“But how do you know my name?”

Karla half smiled. “Mr. Renda told us.” She added quickly, “You jumped off at the grade, didn’t you?”

“Before that.”

“And they couldn’t chase you because of the other prisoners.”

“That’s right.”

“But the trackers are probably already following.”

“That’s right,” Bowen said again. Still he did not move. His hands were on her shoulders and he continued to study her dark face, trying to understand the calm way she looked up at him.

“Then you’d better hurry,” Karla said. “The saddle’s on the wall behind you.”

Bowen turned, almost reluctantly. He bridled the big mare, spread the blanket, and as he swung the saddle up, Karla started to walk away.

“Where’re you going?”

Karla looked back. “To get you some clothes.” She waited as he stared at her and she felt that she could almost read his thoughts. “Don’t you trust me?”

“I don’t know why I should.”

“All right, ride around with those numbers on your pants.”

Bowen shook his head. “I don’t understand you.”

“What would you like to know?” Karla asked.

“Why’re you helping me?”

“I’m not. You’re taking a horse. What good would it do if I objected?”

“The clothes-”

“You would have thought of it sooner or later,” Karla said. “Hurry now.”

Unexpectedly, Bowen said, “Was Falvey bothering you?”

Karla smiled again. “Maybe you’re not in a hurry.”

“Was he?”

“Mr. Falvey was looking for a friend, that’s all.”

“He could use one.”

“So could you.”

“I was trying to figure,” Bowen said hesitantly, “if there was something between you.”

“You’d better think about getting something between you and Renda’s trackers.” She turned. This time he did not stop her and she went on to the adobe.

Bowen was leading the horse out when she returned carrying a blanket roll. “Shirt and pants are inside,” Karla said. “And something to eat.”