Bluebelle made such a racket at the entrance to the tent that Jack had to stifle a chuckle. He laughed out loud when the little dog howled and bayed like a wolf. “Let her in, Jack,” Ennis said as he pulled his mouth away from Jack’s kisser. “I came up here to see you, but Bluebelle is welcome in here anytime, as far as I’m concerned.” Jack didn’t like the idea of Bluebelle lying around the tent. She was much more useful out by the sheep, keeping a watch out for predators. Besides, she had fleas, and already infested the tent with the tiny buggers. Jack looked at his friend. “You really want her in here, Ennis?” Ennis smiled and nodded. “Yeah, let her in fer just a minute."
Bluebelle scampered into the close space of the tent the moment Jack moved the flap aside. She headed straight for Ennis and jumped right onto his lap. Ennis cooed and spoke soft words to the dog as he petted and rubbed her spotted coat. Jack glared at the fleas that formed a tiny cluster on his ankle. “I don’t know how much longer I can deal with these pests,” Jack muttered as he slapped at the tiny insects. “I’m being eaten alive here!" Ennis was sympathetic to Jack's plight, of course. He didn't know why he was never bothered with the fleas. Jack was right: he was always tormented by the small, small vermin. Mebbe his blood is sweeter than mine, Del Mar reasoned. Ennis parted the hair on Bluebelle’s back and flinched when he saw the fleas there. “I know you’re both miserable, Rodeo,” Ennis remarked. “I’ll have Emile bring up some flea powder when I go down to the bridge in a few days." “Thanks, friend,” Jack whispered. “I have this flea bath that was left over from last year, but not enough here to do much good." Ennis considered what his friend just said. “Why don’t you put a bit on her anyway, Jack,” Ennis began. “It can’t hurt and just might help.”
Ennis watched as Jack poured the contents of the bottle onto Bluebelle’s back. The dog didn’t protest; she sat very still, as Ennis was scratching her behind the ears. Jack massaged the liquid into her coat and smiled when he noticed Bluebelle’s closed eyes. She seemed to be enjoying the attention. Ennis watched as Jack rubbed Bluebelle’s coat. When he was all done, Jack opened the tent flap and shooed her outside. Bluebelle exited the tent without a fuss. “Looks like I had better get back down to camp,” Ennis said as he reached for his beige coat. “I’m fixing beans again tonight.” Jack nodded and reached for his friend’s belt. “You want me to love you a bit before you leave?” he asked, huskily. Ennis couldn’t hide his lust, but he had a job to do. “When you ride down for supper maybe I’ll take you up on it. But for now, I gotta go.” Jack nodded and followed Ennis out of the tent. Bluebelle was waiting there, her tail wagging.