lla who's had him all that kinda experience an'
a saddlebag full of surprises in his time gits so he can smell a storm
comin' 'fore th' first cloud shows. If we had the sense we shoulda been
born with, we'd ride hell-to-thunder outta here now!"

"Anse"--Drew wriggled up on one elbow--"you do that. I ain't going to pull
you into anything--"

"So," the Texan said, nodding, "you've been swallowin' down a whim-wham or
two your ownself?"

"Yes, but every one of them could be only a shadow to scare a jackrabbit."

"Only you plan to go out an' spit in th' shadow's eye?"

"Guess so."

"Then there'll be two of us. Providin' Rennie can use him 'nother hand.
You know, this might be interestin'. 'Member what they used to say in the
army? Don't go borrowin' trouble nor try to cross a river till you git th'
water lappin' at your boots."

9

"Times is gittin' better." Crow Fenner rode with one knee cocked up over
the horn of his saddle, allowing Tar to drop into a pace at which he
seemed to be actually sleep-walking. The wagon train was traveling slow,
the wagons riding heavy in the ruts with their burden of northern goods
heading south. But they were strung in good order and Drew, having seen
the screen of outriders and Pima Scouts, thought that though they offered
temptation, they were not to be easily taken by anything less than a small
troop, very well armed and reckless.

"Yes, siree, this here's th' second time we made th' trip through without
havin' to burn up a sight of gunpowder! Guess them army boys millin'
around back an' forth across th' territory do some good, after all. Pretty
soon there won't be no need for wearin' guns loose an' tryin' to grow eyes
in th' back of yore skull!" But Fenner's own rifle still rode on guard
across his knees, and Drew noted that the scout never broke a searching
survey of the countryside.

"Gittin' downright civilized, eh?" Anse brought his mount up equal with
the other two.

Fenner spat. "Now that thar I ain't cottonin' to none. Ride 'long without
some Injun or _bandido_ poppin' lead at m'back. Yep, that's what a man kin
enjoy. But I ain't takin' to have maybe one o' them thar engine trains
snortin' out dirty smoke an' sparks hereabouts. Took me a ride on one of
them things onct--never agin! Why a man wants to git hisself all stuck up
with cinders an' cover territory faster than th' Good Lord ever intended
him to travel--that's some stupid thinkin' I can't take to. A g