page_161

< previous page | page_161 | next page >

Page 161

| in it, he slowly lit his cigar and blew the smoke into the wind, then flicked the match away as he leaned his face down closer to Ashton's. |

| "You knew back at your pub that the beard did not work, and that your eyes were all that were needed to give you away," he gloated. "But don't fret. My being here has nothing to do with you. I've come to call on Sashato court her. She's some find, wouldn't you say?" |

| A slow burning was beginning in Ashton. His jaw tightened, and his hand clasped hard onto the handle of his revolver. "Now let's get this straight," he said between clenched teeth. "You've come all the way out herejust happened to find our sheep station without any troubleto court Sasha?" He laughed throatily. "Now do you think I'm stupid enough to believe that? I guess you forget that I know all about your con games. You should know better than to try one on me." |

| "You are not the only one to squat on land in the outback," Stanford said, flicking ashes from his cigar close to Ashton. He motioned with his head toward the river. "I've got my own spread across the river. There are no sheep yet, but my men should be arriving soon with around a hundred head." He smiled wickedly down at Ashton, his white teeth flashing in the sun. "Seems you've got competition for more than a woman, Lawrence. Or I guess I'd better call you Ashton, or your pretty lady might get wind of your past name and deeds." |

| Ashton doubled a fist. "I don't know what your game is," he said. "But whatever you've got up your sleeve, it's best not to include Sasha. She's mine and |

< previous page | page_161 | next page >