Free Xenia’s Renegade by Agnes Alexander Page B

empty when I took those men in earlier tonight.”
    “If they’re willing to tell us, we’ll find out in the morning. Maybe we can help them solve their problems.”
    “I’ve never known you to be so eager to help strangers, Wilt.”
    “Since I’ve met the Poindexter sisters I seem to have gotten a little softer.”
    Ty chuckled. “I hate to admit it, but so have I. I couldn’t even work up any enthusiasm with Sassy Sue sitting on my lap tonight, and you know she’s always been able to excite me.”
    “I know what you mean. Though I’ve never been with the girl, Little Lil didn’t do a thing for me, either.”
    They entered the yard of a long, rambling one-story adobe ranch house and Ty stopped the buggy near the hitching post. “We’re here. Let’s get these people inside.”
    Xenia stirred and opened her eyes. “Are we at your ranch?”
    “Yes. We’re here.” Ty moved to her side of the buggy. “Let me help you down.”
    “In a minute. I need to wake up Mea Ann.”
    “Wilt will take care of her.”
    “Fine.” She stood and accepted his hand.
    He ignored her hand and took hold of her around her waist. She felt as light as a child as he swung her to the ground.
    “Thank you.” She turned toward the house. “Oh, how lovely. Are you sure we’re at the right place?”
    He chuckled. “Yes, we’re at the right place. Did you expect me to live in a cave or some such thing?”
    She giggled. “Of course I did. A cave would suit you.” She started forward and stumbled.
    Ty put his arm around her. “Don’t go falling. I think you’re still half asleep.”
    “I’m not, but I sure want to go back to asleep as soon as I can.”
    Johnny began to cry.
    “Oh, he’s hungry. We haven’t had enough milk for him since we got to town,” Mea Ann said.
    “We have milk in the house. We’ll get him some as soon as we get inside.” Wilt glanced at the baby in his arms. “Little fellow sure has a big set of lungs.”
    “I’m sorry he’s crying, but he’s just a baby.”
    “I didn’t mean to complain about his noise. I simply meant to say he had a good, strong voice. He’ll make a great rancher. I can see him yelling at the cows when he’s a bit older.”
    Mea Ann laughed. “I think he’s a little young to chase cows.”
    “Don’t pay any attention to him, Mea Ann,” Ty said. “He’s always looking for good cow hands to work on the ranch.”
    She giggled again. “Well, he can stop trying to make my baby one of them.”
    Ty opened the door and led them inside. An Indian woman met them in the parlor and Ty said, “I know you’re curious, but please don’t ask any questions now, Aunt Chapa. This baby needs some milk and these ladies are exhausted and need to get in beds as soon as they eat a bite. Then Wilt and I will explain everything.”
    Without arguing. Chapa nodded and began carrying out his requests. It wasn’t long until the sisters faced a whirlwind of activity. The friendly Indian woman made quick progress of getting the baby a bottle of milk, sitting them down to bread and butter and jam with hot coffee. She then disappeared to prepare rooms for them. On her return, she offered to take the baby so Mea Ann could relax.
    Mea Ann refused. “I want Johnny with me. I’ll sleep better knowing he’s cuddled in my arms.”
    “As you wish,” the woman said.
    In a short time, Xenia found herself in a bedroom with a huge bed with a big fluffy feather mattress and a collection of feather pillows. Though she would have liked to take a bath, she was too tired. She made do by washing up from the pitcher of warm water the Indian woman brought to her. She then dug in her valise and found a nightgown. In a matter of minutes, she was in bed, wondering if her sister had such a nice room. She didn’t wonder long, because in minutes, she fell into a deep sleep.
    ****
    “Alright, boys, I’ve done what you told me to do. I have the baby fed and your lady friends are in clean beds in the two guest