Where the Deer and the Antelope Play (Code of the West) Read Online Free PDF

Where did you get this?”
    “I told you, she died in my room.”
    The tall man's shoulders slumped. He stared at the floor. “It’s like my whole life, all my dreams, my family, ever ything just blown away in a bad wind storm.”
    “I have her trunk in my room. I’ve been keeping her things, not knowing what to do with them. I can have them packed very quickly.”
    “What kind of things?”
    “Clothes, shoes, things like that. We gave her the best bu rial we could at Pingree Hill. The Reverend Houston stopped by and said prayers over her. She was a fine Christian lady.”
    “Yes. That’s Suzanne.”
    “I want to confess, Mr. Cedar. I’ve worn some of her wardrobe. They were so beautiful, and I didn’t know what to do with them.”
    “You sort of remind me of Suzanne. The yellow hair, the smile, even your manner. When you first came into the room with Mrs. McCurley, I thought of my sister.”
    “Thank you so much. I take that as a great compliment. Would you like to come up and get the trunk?”
    “I really don’t have .  . . It will be . . .,” he stammered.
    “The money. I almost forgot the money.” Pepper brushed back a tear and took the Bible from his hand. She pulled out a fat envelope from the front and handed it to Abel C edar.
    “What’s this?”
    “Her money. I was saving it for—”
    “How much is in there?” he shouted.
    “$1,600. But I spent about $100. I promise I’ll save it up and pay you back.”
    “This is my stake. This is it. Jehovah jireh .”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “The Lord provides! This is what I need to develop the claim. And it came from Suzy girl. I can’t believe this. It’s the worst and best day of my life, all in one.”
    “I’m glad it’s not all bad news. Would you like to go up and get the trunk now?”
    “A bunch of clothes?”
    “Yes, and some pieces of jewelry and—”
    "I can’t believe you held this money for me. I don’t know many people with your honesty and integrity. You didn’t even know I was coming.”
    “To tell you the truth I—”
    “And you took care of Suzanne at the end of her life? The Lord mightily bless you.”
    “Really, I didn’t have any say.”
    Abel Cedar jumped to his feet. “I am on my way to Arizona to develop that gold mine.”
    “And the trunk?”
    “For your benevolence in dealing with my Suzy, I want you to have her things.”
    “Are you joking?”
    “No. I implore you to keep it. I couldn’t take any of it with me anyway.”
    “And the Bible?”
    “You keep it. I have one of my own.”
    “But I couldn’t.”
    He leaned over and grabbed her by the shoulders. “You deserve it, and I must be off. If I don’t leave quickly, I’ll lose my claim.” He scurried toward the wooden coat rack.
    “But don’t you want to see the grave site?”
    “I’ll come back as soon as I get that gold in Arizona. Then I can put up an iron fence and a big marble marker.” He tipped his hat and scooted toward the front door.
    “How about that $100? Where shall I send it?”
    “It is your pay for being such a fine executor of Suzanne’s estate. Good day, Miss Paige.”
    He was out the door before she was able to mumble, “Good day, Mr. Cedar.”
    She slowly climbed the stairs slowly to her room. Changing into a stylish, lace-trimmed dress, she scanned each piece of the wardrobe.
    It’s mine now. It’s not pretend anymore. All this belongs to me. Lord, you heard him.
    She strolled down the stairs with gloves, ear muffs, and a hooded cape that had once belonged to Miss Suzanne Cedar.
    Mrs. McCurley was waiting for her. “Mr. Cedar lit out of here in a hurry.”
    “Everything’s okay, I think, considering all. Now I really have something to talk to Tap about. Do you know if the carriage is ready?”
    “I put a few supplies in the buggy for you, including one of your peach pies.”
    “But don’t you need it here with all the crowd?”
    “That cowboy of yours needs a little spoilin’. I’ll make us a big