Horst and Aunt Gisela. I couldn't say anything at the time or even now because Papa would have gone after them and they probably would have killed him, too. I decided to wait until you came home so you and I could handle what has to be done."

"What are you talking about kid? Who did it? How did you find out?"

Gunter said, "I think it was the Mathews brothers, John and Earl. At least the word was out that they were bragging about it in Mason. They went out to rob your Papa but Uncle Horst must have surprised them and they shot him. And when he fell, your Momma must have run to him and picked up his old rifle. I heard that they were bragging theyHe looked around the room to see if anyone would challenge him; no one was moving.

Paul kept his voice even and said, "Everyone here, you saw these two men draw first. Remember it."

The room was quiet and no one made a move, but he was not going to take any chances. He backed slowly toward the entrance and out the door, his hand held just above his pistol. He moved to his horse. He was headed south for Matamoras, Mexico.

### Comes A Rider, Chapter One

The solitary horseman riding the big bay sat the saddle easily as if he knew what he was doing. The man was larger than most at a little over six feet two and while there was not an ounce of fat on him, he