THE BORDER SEARCH 5

after the stock were tended to andy had started a meal in a dutch oven, del was walking a circle around camp looking for any indications of activity. maxine hadnt said a word. she seemed pouted . she sat on stool that andy had in his wagon. she hadnt said a word since they had stopped and camped. del came back into camp and remarked about the aroma of the stew andy had simmering. but maxine sat on her stool glowering at the two men. del walked over to her" whats the problem lady?" " we were supposed to be in ruby tonite. why are we stopping here?"her attitude was terse to say the least. "andys team was done in. we are a couple miles out i think. the trail is rough, we will do better tomorrow with a fresh start and being able to see the trail in the day light. does that answer your concerns?" del was starting to get angry. maxine saw it but wasnt wise enough to keep her mouth shut. "you said when i hired you two days, i expect to......"she didnt get to finish. " you can expect all you want max, but things happen to change your plans. now we picked up a good traveling companion and he s a good cook to boot. a extra 12 hours wont make any difference. we will be there in the morning if the mexicans didnt raid the town already. keep that in mind. but if its so important to get there to night, theres your horse, theres the trail, and if those bandits are up ahead a pretty piece of fluff like you would furnish them a little entertainment. do as you wish. but andy will have supper in justa bit.i suggest you eat and relax. " del turne and walked away, his back stiff , his face red. andy looked up at him as he walked up to the fire" kinda rough wernt you?" he quietly said. " maybe, but i dont like being lied to, shes done that and then throw a fit about us camping early when it was plain the reason. something in ruby stinks i just havent figgures it out yet."del poured a cup of coffee as he spoke. after while maxine stood up and walked to the fire. she picked up a cup and held it out for andy to fill. " ime sorry if i was rude, its just that ime worried about harry and his well being." she said in a apologetic tone. " put it behind us, have some stew and get some rest. ill stand watch until midnight or so."del answered in a flat tone of voice. "come get me when your ready to sleep ill watch a while" andy volunteered. del nodded as he filled maxines plate from the dutch oven, then one for andy and then one for himself. tomorrow would tell the tale about brother harry.