Note: I combined Chapters because they are both quite short

The last rays of sunlight disappeared over the western horizon in a glorious display of pinks and golds splashing beautifully onto fluffy white clouds. Sam sat and watched the lovely sunset, and then reluctantly dismounted and began to make camp. The first thing she did was unsaddle Thunderbolt, and then she rubbed him down thoroughly and fed him. She then made a small fire and cooked beans with a bit of salt pork and chili pepper in them, and while she was doing this, a lone rider appeared in the distance out on the prairie. Sam checked her gun to make sure it was loaded, and then she continued her dinner preparations as she watched the rider draw closer. He rode right up to the fire and smiled down at her, "Howdy ma'am." She sized him up quickly, noting that he looked to be about sixty-five, and then she returned the greeting politely. He sighed and looked out across the dark prairie for a moment, and then he looked back to her, "Yah wouldn't mind if an old cowpoke joined you for supper, would yah girl?"

"No, of course not, have a seat and I'll dish you up some of this."

"I'm right thankful to yah girl," he said sincerely as he cumbersomely dismounted his small, stout looking gray pony. He tied his horse and then returned to the fire and accepted the food she offered him. "I'm sorry for not introducin' myself proper-like yet girl. I'm Burt Lead."

"Samantha Saunders, and it's good to meet you."

He frowned a little at the name "Samantha" and then asked, "I hope you don't mind my pryin'...but, what's a little gal like you doin' out on this big prairie, all dressed up like a cowpoke with nobody around to care for yah?"

She answered easily, and in an even, humble yet confident tone, "I'm trailing a cattle drive, and planning to join up with them as soon as I catch up. I think that answers most of your questions."

"You're tryin' to be a cowpoke?"

"I'm not trying to be anything. I can do the job as well as anyone else can, Mr. Lead."

"No you can't."

"How do you figure that?"

"Cattle drivin' is a man's job, that's why."

"And who says so?"

"Everybody!"

"Not everybody, but probably most people say that. Still, even if there are more people saying that than those that aren't, does that make it true?"

He looked evenly at her and said in a rather pompous manner, "Sure it does. Listen kid, I see you're in over yer head. I can take you back to Rio Tranquilo; I'm goin' that way anyways, and I wouldn't mind having you along."

"I'm quite fine, but thanks for the offer."

He simply sighed and shook his head. After he finished the beans he offered to take her back to Rio Tranquilo once more, and once more she turned him down politely. After that he told her he wanted to get to Rio Tranquilo that night, and he departed quickly. Sam watched him disappear into the dark, peaceful night, and then she washed the dishes she had used by scrubbing them with sand. She put everything in order and then she spread out her bed roll and lay down with her head resting on her saddle.

Chapter Five

Sam rose early and had breakfast after she had cared for her horse. She destroyed the evidence of her camp and mounted up. Thunderbolt attempted to break into a gallop, and once again Sam reined him in and gently patted his shoulder.

The day wore on slowly, and continued to grow hotter and hotter. Everything on this barren plain must be bone dry, Sam thought to herself wearily. Samantha slowly unlaced one of the canteens from her saddle horn and then she took a long drink. She poured a little water into one of her hands and let Thunderbolt drink it, and then she laced the canteen back onto the horn with a sigh.

I wonder how long this drought has been plaguing this land for, probably awhile, although that river seemed pretty high. Oh what does it matter anyway? What I really should be thinking on is how I'll be accepted into that trail outfit when I go and apply for a job, so to speak. Probably badly, as always. She was suddenly broken out of her reverie by a rattling noise they seemed to be right on top of.

Thunderbolt gave a terrified scream as soon as he realized what they had run into, and he reared. Samantha hugged the horse's sides with her legs as he went up, and up, and then he hit the ground running. They went across the prairie like a black streak. By the time Sam had calmed him down enough to slow him to a trot; he was lathered with foamy sweat and panting hard. She stopped him and dismounted to take off his saddle and rub him down thoroughly. To her chagrin she noticed they were somewhat off the trail, but that couldn't be helped at that moment. She watered and fed him and then ate her own lunch.

Samantha got out her map and surveyed it, and then she mounted up and performed the tedious task of trying to find the trail. It was several hours before she found the trail, and then several hours later she had to stop to make camp. She cared for Thunderbolt and ate a cold meal. Sam didn't bother with a fire, as the night was pretty warm. Her sleep that night was erratic and very light.