Chapter 3

           Brownwokehimupfivehourslater.Itwasdark.Theonlylightwasthedullcherryglareofthebankedembers.

           "Yourmulehaspassedon,"Brownsaid."Dinner’sready."

           "How?"

           Brownshrugged."Roastedandboiled,howelse?Youpicky?"

           "No,themule."

           "Itjustlaidover,that’sall.Itlookedlikeanoldmule."Andwithatouchofapology:"Zoltanettheeyes."

           "Oh."Hemighthaveexpectedit"Allright"

           Brownsurprisedhimagainwhentheysatdowntotheblanketthatservedasatablebyaskingabriefblessing:Rain,health,expansiontothespirit

           "Doyoubelieveinanafterlife?"ThegunslingeraskedhimasBrowndroppedthreeearsofhotcornontohisplate.

           Brownnodded."Ithinkthisisit."