Nights he lay under the sage bloom dreaming of capping off the outfit he’s cobbled together; to finish off the second-hand Colt, lariat, serviceable saddle, and boots, with an authentic Stetson.
At trail’s end, a gauntlet of tequila, Cyprians, and Little Casino offers-up temptation.
Ramon runs the gauntlet. “Thanks, ma’am, but no,” he responds, slightly embarrassed.
He gains the mercantile, haggles the purchase of his pride then rides in royal fashion for Texas.
The next eighty-five days tatter the crown, but Ramon smiles on for it’s a genuine Stetson.