“You know how to shoot that thing?" Doubtful merriment danced in Willow's eyes.The landlady's smile was noncommittal as she simply pointed at a small twig on an old lightning-burnt ironwood. "Watch." She hefted the gun, squinted one eye, and pulled the trigger. The twig splintered off to parts unknown. She gave the gun a neat twirl, blew at the smoking barrel, and returned the weapon to her lap. "Close your mouth,dear. You'll gather flies.”

“Rider was still cursing the incident back at the ranch, when riding north, he spied an outlandish sight. As he drew closer, he realized his eyes weren't playing a joke on him. Coming toward him was Hick's gunslinger, stark naked but for his hat and boots. "Well, I'll be damned," he whispered to himself. "Even his shooting iron is burnt!"The moment Scofield heard Rider's horse, he jerked his hat off his head and covered his privates."What happened, man?" Rider asked. "Where's your clothes, your horse?"Scofield lifted rage-filled eyes to the foreman. "The Vaughn slut, she did this to me. When I get my hands on her, me and the boys are gonna have a party and she's gonna be the entertainment. After I'm done with 'er-""Hold on there, Scofield," Rider interrupted. "Are you talking about Willow Vaughn? Why would she do a thing like this?""How should I know! She just lost her temper sudden-like. Then she pulled that gun of hers and ordered me off my horse and made me strip down.”

“You'll have that handsome rogue you married at your knees, my dear."Franny giggled. "You really think so, senora?""I certainly do, my dear."Willow nudged the girl in the ribs. "Take it from me, Miriam knows what she's talking about!""Good grief, Willow!" Miriam protested. "You make me sound like I'm an expert on seducing men! I find that not the least bit flattering."Willow winked at Franny, and Miriam rolled her eyes skyward.”

“Tell me one thing. Has Rider Sinclair done something to hurt you in any way? If he has,I'll shoot that man!"Willow was taken aback by Miriam's vehemence. "No,no," she hastily assured. "He might have hurt my feelings some but that's all.""I noticed he wasn't being very gentlemanly, but I overlooked it because I thought perhaps he was still showing his temper over the Scofield incident.""You're probably right. But, Miriam, this ain't, er,isn't about Sinclair, not entirely anyway. It's about me." Willow's smile was sad. "Being a man would be easier and a hell of a lot more fun but I ain't built right. So, I want you to teach me how to look and act like a fine and proper lady. You will, won't you?"Merry chuckles bubbled and rolled out of Miriam. "Oh, Willow!" More chuckles. "I know I shouldn't laugh right now, but I can't help myself. You say the most awful things!"Willow didn't know if she should be insulted or not, but since it was Miriam laughing at her, she gave her the benefit of the doubt. "I know my wanting to be a real lady is funny, but not that funny.""No,no." Miriam laughed, gasping for breath. "No that, the part about you're not being built right.”

“Miriam really hates for me to ride to and from the ranch alone so your coming along should make her feel better. Right, Miriam?"Miriam cast her a don't-play-my-own-tricks-on-me look.For her benefactress's peace of mind, less than for Rider's knowledge, Willow added, "I've told Miriam she doesn't need to worry about me. I always carry a pistol."Rider's brows shot up. "You pack a gun?""Uh-huh, an old Colt .45. It was a present from Nick, my oldest brother.""And I bet you know how to shoot it, too." He smiled wryly."I ain't no quick draw, but I usually hit what I aim at.”

“You better keep your mouths shut if you know what's good for you."Rider strolled up to her, a punch glass in each hand. "What's going on here? You look ready to take on Geronimo."The girls giggled and moved off across the room. Rider frowned and glanced back at Willow. "Were they making fun of you?""Yes." Embarrased, she refrained from commenting on the topic of their taunts. "I'd like to slap their silly smiles off their silly faces," she hissed.She took a step forward and, for a moment, Rider thought she meant to carry out her threat. He caught her arm. "Whoa, there.”

“Do you think she's going to hang out your dirty laundry for all to see?""How can you say she has sense after what she pulled today? Bah! You don't know what you're talking about.""What Willow did today was nothing more than an act of rebellion, a way to let off steam and let you know, in the only way she knew how, that your treatment of her is entirely unacceptable.""Woman, what you need is a man, then maybe you wouldn't be putting your nose in everybody's business.""Why,Mr. Vaughn, are you applying for the job?" Miriam asked, with an ill-humored smile. "Hell,no!""Then I suggest you leave my personal life out of this. My life is in perfect order, which is more than can be said for yours!"Owen grunted and took a pull on his pipe.Well aware of his bold perusal, Miriam attacked her darning as if it were infinitely more engaging than any conversation with the man across the room from her.Owen wasn't a handsome man by any standards with his bearlike build and ruddy complexion. And heaven knew he wasn't very likeable either. Thus, Miriam was at a complete loss to explain her powerful attraction to him. Good heavens, she thought, I haven't felt so giddy since that time on my eighteenth birthday when Hiriam pulled me behind Aunt Harriet's coachhouse and we... The landlady's face reddened.”