The rancher smiled and shook his head, and replied?? "I go to Stob once a year for breeding purposes, both cattle and horses. Can't have inbreeding". He smiled at her, "Name's Jim Cobbs, you're welcome to come visit my farm. Spring is foaling and calving season if you want to see the babies". He stuck a hand out to shake, and let her get to her stew. She seemed awful hungry.
She knew her manners, and Bettina set her spoon down to take his hand.?? "Bettina," she told him, "tinker and whatnot!"?? Words her father had used ever so long ago.?? "I'd love to come see the foals!"?? As Aury returned, she tucked back into the stew, she needed to eat so she could get to work and show him he hadn't made a bad choice.
"Mirriam."?? Bettina smiled at the other young woman, although she could tell that she was not only surprised that she was getting a roommate, but didn't seem especially thrilled.?? "I neither dance nor sing, but I know Cat's Cradle and can pull a coin out of yer ear," she declared proudly, "and fling payin' cards, too, but them's just tricks."?? Her grin widened.?? "By th' end of th' day I'll be makin' adobe bricks with th' best of 'em!"
