Chapter 13

After Ruby had gone back down to the bar, Daisy and Mort sat on the leather couch drinking their coffee.

Mort cast a quick glance over to the bed where Jess was still sleeping. "I reckon Jess'll be waking up real soon once he gets wind of that coffee Daisy. That boy sure does love his coffee!"

Daisy nodded in agreement "He certainly does Mort and I don't know how he can drink that brew he makes. Well, I'm afraid he won't be drinking any coffee today."

"I make a pretty strong brew myself and Jess is mighty fond of that. He won't be too happy about doing without it" Mort replied. "Slim should be back any moment Daisy. He went to have a bath and a shave and change out of his Sunday clothes. Not that they looked much like his Sunday best after he'd been sleeping in them last night."

"I'm just glad he managed to get some sleep" Daisy said. "Have you been able to get a posse together yet Mort?"

Mort stood up and poured himself a little more coffee. He offered the pot to Daisy but she declined. "I had to fight them off Daisy. There were people coming in to the jail this morning to offer their services and that was before I'd even got out there to ask anyone. Jess is very well thought of around here and everyone who drinks in the Stockman's Palace likes Millie. We should have fifteen or more men so we can split up and cover a wider area."

Mort sat back down on the sofa and sipped at his coffee. "I was out at first light this morning. The ground was pretty much trampled up by all the coming and going from town last evening but I found some tracks a mile or so outside of town that match what I found behind the livery. I don't doubt they've covered their trail further out and they've had plenty of time to get well away but we'll give it a good try even if it's only to keep Jess here from going himself. I still think we might just have to wait until Danby contacts Jess and I have no doubt that he will."

A mumbled phrase drifted over to them from the direction of the bed as Jess began to rouse, moving around restlessly and trying to find a more comfortable position as he became aware of his pain. He drew one knee up to ease his back, gave a grunt of pain and let it fall again.

Daisy went over to sit by the bed. Jess turned his head to one side and stirred sleepily, his eyelids opening slightly to reveal a glimpse of his deep blue eyes. He opened his eyes wider as he saw Daisy sitting by the bed.

"Daisy? You been sittin' there long?" Jess asked with a little smile for her.

Daisy was pleased to hear the improvement in his speech but she thought he still looked a little too pale. "No dear, I've been to church with Mike and I just got here a few minutes ago. How are you feeling now? You look a little better than you did last night."

"Slim gave me that dose of Valerian" Jess told her "and I don't even remember fallin' asleep. I must've been sleepin' ever since. I'm OK Daisy. I just got a real bad headache and a few bruises is all. Is Mike all right?"

"Oh, Mike is just fine Jess. Annie Barnes took him home to stay with them for a few days. You know how friendly Mike is with her two sons."

Jess smiled to himself. "Yeah, I know those two. Will and Davey ain't it? I wonder what mischief those three shavers'll get up to between 'em? Is that coffee I can smell?"

Mort laughed. "I told you Daisy. Jess and coffee are inseparable. Good morning to you Jess."

Jess looked over at Mort noticing him for the first time. "Mornin' Mort. What're you doin' here so early?"

"Oh, it's not exactly early Jess" Mort said as he came over to the bed "I'm just standing in for Slim while he gets a shave and a bath but I'd like a quick word with you about what happened last night."

"What d'ya mean, standin' in for Slim? Anyone'd think I needed a nurse maid" Jess frowned up at the ceiling and grimaced. "Well, I'm sorry Mort but I don't reckon I can tell you anythin' you haven't already worked out. After we said goodnight to you at the hall Millie and me walked back to the saloon. We stopped in the alley by the back stairs. I kissed her and then someone hit me real hard from behind. I can remember hearin' somethin' just before that and lookin' up but then everythin' went black. I never saw anyone. Any of that coffee left Daisy?"

Daisy patted Jess's hand. "I'm sorry Jess but Doctor Ellis said you shouldn't have coffee yet awhile."

Jess grumbled a little but accepted the restriction. "Daisy, could I have a word with Mort in private, please?"

Daisy guessed what Jess needed to ask "Of course dear. I'll just go down and see if I can find Slim. He's probably chatting with Lucy."

Slim was just coming up the stairs as Daisy went out into the hallway. He looked fairly well rested considering the night they'd both had.

He greeted her with a little kiss on the cheek. "Mornin' Daisy. Did you manage to get some sleep?" he asked.

"I did, Slim dear. Mike is staying with Annie Barnes. He knows more or less what has happened and he's fine but if you're going out with the posse later could you pick up his school books and some spare clothes on the way back and drop them off at the Barnes' place before you come back to town?"

"Sure Daisy. Is there anythin' you need?" Slim asked.

"Well, I could do with my sewing box" Daisy said "and there's a small pile of clothes next to it needing attention. If you could manage those I'd be very grateful, dear. I brought a change of clothes with me when we came into town and I can manage with what I have. Jess could probably do with another change though. He won't want to wear his Sunday best once he's up and about. Oh, Mort may need your help Slim. Jess woke up a few minutes ago and I believe he needed a little assistance with something. I'll wait out here until he's ready."

"OK Daisy. I'll let you know when we're done." Slim went to see if he could lend a hand but Mort had everything under control and Jess was leaning back against several pillows while Mort poured him a glass of water.

Slim put his head around the door and called Daisy in.

"I'm not sure you should be sitting up quite yet" she said to Jess as she looked over at the bed. "You were supposed to wait for Doctor Ellis to check you over. You should have that arm in a sling too."

Jess was feeling a lot worse than he was willing to admit but he wanted to get back home and he would have put up with far worse rather than stay where he was for another day. "I'll be fine Daisy. I don't even feel sick this mornin'. Is Doc comin' over to check up on me soon?"

Daisy gave him a searching look. "Jess Harper! I know just what you are about so don't try and pretend to me that you're fit to go home. I know different and don't expect me to lie to Doctor Ellis on your behalf. Slim and I haven't forgotten the state you were in last night. You're still looking much too pale and I don't believe for one minute that you're feeling as well as you say you are."

Jess looked from Daisy to Slim. "Slim, you promised you'd get me back to the ranch. I'm holdin' you to that."

"Whoa there pard" Slim said hastily. "I never promised I'd get you back to the ranch. I just promised I'd talk to Doc about it."

Jess looked back at Daisy and gave a deep sigh. "OK Daisy. I feel like I've been stomped on by a herd of wild buffalo. But I gotta get away from this room. I promise I'll do anything you say when I get back home, but I ain't sure I can take this much longer. Not laying here in Millie's room like this."

Daisy remembered her conversation with Doctor Ellis the night before but she kept it to herself "Yes, I've heard that promise before young man. Well, we'll see what the Doctor says Jess but don't get your hopes up too high. It was only last night that you were hurt and you need to be able to stand up and stay up if you are to get back home."

Mort looked at his watch. It was close to noon.

"I arranged to meet up with everyone at the jail around 12:30 Slim. I hope Doc gets here soon; I guess you'll be wanting to hear what he has to say about Jess before we get going."

Slim nodded in confirmation of this. "I sure would Mort. Look Jess, I'll do my best to get Doc to agree to you goin' home but Daisy's right, you've gotta be able to stand up without fallin' over or it's no go, buddy."

There was a sharp tap on the door and Doc walked in carrying his bag and looking very weary.

"Good morning everyone" he said looking around the room. "Sorry I didn't get to see you at church this morning Mrs. Cooper. Young Jimmy wasn't too well when I got back and I was up with him for what was left of the night. He's perfectly well now of course. It never ceases to amaze me how these children just seem to bounce back. I couldn't find anything wrong with him so it must have been something he ate."

Doc stood by the bed looking down at his patient.

"How are you feeling this morning Jess? Sitting up I see. I'm not sure that's such a good idea yet, son. Any dizziness?" He placed his fingers over the pulse point on Jess's wrist and looked down at his pocket watch.

"No Doc" Jess wasn't exactly lying about that but he was stretching the truth a little. He'd started to feel rather woozy and more than a bit sick since he'd been sitting up but he knew he had no chance of getting home once he admitted to it. "I feel a bit shaky and I've still got a real bad headache but I'm OK."

Doc released Jess's wrist with a slightly sceptical look. He raised his eyebrows at his patient. "Well, I wouldn't believe you if you said you didn't have a headache and I'm not sure I believe the rest of it. What about all the other aches and pains? I should say you have a fair few of those too?"

Jess scowled. "I'm OK Doc. When can I get out of this room? I'll go plumb crazy if I have to stay here much longer. And how long before I can go home?" Jess resented the close attention everyone seemed to be paying to his conversation with Doc Ellis and wished he could have a bit more privacy.

Doc considered his question thoughtfully. "Sitting up in bed is one thing, son. Standing up and moving around is quite another matter. I came over this morning to see if you might like to try sitting up a little this afternoon, not to see if you could get out of bed."

"Well I'm sittin' up Doc and I'm fine" Jess said. "Last time I had busted ribs you told me I shouldn't be layin' around too much. You said I was better off gettin' up and movin' around".

Doc wasn't moved by this. "I remember very well what I told you then son and the advice was the best I could offer at the time but I also remember that you didn't have a concussion then."

Jess's face took on a stubborn expression. "I can stand Doc. I gotta try."

"I really don't think that is a good idea Jess" Doc told him "but I suppose if I don't let you try it now, you'll do it when our backs are turned and maybe do yourself some damage. Why don't we just see if you can cope with sitting on the edge of the bed first."

"I'll be fine Doc" Jess said "but can I put my pants on first?"

Slim picked up the clothes he'd brought over from the hotel. "I got the spare clothes you brought with you Pard. I'll give you a hand" he said as he looked over at Daisy.

She took her cue. "I'll just take these dirty cups down to the saloon" she said knowing Jess would feel bashful about getting dressed with her in the room even though she'd undressed him more times than she could count. She put the cups on the tray and Mort opened the door for her as she carried them out.

Jess pushed the quilt and sheets back as Slim came over with his clothes. Ten minutes later he was fully dressed but he was exhausted. He was covered in a fine sheen of perspiration and was grateful to be leaning back against the pillows again.

"Are you sure you wanna try this Pard?" asked Slim looking doubtfully at Jess. He'd turned a little paler and Slim thought he wasn't looking too good. Mort exchanged a knowing look with Doc Ellis.

"Yeah, I'm sure" Jess growled. There was a light tap on the door and Mort opened it to admit Daisy. Jess sat forward ignoring the nausea that the movement triggered. Hugging his right arm close to his sore ribs he accepted Slim's help to swing his legs over the side of the bed and sat there for a few minutes until the sudden vertigo subsided.

"Are you alright son?" asked the Doc "Are you feeling dizzy Jess?"

"No Doc" Jess lied, beginning to feel profoundly sick as the pain in his head increased "just my head aches and my ribs are a little sore is all" he said as he swallowed hard and began to push himself up from the bed.

"Hold up there a moment Jess" Doc said. "If your head is aching that badly, it might not be a good idea to rush things."

"I didn't say anythin' about how bad it was achin' Doc. It just aches a bit is all. I'm gonna do this Doc" Jess said stubbornly. "With your say so or without it".

"Very well Jess but you are by far the most cussed patient I ever had. Just wait one moment". Doc took a large square of linen from his bag and folding it into a sling he eased Jess's right arm into it and tied the ends in a knot around his neck. "There. Now let me see what you can do and don't say I didn't warn you".

Jess was impatient with the delay. He took as deep a breath as his sore ribs would allow and gritted his teeth. I'm gonna do this… he thought I've gotta do it… I'll be OK… once I'm up, I'll be OK…

Mort moved a little closer as Jess pushed himself up from the bed with his left hand and then grabbed hold of the chair beside the bed. He stood unsteadily for a moment or two trying to overcome the pain and dizziness that accompanied his upright stance. He let go his hold on the chair and took a step forward but the room whirled suddenly around him and he reeled sideways. Slim and Mort caught him and eased him back onto the bed as Doc removed two of the pillows. Jess lay back against the remaining pillows for a second or two pale and trembling and then he struggled to sit up a set look on his face as he turned even whiter than he already was. Slim knew that look and managed to grab the bowl and help Jess sit up just in time. Jess began to retch miserably and when the sickness subsided he sank back against the pillows sweating and shaking, his hand pressed against his aching ribs.

Slim opened his mouth to reprimand his friend. "Jess! You idiot…" he began but Mort held up his hand.

"OK Slim" he said with a slightly amused look at Jess "He knows. You don't have to lay into him. Are you OK Jess?"

Jess nodded responding to Mort with a slightly rueful look.

"Just what were you tryin' to prove Jess?" Slim demanded.

Mort broke in and answered on Jess behalf. "He was just tryin' to prove to himself he could do it, weren't you son?"

"Yeah, Mort, somethin' like that" Jess said in a weary tone of voice.

"And just what did you prove to yourself, Jess?" Slim asked.

Jess glared at him, his expression stubborn. "Aw heck Slim! What d'ya think I proved?" he growled.

"Leave him be Slim" Mort said defending his young friend. "You can't blame him for trying. You know Jess. Just ask yourself what you'd have done? Nothing so very different I'm willing to bet."

Slim subsided and just shook his head.

Doc had been hovering near his patient while this exchange was taking place but now he moved closer. Jess looked sideways at him.

"Don't say anythin' Doc. Please… I don't wanna hear it" he pleaded weakly.

Doc eyed his patient, one eyebrow slightly raised but he said nothing. Darn young fool… he thought to himself. Typical Jess…

Slim sat down on the edge of the bed opposite Doc Ellis, his irritation with his friend placated by Jess's obvious discomfort. He gave Jess a sympathetic look.

"I know you don't wanna hear it Jess but it's gotta be said. You can't go home in this state. You wouldn't last five minutes in the buckboard and you know it."

Jess scowled at his friend. "Yeah, I know it Slim" he said with a look of resignation "but that don't make it any easier."

Slim gave his shoulder an understanding squeeze. "Well the offer still stands Jess. We can take you over to the hotel if you really can't stand it here. But it'll have to be on the stretcher buddy."

"Slim, I'd rather put up with this than be seen in broad daylight on a stretcher" Jess said. "I'd have the whole town standin' around watchin' and the news I was at death's door'd be all the way to Texas before nightfall."

Doc had been studying his recalcitrant patient. "Are you still sick Jess? You'd be better lying flat you know?"

"Nah Doc. I'm fine now" Jess said.

Doc nodded. "Very well son. Let me check you over."

Jess submitted to the examination with an air of defeat. Doc checked Jess's eyes and grunted to himself. "I should never have let you try that" he said. "You're not out of the woods yet; the pupils of your eyes are still dilated. I didn't think you were being totally honest with us about how you were feeling."

Jess looked a little shamefaced but said nothing.

Doc shook his head. "Just what are we going to do with you Jess? What's the point in lying about how you feel? It isn't going to change the fact that you're not fit enough to get up yet, let alone go home. I'm afraid you have to wait a few more days yet. I'm sorry son, but that's the way it is."

"Yeah, Doc I'm sorry too" Jess said ruefully. "I reckon I was in too much of a hurry but I'm findin' this so dadgum hard."

Daisy had stayed in the background watching but she came over now and joined Slim by the bed.

"You can get through this Jess, dear. Slim and I will be here to keep you company and if you rest now I'm sure you'll be able to go home in another two or three days" she said looking hopefully at Doc Ellis for confirmation.

"I would agree with that Mrs. Cooper" Doc picked up his bag. "I'll send over some beef broth for you Jess. You'll have to stick with that for today I'm afraid. Maybe tomorrow you can have something a little more substantial but no coffee yet. Drink as much water as you can hold. A little willow bark extract will help ease the aches and pains and it'll help you sleep as well. You can have Valerian too. I'd recommend a little after you've had some of that beef broth. Why not get over the rough ground as easy as you can son? What do you say?"

Jess closed his eyes wearily and sighed deeply. "OK Doc. I can't fight you on this one but I don't have to like it…" Doc placed his hat on his head and paused briefly in the doorway.

"I'll send over the beef broth and willow bark extract shortly Mrs. Cooper and I'll be back late afternoon. Send for me if you need anything."

Mort checked the time again "We'd better be getting over to the jail Slim. It's nigh on 12:45. I got enough supplies for the two of us in case we don't get back to town tonight" he moved over to stand beside Jess. "I had fifteen volunteers before I came over here this morning Jess and that was before I even asked for any. We can cover a lot of ground before dark with that many men and I told 'em all to be ready to hole up overnight. I'll come over with Slim when we get back and let you know what we found."

"I don't reckon you'll find anythin' Mort" Jess said somewhat dejectedly. "With all the traffic to and from town last night, you'll be lucky to find which direction they went in and you got three choices before you even start; Rawlins, Medicine Bow, Cheyenne; you can take your pick. They could've split off the main trail anywhere along any one of those routes. I got no likin' for Danby but I gotta admit he knows a thing or two about layin' a false trail and he's had plenty of time to do it. But I'm real grateful for the help everyone's offerin'. Give 'em my thanks will ya Mort?"

Mort picked up his hat and jammed it on his head. "Sure I will Jess. But don't be so pessimistic. I found the tracks of three horses last night at the back of the livery stable and I was pretty sure which way they went. I lit out early this morning and I was right. I picked the tracks up again further out away from town. Looks like they stuck to the road for quite a way and I'd swear one of those horses was carrying two people." He walked over to the door pausing to wait for Slim who was still sitting on the edge of the bed.

Slim gave Jess a mock punch to his good shoulder and stood up "Keep your chin up pard and sleep as much as you can. It'll help pass the time if nothin' else. I'll see ya later

buddy" he said as he followed Mort over to the door.

Jess watched as the two men left and then he closed his eyes. He hadn't felt so helpless and frustrated since the fire that had killed his family.