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105 Tamale Ridge by: Chuck Cusimano

Raul then told his employer the whole story of how Ramon had been practicing with the pistola.

He did not however, tell him about the boy making the promise to himself to kill the two white

men.

“Perhaps she was right to send him with you, however now, send him to me. I wish to talk to

him.”

When Ramon found his father, Francisco asked him how he liked being with the drive.

“Papa I am working hard and I must admit I feel good about myself. The other men are

treating me with more respect than ever before. Raul says I am almost as good with the riata as

Marcelo was.”

It was plain to see that Ramon had a slight change of attitude. Maybe it was a good thing after

all.

For the last few months, Rosemarie had worked with her potros and continued to write

letters to Señor Thacker. The letters never contained anything other than talk of horses. Every

night however she thought about the American cowboy who had saved her life and there was

very little thought of horses. Ramon had made a big change for the better. He had been going

with the men every day and actually knew much more than anyone expected, about the ranching

operation. He was even treating his sister much better.

Contesa was always making a fuss over him and it was plain to see he was embarrassed about

it. He still wore his pistol on his side and liked to shoot at everything but at least no one had

caught him swearing to hunt down the white men.

Francisco Guerra had taken on a new appreciation of his son and had given him more

responsibility. He always reminded the boy that he did not have to work with the men but

Ramon seemed eager to be with them. Ramon had become quite good friends with another man

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