The night air was cool and even the fires that Schermerhorn's company lit did nothing to ward off the chill in the air. The old reverend stood and leaned over the fire, extending his hands to warm them. He then turned and warmed his backside with the flames, "Casper, I want you to keep an eye on things here for a while. I'm going into Dodge to get any scuttlebutt on the imps and thefts," the old man said as he straightened his back before he headed into town.
"Sure, reverend," Casper nodded and watched his partner walk into the darkness and up Front Street.
The usual night life had awoken with bars, saloons and dance halls all in full swing. The old man thought of them as the houses of satin and immoral, but he knew if he wanted to get his fingers on the pulse of the town he would have to entre one or two of them.
Slight relief fell over Schermerhorn when he saw the town doctor enter the Long Branch Saloon; at least he knew the man well enough to get his foot on the door. The old man strolled across the street and looked around before he stepped up onto the boardwalk. With a slight smile on his lips, Schermerhorn was hoping to hear about the robberies; surely to God these people had nothing better to talk about, he thought.
Doc sat down in his usual chair next to Kitty at the back table and was just about to say something to the saloon owner when the sight of Schermerhorn caught his attention. Kitty noted the look on the doctor's face and glanced over to the doors to see what he was gazing at, "I wonder what he wants," Kitty said in a low cool voice. Despite the fact most of the town thought his magic was hilarious for what he did to Festus, Kitty thought it was a cheap trick on the hill man. Doc agreed.
"I guess we'll find out. It looks like he's coming our way," Doc said with a grunt.
Kitty made a face, "I wish he'd just leave town. I don't trust him," she said as she looked over to the doctor.
"Well you heard his nonsense about the imps," the physician said as he drew his right hand across his moustache and sat forward, leaning on the table.
"I don't believe that either," Kitty said as Schermerhorn stopped just a few feet from the table. The old man tipped hat to the two at the table, "Good evening," he smiled.
"It is," Kitty said coldly.
Schermerhorn sensed the redhead's irritation towards him, "You seem a little standoffish," the old man stated.
"A little?" Kitty grumbled back. "Sir, I did not like what you did to poor Festus," she snapped.
Schermerhorn nodded, "I can appreciate that," the reverend said. "I should have demonstrated my powers in a different manner," he sounded apologetic.
"Well it's a little too late for that," Kitty said.
Schermerhorn felt he was loosing ground and quickly, "Can I buy you a drink?" he then asked Kitty.
Kitty's left eyebrow rose upwards and she looked over to Doc who merely shrugged. Slowly Kitty looked back at the old man, "Sure," she said offering Schermerhorn a chair at the table.
"And one for you too, doctor," Schermerhorn smiled slightly as he sat down. He watched Kitty motion for Sam to bring a bottle and three glasses. Sam nodded and finished pouring the drink he was working on first.
Kitty changed subjects slightly as she again looked over to the doctor, "How's Jonas?" she asked with sympathy in her voice.
Doc looked up from the table and ticked his head, "He's as mad as a wet hen and embarrassed with himself," the doctor said. "He is eve more upset with himself over the foot prints than the robbery," the physician said shaking his head slightly.
"Robbery?" Schermerhorn asked as he leaned forward. "What kind of town is this?" he asked in an all mighty kind of way.
"Just like any other," Kitty quipped. "Times are hard and people are desperate," she stated.
Schermerhorn leaped at the opportunity, "This is the very thing I strive to end," he said as he poked his finger at the table.
Sam arrived with the drinks, "And what would that be?" he had to asked – both Kitty and Doc looked up to the barkeep with slight amassment in their eyes.
"Theft and other immoral sins!" Schermerhorn spoke trying to put the fear of God into those who where listening.
"Then why are you in here?" Sam had to ask.
Kitty covered her mouth and kicked Doc under the table as she tried to hide her laugh. Doc frowned at the kick and rubbed his shin.
"God made alcohol and gave us the brains to enjoy it, but not to indulge in it. It isn't an excuse for people to rob other's either," the old man preached. "I would normally have wine, like Christ would have, but I fear that I have had the wine made in this part of the country and it would have been wise to have it turned into vinegar. It is vulgar stuff!" Schermerhorn huffed.
"I see," Sam nodded and turned away with a smile on his face, causing his weathered skin to wrinkle. As he stepped back behind the bar, he looked over and winked at Kitty, almost causing her to laugh again, however, Schermerhorn was too busy drinking down the glass of whiskey to notice.
This time it was Doc that nudged Kitty under the table before he eyed the old man and sat back, "Have you caught all your imps?" Doc asked with a quick wink to Kitty.
Schermerhorn looked up from his glass, "I'm glad you asked that question, doctor," he smiled – his cheeks a little redder than before.
"Jonas was told the first robbery was by one of your imps, but Matt thinks the second on was by a little boy," Doc stated.
Schermerhorn swallowed, "A little boy?" he asked.
Doc nodded, "He's trying to track that youngster down. You don't have any little boys with your outfit, do you?" he asked.
"Uh, no. All my people are professionals," Schermerhorn said straight out.
Doc nodded, "I figured as much," he said sitting back in his chair. "This sure is getting interesting," the doctor mused.
"Well, I'm very sorry that Mr. Jonas has been a victim of my imps, this morning, but I did warn you," Schermerhorn stated as he stood up from his chair. "Until they are caught, there will be more, I'm afraid," he said.
Doc put up his right hand to ask a question, "If these imps do exist, what do they do with the things they steal?" he asked.
Schermerhorn shrugged, "I honestly don't know, doctor," he said. "Good evening," the old man said as he again tipped his hat and left the table.
"I think you are right, Kitty," Doc said. "I think he is up to no good!"
"But now we have to prove it," Kitty sighed. Doc nodded in agreement.