THE SINGLE TREE 2

the man everyone called single tree was sitting in a arm chair on the side walk out side the trails end saloon. he was rubbing his knuckles where he had made contact with the store keepers jaw. he felt no regrets, only a wondered about his next job. angling across the street from the other side was a man and woman , arm in arm. that the woman was attractive was plain to see. both were dressed in the finest of wearing apparel. they stepped up on the board walk in front of single tree and started to walk by but stopped. the man tured to him. " are the man they call single tree?" " ive answered to that name a few times, how may i help you?" single tree sat up in his chair. " ime told you have no fear of driveing a team in rough country or the rough men who reside there. is that right?" the man asked. " that statement was about me driveing a rig in non existant roads as for the men i dont go around looking for trouble, but i take care of what ime entrusted with if thats what you mean. now where is this going?" single tree had slowley stood up while talking. when he stood up straight he was a good 4 inches taller than the man. the woman had taken a step back to the edge of the plank walk way. she was teetering there , about to fall back into the street. single tree reached out and gently took her arm and pulled her back on the walk way. " i didnt mean to scare you maam." he doffed his hat. the woman smiled and mumbled a thank you. the man hadnt backed up a bit" my sister here and i have a mineing claim south of ajo. we need some equipment delivered there and a load of the oar brought back. we have a crew down there opening up the mine.its a rough desert trip, are you available and up to the trip?" single tree stood there listening but he was looking at the sister." yes ime available, and if you provide a map i can be on my way as soon as the wagon is loaded. . who am i working for if you dont mind me asking?" " ime sorry, my name is hanford james and this is my sister clara. " the man spoke with a clipped accent. single tree removed his hat and bowed slightly at the waist. then stuck his hand out to hanford and shook hands." when do i leave?" " we leave in the morning. the wagon is being loaded as we speak. all you will need is your duffle with personal effects . we will supply everything else."hanford layed the terms out" ill pay you the top wage if its fair." " i get two dollers a day for handling the team, you wont need to pay me for protection. i know that country down that way, you shouldnt be takeing your sister down there. if the renagade apaches dont get you the mexican bandits will. i hope a good part of the load is ammunition. a lot of ammunition." single tree was still looking at the woman. " my sister is part owner in the enterprise. if she wishes to go its her choice," hanford had swollen up. " and my choice is to go. ime not a hot house flower mr. tree" the woman spoke for the first time. " we have made this trip once before and had no trouble. but the teamster we used was a drunkard. he was discharged on our return here." hanford was twisting a pair of gloves in his hands. " ok, wheres the wagon and team now?" single tree asked. " the wagon is being loaded at ronstadts general store , the team is stabled at the ok corral around the corner. will you be able to leave at first light tomorrow?"clara broke in. " ill be there with bells on." single tree smiled and bowed again. the couple marched on down the walk way. he stood there watching them. " ajo, takes in a big country." was all single tree said. he sat back down.