The Night Of The Imbalance

[Artiespet]

The Night Of The Imbalance


“You coming, Artie?” James West, Secret Service agent, asked his partner as they stopped to look back.

Artemus Gordon, partner to Jim West, sat stoically in the saddle, his horse perched near the edge of the steep mountain trail they had been traversing all morning.

“Artie? You coming?” Jim asked again, “Hey are you okay, pal, you don’t look so hot.” Jim expressed his concern.

“What? Oh Yeah…sorry Jim guess that breakfast back there in that dirt water town didn’t sit so well with me.” Artie spurred his horse onward not making eye contact with his partner or the steep cliff off to his right.

As the agents climbed higher, Artie watched the trail ahead, cursing the men they were after. Why do we always have to draw the short straw on these assignments? Jeremy gets to cool his heels with a group of lovely ladies in Denver while we climb this blasted mountain looking for a couple of yahoo mountainmen. Artie grumped as he glared up at the sky not liking the rain he saw there but glad they had thought to bring their slickers.

Up on the summit a man clad in buckskin and bearskins walked back from the rim toward his horse and his brother. He pulled himself up into the saddle and pulled on the reins before commenting.

“They’re still comin', Virgil. They aren’t gonna stop, what are we gonna do?”

“Nothin', Zeke. Let ‘em come. By the time they make it up here we should be long gone down into the valley,” Virgil smirked. “Besides, we left ‘em a surprise that’ll slow ‘em down. Let’s go…I wanna get to camp before the rain hits. It looks like it’ll be somethin'.” They prodded their horses on down the trail to the valley below.

WWWWWWWWWW

Looking up at the cloud cover again and liking what he saw even less than his last look, Artie sighed as he took a drink from his canteen. They had another hour or two of daylight left and it would take most of it to reach the summit. He hoped there would be some cover from the impending weather as he pulled his hat down tighter as the wind picked up.

They reached the summit just as darkness descended upon them. Jim dismounted and headed toward a rock formation. He climbed up on the rocks and lay flat. Pulling out his spyglass he looked down into the valley trying to see if he could catch a glimpse of their prey. He saw Virgil and Zeke far below them approaching the heavily wooded area in the valley.
“Artie, come take a look,” Jim called to his partner.

Artie climbed up next to his partner and took the proffered spyglass. He looked through it at the men quickly disappearing into the woods. He again felt dizzy and wanted to retch. He swallowed hard and looked again through the spyglass. He could feel Jim’s eyes on him as he handed back the instrument. He kept his eyes closed as he slithered back on the rock before sliding off.

He avoided Jim’s concerned looks as he made camp in the shelter of the rocks, starting a fire with some wood he found nearby. Jim watched his partner as he descended from the rock, with concern. All day Artie had seemed off his game, not the usual efficient agent Jim knew him to be. He decided he would keep an eye on his partner and see if he could figure out what the problem was.

They sat by the fire eating their supper, Artie staring intently at the flames and Jim staring just as intently at Artie. Jim handed him the spyglass and asked him to check the valley. He would see if he could observe signs of anything being wrong with Artie.

Jim began to clear away the remains of their supper while paying close attention to Artie’s movements. His partner took the spyglass and approached the edge of the cliff. As he put the spyglass to his eye and looked out, he was mildly surprised to find that he had no balance problems and his vertigo had all but disappeared. Must be because it’s dark, Artie thought as he scanned the countryside, looking for signs of a fire. He handed the spyglass back to Jim with a smug look on his face.

“If they have a fire they did a great job of hiding it. I didn’t see anything.” Artie said to Jim as he lay down on his bedroll by the fire.

“What do you think Jeremy’s doing about now?” Artie asked as he stared into the fire.

“Probably having supper at the Denver Hotel and going to a play,” Jim grumped.

“How’d we pull this assignment, Jim…that should be us in Denver. If I don‘t make it back in time to meet Danielle she may never forgive me.”

“I don’t know how he did it but I bet Jeremy found a way to rig it so he‘s the one nice and warm, while we‘re stuck out here in the cold,” Jim chuckled.

“I think we need to look Mr. Pike up after this assignment and have ourselves a little chat with him.” Artie pulled his blanket up over his shoulder and told Jim he was going to sleep.

WWWWWWWWWW

Virgil and Zeke sat in the mouth of a cave not wanting to risk a fire. They ate a meager meal of hard tack and cold beans. They also bedded down early so they could get an early start in the morning and get as far away from those Secret Service agents as they could. Neither pair of sleeping men seemed to notice the light drizzle that had begun to fall.

WWWWWWWWWW

Artie woke as the sun made its way over the summit, peeking between the rain laden clouds. He flung his blanket off and sat up. He looked around and found Jim studying the valley. He rose, and after wringing the rain out of his blanket and rolling it up, he headed over toward Jim. Just as he neared his partner he saw a glint of something metal by Jim’s feet.

“Jim, there’s something buried in the mud by your feet.” Jim looked down to see what it was.

Artie approached his partner to inspect the object when his foot hit a tripwire buried in the mud. Before he could stop himself, Artie slipped in the mud and fell headlong into Jim. Time seemed to stand still as Artie looked up in time to see his partner lose his balance and topple over the edge.

Artie reached out to grab Jim and slid on the mud, missing Jim’s outstretched hand. Without thinking Artie leaned over the edge to see his partner’s fate. As he watched the blue clad form roll down the mountainside, Artie’s heart leapt into his throat.

His vision blurred and everything began to swim. Not now, dammit, not NOW, Artie scolded himself as he closed his eyes to calm the sensation. His ears still heard the slamming of his partner’s body as he slid down the mountain. Artie opened his eyes and forced them to focus as he searched for his friend.

Far down the mountainside Artie finally located Jim. He had stopped sliding when he came into contact with the base of a large pine tree. Artie scrambled to his feet and charged down the mountain. His boots were slippery in the mud and he became a sled, sliding over the mud and he slid to a stop by grabbing a tree.

Artie knelt down and turned his unconscious partner over. Jim was covered in debris, bits of rock, and mud. Artie could see cuts and abrasions on his face. When he did a quick check he was dismayed to discover Jim had at least four broken ribs, if not more, and a nasty cut on his leg that would also need medical attention soon. Looking around, Artie saw a nearby cave and gently grasping his partner by the shoulders he pulled Jim toward shelter.

After making sure the cave was not inhabited by any wild animals, Artie brought Jim into the cave. He was glad he would be out of the rain. It was then Artie realized he had nothing with which to treat Jim’s injuries…he had left everything on the summit. Searching his pockets he found a slip of paper and a pencil and he hastily wrote a note telling Jim he would be back as soon as possible and to stay put until he returned. Looking at his still partner, Artie shrugged out of his corduroy jacket and covered Jim with it.

When he returned to the trail Artie looked up and figured he had at least a two to three hour walk ahead of him. Sighing he started the long walk up the trail as the steady drizzle quickly increased to a light rain, and that soon became a torrential downpour. The trail ahead of him became a slippery slope of muck and mire.

WWWWWWWWWW

Virgil woke Zeke and as they ate a hasty breakfast, Virgil told him their trap had worked better than they had hoped. He told Zeke about seeing one of the men fall and the rescue attempt by the other.

“We better git goin’ then, Virg.” Zeke told him, “They won’t be none too pleased when they come down from there.”

“We got plenty of time, Zeke. We’ll git to our camp by noon and if they don’t follow us they’ll never find us.”

“You don’t think we killed that one agent do ya‘, Virg?”

“Nah, the other one woulda buried his partner and then come after us. He hauled him inta that cave and when he came out he didn’t have no coat on, so I’d be guessin’ he’s still alive.”

“We got plenty of time, I can go check ifn ya want.” Zeke looked at Virgil.

“Hmmm, might not be a bad idea. You go check on the man in the cave then you take the short cut by Miller’s Pond and catch up to me.” Virgil knew Zeke just wanted to do something useful and he figured they had plenty of time.

“I’ll get right on that, Virg…uh Virg? If’n he’s still alive, what do you want me
ta do?”

“Leave him be. That’ll slow the other one down even more.” Zeke nodded and left.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jim slowly woke to the throbbing pain in almost every part of his body. He moved to sit up and gasped at the intense burning in his chest. He lay back down and looked around. He didn’t remember how he had come to be in this cave. As he took in his surroundings he found the note left by his partner. Jim, Don’t move, you have broken ribs and a nasty cut on your leg. I’ll be back with the horses as soon as I can. I left your gun next to you. See you in a bit, Artie. Jim reached down and found the gun and put it on his chest. It was then he noticed what he was covered with. Artie, you knucklehead, it’s pouring down rain and you leave me your coat. With your luck you’ll catch your death of cold, Jim frowned. His head snapped up when he heard a twig break just outside the cave.

He cracked one eye open to see a large man entering the cave. The man shook the rain off his bearskin and walked toward him. Jim held the pistol ready in case he had to use it. The big man, Jim guessed him to be Zeke from the wanted posters they had seen, leaned over him and patted his body. It took all of Jim’s will power and restraint not to make a face when Zeke touched his ribs. Apparently satisfied that Jim was alive and would go on living, Zeke pulled his bearskin on and headed back out into the rain.

WWWWWWWWWW

Artie was covered in mud and had acquired a myriad of cuts and bruises and he was as mad as a wet hen. By his estimation he should have been almost to the summit by now not only halfway there. He pulled his foot out of the muck, grimacing at the sickening suction sound his boots made. As he cursed the downpour he lost his footing and slipped, falling close to the edge.

He made the mistake of looking over the edge and nearly fell over. Okay this is getting old REAL fast! I’ve never had vertigo before, why now? Jim needs me and I’ve got to get to the summit. Artie closed his eyes and pushed himself up and once again began his ascent.

Three drenching hours later Artie finally reached the summit. He moved to the meager shelter the rocks provided and collapsed in a heap, heaving for breath. He was exhausted and spent but his partner needed him. Artie rummaged around in his saddlebag and found his rain slicker and quickly slipped it on. He stood and grabbed his saddle and headed for the horses.

After he saddled both horses he made quick work of breaking down their camp. Not long after, he mounted his steed and grabbed the reins of Jim’s horse, pulling him along behind him as he headed back down the trail. These animals are not going to have an easy time getting down this mountain, Artie thought as he wiped rain off his saturated face.

WWWWWWWWWW

Virgil pulled to a stop in front of a run down shack and slid off his horse. He didn’t even bother to hide his horse, as he figured they had plenty of time before the agents could be on their trail, if they could pick it up at all. The rain was quickly washing away any signs he had even been in the area.

He looked up as he heard a rider approaching. Zeke stopped his horse next to Virgil’s and dismounted. He cast a look toward the mountain as he headed onto the porch.

“Think we should put the horses away, Virgil, or do you think we’ll be needin’ ‘em?” Zeke asked.

“I’ll put the horses away, you go cook us some grub…in this weather I want some hot food.” Virgil told him has he headed toward the corral area and Zeke headed into the shack.

WWWWWWWWWW

Darkness had fallen and still there had been no sign of his partner and Jim was getting worried. Gritting his teeth, Jim rose to a sitting position and tried to look around. He reached into his vest pocket and found a match. Striking it against his pants, Jim looked around and he saw some tree limbs someone had drug into one corner of the small cave. He grabbed Artie’s note and lit it with the match.

Wincing and hissing at the pain in his leg and chest, he pushed himself up and hobbled over to the wood. Grasping one of the tree limbs he painstakingly pulled the limb toward the entrance to the cave. Using the note he lit the limb on fire and headed back toward the pile.

After three quarters of an hour, Jim had dragged several of the tree limbs over and had a roaring fire. He laid Artie’s coat next to the fire to dry as he sat on a rock and looked at his leg. The gash appeared to be a clean cut, although it did appear to be getting infected. Must be all the dirt from falling down the mountain, Jim thought as he blew some dirt particles out of the cut. He looked at the mouth of the cave and judged the distance.

“This needs to be cleaned out but I don’t think I could make it there and back. And if I fall and hurt this worse Artie’ll have my hide.” Jim sighed as he settled back against the rock.

“And your partner would be well within his rights to have your hide had you tried.” Artie glared at him as he entered the cave.

“Artie what happened to you?” Jim asked.

“It’s raining out there in case you hadn’t noticed, James. That trail up to the summit is nothing if it isn’t a mudslide.”

“It looks like you brought half the trail in with you.” Jim told him.

“I feel like I did.” Artie retorted as he pulled off his slicker and sat near the fire and began to rummage through his saddlebag.

“Artie, why don’t you get dry by the fire?”

“Later, Jim. I need to take care of that leg and those ribs first.” Artie commented without taking his eyes off his saddlebag.

Artie took the coffee pot and set it outside the cave to collect water. Then he returned to his saddlebag and pulled out his extra shirt and began to tear it into strips. Jim sat watching the proceedings with interest. Artie sure seems to know what he’s doing. He’s setting everything up like a pro, Jim thought as he watched Artie put a knife in the embers.

“Just in case…” Artie told him as he moved over toward his partner. “I think we need to take care of those ribs first.”

Artie carefully pulled Jim into a forward sitting position, his back away from the rock, apologizing when he heard Jim hiss. He quickly removed Jim’s vest and opened his shirt and made short work of bandaging his partner’s ribs. Leaving Jim to button his shirt, Artie retrieved the coffee pot of rainwater and moved back to sit next to Jim’s injured leg.

Artie carefully tore the material away from the cut. He reached over and pulled a piece of burning tree branch from the fire and looped a piece of cloth around it. When it caught fire he asked Jim to hold it for him. Artie used the coffee pot to pour water over the cut and a piece of cloth to gently wipe the dirt, mud and debris away from the wound.

After thoroughly rinsing the wound and checking to make sure he got as much of the growing infection out as possible, he wrapped the wound tying it tight. Then Artie started to work on the many small cuts Jim had suffered. After cleaning all the cuts Artie sat back to admire his handy work.

“I gotta admit, Jim, I do good work.” Artie smiled at him.

“I do feel better that’s for sure.” Jim scrutinized his partner. “Artie, you look exhausted, why don’t you sit by the fire and get dry now?”

“I will as soon as I get us some supper. I’ll be right back. I have to get the food, it’s in your saddlebags.” Artie rose and headed out to the horses.

“Artie wait! Your forgot your…” Jim let the sentence trail off as Artie had disappeared and probably wouldn’t hear him over the rain anyway.

Artie returned a few minutes later, soaking wet, but had the saddlebags in his hands. He sat near the fire and began to prepare their supper. While the beans and bacon cooked, Artie got more water to make coffee. While he sat there, Artie watched his partner. He’s sat here too damn long without even your meager medical treatment, Artie thought. You should have found a way to get back here quicker, Artie reprimanded himself, look at your partner, Artemus. He’s coming down with a fever! How are you going to deal with that and your vertigo? You really have to get your act together, Artemus, old boy. Artie stared into the flames, a far away look in his eyes.

“Artie?” Jim asked.
“Artemus!” Jim called when he received no response from his partner.

“What? Oh, sorry, Jim. Do you need something?”

“Some of those beans would be nice if they’re not burnt to a crisp by now,” Jim smiled as he nodded to the pan in Artie’s hand.

“Oh, yeah, let me get you a plate.” Artie brought him a plate of food then returned to his spot by the fire.

They ate in silence, Jim alternating his looks between the rain and his partner. Artie got up occasionally to throw more wood on the fire. After supper Artie donned his rain slicker and took their dishes out into the rain to clean them. While he was out he fed the horses. Deciding they would be spending the night in the cave, Artie unsaddled the horses and led them to an area that was somewhat shielded from the rain. He picked up the saddles and went back into the cave to check on his partner.

“Good, I’m glad he’s sleeping, there’ll be no argument to our staying here tonight. I’ve had enough of being out in that rain.” Artie muttered to himself.

He poured the last of the coffee into his cup and rose to put the pot outside, when he stumbled, the cave beginning to swim before his eyes. Artie put his hand out to steady himself and pulled it back quickly when he came into contact with a burning tree limb. All right! I’m not up on a cliff right now so what’s up with this? Artie closed his eyes and waited for the feeling to pass.

When he opened his eyes the room had stopped spinning, so he went to the entrance and stood staring out into the rain, lost in thought. When the coffee pot overflowed and began to spill into the cave, Artie snapped back to reality.

He made more coffee and when it was finished he poured himself a cup and checked on Jim. Artie was dismayed to see that Jim’s fever was slowly rising and his leg looked infected. This is all my fault, Artie thought as he watched the steady but uneven rise and fall of his friend’s chest. Damnit, Jim needs medical attention and the ride to the nearest town is almost 20 miles. That would kill him, and unless this rain stops there’s no way I can rig a travois. Artemus, my boy, you’ve really made a mess of things this time. He lay down after stoking the fire and fell into a fitful sleep.

WWWWWWWWWW

Artie opened his eyes to see Jim poking a stick into the fire. He sat up, feeling like he had aged twenty years over night. He took in Jim’s appearance and knew what he had to do. Artie rose and brought the remaining wood over by the fire, ignoring his partner’s pointed gaze.

“Why are you doing that, Artie?” Jim asked.
“You’ll need it within reach while I’m gone.” Artie told him still not meeting Jim’s surprised look as he busied himself fixing breakfast.

“What’s that supposed to mean? We’re leaving as soon as we can.” Jim looked at him quizzically.

“Correction. I am leaving as soon as I can. Jim you’re in no shape to be riding and there’s no way I can rig a travois in this weather. And it doesn’t show any signs of letting up any time soon.”

“I can ride, Artie. It’s not that far.” Jim countered.

“Nonsense. You wouldn’t get one mile. There’s nothing wrong with me. I just hate the thought of leaving you here alone.” Artie sighed as he stirred the beans.

“Artie, what’s really going on here? You’ve been tending to my needs, feeding me, cooking for me, but you’ve hardly said more than ten words to me. What the hell is going on?” Jim demanded to know.

“Nothing, Jim…I’ve just been busy and I have a lot on my mind.” Artie refused to meet his partner’s eyes.

Jim decided to leave his partner alone. Whatever it is that’s bothering him he’ll tell me when he’s good and ready, Jim thought. They ate in silence. Jim not eating much, which did not get past Artie’s ever watchful eye. As soon as he was finished eating, Artie moved the pan closer to Jim so it would be within reach. He put Jim’s saddlebag near him as well.

“Artie, what do you think you’re doing?” Jim glared as Artie laid his corduroy jacket next to him.

“It’s cold, Jim, and it’s going to get colder before I will be able to get back here with help. I have to ride a good 15 or 20 miles just to get back to that town we passed through, then I’ll have to ride back. You’ll likely be alone till tomorrow. I’ll have my rain slicker. It’ll keep me warm.”

“Artie…” Jim spoke imploringly.

“Skip it, Jim, you’re wasting my valuable riding time.” Artie smiled at his partner as he donned his rain slicker, grabbed his saddle and saddlebag, and headed out into the rain.
Artie saddled his horse, climbed on, and with a last long look toward the cave he turned and headed for town. The further away from the cave he rode, the further his heart sank. Why does Jim insist on acting like this is no big deal? I almost killed him and he’s acting like he’s worried about ME! Artie shivered under his rain slicker as he looked at the hill he would have to climb to get to town.

Back in the cave Jim sat propped up on the rock idly poking a stick into the fire. Why is Artie being so stubborn? It’s like he’s trying to make me get mad at him. But why? Jim sat staring into the flames, pondering the complicated and intricate man that was his partner and friend. Artie had been uncharacteristically silent and that bothered Jim.

WWWWWWWWWW

Artie approached the top of the hill, glad he had not had occasion to look down. He looked across the valley through squinted eyes, shielding them from the rain with his hand. He could see the tops of some buildings of the town a few miles over in the next valley. Artie stood in his saddle and concentrated on a small spot deep in the wooded area. He thought he had seen smoke from a chimney.

Looking through the spyglass he finally located the plume of smoke rising up from the shack. Moving the spyglass he spotted what he thought was bear.

Looking again, he realized it was a man wearing a bearskin. Artie got off his horse to get a better look while keeping his presence hidden, and he approached the cliff. Oh ho ho…we’ve got you now Rollins, Artie thought as he watched Zeke enter the shack.

Artie pulled the spyglass away from his face and collapsed it, putting it in his pocket as he turned back to his horse. His vision swam, the rocks and dirt beneath his feet mingling with the rain filled sky as he lost his footing. He reached out to grab anything he could to steady himself but all his hand found was air. He closed his eyes against the churning in his stomach as he felt his body slam into the mountainside. He slid to a stop when his unconscious body struck a large boulder.

He lay, unmoving, his head against a rock, blood flowing from a cut on his forehead, the rain washing away some of the blood. His horse stood at the top of the hill patiently waiting for his master.

WWWWWWWWWW

She disembarked from the stage and immediately headed for the local Secret Service office. She strode in and went straight to the receptionist and demanded to see Jeremy Pike. The receptionist didn’t seem to be the least bit rattled and told her where to find the agent. She went to the records room where she had been directed and found the agent in question.

“Danielle, what a pleasant surprise!” Jeremy said has he rose to greet her. “What brings you to Denver?” He motioned for her to take the seat he had vacated as he pulled another chair from a nearby table.

“I am afraid my visit is not a social call, Jeremy.” Danielle looked at him with sorrowful eyes.

“What is it?” Jeremy asked.

“It’s Artemus. We had a date yesterday and he never arrived. I have received no telegram or other message, as is our arrangement if one of us cannot make it. I contacted Colonel Richmond, but his office hasn’t heard from either Artemus or James since they left for Boulder.”

“When was he due to meet you here?” Jeremy asked, all business now.

“He said they should be back yesterday at the latest and we were to meet last night for supper. His hotel told me he hasn’t checked back in since he left. They are holding both his and Jim’s rooms for them.”

“That isn’t like either of them not to get word somehow. I think I should get a horse and take a ride up to Boulder and find out if anyone has seen them,” Jeremy thought out loud.

“Make that two horses, Jeremy. I intend on joining you,” Danielle had a rather determined expression on her face.

“Oh brother, for their sakes I hope at least one of them is sick or injured,” Jeremy laughed as he led Danielle to a nearby livery stable.

WWWWWWWWWW

[Artiespet]

Jim woke to the sound of the rain still coming down like a waterfall. Coughing and holding his chest, he leaned over to grab the coffee pot. He tried to pour a cup but he kept missing. Finally, getting frustrated, he drank straight from the pot. The hot liquid scalded his insides and did nothing to alleviate his tremendous thirst. Hearing a noise outside the cave he called out weakly.

“Artie, is that you?” Jim called out getting no answer.

“Artie are you there?” Jim tried again before lapsing into a fevered sleep.

WWWWWWWWWW

After realizing that his master, for whatever reason, wasn’t coming back, Mesa headed back down the mountain and toward the town. Up on the mountain Artie lay still and unmoving, the rain making no impact toward bringing him back to consciousness.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jeremy and Danielle rode to Boulder and headed for the hotel. After getting rooms and talking to the hotel clerk, they had a boy take their horses over to the livery stable while they headed to the sheriff’s office. They entered the office and Jeremy indicated Danielle should take a seat, as the Sheriff looked them over before speaking.
“Something I can do for you folks?” He asked.

“Yes, Sheriff, there is. Two of our friends were through here recently and we’ve not heard from them since they wired us from here.”

“You say they are friends of yours?”

“Yes, sir, and if their identities were made known they could be in big trouble.” This seemed to pique the Sheriff’s interest.

“They aren’t wanted men are they? If they are the only thing they’ll see is that jail cell back there.”

“Oh no, sir,” Jeremy told him as he pulled his ID from his pocket and passed it across the desk.

“They were trailing wanted men though.” Danielle interjected.

“You got a description of these agents of yours? I don’t remember getting any posters on any wanted men in the area either.”

“Well, let’s see…Artemus is about six feet tall, black hair and chocolate brown eyes…” Danielle began, getting a raised eyebrow from the Sheriff and a snicker from Jeremy to which she merely rolled her eyes and continued.

“James, is a little shorter…dark hair and his eyes look either green or blue I think…depending on what he’s wearing.” Jeremy nodded as the Sheriff searched his memory.

“They followed the Rollins brothers here from Denver. We have been informed they have a shack around here somewhere.” Jeremy told him.

“Rollins huh? Don’t recall seeing that name on any posters. Do you know where they might be?” The stable boy burst through the door interrupting their conversation.

“’Scuse me, Sheriff, the boss sent me over ta see what you want done with that horse that come in yesterday?” The Sheriff looked at Jeremy.

“Hey! Maybe you should take a look at that horse. He came in riderless. I got the saddle bags here in my safe and the saddle’s over at the livery.” The Sheriff pointed toward a small safe in the corner.

“Could we see the saddlebag, please?” Danielle asked, “We might be able to tell if they belong to our friend or not,” she asked hesitantly.

“Sure,” the Sheriff brought out the saddlebag and before he could set it down on the desk he saw the look of recognition on Jeremy’s face.

Jeremy watched as Danielle pulled items from the saddlebag and examined them. Many of the items were nondescript and could belong to any traveling man. The next item she removed caused her and Jeremy’s hearts and hopes to sink. Danielle held in her hand Artie’s journal. She froze momentarily before handing it to Jeremy, not sure she should be the one to look for any clues in there.

Next she brought out a pouch of what appeared to be smoking tobacco. Jeremy glanced up from the journal, noted the colored string around the pouch, and quickly snatched it away from the open flame of the Sheriff’s nearby candle. This ellicted a glare from Danielle.

“Red string, Danielle, that means this is Artemus’ ‘special’ blend,” Danielle’s eyes grew wide.

“There’s no telling what else Artie might have in there,” Jeremy smiled as Danielle quickly closed the bag.

“Since we have already established that this is indeed Artie’s saddlebag, there really is no need to examine the contents any further,” she said as she gently fingered the stitching of the bag.

“True enough, and with Artemus you never know if you could be tripping any booby traps.” The Sheriff looked at them in surprise.

“Are you sure this man is an agent and NOT an outlaw?”

“Sometimes I wonder,” Jeremy commented dryly, earning him a poke in the ribs.

“Well, since this is your man’s horse maybe it can lead us to them.”

They headed for the livery stable and were soon on their way, Jeremy in the lead letting Mesa have her head, Danielle in the middle with the Sheriff bringing up the rear, driving a buckboard.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jim lay by the fire as it burned down to embers, his unconscious form shivering under the bedrolls and Artie’s coat.

“Where did you go, Artie? Why did you leave me here?” Jim mumbled as he tossed and turned, consumed by fever and the infection.

WWWWWWWWWW

Artie blinked his eyes open and looked up into the torrential down pour. He shielded his face with his arm. Gingerly he sat up and tested his limbs. His left ankle gave out when he tried to put weight on it. Damn, probably sprained it, he thought as he looked around for something to use as a crutch. Finding a sturdy tree limb he pulled himself up.
Looking around he couldn’t find his hat. Remembering his task he looked up to the top of the hill, hoping to find his horse. Artemus, my boy, you sure are in rare form today, no horse, no hat, and one bum leg. No way you can make it to town and your partner needs you. Sighing, Artie shook his head to clear the cobwebs, deciding that was the wrong thing to do when he saw shooting stars and bright lights. He thought he heard a popping noise in his ear when he turned his head. Artie leaned on the tree limb and began the trek back to the top of the hill.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jim woke and glanced around the dark cave. He tried to raise his head to see better but his head wouldn’t respond. He reached up and grasped the edge of the rock and forced his aching body to comply as he pulled himself up. Through squinted eyes he looked around the cave. Artie had managed to find more fallen tree limbs for him and had stacked them near the rock.

Jim painfully pulled himself over to the wood and hauled back a large limb. He turned back toward the pile, sweat pouring off his face, his shirt and jacket drenched. As he headed back to the wood, he stumbled face first onto the cave floor.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jeremy, Danielle, and the Sheriff rode slowly up the hill, the Sheriff cursing the steady torrent as it made traveling extremely hazardous. About halfway up the hill the wagon hit a rut and became bogged down in the mud and muck. Jeremy dismounted and went back to see if he could help the Sheriff, while Danielle held the reins for him.

The Sheriff climbed down out of the wagon and moved to the rear axle with Jeremy and examined the wheel. It was buried several inches deep. The Sheriff kicked the hub and Jeremy grimaced. He looked in the wagon and seeing a shovel, he grabbed it and began dragging the mud away from the wheel. The Sheriff got behind the buckboard and prepared to push the wheel out of the mud.

Danielle sat on her horse looking back at the men, shielding her eyes with her hand. I certainly hope Artie and Jim are just holed up in a cave somewhere waiting out this rain, she thought as she noted movement off to her left. She looked toward the movement but couldn’t make out what the figure was through the fog and rain. The shape is all wrong to be Artemus…it looks more like a bear. The figure moved slowly away from her and was swallowed up by the fog.

After several minutes, Jeremy and the Sheriff had managed to free the wagon and they continued on their way, Artie’s horse leading. When the steed reached the crest of the hill she stopped. Jeremy patted the horse’s neck and spoke softly to the animal.

“Come on Mesa girl. Show us where Artemus is.” The horse whinnied and pawed the ground, then slowly began to make her way down the trail.

WWWWWWWWWW

As he hobbled over a small rock in his path, Artie glanced over his shoulder to where he heard an unfamiliar noise on the slope above and behind him. Shrugging his shoulders he turned back and headed into the fog.

Artie changed his direction to head back up the hill toward the cave and his partner. He pushed the tree limb walking stick into the mud and lifted himself over the rock. He sighed as he looked up, taking in the slippery slope ahead of him. He trudged up the slope, sliding back down several times, the action eliciting several colorful metaphors. As Artie finally reached the top he jumped when a bolt of lightning struck a nearby sapling, splitting it in two, immediately followed by a particularly loud clap of thunder.

When he landed Artie felt something in his ankle snap and he fell to the ground. He pulled himself to a nearby tree, seeking what little cover the tree could provide. I’ll have to wait till the pain lets up a bit before I can even try to get to that cave, Artie thought as he checked his leg as best he could without removing his boot.

“Dammit, I think it’s broken,” Artie muttered as he looked around for some small twigs he could use as a splint.

He found a long twig and snapped it in two. Removing his tie, he held one twig to the side of his boot. Pulling the tie as tight as he could, he wedged the other twig down the other side of his boot. Wincing, he again pulled the tie as tight as he could and tied a knot in it. Leaning back against the tree, he closed his eyes to rest for a moment before setting out again, and was soon fast asleep.

WWWWWWWWWW

Mesa stopped at the base of the next rise. Jeremy tried to prod her forward, but she refused to budge. He loosened her reigns and Mesa pawed the ground, shaking her head. She looked toward a thicket and headed in that direction. Jeremy looked back to Danielle, his eyes filled with hope. As Mesa neared the cave they could hear Jim’s horse whinny. Mesa trotted over to Jim’s horse and came to a stop, whinnying and pawing the ground.
They dismounted and began looking around. The Sheriff was the one who found the cave Artie had carefully concealed with tree branches. He called to Jeremy and Danielle, who rushed over and helped him clear away the branches. Danielle had stopped by the buckboard and grabbed her medical bag.

They entered the cave and Jeremy lit a torch they had brought. Using it, the Sheriff lit his own torch and they began to inspect the cave. Jeremy moved to stand behind the rocks and froze when he saw Jim’s unconscious body.

“Danielle, over here!” Jeremy called to her.

Danielle hurried over and knelt beside Jim. She gingerly turned him over. He wore a pained look and sweat was pouring off his fever flushed face. She quickly checked for broken bones, and was rewarded with a scream when she checked his rib cage, and again when she checked his right leg. She noted that Artie had done a fine job cleaning and bandaging his cuts and his ribs. With his shirt, Danielle thought as she tended to Jim’s injuries enough to allow him to be transported back to town.

“Jeremy where is Artemus?” Danielle asked worriedly.

“Artemus?” Jeremy looked around the cave with the torch, “He’s not here, Danielle,” Jeremy replied, one eyebrow raised.

“Not here? Where could he have gone?” She asked no one in particular.

“He isn’t here, ma’am but I found this…” The Sheriff held up Artie’s corduroy jacket.

“Oh that man! If he’s not hurt when I get my hands on him, he soon will be!” Danielle exclaimed. “Why would he go out in this weather without his jacket?”

“He has a rain slicker…” Jim told her weakly, “he left his coat to keep me warm. Guess I
have to talk to him about that.” Jim coughed and held his sides.

“Just sit still, James. You’ve got broken ribs and I think your leg might be becoming infected as well.” She looked to Jeremy.

“Where do you suppose Artemus is?” Danielle finally voiced the question that had been plaguing her mind since they found the cave.

“He…” Jim tried to tell them, “rain…no coat…he…Artie’s…gone…” Jim muttered as he drifted in and out of consciousness.

“Gone? Where, James?” Jeremy asked him.

“Help…Artie…gone…help…didn’t want…leave.”

“How are we going to find him if we don’t know where to start looking?” Jeremy wondered out loud.

“Jeremy, when the buckboard was stuck and you and the Sheriff were working to free it…I saw something. I thought it was a bear but thinking back, it could have been Artemus.” Danielle was kicking herself mentally for not mentioning it sooner.

“Well, that gives me somewhere to start looking. When you and the Sheriff get James back to town, could you see if you can send some men to help me with the search?”

“I’ll tell the Sheriff to either send or bring some men back. I’m staying here with you.” Danielle took in Jeremy’s frown.

“And before you can protest…I’ve done all I can for Jim. I don’t foresee any complications on the ride back to town. There’s no reason the Sheriff can’t take him back by himself.” Danielle’s eyes locked with Jeremy’s and he saw the determination written there.

“You do have a point. If Artemus is injured it would be a help to have you right there.”

The Sheriff reentered the cave and told Danielle he had managed to back the buckboard up to the cave and he was ready to load Jim into it. They gently lifted him and carried him to the buckboard. The Sheriff had rigged the rain slicker into a crude umbrella to shelter at least part of Jim from the harsh, unrelenting elements. They slid Jim under the makeshift awning amid his feverish protests.

“James, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Now, stop this and just lay back and rest. The Sheriff is taking you back to town.” Jim looked at her through bleary eyes.

“What about Artie? You can’t leave him out there!” Jim tried to get up but Danielle held him back.

“Jeremy and I will look for Artemus, don’t worry. I won’t come back until I find him.” Jim looked at her and searched her eyes for a moment before nodding his head and settling back.

Danielle nodded to the Sheriff and he began the long slow ride back to town. She returned to the rocks and gathered up her medical equipment and gear and returned them to her bag. Pulling her rain cloak on she and Jeremy headed back out to their horses and rode off to find the spot where Danielle had seen the figure.

WWWWWWWWWW

As the buckboard crested the hill and began the slow descent, Jim looked out at the terrain as it moved along behind him. He thought he saw a lone figure leaned against the trunk of a tree off into the distance. He tried to sit up and saw stars instead as he lay back down. Artie, I hope we find you in town sitting in a saloon, Jim thought as he watched the rain pelt the trees. He sighed and looked at his horse tied to the back of the buckboard, wishing he could ride him and join the search for his friend.

WWWWWWWWWW

“Virg!” Zeke called out as he ran into the shack.

“Calm down, Zeke, and tell me what’s wrong.”

“I went back up to the cave like ya tole me to and them agents…they was gone!”

“Gone? Gone where?” Virgil wondered.
“I saw a buckboard on the trail and one of them agents was in the back.”

“What about the other one?”

“Only saw one in the buckboard. But I seen a man and a lady on horseback. Looked like they mighta’ been lookin’ fer somethin.”

“Or someone. They must be looking for that other man.” He looked pensively at the ceiling for a moment.

“Zeke, what do you say we go on a hunt?”

“A man hunt? That would be fun, Virg, we ain’t done that in a real long time.” Zeke smiled at his brother.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jeremy and Danielle approached the spot where Danielle had seen the strange figure and they dismounted. They would have to walk their horses from here as the terrain was too broken for safe riding. They walked in the direction where Danielle had seen the figure disappear. After a short but slippery walk they came upon what appeared to be a mudslide and determined it to have been fairly recent.

“I think we should go this way.” Jeremy pointed up the steep slope.

“Any particular reason why?” Danielle asked, eyebrow raised.

“Call it a hunch?” Jeremy shrugged his shoulders and Danielle only rolled her eyes.

They headed up the slope, Jeremy cursing as they slid backward. Finally they reached the top of the hill. Jeremy wiped his hands on his pants before sighing and giving up, as they were covered from head to foot in the slippery substance. Danielle pulled on her horse’s reigns as she lumbered up the trail. Just as she was about to reach into her saddlebag for a cloth to wipe the mud off, her head snapped up when she heard Jeremy’s shout.

“Danielle! I’ve found Artemus!” Danielle pulled her saddlebag off her horse and ran over to him.

Kneeling beside the unconscious agent, Danielle took in the dark circles under his eyes, his ashen complexion in spite of the growing fever. Artemus looks to be coming down with a good solid cold, Danielle determined as she checked his pulse.

It was then that she noticed the splint on his left ankle. Checking quickly, she determined that the ankle was most probably broken. She had Jeremy help her place Artie across the saddle of his horse and they tied him securely in place. They jumped when the men moved around the tree, rifles trained on them. Danielle looked to Jeremy who minutely shook his head at her.

“Something we can help you gentlemen with?” Jeremy asked as he smiled through the rain at them.

“Yeah, git up on them horses and head that way,” Virgil gestured with his rifle.

“I am a nurse, sir, and this man needs medical attention immediately.” Danielle said in her most authoritative tone.

“Ifn he’s that bad off I can just plug him right here.” Virgil used his rifle to point at Artie.

“How absolutely barbaric!” Danielle snarled.

“We ain’t city folk, missy ma’am. Up here in the mountains that’s how we deal with sick or injured. Don’t make no nevermind if they be people or animals. You either git him up on that horse proper or I put a slug in him.”

“Artemus, wake up. It’s Danielle. I need you to wake up!” Danielle pleaded as she gently shook him while Jeremy untied him.

Artie finally became aware of the voice calling to him and he fought to swim through the fog filtering his brain. He blinked and forced his eyes to focus on the upside down figure before him. He tilted his head and focused on the long haired beauty.

“Danielle? What are you doing here and why are you upside down?” He asked as he turned his head to look at her.

“You didn’t appear for supper, Artemus. I came to find out why and I find you napping under a tree.” Danielle admonished him sweetly.

“I didn’t? Oh boy…but isn’t being slung across my horse little drastic?” Artie asked.

“It beats being dragged back,” Jeremy smirked.

“Jeremy? Is that you?” Artie flipped his head from side to side trying to see.

“None other, Artemus. Uh…we seem to have picked up some uninvited guests along the way.”

Artie, picking up on the tone in his voice, grabbed his saddle horn and pulled himself to a sitting position. He swung his left leg over the saddle, wincing when his ankle banged against his horse. His vision swam and he had to close his eyes against the unsettling sensation. Danielle took this in with a quizzical look but she said nothing. Artie turned in the saddle and looked at the two menacing men behind him. Zeke he instantly recognized, the other he assumed to be his older brother, Virgil.

“Ah the Rollins brothers…to what do we owe the displeasure?” Artie nodded at them.

“I liked him better when he was out cold,” Virgil remarked as he poked him in the back with the rifle, causing Artie to gasp in mock surprise.

“Aw boys, is this any way to treat a friend?” Artie asked as he turned and moved the gun away.

“Let’s git somethin straight right now…I ain’t yer friend, I don’t even like you and don’t care ifn ya live er die. Yer only alive because we wants ya both.” Virgil nodded in Danielle’s direction to which Artie raised an eyebrow.

“You two git up on that horse and head back thataway,” Virgil motioned with his rifle.

Artie ignored Virgil’s glare and pulled Danielle up in front of him as Jeremy mounted the other horse. They headed in the direction Virgil had shown them, Zeke in front and Virgil bringing up the rear. Artie was whispering silently to Danielle as he held her tightly. Danielle would either nod or shake her head imperceptibly. She squeezed Artie’s arm when she felt him shiver. Artie smiled as he took in the lilac scent of her hair.

“Danielle, they didn’t think to search me. I seem to have all my little surprises. Just hang tight and when we get wherever it is they are taking us I should be able to free us in no time.” Danielle turned to look at him.

“Artemus that may not be wise. How far do you think you’ll get on that ankle? They don’t strike me as being too terribly brilliant…they’re liable to shoot first and ask questions never. Why don’t we just wait and see what happens?” Artie reluctantly sighed and nodded his head.

“I sure wish this damned rain would let up!” Artie grumped to no one in particular.

“Always rains like this, this time of year.” Zeke told him, “I like the rain, it sounds pretty…just like a waterfall.” Zeke smiled and an idea began to form in Artie’s mind.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jim opened his eyes and looked around the room. He was in town, he could tell that by the sounds outside. He was trying to sit up when he noticed his leg was suspended in the air by a pulley system, and held in place with a cloth sling. Jim reached down and felt his leg, it was heavily and tightly wrapped. Upon further investigation, Jim noted that he had several bandages on his face and arms and his ribs were also heavily wrapped.

As he was trying to pull himself into a sitting position, the door opened and an older man entered the room. He moved to the bed and gently pushed him back onto the pillows. Jim looked at the man curiously…he didn’t’ remember seeing him before.

“Where am I?” he asked as the man pulled out a stethoscope and put the receiver to his chest.

“You are in my home and infirmary. I am Dr. Linstrom. Sheriff Hewitt brought you here a few days ago,” He told him as he checked his dressing on his leg.

“My friend…is he here?”

“No, sir. They’ve not returned yet. Sheriff Hewitt took some men out to look for them.”

“I need to get out there. Have to find Artie.” Jim tried again to rise.

“Son, you can’t get out of that bed. Those ribs alone will keep you from sitting a horse for at least a month…that leg probably closer to a month and a half.” Jim laid back and stared at him.

“Wait a minute…did you just say they? My partner was alone.” Jim looked at him quizzically.

“A gentleman and a young lady rode in here looking for you. They went up on the mountain with Sheriff Hewitt.”

“A man and a woman? Hmm, the man must be Jeremy, but who could the woman be?” Jim wondered.

“The Sheriff referred to her as a Miss Danielle, I believe.” Jim’s eyes grew wide.
Dr. Linstrom saw the surprise in Jim’s face.

“With the fever you have had, you must not remember having seen them on the mountain. Jim nodded in understanding.

“Uh oh, Artie missed their date! She’s not going to be very happy with him,” Jim chuckled at the thought of her being angry with his partner.

“She did seem to be a rather determined young woman, according to Hew. But she did an excellent job tending to your wounds. Downright professional if you ask me.”

“She’s studying to be a doctor.” Jim smiled.

“Well, I’d say she’s well on her way then. She did a fine job…a fine job indeed.”

“Doctor, I’d like to get back out there and look for my friends. When is the soonest I can get out of here?”

“Not for several weeks I’m afraid. That leg needs to stay elevated to protect against swelling. Even riding in a wagon would be beyond you at this time.” The doctor took in the look in Jim’s eyes.

“Don’t even think about getting out of that bed. I was given a note from this Danielle telling me about you. I want you to promise me you’ll stay put.” Linstrom regarded him closely.

“I…uh…”

“Don’t make me administer a sedative. I would rather do this the easy way.” Jim stared at him for a moment before answering.

“Since you put it so nicely I guess I’ll be staying put,” he sighed.

WWWWWWWWWW

[Artiespet]

Jeremy kept his eyes on the trail in front of them, memorizing the path so they could find their way back. Marking the path was out of the question as the rain was still coming down heavily. I can see why no one comes up to this mountain, he thought, as he noted as many natural landmarks and formations as he could make out through the rain and mist.

They were directed to leave the path into what Artie thought was nothing more than a random direction. That’s going to make it hard to remember the way out of here, he thought as he winced at the pain in his ankle. The sound didn’t get past Danielle, who sighed knowing there was nothing she could do for him just yet.

They approached the shack and Virgil ordered them to dismount and unsaddle the horses. Zeke led them to the makeshift barn while Virgil kept his rifle trained on them. Zeke roughly hauled Jeremy over to one of the support beams and shoved him to the ground before tying him to it. Virgil had stepped up behind Danielle and Artie and he grabbed her arm, pulling her toward him. Artie dove toward her and Virgil brought the butt of his rifle down on Artie’s ankle.

“Get your hands off of her!” Artie shouted as he grabbed his ankle.

“Zeke, tie him to the other beam. Sorry mister, the lady’s comin’ with us. She’s a lady, she’ll do the cookin’ and cleanin’ while you’re tied up out here.” Virgil aimed his rifle at Artie daring him to come closer.

Artie locked eyes with Danielle. She gently shook her head as Zeke led Artie over to the other support beam and pushed him to the ground. Artie hissed and glared as Zeke pulled his ropes tight. Artie struggled against his ropes and Virgil poked him with the muzzle of the rifle and pointed upward.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you agent man. These poles ain’t none too sturdy. You just might save me the trouble of wastin’ a bullet on ya later when this here roof falls on ya‘.” Artie looked up at the ceiling.

“Now, little lady, are ya gonna come along peaceable like or do I gotta carry ya?” Virgil looked to Danielle.

“As long as you don’t hurt either of these men I’ll not give you any trouble.”

Artie and Jeremy watched helplessly as Virgil and Zeke headed into the shack with Danielle. As soon as the door to the shack closed Artie and Jeremy began to work on their bonds. Jeremy spotted a pitchfork leaning against the wall.

Stretching out as far as he could, he tried to hook the tip of one boot in the tines. After several attempts his boot finally caught. He pulled his leg inward and the pitchfork toppled over. Jeremy cursed and reached out with his foot. He was able to snag the tool and he slowly worked it over toward him.

Artie sat stoically watching Jeremy’s progress. He was twisting and turning his ropes trying to loosen them, while keeping his ear on the shack listening for any signs of trouble. Jeremy glanced over at Artie as he tried to position the pitchfork so he could use it to get out of his ropes.

“Artemus, do you think you can use your feet and help me position this? I think it’s sharp enough to cut through these ropes,” Jeremy asked as he worked the pitchfork across the floor.

“Just a little more and I’ll have it, Jeremy,” Artie said as he reached for the fork.

“ARRGGH!” Jeremy heard Artie cry out in pain.

“Artemus! Are you okay?” Jeremy asked as he tried to turn, but was held fast by the ropes.

“I’m fine.” Artie replied through gritted teeth, “Now, the pitchfork is at your six o’clock, about a foot back. I’m going to slowly push it forward.”

Artie eased the pitchfork forward until Jeremy could feel the cold iron tines and he grasped it with his fingers. Using his feet, Artie held the pitchfork as still as he could. Jeremy slid his ropes up and down the sharp edges of the tines, hoping he was making progress. As he tried to manipulate the ropes Jeremy flipped the pitchfork up and it landed heavily on Artie’s ankle, making him cry out in pain.

“Sorry, Artemus. Maybe we shouldn’t try this. I don’t know what I was thinking…I forgot about your ankle.” Jeremy said apologetically.

“No…no…you’ve almost got it. Just keep trying.” Artie gritted his teeth and held the pitchfork as still as he could.

WWWWWWWWWW

When they entered the shack, Virgil pushed Danielle toward the kitchen area and told her to make them some food. She glared at him then turned and inspected the kitchen. It looked like a disaster had struck the area.

“I can’t make food in here until I can find the stove. I’ll have to clean this room first,” Danielle informed them as she tried to find ways to stall for time.

“Then be quick about it woman!” Virgil snapped.

“What about the men out in the barn…surely you will feed them,” Danielle asked trying to strike up a conversation.

“Them? That will depend on my mood,” he replied with a snide grin.

Danielle turned her back to the men and began cleaning. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Virgil opening her medical bag and rummaging through it. She wiped her hands on the somewhat clean apron she had tied around her waist and walked over to him. Removing the bag from his clutches, she set it on the counter in the kitchen.

“You shouldn’t trifle with things you know nothing about. I have sharp instruments in that bag. You could quite easily have cut one of your fingers completely off,” she admonished him. Virgil merely looked at her wide-eyed.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jim woke feeling somewhat better than he had the last time. He looked around the room sighing. He wanted…no he needed to be out there joining in the search for his partner and friends.

He tested his limbs and winced when he tried to move his leg. I’ve got to convince that doctor to let me out of here, Jim thought has he shifted positions, trying not to cry out at the pain in his ribs. Artie needs me, I have to find a way to at least help in the search. Jim leaned up and gently eased his leg out of the sling.

Looking around the room he saw that his clothes had been laundered and draped over the chair by the bed. Biting back a groan, Jim reached for his clothes, and sat heavily on the chair. He dressed as quickly as he could and hobbled out of the room.

WWWWWWWWWW

Artie alternated his gaze between the roof and Jeremy’s ropes. He was making slow but steady progress. As he held the pitchfork in place he put his mind to thinking about how they would free Danielle and get the Rollins brothers behind bars where they belonged. A small chunk of the roof dislodged and fluttered to the ground, bringing Artie’s attention back to Jeremy and the ropes.

“You’ve almost got it, Jeremy, one piece is just about cut through,” Artie was panting with the effort of holding the pitchfork.

“Why don’t you relax for a bit, Artemus? That’s got to be exhausting holding that pitchfork.”

“No, just keep going. And Jeremy?” Artie said through gritted teeth.

“Yes, Artemus?”

“When you get loose you need to take a horse and head for town. I’m sure Jim has the Sheriff out looking for us. Maybe you’ll meet up with him.”

“Artemus, I can’t leave you here alone.”

“I won’t be alone, Jeremy. And I won’t leave Danielle here with those men.”

“Artemus…” Jeremy began when he felt the rope snap.

He stopped running his hands up and down the tines and pulled. Feeling the ropes give he pulled as hard as he could and the ropes finally pulled apart. Jeremy wriggled his hands free. After rubbing the circulation back into his wrists, he stood and moved over behind Artie and began untying him. Both their heads snapped up when they heard movement from the shack.

“Go, Jeremy…take a horse and just go. Bring help back.” Jeremy reluctantly realized
Artie was right and he quickly grabbed the nearest horse and made his exit.

Zeke ambled over to the barn, not seeing Jeremy leading the horse into the thick woods. He entered the barn and stared at the pile of ropes by the pole Jeremy had been tied to. Thinking quickly Artie struck up a conversation with him.

“Something wrong, Zeke?” Artie asked feigning innocence.

“There was a man there.”

“Was there? I don’t remember seeing anyone here but me.”

“I know’d there was two of you men. I tied you to that pole and a man to this here pole. Where did the other one go?”

“I don’t know. He must have slipped out while I was passed out.” Artie eyed Zeke as he contemplated this information.

“Zeke, why does Virgil treat you this way?”

“What way? Virgil treats me fine.”

“Why does Virgil give you all the hardest jobs or the worst jobs and he gets to stay in that nice warm shack…with a pretty girl no less.”

“Yeah, she shore is purty,” Zeke smiled. “Virgil…he’s my brother. He looks out fer me. I ain’t been right since the accident and he takes right good care of me.”

“You call this taking good care of you? Making you come out here in this downpour to check on us? He’s probably going to find a way to blame you for that man getting away,” Artie spoke softly hoping to plant the seeds of doubt.

“No. Virgil wouldn’t do that to me. He’s my brother.” Artie could see the indecision on Zeke’s face.

“Wouldn’t he? He’s using you. Even you have to see that. You always have to do the hardest chores while Virgil sits in that house over there snug as a bug in a rug.”


“No…” Zeke pondered, “Virgil told me it’s on account of him havin ta do all the thinkin now. He needs quiet ta think. I git ta do the outside chores on accounta me being good at it.” Artie shook his head.

“That’s just what he wants you to think. He’s using you. Making you do all the work while he sits back and watches. Think about it, Zeke…who does all the cooking and the cleaning? You do. What does Virgil really do around here?” A look of surprise and shock crossed Artie’s face as Zeke moved quickly for a large man.

Zeke reached down and grabbed Artie by his rain slicker and roughly hauled him to his feet. He glared at him and Artie stared back, wondering what had possessed him to try this track.

“You take that back! Virgil is my brother. He takes good care of me!” Zeke slammed Artie back against the beam and the roof shook.

“Okay, okay, calm down,” Artie tried to soothe him, “you don’t want to bring the whole place down around our ears do you?”

“Oh yeah, sorry. Virgil’s always tellin me I don’t know my own strength. Are you okay mister?”

“I’m fine,” Artie replied as he shifted most of his weight to his right side.

“Zeke, do you know what Virgil plans on doing with us?” Artie asked hoping for some useful information.

“Aw, Virgil don’t tell me nuthin like that. He says I ain’t smart enough ta know stuff like that.”

“Oh, come on, Zeke…you’re plenty smart enough. I’d trust you with information like that,” Artie smiled in a warm and inviting manner.

“Virgil trusts me all right. It’s other people he don’t trust. Just this mornin he tole me that I git to be in charge of what happens ta you guys once Virgil gits that other fella here.” Artie’s ears pricked up at this information.

“Why exactly does Virgil want us so badly?”

“You and that other fella was followin us. Virgil says you want to throw us in jail. I wouldn’t like that.”

“Zeke you do understand that Virgil did some bad things don’t you? If you help us, I think I can get permission to put you somewhere you won’t have to worry about anything. And you won’t be in jail.”

“I gotta stay with Virgil. He says that’s important. He says it’s real important that I stay with him and do everything he says.”

“I’ll just be he does,” Artie muttered under his breath as he looked long and hard at Zeke, hoping at least some of what he was saying was getting through.

WWWWWWWWWW

Danielle had finally cleaned the kitchen well enough so that she could make them all a meal. As she rummaged around looking for food to prepare she reached into her medical bag. She would have to be very careful so as not to arouse suspicion. Finally finding what she was looking for, she quickly pulled the bottle from her bag and slipped it into her pocket. Thank goodness Virgil is asleep, she thought as she went about the task of fixing supper.

Virgil woke just as she was dishing up some stew for him. He didn’t see Danielle pull the small bottle from her pocket and pour part of the contents into his stew and then return the bottle to her pocket. She stirred the drug into his stew and set the plate down on the table in front of him. As she returned to the table she glanced out the window toward the barn. I hope you men are faring well, especially you, Artemus. Not wearing your jacket was not the best decision you could have made, Danielle thought as she prepared some of the drugged stew for Zeke.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jeremy pulled the horse by the reins, glad that at least he had had enough time to grab the bridle off a nearby hook. He climbed up on the horse’s back and dug his heels in, spurring the animal onward. He knew he needed to find the Sheriff as quickly as possible and get help back to Artemus and Danielle.

He rode as fast as he dared until he got back to the trail they had taken with the buckboard. He stopped and scanned the trail in both directions, trying to decide which would be the better way to go. Not seeing any signs of a search or rescue party in either direction Jeremy turned and headed back toward town.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jim slowly ambled out of the doctor’s office and residence, glad that he didn’t run into the crotchety older man. Using a crutch he borrowed from the doctor’s office, Jim slowly made his way down the street. His first stop was the telegraph office.

He wasn’t surprised to find a telegram waiting for him. It was from Colonel Richmond wanting an update on their situation. Jim paused and thought for a moment before writing out his reply, along with a request that Army troops be sent immediately to the area. He waited for the reply and was shocked he didn’t have more than a few minutes to wait.

As he transcribed the message in his head as the clerk wrote it down, he was glad he wasn’t getting this in person! The Colonel was more than upset that his Godchild had somehow gotten drug into the mess. On the bright side, as soon as the Colonel had heard of their disappearance he had ordered the Army to send a detachment of soldiers to help them re-secure the Rollins brothers. Jim smiled and chuckled at the stern warning the end of the message contained. Make no mistake, Mr. West, if anything happens to Danielle, you and Artemus will be serving the remainder of your days as Secret Service agents in Alaska. Jim thanked the clerk, paid him and quickly left in search of the Sheriff, or whoever was in charge, to let them know the Army would soon be there.

WWWWWWWWWW

Zeke could smell the supper Danielle had made and realized he was hungry. He finished his chores, locked the remaining horses up and went in to tell Virgil about the missing man. Artie remained standing, knowing it would be just a matter of minutes, if not seconds, before Virgil would be coming out. He stared at the door with trepidation and he wished Virgil would just come out and get it over with. Or did I get through to Zeke? Artie wondered.

Several minutes later no one had emerged from the shack, and Artie was lapsing into a light doze when his head snapped up at the sound of the shack door. He wearily looked toward the approaching person and began to blink rapidly.

“Dani? They let you come out here alone?” Artie asked incredulously.

“Not exactly, Artemus. Darling, you look terrible. What do you say we take our leave of this place and get you somewhere that you can get medical attention.” Artie just stared at her.

“Do you maybe have something to tell me?” Artie questioned her.

“Now is not the time, Artemus. I don’t know how much time I was able to buy for us…we need to get going quickly.”

Danielle moved to stand behind Artie and removed a scalpel from her medical bag. Slicing quickly and deftly she cut through the ropes and began to pull them away. She risked a glance toward the shack, hoping the brothers had not woken yet. She hadn’t given them a stronger sedative as she didn’t know if it would harm them or not. It wasn’t as if I could ask them if they were allergic to the sedative, she thought as she finally freed Artie.

Artie pulled his arms around and flexed his shoulders to restore circulation. He rubbed his wrists as he moved toward the horses. Danielle caught him and steadied him as his ankle gave way. She thought she felt the beginnings of a fever but he pulled away before she could examine him further.

“Are you going to make it?” Danielle asked, her voice filled with concern.

“You better believe it. I have a missed date to make up for,” Artie smiled at her and winked.

Danielle helped him over to the horses where their hopes for a speedy getaway were dashed. Zeke had fastened some sort of lock on the horse’s stall. Artie had Danielle hand him the pitchfork, which he used to try to pry the lock off. After several failed attempts Artie threw the pitchfork down disgustedly. All he had managed to do was bend the tines. As he looked around he came to the only conclusion possible.

“Danielle, we’re going to have to walk out of here. Grab your medical bag and let’s head toward town. If Jeremy was able to send help it would most likely come from there.”
Looking around, Danielle spotted an old axe handle. She grabbed it and gave it to Artie to use as a cane and they slowly started for town.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jeremy rode into town and headed for the Sheriff’s office. He was rather surprised when he entered the office and saw Jim sitting beside the desk, his leg propped up on it. Jim tried to rise but Jeremy waved him back.

“James, the doctor released you?” Jeremy asked, one eyebrow raised.

“Not exactly, Jeremy,” Jim tried to look past him, “Where’s Artie and Danielle?”

“He stayed behind, James. He’s got a broken ankle…we wouldn’t have been able to get Danielle out…I didn’t want to leave them…”

“Don’t beat yourself up, Jeremy. If I know Artie a herd of wild elephants couldn’t have dragged him away.”

“Didn’t you run into the Sheriff on your way here?” The deputy asked as Jim made the introductions.

“No, in fact I didn’t see another soul all the way here.”

“The Sheriff did say he thought he knew where the brothers might be holed up. He probably headed there another way. That road up there tends to get washed out during the rainy season.”

“I’ll go see if I can find him, then,” Jeremy said as he pulled his rain slicker back on.

“You should wait, Jeremy. The Colonel sent a detachment of soldiers up here to get the Rollins brothers. They should be here in a couple more hours. If you know where Artie and Danielle are you could save a lot of time and just lead them there.”

“You do have a point, James. But I don’t like the thought of what those brothers might do to them when they find I’m gone.” Jeremy accepted the chair and mug of coffee that was offered to him.

The door to the Sheriff’s office burst open and the doctor quickly entered and slammed the door behind him. He opened his mouth to state his business when he spotted the reason for him being there. He glared at Jim, while Jeremy sat up straighter in his chair.

“Young man, I thought we had come to an understanding,” Linstrom stated vehemently.

“Doctor, you don’t understand. My partner and a young lady are out there somewhere and I need to do something about getting them back.” Linstrom stared at him for a long moment before speaking.

“Young man, you have a severe infection in that leg and several broken ribs. I have given you my sound medical advice and since you have chosen not to heed my advice, I can’t stop you. But you go off after your friends in your shape and you’ll more than likely be dead before you find them.” He turned to Jeremy.

“Keep an eye on him. He left without taking any medicine. I’ll have some sent over. See to it that he takes it and stays off that leg. I’ll need to see him tomorrow.”

“I’ll make sure he’s there, doctor,” Jeremy said as he sighed with relief, they didn’t need anymore trouble. Right now they had more than they knew what to do with.

Linstrom took his leave after again admonishing Jim and telling him to rest. As the door closed, Jim and Jeremy put their heads together to come up with a plan to be ready when the Army showed up. The deputy knew the area so he helped them formulate a good solid plan. We just need to get there before anything happens to Artie or Danielle, Jim thought.

WWWWWWWWWW

Danielle wanted to run to town and safety but she knew that wasn’t possible. She climbed over a fallen tree and she turned to help Artie and found him struggling with his rain slicker. She leaned over the tree and tried to pull it free. When it stayed held fast Artie suggested they each pull on a part and try to free the garment. They grasped the rain slicker and pulled hard. It finally broke free, tearing almost half way up the slicker. Both Danielle and Artie went sprawling backward, landing heavily on the muddy, water soaked ground.

Artie opened his eyes and shook his head to clear it. He had landed heavily and had gotten the wind knocked out of him. He lay there trying to catch his breath when it dawned on him that he had neither seen nor heard from Danielle. Artie lurched unsteadily to his feet and looked over the fallen tree to find Danielle pulling herself up. He reached over the tree and offered her his hand and pulled her the rest of the way to her feet.

Danielle helped Artie over the fallen tree and made him sit on it so she could look him over, amid his protests that there wasn’t time. He noticed she had a cut on her arm and reached for her, only to be batted away.

“Danielle, you’re bleeding, I am not. Let’s take care of you.”

“I’m fine, Artemus, it’s just a scratch. Your splint has come undone and if we are to get back to town at all you really need to let me look at it.”

“Fine then, but once you’ve tended to my ankle I’m bandaging that arm or I’m not moving from this spot,” Artie regarded her with a wry smile.

“Artemus Gordon you are a most incorrigible man!” she retorted, but she returned his smile.

Danielle removed the splint from his ankle, sadly noting that even with his boot still on his ankle was swelling badly. She warned him to brace himself against the tree as she would have to set the ankle again. Artie gritted his teeth and nodded his head. She grasped his booted foot and pulled back as hard as she could and felt the snap as his bone popped back into alignment. She looked up to see Artie breathing heavily. Knowing he was probably seeing stars she slipped her uninjured arm around his shoulders and held him for a long moment, allowing his head to rest on her shoulder.

After a few minutes, Artie rather reluctantly pulled himself away from her. He grabbed her arm and pulled it to him. Danielle directed him while he cleaned the wound, which was worse than the simple scratch she had claimed it to be. All the while Artie kept his eye on the path back to the shack, knowing they hadn’t gone far enough away from them.

He entertained the thought of going further off the road than they were but as his eyes scanned the terrain he decided against the idea. Other than the occasional fallen tree blocking the road, the going would still be smoother than going off road and through the dense underbrush.

Picking up the ax handle, Artie decided to set the pace and he took the lead. Danielle fervently hoped they would run across some travelers before the Rollins brothers could find them. She really wanted to get Artie out of this rain and into a hospital.

WWWWWWWWWW

Virgil slowly became aware of his surroundings and he pulled his head up and looked around. The woman was gone! He got up quickly, knocking his chair over in the process. He saw Zeke across the table from him his head leaned back, snoring loudly. He walked around the table and began shaking him. Zeke finally opened his eyes to stare blankly at his brother.

“Zeke, where is the woman?”

“I…I don’t rightly know, Virg. The last thing I remember is comin in ta tell ya somthin and the lady tole me ta let ya sleep and she gave me some of this good stew…” Virgil slapped the spoon out of his hand.

“Don’t eat that! I think she done somethin to it. Maybe drugged it or something. Go see if she’s out in the barn with the men.”

“Oh…that’s what I come in ta tell ya. One of em got away. The one with the stove up foot was still there.”

“Damnation! You go see if they are still out there, I’ll get our gear.”

When Virgil met Zeke in the barn he looked at the ropes and growled. The one man’s ropes looked like they had been roughly cut. The other man’s ropes had to have been cut with a sharp knife or something. That blame fool woman musta cut him free. They’ll both pay for this! Virgil thought as he unlocked the stall and pulled the horses out. He and Zeke silently saddled the horses, Zeke looking sadly at his brother, wishing he weren’t so angry at him all the time.

WWWWWWWWWW

[Artiespet]

Jeremy moved to stand by the window, hoping to see the Army soldiers ride in soon or he might not be able to contain Jim much longer. He turned to look at his fellow agent and was surprised he wasn’t passed out. While he did look drained, Jim still looked poised and ready for whatever might happen. Jeremy returned his gaze to the road and stared out at the downpour.

WWWWWWWWWW

Artie came to a stop and took in the road ahead. They had no choice now but to go off the beaten path. The rains had washed out the road in front of them. Danielle came to a stop beside him, her hand slipping into his. She too, took in the washed out road. Danielle looked at Artie and shook her head. Artie reached for her medical bag and began to rummage through it, a frown forming on his face.

“Artemus, maybe if you tell me what it is you’re looking for I could tell you if it is in there,” she said gently.

“What? Oh, sorry…I’m looking for something we can use to mark where have to leave the road. Something Virgil and Zeke might not notice but the Sheriff would.” Artie never took his eyes off the medical bag.

“Hmm…I don’t think I have anything in there that would work except the bandages and I would rather not have to use them just yet.” Artie looked thoughtful for a moment.

Thinking quickly he reached down and tore his rain slicker. Pulling off a large piece, he stuck it on a branch of the fallen tree, trying to make it appear to have been torn off accidentally.

“Looks like we go this way,” he smiled at Danielle.

“What is it with you agents and always just picking a direction and going? How do you know you’re choosing the right direction?” Danielle questioned him.
“Elementary, my dear Dani. Whatever direction Providence guides is always the direction one is meant to go.” Danielle rolled her eyes at him.

They continued off the road, with Artie pulling pieces off his rain slicker and snagging them on a bush or rocks as they passed. Danielle noted that soon his rain slicker would be nothing more than an extra shirt. She also noted the exhaustion that was evident on his features. She contemplated giving him something for the pain she was sure he was feeling, but knew he would need a clear head. Artie chose a direction that mostly paralleled the road and headed that way with Danielle walking beside him.

WWWWWWWWWW

Virgil pulled the spyglass from inside his bearskin and looked around the area. It was difficult but not impossible for him to see through the heavy rain as it might be for someone unaccustomed to the area. As he scanned the area he was able to catch a glimpse of his runaways as they disappeared over a fallen tree. Virgil smiled as he noted they had left the washed out road and were headed toward the clearing by the pond. Knowing this area well, Virgil steered his horse toward a short cut to the pond. The look on his face was filled with anger.

WWWWWWWWWW

The soldier’s finally arrived and came to a stop in front of the Sheriff’s office. The Captain in charge dismounted, left his troops, and entered the office.

“Gentlemen, are any of you by chance a Mr. Jeremy Pike?”

“That would be me, Captain,” Jeremy replied as he rose and extended his hand.

“Captain Colby Winter at your service, sir. I was instructed to place myself and my troops under your command for as long as we are needed.”

“You’re under Mr. Pike’s command?” Jim asked.

“Yes, sir, those are the orders. Are you Mr. West?”

“Yes I am. I’m James West.” Jim leaned forward and winced as he shook the Captain’s hand.

“Very well then, Mr. West. I also have an order for you, sir. Direct from Colonel Richmond himself.” Jim groaned and rolled his eyes.

“All right, let’s hear the orders,” he sighed.

“You are hereby ordered to turn yourself over to one Dr. H. Linstrom and consider yourself relieved of duty, until such time as the doctor determines you are fit for duty or travel,” the Captain informed him stiffly.

“Uh…sorry, Jim, I know you wanted to be in on this. I’ll see to it that you are kept informed,” Jeremy turned to the Captain.

“If you are ready, sir…” the Captain shifted his weight nervously.

“Is there something else you need, Captain?” Jim asked.

“My orders were rather explicit, sir. I am to escort you to Dr. Linstrom and personally deliver you along with your orders,” the captain said, and Jim groaned.

“Something about you being slippery as an eel and twice as sneaky I believe were the exact words Colonel Richmond used, sir,” the Captain replied, somewhat embarrassed, while Jeremy laughed.

“Lead on then,” Jim regarded the Captain apologetically as he slowly rose.
Jim glared at Jeremy as he passed, muttering something under his breath as the Captain led him out of the office.

WWWWWWWWWW

When is this damn rain ever going to stop? Artie wondered as he continued to pick his way among the brush. The going was increasingly more difficult, as they were running into more and more washed out areas and they found themselves having to reverse direction and make many switchbacks. Artie was sure he saw Danielle glaring at him as he tore yet another piece off his rain slicker. It can’t be helped, Artie thought as he tied the piece to a tree limb.

“I hear moving water,” Danielle spoke, bringing Artemus back to the present.

“How can you tell in this downpour?” Artie stopped to listen. “I hear it too. Sounds like it’s right in front of us.” Artie hobbled a little further forward and parted the heavy brush.

In from of them was a large clearing filled with water. Artie took in their surroundings.
Looks like some sort of rain fed pond, he thought as his eyes scanned the area. Danielle looked around and saw some fallen trees and a lot of loose branches and brush. Looking at Artie she came to a decision.

“Artemus, this is as good a place to stop as any. You need to rest for a bit. I think I can make a sort of lean-to over there.” She pointed toward the fallen trees.

“Dani, we can’t afford to stop. If Virgil is smart enough to see the markings I left for whoever comes looking for us, they can follow us here.” Artie turned to continue their trek.

“Oh no you don’t Artemus Gordon! I may be in love with you but I am not blinded by it. You need to rest that ankle for a bit or you will be in no shape to go anywhere.” She steered Artie toward a fallen tree and pushed him down onto it.

Artie stared at her not knowing what to make of her comment. He stared at her for a moment, mouth open, then snapped it shut.

Seeing the determined expression on her face Artie decided he wouldn’t waste his breath and sat quietly watching her. Danielle pulled on the fallen trees until she had formed a sort of teepee. Then she looked around and began placing loose tree branches against the sides. Artie grunted as he started to rise to help her. Danielle’s glare sent him back to sitting on the fallen tree.

After a few minutes, Danielle had constructed a nice lean-to that seemed to be blocking most of the rain. She helped Artie over to it and gently helped him settle on a pile of branches. He tried not to moan as Danielle applied gentle yet firm pressure on his ankle.

“I don’t like this, Artemus. That ankle is very swollen. You really need to be off of it for a while to get that swelling down. What if I…” Danielle began only to be cut off by a wave of Artie’s hand.

“Don’t say it, Danielle. In fact don’t even think it. There is no way I’d let you go traipsing off by yourself. I’ll be fine. We can rest here for a little while…it’ll be dark soon then we can start again. You did a really good job on this lean- to…if we can pull a few more branches up you might not even be able to tell we’re here.”

“Do you think that will work, Artemus?” Danielle asked hopefully.

“It’s a sound idea, so I don’t see why not.”

Danielle told Artie to stay put and she left the lean-to and began to gather more branches, taking care to get ones form the same type of tree. She almost had the lean-to covered and was quite proud of her handiwork. Just one more branch, she thought as she reached for one particularly large branch. A hand reached out and pulled the branch within her reach.

“Thank you,” Danielle said instinctively then frowned and started to reprimand Artemus, when a look of horror crossed her face.

She was standing face to face with Virgil. Danielle froze momentarily as Virgil smiled at her in a way that sent shivers up and down her spine. Artemus! She thought as she used all her will power not to look in his direction.

“Fancy meetin’ up with ya agin,” Virgil said with a sardonic smile.

“Nice to see you awake,” Danielle commented as he pulled the tree branch closer.

“I’d be droppin’ that ifn I was you.” Danielle turned at the new voice.

“Zeke, how good of you to join us,” Danielle said as she let the tree branch fall to the ground.

Inside the lean-to Artie watched the exchange, frightened for Danielle. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Danielle drop the branch.

Not sure what was going to happen next Artie tried to remain calm and quiet while he continued to watch the exchange with interest. He gripped the axe handle and held it up, ready to attack if necessary.

“Little lady what you done back there was not nice. I oughta tan yer hide!” Virgil scolded as he removed his belt.

Danielle backed away from Virgil. As she stepped backward she bumped into Zeke. He put his arms around her to keep her from running. As Virgil advanced on Danielle his back was toward Artie. Quickly Artie moved the tree branches, grateful that Virgil was blocking Zeke’s view. Artie raised the axe handle and crept up behind Virgil.

Zeke saw the axe handle rise above his brother’s shoulders and his face took on a confused look. Virgil saw the look and spun around to find himself face to face with Artemus. He expertly flipped his belt and struck Artie’s left arm as he was bringing the axe handle down, causing Artie to miss and hit Virgil’s shoulder, instead of his head. Artie’s eyes grew wide as he pulled the axe handle back to take another swing.

Virgil bellowed and charged at Artie, knocking them both into the lean-to. Artie pushed Virgil off of him and pulled himself up. He swung the axe handle like a baseball bat, hitting Virgil across the chest. Virgil stumbled back and brought up a tree branch he had managed to grab. He swung at Artie, who managed to jump back.

“Zeke! Tie her up or somethin and help me with this man!” Virgil called to his brother.

Zeke quickly tied Danielle’s hands and sat her on a fallen tree. He moved toward his brother and Artie. Danielle quickly moved over to her medical ba,g glad that Zeke had tied her hands in front of her. She rummaged around until she found a scalpel. Carefully picking it up she took it back to the tree and sat down again. Looking at the tree closely she found a spot that would suit her purpose, and she stuck the scalpel handle into a small crevice in the bark. After making sure the scalpel was held fast, Danielle slowly began to cut away her ropes.

WWWWWWWWWW

Jim lay back in the bed he had left earlier, even grumpier and more out of sorts than he had been. He waited quietly while the doctor cleaned and dressed the wound on his leg. Jim couldn’t keep from sighing, and this did not get past the doctor. When he finished redressing all of Jim’s wounds he pulled a chair up and took a seat. Facing Jim, he looked long and hard at him before he spoke.

“Son you messed that leg up pretty bad with that stunt. I’ll have to keep a close eye on it for the next day or so. If it doesn’t improve soon, I may have to operate.” Jim’s eyes snapped up to the doctor’s face.

“Is it that bad?” Jim gulped.

“I hope not son, this time you really do need to stay put. You tore the muscles. Any more shenanigans and I can’t guarantee you won’t lose that leg.”

“I have my orders, doctor, and I try to always follow orders.”

“I’ve known Sheriff Hewitt for over 20 years. He won’t let those outlaws get your friends.”

“As comforting as that is doctor, I would still feel a lot better if I were out there,” Jim sighed. He and the doctor remained in quiet conversation for some time.

WWWWWWWWWW

Captain Winter halted the troops when they reached the rise. He took out a spyglass and looked in the direction that Jeremy had indicated. He saw no movement from the shack but decided that they would ride in and check it out anyway.

When they arrived at the shack the captain sent some soldiers to check the barn, while others were sent to scout the surrounding area. Jeremy and Winter entered the shack, guns drawn. Quickly checking all of the rooms they found the place to be deserted. Jeremy noted the food on the table, indicating that they had left in a hurry. The food was cooling, so that meant that they couldn’t be too long gone. He picked up a spoonful and smelled it. Making a face he tossed the spoon back on to the plate.

“Someone drugged this stew. My guess would be that it was Danielle, and those Rollins boys won’t be too please about that. We’d better find Artie and Danielle as soon as possible,” Jeremy said to Winter.

The door opened and a sergeant stepped through, then strode over to the captain. They carried on a whispered conversation for several moments. Then the captain turned to Jeremy.

“Do you know a man claiming to be Sheriff Hewitt? My men found several men sneaking around, and they have them tied up out by the barn.”

“Yes, captain, I do know him. He is the sheriff in Boulder. He left before you arrived. It’s okay to let them go.”

They left the shack and went to the barn where Jeremy untied the sheriff, while the captain ordered the other men freed as well. Jeremy introduced the sheriff to the captain and they moved off to one side to compare notes. A soldier came up to them and told them that they had found a trail. He led them to a fallen tree with a piece of rain slicker stuck to it. Jeremy examined it and recognized it as Artie’s.

“This is definitely the way they went captain.” Jeremy had the captain head in the same direction, keeping their eyes open for the same material.

WWWWWWWWWW

Artie was quickly tiring and having trouble staying just out of Zeke and Virgil’s grasp. He risked a glance in Danielle’s direction and seeing what she was doing, knew he had to buy her some time. He lunged at Zeke, headbutting him. Zeke wasn’t prepared for this action and grasped Artie by his rain slicker, tearing it off of him as they fell to the ground. Artie cried out in pain as his injured ankle banged off the ground. They rolled on the ground, grappling in the wet grass, neither able to gain the upper hand.

Artie saw Virgil approaching and as he was reaching down to grab Artie, he fell to his knees. Artie looked past him to see Danielle lifting a tree branch to hit him again.

Artie tried to roll out of the way, but Virgil reached out and grabbed his injured ankle and twisted it, making Artie see stars. He pulled at his leg, trying to free it, while Danielle repeatedly struck Virgil with the branch, taking his attention from Artie. Artie picked up a rock and swung it at Virgil’s head. Missing, he continued his swing and struck Zeke on the arm. The rock sliced into the skin, cutting him and sending blood spattering on both he and Artie. Zeke stopped and looked down at his arm, then up at Artie. The hurt look in his eyes spoke volumes.

Artie took this opportunity to turn back toward Virgil and Danielle. Virgil was grabbing a tree limb to strike back at her. Artie shouted to distract him as he brought the rock down on Virgil. Suddenly Artie was caught from behind by two powerful arms that gripped his chest like a vice. Artie grimaced and dropped the rock. Zeke’s powerful arms continued to grip him like a boa constrictor, slowly squeezing the life out of Artie.

Suddenly a shot was fired, and the fighting stopped. All heads turned toward the sound and Danielle grinned broadly when she saw Jeremy sitting astride a horse, gun raised high. The soldiers dismounted and approached the group, guns drawn.

Zeke still had his death grip on Artie, and the soldiers tried to pry his arms away to no avail. As they subdued Virgil he merely chuckled and said that Zeke would not let go unless he ordered him to.

“Then I suggest you order your brother to put that agent down or I’ll put a bullet in his head right now.” Winter held his pistol up to Zeke’s temple and pulled the hammer back. The smirk left Virgil’s face and he nodded at Zeke, telling him to let go.

At his brother’s nod, Zeke released his hold on Artemus, who toppled to the ground, gasping for breath. Danielle rushed forward and caught him just before he landed in the dirt. The soldiers moved in and surrounded the very confused and frightened Zeke. Danielle started to examine Artie when he pushed her aside and turned to speak to Jeremy.

“Jeremy, please treat Zeke well. He’s got the mind of a child, and I promised him he wouldn’t go to jail,” Artie panted as he clutched at his chest. Jeremy nodded and passed the information on to the soldiers.


EPILOGUE

Artie woke to discover that he was in a nice soft, warm, and above all, dry bed. His left ankle was covered in plaster all the way up to his knee and was suspended above the bed. He winced at the pain in his chest as he tried to sit up.

“That will teach you to stay where you are until you get permission to move, Artemus.”

Artie smiled at Danielle as he settled back onto the pillows. “Yes ma’am!” he replied. “How long have I been here?” he asked, looking around and seeing Jim asleep in the next bed.

“We brought you here two days ago. You were exhausted, Artemus, not to mention coming down with a first rate cold.”

Artie asked, “How’s Jim?”

“He’ll be fine. The doctor had to go in and repair his leg again, but he is healing nicely. Now that you’re here as well, I think that he will be easier to manage,” Danielle smiled.

“Don’t count on it,” Artie grinned. “Dani, when can I get out of here?” he asked as the door opened.

“I think that I can answer that question, Mr. Gordon,” Linstrom said as he entered the room and approached the bed. “I am Dr. Linstrom. You are in my home and infirmary. I repaired your ankle with the help of this extraordinary young woman. You owe her a debt of gratitude, young man.”

“Oh I owe her a great deal more than that,” Artie smiled at her and took her hand, making her blush.

“Now to answer your question,” Linstrom continued, “neither of you will be allowed to leave for at least two weeks.”

“Two weeks!” Artie repeated, tearing his gaze away from Danielle to stare at Linstrom.

“Yes, two weeks, if you do as you are told, unlike your friend over there.” He indicated Jim.

Artie turned to look at Jim then winced, putting his hand to his chest.

“That is what I’m talking about. You need to lie still. You don’t have any broken ribs, but they are pretty badly bruised.”

Artie stared at Linstrom in confusion, then he recalled the events that had brought him to the hospital. Then he asked, “Zeke…what happened to him?” He looked to Danielle, concern on his face.

“It’s all right Artemus, Jeremy kept your promise for you. Zeke was transported to a nearby asylum, where they will take good care of him.” Artie visibly relaxed.

“What about Virgil? I can’t believe he went willingly.”

“No he didn’t. It took several soldiers to subdue him. He was placed in chains and he is in the jail, being guarded by Captain Winter’s men until a proper transport arrives.”

“Well it looks like everything is under control then, all endings are happy ones,” Artie smiled.

“Not everyone is getting a happy ending, Artie.”

“JIM!” Artie looked over toward his partner, “you’re awake!”

“Yes I am, and if you call this a happy ending, partner, we need to have a serious talk,” Jim looked at Artie with concern as Artie’s smile faded.

“Hey pal, I was only kidding!”

“No, you’re right Jim,” Artie hung his head. “This whole thing is my fault, and I’m sorry.” He couldn’t meet Jim’s gaze.

“Your fault? What are you talking about?” Jim questioned. “That could have happened to anyone. It was raining buckets and I slipped in the mud.”

“Just forget about it, Jim,” Artie waved his hand, still not looking at his partner. Danielle watched without saying anything.

“Besides, I’m used to your clumsiness by now,” Jim grinned.

Artie raised his head to glare at Jim and his vision swam. He squeezed his eyes shut tight against the queasy feeling in his stomach, as Linstrom reached over to the nightstand beside the bed for a bottle and a spoon.

“Here take this,” he told Artie as he gave him the medicine.

“Gads…That stuff tastes terrible!” Artie grimaced at Dr. Linstrom. “What are you trying to do, kill me?”

“I’m trying to cure your ear infection,” the doctor informed him.

“Ear…what ear infection?” Artie looked at him quizzically.

“You have a pretty nasty infection in your right ear, Mr. Gordon. Have you been experiencing any vertigo, or any black outs when you stand up too quickly lately?” the doctor asked.

“Yes doctor, he has,” Jim answered, while Artie merely stared at Linstrom.

“Ear infection, huh? Well that does explain a lot.” Artie looked thoughtful as he tugged on his right ear. “Jim…I…uh…that is…I mean…”

“Forget it, Artie. At least now I know for sure you weren’t mad at me for something I’d forgotten about,” the partners smiled at each other, while Danielle suppressed a laugh.

Artie looked up at her, their eyes locking. Artie suddenly remembered Danielle’s earlier remark. “And you, Miss Oliver,” he said with mock sternness, “you and I need to discuss a comment that I need clarified.”

Danielle was puzzled. “Which comment, Artemus?”

“Ahem,” Artie cleared his throat and again tugged at his ear as he looked away from Danielle for a moment. Seeing the look on Artie’s face, the comment he was referring to dawned on her.

“Artemus don’t you feel this conversation would be better left until we can discuss it privately?” she asked quietly.

“Uhm…er…well…yes,” Artie answered her, while staring sheepishly at the blankets, his cheeks reddening.

Jim broke the tension with an embarrassed chuckle, then he winced. The doctor took in his patients, looking from one to the other.

“That is exactly the kind of behavior you two gentlemen would do well to avoid for the next few days,” Linstrom scolded them.

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Jim replied, getting a raised eyebrow from Artie.

“Since when?” Artie looked at him.

“Since now, Artie. Your nurse has a direct line of communication to our boss, or are you forgetting that little detail?”

Artie glanced at Danielle. “That fact has NEVER left my mind!” Artie replied, getting a soft laugh from Danielle.

“Care to elaborate on that Artie?” Jim asked with a smirk on his face and a twinkle in his eye.

Artie looked at Danielle imploringly. Moving from her chair she sat on the edge of the bed and gently grasped Artie’s face in her delicate hands. Danielle pulled his face to hers and kissed him, much to the shock of Dr. Linstrom.

Finally Danielle pulled away, and Artie grinned devilishly at her. After a moment he remembered that Jim had asked him a question and spoke. “What was the question again, Jim?”

Jim laughed, and Danielle blushed. Dr. Linstrom merely shook his head as he turned to leave the room. He had a feeling it was going to be a very long two weeks. Eventful, and without a doubt never dull. But a long two weeks nonetheless.

THE END