THE BRONC PEELER 23

a week later bill was siting on the porch of jims house. his leg was still swollen and he could just barely hobble about the yard. jim had been doing the chores and kate was waitting on him hand and foot. they had stayed at the rodeo and watched the rest of the bronc rides. a young man from across the state line had won the ride on the blue outlaw. when the blind fold had been raised on the blue horse he had promptly flipped over back wards. the rider had barely missed being crushed with the saddle horn. kate looked at bill with a I TOLD YOU SO LOOK. bill didnt respond jim shook his head. " that plug needs a trip to the glue works." " no doudt about it jim , if he dont kill someone with that stunt he will break his neck sooner than later." bill murmmered. the next day kate rode bills horse and followed the buck board back to the ranch. bill was stretched out in the back on a pallette of blankets. jim drove the team whistling a tune as they went. kate would boil a cloth in turpintine and then wrap the swollen knee in it. the first time bill had jumped and bucked and bawled at the heat. but as time went on and he realized the swelling and soreness was slowly going away he would simply grit his teeth and maybe moan a little. when not doctoring on bill kate was rideing every day checking cattle. a few more calves were being born.she told bill that he needed to get well so they could start range branding. bill was leaning on the barn wall watching kate saddle horse one morning. he asked " do you want a church wedding, or a simple affair with just a few friends?" kates head snapped around and looked at him. " just like that? no proposal? just what kind of wedding i want? i might not want one with a hired man with no social graces." bill ducked his head but didnt answer. kate mounted her horse and totted out of the yard. jim came from the back of the barn. " when she gets back you better take your hat in hand and beg a little forgiveness. " bill looked up at jim" i never been married before, not close, so i guess its plain ignorance on my part. you better clue me in." " ill give you a start, but your looking at a life time of a womans temperment. its a learn as you go affair. but the good times far out weigh the bad believe me."jim put his arm around bills shoulder as they walked back to the house.