"Just tryin' to get her well," Ben says, voice butter-smooth. "The dry heat's the best for her cough, the doctors say."

"I've heard that myself," Cole says, then clears his throat. "Well, uh, best of luck to the both of you, Brother Tucker."

"And you, Mr. Cole."

Cole gives "Prudence" another polite nod, and Ben offers the man a wave as Cole urges his horse along.

"Just be careful," Cole calls over his shoulder. "There's bandits who'll take advantage of your kindness out here if y'ain't careful."

"Oh, there's no need to worry about us," Ben says without a trace of irony. "We'll get ourselves to Cuero lickety-split."