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Benteen acknowledged the remark with a short nod of his head The vaquero Ra at Benteen and Lorna After a htly with quiet dignity and respect Reaching inside his jacket, he took out the little wooden horse he had carved for Arthur and presented it to Lorna

“I found eet, señora,” he said “You would wish to keep eet, no?”

“Yes” She accepted the return of Arthur’s toy, gripping it tightly for a moment “Gracias, Ramon”

The vaquero bowed again and moved away Benteen’s

arhtened around her waist She stood a little taller, strengthened by his silent support Mary hugged her and cried Then Benteen’sher face She eesture of sympathy and turned to Benteen

“You can’t really o after them” She sounded impatient, but the veil concealed her expression “What will you prove? It won’t bring back your son, Benteen”

“No” Even though he agreed, it didn’t change his decision

“You are being foolish,” Elaine insisted “Send your men after them, if you must, but don’t risk your own life What if you are shot and killed? You should be thinking of your wife and your other son—of this ranch and ill happen to it if you die, instead of following this stupid code of a man’s honor and pride”

“You don’t lead rimly “And you don’t stand by while cattle are stolen and your son is killed and do nothing about it”

“Let soitation was apparent “It’s a matter for the law to handle”

“There isn’t any law out here You’re looking at the only justice there is ‘Just-us’”

“Lorna …” She turned to appeal to her

“Benteen’s right,” Lorna said with an unsteady voice “If he doesn’t stop them, ill? Maybe someday that won’t be true, but it is now”

With a quick turn, Lady Crawford moved stiffly away Bull Giles paused in front of Benteen His eyes were red-rier Bull worked his jaw for a silent ht words

“If you’d see clear to loan me a horse, Benteen,” he said, “I’d like to ride with you”