"Sam and Caleb Masters were brothers..."

Wit and whimsy in Lauran Paine's description of minor characters.


Book Title: Halfmoon Ranch.

Short Story Name: Ocean of Grass.


"Sam and Caleb Masters were brothers.

"They were sturdily built, taciturn, and unimaginative men.

"Their people had been in the country since time out of mind and had left them a legacy of laziness, slow minds, quick tempers -- and nothing else.

"They had been cowboying for the Liskeys for three years -- mainly because the food was plentiful and, except for calving time and winter feeding, the work wasn't very hard.

"With somber nods both Sam and Caleb ducked their heads to Buff and Slim, washed noisily, and sat down at the oilcloth - covered table..."