Burmeister turned. “And you, Private Tanner? What of you?”

Tanner grinned. “Why the hell not? When I was a ranger I went hungry half the time, and I never got paid what they promised me. They was the best years of my life.”

“I cannot guarantee you will be paid this time. In Austin promises are many, but the well is often dry.”

Rusty had one reservation. “Somethin’ you ought to know, Captain, before you swear me in. There’s a charge against me down home. It’s a false charge, but it’s on the books just the same.”

“Not murder, I hope.”

“Nothin’ like that. I’m charged with aidin’ and abettin’ the escape of a criminal. But I never did it. He took one of my horses without me knowin’ it. They claim I gave it to him.”

“They?”

“Two brothers by the name of Oldham. Durin’ the war they hid out in the brush. I had some trouble with them.”

“They did not serve in the Confederate Army?”

“Nor the Union Army either. But now they’re state police.” Burmeister scowled. “Do not worry about the state police. There are some good men but also some rotten apples. They have no authority over my company.”

Rusty’s announcement took Josie by surprise. She was dismayed. “Rusty, you can’t. You mustn’t.”

“I can’t stay here just doin’ nothin’.”

“You have a home here as long as you want it.”

“It’s your home, not mine.”

“But it could be your home. You could be one of us.”

He took her hands. “The Monahans have been the nearest thing to family that I’ve had since Daddy Mike and Mother Dora. There’s not a family anywhere that I’d rather be a part of.”

“I’ve always hoped that you and me—”

“I know. If I was in a shape for marryin’, you’re the one I’d ask. But I’d have nothin’ to offer you now, not so much as a roof over your head or a plot of ground for a garden. And there’s Billy out yonder somewhere, and Andy. I can’t be thinkin’ of makin’ a home ‘til that’s all settled.”

“What do you think you can do?”

“Ride. Watch. Listen. Maybe somewhere out there I’ll find somethin’ or hear somethin’. I don’t know what, and I won’t know ‘til it happens.”

She pressed his hand against her lips. “When the job is done, you know where I’ll be.”

Burmeister had set up his base camp several miles from the Monahan place. On the way there Rusty was aware that Burmeister watched him with a critical eye. When they reached the camp, the captain asked him, “You are tired?”

Rusty was, but he chose not to acknowledge it. “I’m doin’ better than I thought I might.”

“We will not push you too hard, not at first.”

“I’ll tote my share of the load.”

“You always did. Always you were a good man on patrol. There was not much you did not see.”

“You’re wantin’ me to go on scout?”