Noble's Way by Dusty Richards Read Free Book Online Page B

felt saddened for even the gray had been pushed too hard. Hooves splashed the thawed ground and Noble strained forward. Miles of rotten snow swept beneath the lathered horse’s dripping belly.
    If Goodman had harmed Fleta, Noble vowed, he would castrate the bastard.
    Finally he could see the picketed wall. The smoke appeared to be coming from beyond it. Perhaps the Wichita camp. He drew the gray to a walk, wondering what had happened.
    When he rode up the last grade, he saw Spotted Horse and Barge standing in the gate with their rifles.
    â€œWhat’s on fire?” he demanded as he quickly dismounted the heaving horse.
    â€œThe Wichita camp. Their tepees.”
    â€œWhy?”
    Spotted Horse shook his head in disgust. “Crazy drunk. Izer sold them four barrels of whiskey.”
    â€œThat bastard! Are the Wichitas all right?”
    Spotted Horse grinned. “Bad sick, no tepees. But they will live.”
    Then Noble saw Fleta. She ran forward and launched herself into his outstretched arms.
    â€œI was sure worried when I saw the smoke,” Noble said, holding her tightly against his chest.
    â€œThank Spotted Horse, he kept all of us safe.” She wanted Noble for herself, for them to be alone. She hoped he never left her again for so long.
    â€œWe’re rich,” he whispered. “Richer than I ever imagined. We’ve got enough to stock your store and the Wichitas got so many goods, their horses are swayed back. But Lord deliver me from ever taking three squaws shopping again,” he said, heady with their reunion.
    â€œWhat happened?”
    â€œLet’s go inside. I’m starved for your cooking. I’ll tell you all about it. Why, I’ve got enough peppermint candy to make Luke and all the Osages sick.”
    Fleta looked a his tired face and knew he wasn’t telling her everything. “What’s wrong?”
    He stopped and looked at her, surprised that she read him so easily. He peered beyond the gates in the direction of the Indian Territory.
    â€œI was just wondering where that bastard Goodman is now.”
    â€œCome on. Don’t worry about him, he’s not around here.” She urged him toward the house and shivered when a wave of unexplained apprehension washed over her.
    Before spring, Noble vowed, he was going to give Izer Goodman what he deserved.

Chapter Five
    Fleta stood with her hands on her hips, surveying the piles of goods stacked to the ceiling of her house.
    What had Noble said? That there would be time to sort it out later? He had left early that morning to find some timber. She shook her head; Noble McCurtain was a man full of plans and schemes. They appeared to hatch with each day. Strangely enough, they were successful so far, but tying him down to setting up a store would be impossible.
    A ledger book, ink and a pen set were among the supplies. Before he left, Noble hastily showed her the blurry invoices from Patterson’s Mercantile. “Just set up a book, substract sales and ...” Fleta shook her head at recalling his words. “... you’ll know what to record.” That was easy for him to say.
    There were bolts of material, dried beans, flour sacks, baking powder, dried apples, horse shoe nails, and cigars. Why cigars? she asked herself as she skimmed down the crumpled pages. Iron pans, four shovels. She raised her eyes to check for the tools. They were leaning against the far wall. Thread, needles, scissors, pins, buttons and candy. Fleta stared in disbelief at the piles of merchandise. Would she ever get this mess sorted out and put it in some kind of order?
    What hadn’t he bought? Probably something the first customer would ask for. Determined, she made up her mind there was going to be some order to this madness.
    Mannah entered the store. Fleta smiled and gestured at the piles of goods.
    â€œHave you ever seen so much stuff?” she asked. When Mannah shrugged her shoulders, Fleta made an instant