Diamond Buckow by A. J. Arnold Page A

ranch southwest of here, and I know he needs help. Just ask for the Standing Arrow. My husband’s name is Henry Blough, and I’m Nancy.”
    She wheeled, rustling her full skirt, and was gone.
    Buck shook his head. Was this woman a little more daring, just a mite more familiar than a wedded lady had ought to be? No, he decided as he moved to find the store clerk. No, she was just one of those friendly people in this old world. And Lord knew he’d run across precious few of those in his time.
    Buck lifted his head, and found himself stunned once more by the same pair of luminous green eyes as before.
    â€œDid you want to buy something?” that voice from the restaurant sang. And again it had that strange effect on his heart.
    â€œI, uh, why, yes, Miss. I need a complete outfit to work on a ranch.”
    â€œOh, dear,” Sarah said in agitation.
    A slender white hand fluttered up to rest against her throat. “I usually just work in the ladies’ part of the store. I never took care of the front section before. The Hendersons should come back shortly. Do you think you could wait for the gentleman to help you?”
    â€œI don’t mind waiting.” Buck smiled warmly. “Especially if you’ll wait with me.”
    Sarah darted a nervous glance at him.
    â€œI—I don’t know what to say. They’ve never left me alone before. To tell you the truth, I think I’m scared.”
    Buck stared at her, too surprised for a slick comment.
    â€œOf me?” he demanded. “Ain’t a reason on this earth to be afraid of me, Sarah.”
    â€œHow do you know my name?”
    In her fright, Sarah’s voice lost all its mellowness. Something close to terror shot glimmers of light through her eyes.
    â€œEasy, easy now,” Buck soothed. “Don’t you remember? We almost collided in the restaurant. I got your package for you.”
    Sarah gaped at him tensely for a minute, and then returned his smile. Her sharp features nearly cracked with relief.
    â€œOh, yes, of course. How silly of me! I’m sorry. I suppose you overheard my pa call me by name?”
    â€œWell, yeah, I did,” Buck had to admit, feeling a red tide start to flow up the back of his neck and over his ears.
    â€œAnd you heard me mention Mrs. Henderson’s, so you followed me here.”
    â€œNow, doggone it, no, I didn’t!” He glared at her, but she was glaring right back.
    â€œDarn it, Sarah, I didn’t actually come after you a-purpose. What it was—well, I mean—what I done—oh, hang it all! I needed some stuff, because I’m thinking to get a job at a ranch around here. I wanted to put on a decent outfit and then see if I could find you because—well, I liked the sound of your voice and I wanted to get to know you. And I heard your pa’s plans to leave in the morning, so I only had this one chance.”
    Sarah’s crisp tones went low and strong.
    â€œYou’re wrong about Pa. He’ll get drunk and sleep ’til noon, and the wagon train will be long gone. He’ll be angry, but I can handle him. It won’t take much to convince him I couldn’t wake him up.”
    She eyed Buck strangely, and pursed her lips in determination.
    â€œNow, then, just what clothing did you want?”
    But he wasn’t ready to talk business.
    â€œHold on a minute,” he urged. “Sarah, supposing I can find a job with a ranch. That Mrs. Blough said her husband needs help...and it sounded pretty definite to me...well, could I come and see you?”
    She gulped. “I...I don’t know. Mrs. Blough is very nice, and it would probably be a good job. But let’s wait and see if you do get work close to town.”
    The front door opened. Sarah Ainsworth smiled almost thankfully at the couple who came in.
    â€œWhy, here are Mr. and Mrs. Henderson now! I’m sure you’ll get the best of help in finding what you