A FRESH START 19

on the way back to the ranch bill kept mulling over what braxton had told him. why wouldnt these people let him be?the bank had his saloon, it was worth more than what he had won from black bob. but maybe his forceably withdrawing from them had been more than they could stand. he admitted to him self it wasnt the smartest thing he had done but the money was his not the banks. as he rode along he caught himself not paying attention to the surroundings. he shook his head and let his horse march on toward the home corral all he wanted was a peaceful life, a good home and liveing, why wouldnt they leave him alone? as he neared the barn his horse threw his head up and snorted. it woke bill up, he instantly became aware of what was going on. a give out and sweated sorrel horse was tied in front of his barn. bill slowley pulled the rifle from under his right leg. he stopped back away from the barn and sat therethe rifle pointing toward the barn door. from out of the barn limped the young man from pinery canyon he waved a sloppy wave at bill" howdy neighbor. you dont need the rifle not yet any way." bill lowered his rifle and laid itm across his lap. " what you doin in the barn? you ought to have supper started over at the house." bill almost broke out laughing. " i sent my wife to willcox for a few days, i figgured you needed some one to watch your back braxton told me about those guys killin that guy over in san simone. you mind the company?" the young man asked. " no i dont but you dont need to buy into this mess. but your welcome no matter what. lets get these chores done and ill heat up a skillit." bill returned the smile he felt relieved. after doing chores they headed to the house bill carrying his rifle and harvey wearing his pistol. harvey explained to bill as bill was cooking supper" braxton thought it would be a neighborly thing to do come back you up if those two back shooters show. my out fit isnt to big and i can stay gone a while. i owe you a lot for helping me." " well i appreciate it harvey. but what about your wife? isnt she going to worry about you getting shot?'bill turned over the meat in the skillit. " braxton is the only one who knows this but i was pretty handy with a gun. to handy. mary ann took me away from all that. but she understands in a big country like this sometimes we all need to stand together. i would have died out there when you found me. i owe you, besides i like you " harvey looked at the plate of food bill placed in front of him. " this just gets better and better!" harvey dug in to the food while bill smiled. he liked this young man.