Laramie had heard the girl’s sharp intake of breath and sensed her stiffen at the crude comments of the men before them. It was all he could do to hold himself steady. Inwardly he willed Skidder to keep his head and just move on. What would he do if the rough outlaw decided to push further? “Reckon you boys got business at the barn,” Laramie drawled softly. But his hands hung loosely and his stance had changed. For a few moments the whole winter world seemed to hold its breath. Skidder stood poised as though deciding whether to have a bit more fun at Laramie’s expense, or get himself out of the area in one piece. Common sense finally won and he nodded, still leering, and moved off toward the barn. Laramie waited until the three were several steps away before he relaxed, nodded to the girl, and motioned for her to continue. Her face had blanched white; her large eyes had widened. He could see that she trembled slightly, and he knew she was fully aware of the danger that had just passed.
