Jessica grabbed a brush and stepped into the stall of a big, black stallion. Hey Bellisario, she crooned, rubbing up under his forelock. The stallion tossed his head and snorted, striking out at the stall door with a front hoof. Feeling frisky huh? Jessica brushed him down and grabbed a bridle. She slipped it on him and led Bellisario out of the stall just as Chase came jogging in.

Guthrie from the mercantile just came by. Said he hasn't seen Jed for two weeks now. Jedidiah P. Cornpone was a well known crotchety, cantankerous old minor. Many of the posh citizens of Thunder Springs didn't care for him, but Jessica knew that his crotchety disposition hid a gentle heart.

I'll ride out to his claim and check on him, Jessica said to Chase as she sprang up onto Bellisario's bare back. The stallion snorted and danced sideways, neck arched. A run will do Bellisario a bit of good.

Chase opened the paddock gate for her and Jessica rode out into the town. She held the stallion to a prancing walk until she reached the edge of town. Then she gave the stallion his head and galloped him toward Jed's claim.