away from the talk of farming. Both men looked down the lane that led toward La Plaza de los Leones. A black, boxy looking automobile came rumbling up the lane. It came to a stop in front of the hacienda, near the hitching rail. A young woman opened the door and stood looking at Ben and Otis for a moment, then waved her hand to them and trotted up the steps to the hacienda.
"You know her?" Otis questioned Ben.
"Yep."
"Who is she?"
Cotton Mead heard the noise and came strolling out of the barn and stood with Ben and Otis.
"That the gal John's goin' ridin' with this mornin'?" he asked Ben.
"Reckon it is."
"Well, who is she?" Otis demanded.
"It's the gal Emily Schumann took in a few years ago. Damn, Otis! You're sure nosey," Ben said, then turned and looked at Cotton.
"Make sure they got proper duds on this mornin'. Might be a storm comin' in."
"They goin' ridin'?" Otis mumbled.
"Yes, they're goin' ridin'! Why'd you 'spose I told Cotton to make sure they had decent clothes on?"
"Well, hell, I didn't know!"
'"Spose I'd better tie a couple of them sheep-skin coats on behind their saddles?" Cotton questioned Ben.
"I'd do it. Never kin tell what the weather's goin' to do 'round here. Stick some jerky in the saddlebags too," Ben ordered.
"What's that gal's name?" Cotton asked.
"She's too old fer you Cotton," Ben chuckled.
"What.. .maybe a year or two! I had women older'n her!"
"Hell ya say," Ben piped in while looking at Cotton.
"I swear," Otis said while looking down his nose at Cotton.
"Well, I have!" Cotton exclaimed.
Ben studied Cotton's face for a few minutes, and then said to him, "Son, you don't have to prove anythin' to me. I know yer growed up.. .purty near anyway. An' yer doin' a fine job here, ain't he Otis?"
"Yeah, he's comin' 'long fine." Otis looked at Cotton for a moment then said to him, "Cotton, I know how you feel, but ya gotta be a little careful 'bout women. Not like this one here, but I mean women in town, you know,