Alex told Jim he had sent a rider on ahead and the news was all bad. The doctor was out of town and the nearest one was in Fredericksburg. To make matters worse, a heavy thunderstorm was headed their way and the rain could make the rails slick, making travel difficult. Damnit, can't Artie catch a break? God knows he deservers one after all he's been through, Jim thought.

"Isn't there any doctor in the area? I'd even settle for a veterinarian at this point," A crewman stormed into the back out of breath.

"Mr. West, I have a relative what's a saw bones and I took the liberty of contacting him. I told him best I could about Mr. Gordon. He don't sent you this here reply," The crewman handed him several pieces of paper.

Jim scanned the pages, unable to believe what he was reading. His face lost all color and Alex became alert instantly. He went to Jim's side and took the pages and read them. When he finished he let out a low whistle.

"Mr. West, are you really gonna do this?"

"I don't know, Alex. I don't know if I can do that."

"What are Mr. Gordon's chances if you don't?"

"He won't make it to Fredericksburg alive." Jim's reply was barely above a whisper.

"I wish there was something I could do to help you, Mr. West."

"There is, Mr. Alex," the crewman said Jim and Alex started; almost forgetting he was still there.

"What do you mean?" Jim asked.

"The other part of the message, I almost forgot. That storm is getting worse and The rails is too slick up ahead. I have a message fer ya telling ya to pull to a stop and wait the storm out. There's some cover by a mountain bout 2 miles from here. And a pull over."

"Alex, head for that mountain at top speed."

"Yes, Mr. West. Will you be seeing to Mr. Gordon like that doctor wants you to?"

"I don't know, Alex, I just don't know if I can do that."

"Mr. West, I have faith in you and I know Mr. Gordon does too. And the friendship you two share is something I've never seen before. If you look deep inside yourself I think you will find the courage to do what you need to do."

"Thanks, Alex, I hope you're right. How long until we can stop, I have some pretty heavy thinking to do."

"You don't worry about a thing, Mr. West, we'll be able to stop in a few minutes and I'll have one of the men keep an eye on Mr. Gordon for ya and we'll come find ya if you're needed."

James walked through the train, deep in thought, the telegram from the doctor still clutched in his hand. He found himself in the stable car idly stroking his horse's mane. He walked over to a bale of hay in the corner and sat down on it. He pulled the instructions from the doctor from his hand and slowly read them again and again. Oh, God, Artie I don't know if I can do this, pal. I love you like a brother but this is just too much. What if I slip up? What if I don't do something right? I couldn't live with myself if I was responsible for his death. Jim sat deep in thought for some time and failed to notice that the train had stopped several minutes ago. He was brought back to reality by a soft tapping on the stable car door.

"Come in."

"Mr. West, I don't mean to bother you but Mr. Alex sent me to get you."

"What is it? Is Artie okay?" Jim jumped up.

"Yes, sir, he's still holding on. Mr. Alex wanted me to tell you that storm is going to be here soon it's already starting to rain and the wind is picking up a mite. He said if you are going to do whatever it is you need to you might want to get started soon."

"Thanks, Bill, tell Alex I'll talk to Artie if I can and then get started. I might need a hand."

"No worries there, Mr. West. All of us, including Mr. Alex, want to help. I'm off right now so I can go with you and do whatever you need me to."

"Thanks, Bill, I'll take you up on that. Why don't you come to the main car with this stuff on this list from the doctor in about half an hour," Jim handed the page to Bill and he left quickly to fill the list.

Jim walked down the hallway to the main car like a man on the way to the gallows. He knew what he had to do he just wasn't sure he had the courage to do it. Maybe if I can talk to Artie that will help. He will help me find the courage to do it. He's always been able to help me think. Damn, I need him! Artie has to make it through this. I have got to be strong for him. Jim had reached the main car door and slowly opened it. He looked in before entering and saw a crewman sitting in a chair next to the settee. Artemus looked even more pale than he had when James had left. He worried that he might be too late. Jim pulled a chair close to Artie's head and leaned in.

"Hey, pal, you awake?" Jim whispered.

"Yeah," came the weak reply.

"I need to talk to you, do you think you can stay with me for a while?"

"Yeah, I'll try."

"Pal, we've got a situation to deal with and I know you are already dealing with a lot but I won't do this without your say so."

"Do what, are you planning on feeding me to the wolves?" Artie joked, Jim noticed that he didn't even bother to try to expend the energy to smile.

"Nothing like that yet, pal. No, I got a telegram from a doctor one of the crewmen knows. He can't get here because of the weather and…." Jim let his sentence trail off.

"Weather? What's wrong with the weather?" Artie wondered.

"It's nothing for you to worry about, Artie…"

"James, if you want my cooperation you better come clean with me. What's wrong with the weather?" Artemus tried to rise and Jim gently pushed him back.

"Ok, ok, it's nothing major just a heavy thunderstorm and it's caused some damage up ahead and we have to stop the train until the storm passes and we can assess the damage and find out if we can even get to Fredericksburg. But we need to deal with you first."

"Don't worry about me, Jim, I'll be fine."

"Artie, lying doesn't suit you. We both know you're not long for this world if something isn't done and soon."

"What do you suggest, James, that I ask Great Aunt Maude for help?" He snapped.

"I'm sorry, Jim," he apologized and winced as turning his head to face his friend caused him pain.

"No pal, I'm the one who should be sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I have a solution but I just don't know if I can do it."

"Well, don't keep it to yourself son, spit it out."

"This doctor sent a really long telegram telling me how to operate on you but, Artie, I can't do it," he sensed Jim's reluctance and his heart went out for him he didn't know if he could do it if their positions were reversed.

"So what's stopping you? I'd have thought you'd jump at the chance to stick a knife in me, you know payback for all the times I got you hurt," Artie tried to brighten the mood.

"What's stopping me? Artie, how can you ask me that? What's stopping me is what if I foul it up? What if I slip and cut an artery or something. What if…"

"What if you don't make any mistakes and I heal just fine? What if I return to full health and get hit by a train? We can sit here and trade what if's all day that won't get us anywhere."

"Artie, you don't understand."

"Then make me understand, Jim. What are you afraid of?"

"What if I…"Jim couldn't' bring himself to say it.

"What if you kill me? Jim, you can't let that bother you. You are one of the strongest men I know. And I have all the faith in the world in you and your abilities. Just do whatever the doctor told you to do and I'll be fine."

"I wish I had your faith, Artie. I don't think I could live with myself if I messed this up," Jim hung his head.

"Then don't mess it up. Look, if anything does go wrong, I do not want you to blame yourself, do you hear me? I am going into this knowing the risks but I'm also going into this knowing I couldn't be in better hands," Artie tried to reassure his friend.

"But the storm, it's going to be here soon. What if…"

"There you go with the what if's again. If that storm has you that worried then you'd better get started. What do you need me to do?" Artie tried to remove his bandages to make things easier for Jim.

"You just rest easy. I have Bill to help me, and more hands if I need them. The water is just about ready and Bill has just finished getting the table ready. This isn't going to be easy on you pal, we don't have much ether."

"You let me worry about that you just make sure those knives are nice and sharp I was crisp clean scars to show off to all the pretty girls," Artie grinned then held his sides when he tried to laugh.

"Alright, pal. I think we are ready here. Bill will help me put you on the table then we can get started."

"Good, I have a date in Fredericksburg and I don't want to be too late, ladies don't like to wait you know," Artie winked.

"I wouldn't know I never keep a lady waiting."

Jim gently lifted Artemus up and got a grip on his shoulders inwardly wincing when he caused him pain. Bill grabbed his legs and they carefully lifted Artemus. He bit down on his lower lip to keep from screaming out and Bill and Jim both cringed at the pain they were inflicting. They carefully maneuvered him around until they had him resting on the table. Jim stopped to wipe sweat from his brow that was flowing like a river. Bill set up a small table and put the instruments Jim would use on it. He then called to a waiting crewman to come in.

Jim instructed the man to wash his hand thoroughly and stand beside him, ready to hand him whatever he asked for. The crewman did as he was told and stood quietly at the table. Bill moved to stand near the other end of the table waiting for the signal to hold Artie's legs. Jim handed an ether coated cloth to the crewman and told him to hold it over Artie's nose and mouth.

"Jim," he whispered, his breathing labored, "remember what I said. If anything goes wrong I don't hold you responsible."

"I will remember, pal. And Artie…"

"Don't say it, Jim. If I make it through this I don't want you to have said something you can't take back," They stared at each other for a minute and knew the volumes of unspoken words had reached the other.

"All right let's get this over with," Artie nodded to the crewman.

"You heard the man put his lights out," Jim smiled and waited as the crewman put his friend and brother to sleep.

Outside the storm began to worsen. The wind picked up and gently rocked the train. Jim spread out the sheets of notes and briefly scanned them. He cut away the bandages from Artie's chest and paused. He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. Bill looked on waiting for his cue. Finally Jim nodded to him and Bill grabbed Artie's legs just in case the ether hadn't been enough.

Jim, his hands shaking slightly, put the scalpel on the wound in Artemus' right shoulder and prepared to make the first of what he was sure would be many incisions. I can't do this I just can't. Artie is my best friend, my brother I can't risk hurting him. Bill sensed his grief/hesitation and spoke more softly and quietly than Jim thought a man of his size even could.

"Mr. West, you know you can do this, you have to do this. You promised to do whatever it took to get Mr. Gordon through this. Mr. Gordon has total faith in you; he put his life in your hands because he trusts you. You can do this, Mr. West."

"I hope you're right, Bill. Because if you're wrong…"

"I'm not wrong, sir and more importantly Mr. Gordon isn't wrong."

Jim just looked at Bill and sighed. He nodded his head and slowly made the first incision. Seeing more crimson flow from his friend made Jim's hand shake and he pulled back and breathed deeply to calm his nerves. Bill had a tight grip on Artemus' legs but so far he had not shown any signs of consciousness. Jim handed the scalpel to the crewman and asked for the tongs. He hated this part, he couldn't believe the doctor had told him he would have to probe for the bullet, feeling around with the tongs until he felt it. Jim gently pushed the tongs into his friends shoulder, shuddering at the grotesque sound of the metal invading the muscle and tissue.

The train rocked hard just as Jim began to pull the first bullet out. He released his hold on the tongs so as not to hurt Artemus. He slammed into the table and Bill worked hard to maintain his hold on Artemus, keeping him on the table. There was a soft knock on the door and Alex poked his head inside. He informed Jim that the storm was only minutes away and that he had done all he could to get the train secured. He asked if there was anything he could do and Jim shook his head no. The burden was all on him and he was running out of time.

"I'll try to hurry and finish before the storm hits, thanks Alex."

"You're welcome, Mr. West. And I stoked the fire a little and put some extra heat in Mr. Gordon's room and there is fresh water in there as well. The men, well, we're all pulling for you, Mr. West. We're pulling for you both."

"Thank you Alex. And thank the men for me too. I'm sure Artie appreciates it."

Jim turned his attention back to the task at hand. He finished dewing up the wound and bandaged it before turning his attention to Artemus' ribs. This was not going to be an easy task. Jim paused to read the notes and glanced at Bill, who nodded his head, giving Jim a boost of confidence he didn't really feel.

Jim was about to make the incision between two ribs when Artie moved. He tried to thrash out in pain but Bill held tight and Collins moved to help.

"Mr. West, maybe you should take the bullet out of his leg first. Maybe that won't hurt him as much and when you get to them ribs you won't need Collins to hand ya stuff and he can help me hold Mr. Gordon down."

"Good thinking, Bill, you'd make a great doctors assistant." Jim turned his attention to Artie's right leg. The area around the bullet seems reddish and swollen. Oh great, that means infection, Jim thought. Maybe I can get this bullet out before it can set in.

He took the scalpel and made the incision. Greenish looking fluid oozed out and ran down his leg onto the table and coating Jim's hands. He wiped at it and inserted the scalpel again. This wound took a lot more cleaning out than the shoulder wound had and Jim was tired and sweating when he finally found the bullet. He pulled back on the tongs and Artie moaned. Jim asked Collins to give him more ether and waited for it to take effect.

The storm was what worried Jim the most. The train was almost constantly rocking now. Jim was afraid he might slip and cut an artery or worse. He knew he had to hurry and finish this. He poured the hot water and laudanum mixture the doctor had told him to prepare into the wound and cringed as his partner's body tensed and his breathing became rapid. Jim knew he had to work fast or Artie was liable to wake up in the middle and Jim didn't want that. Knowing Artie he would try to tell him how to finish!

After he carefully rinsed the wound out he packed it according to instructions and wrapped a bandage around the leg. He knew that would be one nasty wound to heal and he hoped he could keep Artie confined for as long as he could. A loud clap of thunder rolled through the mountain and into the train. It sounded like another train barreling down on them. Bill silently prayed they would finish before the storm shook them apart.

Jim motioned to Collins that he was ready to change places with him. Collins moved to Artemus' legs and grabbed a hold in between Bill's hands. When they had him in a tight hold they nodded to Jim to being. Jim looked at Artie and then at Collins.

"Maybe we should give him some more ether?" Jim questioned.

"I just gave him the last of it, Mr. West. I thought you'd want me to before you sewed him up and worked on his ribs. I'm sorry if I was out of line."

"No, Collins, you did the right thing. Now, let's see who can win this battle us or Mother Nature."

James grabbed the tongs and took a quick look inside Artie's side to make sure there was no infection or anything he needed to clean out. There wasn't so he grabble the needle and thread and began sewing the holes closed. He paused once or twice when Artie started to kick but the men told him to keep going they had everything under control. When Jim finished sewing the wounds closed he leaned back in the chair, pondering how to tackle the last part of the job. A loud clap of thunder was followed by what sounded like torrents, buckets, of rain being dumped on them all at once. Well, looks like Mother Nature decided to try and beat me. I didn't come this far just to lose out now.

Jim placed the scalpel between two of Artie's ribs and almost closed his eyes as he made the long incision. He opened the incision and tried not to gag as he looked inside his friend's body, trying to find the rib that was poking into his lung. Finally he was rewarded when his blood covered fingers found the intruding bone. Artie began to stir and Jim knew he was quickly running out of time.

He held the incision open with one hand and tried to reach inside and pull the rib out of Artie's lung with the other. Collins reached in and held the incision open allowing Jim better access. With both hands free, Jim was finally able to see what he was doing. He grasped the rib and pulled it out of the lung and quickly pushed a piece of cloth into the hole to staunch the flow of blood. As quickly as he could, he sewed the offending hole closed and put the rib back in place. Then he made sure there were no other bones or fragments poking his lung and he got ready to close the incision.

Just as he inserted the suture needle Artie began to groan and thrash his legs. Bill held steadfast to his legs and tried to keep him as still as possible.

With renewed vigor, James bent about his task. He quickly threaded the needle and pushed and pulled it through the red and swollen skin. He was rewarded with a groan and thrashing from his partner, and he picked up his pace. Jim hated the pain he was causing even though he knew it would save his friend's life in the end. He kept on sewing the incision closed, all the while keeping one eye on Bill and Collins.

After what seemed like an eternity, Jim finally had the last stitch in place, having had to reset three ribs Artie had broken again with his thrashing. Bill and Collins felt terrible but Jim reassured them they were doing an excellent job and that it was more than they could handle to keep Artie's legs still. Jim and Bill taped Artie's ribs tightly and they prepared to carry him to his room. Jim thanked them for their help, both men assuring him they had been more than happy to help in any way.

They carried Artemus to his room and carefully laid him in his bed. Jim excused them to go tell Alex that as soon as the storm let up they could get underway and to tell the rest of the crew it appeared that Artie would be okay. The men disappeared, with Collins going forward and Bill going back the main car to clean up the operating mess, as Jim busied himself with making his friend comfortable and seating himself in the chair by the bed. Jim watched as Artemus slept. He watched the slow but steady rise and fall of his chest and thanked God he had not screwed up. He fell asleep thinking of what might have happened had things not gone so well.

Jim woke with a start and realized he had fallen asleep. He rubbed his tired eyes and looked over at his friend. Artie was still either asleep or unconscious. Jim hoped they hadn't used too much ether on him, the doctor hadn't told him how much or how little to use. Jim went to the washbasin and poured some water in it from the pitcher. He splashed some on his face and grabbed a towel and wiped his face. He looked in the mirror and was amazed at how old he looked. James, my boy, you need a good night's sleep once Artie is on the mend. It was at that time that his friend made his presence known.

"James, my boy, you look like hell," Artie croaked.

"Artie!" Jim shouted, "You're awake."

"Yes, James, I'm awake although after taking a good look at you I'm not sure I want to be," Artie laughed and groaned.

"Take it easy, pal. I refuse to go through that again so you better not do anything to tear your stitches." Jim gently placed his hand on his friend's forehead, checking for fever.

"You feel a bit warm, let me get you some medicine."

"It's okay, Jim besides, I just woke up I don't want to go right back to sleep," Artie whined.

"Well whether you want to or not is not an issue. The doctor said to give you this when you woke up the first time. He said you need rest and lots of it and I intend to see that you follow orders." Jim mixed the powder with a glass of water and held it to his lips.

"Just a minute, Jim, then I promise I'll drink it."

"All right, Artie, but just a minute, no more. I didn't spend hours patching you up just to watch you tear it all apart." Jim winked.

"I need to thank you, Jim. You saved my life."

"I did what I had to do, Artie, and truth be told I did it purely for selfish reasons," Jim smiled.

"Sure you did, pal. Sure you did. But you have to admit I was right. I knew you could do it and you did. You made me proud James," Jim could see that Artie was ready to pass out.

"Like I said I did it purely for selfish reasons. That and I'd hate to have to break in a new partner when I just about have this one broken in." He beamed.

"Just about…why I ought to…"

"You ought to take this medicine before I call Bill in here to give it to you." Jim held the glass up to his friend's lips and gently tilted his head, allowing him to swallow the mixture.

"Gads, that terrible. Where did you get that junk, from a traveling witch doctor?" Artie made a face.

"Nope, mixed it myself with the stuff in your lab from a recipe the doctor gave me. He claims it will make you sleep like a log for a week but I don't give you three days."

"That bad huh? Maybe I need this recipe I bet I could concoct all kinds of little goodies with it," Artie was losing his battle to fight the medicine and stay awake.

"Oh no you don't that doctor wants to check you out when we get to Fredericksburg and he said you will probably spend some time in the hospital. THEN you will spend some time recuperating before I will even let you THINK about puttering around in that lab of yours." Jim stated firmly.

"Awww, Jim…"

"Don't awww Jim me, Artie. We will see what the doctor has to say when we reach Fredericksburg. For now you just lie there and let the medicine do its job. I'm going to go talk to Alex and see how the storms doing. You better be asleep when I get back."

"Yes Dad," Artie rolled his eyes, which fluttered closed, flicked open then closed a final time. Jim was pleased to note that Artie's breathing was a little better.

On the way to the engine Jim had finally noticed that they were not moving. He wondered what the delay was. He had finished operating on Artie hours ago and they should have been on their way. He reached the cab and went inside, seeing Alex sitting at the throttle. Alex turned at the noise and stood at attention, Jim waived him back.

"I just came to see why we haven't moved yet, Alex. Is anything wrong?"

"Yes and no, sir. The storm seems to be letting up a bit but word has it that there another one on its tail. But the bad part is that there are several trees fallen on the tracks and the men I sent ahead to remove them said it will be a while."

"How long is a while?" Jim asked, not sure he wanted to hear the answer.

"They said it could take them about a day if they work on them all through the night. I'm sorry, sir, I know you wanted to make best possible speed to Fredericksburg and I wish I could. How is Mr. Gordon, anyway? Is he going to be ok?"

"Yes, I think he'll be ok. He seems to be developing a fever so I would appreciate it if you could do what you can to get the track cleared. In fact I think I might go out and help the guys. Artie's asleep and I gave him a big enough dose of that medicine to make him sleep for a week."

"Sir, you don't need to do that the men and I can handle things. I just came in here to make sure the fire was stoked for Mr. Gordon. I'll go get my axe and get back out there."

"Grab one for me too, please. It will help keep me occupied while Artie plays the bum and sleeps his life away." Jim chuckled as he went back to the main car to change his clothes.