It was late afternoon and somehow, despite the days rather interesting start, they had managed to cover a lot of ground as they headed in the direction of their meeting with Lom. Heyes glanced over at his partner and noticed he was starting to slump wearily. At the same time, Kid was thinking that he didn't know how much longer he was going to be able to stay in the saddle.

"Hey Kid, what d'ya say we set up camp now? Call it an early night and head out tomorrow at dawn."

"Sounds like a good plan to me," Kid answered, sighing in relief.

Quickly and efficiently, a fire was started, and a rabbit that Kid had shot a little earlier was cleaned, cooked and eaten. Kid had eaten his fair share so Heyes knew he was finally starting to feel better. He poured two cups of coffee and handed one to his partner, which was accepted with a yawn.

"I still can't figure out how you can make coffee that tastes like this," Kid remarked as he took a sip and wrinkled his nose.

"Practice Kid, years of practice," Heyes grinned.

"Uh huh," Kid responded without much conviction.

They settled comfortably back against their saddles, legs stretched out towards the fire, both sighing contentedly.

"Sure is a pretty night ain't it?" Kid said, yawning again.

"That it is Kid, that it is."

They sat in companionable silence gazing up at the stars, each lost in their own peaceful thoughts for several minutes.

"You ever think about what you're gonna do if we get that amnesty?" Kid asked softly.

"Not if Kid…when we get it."

"Okay when we get it. Do you give it much thought?"

"I try not to think on it too much. I figure I'll have plenty of time to work out a plan once the governor finally decides that we deserve it. I mean we'll still have to avoid bounty hunters and such until the news of our amnesty gets around. Why, have you been thinkin' on it?" Heyes turned his head to look at his partner.

"Can't say I've given it a lot of thought, but I think I'd kinda like to have a small ranch, you know, raise some horses. Maybe have a wife and a couple kids," he replied wistfully.

"You have bin thinkin' about it some haven't ya? That sounds real nice Kid and I think you'd be a good father." Heyes smiled slightly thinking of Kid with a family.

"Just bin daydreamin' some I s'pose. What about you? Think you'd be able to find a woman that could put up with you?"

Heyes snapped his head around to glare at Kid, who had turned his head away from him.

"A woman that could…what the hell does that mean? Of course there's a woman out there that's just perfect for me…"

The sound of Kid's deep chuckle stopped Heyes' indignant response.

"I'm sorry Heyes, it's just too easy sometimes to rile you," he teased, trying to smother another yawn.

"That's what I get for bein' supportive and sayin' you'd be a good pa," he huffed.

"Aw c'mon ya know I was just teasin' ya."

"And after I bin so nice to you all day. 'Specially after you nearly took my head off this mornin' tryin' to get your behind outta bed."

"Yeah, I remember you bein' nice and goin' outta your way to help me up when that dang horse tossed me in the dirt."

"Are you kiddin'? The way you were growlin' at me this mornin', I wasn't about to get any closer than I had to."

Kid looked at his partner with a grin.

"Guess I was a bit ornery," Kid admitted.

"A bit?" Heyes marveled, both eyebrows raised.

"Sorry Heyes," Kid said with yet another yawn.

"S'all right Kid. To be honest I'm surprised I was able to get you up and movin' at all," Heyes smiled.

"Believe me, the way I felt this mornin', I'm surprised too. Can't rightly remember the last time I drank like that."

"After last night I'm thankful it don't happen often Kid," Heyes admitted.

Kid yawned again.

"Get some sleep Kid," Heyes urged as he got up and threw a few more branches on the fire. He turned to sit down against his saddle again and saw Kid watching him through drooping eyes.

"Whatcha thinkin' about Kid?" he asked quietly.

"Maybe we could get a ranch and run it together. Be a lot easier with both of us workin' it."

"I don't know Kid. Sounds like a lot of work and besides, I'd hate to cause trouble between you and your wife."

"What? Why would you do that?" Kid frowned in confusion.

"Well, once she got to know me, she'd be tempted to leave you and…"

Heyes couldn't help himself and he laughed at the look of disbelief on Kid's face. Realizing he was being had, he raised an eyebrow and looked at Heyes.

"I wouldn't have to worry about that Heyes, 'cause I'd just shoot ya. Besides, she'd have one taste of your coffee and she'd be kickin' your butt out the door."

Kid yawned widely, tipping his head back and pulling his hat down over his eyes.

"You just don't appreciate the finer things Kid," Heyes said smugly.

"Sure I do, and your coffee ain't one of them," he mumbled sleepily.

Heyes smiled and shook his head. He looked over and watched his breathing become deep and even.

"G'night Kid," he said softly."It's good to have ya back."

Then Heyes too tipped his head back and closed his eyes. Tomorrow they would be in Porterville.