GO EN RODEO EN 14

two days later joe brown was loading his pack horse.the 3 foot tall trophy proclaiming him the all around cowboy of the prescott rodeo was laid on top and lashed down . ed was on the far side of sox makeing sure the load was well balanced joe waas walking on cloud nine. he had placed in the bull dogging, the calf ropeing and won the steer ropeing. when all was said and done he was named the top money winner and the all around champion of the rodeo/ the winnings was safe in a money belt strapped around his waist. ed had given him the mount money for letting him and jerry ride sox. joe had never in his life dreamed he would have this much cash . he was headed home to put himself in the cow business. jerry was recovering slowley from the broken rope and ed told joe they would load up their dodge truck and start to cheyenne that afternoon. the trip back south for joe was pleasent. it was mid summer with afternoon thunder storms comming up from the south west every afternoon. joe knew that cow country along the mexican border would be lush and green when he got back. but he was in no big hurry. at every little town he passed through he became a instant celebrity when folks saw that monsterous trophy. but deep down joe knew he wouldnt have that and the money he had tucked away with out that sorrell , stocking leged rocket packing his bed roll and camp gear. the horse was a step quicker than any other joe had seen. plus he was broke far better than just about any horse out there. joe was takeing his time ambling back south toward his home country. the village of winklman sat on a small flood plain where the san pedro river met the gila. all along each river there were small truck farms and gardens mexican familys had come here some years before and established ranches and subsistance farming. two weeks out of prescott joe brown rode slowley into this small village. the few people on the street all smilled and waved at him. just good friendly country folks. about half way along the little street was a sighn that reead livery. he turned in the gate and rode into the hall way of a rough built barn.when he stopped a hostler came from a room to one side. joe asked for two stalls for the night and possibly two. the young man assured him he could stay as long as he wished. they unpacked joes horses and stacked his saddles and packs in a empty stall. they put each of his horses in a tie stall and fed them a measure of corn. when the hostler saw the trophy he whislted. joe had to explain how he came by it. he then asked for a good place to get a meal. the hostler stepped out into the street and pointed to a sighn on a small adobe house. COMIDA was all it said. joe thanked the hostler and marched over to the resteraunt. inside it was clean with the smell of good food cooking. a plump woman stood in the kitchen and came to the table. joe asked for beer and carne asada. the woman giggled and turned back to the kitchen. joe thought to him self" now this is liveing, good horses, good people and good food. a belt full of cash and nowhere he HAD to be. he had it made.