A Difficult Delivery
Written by Kate Ashe
"Gentlemen, Gentlemen, so pleased to meet you! I understand that you have come about the advert?" He shook Heyes' hand and then the Kid's as he spoke.
Heyes spoke up, causing the man to turn away from Kid to look at him. "Yes. It was somewhat vague though. Can you tell us more?"
"I require a, erm, package to be delivered. However, circumstances require that a route is taken which is, how to put it?, other than the easiest."
"What sort of package?" Curry asked. Heyes frowned at him. "It sounds dubious," he said. "We won't do anything illegal."
"No, no, nothing illegal, I can assure you. It's just that certain parties may try to disrupt the arrival, for their own purposes. The, erm, package must arrive safely and quickly."
"And the pay?"
"If the package arrives safely, in excellent condition, $5,000."
Starring
Pete Duel
as Hannibal Heyes
Ben Murphy
as Kid Curry
Guest Stars
David Doyle as Mr Brewster
Charlene Tilton as Abigail Lovern
Lorne Greene as Mr Lovern
Gordon Thomson as Jeremy Lovern
Two tired and weary cowboys rode into town. Heyes and Curry had been on the trail for several weeks and were looking forward to a beer and a long rest in a comfortable hotel room. The town of Appleton was a busy, prosperous looking place with much movement on the street. This enabled Heyes and Curry to slip in unnoticed, something they preferred. As they rode past the Sheriff's office, they checked it out. They were relieved that they did not recognise anyone. Without speaking to each other, they made their way to the livery stable where they left their horses. Carrying their bedrolls and saddlebags, they headed for the hotel.
"One room please."
"Three dollars, up front."
Heyes handed over the money while Curry signed the book. He looked up at the desk clerk. "Any chance of a bath?"
"I'll arrange one for you Sir." The clerk replied.
"How long?"
"Around 30 minutes Sir."
"Just time for a beer. Joshua?"
Heyes nodded.
They went into the small hotel bar and ordered two beers. Curry stared around the room, but Heyes' eyes lit upon a small bookcase.
"Mind if I borrow one of those?" he asked the bartender, who shook his head. Heyes went over and checked out the titles. Selecting one, he called out to the Kid, "Thaddeus, I'll see you in our room!" Curry turned and sighed heavily as he spotted the book in Heyes' hand.
* * * * *
Curry stared morosely at the small pile of coins in front of him. Heyes was lying on the battered, brass double bed, reading the battered book. The entire room had a battered and worn feel. Curry was heartedly sick of it.
"Heyes, how much money you got?" Curry asked for the thousandth time.
Heyes ignored him.
Curry turned around completely and looked at his partner. Heyes wore his look of concentration.
Curry sighed heavily and loudly. "I got precisely two dollars and 35 cents left. What do you have?"
Heyes turned a page.
"I would just like for once to be able to stay in a smart hotel, you know, with clean sheets, without holes and a ceiling without a bullet hole in it!"
Heyes shifted slightly and crossed his ankles.
"Can we even continue to pay for this room?"
Heyes turned another page.
A look of irritation flashed across Kid's face. Heyes had been reading for hours. Kid had sat downstairs in the bar, taken his bath, gone for a walk, done some target practice and checked on the horses. He'd been back in the hotel room for over an hour and had counted the money in his pockets four times, though the amount hadn't changed! So far, Heyes hadn't said a word and Kid was bored.
Seriously, Curry now said, "If you're as broke as me, and you likely are, I'll go and rob the bank now, only way seems we're gonna have enough." He stood up and began to strap on his gun.
Heyes slowly raised his eyes from the page and watched him finish tying the gun down, collect his hat and head for the door.
"When you're done, bring me back some meatloaf would ya? With biscuits? The restaurant should do something for 35 cents." Heyes looked back down at his book and added, with a hint of a smirk, "That'll leave you with two dollars."
Kid Curry glared at his partner and then stomped out. Heyes winced as the door slammed shut. He sighed, oh well, he'd apologise when the Kid returned.
Kid Curry stomped down the corridor and then down the stairs. He marched across the lobby and flung the door open.
Outside, he stood still, unsure about what to do. He saw the restaurant Heyes had referred to and, sighing, walked over and bought two meals. While he waited, he noticed a local paper on the counter.
"Could I have that?"
The young woman smiled and nodded, "It's a couple of days old."
"That's okay, I've not read it yet!"
Curry returned to the hotel room. At the door, he rapped three times and entered. He tossed the paper bag onto the bed and then slumped down in a chair. He opened the paper and started to read. Heyes looked up at him and decided to keep quiet. He did begin to eat, murmuring a polite thank you. Curry acknowledged this with a grunt.
The two sat in silence, reading. The room was still and quiet and Heyes jumped when Curry suddenly sat up with a cry.
"What on earth?"
The Kid was shaking the paper at him. "Heyes! Take a look!"
Heyes took it and scanned the columns. "Take a look at what? Mrs Johnson had a baby boy, congratulations to her. Oh look, Hans Frederick is going to college in the fall, good for him."
The paper was snatched away, folded and stuck back in front of him.
"Here!"
Heyes looked carefully. It was a wanted advert, for two men to undertake a delivery to Red Rock, Colorado.
"This? I thought the weather was too bad to sleep out? Besides, paper's old, job'll have gone."
"We can at least find out! Heyes, this is the first sign of work we've had in a while. It'll be enough to see us through winter."
"You hope."
"Heyes! It'll be more than we've got now."
"It'll have gone."
"We can ask. What harm is there in asking?"
"It's a mite suspicious don't you think?"
"Suspicious? How? C'mon Heyes, if we don't get work soon, we'll starve."
Heyes stared at the advert again. "Okay, we'll check it out tomorrow."
"Why not today?"
Heyes glanced at the book and then climbed off the bed. Picking up his gun and hat, he smiled at Kid, "C'mon then."
* * * * *
Heyes and Curry were shown into a well appointed room. They waited. Curry stared out of the window while Heyes browsed the books on the shelves. Neither spoke and, unusually, the silence had a slight edge. Heyes was reluctant and Curry remained a little annoyed with him.
A long five minutes had passed when the door opened. A portly gentleman hurried in. He approached Heyes with an outstretched hand, a smile and a pleased expression.
"Gentlemen, Gentlemen, so pleased to meet you! I understand that you have come about the advert?" He shook Heyes' hand and then the Kid's as he spoke.
Heyes spoke up, causing the man to turn away from Kid to look at him. "Yes. It was somewhat vague though. Can you tell us more?"
"I require a, erm, package to be delivered. However, circumstances require that a route is taken which is, how to put it?, other than the easiest."
"What sort of package?" Curry asked. Heyes frowned at him. "It sounds dubious," he said. "We won't do anything illegal."
"No, no, nothing illegal, I can assure you. It's just that certain parties may try to disrupt the arrival, for their own purposes. The, erm, package must arrive safely and quickly."
"And the pay?"
"If the package arrives safely, in excellent condition, $5,000."
"Mister ?"
"Brewster."
"Mr. Brewster, you really are not convincing us that it's not going to get us into trouble with the law."
"The pay is to encourage rapid delivery Mister ?"
"Smith."
"If it takes longer than two weeks, then the pay will be nothing. It is vital to get," there was a slight pause, "it there within that time."
"Hmm. I presume there is an element of danger involved?"
"No, though, if you encounter trouble, I'm authorised to offer an additional $1,000."
"Well, thanks for your time." Heyes started to make his way out. However, he was stopped by Curry.
"Mr. Brewster, would you give us a few minutes to discuss this?"
"Certainly, certainly. Glad you'll consider it. I'll come back shortly."
Heyes glared at Kid as Brewster left the room. The door shut and he exploded, "NO! No, no, no, no and no! It's dangerous and probably illegal. It's going to be hard riding and fast. And he's desperate. How many others have turned it down? That should tell you something!"
Curry waited until Heyes had run down a little and then said, "How much is the hotel bill?"
Heyes looked at him.
"We need this job Heyes. I know it's dangerous and hard and only a fool would take it. Well, we're broke and that's as close to being fools as you can get. That money will take us a long way and it's not as though we've not done dangerous, hard and foolhardy jobs before!" Curry stared straight at Heyes, daring him to contradict him.
Heyes sighed. Sometimes, his partner could really surprise him. He really should have had all that figured himself! That's what came of too much reading, he smiled to himself.
"Okay. You've convinced me!"
Heyes went to the door and opened it. He called Brewster's name. In response, a door opposite opened and Brewster appeared.
"Gentlemen? You have reached a decision?"
"We have two conditions. First, we require half up front, for bills and supplies and because we have no intention of doing it for nothing, whenever we arrive. Second, we'll do it for $5,000 each."
"But, but what if you just take the money and disappear?"
"You'll have to trust us. We're honest men, Mr. Brewster and we keep our word. You have our word that we will see the job through, whatever happens." Heyes paused and added, "Course, you could get someone else."
Brewster considered Heyes' words, "Gentlemen, you have a deal. Come through."
Heyes and Curry walked across the hall and entered the other room, a well appointed study. Brewster went to a safe and opened it. Heyes watched intently, until Curry nudged him in the ribs and gave him a look that said, stop it, we're outta that business!
Heyes smiled a little, I'm only looking! He responded silently.
Brewster counted out their money and handed it over.
"The package?"
"You need to come back tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. Be equipped for the journey. I'll let you have the, er, package then."
Heyes gathered up the money. "Goodbye till then." He shook Brewster's hand, Curry followed and both men left.
* * * * *
At 7.55 a.m. the next morning, Heyes and Curry pulled up in front of Brewster's house, provisioned, packed and ready to go.
They approached the front door and knocked. Inside they could hear raised voices. Casting a quizzical look at each other, they opened the door and entered.
In the hall way stood Brewster and a young woman. She was shouting at him, "I am NOT going to travel all the way on a horse! Just who do you think I am? And I will not travel with a couple of unknown drifters!" She spat the word.
Heyes coughed loudly. She turned and looked at him. "Who are you?" she demanded, rudely and haughtily.
"The couple of unknown drifters Ma'am." Heyes replied confidently, not in the least perturbed by her attitude.
She, however, was thrown by his response. Defensively, she said, "How dare you be so insolent"
Heyes interrupted her. "Insolent Ma'am? That wasn't insolent. However." He stopped and looked at her and gave every appearance of being perfectly capable of considerable insolence!
He looked toward Brewster. "I take it that this is the package we are to deliver."
Brewster nodded sheepishly.
"Mr. Brewster, you misled us. I think that perhaps we should have asked for considerably more danger money. However, we did agree." He turned back to the woman. "We are leaving, with you, in five minutes. You can travel in that getup, though I would not recommend it, or you can change into appropriate clothing and collect your belongings. I warn you, we are travelling light."
"I am not going!" she stamped her foot.
Heyes walked up to her, cupped her chin in his hand and stared into her eyes. Very softly he said, "You are coming with us, riding upright or across the saddle. We have a considerable sum of money waiting for us and we are not about to leave it to satisfy your pride or comfort. Now, I suggest you get ready." He released her.
For a moment, she stood staring at him, slack jawed. Heyes barked, "NOW!" at her and she fled up the stairs.
Curry released the laugh he'd been holding inside. "Well, it should be an interesting journey." He said, with amusement.
Brewster stared at them. "You, you're still going?"
"We gave you our word Mr. Brewster. What is the young lady's name?"
"Abigail Lovern. You're taking her back to her father's ranch."
"Thaddeus, would you get another horse ready, for our package. I'll get further directions from Mr. Brewster."
Curry nodded and left. Heyes indicated to Brewster to enter the study.
* * * * *
A short time later, Abigail Lovern returned to the hallway, carrying a valise and dressed in riding gear. Curry entered at the same time. He took in her outfit and nodded approvingly. In his left hand, he carried saddle bags. He took the valise off Abigail and proceeded to empty it, putting certain items into the saddle bags. Abigail protested, but a look from the blonde haired man silenced her. He fastened the bags and faced her, "My friend did say we were travelling light. I'm Thaddeus Jones. My friend is Joshua Smith. You can call us Thaddeus and Joshua, Miss Lovern."
Recovering some of her earlier haughtiness, she replied, "Thank you, Mister Jones. Is my horse ready?"
Curry could barely keep the laughter out of his voice. She sure had some opinion of herself! He managed to utter a reasonably polite "Yes Ma'am" and then watched her leave the house. He knocked on the study door.
"Joshua, we're ready."
Heyes came out, followed by Brewster. "Thank you Mr. Brewster. We'll let you know when we arrive." He shook Brewster's hand and followed the Kid out.
"Everything okay?"
"Sure, no problems."
Curry looked at Heyes' back and watched him mount, somehow, he had a feeling that there were going to be more than a few problems before they saw the last of Miss Abigail Lovern.
* * * * *
The three travellers rode briskly and silently. Abigail was positioned between Heyes and Curry. She rode stiffly with her jaw clenched. Other than shouting over her, conversation was impossible for her disreputable escorts. Curry was also preoccupied with keeping their mule moving; the animal had turned out to be as stubborn as the proverbial beast!
It was a long day.
* * * * *
At least an hour before sunset, Heyes had had enough. He was leading the group and began actively to seek somewhere to make a camp. It wasn't long before he spotted a shady grove near water. He led the way to it.
At the glade, Heyes dismounted and tied his horse to a tree and approached Abigail. He held the bridle of her horse and offered his hand to her. After a moment's hesitation, she took it, accepting his help in dismounting. Immediately her feet touched the ground, she let go and stalked away. Heyes smiled, at her retreating back, amused by her attitude.
Kid pulled up next to him. The expression on his face told Heyes clearly that he had had enough. He glowered at Heyes, "I am not dragging this beast all day tomorrow." He snapped, indicating the packmule.
Heyes grinned, aggravating Kid all the more, especially when he said nothing about the Kid's complaint and merely asked politely, "Would you see to the animals?"
Glancing at Abigail's frosty demeanour, Curry readily agreed!
Some time later, the animals were groomed, unsaddled and grazing quietly, a fire was burning and the smell of cooking stew was spreading over the glade. The camp was silent. Abigail sat on a log, stone faced. When the meal was cooked, Curry handed her a plate; she took it but ignored him. Neither Curry nor Heyes were in the mood for their usual chat, though Curry griped continually about the mule. Heyes ignored him, and sat staring into the fire; which only served to make Curry more frustrated. They all ate silently. When they were done and the pots cleaned up, Curry yawned and rolled up in his blanket, he was too tired to continue dealing with Heyes.
"Night Joshua." He murmured, despite his annoyance with his partner.
"Night." Heyes responded absently. He sat drinking coffee slowly. Abigail sat stiffly, staring at the fire. Finally, the cold and tiredness overcame her reluctance and she crept forward. Heyes solemnly handed her a cup of coffee, which she took and drank with gusto. She wrapped her blanket around her as she sat close to the fire, eyelids drooping. Heyes smiled thinly at her and said softly, "Why don't you turn in? Don't worry about us, we'll take good care of you. You're worth a lot to us. You need to arrive in perfect condition."
Abigail stared at him, shocked. "You make me sound like a package!"
"You are." Heyes said, his voice hard. He returned to staring at the fire and sipping his coffee.
Abigail watched him for a while, amazed at his temerity. No one spoke to her or about her like that!
Her eyelids drooped and finally, she gave in, curling up on the ground, wrapped in her blanket.
* * * * *
In the morning, she was woken by Curry, gently shaking her. Kid smiled at her. "How'd you sleep?" He held a cup out, "Coffee?"
Abigail was cold and stiff and so eagerly took the hot drink to warm her up. Kid had started to walk away when she suddenly said thank you. He turned back and flashed a dazzling smile at her, "You're welcome." He responded. Over at the other side of the fire, Heyes rolled his eyes.
Curry crouched down next to him.
"What are you doing?" Heyes hissed at him.
The Kid helped himself to breakfast and replied calmly, as much to irritate Heyes as to explain, "May as well have a pleasant trip."
He filled a second plate and took it over to Abigail, who smiled gratefully at him.
Soon, they were back in the saddle. As Curry had feared, they took the same roles as the previous day. Heyes was in the lead and set a brisk pace. Abigail rode stiffly between them. She was unused to riding and was sore in places she didn't realise she had! Curry was at the rear, with the mule. He alternated between glaring at Heyes and at the mule! The little party rode in silence.
The shots that rang out took them all by surprise.
As they died away, Heyes grabbed the reins of Abigail's horse and turned off the track. Curry was already bent low and racing his animals. Together, they headed at the gallop to the cover of a stand of trees. Abigail clung onto her saddle horn, unconsciously copying the men's bent over posture. Bullets ripped into the ground around them.
Inside the small glade, Heyes pulled up.
"What the heck just happened?"
Curry had his gun drawn and had dismounted. He stood behind a tree at the edge of the glade and peered out, listening.
Heyes looked at Abigail, ashen faced and speechless with shock.
"You okay?"
Abigail was unable to respond, so Heyes gave her a quick inspection. He couldn't see any blood or other sign of injury so for now assumed she was unhurt.
"Sit tight." He ordered.
He joined Curry, who gave him a quick glance as he approached. Satisfied that Heyes was unhurt, he turned back to the outside, in time to see a group of riders heading toward the glade. Now that there was a real danger, all the irritation between the two was forgotten. Each knew exactly what the other would do and they worked together smoothly. A few well placed shots from each ensured that the group turned tail and fled.
Curry holstered his gun and took a step back. "Recognise them?"
"Nope, you?"
"No. Is Abigail?"
"Seems to be okay. Shaken up. Where the heck did they come from?"
"No idea. I'm certain they didn't follow us, but, how could they lie in wait? They'd have to know…"
"Yeah."
"You think they're after us?"
"Mebbe, but our 'package' is precious. I told you it was a mite suspicious!"
Curry gave Heyes a scathing glance. Why did he always have to say I told you so! "Her name is Abigail."
"I know. It's just," he sighed and passed his hand through his hair, pushing it back off his forehead, "Oh, I don't know."
"What now?"
Heyes stared at him, "Kid, I ever tell you, you ask too many questions?" He paused briefly and continued in a firmer voice, " I don't think they'll try that approach again. I'll go back and see how Abigail" he stressed the name a little sarcastically, "is doing."
Abigail was still sat on her horse. Heyes approached her.
"Want a hand in getting down? Abigail? Abigail!"
She started and looked down at him, a blank expression. Her eyes were clouded with shock.
Heyes spoke gently, "Abigail, do you want a hand in getting down?" He reached up to her.
She reached down and took his hand; it was stone cold. Heyes reached up and slipped his arm around her waist and slid her off. He sat her down on a nearby fallen log and rubbed her hands and cheeks. Suddenly she started and pushed his hands away.
"I'm fine thank you, that will suffice." She said, with more than a hint of her previous haughtiness.
Heyes sat back on his heels. "So, do you know anything about that?"
Anger flashed in her eyes. "Why would I? I do not mix with such, such men!"
"So, why would they be shooting at us?"
"It must be something to do with you and Mr. Jones! Unless…."
"Unless what?" Heyes prompted.
"Nothing. It has nothing to do with me!" she replied flatly.
"Well, whatever the reason, we can't stay here for ever. I'll be right back."
Heyes returned to Curry.
"Seen a glint or two, up in the rocks." His partner reported.
"You want first watch?"
"Toss for it."
Heyes fished out a coin, "Call."
"Tails."
Heyes tossed the coin, grinned at the Kid and returned to Abigail. Curry sighed and settled down to stare out at the road.
"You may as well make yourself comfortable, we're going to be here for a while."
"What about those bandits?" she asked fearfully.
Heyes had begun to tear strips off a blanket. "Oh, we'll keep an eye on them."
"What are you doing?" Abigail asked, curious.
"Something we'll need later."
Heyes lay a couple of blankets on the ground. "Lie down and get some rest, we'll be up all night." Heyes lay down, tipped his hat over his eyes and went to sleep.
Abigail lay down, but remained wide awake.
* * * * *
As dusk fell, during the Kid's second watch, Heyes got up and quietly wrapped the horses' bridles and feet with the cloth strips. By the time he'd finished, the sky was completely dark. Curry joined him as he knelt down beside Abigail. He put his hand over her mouth and then shook her. She woke with a start and would've made a noise but for Heyes' hand. She stared at him. He put a finger to her lips, indicating her silence was required and then helped her to her feet. Her eyes began to adjust to the dark and she could see vague outlines of the two men. Curry hoisted her onto her horse and mounted himself. Heyes took hold of her reins and then led the way, through the trees and out onto the plain. Curry took the rear, keeping a watch out for any pursuit.
Heyes took a long and circuitous route. By dawn, Abigail had no idea where they were, or were the road had gone. However, she found that she now trusted the two men. They moved confidently and Smith seemed to know where he was going. Given that he had also made it clear that he wanted to claim his pay, she had no doubts that they would make every effort to get her home!
They had left the plain and were entering a rocky canyon area. The trail was narrow and the cliffs towered above them. They had to negotiate around boulders lying at the side of the path and, occasionally, across the path. The path twisted and turned and twice they came to a dead end.
Abigail was tired, sore and hungry. "Do you have any idea where you are going?" she finally snapped at Heyes. "And when are we going to stop?"
A voice came from the back. "She's got a point, Joshua. I'm hungry!"
Heyes pulled up. "Will you all keep your voice down? Do you want to get caught in here? We'll stop when we've gotten out of here and I'm satisfied that we're in a clear place. And keep quiet, this place is prone to rockfalls. Oh and Miss Abigail?"
"Yes?" she whispered.
"I do know where I'm going!" Heyes' voice was taut with anger as he turned back and continued.
The party plodded on. The sun rose high in the sky and it became hotter and hotter. Abigail reached for her water canteen as a rattle broke the silence. Her horse reared, she screamed and a shot rang out. The snake writhed, its head smashed. Heyes turned around in his saddle. "Everyone okay?"
Abigail was off her horse, Curry beside her. He helped her up and boosted her back into the saddle, then handed her the fallen canteen. He looked toward Heyes, "She's fine, a bit bruised, but no broken bones."
He made his way to his horse and was in the act of mounting when a rumbling noise caused him to pause momentarily. Settling back in, he looked toward Heyes with a questioning expression. Heyes' head was cocked to one side, listening. Suddenly, a look of horror spread over his face.
"Run!" he shouted, "Move it - rockfall!"
He moved his horse to one side, letting Abigail go in front and then he kicked his horse and spurred hers on. Curry came behind him. They raced along the narrow passageway, the sound of rumbling growing to deafening proportions. Small rocks fell about their ears, some falling on their head and shoulders. Behind them the whole face of the canyon seemed to shudder and then slide down on top of them. Boulders fell ahead of them, causing them to swerve their horses round. Curry still had hold of the mule's reins and the animal was keeping up nicely! However, manoeuvring the two animals was becoming increasingly difficult and he wondered, if he let go, if the mule would follow. Larger and larger boulders smashed down around them. The noise was overwhelming and it was only a matter of time….
And then, it was over. A cloud of dust settled around them. The noise died away and they stopped being pelted. They pulled up and sat. Their horses were covered in sweat and their sides were heaving. All three were dusty and somewhat shaken. It was a few moments before anyone spoke. Heyes dismounted and approached Abigail. He helped her off and sat her on a rock. She trembled slightly but sat up straight, her face set.
"I'm alright. You're bleeding!"
"Its nothing. Here, you've a few cuts on your face." Heyes wet his bandana with water from his canteen and wiped at her face. "They're not bad."
Curry was stood at his horse's head. He looked sheepish. "Joshua," he muttered.
Heyes looked round and walked over to him. He wet the bandana again and dabbed at the cuts on Curry's face. "You're okay, you'll be as pretty as ever when they've healed!"
Curry grimaced at him and brushed his hand away when he tried to continue.
"Will you quit that! I'm fine. Joshua, I'm sorry. I, I shouldn't have fired, it was automatic, but after you'd said about"
Heyes shook his head. "Forget it. We'll give the animals a breather and then move on. I want to be out of here by nightfall."
They both looked toward Abigail. She was sat with her head in her hands, but feeling their gaze upon her, she looked up and stared back. "I'm alright!" she snapped. "Don't you think we should be moving on?"
Heyes walked to his horse and stroked its flank. The animals had calmed and were breathing normally. "If you're ready, we'll set off again now." He responded with more than a hint of sarcasm.
Curry threw him a look and then spoke gently to Abigail, as he helped her onto her horse. "You sure you're okay to ride? I could."
"I'm fine, thank you Mr. Jones." She was dismissive of him as she pulled her reins out of his hands.
As Curry returned to his horse, he could feel Heyes grinning at him!
They continued to wend their way through the maze. Finally, Heyes turned, "Not much further, I think."
Abigail was relieved, she was hungry and sore again.
They rode around a corner when Curry called out, "Stop!"
Heyes pulled up and looked back at him. Curry was scanning the tops of the cliffs, his gun drawn. Heyes looked up, shielding his eyes with his hat. He caught a flash of light, the sun reflecting off metal.
Curry rode past Abigail, "D'ya mind?" he said, handing her the mule's reins.
He drew level with Heyes. "Someone's up there."
"Watching? Or waiting? Why haven't they fired yet? And, are they the same group? If so, how did they find us?"
"You want me to answer any of those?" Curry asked.
Heyes glared at him. Curry shrugged.
Heyes leaned on his saddle horn, pondering. Curry waited. Abigail, however, did not. She had drawn level with them. Thrusting the mule's reins back into Curry's hand with a look of distaste, she spoke to Heyes.
"What is going on? Why have you stopped? I demand that we keep moving!"
Heyes looked slowly at her. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure I heard right? You demand?"
"That we keep moving!"
"Miss Abigail," Heyes spoke slowly and clearly, stressing each word, his anger evident, "I don't think you understand your position. You cannot demand anything. We are to deliver you safely. Therefore, you will do what we tell you to do. Now, is that clear enough for you?"
Her face pale, Abigail nodded.
"What are we going to do, Joshua? We can't stand here forever!"
"Thaddeus! I am well aware of that, thank you!"
"Just thought I'd mention it, in case you'd forgotten." Curry backed away quickly before Heyes could flatten him.
The look in Heyes' eyes would've burnt a hole in paper. Through gritted teeth, he said, "Let's just keep riding." He urged his horse on, followed by the other two, Abigail smiling slightly at Curry.
They came out of the canyons, into a valley. Curry pulled up alongside Heyes. "We're still being followed."
"I know. I just don't see how they could be from the same group as before. No way they could've followed us and caught up with us." Heyes was puzzled. The only way they could was if they knew all along where the trio were headed and that would mean they were in trouble.
Another thought struck him. "Just what do you think you're doing with Abigail? You're not still mad at me?"
"Me, Heyes? Still mad at you? Oh no, I'm not mad at you. I mean, why would I be mad at you, for reading that whole time and not talking and getting me to run your errands and not."
"Alright, alright!" Heyes held up his hands in surrender. "I apologise, okay? Next time we're in town, I'll play poker instead of reading! Okay?"
"No, its not okay, that's not what I mean at all!"
"And what about this job anyway? I told you it was suspicious and now we're being followed and we've already been shot at and nearly crushed to death!"
"Alright." Curry said, resigned, "I was wrong, happy?"
"I'll be happier when we collect that second $5,000!" Heyes said, grinning broadly at his partner.
Curry looked at him, quizzical at first and then he began to laugh. Heyes joined in. Abigail stared at them, astounded.
At last, the two men quietened. Abigail listened intently.
"We can't go on letting this guy follow us."
"When the opportunity arises, we'll ambush him. Til then," Heyes shrugged.
They rode along the valley floor. Fortunately for them, opportunities for ambush were non existent and it was nearing dusk. Heyes signalled to Curry.
"Thaddeus, we may as well make camp. Abigail isn't going to be able to continue anyway."
"Our unwelcome guest?"
"So far he's left us alone, let's hope that continues."
"I guess that means we go short on sleep too." Curry added, ruefully.
Heyes pulled over and dismounted. He stopped Abigail and helped her down. She sank gratefully onto the ground and stretched her aching muscles. Curry collected her horse and settled their animals for the night, while Heyes prepared a meal.
"Sorry," he said to Abigail as he handed her a plate, "We'll be eating cold tonight. If you've got another jacket, put it on, it could get cold sleeping as well."
Abigail nodded. She was so tired, she didn't think she would care really.
Heyes and Curry shared watches through the night. Their follower also had a cold, dark camp as they saw no sign of a fire. Nor did he appear to come closer and they had no opportunity to try to capture him. By morning, Heyes was very frustrated.
Soon after first light they set off again. Abigail's muscles protested as she tried to get moving and she was grateful for the silent assistance that Curry gave her to get onto her horse.
A short while after starting, Curry approached Heyes.
"Have you seen the guy yet?"
"No"
"Trouble or not?"
"I could hope that he was just another drifter, who happened to be nearby and followed for a while, but has another route planned. But, I think that he was a scout. And I think those guys are trying to find us. And, I think that it's connected to Abigail. I don't know why and I'm not sure that it matters much. I think we have trouble."
"That's what I figured."
Curry's vigilance increased. He tried to watch everywhere at once. At the back of his mind was a question about how long it would be before they were free of having to watch in front and behind at the same time for trouble or whether they ever would be. After all, here they were, in the same old position and no robbery to account for it! He concentrated on looking out for trouble.
They travelled further down the valley and the landscape began to change as did the weather. The sky was clouding over and getting dark, the wind had increased and the temperature had dropped. Rain was on its way.
Trouble hit sooner. Suddenly, from behind them, down the valley came the sound of galloping horses. Heyes and Curry spurred into a run, Heyes grabbing Abigail's reins again. Shots rang out and whined around them. There was little point in trying to fire back, the men concentrated on getting safely out of range.
Heyes was a little ahead of Curry and still upright, pulling on Abigail's horse. Suddenly, he gave a little hmnpf sound and fell forward. Curry's gut twisted and he shouted, "Heyes!" Heyes pulled himself up, making Curry feel a little better. He headed up the side of the hill. Yelling at Abigail, he let go her reins, "Just follow me!"
Heyes rode recklessly up the narrow animal track, barely visible. Heavy drops of rain began to fall. Curry pushed the mule in front of him. Nudged by Curry's from behind, the animal followed the horses. A last scramble brought them up on top. Heyes and Curry leapt out of their saddles and knelt at the side of the hill. The rain was now falling steadily. They fired down on the men attempting to come up behind them. As several were knocked off their horses, the rest, once again, retreated. Without waiting to see what they would do, Heyes and Curry jumped back on their horses and continued to push them forward. Within minutes the rain was a downpour and travel was becoming impossible. Visibility was limited and it was the height of folly to be going fast. Nose to tail, the party travelled on, heads bent against the rain.
Curry was drenched and cold. He looked up at the others and figured they must be the same. He couldn't remember how much farther their destination was, though he knew Heyes did, he just hoped it wasn't long; it was a long time since he'd been this uncomfortable.
Abigail had lost all feeling. She had never been so cold and so wet and so miserable. The only thing on her mind was to remain in the saddle and follow Smith's horse, which she could barely see. So it was a great surprise when the horse ahead stopped and her animal ran into it!
"Hey, hold up there!" A voice came from a distance. "C'mon, you'll be warm and dry soon." Someone lifted her from her saddle and passed her over to someone else, who carried her.
Heyes entered the small line cabin. He and Curry had found it once, in their exploration of the area and he'd noted it as a possible place to hold up. There was one room, which contained a table, some chairs, a cot and a fireplace. A large pile of wood stood in one corner. Heyes set Abigail down on a chair and started to make a fire. Once that was under way, he set about undressing Abigail, removing her jacket, boots and outer garments. He spread her clothes out on the table to dry. Curry came in. He was carrying saddlebags and sacks.
"How is she?"
"Cold. You got a change of clothing there?"
"Sure."
Heyes rubbed Abigail's cheeks. "Abigail, Abigail." He repeated.
Slowly, her eyes focused on Heyes' face.
"Welcome back to us Abigail. We've brought in your clothes. You need to get changed."
Abigail nodded and took the saddlebags that Curry offered.
Both men stood and turned their backs on her. "Let us know when it's safe to turn around huh?" Curry asked.
After a while, Abigail spoke, "Okay, I'm done."
The men turned around. Heyes reached for the blanket on the cot and winced slightly. Curry looked hard at him. He was pale and tired looking.
"Joshua, you okay?"
"I'll be fine, once I've gotten into some dry clothes." He handed Abigail the blanket and then picked up his saddlebags. Curry watched as he took off his jacket and shirt. He went up to him.
"Joshua, you're bleeding."
Heyes sighed, "Not any more." He replied.
"Fine, you were bleeding. I thought you were hit! Where?"
"I'm fine."
"Joshua! Let me see." Curry pulled up Heyes' henley and examined the wound. Heyes had been hit in the side, the bullet passing through, grazing him just above the waist.
"Okay, it's just a flesh wound I guess. It's stopped bleeding."
"I told you I was fine! Now, will you stop fussing and let me get changed?"
Curry threw his hands up and turned to his own saddlebags.
Half an hour later, the three of them were dry, warm and fed. They were all sitting in front of the fire, sipping coffee. Abigail was drowsy, her eyelids fluttered.
Heyes looked at her. It was still raining hard so travel was impossible. "Why don't you get some rest Abigail? We'll be here until the rain lets up."
She nodded and lay down on the cot and was immediately asleep.
* * * * *
The following morning, the rain had stopped and the group set off again, after breakfast. Curry tried to ask Heyes about his wound, but Heyes brushed him off, telling him he was fine.
As they set off, Curry crossed his fingers and hoped that nothing else would go wrong.
* * * * *
