Artemus Gordon gulped nervously as he eyed the group of unhappy ghouls that surrounded him. He groaned as he realized he had forgotten the one weapon that could protect him from their wrath. Artie counted seven beings clustered around him: vampires, ghosts, zombies and one lone mummy. Although he had realized the significance of today's date, he had neglected to prepare for this possible outcome. Methodically, but with a growing sense of urgency, he began checking each of his pockets: vest, coat and pants. He found no silver bullets, no crosses, no holy water; nothing that could impede the progress of the slowly moving ring of phantoms as they tightened in around him.
He decided to smooth talk his way out of this predicament, using a smidgen of his famous legerdemain with a pinch of savoir faire. "Now fellas," he began, holding up his hands in mock surrender as he started backing up slowly, "I don't mean to disappoint you, but I don't have what you're looking for. Oh, look at the time," he glanced at his pocket watch nervously, "It's getting dark and I think it's past my bedtime." He kept his tone light as he tried to direct a friendly glance to each pair of eyes that glared back into his. 'Where is Jim?' Artie wondered as he spared a moment's thought for his equally unprepared, but mysteriously absent, partner.
"Get him!!" One of the creatures bellowed at the top of his lungs. Before he could move another step, Artie felt strong arms grab him from behind while seven more sets groped for his waist and legs. The tallest of his captors circled around from behind to face him. Artie's anxiety was immediately noticed by the petite creature dressed in a black cape and pointed hat.
The brunette smiled understandingly at his discomfort and shooed the other ghouls away, "Alright children, that's enough. I know you are disappointed that Mr. Gordon forgot the trick or treat candy, but we do need to be thankful for his talent with makeup and the costumes he brought for all of you. I'm sure you will all win prizes at the Fall Festival tonight."
Relieved at the reprieve, Artie relaxed as the children milled around him for a few more seconds. Patting a few on the head, he was rewarded with a chorus of "thank-yous". Boisterous chatter filled the air as the children headed towards the wagon Jim West had been hitching up out back, ready to leave for tonight's party.
"It was so nice of you and Mr. West to come and help with the orphans tonight," the pretty teacher declared. Pitching her voice only for Artie's ears, she emphasized her next words, "I have a little thanks of my own to give you."
Jim clicked his tongue and ordered the horses forward, his wagon full of excited spooks. He grinned as he glanced over at his partner, oblivious to being left behind; the sweetest treat of all wrapped up in his arms.