Ch 3

Ike went up into the high country and made camp in a small wooded area. He sat back and watched the sun set on another silent day. Silence. The story of his life.

Kid was riding back on the trail from Blue Creek. He saw smoke up ahead off to the right of the trail. He drew his pistol and rode. He knew no one should be out there. He saw the burning stage as he came into the clearing. He pulled his horse to a stop and looked around. He saw no movement. He slowly rode up to the scene. As he rounded the stage, he saw the people laying in the grass. He dismounted and eased up to check on them. The driver and other man were dead. The young woman was dead. He checked the last two men. One was alive. Kid turned him over.

"Mister, can you hear me?"

"Help." He whispered.

Kid looked around. He was the last one.

"Can you move at all?"

"I think so."

Kid eased the man up.

"Think you can get on my horse."

"Yeah."

Kid helped the man up and jumped on behind him. He kicked Katy into a dead run to town. Teaspoon was walking down the boardwalk when he saw Kid riding like a bat outta hell. He saw the man slumped in front Kid. He raced over to help him.

"Kid, what the hell happened?"

"I came across the stage. It had been robbed and set on fire. He was the only one alive."

Teaspoon helped lower the man down and carry him inside to Doc Barnes.

"Where was it?"

"Only about three miles outside of town. They took everything and shot them all in the back."

"Let's ride out and grab Jimmy. Head on back out there." Said Teaspoon.

The trio made their way back out in no time. Teaspoon looked at the destruction. Jimmy walked and looked at the murdered people.

"Looks like six or more." Said Kid.

"They didn't give these folks a chance. Gunned em down in the back." Said Jimmy.

"A lot of this has been going on in Kansas. Didn't really think that it had made it over this way."

"Anyone taking responsibility?" Asked Kid.

"Not a soul. Same story though. They take it all and leave nothing behind. Seems we got a problem boys."

"I'd say so. Maybe the man will survive and tell us more." Said Jimmy.

"Let's hope. He will be the first time they left someone alive. Alright. We'll head on back. Send the undertaker out to take care of this properly."

Teaspoon made his way back into town. He walked into the Doc's to check in hoping to hear good news. Dan came out the room upon seeing Teaspoon.

"How is he?"

"The bullet lodged in his back. I couldn't retrieve it. He probably ain't gonna make it Teaspoon."

"Damn. He awake?"

"For now."

"Can I go talk to him?"

"You can. He may not be much longer."

Teaspoon walked over to the man. The gentleman looked up at him breathing hard.

"Sir, I hate to ask in a time like this, but can you tell me anything about the men who robbed you."

"Had masks."

"So their faces were covered. Anything unusual stick out?"

"One had...no hair. Red bandana. Slim. Brown hat."

"He had no hair?"

"None."

"Anything else?"

The man had leaned back and closed his eyes. Teaspoon eased out the room.

"Thanks Dan. He fell asleep. Let me know how it goes."

"I will but it won't be long with that kind of injury."

"Damn shame."

Teaspoon walked back over to his office to find Jimmy sitting in a chair.

"Well?"

"He only told me about one."

"And?"

"He described Ike perfectly."

"What?"

"Yep. Where did Ike go?"

"He didn't tell anyone not even Buck."

"We need to find him. This could turn into a hornets nest."

"You don't think Ike had anything to do with it?"

"No I don't. I just need to make sure that we get him home in case this thing spreads. Ike won't be able to defend himself."

"I'll go tell Buck. He should be able to find him."

"Tell him to bring him back to the station. Let me know as soon as he gets there."

Jimmy nodded and walked out.

Ike sat around his little camp on the third day drawing in his sketch pad. He watched and listened to the birds. He needed to learn to be thankful for what he had and not what he couldn't do. He was deep in thought when he heard someone walking up. Ike jumped and spun around only to find Buck.

'What are you doing here? I said I needed to be alone.'

"I had to come Ike. We got a problem."

'You couldn't fix it without me or what?'

"Ike. The stages around here have been getting robbed. The men kill everyone and burn the coach."

'What does this have to do with me?'

"They messed up this time. One man lived long enough to describe one of them."

'And?'

"He described you."