Cowboy and IndianFirst time I’d heard about the rodeo was when I saw the paper tacked outside the saloon. And though I wasn’t much of a reader, I sure as shooting spotted that fifty-dollar prize for the longest bronco buck. Hard part, though, was getting to it, what with me being down near Tombstone and the event up around Tucson. Then again, had me a week’s time before it all started, so I just needed to convince Bessy of my plans—Bessy being my horse, of course.
“Now then, old gal,” I began, rubbing her flank as she drank from the saloon’s trough. “Fifty dollars could get us a nice new saddle, you know.” She pushed me with her side, head shaking as she sprayed me with ample quantities of spit and water. Truth was, she was more like a mule than a mare when she wanted to be, which was oft
