THE BIG HORN 12

when con rolled into the yard at the big horn george was standing next to his suv, leaning against the door. con idled on down to the barn and parked. as he was getting out of his truck he saw george walking toward him. " things are looking good con. you been busy. but do you think you would do better if you had some help?" george had a sly smile crossing his face. " i got help but he got hurt so he s in the hospital in casa grande. he gets out tomorrow. we been getting a good bunch together."con was breaking a hay bale to feed his horses. " well i talked to the brand department about the mavericks, they said to just ship them to the sale barn and they would inspect them there save a lot of feed that way."georges slimey lawyer was showing. " yeah they will inspect them all right, after they seize them then the feed bill will be fawns until the brand peels. i know that game to well. our feed here is cheaper. and the cattle stay owned by fawn."con said it matter of factly. " well ime a officer of the court. you can trust what i say." george puffed up. " if fawn tells me to ship them i will, but not until then. ive got my orders. " con kept feeding his horses. " in the mean time ill keep gathering all i can. theres lots of cattle out there." with that george turned around and started stumping to his car, obviously mad.when he got to his car he turnned and said" ill send a brand inspecter out here to tell you. you will ship them then!" " have him tell fawn, thats who i work for, not the state or some inspecter or anyone else."con made it firm. when george jerked the door to his car open it reveiled a woman sitting in the front seat.he slammed the door behind him , started the car and roared out of the yard, over the cattle guard. " yep adviseing a client all right." con muttered. just as georges car squeeled onto the pavement a older model economy pickup turned into the yard and coasted down to where con was filling the feed bunks for the cattle. a stout mexican man in his 20 s got out and walked up to con. " ime told you need a chore boy. some one to feed and take care of the place. ime ernesto, cano. i want the job" the man sood on stocky legs with his hands on his hips. " i got no place for you to stay unless you want to share my trailer house with me and one more cowboy."con stuck the pitch fork in the hay stack. " i got my own little trailer. i need the job bad, you wont be sorry."ernesto didnt back up a step. " ok be here before day light tomorrow. ill show you what needs doingpark your trailer next to mine." con explained. ernesto stood there and didnt say anything else.con looked at him then asked. "you need some up front money? you need some food when you come." "i need gas and some food. ill leave as much as i can with my wife and kid. i wont cheat you or take off." ernesto didnt whine but spoke firmly. con liked him. con dug out some cash and counted out 200 dollers. " take care of the woman first. then get here." ernesto folded the money caefully and put it in his shirt pocket. then turned to his truck and got in. as he drove away con shook his head" i hope he shows back up in the morning." was all he said.