“If it comes to usin’ guns, a dozen of us wouldn’t be enough. No, it’s best it be just me and Andy. When I’ve taken him far enough that I’m sure he can finish the trip alone, I’ll turn back.”

Josie raised a hand to her mouth. “But you’ll be all alone out in Indian country.”

“When I was a ranger I spent a lot of time in Indian country.”

“At least you had a badge then.”

“I never did. There weren’t enough to go around. The best I ever had was a piece of paper. Badge or paper, neither one meant a thing to the Comanches. It still wouldn’t.”

Josie arose and quickly left the room, holding a handkerchief to her eyes as she stepped out onto the dog run. Clemmie pushed away from the table, intending to follow. Preacher Webb touched her hand, stopping her. “Clemmie, I think someone else should go and talk to her.” He looked at Rusty.

Rusty remained seated for a moment, trying to decide what he could say. He still did not know as he walked out where she stood. “Josie . . .”

She looked away from him. “I didn’t go to act like a baby. It usually takes a lot to make me cry.”

“I know, but you’re borrowin’ trouble that may not ever happen. Chances are I’ll never see an Indian. I’ll take Andy across the river. From there he ought to have no trouble finishin’ the trip alone. I should be back in three or four days.”

“When do you plan to leave?”

“Andy’s worn out. That leg is troublin’ him. He needs a few days’ rest before we start.”

“A few days.” She squeezed the handkerchief. “That’s better than no days at-all.”

“Josie, I don’t want you takin’ too much for granted. I like you, but anything past that. . .”

“Past that . . . who knows? After all, we do have a few days.”

Clemmie and Preacher Webb walked out. Clemmie raised a lighted lantern to give her daughter a moment’s anxious study. “Is everything all right out here?”

“It’s all right, Mama. I didn’t mean to break up everybody’s supper.”

“Most people eat more than is good for them anyway.” Clemmie swung the lantern. “Come on, Warren, I want you to take a look at that new colt.”

Rusty and Josie watched them walk past the shed and out to the barn. The lantern light disappeared.

Josie asked, “When a preacher gets married, can he just do the marryin’ himself, or has he got to find him another preacher?”

“I don’t know. Guess I never thought about it.”

“Been a Methodist minister by here a couple of times lately. I have a feelin’ Mama and Preacher Webb will be needin’ him. I reckon a sprinklin’ preacher can tie the knot as tight as a deep-water preacher, don’t you?”

“I suppose it’s mainly up to the couple how strong the knot is.”

“When I get married, that knot’ll be so strong that wild horses couldn’t pull it apart.”