The Border Empire Read Online Free PDF

hadn’t entered the arroyo. Wes helped Maria to mount the black and, leading it, he started for the mouth of the arroyo, where Empty waited. Most of the freed horses, fearful of the smell of blood, followed the black.
    â€œThe horses follow us,” said Maria.
    â€œLet them,” Wes said. “Once they’re out in the open, they’ll make tracks for wherever they consider home. I expect the horses belongin’ to the outlaws will be goin’ to Chihuahua or Namiquipa.”
    â€œWhat is the place you say?”
    â€œChihuahua or Namiquipa,” said Wes. “Namiquipa is a village somewhere to the northwest of Chihuahua. From what I have learned, it’s where the outlaws corral the horses they have stolen in Mexico, until they can be taken across the border and sold.”
    â€œNamiquipa,” Maria said. “It is a strange sound. I hear them speak of it.”
    They reached the place where Wes had concealed the grulla, and Wes mounted. Maria then directed him to the bay, which she had ridden.
    â€œWhere did you leave your clothes?” Wes asked.
    â€œIn the darkness, near the horse,” said Maria.
    Wes fumbled around until he found the garments, and handed them to her. He led the bay, while she followed on the black. The packsaddle was where it had been left, somewhat disheveled following Maria’s search for the Colt.
    â€œWhat gave you the idea there was a gun in my pack?” Wes asked.
    â€œI not know,” said Maria. “I have only the hope.”
    â€œYou’d better get back into your clothes,” Wes said.
    â€œ Mañana ,” said Maria. “Sleep desnudo .”
    â€œSuit yourself,” Wes said, “but it’ll be a mite cold before morning. I reckon I can spare you a blanket.”
    Wes picketed all three horses and spread his bedroll near them. There were two extra blankets in his pack, and he gave them to Maria. Wes removed only his hat, gunbelt, and boots, placing the colt where he could get his hand on it in a hurry. Maria rolled herself in the blankets next to him, and before he could close his eyes, she spoke.
    â€œI wish to be with you. I am afraid.”
    â€œAfraid, hell.” Wes snorted. “You just shot and killed four men.”
    â€œIs diferente ,” she replied. “I am alone. I do not wish to be.”
    â€œMaria,” said Wes, “you are beside me. That’s dose enough.”
    She laughed, but there was no humor in it. “What can you do to me that has not already been done this day?”
    â€œI don’t aim to do anything,” Wes said. “I have a woman waiting for me in El Paso.”
    â€œMuy bonito,” said Maria. “Not ugly and used.”
    â€œYes,” Wes admitted, “she is pretty, but so are you. Damn it, stop thinking of yourself as ugly and used.”
    She said no more, and he thought she had fallen asleep, but she had not. She had only moved closer, and was determined to wriggle under his blankets.
    â€œMaria,” said Wes, exasperated, “if I let you under these blankets next to me, will you behave yourself and try to sleep?”
    â€œPer’ap,” she replied.
    Beside him, she reached for the two blankets he had given her, drawing them across Wes and herself. But she had no intention of sleeping.
    â€œYou have not tell me why you hate these outlaws,” said Maria.
    â€œAll right,” Wes said with a sigh. “I’ll tell you.”
    He told her, and until he had finished, she spoke not a word.
    â€œYour padre be avenged. I kill them with his pistola.”
    â€œI wish it was that simple,” said Wes, “but I do not know that the outlaws who died tonight are those who killed my father. The thieves and killers who ride with Sandlin are many, and I do not know where they are to be found.”
    â€œBut you ride to Chihuahua, to Namiquipa.”
    â€œYes,” Wes replied. “I aim to gun them down to