'Here,' John passes over a couple of notes.
'Well thanks very much for offering, Mr Marston, but I don't need any money.'
'Neither do I – take it.'
'Really, I don't need any money.'
'You may not need it, but you sure do deserve it. You've saved my life, given me a bed, food, hot water…'
'And you earned it all back, Mr Marston!'
With a sigh he draws out his pistol and holds me at gun point. 'Do I really need to tell you again, Miss McFarlane?'
I roll my eyes and snatch the money. As John puts the gun back in its holster I move to the other side of the room to store the notes in my money chest.
'So I guess this means you're leaving then, eh, Mr Marston?'
He looks down at his feet, 'guess so.'
'Shame. It's been mighty fine having someone 'round to help me out. Won't be too long now till Bill Williamson takes over this old place.'
'Nah, I'm sure you'll keep it covered. Be seeing you, Miss McFarlane!' and John turns to make his way down the steps. I rest myself on the door post, watching him stroll towards his hitched horse.
'Don't suppose you need any company?' I call.
He comes to a halt and slowly turns round. I begin to make my way towards him. 'It's just, I got nothing to do round here. An' I've always fancied going on some adventure.'
'This ain't gonna be 'some adventure', Miss McFarlane.'
'I know, Mr Marston. An' you already know from experience that I'm a serious gal. I'm a good shot, a fast rider. Why, you'd hardly notice me at all!'
'An' what about the ranch? How you gonna keep it off Bill's dirty hands if you're out with me?'
'My father'll be back soon. Till then I've got my mother an' the workers to protect our land. It was never my job anyway – I just started doing it.'
'Well, I suppose you wouldn't be too much of a hassle.'
'Course I won't, Mr Marston. I know this near area like the back o' my hand. I promise I'll be a lot a help to you.'