Western Bennet, Robert Ames: Bloom of the Cactus v1 19 jan 2009

[mtravellerh]

Lennon sprang from his pony and steadied his rifle across the saddle. Carmena drew in a deep breath.
"That's right," she approved. "Keep him covered. Shoot if he turns—but not Pete."
The Navaho had drawn rein to tail in behind the pony of his leader. He thrust a hand overhead in a swift sign gesture.
"You see, Jack. I knew we could count on Pete. The boy thinks a good deal of me. He was ready to shoot Cochise in the back."
"But you!" exclaimed Lennon. "That was ripping the way you—what d'you say?—got the drop on Cochise. My right hand is still too weak for a knockout blow."
Carmena gravely drew a sheath knife from the pocket of her skirt.
"He knows I usually carry my revolver," she said.
Lennon stared.
"Your revolver wasn't in your pocket? Yet you sheathed your rifle!"
"Didn't you notice his men had their guns pointed at us across their laps? Sheathing mine was what gave me the chance to bluff him. It's all right now. He won't try any more tricks this time."

Plenty of action, a gripping story and some romance. Good entertaining read.