By the time Dutch and Casie reached the camp, the sun was beginning to set.
Casie felt exhausted, not just because her ribs were beginning to hurt, but because of the amount of adrenaline that had surged through her little body. Saying goodbye to her Pa, had been the hardest thing. She had always thought that if anything happened, she would always have his gun to remember him by, Now that gun was buried in the dirt.
During the ride back, she had hardly spoken at all to Dutch. She felt a little bad, as he had been so generous and kind. But, she thought also very scary. The strange thing was that although she was still quite scared of him, when he was around, she felt like she could do anything, like she was almost invincible. But one of the biggest things he had taught her was how to be honest with herself. She loved her Pa, but some of the things he said, she realised had only been said to try and make her feel better. She didn't think they were true at all. Like the not letting people see that you were scared. Like that worked, she thought, she certainly couldn't pull the wool over Dutch's eyes. She also wondered about what it would be like to kill someone. She'd only ever shot a gun once, and that was to kill a rabbit, and she'd done that with her eyes closed.
Dutch jumped off The Count and lifted Casie off the back. He thought she looked a bit pale, but that was only to be expected, he supposed. Confronting so many fears in one day, would be enough to take its toll on an adult, let alone a child. And he had to keep reminding himself that she was just that, a child.
"Come on" He said smiling. "If we're lucky we might get some supper, if they've left us any that is".
Dutch and Casie walked towards the table, Dutch had a hand on her shoulder, guiding her in the direction he wanted her to go.
"Is there any food left", he said, "me and this young lady are starving"
Miss Grimshaw looked at Dutch "Well that depends?" She said.
Dutch looked at Casie, then nodded towards Miss Grimshaw,
Casie looked at Miss Grimshaw and smiled. She scooped the necklace chain out of her shirt and held it up for Miss Grimshaw to see.
Susan Grimshaw laughed. "In that case, sit you both down and you can have some supper"
Hosea was sitting as a table with a bowl of Stew, Arthur was seated next to him. Both were surprised to see the change in Casie, from tearaway to young woman in a blink of the eye.
Hosea pointed at Casies new gun. "Thats a mighty fine looking gun you have there."
She smiled "Dutch bought it for me" She looked up at Dutch, then looked back at Hosea. "My Pa, needed to have his gun, so I didn't have one. But this one is mine!" She touched it with her hand.
Dutch shepherded Casie to a seat, and sat down next to her, as Miss Grimshaw put the plates of food in front of them.
Arthur pointed towards the gun with his empty spoon. "Have ya shot a gun before?" he asked her.
"Not at a person" she said seriously. The three men laughed. "I did shoot a rabbit once" she said "but I think I might have shut my eyes".
Dutch looked at Casie and winked "If you ask Arthur nicely, he might teach you" he lowered his voice slightly "He's a pretty good shot...but don't tell him I said so".
Casie went to speak, then realising she had a mouthful of food, stopped and swallowed. She looked at Arthur "Please would you teach me, Arthur".
Arthur smiled " Sure, I think that can be arranged."
Casie tried to stifle a yawn, she hoped no one had noticed.
Hosea shot Dutch a glance. Dutch nodded back at Hosea. He stood up and looked at Casie.
"Now Casie" he said. "I think its about time you got some rest, but before you do". With that he grabbed her waist and lifted her up onto the table. Still holding her steady he yelled. "Everyone gather round, I need to introduce you to our new family member".
A crowd of people gathered round, some she knew some she didnt.
Dutch boomed "This is Casie, she will be joining us".
Micah came over "Hey kid, how ya doin', I'm Micah" he said. She recognised him immediately as the man that she had Rabbit kicked in the balls. Dutch interjected. "Micah also kindly extracted you from the Jail House in Valentine"
Casie flushed and looked at Micah"Thank you...and sorry" she looked towards his crotch.
Micah roared with laughter "Don't worry about it, kid" he said " and if you need anything just come and see your Uncle Micah".
Arthur looked at Micah and rolled his eyes.
Several others came over and shook her hand or said hi, patted her on the back. Some she already knew like Tilly and Mary-Beth others she tried to remember their names. She recognised the man, who she had spat at. He still seemed a bit grumpy, even after she said that she was sorry. His name was Bill, but after he had left the group, Arthur had whispered in her ear and told her not to worry as he was always grumpy. She also recognised the old man in the wagon she had tried to rob. She was amazed that after all the horrible things she had done, that everyone was so welcoming. She thought she was probably going to like her new family.
After all the introductions were done, Dutch lifted her off the table and gave her a little shove in the general direction of her tent.
"Off you go," he laughed, "Get some rest. We have a big day planned for you tomorrow."
Casie went to her tent, at the door she stopped and looked over at Dutch and smiled. Then went into the tent and laid on the bed. She was asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.
Hosea looked at Dutch, "What on earth did you do to that child?"
Arthur laughed "he gave her the talk"
Hosea shook his head "Dutch!" he exclaimed "I'm surprised she didn't run for the hills"
Dutch laughed "I've never met a kid quite like her, I think I'm going to enjoy this" He said.
Casie slept soundly that night. She was still fast asleep when the sun came up. The rest of the camp where milling around, doing chores and chatting.
Dutch looked at Miss grimshaw who was clearing away the empty bottles from the previous night.
"Good morning Miss Grimshaw" he said with a smile. She turned to look at him.
"Smile at me all you like Dutch Van Der Linde, you need to speak with your boys about cleaning up after themselves!" She scolded.
He tried to hide the grin on his face, but failed miserably. "Have you seen Casie this morning?"
"She's still asleep, poor child. Whatever you did with her yesterday, she's exhausted. And those injuries she's carrying won't have helped!"
Arthur overheard the conversation and the scolding that Dutch was being given and grinned. He walked up behind her.
"We all know your a saint, Miss Grimshaw, and you're the one that keeps this camp running smoothly
"Don't you try and sweet talk me Arthur Morgan, you're just as bad as the others." She said as she stormed off to dispose of the empty beer bottles.
Dutch looked at Arthur and laughed "I think you're losing you're touch! Now can you go and wake our new arrival. We've a lot to do today."
Arthur went into Casie's tent. He smiled as he saw her sleeping, dead to the world. He reckoned, well he knew, she'd had a few rough weeks before ending up here. He was kind of glad she'd tried to rob them, otherwise who knew where she may have ended up.
He tapped her leg. No response, she was proper dead to the world, he thought. He tapped it again a bit harder, and she started to stir.
As soon as she had roused herself, Arthur spoke.
"Are you gonna stay in bed all day?" he said, and smiled.
Casie sat up with a start and looked outside the tent and saw how light it was.
"Oh crap." She said. "What time is it?"
"Well you missed breakfast." He laughed and tossed her an apple out of his satchel which she caught easily with one hand.
Arthur raised his eyebrows, rather surprised at her dexterity, especially for someone who had only just woken up.
"You better eat that." He said. "We can't go out on an empty stomach.
Casie jumped off the bed and pulled on her boots.
She followed Arthur out of the tent.
"Where are we going?" She asked, her mouth half full of apple.
Arthur didn't have a chance to answer, as Hosea spoke.
"We're going into Valentine to buy you a horse." He said.
"Buy one?" Casie said surprised "Why don't we just steal one?"
Dutch walked out of his tent laughing "We don't steal everything" He said. "Only from people who are greedy and have much more than they need. Most people are like us, just trying to get by."
"And anyway" chimed in Hosea "If dutch can buy you a gun, then I shall buy you a horse." he said and smiled.
Casie stood there open mouth until Miss Grimshaw, who was still tidying up the debris from the previous night, looked over and said
"Close your mouth child, you're catching flies". Casie immediately closed her mouth and grinned.
"Thank you, Hosea" She exclaimed.
Dutch, Arthur, Hosea and Casie walked towards the horses.
Miss Grimshaw called out to Casie. "Have you eaten? You missed breakfast"
Casie looked over her shoulder and smiled. "Yes thank you Miss Grimshaw, Arthur gave me an apple".
"Good." she said "At least Mr Morgan can be relied on to have a grain of common sense, now if you see the sheriff, give him a kick from me."
Casie giggled and continued following the men.
Arthur looked at Dutch. "Losing my touch eh Dutch? I don't think so" he laughed.
As they headed towards where the horses were hitched, Dutch said to Casie.
"You can ride The Count today, and he nodded towards his horse"
Casie stared at Dutch "You mean… you mean you're giving me permission to ride your horse." She wanted to make sure, after all she didn't want to break the unwritten rule he had been so careful to tell her about yesterday.
Dutch smiled and nodded "Yes Casie, I'll ride behind, I want to see how you handle him, he's not an easy ride."
Casie swallowed hard. A little bit scared. This was a test. She hoped she would pass. She thought to herself, yes i'm scared, but thats a good thing. She kept on thinking this in her head as she approached the the white arab stallion.
Casie unhitched the beautiful white horse and gently stroked his neck "good boy" she whispered gently, she stopped stroking his neck and just held her hand steady on his neck for a few more seconds.
She gently mounted him, the stirrups were a bit long, but that didn't matter. She was confident. I can ride a horse with out stirrups. The horse started to throw his head around and whinnie, she gave him the reins and stroked his neck "Easy boy" she said.
Dutch looked on already impressed. Usually at this point the rider would be on the deck, or being galloped of with.
He looked up at Casie. "Ready for me to come up behind?" He asked.
Callie nodded.
The other two men mounted their horses at the same time as Dutch swung himself into the Saddle behind Casie. Both looked impressed with her ability.
Casie gently squeezed The count and pushed him into a fast walk, every so often she would pat his neck and give him words of encouragement. Once they were off the path that lead from the camp and on the main track to Valentine, Dutch whispered in Casies ear.
"We'd quite like to get to Valentime today!"
Casie pushed The Count on until they were at a flat out gallop. Everytime he threw his head around she would speak softly to him.
Once they reached Valentine she gently reined him in until he was back to a walk.
Once they reached the stables she jumped off and hitched him to the post and gave him a pat on the neck.
Dutch jumped down off the back of his horse and looked at Casie.
He smiled "Where the hell did you learn to ride and handle horses like that? He asked.
Casie shrugged " Don't know, I've been riding since I was five, just after Ma..." She didn't finish the sentence.
"Anyways." She said " I like horses."
The other two men looked at Casie, more than a little impressed.
Dutch tapped Arthur on the shoulder " Come son...We'll leave them to it. Meet us in the saloon when your done." He said as he gave a wave to Hosea and Casie.
Hosea put his arm on Casie's shoulder. "Come on lets find you a horse." He said.
Hosea and Casie entered the stable.
The Stable owner immediately recognised Casie, but made no comment. She seemed to have found some new friends after her fathers hanging, and they looked quite respectible.
"What can I do for you fine people today?" He asked
Hosea looked around the stable. "We're looking for a horse for this young lady." he replied.
The stable owner made a sweeping gesture with his hand. "They're all for sale, take your pick."
Hosea whispered in Casie's ear. "Go on."He said. "Pick whichever one you like the look of."
Casie look over all the horses. Some where very old, some, not in the best condition. She looked at a Morgan, Palomino. She ran her fingers over it, and then checked its mouth.
"How much is this one" she asked the stable owner.
"That one's a fine horse, in its prime, only about seven years old, that one will cost you fifty dollars".
Casie looked at Hosea, who nodded. She then turned to the stable owner. "I think you may be mistaken, this horse is closer to ten" she said "But I'll tell you what, we'll give you thirty dollars for it" she stood looking at the owner with her arms crossed.
Hosea was struggling to keep his mouth closed.
"Thirty five" the stable owner said, realising that the young girl knew a thing or two about horses.
Casie stared him in the eye, and paused for a moment " Deal, but only if you throw in a saddle and some treats" she held out her hand to shake on it.
The stable owner paused for a second then put his hand out and shook on the deal.
"Deal he said, come back in about half an hour and she'll be ready for you"
Hosea and Casie walked out the stable. Hosea looked at Casie and laughed. "I don't believe you just did that he said with a smile.
Casie just grinned as the pair made their way to the Saloon.
Dutch and Arthur headed for the Saloon. Dutch asked the bartender for a bottle and two glasses. As the bartender reached for the glasses a voice behind Dutch said.
"You'd better make that three".
Dutch spun around smiling "Josiah Trelawny, I'd recognise that voice anywhere" He said to the Englishman.
They grasped hands in a friendly handshake. Dutch grabbed the bottle and glasses and they went to sit down at the table where Arthur was already seated.
"Arthur, its good to see you." Arthur nodded. "Good to see you too, how are you?"
He was never quite sure what to make of Trelawny. He was always dressed like he should be coming out of a high society party, whether it was night or day. He stood out like a sore thumb in this cattle town.
"What brings you here?" He asked.
"Well." Said the Englishman, he waited for Dutch to sit down. "I bring news of Sean"
Dutch looked at Trelawny "He's alive?" He asked hopefully.
"Yes, in the hands of some bounty hunters."
Dutch looked at Arthur, "We need to go and get him". Arthur nodded.
"I guess Casie's gun lesson will have to wait."
Dutch nodded. "Go and get Javier and Charles, then meet us back here."
Arthur nodded and left the two men as he headed back to camp.
Dutch smiled at Trelawny, "I want you to meet someone"
"Who?" said Trelawny his curiosity peaked.
As if on cue, Hosea and Casie walked through the door.
Both of them grinning from ear to ear. As the pair approached the table Dutch looked at Trelawny.
"Josiah Trelawny I would to introduce you to Miss Casie Mallard." He Said.
Casie smiled at the strange man, "Pleased to meet you Mr Trelawny".
She held out her hand.
Josiah Trelawny took her hand and gently kissed the top of it "Miss Mallard."He said "The pleasure is all mine."
Dutch look at the pair of them still grinning. "So what have you too been up to looking so pleased with yourselves."
Hosiah laughed."This young lady has just managed to buy a fifty dollar horse for thirty five dollars with a saddle thrown in!"
Dutch looked at Casie "Well young lady, aren't you just full of surprises." He laughed and waved at the bartender.
"A beer over here for my young friend"
The bar tender frowned "isnt she a bit young?"
Dutch glared at the bar tender."Nonsense, either bring me a beer, or I'll pour her a whisky instead!"
The bar tender bought over a bottle, shaking his head.
Casie gave Dutch a look of surprise. "I've never had a beer before."
Dutch laughed. "There are a lot of things that you've done in the past few days that I doubt you have done before, and there will be many more to come.".
