Chief Running Bear had called a meeting of the tribal elders. They were seated around a fire, faces somber.
"We have the white men. We can get our sacred Sasquatch back!" One elder was saying. "We can make a trade."
"I do not think Rutledge will be so easy a man to deal with. We did as he asked and still he has not returned our sacred animal. No…this white man will need to be dealt with differently."
"I say we go in and take our Sasquatch back! There are more of us than that white man knows." The only brave allowed at the meeting spoke harshly.
"Iwinsh, you were allowed to join the meeting but you are not allowed to speak." Running Bear glared.
"Chief, these white men they come here to our valley and they take and take never giving…always taking. When will we say enough is enough and take back what is ours?" Iwinsh glared back at his chief.
"Now is not the time for that. Chief Joseph and his Nez Perce are dealing with that. We will not come between him and his plans for the white men." Running Bear's look told Iwinsh the subject was closed, for now.
"Tomorrow we will talk to Rutledge. If he refuses us then we will take action."
"Then why did you call this meeting?" An elder asked.
"We will discuss what to do with the white men we have captured. One of them is a friend to the Yakima."
"Would a friend help others to make a slave out of our sacred animal?" Iwinsh had risen to his feet and began to pace.
"A friend of the Yakima would never allow this. I say we kill them all. Show Rutledge what will happen if he does not honor his word to our tribe!" Several heads nodded in agreement.
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"Jim, can you loosen your ropes?" Jeremy asked as he continued to work on his own ropes.
"No, these leather straps are too tight. You can say one thing about Indians…they sure know how to truss a man up!" Jim was struggling against his bonds.
"What do you suppose they'll do to us Edward?" Hannah asked her husband, the fear evident in her voice.
"The fact that they haven't killed us yet means they most likely won't." Jeremy told her.
"This tribe is known for carrying out death sentences rather quickly." Jim supplied, "I think they mean to use us as bargaining chips to get something from the man behind all this."
"Jeremy do you think you could loosen my ropes if you could get at them?" Jim asked as he tried to reposition himself.
"Maybe I can be of help boys." All eyes turned toward Mrs. Jones. "If one of you could reach into the pocket on my apron you'll find a small knife." Her husband looked at her mouth agape.
"Well dear, they didn't think to search me…what was I supposed to do hand it over to them?"
"My dear you never cease to amaze me. Let me turn around and see if I can get the knife for these men."
Edward turned his back toward his wife and she directed him toward her pocket. Finally after what seemed like ages his fingers found the object and he pulled it free from the folds of her apron. Telling Jeremy he was much more adept with a scalpel than a kitchen knife Jones gave the knife to him. Moving carefully to avoid cutting himself, Jones maneuvered around until he was facing away from Jeremy. The agent turned his back to the doctor and searched for the knife.
Finding the knife, Jeremy grasped the handle between his fingers and he set to work on Jones' bonds. After several agonizing moments Jones felt the leather begin to give. He pulled his wrists apart and almost hit Jeremy when his arms moved freely. He quickly pulled the leather straps free and let them drop them to the floor as he rubbed his wrists to restore circulation.
"I'll untie you first Mr. Pike." Jones spoke as he made quick work freeing Jeremy.
"Doctor Jones, you take your wife and head for town." Jim spoke sternly as Jeremy worked on his ropes.
"But we can't leave you here." Hannah started to protest.
"Don't worry about us, we can take care of ourselves." Jim smiled. "I'd like the chance to talk to Running Bear and see if we can't sort this mess out."
As Jones and his wife waited, Jeremy took the knife and used it to make a slice in the back of the tent. Holding it open he helped them through and told them to hurry into town and find the Sheriff.
"And Doctor, if you find Artie along the way…take him too." Jim added and the doctor nodded.
"Okay, Jeremy what do you say we go find us an Indian chief to talk to?" Jim smiled and Jeremy sighed and rolled his eyes.
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Artie pulled himself up on to the bale of hay sighing heavily. He picked up the bag and stared at the gaping hole that was once the door. He had set the animal free but not in the way he had intended. Artie had wanted to follow him to see where he would head. He hadn't counted on the animal fleeing in a heated rage. Why not Artemus? He's a wild animal that's what they do! Artie scolded himself.
Artie watched the rain as it fell in sheets illuminated by an occasional streak or bolt of lightning. He made his way to the doorway and peered out into the night. Not liking the look of the forest, Artie decided to risk taking the road. He wanted to get as far away from this place as possible and as quickly as possible.
Grabbing his bag Artie headed out into the raging storm. Finding the road he knew to be there was harder than he thought. It was raining hard and the wind was blowing, making it seem as if the rain was coming down sideways. Trying to shield his eyes from the blowing rain, Artie discarded his walking stick and continued on his way.
As he stumbled down the road fighting to keep to his feet Artie never heard the thunder of the horse hooves until it was too late. Turning and squinting against the rain Artie cried out just as the horse slammed into him knocking him to the ground. Crying out in pain he didn't move as the rider tried to rein in his skittish mount. The rider slid from the saddle and, sloshing through a puddle, he dropped to one knee by the fallen man and gently turned him over.
"Artemus! What the…how did you get here?" Colonel Richmond asked as he pulled him up to a sitting position. Artie stared at him for a moment, his mind clouded.
"Colonel? What are you doing here?" When his eyes were able to focus again he looked at his superior wondering where he had come from.
"I am on my way to find the Sheriff. He left a note on his door saying he was having supper at a nearby farm. There's been an attack on the doctor's home. The last thing I expected to see on the road was YOU!" Richmond helped Artie stand and he placed a hand on his shoulder to steady him.
"Artemus, do you think you can mount this horse?" Richmond asked as he helped him over to the steed.
"There's only one way to find out." Artie said as he stepped up to the horse.
Colonel Richmond stood next to Artie ready to offer any assistance that might be required. Artie put his left foot into the stirrup and banged into the horse with his injured shoulder, wincing. Colonel Richmond rolled his eyes and grumbled something Artie was certain he didn't want to ask his superior to repeat. Richmond leaned forward and grasped Artie around the waist and pushed him up into the saddle.
Artie nearly passed out from the pain and his winces were not lost on his boss. Richmond made sure Artie was settled securely in the saddle and then he carefully climbed up behind him. Artie clicked his tongue and Richmond spurred the steed. After a few minutes the Colonel saw that Artie was beginning to lose consciousness. Reaching around his agent Richmond made a grab for the reins and in doing so he bumped Artie's leg causing him to cry out.
"I'm sorry, Artemus, but you were falling asleep. I thought one of us should be guiding this animal." Richmond made another grab for the reins but Artie pulled them away.
"I'm okay, sir. We've got to get to the Indian camp. I'm worried about Jim." Artie mumbled.
"You're worried…oh brother, Mr. Gordon. Just WHO is going to worry about YOU?"
"There will be plenty of time for that later. I saw the general direction Sassy took and I think if we follow its trail it should lead us to the Indians camp." Richmond did a double take.
"No, Mr. Gordon we will head for town! Just what do you think we could accomplish in this downpour with you in your condition?" Richmond demanded Artie shook his head.
"Can't, sir. Back there I heard enough to know a little about what is going on around here. We've got to find the Indian camp and talk to Chief Running Bear."
"I think I've met some of his braves earlier tonight. It didn't go over well." Richmond proceeded to tell Artie about the events in the doctor's home.
"Sir, from what I read in the files this Chief is not one you want to mess around with. If they have Jim and Jeremy we don't have much time."
"Artemus, they have the doctor and his wife as well." Artie sighed.
"Then we had better hurry hadn't we." Artie flicked the reins and urged the horse to pick up the pace.
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Jim and Jeremy stealthily made their way to the chief's tepee. They could hear the heated conversation emanating from inside as they crept closer. Jim nodded to Jeremy and they stood and prepared to enter when Jim felt the tip of a very sharp spear in the middle of his back. Before he could whisper a warning to Jeremy he saw his fellow agent finding himself in a similar predicament.
"James?" Jeremy queried.
"Looks like we've been found out Jeremy." Jim sighed as they were prodded forward.
All eyes around the circle looked up as braves ushered Jeremy and Jim inside. They pushed them forward, knocking the agents to the ground. Iwinsh jumped to his feet and rushed over to the men. Grasping Jim by his lapels he pulled him to his feet and glared into his eyes.
"This one is the friend to the Yakima and yet he sneaks in like a wolf."
"We weren't sneaking in anywhere. We were standing right outside when your friends found us." Jim stated, matching the angry braves glare.
"You will not speak in this tent! You are not Yakima!" Iwinsh growled.
"You will release him, Iwinsh." Running Bear spoke sternly. Iwinsh's eyes bore holes into Jim's for a few more seconds before finally releasing him.
"Come, Mr. West you have much explaining to do." Running Bear gestured toward the circle.
Jim and Jeremy made their way toward the circle and took their seats, matching the cross-legged posture of the elders. They tried not to squirm like schoolboys under the close scrutiny of the Chief. Finally Running Bear cleared his throat and kept his gaze locked on the two agents.
"West, you are a friend of the Yakima are you not?" Running Bear spoke solemnly.
"I have always counted the Yakima among my friends." Jim nodded keeping his expression solemn to match the Chief's.
"You are with the white man we went to get." The Chief stated coldly.
"Chief, the man I was with is my superior. He is also a friend of the Yakima." Jim didn't look away from the Chief even after hearing the gasps and murmured comments from the elders.
"What is this? That is not what I was told." Running Bear began to get defensive.
"Chief, I don't know what you have been told but you have been lied to." Jeremy interjected.
"West, the Yakima know you, they know you to be fair for a white man, is this true?"
"Yes, Chief. That man you tried to kill was sent here to help me find out what is going on around here and who is trying to harm the Yakima." Jim kept his tone level, calm and quiet.
"This white man has no desire to help the Yakima." Iwinsh spat and Running Bear glared at him.
"That is not true! We have stood by everything we set up with your people last year. And as soon as this new threat came to our attention we sent Jim in to investigate. The other man the one you tried to kill, he was sent here with more information for Jim. That's why I'm here and our…" Jeremy stopped when Jim nudged him with his elbow.
"This will need to be discussed." Running Bear spoke quietly. He turned to the guards. "Take these men to my tepee and guard them well." He watched as Jim and Jeremy were led from the circle.
"You can not be serious!" Iwinsh spoke harshly. "Why do you insist on trying to play by the white man's rules when it is so plain they have tossed them to the side?"
"Iwinsh you will leave this meeting and go back to your tepee. I was wrong to think you were ready for this." Running Bear motioned toward the tent opening.
"You will regret this day, Chief or no Chief…" Iwinsh muttered under his breath as he stormed out of the tepee.
Jim and Jeremy watched the braves retreat and exchanged worried glances. They had enough on their hands dealing with the recent disturbances they didn't need to add an Indian uprising to the mix.
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"WHAT do you mean he's GONE?" Rutledge thundered as he slammed his fist onto the desktop.
"I…uh…he got away." Jeff stood as far across the room from his volatile boss as he could and he kept one hand on the door handle in case he needed to make a quick escape.
"Of all the incompetent…I thought you told me you checked the lock on that cage." Rutledge's gaze tore through Jeff.
"I did boss, I swear. There's no way that thing could have gotten out of there." Jeff protested.
"Then how did it get away? Do not make me regret not putting a bullet between your eyes." Rutledge turned to look out the window.
"There…was signs…" Jeff faltered.
"Signs? Signs of what?" His boss didn't bother to turn around to listen to the pitiful excuses he was certain he was about to hear.
"There was signs that someone was in the barn." Rutledge spun around at this revelation.
"Go on."
"The cage door was opened like with a key or somethin. And that beast's collar was unlocked all normal like." Rutledge didn't like the way this was heading and he nodded for Jeff to continue.
"The back door was tore open like a blast of dynamite hit it. But we also found this over in the corner by the hay bales." Jeff produced a bloody cloth and shakily held it out at arms length.
Rutledge snatched the cloth from his hand and examined it carefully. Smelling an odor emanating from the cloth he inspected it further. Sniffing the cloth he smelled what he suspected to be laudanum. An angry look crossed his face and he threw the cloth back at Jeff.
"The beast didn't escape on his own he had help. And that help looks to be pretty severely injured. It must be that man you dumped on the doctor's porch. I thought you said he couldn't identify you."
"No way he could have boss. He musta followed that animals yelling. I told you you shoulda gotten rid of him." Jeff tried to reason with his boss.
"I told YOU he is paramount to my plans. This is not good. Set up another meeting with Running Bear. I need to get this under control before he finds out his precious animal is free." Jeff eagerly took the excuse to flee and nearly ran from the room.
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Artie and the Colonel rode on in silence for some time trying to keep the Sasquatch's tracks in sight. The rain was coming down in buckets and quickly filling the animals' tracks. When they reached a T in the road Artie pulled the horse to a stop. Looking both ways he shook his head.
"What is it Artemus?" Richmond asked yelling over the wind and rain.
"The tracks…they just disappear. I'll have to get down and look around." Artie started to hand the reins to his superior.
"Nothing doing, Artemus. I'll look around. I may be the boss but I can still do simple field work."
Richmond slid off the horse and examined what was left of the beasts tracks. Pushing the brim of his hat back he scratched his head and looked around. Squinting through the rain, he looked at the dense brush across the road before them. Stepping around the large puddles in the road, Richmond strode across the road and into the brush.
Richmond grasped the broken branch that had caught his eye and examined it. The rain was not as heavy under the trees and he could see the white of the branch sticking out. Looking further into the brush he saw more damaged limbs. All were heading further into the dense brush. He must be heading to familiar ground…possibly Chief Running Bear, Richmond thought as he pulled a tuft of fur from a nearby scrub bush. After what seemed like hours, he returned to the road to find Artie tightly gripping the horn on the saddle and leaning forward.
"Artemus!" The Colonel rushed forward and kept his agent from falling from the horse.
"I'm alright, sir. It's just slippery." Artie tightened his hold on the reins in his hand.
"Sure you are...we're done here, Artemus, I'm getting you to the doctor's home." Artie raised an eyebrow and looked quizzically at his superior.
"For what? The Indians have the good doctor and his wife, remember? Colonel I assure you I am fine. Right now the first thing we need to do is find that Indian camp. THEN we see about getting Jim and Jeremy free." Artie grinned and wriggled his eyebrows.
"Why do I have the feeling we are riding into Perdition's Gate? And WHY do I feel that way EVERY time I deal with you two?" Richmond snapped.
"I guess it's just our sunny dispositions, sir." Artie snickered as he waited for the Colonel to climb up behind him and they set out for Running Bear's camp.
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Rutledge stepped down from his carriage and looked around in disgust. These people lived in such a primitive state, no permanent structures, all the dirt. Rutledge shuddered as he thought of continuing his dealings with the savages. He pulled his cloak tighter around his chest and nodded as he was directed to a tent by a brave brandishing a spear.
He strode purposefully into the tent not bothering to acknowledge the braves posted on either side of the opening. He continued making his way across the tent until he was face to face with the Chief. Again he did not bother to acknowledge the presence of the elders as he stared down at the Chief.
"Mr. Rutledge the elders of the tribal council…" the Chief began only to be cut off abruptly.
"The elders are of no consequence to me. I am only interested in speaking with you."
"We have our ways…" again Rutledge interrupted.
"Your ways will get you killed!" Rutledge finally acknowledged there were other people in the tepee.
"Mr. West, nice to finally meet you." The man snarled.
"I'd shake your hand but I'm a little tied up right now." Jim smirked in return.
"I shall delight in these people disposing of you and your cohorts, Mr. West. It will save me the trouble." Rutledge's evil grin sent shivers up and down Jim's spine.
"Mr. Rutledge, we have matters to discuss." Running Bear spoke harshly.
"No Chief we do not. I will speak and you will listen. I have had enough of waiting for you and your savages to complete the tasks I have set out for you. I came here to give you one last chance to comply or I will shoot your sacred mutt." Rutledge grinned at the gasps from the elders.
"Don't listen to him Chief. I told you we were here to help you and I meant it." Jim talked quickly.
"Chief, you have been dealing with me for some time now." Rutledge intoned. "You know what I am capable of." He said as a warning.
"Chief, don't listen to him we can protect you." Jeremy interjected trying to help.
"You will allow your prisoners to try to make deals with you? Deals you have seen broken by the men in Washington time and time again." Jim could see the confusion on the Chief's face as he motioned to two braves.
"Tie them to the testing poles, place two braves to guard them then return here. There is much I must think about." Jeremy and Jim exchanged nervous glances as they were led from the tepee.
The braves prodded them forward with the tips of their spears in their backs. Walking through the heavy rain made them slip and fall several times. The braves merely poked them with a spear until they regained their footing. Standing in front of the poles, Jim looked around making mental notes of their surroundings.
"Jeremy, once they tie us up I think I can get us out of here." Jeremy gave him a shocked look.
"Are you serious? They have spears and all we have is wet clothes." Jeremy shook his head.
"Sure, I'm sure. Are you forgetting the Colonel is still out there?" Jim smirked as he was pushed down to his knees one leg on each side of the pole and he was pulled backward toward the pole.
"We have no idea where he went. If he went to town to try to find help we're doomed, those people would rather help these Indians than see us set free."
"There's always my ace in the hole." Jim grinned as the brave pulled tight on the leather straps binding his hands behind him, wrapped around the pole.
"You've had an ace in hole all this time and you didn't use it?" Jeremy asked incredulously.
"You don't see Artie anywhere around here do you?" Jim chuckled.
"Artem…James I think you've finally gone around the bend. Artemus couldn't waltz in here and beg for our release let alone sneak in!"
"You don't know Artie like I know Artie. He'll be here." Jim scanned the area looking for signs of their compatriots.
"I sure wish I could have your foolhardy faith in next to nothing." Jeremy sighed as the braves finished trussing them to the poles. Two braves took up their positions behind the agents and the others headed back to their Chief.
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