he 's very careful with the last words , but his pronunciation is good . i glanced down at the other rocker . her brow wrinkled , but she seemed to be asleep . `` how many of the garrison are left ? '' since i knew i would n't be going to class in the morning i decided to drive back to the ranch . i was at a loss for words , though i had practiced what i would say repeatedly . he was so hard that her fingers barely made an impression . 