The H&R Cattle Company by Doug Bowman Read Free Book Online

they’ll sit there all night betting on nothing but cod-lock cinches.”
    Zack laughed. “I know the type; I’ve played ’em myself.” He raised himself to a sitting position on the side of his bed and changed the subject. “I had a long talk with a bartender named Rex Allgood, Bret. He told me about a selling job that I know you would love. Well, it’s not really a selling job; it’s a buying job.”
    Rollins listened quietly as Zack related as much as he knew about Clifford T. Hollingsworth and Mrs. Lindsay, and of Hollingsworth’s disappointing efforts to acquire the Silver Springs property. “According to Allgood, the old man’s main problem is that Mrs. Lindsay hates his guts.”
    Rollins undressed and sat on his bed thinking for a long time, then finally spoke. “I wonder how much money’s involved,” he said softly, as if speaking to himself.
    Hunter blew out the lamp. “Don’t know,” he said as he slid beneath the covers. “Allgood says the old man’s already offered her twice as much as the property’s worth.”
    â€œI’ll talk with the bartender tomorrow,” Rollins said, yawning. “Good night.”
    â€œSame to you.”

4
    Clifford T. Hollingsworth was standing on the porch two days later when Bret Rollins rode into the ranch-house yard. The Lazy H owner took the steps two at a time and walked to meet his visitor. “Something I can do for you?” he asked.
    Rollins had already been told that Texans considered it bad manners for a mounted man to attempt to carry on a conversation with someone on the ground. “Do you mind if I dismount?” he asked.
    The man pointed to the hitching rail. “Get down and tie up.” Hollingsworth was not a big man, probably five-eight and a hundred fifty pounds. Though he moved about spryly, he had the overall appearance of an old man. His hair was milky white, and his leathery face held an unpleasant, surly expression that Rollins assumed was permanent.
    Nevertheless, Rollins broadened his own perpetual smile. “I had a talk with Rex Allgood last night, sir. He says you’re interested in acquiring the Silver Springs property.”
    â€œMaybe. What’s that got to do with you?”
    Rollins spoke softly. “I’m the man who can get it for you.”
    â€œYou can get it for me?” The old man laughed aloud. “You can get it for me? Don’t kid yourself, fellow. That old bitch has got half the money in this county, and she’s determined to die owning Silver Springs. No, sir, you won’t get it. I’ve sent older and more experienced men than you to deal with her and she’s sent ’em all packing.”
    Continuing to smile, Rollins backtracked to the hitching rail. He mounted the roan, stopping abreast of the old man. “I’m sorry to have taken up your time, sir. Good day.” He kicked the horse to a canter and was quickly off the premises.
    In Weatherford, Bret found Zack in the small restaurant at which the two had lately begun to take their meals. “Sit down and order up,” Zack said as Bret approached the table. “They’ve got roast beef for twenty cents today.”
    Bret took a seat and ordered his meal, then began to drum his fingers on the table. “I’ve met with Hollingsworth, Zack, and I don’t like the sonofabitch any better than Mrs. Lindsay does. He’s a rude old fart, even laughed at me. I mean, I’ve punched younger men in the mouth for treating me better than he did.”
    Zack chuckled and said nothing.
    The waiter delivered Rollins’ warmed-over meal, then walked away. Rollins began to slice the beef. “I’ve made up my mind about one thing, Zack: if I do figure out some way to get that property, Mister Clifford T. Hollingsworth is gonna pay through his damn nose.”
    Zack chuckled again. “I believe you, Bret. And I believe