High Gun at Surlock (2006) Read Online Free

her brother’s being killed and is trying to ruin her whole family’s business. She ain’t packing nothing but a pocketful of contempt for anyone with the Huxton brand. Besides which, if’n she didn’t haul off and knock you silly for making eyes at her, one of her brothers would sure enough do it. And taking on Big Mike would be about as tough as wresting a spool of barbed wire. Ain’t no way you’re ever going to make hay with Jessie – not in this lifetime or the next!’
    Kyler ignored the warning. ‘She’s dressed like she is going to do some hard riding.’
    ‘Jessie enters’ most every contest in town – the foot race, the baseball toss, tug-of-war and a few other games with the local women. I recall she won several prizes last year. She grew up playing and competing with her four brothers, so she’s as good as most men at physical sports and games.’
    ‘What about the riding-clothes?’
    ‘She’s won the horse race each of the past three years too.’
    Kyler displayed a shrewd grin. ‘The horse-race – it’s what, a mile run?’ At Nat’s affirmative head-bob, he continued: ‘My mare is no ordinary mount. I traded for her, back when I worked for a carnival. I’ve ridden her in a good many races and have never lost. In a short distance, I’m betting she’s the fastest horse around these parts.’
    Nat raised his brows. ‘Now hold on, sonny. You ain’t thinking of trying to win the gal over by besting her in a race?’
    ‘You said it yourself: she will only see me as her enemy while I’m working for Huxton. I need to prove I’m a better man than most to earn her respect.’
    Nat laughed out loud. ‘Respect? For a Huxton employee?’
    ‘It’s worth a shot. She would probably laugh in my face if I went waltzing over with flowers and candy. You said she grew up with four tough brothers, so no weak-kneed milksop is going to pass her inspection.’
    ‘You do remember way back to about ten seconds ago, when I told you one of her brothers was killed last month by a Huxton man?’ Nat shook his grayhead. ‘Shucks, son, all that gal will see when she looks at you is someone to despise.’
    ‘I may work for the other side, but I aim to make peace with the Yates family.’
    ‘Kyler, my boy, for a smart young fella you ain’t got the brains of a wilted daisy.’
    ‘You wait and see, Nat,’ Kyler vowed. ‘I saw a poster about a monthly dance that’s coming up pretty soon. With a little luck I’ll have Jessie on my arm.’
    ‘Yeah, and if your luck goes south you’ll have both arms tied behind your back while her brothers hang you from the nearest tall tree!’
    ‘I’ve got to give it a try.’
    Nat uttered a sigh. ‘Well, it’s been nice knowing you, son. I reckon I won’t get no fonder of you. That way, when they plant your sorry carcass in the bone yard, I won’t feel obliged to mourn over your grave.’
     
    Kyler had confidence in Nipper. She was of mixed breed with a strain of Arabian blood, blessed with both speed and endurance. She was well-rested and he had given her a double ration of oats the past evening and again during his morning visit.
    When the call was made for the contestants for the horse-race, Kyler had his mare saddled, then joined the others. Nipper didn’t stand out as the biggest horse, nor the best looking one in the bunch, but she was sleek and built for speed. However, she had that intangible, a burning competitive spirit. Nipper was not the sort to walk idly alongside another horse. She always had to be a step ahead, have her nose in front. It was the same whenever she ran. Once she took thelead, she kept it. Even better horses faded beside her, because she possessed the intense desire to win, always to be first.
    Kyler took special notice of where Jessie lined up and smiled to himself. The gal was just like Nipper, filled with a desire to prove herself the best. Rather than attempt to draw the girl’s attention, Kyler picked the end of the line for his