Opening
his eyes, Mike shivered in the cold grey light of dawn.
Brushing away the leaves that he had used as a comforter, he stood up
slowly and tried in vain to stretch the stiffness he felt from lying on the
ground. He had slept outdoors many
times, when he and Slim or Jess were hunting, but he had always had a bedroll
with him and someone to keep him warm during the long night hours. He rubbed his cold hands together and then tried walking up
and down to bring back the circulation to his limbs and trying to warm himself
up. His journey was going to be
long, the road endless and he needed to make an early start.
Birds
began to chirp their morning chorus as Mike tried to hide the fact that someone
had camped there overnight. He knew
by this time that Slim and Jess were probably looking for him and he knew they
were both good trackers, probably the best in the territory, especially Jess.
He didn’t want to leave any traces one of them might be able to follow.
After satisfying himself that he had removed any trace of his resting
place, he shoved his hands in his pockets and began the third day of his new
life.
After
walking for about an hour, he heard a growling noise.
Startled he hid behind a nearby tree and waited for the wildlife to
appear. Nothing! He
heard the noise again and then realised what it was.
He half smiled at his silliness. It
was his stomach, and he rubbed it while he thought of the breakfast table at
home, loaded with fresh baked bread, eggs, and ham.
Slim and Jess would be drinking coffee, and talking about the workday
ahead. Then Miss Daisy’s face filled his mind and the smell of apple pie fresh
from the oven wafted into his nostrils.
Quickly
he pushed thoughts of happier days gone by from his mind, as tears threatened to
well up in his eyes. The one thing
he wasn’t going to do was cry. He
wasn’t a baby anymore, he was out in the Big Open and he would make a new life
for himself. One day perhaps even
find a place to call home, just like Jess had done.
Feeling more optimistic, he continued on.
As
the sun rose to its zenith Mike looked about him, unsure as to which direction
he was really headed in. Was he
near the Cheyenne road? He
couldn’t figure out the direction and he wondered why.
Then it dawned on him. This
was the farthest he had ever been from home, and nothing
around him was familiar. He was
lost!
His
stomach grumbled again, and he suddenly felt light headed.
Mike stumbled and sat down with a hard thud on the unrelenting ground. He sat for a few moments and waited for his head to clear so
he could make a decision. He had to
find something, anything that he could eat, and water, he needed to find water.
If he could only find the river, he knew he might be able to find
watercress or edible lilies.
Haru, the eldest daughter of the
Japanese family that had found him and taken him to the ranch, had told him of
such plants. Maybe he could even
find some berries or wild honey. Why
had he been so thoughtless to forget to bring any food? But then he wasn’t thinking at the time.
All he had wanted to do then was to get far away from Laramie.
Finding his head to be clearing, he stood to his feet and forged onward
– secure in his mind of his goal – the river.
*
* * * * * * * * * * *
The three
searchers had been riding hard for more than a day now and had come across no
sign of Mike. Jess watched as his
partner became more and more agitated as each hour of the fruitless search
passed. Seeing his partner
and best friend like this disturbed him greatly, and as a result, he became
angrier with the woman who had done this to his family.
When they found Mike, and he knew they would find him; he would go to
town and confront her. He had waited for this ever since the death of his family in
Texas – a family to call his own – and no female was going to take that away
from him.
Ahead, Mort
Corey pulled up his horse and waved his companions forward.
“This isn’t getting us anywhere boys.
Maybe I should go back to town and get more help; we’d cover more
ground. Mike couldn’t have gone
that far, not on foot.”
Jess looked
at Slim who sat with his leg hooked over the horn of his saddle.
He was drinking slowly from his canteen, his face furrowed with worry.
“Whatever you want to do, Mort but Jess and I are going to keep
looking.” He looked across at his
partner for confirmation. Jess nodded and Slim handed him the canteen.
“We’ll have to conserve water, best we share mine for now.
The river isn’t far, just off the Cheyenne road.
We can refill both canteens there. Then
continue up the ridge, and start to double back, he couldn’t have gotten any
further than that point.”
“If he was
headed in that direction, Slim.” Jess added nonchalantly, handing back the
canteen.
Slim snatched
it from his hand, agitated at the remark. “Of
course he was headed in that direction; nearest large town and Mike has always
wanted to go there. Make sense he
would head for some place where no one knew him.”
He settled himself back in the saddle.
“You do what you think fit, Mort.”
He urged Alamo forward, then stopped and looked over his shoulder at his
partner. “You coming?”
Mort and Jess
exchanged a concerned glance, a myriad of unspoken words passed between them,
each understanding the others’ thoughts.
“I’m coming, Pard.” Jess
replied, moving forward on the trail, praying that they would find Mike soon. He
didn’t know how much more of this Slim’s nerves could take.
Good thing Slim hadn’t suggested they split up.
It wouldn’t be good for him to be searching on his own right now.
It was late
afternoon and the partners had stopped atop a ridge and were scanning the valley
below for any sign of the missing boy. Frustrated
at the lack of any sign, Slim dismounted and unsaddled his mount almost throwing
the saddle and blanket to the ground. “Best
make camp.”
Jess quietly
dismounted and suggested they move off the ridge to a nearby thicket.
“Give us more cover than this exposed ridge top, Slim.”
His partner grumbled his agreement and slipped his arm through his reins
as he collected his gear and moved towards the nearby thicket.
Jess picked up firewood along the way as he led Traveler after his
partner. After hobbling their
horses, Jess collected some more greasewood and set about building a fire. Slim sat on his bedroll that he had spread out and leaned
against his saddle, his eyes closed.
Knowing the
exhaustion Slim must be feeling, Jess busied himself with preparing their meager
supper. And in no time flat, he had
coffee brewing and bacon sizzling in the pan and home made biscuits in the
warming pot. Assuring himself that
it was ready, Jess poured himself a cup of coffee
and then poured a mug for his partner. He
quietly moved towards Slim and tapped him gently on the knee.
Slim pushed his hat back from his face; his usually tanned features now
tinged grey with exhaustion and worry.
“Here, Pard,
this make’ll you feel better. Food
will be ready in a minute and then we should get some sleep so we can make an
early start.”
“This’ll
do fine, Jess, then I’ll get some sleep.”
He took the coffee and began sipping slowly.
“You gotta
eat, Slim.” Jess said encouragingly. “We
gotta keep our strength up. It
could be a while before we find him and when we do, well who knows what we might
find.”
“We’ll
find him well and healthy, tired yes, but he’ll be okay. Now shut up and eat; your bacon’s burning.” Slim
drained the mug and threw it down by the fire.
Nimbly Jess
moved the sizzling pan and the warming pot.
Then turned back towards his partner who was settling himself into his
blankets. He watched as Slim pulled
his jacket around him and turned on his side, trying to find a measure of
comfort on the hard ground. Jess’
heart was heavy. He had never seen Slim act this way but once before and that
was when Andy had left for school. If
they were going to find Mike, they’d both need to stay focused on the task at
hand and right now he knew Slim wasn’t thinking with his head. Somehow he had
to pull him back to reality and not let him dwell on what might be.
Quietly he
sat next to him and placed his hand on Slim’s shoulder, gently squeezing it as
he spoke. “We’ll find him,
Slim. He’s out here somewhere and
we’ll find him. I know we
will.”
Silence fell
about the small campsite.
Slim took a deep breath and rolled onto his back.
Several minutes passed before he smiled weakly and pushed himself up on
his elbows. “I know, Jess. I’m
sorry. I’ve let my feelings get
the better of me these past few days. It’s
just….”
Jess squeezed
his partner’s shoulder again. “I
know, Pard.”
Slim’s
familiar smile spread across his tired features, as he sat fully upright.
“You know, I might be able to eat some of that bacon; if you haven’t
burned it that is.”
Jess patted
his partner’s knee. “Now
you’re talking. Might be a little
crisp, but it’s better than nothing.” He
took a plate and put several pieces of the crispy pork adding a spoonful of the
beans that he’d also had heating. Topping it off with a cooling biscuit, he
handed it to Slim. “More
coffee?”
Slim had
already taken a bite of the bacon and coughed.
He looked up and smiled warmly. “I
think so, Jess, or else we might choke to death on your cooking.”
Jess raised
an eyebrow as he poured Slim a refill and handed it to him.
Filling his own plate he settled back on his bedroll next to Slim and
they ate hungrily. After eating
their fill, Slim took up the task of cleaning up.
“You cooked, I’ll clean.”
Watching his
friend clean up, Jess was grateful that Slim was acting at least a little more
like himself. As he settled down
near the fire, he looked up at the night sky; somewhere out there Mike was
looking up at the same stars. “What
you thinking about, Jess?” Slim
asked, as he settled himself back under his blankets.
“Just
thinking about Mike. He’s out
there somewhere, Slim and he’s cold and scared and he thinks he’s all
alone.” Jess pulled his blankets
about him and turned on his side. “He
thinks no one cares about him, so all he could do was runaway. Doesn’t he know how much we care Slim? Why didn’t he come back to the ranch?”
Slim lay on
his back, his arms behind his head. “I
don’t know, Jess. Mike always
gave the impression of feeling safe with us.
Don’t know what happened to change that in his mind.”
“I know
what happened.”
“What?”
“Mrs.
Gilbert, that’s what happened.” Jess
almost chuckled as the sound of Mike’s voice uttering the nickname drifted
through his sleepy mind.
“Jess!”
Slim exclaimed, then smiled. “She
is a bit of a pickle isn’t she?” Slim
continued, using one of Mike’s favorite adages, his mind now firmly set on
their goal. “Best we get some sleep. I
think that this time tomorrow will see us heading home with a present for Daisy,
don’t you, Pard?” Slim looked
across at his partner for affirmation, only to hear Jess’ soft snoring filling
the stillness of the night.
A lone wolf howled in the distance, encouraging Slim to add wood to the fire. He settled into his blankets, feeling comforted that all would turn out well, and that his dream of having a family again would come true. Slim knew he’d ridden Jess’ nerves pretty hard since Mike’s disappearance, but once again his partner had stuck steadfastly by him. He looked up at the clouds rushing across the dark purple hue and silently thanked a greater being for creating such a man and for bringing the two of them together. Living in the west was hard, but not quite as hard if you were lucky enough to have a partner such as Jess Harper to share it with. For the first time in three days he closed his eyes and slept.
No
matter how hard he tried, Mike couldn’t sleep.
He had walked all day, purposefully at first, in hopes of finding the
river and something to eat or drink. But
by mid-afternoon there was still no sign of his goal and as dusk had fallen on
yet another cold night, he had simply slumped down against a tree stump, not
caring to make a proper sleeping place for himself, like the previous night’s.
He wrapped his jacket around him as best he could and huddled down to
sleep. Though cold and hungry,
exhaustion took him and he slept fitfully for a while, but now….
What
had awakened him, he couldn’t think, then he heard it again, a rustling and
then a low deep growl. The sky
filled with a flash of daylight that momentarily allowed him to see the night
intruder…………a lone wolf. It
stood off some few hundred yards, its teeth bared as it growled once more,
saliva dripping from its threatening jaws, its fur bristling about its neck and
shoulders.
Darkness
again and then a thunderous clap; and then came the rain.
As the storm’s arrival distracted the wolf from its prey, Mike took to
his heels, never looking back once. He
ran some twenty feet to a nearby tree that he had seen during the last
flash and pulled himself up into its branches.
The night hunter hadn’t been distracted for long and was soon snapping
at Mike’s heels as he climbed as far out of the reach of the rogue wolf’s
jaws as he could.
*
* * * * * * * * * * *
Slim
and Jess woke with a start as the thunder crashed about them.
Then as the rain began to fall, they hurried to gather their belongings,
then huddled against the edge of the jagged overhang, trying to calm their
startled horses.
The
sky lit up and then another thunderous crash followed almost immediately.
Jess grabbed both horses’ bridles, trying to soothe them with his
gentle voice.
“It’s
right above us now, Jess.” Slim
yelled over the sound of the wind that whipped about them.
A
few moments later, another flash of lightening, and then a long dark silence
before the thunder roared from the sky. The
storm, that had struck so suddenly, was moving away.
A few minutes more and it was just a rumble in the distance.
The
wind dropped and the horses quieted. Slim and Jess shook the water from their
belongings. Returning to the now washed out campsite they retrieved the
cooking pots. Jess grabbed at the
coffee pot that had fallen on its side, relieved to find that no mud had got
inside. He looked dejectedly at his
partner.
Slim
read his thoughts and smiled. “Wood’s
too damp to make another fire, Jess. You’ll
have to wait till morning. Maybe
we’ll find some dry tinder down the trail a piece.”
Slim said sympathetically and patted Jess on the back. “Not point trying to get back to sleep now it’ll be dawn
in a couple of hours. What do
you say we move on, Pard?”
Jess
sighed as he packed away the rest of the gear; and within a few minutes the
partners were back on the trail.
“There’s
that wolf again.” Slim noted, as
the lonesome lament penetrated the early morning light.
“Must be a rogue, haven’t heard anything of a pack.
Sounds like he’s on the hunt and possibly got something cornered.”
The
partners pulled up suddenly, their thoughts and expressions mirrored.
“Mike!”
*
* * * * * * * * * * *
The
heavy downpour, though short-lived, had made the bark of the tree extremely
slippery and Mike found it impossible to climb further up and out of the reach
of the snarling beast. The hunter
growled and snarled as it circled the tree, resting from its efforts of trying
to snatch its prey from the branches.
Mike
was breathing hard and once more struggled to put more distance between himself
and the wolf. As a branch snapped under his weight, the predator once again
jumped and snapped at Mike’s ankles, its teeth griping the heel of his boot
and shaking it violently. Mike
kicked at the wolf’s head with his other foot but only succeeded in slipping
further back down. His fall caused
his foot to hit the wolf fully on the nose, at which the wolf yelped and
momentarily released its grip on the boot heel and snapped at the foot that had
hit him so violent a blow. This
time the hunter got his reward, as his teeth sank deep into the young flesh. Mike screamed and kicked out once more, but the wolf would
not relent and sank his teeth in deeper. Mike’s
shrill scream filled the night as the dark veil of pain dared to envelope him.
Finally, his young body could take no more and he slipped quietly into
the warmth of a dark shroud.
*
* * * * * * * * * * *
His
senses told him he was warm, but that was impossible.
What was that? He could feel
something touching his foot. The
wolf! He kicked and struggled
violently. Ouch!
There was a stab of pain. His
foot throbbed and he struggled to get away from the pain, but something warm and
soft held him firm. A deep voice
spoke gently to him, a familiar voice, but whose? Again the pain and once more he struggled to get away, but
something held him fast. The
warmth, but what was it and did he want to leave its security?
The pain again, he had to decide; to stay within the warmth or get away
from the pain. The latter won.
He pushed and pushed against whatever it was that was holding him fast.
Finally, getting an arm free, he flayed around uncontrollably.
Then there was the voice again.
“Easy
there, Tiger.” And again his arm was held steadfast. “Easy now, it’s alright; Slim’s just bandaging your
foot.”
Finally,
his body succumbed and he once again laid still, a sense of comfort and safety
sweeping through him. He opened his
eyes and blinked, trying to make out the shape that held him.
The clouds parted and the early light of dawn shone dimly through
revealing….”Jess!”
Jess
brushed back the wild strands of hair that fell about the damp brow.
“I’m here, Mike. Slim
too. You’re all right. Slim’s just got to finish bandaging your ankle and foot and
then we’ll make you more comfortable.”
Mike
nodded and grimaced as Slim pulled the makeshift bandage tightly around the torn
flesh. He discovered what it was that had held
him so tightly, as Jess tightened his arms about him and held him close to his
chest. “Almost done, Tiger.”
“There!”
Slim said, and sat back on his haunches. “You keep him warm, Jess while I make a fire and set up
camp.” Slim’s dark shadowy
figure loomed over them as he stood up his feet and draped a blanket about
Jess’ shoulders. Jess quickly
pulled it about himself and the shivering youngster.
Keeping Mike warm was the first priority to avoid the onset of shock.
If he goes into shock. Jess
pushed the ugly thoughts from his mind and just as if they were at home sitting
in front of the fire, began to rock back and forth.
Twenty
minutes or so later, saw a small fire burning, coffee brewing and the pungent
odour of beef stew now filled the morning air.
Slim had found a small container of it stuffed at the bottom of his
supply sack. As he had pulled it
out, he thought of Daisy and the way she was always prepared.
His thoughts returned to her now as he stirred the thick mixture in the
pan and looked across at his partner and Mike.
We’re bringing him home, Daisy.
Slim
poured two cups of coffee and moved across to sit next to his partner.
“How’s he doing, Jess?” he asked as he handed Jess his coffee.
“Sleeping.
Doesn’t seem to be shivering too badly either.
If we’re real lucky, we should be able to get him home before he gets
any worse and Daisy can tend him properly.”
Jess sipped his coffee and savoured its life giving essence.
“Sure tastes good, Slim. Thanks!”
He gestured towards the dark form that laid a few feet away from the tree
where they had snatched Mike and where they had set up camp.
“You going to take the skin home?
Sure would make a fine rug for Mike’s room.”
Slim
slowly drank his coffee, as he settled himself beside his partner and the
sleeping boy he held in his arms. “Sure
make a fine trophy, but I don’t think Mike will really want to remember this
night, do you Pard?”
Trying
not to disturb the sleeping boy, Jess tried to adjust his position.
The ground was hard and he was getting stiff.
“Here, Jess; give him to me. You
take the skin and we’ll take it on home and let Mike decide if he wants to
keep it or not.”
“Good
idea, Slim.” Jess agreed. “I am getting a might stiff.” Gently he slid
the injured boy across his legs and settled him on Slim’s lap.
Mike murmured but never stirred. He
was safe and nothing more could hurt him now.
“Maybe
you’re just getting old, Pard.” Slim
said quietly as he wrapped his arms about Mike and looked down at him.
He seemed different tonight, smaller.
Then he felt the heat of Jess’ eyes upon him and he looked up; his face
smiling and relaxed, the anxieties of the last few days finally gone.
Jess
raised his eyebrow at the remark but the joy of seeing his partner back to his
old self seemed to blow any thought of a smart retort from his mind.
Instead he pulled out his knife and set to work skinning.
It
took him a while, as he wanted a nice clean pelt; but eventually he finished and
sat back, satisfied at a job well done. “There
you go, Pard. All done.
Nice pelt too. Whatd’ya
think, Slim?” He stood up and
shook out the new skin, looking up when his partner didn’t reply. A smile spread across his face as he noted that Slim had
slumped over Mike slightly and both were fast asleep.
Quietly he laid out the skin to dry and then put some of the driest wood
he could find on the fire. Be
a might smoky but the wind is in the opposite direction to where we’re
sleeping; and it’ll keep the chill off for a while yet.
Once he was
sure the fire was okay, he settled himself against his sleeping partner and
covered the threesome with another blanket.
If the fire did go out, at least their body heat would keep them warm.
Just before he closed his own eyes, he felt Mike’s forehead one last
time. Reassured that there was no
fever, he let himself join his family and sleep.
“You
okay there, Slim?” Jess asked, as
they rode quietly along in the bright afternoon sun.
They
had made a late start, so as to avoid too much of the heat of the day and it was
now well past noon and as yet they hadn’t rested.
The urgency of getting Mike home was forefront in both their minds.
“Fine,
Jess, but I think it’s time we took a breather and rested the horses.”
Slim looked down at the frail body that sat in front of him.
“He’s getting a might restless. Could be fever.
How about that clump of trees over there?
It’ll lend us some shade.”
“Sure,”
his partner agreed, and the two made for the shady hollow.
Jess
slipped from his saddle and let the reins drop. Traveler ambled forward and
began to munch on the grass, which was sweet and lush from the night’s
downpour.
“I’ll
take him, Slim.” He reached up as
Slim lowered the sleeping child into the security of his partner’s arms, Jess
not noticing the grimace that fleeted across his partner’s face.
Mike stirred and briefly opened his eyes. Jess brushed the damp locks of hair away from the pale
features. “Hush now, Tiger, we
just going to rest the horses a while, and see how that bandage is doing.”
Slim
alighted and grabbed his bedroll, spreading it out underneath the tree that
would give them the best shade. Still hushing him, Jess lay the restless child
down. “I’ll get some water.”
Slim
examined the blood stained bandage around the boy’s foot and ankle.
“Ouch!”
Mike grimaced and gritted his teeth, as stabs of white heat seared up his leg.
“Sorry,
Mike, but I gotta take a look.” Slim
said, as Jess approached with the canteen.
“How
does it look Pard?” He asked as
he knelt down, handing Slim the canteen and laying Mikes’ head against his
bent knees.
“First
thing is to soak off this old bandage, and then I’ll be able to have a better
look.”
Slim
poured water onto Mike’s injured foot making the boy jump but Jess held him
fast and soon the soothing coolness seeped into his young bones, making him feel
somewhat better. Gingerly Slim
un-wrapped the wet cloth and peeled it away from the torn flesh.
Discarding it, he inspected the wound.
It looked clean but the surrounding flesh was beginning to look red and
angry. He poured more water over
the wound in an effort to keep it clean and rebound it with the fresh bandage
Jess had waiting.
“Still
looks clean and no sign of infection.” He
said as he finished binding the ankle. Mike
grimaced as Slim tighten the bond. “There!
Best we can do for now.” He
looked at the pale skin and dark eyes. “How’s
he feeling, Jess?” Slim asked
taking a deep swallow from the canteen before handing it back to his partner.
Jess
removed a glove and felt the damp brow. “Warm,
not feverish though, but we best be getting him home soon.”
Slim handed him the canteen and Jess took a drink.
“Here, Mike,” and he pressed the canteen to the parched lips, letting
the water trickle out. Mike drank
hungrily. “Easy now, Mike, not
too much.”
“Best
we get going, Jess. If we’re
lucky we’ll be home just after supper.”
Slim got to his feet and carefully picked Mike up in his arms.
“Will you check my cinch for me, then you can hand him up to me once
I’m mounted.” Slim asked as
Jess put the stopper back in the canteen and tied it back on his saddle horn.
“Why
don’t you let me take him for a while, Slim?
You’ve been carrying him since we started out this morning.”
Jess suggested.
“Nope,
I can manage, Jess. Now you take
him while I get aboard.” And with
that he handed the pale skinned child to his partner and mounted.
“Come on, Mike. Just a
little longer and then we’ll be home, and Daisy will have you feeling better
in no time.” Slim said as he
reached down and took Mike once more, settling him before him.
Assured
that both riders were safely secure, Jess remounted and the small party headed
out on the last leg for home.
*
* * * * * * *
It was a
bright afternoon at the Sherman ranch and Daisy was trying to keep busy, though
her thoughts kept wandering to some distance hill or ridge, where her boys might
be. As usual, she was prepared for
the worst and had her nurse’s satchel ready in the kitchen, along with fresh
bandages and fresh linens on all the beds.
She had thought it silly that she had put clean linens on all the beds,
but then again she didn’t know what condition any of her boys would be in when
they got home. God forbid that one
of them was hurt. Anyhow, it had
kept her busy readying the rooms and now she sat on the porch in the late
afternoon sun, scanning the horizon
The Judge had
sent word with Mose that he was going to stay in town until there was any news
about Mike, and would she see that it was sent on the very first stage she
could. She had wondered why he had
decided to stay in town. She knew
he was right in the middle of his regular circuit, and it warmed her heart to
think that this judiciary thought the matter of such importance to change his
route in this manner.
The gold of
the afternoon sun slowly turned into the red of dusk as Daisy watched it sink
below the horizon. She had dozed in
Jess’ rocker and now shivered as the cool air of evening breezed across the
empty yard. Rising, she lit the
lantern by the front door and stepped into the gloomy interior. Moments later a warm yellow light filtered through the small
windows, a beckoning smile of welcome to any weary traveler.
She prepared
her own meager supper, but before she sat down Daisy stopped and looked back at
the stove. Shaking her head at her
own strange notions, she started a pot of coffee and set the stew she’d
prepared earlier on the stove to cook. Daisy
was just sitting down to eat when she heard the sound of horses hurrying to the
window. She
peeked through the lace curtain, and her heart leapt for joy at the sight
that met her gaze. Giving a silent
prayer of thanks she was out on the porch with a lantern before Slim and Jess
had even ridden into the yard, her shawl wrapped about her shoulders against the
chill of the evening.
“Oh! Thank
goodness, I was getting so worried,” she began, then gasped as she saw
Mike’s disheveled state and the make-shift bandage wrapped about his foot and
ankle. But the shock was soon
overtaken by her nursing instincts. “Take
him inside quickly. His bed is all ready for him.
And there’s hot coffee on the stove for you boys and supper will be
ready soon.”
Jess shook
his head in disbelief. How did she know? Not
noticing Slim’s gray pallor, he reached up and lifted Mike from Slim’s grasp
and carried him gently inside. “He
had a tangle with a wolf, Daisy. We
cleaned up the wound the best we could and we changed the bandage once.
Bleeding’s stopped but….” Jess
started to explain but was cut short by the sound of a resounding thud the
horses shied and whinnied, as Slim fell from his saddle.
Seeing his
uncertainty between Mike and his partner Daisy took charge.
She checked on Slim and noted his high fever.
“Get Mike inside and I’ll see to him, then you get Slim undressed and
into bed. He’s running a fever
but I can’t see any obvious wounds.” Jess
obeyed and continued to the small bedroom.
Daisy was quickly by his side with a bowl of hot water and clean
bandages. Jess brushed the hair
from Mike’s paled features, and felt a warm hand on his cheek.
“Go see to Slim, I’ll take care of Mike.”
Deep blue eyes looked up at her and blinked away the fear, but she saw it
nonetheless.
Jess moved
swiftly, wondering what was wrong with Slim.
He had given no indication of feeling unwell since rescuing Mike.
As he knelt by his side, he pulled off a glove and felt the heat
emanating from his partner’s brow. Fever
for sure and high too. Using
every last vestige of strength he could muster, he hauled Slim to his feet and
lifted him over his shoulder, and carried him slowly into their bedroom.
Slim moaned as he was lowered to his bunk but didn’t wake, the fever
ravaging his body.
Jess was
still mystified as to why Slim should be running a fever but his questioning was
soon answered as he removed Slim’s jacket and saw the cause of the problem.
The right sleeve of his jacket was torn away from behind and a large gash
was visible. It was red and
swollen, a sure sign of infection. Jess
worked quickly and turned Slim onto his stomach as he searched for any other
wounds. He breathed a sigh of
relief, as he found none.
Covering his
partner with a blanket he hurried to the kitchen for what he knew Daisy would
need. “Is Slim, all right,
Jess?” Daisy called from her
place at Mike’s side.
“He’s in
a pretty bad way, Daisy. The wolf
must have got him during the struggle to free Mike.
He’s got a nasty gash on his right shoulder, probably from the wolf’s
claws. It looks pretty bad.”
Jess poked his head into Mike’s room.
“Mike?” He asked.
“Doing just
fine, no sign of infection. In fact
the wound is really clean. Seems
Slim thought of Mike before seeing to himself.
He’ll sleep for a while, he’s worn out; so let’s go see to Slim.”
She pulled the door almost shut, leaving it open just a crack so they
could hear if Mike stirred.
Daisy’s
expert hands examined Slim’s torn and inflamed flesh.
He moaned at her touch and she brushed away the wild strands of hair that
stuck about his brow, her voice tender and soothing.
“I’m going to have to reopen the wound and drain the pus.
Then once it is thoroughly clean and bandaged, we’ll just have to watch
him during the night and hope the fever breaks.
In any event, we’ll need Seth out here.
Maybe Mose can take a message to him on the early stage.”
And with that she washed her hands and set about her painful task.
With Jess
holding Slim down Daisy reopened the wound; instantly releasing the infection,
which oozed out in an ugly yellow stream. Slim
writhed in pain, his agony tearing at the hearts of his healers.
After what seemed an eternity to Jess, Daisy was finished cleaning the
wound and as they bandaged the damaged shoulder, Jess could see that there was
marked improvement already. The wound looked less angry now.
He just hoped Daisy was right and that his partner would pull through
without too much difficulty.
“Best we
try and get him to rest on his side. Don’t
want to put unnecessary pressure on that shoulder.
I’ll get the extra pillows from the cupboard and we can use those to
keep him from rolling onto his back.” In
a few moments, Slim was settled on his left side and Jess and Daisy were tucking
the blankets tightly about him, in an effort to hold him still.
Daisy
straightened and wiped a loose curl from her tired face.
“Now to take care of you, young man.”
She said smiling at Jess’ concerned face.
“Me?”
He exclaimed.
“Yes,
you!” Daisy replied. “You need
something to eat and drink and then you can come back in here and rest.
Though somehow, I don’t think you’ll be resting as much as I’d
like.” Taking his large hand in
hers, Daisy led him to the kitchen.
Although he
hated to admit it, he was hungry and managed to polish off a large bowl of stew,
washed down with two cups of coffee. Daisy
sat across the table from her middle son and smiled.
You so want to get back to your
partner’s side, and I can see your eyes straying to Mike’s room.
If only that Ms. Gilbert or the Judge could see how much you three need
to be together.
Mike stirred,
calling for Slim and Jess. Instantly
Jess was on his feet and by Mike’s side.
“I’m here, Tiger. You
rest now. You’re home in your own
bed and Daisy says you’re going to be just fine, not a sign of infection or
fever. But we’ll get the Doc out
here tomorrow to check you, just to make sure.”
Mike took a
deep breath as he surveyed his room and the trusted faces looking down upon him.
One was missing. “Where’s,
Slim?”
The one
question they had hoped to avoid. Daisy
began to answer. “He’s resting,
Tiger.” Jess broke in suddenly.
“You know he carried you on Alamo all the way home, and he’s real
tired, so Daisy and I made him go to bed.”
Both watched
as the young eyes closed shut. “Me
too.”
Daisy
squeezed Jess’ shoulder. “You
too, Jess. We’ll be more able to
deal with everything after a good night’s sleep.”
Jess got to
his feet, acknowledging her wisdom and headed for the front bedroom and his
bunk.
After
readying himself for sleep, he assured himself that Slim was resting
comfortably, dimmed the lamp and stretched out on his own bunk.
Jess turned his head and looked across at
his sleeping partner. How
on earth did you get hurt and why did you keep it a secret from me, Pard?
Finally
closing his eyes for the first time in two days, Jess entered a fitful slumber.
*
* * * * * * * * * * *
“Over
there!” Slim shouted as he urged
Alamo forward. Jess reached for his
rifle and fired a shot into the air, but the predator would not be deterred from
his goal, which was almost won.
Jess raced
after his partner, rifle at the ready. Slim
came within a few feet of the tree just as the branch holding Mike snapped.
Anticipating the wolf’s forward lunge, Slim threw himself from his
saddle, grasping the vile creator about the neck and rolling him off Mike.
“Get
Mike!” Slim yelled, as he tussled
with the enraged beast.
Jess leaped
from his mount and quickly had Mike settled in the saddle in his stead.
Grabbing both horses he ran them off about twenty feet and tied them
securely and reassuring himself that Mike would not fall, returned to help his
partner.
The wolf’s
jaws snapped endlessly, saliva dripping from the needle like teeth.
Suddenly he got the better of Slim and turned, leaping to freedom over
Slim’s shoulder he dug his claws in deep before
he bounded away. Free to hunt another day.
An exhausted Slim slumped to his knees, holding his shoulder.
He knew he was probably injured, but that wasn’t important right now.
Mike was the important one.
“You okay,
Pard?” Jess asked as he
approached, his eyes ever watchful for the beast’s return.
“Fine,
Jess. Just knocked the wind out of
me is all. Let’s see to Mike.”
*
* * * * * * * * * * *
“Mike……Mike.”
Jess’ eyes
flew open at the sound of his name.
“Mike,”
came the anxious voice. He turned
his head to see. Slim feverishly
trying to turn on his back. Instantly,
Jess was on his feet and by Slim’s side, soothing him and telling him stay
still.
Slim opened
his eyes, and Jess noted the sparkled fevered
glaze about them. “Jess…Mike?”
“I’m
here, Pard. Don’t try to turn
over, your shoulder is pretty bad and Daisy doesn’t want you put any pressure
on it right now.” Jess dampened a
fresh cloth in the nearby basin Daisy had left by the bedside, and bathed the
heated face.
“Mike?”
Slim asked weakly, as Jess tried to dampen the dry cracked lips.
“He’s
just fine, sleeping and no sign of any infection.
You did a great job keeping the wound clean. Can’t say the same about you though.” He moistened the cloth once more and continued to bathe his
partner’s face.
“Me?”
Slim asked. Jess placed the
cloth into the bowl one more time.
“You’re
going to be fine, just as soon as we get your fever down.” Jess pulled the disheveled blankets about his partner.
“Sorry,
Jess.” Slim began.
“I…”
“Plenty of
time for that when you’re feeling better, Pard.
Now sleep, you need your rest.”
Slim obeyed
and closed his eyes once more. Jess
rose and moved the basin from the nightstand, taking it into the kitchen.
He replenished the cool water and returned with it to the bedroom.
His partner was sleeping and more soundly this time.
Returning to
his own bunk, he once again stretched out.
This time he slipped peacefully into the folds of the welcoming rest.
“A fine job
of doctoring, Miss Daisy and that’s a fact.
How does it feel young man?” Seth
Andrews, Laramie’s young physician asked as he inspected the healing wounds on
Mike’s ankle.
“Just fine,
can I get up today….Pleeeze?” The
young patient begged.
“I don’t
see why not, but you’re to rest on that fine couch out in the living room.
Still got a lot of healing to go before I let you run and jump, young
man,” the doctor said as he tousled the boy’s
hair.
Jess and
Daisy smiled happily. At least one
of their patients was on the road to recovery. Slim was another matter entirely.
He was healing, though slower than either of them expected, but it was
his moodiness that concerned them. His
fever had broken the day after they arrived home, but he just wasn’t bouncing
back like he should. Jess
especially was worried. It just
wasn’t like his partner.
“How’s my
next patient progressing?” Seth
asked, as he and Jess left Mike’s room. The
anxious boy was already pulling back the covers and swinging his legs out onto
the floor, with Daisy trying to slow his eagerness.
“His
shoulder is healing just fine, Seth, but he’s still quite moody. Just can’t figure it out.”
Jess grew quiet as he pushed the door open to the front bedroom that he
and Slim had shared for several years.
“Morning,
Slim!” Seth said brightly.
“How’s your shoulder feeling today?”
He set his bag down on the nightstand and bent over his quiet patient to
examine the wound. “Looking good, Slim,” he said, pulling the dressing back
across the new pink flesh. Think
you can get up today and sit in that fine rocker of yours.”
“Jess’
rocker.” Slim replied flatly.
“Okay then,
Jess’ rocker. Sure he won’t
mind you using it for a spell.”
“Course
not. It was here long before I
came.” Jess said and smiled at
his partner, who just looked blankly back at him.
Seth noted
the look and felt concern for his patient.
He’d not seen Slim act this way before.
“Well I must get along to the Miller’s place. Jeb broke a couple of
fingers and I want to make sure he isn’t over doing things.
I’ll be back in a few days, but after that I don’t think my services
will be needed again. Well not for
a while I hope anyway.” He
chuckled and picked up his bag.
Jess was
showing him out when Daisy appeared with Mike hobbling by her side.
“Can I see Slim, Jess?” He
asked. “I haven’t seen him
since we got home.”
“Sure you
can, Tiger.” Jess picked Mike up.
“Aww, Jess I’m fine, the doctor said so.” Mike complained as Jess carried him in to see Slim and Daisy finished showing the Seth out.
“He said
you had to be careful and not too much walking.
There you go, Tiger.” And
Jess sat the young boy on the side of Slim’s bunk.
“Got yourself a visitor, Pard.”
With that he left the two alone, hoping that Mike’s visit might be the
medicine Slim needed.
About ten
minutes later, Mike hobbled through the bedroom door and headed to the couch.
Daisy heard the movement, and came round the corner to watch him.
Noticing how quiet he looked, she immediately went to help him.
Within minutes, she had him settled on the couch, and covered with the
crocheted wool coverlet that always lay there.
“Something
wrong, Dear?” She asked as she
brushed back the hair from his face.
Mike brushed
her hand away and turned onto his side, his face to the wall.
“Just tired.”
Daisy left
him and went back to her kitchen. Her
patients were not doing well, not well at all.
The next day
was just like all the rest since their return home with Mike.
Jess would rise early and do the chores, while Daisy
would be in the kitchen. Mike and
Slim would rise at breakfast and rest in their respective places.
Jess was
mucking out the stalls in the barn and mulling over the problem.
Mike’s mood had changed drastically since his visit with Slim, and now
he had two loved ones to fret over. He
was just filling the last stall with fresh bedding when he heard the sound of
buggy wheels coming into the yard. Putting
up his pitchfork he strolled out into the afternoon sun, appreciative of the
chance to breathe some fresh air. He
looked up to see who he had to thank. It
was the judge, and his heart sank.
“Afternoon,
Jess, a fine afternoon.” The
judge greeted, as he held out his hand.
“Afternoon,
Judge. What brings you out this
way?” Jess answered, as he
removed his glove and shook the elder’s hand.
“Paperwork,
Jess, unfinished paperwork.”
“Paperwork?”
Jess quizzed.
“Let’s
go inside and I will explain everything.”
The judge responded as he headed towards the porch.
Just at that moment Daisy appeared, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Cooper.” He
greeted cheerily as Daisy held out her hand in welcome.
Jess shrugged
his shoulders at her glance. He had
no idea what the judge wanted or why he was so cheery. They had known he would visit, but suspected that the visit
would probably not be a pleasant one.
Stepping onto
the porch, Jess held the door open for the visitor then followed Daisy inside.
Mike was sleeping on the couch and Slim was rocking wistfully back and
forth.
“Afternoon,
Slim, good to see you up and around; the youngster too.
Now let’s get down to business.”
He pulled up a chair and sat at the table, then proceeded to open his
briefcase and pull out a slender package of papers.
Jess took a
deep breath. Knots had begun to
form in his stomach at the sight of the offensive paperwork. He glanced across at his partner who had stopped his gentle
movement, his eyes locked on the papers that now lay on the table.
Jess sat down
at the end of the table, his eyes fixed on the ominous white sheets.
Noting the
quiet that had fallen about the room, the Judge coughed. “What’s the matter with you two? You’ve been waiting
for this day for six months.”
“Waiting?”
Jess said, looking from the official forms to the Judge’s smiling face.
“What do you mean waiting?”
“Waiting
for the day when Mike’s adoption becomes official.
These are the papers for you and Slim to sign making you both his legal
guardians. I thought you’d be
pleased.”
“What?”
Slim exclaimed, as he shot to his feet to stand beside his partner.
Daisy slumped
into a chair, the Judge shaking his head as he looked about the astonished
faces. “Didn’t Mose tell
you?”
“Tell us
what?” Slim retorted sharply.
“Slim.”
Daisy admonished.
“That I was
coming out here today with the papers. I
saw him yesterday and asked him to. Guess
he forgot with all the commotion in town.”
“What
commotion?” Daisy asked.
“Miss
Gilbert’s leaving.”
“LEAVING!”
Jess almost shouted gleefully, then lowered his voice as Daisy hushed him
and pointed to the sleep child.
“Leaving.”
He reiterated. “What happened? I
thought she would be coming out here to take Mike back with her.
You said yourself that she had a legitimate claim to him.”
“I know I
did, Jess, but when Mike disappeared, well it got me thinking about what was
actually best for the boy. And
what’s best for Mike is you and Slim. Oh!
And you too Mrs. Cooper.” Daisy
smiled in acknowledgement and looked on at the stunned faces before her.
“Nothing
about Mrs. Gilbert rang true and I had a very uncomfortable feeling about her.
Why had she waited so long to come forward for one thing?
Especially since at one time there had been some urgency in searching for
the lost family members. Then when
I finally met her and saw how she interacted, or should I say didn’t interact
with Mike, well I got even more uncomfortable about the situation.
But the law is the law and I had to follow protocol, until now that
is.” He shifted in his chair and
Daisy rose, saying she would make some coffee.
“Thank you Mrs. Cooper that would be very welcome.”
He looked at the two partners, especially at Slim, who was looking rather
unsteady on his feet. “Maybe you should sit down, Slim. You look rather shaky.”
Jess quickly
noted the judge’s remarks and was on his feet.
“Here, Slim.” And he
motioned his partner to his vacated chair.
“Thanks,
Pard.” Jess’ heart warmed as,
for the first time in days, Slim’s familiar smile filled his face.
He laid a hand on his partner’s good shoulder and squeezed, making Slim
look up, his eyes filled with understanding.
Then both turned their attention to the Judge.
“Well, as I
said, I was very uncomfortable with the whole situation.
You two have done so much for Mike and it really shows.
Both in his schoolwork and in his general well-being.
In all my years on the bench, I’ve never seen anything like the bond
you three . . oh, excuse me Mrs.
Cooper, four…have. Anyone coming
in here would think that you were brothers or even fathers to the boy, rather
than merely…..well I’m sure you know what I’m trying to say.”
“I do.”
Daisy said, as she placed cups and fresh pot of coffee on the table.
“We talked about it that very first day we met, didn’t we Judge?”
“That we
did, Mrs. Cooper, that we did.” He
nodded his thanks to her for the cup of coffee.
“So I did
some digging, sorry, research on Mrs. Gilbert.
Most of what she told us is true. Her
late husband was related to a family called Williams, but I couldn’t find any
definite proof to confirm that it was actually Mike’s family.
After some more research, I also found out that one of the conditions of
her late husband’s Will is that she only receives a small monthly income, just
enough to live on until she has set up a school for orphaned boys in her
husband’s name. At that time she
will inherit the rest of his fortune, which I understand is quite considerable.
Her late husband instructed his lawyers to set up a Trust for the
formation of such a school, and until that is completed his lawyer’s hold all
the money. The young man traveling
with her is someone she found in San Francisco. Apparently there are three other
orphans awaiting her return; with Mike that would have made five, just enough
for a small class. A teacher has
been hired and is also awaiting her return.
Apparently the school is to be held in part of the large house she lived
in with her husband. Through more research I learned that the teacher is to have
sole control of the boys’ up bringing, leaving Mrs. Gilbert free to enjoy her
husband’s vast fortune.”
“Well!”
Daisy exclaimed.
Jess had
moved to stand by the fireplace and was fingering his cup as he leaned against
the rough stonework. “So what
happened in town, Judge?” He
asked.
“After
learning all of this and the fact that she really couldn’t prove that she was
in anyway related to Mike, I confronted her.
I did it correctly with a witness present, the Sheriff in fact.
And your man Randall was invaluable.
His friends in Boston had done most of the research for me.
Well, she was outraged. Told
me I had no right to pry into her private affairs
and that she would contact her lawyers immediately to have her made Mike’s
legal guardian. Then I told her
that I knew about the school and of the other boys, and of the fact that there
was no actual proof that Mike was a member of the Williams family her husband
was related to. I told her that I
could see that her money would see Mike well provided for, but that she lacked
the one requirement I was looking for.”
“What’s
that, Judge?” Slim asked.
“Love,
Slim. Plain and simple.
Just looking at the boy and seeing you all together and knowing what you
and Jess went through to find him. That’s
what I’m more concerned with. Here
he feels safe and loved, and that is what every child needs.
So I told her my decision and . . . well . . . the Sheriff had to
restrain her. In fact he almost
threw her in jail.”
“In jail!
Why?” Daisy asked.
“For
disturbing the peace and assaulting an officer of the Court.” The Judge smiled. “She
caused quite a ruckus I can tell you. Stormed
out of the Sheriff’s office, cussing like an old salt.
Makes me wonder where her roots actually lie.”
He smiled. “Now if you two
are ready to become….shall we say Fathers or maybe you’d be more comfortable
with Brothers.”
“Either one
fits them perfectly.” Daisy said,
smiling as Jess walked across to stand once again by his partner, his hand
firmly placed on Slim’s shoulder.
“You
bet!” Jess said, as he and Slim
beamed at one another.
Daisy was
suddenly placing ink and a pen on the table in front of them, as the judiciary
pulled apart the paperwork.
“As we
agreed, Mike will keep his full name of Michael Williams. Now all I need from you two is a signature here, and here.”
Slim took up
the pen and dipped it into the inkpot and signed his name in the two places
indicated. Then he dipped the pen
once more and handed it to his partner, who likewise signed his name under that
of his partner. Slim smiled as he
noted the slight tremor in Jess’ usually steady gun-hand.
Jess gave the
pen to the Judge who witnessed their signatures and then blotted the fresh ink.
“Congratulations to you all. You’re
finally a family.”
“YAHOO!!”
Burst forth from the couch and Mike bounded off, trying to run and
failing, Jess catching him just as he stumbled and was about to hit the floor.
“Easy
there, Tiger, remember what the doc said.”
“I know,
Jess, I know but….” He was so
excited that all he could do was wrap his arms about Jess’ neck and hug him.
Jess reciprocated and walked them to the table.
He sat Mike on Slim’s lap where there
were more hugs.
Daisy got to
her feet. “Well, I think this is cause for something special,” she said as
she disappeared into the kitchen.
A few moments later she returned, brandishing a large cake.
“What’s
all this, Daisy? Didn’t see that
in the kitchen earlier.” Jess
said as he leaned forward, a finger at the ready.
He was quickly chastised, though he managed a morsel.
“It’s a
cake.” Daisy announced.
“I can see
that, but….” Jess began.
“How’d you know to bake a cake?”
Daisy sat
down, letting a smile fill her suddenly youthful
features. “Mose doesn’t tell
you everything you know.”
“Daisy!
You knew, you knew and you didn’t say a word.”
Slim said, as he too reached out a finger, only to receive the same
treatment.
“Just to
see the look on your faces; it’s the best gift I could ever receive.”
Jess leaned over and hugged her.
“You’re
our gift, Daisy. If you hadn’t
arrived that day, looking for your store . . .”
Daisy began
to flush. “Think we had better
cut this cake before you three take all the icing off.”
This time it was Mike who was swatted away.
“Aww! Aunt
Daisy.”
“Slim?”
Daisy asked, as she handed him a knife.
Slim got to
his feet and looked at the cake. He
smiled at the inscription.
Slim . Jess . Mike . Daisy
Our Family
♥
Slim and Jess
sat in their usual evening reverie on the porch. It had been a tiring and revealing day. The far off sound of a nighthawk broke the silence and Slim
coughed. Though he had healed well,
the fever had left its mark, a stubborn cough.
But Seth wasn’t worried and said it would clear up in time.
“You all
right, Slim?” Jess asked, as he
stopped his fluid soothing motion.
“Fine,
thanks Jess, but maybe we should go in now.”
Jess got up
and stretched, as Slim stiffly rose to his feet and headed for the door.
Once inside the warmth filtered through his bones.
“Maybe I’m getting old or something.”
Slim stated as he wandered into their room.
“Old . . .
you? Never!” Jess admonished. “Just
wore out maybe from all that worrying you were doing.”
Slim settled
in his bunk, as Jess pulled the covers around him. “Thanks, Pard. Shoulder
sure is stiff but it does feel better than it did.”
Jess settled
down on his own bunk plumping up a pillow and sitting back, his body not yet
ready for sleep. The excitement of
the day was still coursing through him.
“Sorry,
Pard.” Slim said suddenly.
“Sorry
about what?” Jess said turning.
“About the
way I’ve been acting. It’s just
. . .well, I had such high hopes and then suddenly, it all began to slip away
and I couldn’t stop it. Sounds
silly I know, but…”
“All in the
past now, Pard. Let’s forget it.
We’ve got a whole new future to look forward to and another young’un
to raise.”
Jess watched
as his partner huddled further into the covers.
He knew that Slim hadn’t slept well in days. Maybe tonight he would find some proper rest.
And rest he did because before long, all Jess could hear was his
partner’s snores. Leaning towards
the small table that stood between their bunks, he dimmed the light then closed
his eyes and thought on the day’s events and how his life how changed since
coming to the Sherman Ranch.
First a
gunslinger, now a partner in a fairly prosperous and growing ranch, with a
friend who would go through the fires of hell with him if need be.
And now.
Then realization suddenly struck and his eyes flew open………I’m
a Father!