“I don't know about that. I guess we'll see in November.”

“You can see right now. You got only one chance around these parts. And you're looking at it.”

“You?”

“Yes, sir. Me. I can win you votes around here. People know me, and they know I'm the real business. They listen to me because I'm one of them.”

“So you'll stump for me?”

“That's it right there. I'll ride this whole damned county, and I'll ride on a horse, coming up to people's ranches and houses the way you're supposed to. On a horse, not in a truck.” Power nodded at McBride's borrowed truck.

“I've got a lot of territory to cover.”

“You don't need to. I'll do that for you.”

“That would be quite kind of you.”

“I like to help out where I can.”

“And I might be able to help you out in return?”

“It's what neighbors do. You help me buck hay, and I'll help mend your fences. Country life.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“You're going to need an undersheriff.”

McBride nodded as though he were considering this. He knew where this was going, but he wanted to see how Power was going to get there.

“Like I said, I just want to help.” Power eyed McBride, trying to gauge a reaction. McBride did not react. Power went on. “If I was to help, maybe swing a few votes down here, you might see what a valuable addition I could be to your staff.”

“And I could appoint you undersheriff.”

“You could, yes. I could help you. I would like you to see that.”

“Help me how?”

“I know a lot. I know more than most people think I do. I know what goes on down here, and I know who is involved in the goings-on.” Power nodded, confirming this for McBride and himself. “A lot. I know a lot.”

“I've heard you know a lot about rodeos, too.”

Power smiled. “Rodeos are illegal now.” McBride nodded and Power went on, still smiling a small, wry smile.

“Yes, they are. They are illegal.”

“A lot of stuff is illegal these days. But rodeos. Rodeos are a great tradition. Cowboys are dying out. No one in the world is going to know about them in the next fifty years. It's going to be like the free Indians, just a memory. Rodeo keeps cowboying alive for a little while longer.”

“That it does,” McBride said. “And it gives the cowboys, Indians, and everyone else a chance to gamble and lose their money.”

“Well, not everyone loses.” Power's eyes were darting, and the sides of his mouth occasionally betrayed a small twitch as he tried not to smile. He was clearly enjoying this. McBride was, too. Power wasn't as dumb as he looked.

“Most do. That's why it's illegal.”