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Speed was iround She stumbled over a hard clod and would have fallen if a pair of hands hadn’t steadied her

“Careful” The quiet-voiced warning was y white handkerchief tied across the lower half of her rescuer’s face But Dallas would have recognized Quint’s voice and those gray eyes anywhere

“Thanks,” she murmured, not at all surprised to find Quint at her side

Several tili in to help where the flaain

“Are you all right?” A supporting hand remained on her

Dallas tried to nod in answer and started coughing instead His grip shifted to her waist “Let’s get you out of here,” Quint said and proceeded to half carry and half guide her clear of the thick s kerchief “Can you breathe okay now?” he asked, tipping his head toward her

She sh and nodded “I’m fine”

The lines around his eyes crinkled in a slance immediately darted back to the fire line “I think the worst is over We’ve alot it under control”

The words were barely out of his h or asp of alarm at the size and suddenness of them

“The hay bale Empty put out for the cattle,” Quint said in explanation “I figured it would be going up any second noas right”

Reassured by his lack of concern, Dallas felt her pulse settle back into its noraze away fro it back to Quint His face was in profile, the ridges and hollows of his lean features lit by the brilliant glow of the distant flames

There was no weariness or worry in his expression The iave was one of alertness and determination But Dallas recalled it had been that way fro haste but never panic or indecision

“E with the tractor anyhis attention back to her “When he does, have him take you back to the ranch house” Before Dallas could insist again that she was fine, Quint added, “Make sure he goes with you He looked like he was about to collapse when I last saw him But you know Empty He’s too proud to admit that”

“But even if he takes randfather had Dallas searching for an excuse he ht believe

Quint was quick to provide one “He can help you throw together sohters It’ll be his job to bring them back here as soon as they’re all made and packed up But take your ti as you can”