West had been riding for three days, and was well into the Grand Canyon Cavern area in his search for Artie, when the sky opened up with the worst thunder and lightning storm he had ever seen. Jim kicked his horse into a faster gear and rode for a canyon wall, and hopefully a cave for cover. He found a small cavern in a crevice on the western face. He dismounted, entered the cave, and pulled his horse in after him. It was an extremely tight fit. Jim pulled his canteen off from the saddle horn and took a few swigs. He poured some into his hand and let his horse drink, then Jim placed the open canteen propped up just outside the mouth of the cave. It wouldn't take long for it to fill given the rate of rainfall.

He figured he might as well get some sleep; there was nothing else he could do during a storm of this magnitude. The thunder cracked loudly, and a second later the lightening filled the sky and flashed in front of the cave. Jim removed the saddle from his horse, placing it on the floor, following suit with the reins and bit. After he was satisfied that his horse was more comfortable, West removed his hat and lay down on the floor, his head leaning on the saddle. Within minutes he was asleep.

The storm outside continued to build.

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