Gordon practically fell into the chair in the corner of Jim's room, letting out a huge sigh of air as his arms flopped over the sides.

I swear I didn't think we'd ever get out of there.

Jim grinned as he took his gun belt off, He gotcha for all you were worth tonight, Artie.

And then some.

West laughed, Don't sound so bitter, you know you don't mean it.

Ha. What do you know? It's my wallet that's still smoking from overexertion...

Jim took his jacket off and hung it up, Those delegates sure can put it down.

So can the President.



I'm just saying....

Jim decided a change of subject was in order, Now that you've met the commissioners, what do you think?

Artie considered for a moment, then answered, I think Tappan's a nice fella, but lacks a certain sense of....

Jim offered,

A grin tugged at the corner of Artie's mouth, For lack of a better word, yes. Let's see....General Sherman... now there's a real pompous ass. Jim laughed aloud, and Artie continued, And Sanborn - where's he from?



That figures. His ideas sound as if they sprouted from the mind of someone who spent too much time panning for gold dust. And Taylor, he seems to have his wits about him, but I keep wondering how long it will take him to stop walking like he just got off a horse!

Maybe he did, Artie. Just get off a horse, I mean.

The hell you say. I just got off a horse, and I don't walk like that.

You're not from Texas.

Well thank all that's good and true for that at least.

Jim's eyes sparkled with laughter, And that pretty much takes care of the Calvary.

Yes James, tomorrow, we meet the Indians. And I've heard that Iron Fist rules with one.

Jim nodded, but didn't answer. Artie felt the subtle change in his partner's mien immediately.

What is it, Jim?

Nothing, Artie.

Gordon stood up and walked over to his best friend, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder.

I know you. Now, what is it?

Jim frowned, It's probably nothing, Artie...

Yeah, sure. And...?

West sighed. Artie wasn't going to leave him alone until he answered.

And the little hairs on the back of my neck are standing straight on end. Artie stared into his friend's eyes, knowing he would continue only when he was ready. I don't have a good feeling about this one, Artemus. Too many people are against the treaty.

You're worried about the President.

Just worried.

Artie sighed, knowing what was coming, You taking the first watch, or am I?

You look like you could use a little rest....and uh...

A bath. I know. Didn't have time when I first got here.

Jim laughed, Okay, I'll wake you in four hours.

Gordon nodded, See you then.

Jim watched Artie slip out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him. He put his jacket back on, and walked into the hallway to take up a position outside the President's room. He hoped that Grant didn't decide to go for a midnight stroll; if he discovered that his Secret Service agents were standing watch outside his door all night, there would be hell to pay. But then, Jim would rather face an angry live President then his own guilt over a dead one.

A chill suddenly slipped up his spine, making him shiver. Jim looked at either ends of the hallway: all the windows were closed. He frowned. He could have sworn he felt cold air. Involuntarily, he shivered. West tried to shake the feeling off, but it lingered. It was going to be a long night.