The broke old farmer bought the dying mare for $200. Then the millionaire arrived with a sheriff-and the horse hid behind the old man like she knew exactly who had hurt her

deep and desperate, pulling half the bucket down in long swallows. She would not touch the oats he set in an old rubber pan, so he took them away. A starving horse could be killed with kindness if a man fed too much too fast. Wade knew that much.

He washed her leg under the yellow light of the bare bulb. The joint was hot through the cloth when he continue reading …