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117 Tamale Ridge by: Chuck Cusimano
He had called Ramon a worm! Ramon was instantly angry and tried to stand even though he
was tied to a sapling. The butt of his own Winchester rifle hit him and sent him, once again to
his knees.
“Kill him!” said Geraldo, he will only make trouble if we let him live.”
“No, I think we should not end his suffering.” said Miguel.
“Let him stay tied to this tree in the hot sun and let him cry out all his tears for his dead
father. Besides with the Viejo dead, there will be no one to lead an army of Guerra’s men
against us.”
“You forget Raul!” said Geraldo, “He is loyal to the old man.”
“I think he will try to keep the rancho for himself and will be glad that Francisco is dead.”
Miguel said. He will probably go back to Rancho Seco and claim it for himself. He will not
even come for the muchacho.
“Perhaps you are right.” said Geraldo, as they loped away from the unconscious form of
Ramon.
Ramon was still unconscious when Raul rode within one hundred feet. Raul just missed
seeing the slumped form of the boy, because he was looking at the tracks heading west. He
rode hard to try to catch them. Raul felt angry and sad for Francisco being wounded. Perhaps
his Patron was dying at this very moment. What would happen to Rancho Seco if the Patron
did die? Ramon, if he lived, was only a boy. He could not make the decisions it would require
to operate the ranch. Rosemarie knew horses as good as anyone on the rancho but she never
was allowed to know any of the business end of things. Besides, he could tell that the Señorita
wanted to be with the Americano. With her father dead and unable to protest the union, she
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