Chapters 7 - 9 Summary

Chapter 7: Jane asks Lassiter to ride for her; he agrees, to her vast relief. Jane knows Lassiter is her only hope of defending her cattle, horses, and rangelands. She gives him one of her best horses, Bells, named for the ringing sound his quick hooves make on the stone courtyard. Lassiter instantly falls in love with Bells, and Bells is equally taken with Lassiter. Lassiter quickly adjusts to his new job, spending many long hours in the saddle riding herd on Jane's cattle. Jane's household settles back to normal following Lassiter's arrival, but she fears she is in the eye of the storm. One day, Jane sees Tull in the village. He chides her for hiring a gun-man like Lassiter. Jane insists she is only keeping Lassiter close so that she might stay his hand from violence. Tull bows and leaves...