BACK FROM THE SIERRA 10

dureing luncvh not a lot was said by billy foure. he made small talk, talked about j.t. sister and charly. but he didnt bring up what he wanted j.t. to do. three horses stood in the corral, but that was all. billy had a chineese cook and his house was neat and tidy.. j.t. took all that in but asked no questions as they ate. when done eating bily led him back outside and strolled down to the barn. finally he stopped at the barn door and leaned against the door jam, "i suppose you want to know what this job entailes? he asked "well the thought had crossed my mind. i hope its something ime capable of."j.t. answered " my ranch is over run with preditors. four leged and two. i got a half apache up the mountain trapping. he is working his butt off and not makeing a dent in them. all you need to dois ride every day and shoot any preditor you see. four legged. the two legged kind bring to me. ill turn them over to the law. the damned ole lions are eating me out of house and home. as for the apaches, if they take a beef its to feed their familys. i wont denie a woman and children a meal. but there has been a fellow and his buddys who have been driveing my stock off. them i want stopped. are you up for the job?"billy had laid it on the line. " ill shoot the four legged kind when i find them, but i wont shoot a man thief or not.. if i can ill bring them in here." j.t. said in a low voice. "thats what i hoped to hear. tombstone has become a haven for the unscripulos who wont work. ime close and my country is far reaching i cant watch every inch of it every day. between you me and shug maybe they will get the idea.? billy explained "who is shug"? j,t, asked. " he is the half apache trapper i got set up along the slope. he has been stacking up lion hides. as soon as he gets enough he is going to get married. but he told me he didnt think we were makeing a dent in the numbers." billy said. he pointed to the corral where the three horses stood."theres yer remuda, they are the best cowponys in southern arizona. if you find a cow needing attention i would expect you to tend to her or at the least bring her in here. but the rest of the time just prowel the country from here down to the san pedro river and back. ill be doing the same." billy was warmining up to the plan. billy turned and went back to the house muttering to himself. j,t, stood there by himself. " i left this kind of job in mexico. and here i am doing it again." he shook his head and pulled his rifle from his saddle and began cleaning it.