Moon Racer Read Online Free PDF Page A

eyes
with his battered hat, giving her time to slide her boot
into the stirrup. Just as the gelding had done with
Curly and Red, he started spinning before she had a
chance to settle into the saddle. But she slid her legs
around his belly and tugged on the reins.
    Navidad wisely ran for the fence and found a safe
seat on the top rung beside Curly.
    "I've watched her grow up;' Curly said. "I've
seen her ride many a wild horse, but this one might
be too strong for her to handle. There's gonna be
hell to pay when Brent finds out."
    "Si. That is so."
    "I've always admired that little gal's grit, but I
worry 'bout her high spirit. One day she's gonna
come up against a situation she cain't handle."
    The Mexican frowned. He was afraid Curly
might be right.

     

Quince Hunter greeted Jonah Tremain with a warm
handshake. "Now, this is an unexpected pleasure,
Major. What brings you out my way?"
    I had business in Diablo and thought this would
be a good time to visit an old friend."
    Even though Jonah stood six-foot-one, Quince
Hunter still had a good two inches on him. Quince
liked the man in spite of the fact that he was a
Yankee and an officer.
    "Welcome to the Half-Moon Ranch." Quince
grinned and shook his head. "You're still at Fort
Griffin, aren't you?"
    Jonah raised an eyebrow. "No, thank God. I
didn't sit comfortably in that command chair. Of
course, as it stands, I may be worse off now." Jonah
frowned. "I was given command of Fort Fannin."

    "I would congratulate you, but I heard about the
corruption involving Captain Gregory. Has that all
been straightened out?"
    Jonah worked his hands out of his gauntlet gloves
and tucked them into his belt. "Not yet." He looked
at his friend. "Of course, if you would agree to
scout for me again, you could help find the men I'm
searching for. I'd like to have you with me."
    "Not a chance, Jonah. I like itjust where I am."
    "I thought that would be the way of it, but I had
to ask. Don't think I have forgotten that you saved
my life. I am here now to repay that debt."
    "You owe me nothing, Major. I was just doing
what the cavalry paid me to do."
    Jonah shook his head. "You warned me that
Geronimo was leading us into a trap, but I was
more interested in capturing him than in watching
for an ambush."
    Quince nodded, indicating Jonah's leg. "It looks
like you still carry a little souvenir from the
encounter."
    "The limp, yes. I can usually tell when it's going
to rain by the ache. The doctor assures me that the
limp will probably go away in time, but I should be
able to forecast the weather from now on."
    Quince looked puzzled. "Next week we'll be driving twenty head to Fort Griffin." He smiled. "Have
you come to check up on the cavalry's investment?"
    "Not at all. Your word has always been good
with me." Jonah's expression became serious.
"Other than wanting to see the Half-Moon, I have
an altogether different motive for being here."

    Quince clapped Jonah on the back. "You can't
know what that army contract has meant for me and
my family. Everyone has been wanting to meet you
and thank you personally."
    Jonah's mouth curved into a smile. "I am here to
offer you a new contract." He patted his front
pocket. "I had it drawn up before I left. I need you
to supply horses for Fort Fannin, and I need them
fast."
    Quince looked stunned. "I don't know what to
say besides thank you. You have already done so
much for us, and now this..."
    Jonah shook his head. "Dammit, will you quit
complimenting me and let me get on to the other
reason I'm here?"
    "All right shoot."
    "I know how well you train horses for the
cavalry, but I wonder if you can also train one
suitable for a delicate lady?"
    Quince raised his brow. "And who would the
lady be?"
    "Miss Patricia Van Dere."
    "Sidesaddle trained?"
    "Yes, of course. I did say lady."
    Quince didn't need to think before he answered.
"Sure. We can do that for you."
    Jonah glanced about him. Quince had once told