As soon as the meal was done, Dan saw that Mal excused himself and headed back to his room. Dan sat for a few minutes, sipping an after dinner cup of coffee and thinking over the day’s events. The problem with Brujo had worked out better than he had dared to hope.
The horse rested now in a stall in the big barn, a sling under him for gentle support, although he seemed to be able to stand. Doc Blankenship didn’t want him to get down and strain the cracked ribs. When the horse was left alone, the sling would be there to support him. He’d need to get out and walk a couple of times a day, but the cowboys would take turns doing that chore. They all loved the big bay.
From there, his thoughts turned to Darrel and to Mal’s report about what had occurred that morning. The fact Darrel stole gas w
