He dumped the gathered guns in the water. He stretched out and tried to sleep. The side of his face and eye were pounding. Finally he gave up on the idea and got dressed. He needed to return to Bennett and wire McNelly so the captain would know his message had been received and the two Rangers would head to Mirabile’s ranch. Their leader deserved that, Carlow told himself. The fact that he would be seen returning to Bennett would just be a coincidence, he added. Dawn was stretching itself over the land as Carlow rode into Bennett. He rode down the main street with his wolf-dog trotting proudly, as if he understood the reason for the return. As the young Ranger passed the string of saloons, he heard voices declaring his presence. Surprised voices. He tried to force his tired mind to think about the murders in San Antonio. Why did he resist the idea of a Rose gang? Just because he hadn’t seen them? It sounded like a gang at work. How many? He pulled up at the hitching rack in front of the busiest restaurant in town and went inside, reminding Chance to stay with his horse.
