Chapter 19

           InthemorningBrownfedhimandsenthimonhisway.Inthedaylighthewasanamazingfigurewithhisscrawny,burntchest,pencil-likecollarbonesandringletedshockofredhair.Thebirdperchedonhisshoulder.

           "Themule?"Thegunslingerasked.

           "I’lleatit,"Brownsaid.

           "Okay."

           Brownofferedhishandandthegunslingershookit.Thedwellernoddedtothesouth."Walkeasy."

           "Youknowit."

           Theynoddedateachotherandthenthegunslingerwalkedaway,hisbodyfestoonedwithgunsandwater.Helookedbackonce.Brownwasrootingfuriouslyathislittlecombed.Thecrowwasperchedonthelowroofofhisdwellinglikeagargoyle.