THE GRAVE 9

the next morning shug was leaning against the wall at carries house when she came out on her way to work at the dress shop. she started at the sight of him there. he hadnt made a sound she had no idea he was there. " may i walk you to work?" he asked. carrie smiled at him " of coarse, ive missed seeing you every day. but those ruffians have been leaveing me alone." shug nodded" i know, i watch them , they see me but you dont." " will you come to supper tonite? you are a lot different cleaned up."she offered. " i dont want the town gossiping about you letting a indian in your home. but you were some one my father looked after, now that responsability has fallen to me." shug quietly answered. "i dont care who gossips, if the old biddys in town want to talk, let them ill let their dresses turn to rags to teach them a lesson." carrie laughed." you plan on comming to supper this evenning. you bought most of the food any way." when they reached the dress shop door shug stood aside while she unlocked the door. then tipped his hat" see you at 5" he said as he turned away. turning toward the opposite street the sherriff was standing there watching. shug strolled over to him."i dont know how long ill last at this job but i guess ill give it a try. ime no gun slinger tho." " i dont want a gun slinger. i want a man with some common sense who will go the extra mile if needed. i been watching you. your the man. lets go to the office and get you swore in. we can talk a little."the sherriff picked up his shot gun and started walking back to his office. shug followed along.