Chapter 17

As they entered the open grassy area, Orr was not surprised to see a camp set up at one end. From the looks of it, the campers had hiked in because he saw no sign of horses or mules. There was still plenty of room to give them privacy.

He led the way across to the opposite end, fighting the throbbing pain in his knee. He let the string pause for a drink in the stream that rambled through the meadow. Then he rode on across to his normal campsite. That’s when reality set in with a vengeance.

How in hell was he going to manage to make camp? The old cable between two pines remained in place. At least he could be sure the mules were settled comfortably. He had to struggle a bit before he got his injured leg across Maude’s rump and rested on his stomach across the saddle for a breath or two before he slid to the ground, making sure his left leg took his weight. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Jase dismount and approach, leading Katie by one rein.