True Grit page 31

 True Grit page 31 by ric gustafson

" Rooster".

Cogburn knew who's voice it was.

I was on the ground with Pepper's boot on my neck.

" Rooster, can you hear me?".

There was no reply.

" Answer me Rooster". Pepper's voice got louder. " Or I will kill the girl".

" The girl is nothing to me Ned" replied Rooster. " She's a runaway from Arkansas".

" What do you want me to do with her Rooster?". Pepper's voice hesitated. " Kill her".

" Ned, do what you think is best". 

LaBoeuf looked at Cogburn. " Cogburn, what are you doing?".

" Hush". He cleared his throat. " Ned, I would think it over first".

I was still under Ned's boot. " My name is Mattie Ross from near Dardanelle Arkansas".

research help: ' True Grit' by Charles Portis

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric