"I was afraid of this," Evans stated.
"Doctor, did I do something wrong when I operated?" Jim needed to know.
"No, Mr. West, this would have happened even if I had done the initial operation. Mr. Gordon's rib just healed a little off center and it's pressing pretty hard against his lung, that's why you can't take a deep breath and that also explains the wheezing sound you've been trying to hide, Mr. Gordon," Evans looked at Artie frowning.
"So now what, doctor? You wait till we get to Fredericksburg day after tomorrow to operate?" Jim asked.
"I'm afraid not. The continued jostling by the train could very well drive this rib completely through the lung. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to order this train halted until I can operate. There is a good side, however."
"Did you hear that, James, there's a good side," Artie quipped attempting humor.
"Yeah, pal, I heard, let's hope it's real good."
"Mr. Gordon may think so. After we pull the train over, I'm going to administer enough sedative to knock a bull elephant out for a week so hopefully you should be out at least until we get to the hospital."
"Now, that does sound good to me," Artie said.
Jim left and went to tell Alex what they needed and Dr. Evans left to give the President the report he wanted. Artie could feel the butterflies begin to gather in his stomach. It was one thing to be operated on while you are unconscious and something entirely different when you know it's going to happen. He was lying still with his eyes closed when he heard the door open and someone softly entered. When they didn't speak Artie decided to.
"Back to butcher me so soon?" Artie said without opening his eyes.
"No, son, it's not Evans, it's me," Grant spoke softly.
"Sorry, sir," Artie spoke hastily as he tried to rise, "I should have opened my eyes," Grant waved him back.
"Evans needed time to prepare so I thought I'd come sit with you for a bit unless you'd rather be alone."
"No, sir, not at all. Please take a seat. I wish I could stand at attention for you."
"Nonsense, son, you just lie there and don't worry about all that pomp and circumstance crap. You know how much I hate that stuff. I'd rather just go about my business without anyone knowing who I am, it just adds to their anxiety."
"Yes, sir, but truth be told I'd much rather be able to stand and salute you."
"It's the though that counts, son, and I know your heart is in the right place if your body wont allow it."
They sat talking for some time. Grant marveled at how easy it was to talk to Artemus and the ease with which Artemus seemed to be able to talk back. It was as if they were still in the Army together. They talked about a little bit of everything, Grant trying to keep his mind occupied away from his current situation. Near the end of their quiet conversation they felt the train slow and come to a stop. That meant only one thing…Dr. Evans would be there soon. They wrapped up their conversation just as there was a soft knock on the door.
"Come in," Artie said, Jim opened the door and stuck his head inside.
"How are you feeling, pal? It won't be long now. Dr. Evans is just about finished preparing the main car. When he's done, some of the men will carry you out there."
"Okay, Jim. You still plan on assisting?" Artie wondered.
"Would I let just anybody cut open my pal without being right there to supervise his every move?" Jim smiled.
"You probably just want to leave a sponge in there or something," Artie joked.
"No, but that's not a half bad idea," Jim laughed. The President moved toward the door.
"I'll let you two have some time, I want to go forward and have a few words with the engineer."
"Yes, sir," they replied in unison. After the door closed Jim walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Artie…" he began.
"Don't say it, Jim, just don't say it. We know all there is to say and if we do say it there's a chance it will come true. I just want to get this over with so we can get on with our lives and after those jerks. I'm gonna come out of this smelling like a rose and with a few first rate scars," Artie smiled.
"Yeah, pal, I'm sure you will."
Collins and Bill showed up and they carefully placed Artie on a board and carried him to the main car with Jim close behind. When they reached the car, Dr. Evans opened the door and helped them transfer Artie to the table. Bill and Collins made their exit and Jim and Evans scrubbed up and approached Artemus on the table.
"Mr. Gordon, Mr. West will apply the ether and you should be asleep soon. The operation should take less than two hours and with the sedative I'd like to administer you should be out until we get you to the hospital."
"But that's almost two days isn't that a bit long?" Artie wondered.
"Under normal circumstances I would say yes, but these are not normal circumstances. When you sleep your body moves around less and the movements are more natural. I'd like to restrict your movements as much as possible," Evans explained.
"You ready for this, pal?" Jim asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be, Jim."
Jim lowered the cloth to Artie's face and began to let the ether drip onto it. Soon Artie's eyelids began to flutter and finally they closed. Dr. Evans waited for a few minutes to make sure the ether had taken full effect. Jim cringed inwardly as he watched Evans make an incision along the same line Jim had used. He watched in awe as Evans expertly and cleanly began the operation.
Jim handed Evans different instruments and cloths as Evans asked for them. He was grateful that this time Artie couldn't feel a thing. He watched with fascination as Evans pried apart the ribs and exposed the broken one. Jim gasped as he saw him take a small hammer and a chisel looking tool and begin to pound on Artie's chest.
"I'm sorry, Mr. West, I guess I should have warned you about this part," Evans said.
"Whatever it takes and you're the doctor. At least Artie isn't awake to see this, he'd shoot me," Jim commented.
After rebreaking the bone Evans set it correctly and then he began poking around his lung. After a few minutes he let out a soft grunt. He reached in and when he came out he had a small bone fragment in his fingers. Evans told Jim this was lodged in his lung and was what was causing the wheezing, and he assured Jim he didn't do it, but that it probably had broken off when Artie had tried to get out of bed. He asked Jim to hand him the needle and sutures. Evans closed the wound and Jim helped him heavily bandage Artie's chest. Evans told him that while they had him on the table he would quickly clean out the leg wound. After that was finished they carried Artie back to his room and Jim settled into the chair. Grant entered the room and saw Jim in what he was sure had been his post since the beginning.
"Mr. West, you need to go get some rest."
"Sir, I can get plenty of rest sitting right here," Jim answered.
"Nonsense, James, Evans assures me that this time he gave Artemus enough sedative to keep him out for some time. I'll sit with him for a bit, you go and sleep in your own bed, and that, Mr. West, is an order."
"Yes, sir. Sir, promise to send someone to get me if he wakes up."
"Yes, I will you old Mother Hen you. I don't know who is the worse Mother Hen you or him. Now go, I'll send someone for you if you are needed if I have to come get you myself. How does Artemus put up with all this Mother Hen routine?"
"It's simple, sir, he just waits until it's his turn then he gets to pay me back," Jim smiled as he ducked out the door.
Grant settled into the chair and pulled out the papers he had been carrying. He began to go over the arrangements for the summit, making notes on the items he wanted to talk to James about. It was nearing midnight and Grant was pleased to realize that Jim had not made another appearance. He hoped that the young man had taken his advice and was sleeping soundly. He sure looked like he needed it. Grant marveled at the friendship these tow men shared. It reminded him of the friendship he had once had with his brother. What these two had was something rare indeed and was worth doing everything in his executive powers to make sure they stayed partners.
Jim looked in the main car and it was empty, the mess from the operation had been cleaned up and the car looked as it always had. Jim's curiosity peaked and he walked through the train to Artie's room. He carefully and quietly opened the door and went in. Evans was checking on Artie and in the corner buried under a stack of reports sat President Grant, snoring softly.
Evans looked up and smiled. It looked like Jim had finally gotten some good sleep and he was looking well. He motioned towards Grant.
"Looks like you don't have the market cornered on being Mr. Gordon's Mother Hen. The man can give advice a lot better than he takes it. He's been here ever since he drove you off."
"He has? He slept in that chair all night?"
"Yes, he did and I told him I would take over but he insisted. I don't know what it is about that friend of yours but The Man is as protective of Mr. Gordon as a mamma bear is over her young."
"I have noticed that on occasion. One day that is a mystery I hope to solve."
"Well, good luck to you. I think you'll need it with these two."
Jim hopped up on the sideboard and carefully pulled some of the reports from Grant's grasp. A couple of hours later, Jim set the last report down and stretched and groaned. Evans had been in and out several times checking on Artie and assuring Jim that everything was going according to plan. Artie was still under the effects of the sedative and sleeping soundly and there was no sign of the wheezing. Evans pulled his stethoscope off and put it in his bag.
"How long until we reach Fredericksburg, Mr. West?"
"Only a few more hours I think, why? I thought you said everything was okay."
"It is, Mr. West. I just hope we can get Mr. Gordon to the hospital before he wakes up. I didn't give him as much sedative as I had planned on. I'm worried about him lapsing into a coma or developing pneumonia. And from what I have heard on this trip it would be best of Mr. Gordon is not awake when we arrive."
"Whatever do you mean, doctor?" Jim tried his best to sound innocent.
"I might be a simple doctor, Mr. West, but I have learned to read between the lines so to speak. You, Mr. West are itching to get to Fredericksburg to get on the trail of the men who did this to your friend. But you are just as eager that Mr. Gordon not be conscious when you do so as to avoid a nasty little scene between you two when he wants to go along."
"Now do you see why I want to keep this doctor around, James?" Grant said as he rose from the chair. Jim slid off the sideboard.
"Yes, sir, I do or at least I'm beginning to. He's a good man, sir."
"Shh, don't say that out loud, he'll want a raise," Grant laughed.
"How is he, Evans?" Grant looked at the still form of Artemus Gordon. He did look a bit better than he had before the operation.
"He's doing fine, sir. Like I was telling Mr. West, the only thing we really need to worry about now is whether or not we get to the hospital before Mr. Gordon wakes up and finds out Mr. West took off after the bad guys without him," Grant and Jim exchanged glances.
"Mr. President, I think you better keep your eye on this guy, he's too smart for his own good."
"You know something, Mr. West, I think you're right."
OUTSIDE FREDERICKSBURG—
Jeremy slowly crept up to the campsite, careful not to make any noise. He watched the men at the campfire with interest. These had to be the guys, there was the buckboard the doctor had told him about and he guessed the one wrapped in blankets huddled next to the fire was Nate, the one who had shot Artemus. Jeremy's blood turned to ice and his expression mean as he stared at the men. It took everything he had not to just go in guns blazing and kill them both. He listened to their conversation until he had learned what he needed to know. Due to Nate's condition they would be staying camped here for a few more days. They felt they were far enough from Fredericksburg to escape detection. Jeremy was glad they were staying all he had to do now was get word back to Jim and then wait and watch their prey.
TRAIN—
Jim had convinced the President to at least go sit in the main car before they reached Fredericksburg. After he had Grant settled he went back to Artie's room to get some things together for him that he would need or want while he was in the hospital. Jim felt more than just a bit guilty. He knew Artie would be more than upset when he woke up in the hospital only to find out Jim had left and joined Jeremy with out at least saying goodbye first. But Jim was just as sure he would understand his need to go after those guys before they could get away.
He paused after he had placed the packed bag by the door, which Collins had been asked to pick up. Jim walked over to the bed and looked down at his slumbering friend. Don't be mad at me, pal, but I won't let you risk your life to get this scum. There isn't a lot more I can do for you right now but I can and will do this for you. And besides, I owe you so much for putting up with me all this time. I promise, pal, I'll try to bring them back alive so you can have a crack at them. Jim put his hat on and strode toward the stable car. He saddled and mounted his horse and rode off to join Jeremy and hoped fervently that he could keep his promise to his friend.
President Grant heard Jim lower the ramp and ride away from the train. A large part of him wished he were going with him. He wanted to see the dogs pay for what they had done to Artemus and he wised James luck.