The scout came away from where Tar was still very audibly munching his
treat. "Didn’t know as how th’ younker had him a runnin’ hoss, _Don_
Cazar." He inspected Shiloh critically. "But that thar sure looks a lotta
hoss. ’Course maybe he ain’t used t’ runnin’ out here whar th’ ground
ain’t made all nice an’ easy fur his feet. But I dunno, I dunno at all."
"Anyway he’ll give Oro stiffer competition than he’s had in the last two
races. Unless that Lieutenant Spath up at the camp tries again with that
long-legged black of his," Topham added. "What about it, Kirby? You
willing to match Shiloh?"
"He’s green, but, yes, I’ll do it."
Drew’s motives were mixed. His pride in the colt had been pushing him
toward such a trial ever since he had heard Fenner speak of Oro. In
addition, as the owner of a noted horse, he would take a place in this
community, establish his identity as Drew Kirby. And in some way he could
not define, this put him, at least in his own mind, on an equal footing
with _Don_ Cazar.
But by the next morning a few doubts troubled him as he tightened saddle
cinches on the stallion. Shiloh’s only races so far had been impromptu
matches along the trail. Though the colt had been consistently the victor,
none of his rivals had been in his class. And if Oro’s speed was as
striking as his coloring, the Range stud would prove a formidable
opponent.
"Walk him up and down here by the corral." The Kentuckian handed the reins
to Callie. "Got something I have to do."
Drew went directly to the Four Jacks. This time the cantina was filled,
with a double row of the thirsty demanding attention at the bar. But
Topham was seated at a table with _Don_ Lorenzo and Zack Cahill of the
stage line. The Kentuckian went over to them.
"You have come to back your horse, _señor_?" _Don_ Lorenzo smiled up at
Drew. There were piles of coins on the table as Cahill listed bets for the
men crowding around.
"Yes, suh." Drew spun down two double eagles. "What’re the odds?"
"Started six to one for Oro," Topham told him. "Coasted down after a few
of the boys had a look at Shiloh. Can give you four to one now. Anything
else we can do for you?"