tired sigh, and began rolling it up

She began setting the table, while Benteen walked over to wash his hands in the basin “Why did you need to make the map?”

“For the future”

Whatever plan he had in mind, it was plain that he wasn’t ready to tell her Later that evening, Lorna took a look at the map he’d drawn Three areas were marked with a dotted line Sherectangle with their ranch, Barnie’s land, and Ely and Mary’s place

After breakfast the next , Lorna carried the pan of dishwater outside to throw it into the tall grass by the river She heard the horses co out of the trees a little ways downstream as she emptied the pan She paused to look when the trio of riders ap

peared

When Bull Giles noticed her, he hesitated, then swung his horse away froarding him as a friend despite the company he kept, and locked her hands around the circumference of the dishpan

“Good , Mrs Calder” He tipped his hat to her, but it seemed there was a wounded look to his eyes They lacked their usual boldness

“Good

“You’re looking well,” he said “I understand you have a son”

“Yes Webb Matthew Calder” She beamed with a natural pride and love

His gaze skiure, nearly back to its previous proportions “You don’t look like you have had a child,” he observed with a shade of his former candor

“Thank you” She nodded slightly at the compliment