Part 31 (2/2)

Winn followed him off the wagon and into the store by the sound of his steps.

He waited just to one side of the door, enjoying the smells of the store.

Coffee, pickles, leather and sawdust. Winn frowned at this last one; maybe he was mistaken.

Louie was giving the list to the storekeeper, who began directing him to the various items. Louie stepped in front of Winn.

”Box weighs about forty pounds. Put it in the wagon.”Winn took the box and was grateful for the warning of its weight. He turnedcarefully and stepped out the door. He listened for footsteps.

Hearing none, he crossed, found the wagon and placed the box safely in the

bed.

He was smiling when he turned to go back into the store. He had taken only a couple of steps when he b.u.mped into someone who seemed to be standing still.

”Excuse me,” he said, stepping back.”See, I told you,” a voice said to an invisible companion.”Told him what?” Winn was smiling but there was a hard edge to his voice.”That you can't see.” There was laughter and a little shuffling of feet as if one companion had nudged the other.

Winn knew he was facing the source of the voice so he could pretend to look

straight at him. He also knew that the man could be waving his hand in frontof his eyes. He decided he didn't care.”Can't see what?” he persisted.

”Come on, Howie. Let's leave him alone.” This was a new voice.

”Can't see nothin',” said the first, ignoring his friend.

”I can see you're an idiot,” Winn said, knowing he was getting too reckless.

He heard slow steady footfalls that ended beside him. He didn't know if someone was taking his side or if the bullies now had him surrounded.

”What did you say?” Howie was angry now.”I think he called you an idiot,” came a voice next to him. Ott! This was asurprise.

”And I think I'm agreeing with him.” Louie spoke from the door of the store.

”Sorry, fella,” said the second stranger and, with his grumbling companion,

moved on down the walk.

”Good to see you, Reuben,” said Louie, coming forward.

Ott shook hands with both men.

”Can I help you load the wagon?” he asked.

”I never turn down an offer like that,” Winn said.

Ott followed them into the store and Louie indicated a sack of flour.

As Ott lifted it he commented,

”That new counter over yonder'll be nice when it's done but the place sure is

a mess in the meantime.”Winn grinned. He hadn't been mistaken about the sawdust.”What you say, I buy you two some lunch?” Ott suggested.”Now, / never turn down an offer like that,” Louie said.The cafe Ott chose hadn't yet begun to fill with the noon crowd. As soon as they found a table, Ott asked

for the day's special, smothered pheasant.Winn considered declining but he knew he would be hungry later. Besides, hehad to learn to do this sometime.

Louie seemed to sense his hesitation.

”All the meat's off the bone and it's too good to pa.s.s up.” He added to the waitress, ”Make that two more.”

When the waitress had gone Ott asked, ”Know any more about who killed that

cowhand of yours?”

Louie shook his head.

”n.o.body's tried anything else but we moved the cattle in close and posted a

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