Stanley stared at Roy's hand for a few seconds, smiled, and then squeezed Roy's hand.
"Thanks for looking out for me. You're my best friend, Roy."
Once they finished their drinks, the boys departed the saloon for the errands on Roy's list. Exiting the swinging doors, Robert and Franklin were hanging near the tavern entrance. Roy doubled his fist, leaning their direction, but the two adversaries scampered away.
Stanley chuckled. "How long you think before they try something else?"
"Franklin, I don't worry about him. Robert though, he's mean. He'll probably try one more time, but he'll be sneaky about it."
Stanley quickly scanned the street.
Several hours later, they were on their last stop at Dillard's general store. Roy carried a heavy sack of chicken feed on his shoulder and was walking toward his horse when Robert appeared from the side of the building. Robert had a long square board in his hand and was about to swing it like a baseball bat at the back of Roy's head. Coming out of the store, Stanley was carrying a small, but heavy wooden cask of nails when he spotted Robert about to clobber Roy. Stanley pitched the nails at Robert, with the edge of the twenty-five-pound barrel cutting into Robert's foot.
Instantly, Robert howled, dropping the stick in his hands, and hobbled around holding onto his damaged foot. Stunned, Roy swung around just in time to see the quick actions of Stanley. Robert's cries emitted louder as he began cursing Stanley. It had been a close call, but Stanley and Roy shared a good laugh over Robert's pain.
Robert then dropped his foot to the ground and winced. Wearing a menacing face, he started hobbling toward Stanley. He managed four or five steps, but suddenly Sheriff Dawson appeared. Grabbing Roberts's ear, the sheriff began twisting. Dragging a screaming Robert backward, the sheriff headed in the direction of his office. After watching the sheriff and Robert disappear around a corner, Roy and Stanley quickly finished packing their horses, mounted up and rode toward home.
After unloading the horses, Roy thanked his friend for a great day. "It's getting late Stanley, and I appreciate you riding home with me to unpack things. You better hurry back, or your momma is gonna be worried."
"It would be okay with me if we never have another day like this one," said Stanley.
"Some days are better than others, I guess, some worse. See you later."
Stanley pulled the reins turning to ride home. Roy then gave two slaps on the rear of the horse as Stanley rode off. After putting everything away, Roy prepared an austere supper of baked beans and strips of salted pork. Using some bread to wipe his plate, Roy realized he was hungrier than he thought. He patted his protruding stomach in satisfaction. Gathering his plate, he was about to rinse them off when he glanced at the fireplace.