Chapter 10

Half an hour later, they were in the saddle and heading north from the ranch headquarters. Spark’s big sorrel pranced, eager to go as always. He’d picked an even-tempered bay gelding for Lou, a horse with spirit, but also plenty of cowpony steadiness and sure-footed ways on the trail. Spark got down to open the gate, then close it behind them as they rode into the Forest Service land. Once past that, they would not come to another fence for more miles than he planned to go today.

The two horses set a steady pace, moving up a long grassy ridge side by side. Spark glanced at Lou. The other man might not be a real cowboy, but he was quickly picking up the tricks. He sat the bay easily and managed the horse with confidence. As if he felt Spark’s scrutiny, he turned toward the cowboy.

“Nickel for your thoughts.”

“I was just noticing how well you’ve picked up horsemanship. You said you’d never ridden except one summer in camp as a kid. You sure you weren’t a cowboy in a past life?”