THE LONE OLD TIMER 8

cleo couldnt get a handle on buck. he was easy going and talkative until they pulled up at the ropings for the past three weeks she had gone with him to the roping, he didnt always win and when he didnt he wasnt angry. but from the time they arrived until they left when the roping was over he was sullen, he seemed like he was expecting a fight. he went about competing like it was a war. other than wes the rest of the competitors shyed away from him they all wanted to rope with him but stayed away other wise.he didnt drink anything but soda dureing the roping but afterwards wasnt opposed to a beer or a shot of boubon if it was there. a couple of times after supper thay had stopped at the little tavern where they had met and had a drink and bought a bottle to take home. he showed affection for her but never pushed it any farther than a good night kiss. she knew he was self concious about his scared face and gray hair but she had made a point of letting him know it didnt bother her at all. looks wernt as important as the soul of the man, and she saw a good one in buck. at the ranch dureing the week buck was takeing cows with calves to his foot hills pasture. if the calf wasnt branded he took the time to corral them and brand and vaccinate the calf. by his count he had almost half his herd moved up into the hills that way. the good thing about that work he was horseback daily and covering a lot of country. he found no more evidence of theft or vandalism. dureing that time cloe preyed on his mind. he had taken a strong likeing to her and really for the first time in a long time enjoyed her company. he was actualy looking forward to their weekend get together. but the thought of her getting tired of seeing the burn scars and white hair still lingered. in the yard at his house he had a saw horse with the hind end proped up off the ground. every night he got home he spent a good hour throwing heel loops at the saw horse. it was a war. he had to be the best.