Sam grinned broadly as he listened to his wife’s challenge and then watched her expression change as she quickly studied the terrain.<br/><br/>“Well Mrs. Markham . . . were we near some grassy spot instead of rocks and sand and god knows what else your challenge would have already been answered.”<br/><br/>He nodded as she told him about Freckles and how she’d been taking care of the horse.<br/><br/>“You know Irene . . . what you’ve done puts you in good position to keep the horse.  The horse and you are good together and as you’ve paid for its upkeep I’d say it’s yours.  Possession is nine tenths of the law in matters like these.  If they squabble about it, I buy them off easily enough I’m certain.”<br/><br/>Sam tapped his badge and his holster.<br/><br/>“I’ve been known to be quite persuasive.”<br/><br/>Sam laughed aloud as she winked at him and set Freckles off in an easy gallop.  He patted Diablo’s neck and whispered to the big black horse.<br/><br/>“You’re not going to let them take you are you fella?”<br/><br/>The big horse snorted and bobbed his head and with a clucking signal from his rider he was off after Irene and Freckles in a fast gallop.  As Sam and his horse passed them, he dipped his hat at his wife and grinned devilishly.  He slowed Diablo’s pace until Irene and Freckles caught up to them.<br/><br/>“Now where’s that water Irene? Let’s wager that the loser getting back from there buys the beer.  I’ll give you a head start.”<br/><br/>He chuckled as he readied himself for her response which he’d fully anticipated with the words he’d chosen.  Sam thought that she was even more beautiful when her blood was up.<br/><br/><br/>