They sat around the campfire and talked for hours, seven grizzled cowboys used to life on the trail and evenings beneath the stars.
They spoke of branding, of horses, of Indians, and, of course, women. Cookie was in mid sentence, carrying on about his latest escapade in Laredo, when the Duke stood up, mounted his horse, and started away from the group. The brilliant sky silhouetted the Duke.
"Where the hell ya goin', Duke" Cookie exclaimed, "I ain't finished my story yet."
"Save it, Cookie", growled the Duke. " I ain't got time to hear it right now. I'm headin' back to A2K."