Chapter 2

When Jim awoke the next time it was to see American Knife and Artemus bending over him. He frowned, puzzled by the concern on their faces, "Artie," he murmured in relief, "what are you doing here?"

"You were hurt, Jim," Artie said gently, one hand resting on his friend's shoulder.

"Hurt?" West echoed, attempting to lift his arms, and seemed surprised when both American Knife and Artie forced him back down onto the bed.

"Lie still, James," Artie said softly. "Are you hungry, in pain?"

"Tired," Jim managed a sleepy smile, "glad you're here, Artie. So glad-" His eyelids flickered, drooped and then he was asleep again.

"We will start reducing the laudanum when he wakes again," American Knife said as he straightened up, "and try to ease the withdrawal symptoms."

"Yes," Beth agreed.

"Can you try to get fluid down him too," American Knife ordered, "as much as possible."

"Would you be prepared to catheterize him?" Beth asked, "Harry and I will give you and Artemus some privacy."

"Netis," Harry said quietly as they left the room.

"Netis?" Beth queried.

"My Native American name." Angharad explained, "and it will be the name I take when I marry American Knife."

"How does your family feel about that?"

"My mother isn't too pleased," Harry replied, "but my grandmother told me to go for it. She said that you should grab happiness with both hands."

"Sounds like a lady with her head screwed on," Beth replied. "When?"

"Not for at least a year," Harry replied, "will you come to the ceremony?"

"Try to keep me away," Beth replied, hugging her friend.

Artemus emerged from the sickroom, and Beth thought she saw tears in his eyes, "Oh, Artie," she said putting her arms around him.

"Gods, Beth," he murmured, "what am I going to do?"

She hugged the distressed agent, and then said, "He'll get through this," she promised.

Artemus nodded and swallowed, "Give me something to do?" he pleaded.

Beth looked thoughtful, "I'd like to transport him to the Capital," she said, "can you arrange an extra carriage for The Wanderer if I write down the specifications?"

"Done," Artie replied quickly, and seeing the pain in his eyes, Beth didn't respond, merely nodded. Taking out a small notebook, she wrote quickly for a few moments and then neatly tearing out the page handed it to Gordon.

Beth turned to the woman at her side, "Will you and American Knife travel with us? I could certainly use the assistance."

Artemus looked from one to the other and Beth smiled at him, "Go," she ordered, "we'll hold the fort until you get back."

He swallowed, suddenly grateful and then they were alone.

Beth sighed and then turned to her friend, "I am so glad that you're here, I couldn't have done this by myself."

Netis laid a cool hand on Beth's arm, "Yes you could if you'd had to."

"I'm still glad you're here," Beth smiled.

American Knfie emerged from the sick room and both women turned to face him.

"He is still unconscious," the Cheyenne said slowly, "but as I said before, it is his state of mind with which I am most concerned."

"As am I. What do we do now?"`

"If you will sit with him, Netis," American Knife said gently, "while I take Dr MacKenzie for a hot meal. If he awakes and is in pain, give him some of my herbal medicine. You know which one it is."

"I do," Netis replied.

American Knife gently took Beth's arm, "Come," he said firmly, "you look tired."

Beth nodded and then the tall, Native American shaman was escorting her out of the room and into the street.

"You are worried about him," American Knife said when they were seated in the restaurant.

"Yes," Beth confessed, "although the injuries will heal."

"It's everything else," American Knife responded, and then a smile curved the strong lips, "ah, our supper has arrived."

It was a rich, fragrant beef stew and to Beth, every mouthful tasted like sawdust.

American Knife watched her as she ate, a sympathetic expression on his face.