10/02/2026 08:31

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The pianer playin's over around here. That's Old Hugh's horse, one said in a sullen voice, as if he suspected Augustus of horse theft. Augustus was listening. He kept the point all day, true as a rule, and little happened with the cattle that he didn't see.

He tried to gird himself for a fight--Gus might miss, or not even shoot, though both were doubtful--but his own weakness held him in the chair. The cattle were moving like a blind army, the scent of water in their nostrils. No, we ain't, Call said. It was as if her need had pulled the question out of him.