A pale quarter-moon had risen by the time Billy spotted the Lazy S herd. That was bad. He’d hoped to make the ride before moonrise, but now he’d have to trust to luck. One thing was certain—he couldn’t expect to ride in close. They’d spot him for sure. The idea of leaving his mount behind held little appeal, but he’d have to risk it.
Looking about him he remembered the country from the day before when they’d passed through. There was no water here, and he knew the herd would be restless. He guessed Jase had counted on following the Circle 8 herd, but he had followed just twenty miles short of a water stop this time.
The wagons were three white splotches on a little knoll. Billy looked closely at them, hoping to find a patch of brush or even a draw that would give him cover. But there was
