Chapter Five

Envy may justly be called "the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity"; it is the most acid fruit that grows on the stock of sin, a fluid so subtle that nothing but the fire of divine love can purge it from the soul.

— Hosea Ballou (1771-1852), American clergyman and founder of "Universalism"

Although he felt reasonably secure as long as most of the Tatuma population lingered outside the chief's chambers waiting for the results, Jim did not let his guard down. Amanito sat near him, appearing relatively calm, while Napota paced around, staring hard at the blanket-draped door to the room where the counting was taking place. Jim could see that Napota was itching to at least eavesdrop, but with so many witnesses he did not dare. Lunata sat quietly in a corner near the outer door.

Twice Napota went to that outer door to speak to Incala and his other followers. Each time Incala turned a dark glance Jim's direction. Of the three that Jim had defeated in combat, Incala took the fall the hardest. Amerta did not like him, that was certain, but he did not appear to have built up a hatred and need for vengeance. Perhaps it was due to the ages of the men. Incala had been at the top for a long time; for him to regain that pinnacle now would be more difficult than it would for Amerta and Tabuna.

Close to an hour elapsed before Titaca appeared from the counting room, followed by Radina, supported by two of the elders, Artemus, and the remaining elders. Radina was made comfortable, and after some quiet conversation among the chief, the shaman, and the others, Titaca turned to face the two brothers who had taken their place facing their father.

Titaca began speaking, and it was obvious he had a long, ritualistic speech to make before the official announcement. Artie caught Jim's eye and nodded almost imperceptibly. Jim did not smile, but he knew what that nod meant: Amanito would be the next chief. Now to see what Napota does. That the elder brother would accept the defeat was unlikely. The real question was what actions he would take. Would he do something immediately, or be smart enough to wait until the "Eagle God" and his friend departed?

Titaca finally came to the big moment. He turned and accepted an ornate necklace comprised of various stones from Radina then stepped in front of the two pretenders, his gaze focused on a spot between them. Again he began an apparently ritualistic speech, but it was much shorter. He finally turned slightly and placed the necklace over Amanito's shoulders.

Those in the doorway who could see the ceremony quickly relayed the news to those behind them. The cheers and laughter revealed how the population felt about the results. Amanito's first action had been to turn toward Lunata, who came to her feet, radiant with joy, but she remained near the door. As Napota glowered, Amanito then knelt before his father, who placed a hand on his head and spoke.

No need for a translator for that, Artie mused. Despite he wanted to be fair, Radina knew which of his sons would be the better leader for his people. Napota would have been a tyrant. Radina was giving his blessing and undoubtedly telling Amanito that as long as his spirit was on the earth, he would be there to help his son.

Artemus stepped over alongside Jim. "Now what?"

"Not sure. Napota has been giving his boys orders. He likely won't do anything immediately."

"He's in a fix," Artie decided. "He can't kill you without losing his hold over me. He can't kill me. Gods don't die. And I'm sure he still hopes to hold Armahiga to his side in some manner."

"You really believe he's thinking that rationally?"

"That I don't know," Artie sighed. "But I suspect that Amanito is in more danger than we are at the moment."

"My thoughts exactly. What do you suppose the new chief would say to a couple of full-time bodyguards?"

Artie was able to pose that idea to the new chief at the ceremonial dinner, where, as the Eagle God, he was seated alongside Amanito. Amanito at first did not want to believe his brother would harm him. Nonetheless, even he could not deny that Napota's stares were less than brotherly.

"The true crowning ceremony is not for two days," Artemus reminded him. "Until then, you are only the elected chief. If something should happen to you in that time, the title would automatically go to Napota. Am I right?"

Amanito nodded. "Yes. When Amanito… real chief, I die, no more brother."

Artie considered that. We cannot remain with the Tatuma forever. The Tatuma history and rules of succession did not provide for someone out of the royal lineage to vie for the throne, except perhaps by usurping it. Such a takeover did not seem to be in their makeup as a population.

One truly positive result of the election was that Amanito felt free to reveal to the agents where not only their horses were being kept, but their weapons. They procured the guns from a hidden hole behind the statue of Armahiga, but did not strap the belts on, taking only the small guns they could secrete inside their coats. Amanito assured them that the horses were well, and being cared for. Darkness had fallen so they decided to wait until morning to check on the steeds.

"I say we set a time limit," Artie suggested as they returned to Artie's former quarters to pick up their blankets and any other items left there.

"Time limit? How so?"

"We can't stay here forever, but perhaps we can give the impression that we intend to. If Napota thinks that, he may be forced to act."

"And kill one or both of us."

Artie laughed. "Hopefully not!" He sobered. "I do think he's more likely to try to harm Amanito now, possibly before the coronation. That would simplify things for him. As blood kin, and the runner-up, he automatically assumes the throne."

"Which is why we are going to be sticking to Amanito like tarpaper."

"Yep. And which is likely to make Napota hang back."

Jim paused as he picked up the bundle of blankets. "I hope the beds in Amanito's quarters are more comfortable."

"I doubt it." Artie shot a grin toward his partner. Jim had certainly had the worst of it since their arrival at this hidden pueblo. "Maybe another blanket or two to soften the mattress."

Jim just sighed. Even bedrolls at a campsite were more comfortable than these stone slabs. "Artie, you're going to have to make yourself more clear. Napota won't act if we're nearby."

"That's not exactly true, Jim. Napota still has some followers, though I suspect a few might feel free to drift away now. I'm thinking of Incala. If looks could kill, I'd be planning your funeral now."

"So… you want me to act as bait?"

"Only because I have every confidence in you, James." Artie's brown eyes twinkled mischievously; he then sobered. "Napota is not going to kill me. Not yet. If he's smart, he won't try to harm you either. At least not until he attains what he wants. But he may not be able to control Incala as well as he thinks. If you can keep Incala busy…"

"He won't have time to think about following any orders to kill Amanito."

"You know Napota is not going to do it himself." Artie shook his head in disgust. They had encountered numerous men and women over the years that hated and envied others to the point that they wanted those others dead. Most of the time they had others do their killing for them.

They carried their gear back to Amanito's quarters. Neither were too surprised to find he had company in the form of Titaca and Lunata. Titaca was ingratiating himself. That was obvious even without understanding the Tatuma tongue he was using. Lunata was merely enjoying being with the man she loved, with the knowledge that the way was clear for them to wed.

She did turn to Artemus, eyes clouded with concern. "You are not unhappy that I wish to marry Amanito?"

Artie smiled. "I say that Amanito is one lucky fellow, Lunata. If circumstances were different, I might even challenge him for you. But I have a lady I love very much waiting for me elsewhere. I can only wish you great happiness." He could see that she was still unsure whether he was god or mortal.

Napota appeared in the doorway and halted, apparently startled to find others with his brother. As he entered and began what seemed to be a congratulatory speech to his victorious brother, Jim casually stepped to the open doorway and glanced out into the passage. No astonishment to find Incala and two other men lingering out there. Incala muttered something, his eyes blazing with hatred toward Jim. Jim just nodded, half smiling, as he stepped back into the room, knowing that doing so would only inflame the warrior. And that's the point, according to Artie's plans: keep him focused on me.

Under the noisy bombast of Napota and the nervous assurances of Titaca, Artie was having a conversation with Lunata. Jim moved over there and Artie looked at him. "Lunata tells me that Napota is congratulating his brother and promising to support him."

"That's what I thought," Jim spoke dryly. "I don't know what the Tatuma equivalent of having fingers crossed behind one's back is, but I'm sure Napota is doing it."

While Lunata may not have completely grasped his meaning, she understood. "Napota not happy. I fear he harm Amanito."

Artie patted her shoulder. "That's why we are going to be staying close to Amanito, Lunata. We will protect him."

Napota now turned his attention to the great god and his companion. He spoke rapidly, a smile pasted on his face. Lunata listened with widened eyes, then translated. Napota, she said, was apologizing for his previous behavior. He knew he was very wrong to imprison Armahiga's friend, but he did it because he feared that the green-eyed man was indeed evil. He believed he was protecting not only his people, but Armahiga himself. Napota begged Armahiga's forgiveness.

Artie listened gravely then instructed Lunata to say that Armahiga understood and as long as Napota did not attempt to harm Armahiga's friend again, all would be well. As Napota undoubtedly was aware, the man he called the "evil one" had some powers of his own, having defeated three of the Tatuma's best fighters.

Napota had difficulty maintaining his friendly demeanor with this last reminder. However, he bowed slightly to Armahiga and departed. Jim took the time to return to the doorway in order to watch Napota and his followers retreat down the passageway toward the atrium. He then turned back to the others.

"Where is Napota's quarters?"

Both Lunata and Amanito pointed in the opposite direction from where he had just seen Napota go. With a glance at his partner, Jim strode out of the room and into the tunnel. Once there he headed in the direction Napota had gone. As he approached the opening into the anteroom, he slowed. The tunnel was dimly illuminated as most citizens were in their quarters preparing for the night.

A peek into the room where the statue of Armahiga resided revealed it to be empty. Jim cautiously moved into that room, listening. Where had the men gone? The other tunnels that opened off this room led to the homes of other residents, and then back into the depths of unused areas. He reached inside his coat and drew out the small pistol, holding it so that his hand covered most of it.

Hearing a sound behind him, Jim spun then relaxed as he recognized the dim form of his partner. "Decided to give the lovebirds some time alone," Artie commented. "What's going on?"

"Not certain. Napota and his pals came this way, but I don't know where they went."

"Outside?"

"Maybe. But if that's the case, I don't think it's a good idea to follow them out there."

"I wholeheartedly agree, James. Could be he knew you would follow and it's a trap. I suggest we retreat back to Amanito's quarters and get some rest on our downy mattresses."

W*W*W*W*W

Nec deus intersit nisi dignus vindice nodus.

[Nor let a god come in, unless the difficulty be worthy of such an intervention.]
—Ars Poetica (CXCI), Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus; 65-8 BC), Roman poet

As he awakened in the dimness, hearing the usual noises that indicated morning had arrived, Artemus wondered if he could ever get accustomed to residing in a structure like the Tatuma pueblo, never seeing daylight unless he went out onto the ledge and perhaps participated in some of the outdoor activities like tending the garden, hunting, bringing water. But the people who lived here had known only this type of life since their births. They did not expect to see the sun shining through their windows, nor feel fresh air on their faces if they opened a door or window.

Not much longer, he hoped. They had had a long conversation with Amanito and Lunata after returning to Amanito's quarters to make certain he understood that his half brother still posed a danger to him. Amanito was reluctant, but he admitted that he knew his hopes his brother was truly happy for him were wishful thinking. Napota had coveted their father's power for years. To be thwarted now was unacceptable.

"And to think," Jim had commented later when Amanito was asleep in the small room that was his bedroom, "if Napota had not engaged in the trickery of claiming you were the Eagle God, we might have traveled on and he would have been free to indulge his ambitions."

"Lesser men than him have made such errors," Artie had replied, stifling a yawn in the darkness.

Now as he pulled on his boots while sitting on the blankets, he could only wonder what the elder brother would be up to next. Napota probably realized that his only way to control Armahiga was to control the god's friend. Jim is the one in danger, if not from immediate death, at least of capture. When would they know it was safe to leave the Tatuma and head on toward Albuquerque? Artie knew that he would be haunted by the thoughts that Napota perpetrated a coup as soon as they were gone, and he suspected Jim felt the same way. Somehow they had to make Napota understand that consequences would befall him.

But how? These people were all but beyond the law of the Territory of New Mexico. Artemus also knew they could not and should not reveal this location to authorities or anyone else. Somehow the Tatuma had remained hidden for centuries. Announcing their presence and location would destroy them.

Apparently hearing his movements, Jim stirred in his blankets, turned onto this back and stretched his arms above his head. "I must be getting used to this luxuriously soft mattress. Slept pretty well."

Artie chuckled. "You're going to be spoiled for the bunks in the varnish car, or a hotel bed."

"I'll risk it." Jim sat up and reached for his boots. "I thought of something last night, Artie."

"What's that?"

"When Napota and his pals left and seemed to go outside, they may have been going after the horses."

Artie blinked, startled. "Why didn't you say something? We should have…"

Jim was shaking his head. "He's not going to harm the horses. For one thing, Blackjack wouldn't let him near enough, and he doesn't know how to use a gun."

"We hope."

"I think he would have used one by now if that was the case. But they may have moved—or at least tried to move—the horses."

"So that we can't leave," Artie said slowly, his frown deepening. "Does that make sense? I would think at this point he would not mind if we left him to his own devices… and machinations."

Jim shook his head again. "Napota has a one-track mind. He's not all that imaginative. He latched onto your resemblance to the statue and that's all he can see. He knows he can't kill you, or his entire scheme will be exposed. We can hope he realizes he shouldn't kill me or he'll lose his hold on you."

"But Incala did try to throttle you in the arena."

"That was Incala. I suspect he heard from Napota about it. Incala had a chance to kill me when I was tied up yesterday and all he did was cut me."

"Maybe. I'm not fully convinced, Jim." Artemus got to his feet. "I think we should go check on the horses."

Jim rose as well. "I'm with you. Better let Amanito know where we're going. Better yet, we should escort him to his father's quarters. Napota won't do anything there."

Amanito had other ideas. He wanted to accompany them to the horses, pointing out that he knew exactly where the steeds had been held. Knowing he was not going to listen to any arguments, the agents agreed. But as they left the stone room, they made certain one walked on either side of the chief-to-be.

The sun was bright already, causing them to squint and blink a few times. A number of people were already outside at their daily chores. Women were grinding corn and weaving baskets, while a couple of men appeared to be getting ready to go hunting. Some children played with crude toys. While those people bowed their heads in the presence of the god, as well as the chief, Artie thought they were losing some of their awe toward him. Which is good, because before we leave I have to make them understand I'm merely a man.

Amanito led them along the wide ledge in the direction from which they had originally arrived, and opposite the path to the arena, until it finally narrowed and a wooden ladder allowed them descend to the roadway below. Jim vaguely remembered seeing canyon offshoots on his enforced march at the end of a rope, but he had been busy keeping his feet under him and not paying all that much attention to the scenery.

About a hundred yards from the pueblo, Amanito paused at what at first appeared to be merely a pile of dry brush. Jim and Artemus quickly realized that the brush covered the narrow entrance to a canyon, and they helped Amanito push it aside to reveal a rather small area with a dead end on the opposite side. The area was probably fifty feet across, with a small spring bubbling out of one side, and a fair amount of grass growing around the spring. Eight or ten goats grazed on that grass.

Both horses were at the far end of the canyon, and both appeared to be gazing warily at the humans who entered. Jim whistled sharply, which brought the black horse's ears forward and head up. He whickered and headed for them at a gallop, the chestnut mare quickly following. Both men had to laugh at the affectionate and enthusiastic greetings their steeds had for them.

Quickly checking over his fine mount, Jim determined that he was in pretty good shape. The tack had been removed and tossed in a heap near the entrance. As Artie looked through their possessions, the surface of the ground at the opening caught Jim's attention.

"Look at this."

Artemus turned to gaze where his partner was pointing. "Looks like some kind of scuffle took place." He could see horse hoof prints along with those of barefoot and sandal-clad men.

Jim nodded, grimly satisfied. "Not too long ago either."

Amanito was mystified. "What does it mean?"

Jim glanced at the newly chosen chief. "I suspect that last night when Napota and his friends left the pueblo they came here and attempted to move the horses. Maybe simply to turn them loose."

"And leave us stranded here," Artie added. "The horses—probably the black one in particular—would have none of it."

Amanito was still bewildered. "Why would Napota do that?"

"Because he still wants my support, or Armahiga's," Artie explained. "He knows he can't force me to do anything unless he threatens my friend. So he wants us to stay here—until he manages to wrest the leadership position from you." Although it's possible that he thinks he can dispose of Jim and then use the safety of certain members of the tribe against me.

The three men replaced the brush over the entrance and walked slowly back toward the residential caves, not talking much. Amanito was obviously troubled by his brother's behavior, and certainly worried about what Napota might do. Artie knew the younger brother cared a great deal for his tribe, not merely for the power the title bestowed upon him.

If only we had more power ourselves, Artie mused. If this was a town like so many others in this country, Jim and I—or other law enforcers—could step in. But it isn't. The Tatuma civilization will die out eventually, possibly after being discovered by men who are not as thoughtful about preserving their culture and Jim and I are. But for now…

His thoughts trailed away as they reached the ladder by which they would ascend to the ledge above. Jim was in the lead and he mounted the steps first. Artie saw him pause as he gained the top, and glance back down. Something he had seen up there was troubling, but he did not want to voice it.

Artie found out what it was when he followed Amanito up the ladder. Napota and Incala were standing near the entrance to the cave. That in itself was not particularly bothersome, but two other items were. One was that all the adults and children who had been there working and playing when the trio left to find the horses were now absent. The other was what Jim quietly told Artie, that he had seen Napota quickly send two other men in through the door as soon as Jim's head had appeared at the rim of the ledge.

"Something's up," Artie muttered back.

Napota stepped forward and bowed slightly as they approached then spoke to Amanito. Amanito glanced at each of his companions. "My father wishes to see me and the great Eagle God." He nodded to Napota and voiced his assent in their native tongue. Napota immediately shook his head vehemently and seemed to repeat what he said previously, with a few added words, in a more forceful tone.

Amanito turned to his bodyguards, his face troubled. "Napota say our father wish for me and Eagle God to come… not… evil one."

"No!" Artie's tone was sharp, and he saw that Napota understood that tone, if not the word… and smiled.

Jim saw the smile too. He put a hand on his partner's arm. "Go ahead. Let's see what's up. Keep a watch for the two characters Napota sent inside."

Artie glanced around. At the moment only Napota and Incala were visible. The ledge did not appear to have any hiding places. This was the only entrance to the carved out caverns that were the Tatuma's home. Incala stood a couple of feet behind Napota, his arms folded on his chest, face mostly unreadable. Only the glittering eyes that were fastened on Jim revealed any hint of his thoughts.

"Jim…"

"This may be what we need to do," his partner replied quietly, keeping his own face implacable and his voice low. "Force their hands. We have our guns now." He knew that Artie had his weapon secreted inside his clothing just as he himself did.

Artie nodded reluctantly and turned to Amanito, whose expression was troubled and confused. "Let us go see your father. We do not wish to keep him waiting."

As the two men moved through the opening, Jim casually stepped over to put his back against the wall, as far from the precipice as he could manage. Neither Napota nor Incala moved immediately, though both men appeared immensely satisfied. It is some kind of ploy, Jim decided. For the moment the question seemed to be did Napota intend to participate, or was he sending his champion—or former champion—in alone?

The question was answered almost as soon as it brushed through Jim's mind, as the two men he had seen go inside now stepped out again. Jim stiffened with the realization that Napota had outmaneuvered them. Napota had waited until he would be seen sending the men into the caverns, so that the outsiders would think something was being plotted, perhaps against Amanito or even the Eagle God. Jim had had no qualms about going up against Incala, or Incala and Napota, especially because the latter was obviously no fighter. But these two men, while not as beefy as Incala, looked young and strong.

While Napota stood back slightly, the other three stepped over to where they formed a half circle around Jim, who was still up against the wall. He knew he had outsmarted himself. He had nowhere to go but through these three muscular tribesman—with Napota as their backup. Whether Napota was armed or not, he could be dangerous, especially if Jim's attention was on the other three.

Jim did not want to draw his gun. Not yet. He would use it only as a last resort.

Incala said something, and laughed maliciously. He was in the middle of the three, and all three were watching Jim intently, waiting for a move. Jim remembered what Artie had told him prior to the contest in the arena: "You can fight dirty when the occasion demands." He had not been required to make any "dirty" moves in that fight, but that had been one-to-one. This was different.

His back against the stone wall, Jim abruptly lifted his right leg and slammed his boot low into Incala's abdomen. The big man howled in agony, bending over as he staggered back. The other two men were momentarily startled, their attention diverted, so Jim took advantage. He slammed his right fist into the jaw of the one on the left then slued around to deliver a left to the other man. Both also staggered back. The one on the left went to his knees, but the other recovered more swiftly, and with a yell of rage, threw himself toward Jim, apparently planning to grab his opponent bodily.

Jim deftly stepped out of the way, looking around quickly to check on Incala and Napota. The former was still bent over, trying to catch his breath, while Napota was frozen for the moment by the turn of events. With those two accounted for, Jim turned back to the other two. They were now both on their feet and moving toward him. Jim used his feet again, slamming his right boot into the midriff of one and then spinning with the foot still in the air so that he caught the other in the ribs. This time both went down, and now Incala had recovered enough to join the fray, his eyes blazing, and muttering what must have been Tatuma oaths in an ugly manner.

Remembering Incala's little trick of tripping him, Jim stayed out of reach of the big man's legs, feinting forward a couple of times and causing Incala to step back. On one of those, when Incala was leaning slightly backward, both feet planted firmly on the ground, Jim leapt forward and pummeled the already sore area of Incala's abdomen with hard fists. As Incala bent forward again, gasping for air once more, Jim used his fists against the jaw, and Incala went down on his back.

Whirling around, Jim found the other two men were still down, though not unconscious. It appeared they were not quite ready and willing to engage him again.

"Jim! Look out!"

Artie's shouted warning caused Jim to pivot. Napota, his face livid with rage was coming toward him, arms outstretched. Jim immediately realized how close he was to the edge of the ledge. He had only a brief moment to react, which he did by stepping back quickly, reaching for Napota as he did.

The maneuver did not work as either man thought it would. Napota's obvious intent had been to shove Jim over the precipice to the rocky ground some thirty feet below. Knowing that Napota's momentum was going to carry him over instead, Jim tried to grab the Tatuma's arm. But Napota saw the move, veering out of reach—and tumbled over the edge, screaming in terror.

Jim quickly stepped to the edge and sensed his partner joining him. Below Napota was sprawled, his neck at a terrible angle. Jim looked at Artie, who turned away, face grim, and went to the ladder. As he descended, Amanito and Lunata joined Jim to watch as Artie reached the fallen man. Even though the verdict seemed already firm, Artie sought a pulse, then looked up, shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, Amanito," Jim said softly.

The young chief sighed noisily. "I see all. He try kill you. You try help him."

Artemus came back up the ladder. "He must have decided to get rid of you, Jim, and take his chances with controlling me as the Eagle God. After all, nothing else was working."

Jim looked back at the three accomplices, now recovered enough to be on their knees before their chief-to-be. All hope of gaining power with Napota was lost to them. "What about them?"

"They be punished. Napota was bad. He make men do bad things with false promises."

"What will you tell your father?" Artie asked.

Amanito sighed again. "He know Napota not good. But he father. He will be sorrow. He understand."

Now Jim looked at his partner. "What brought you back out? I presume the message from Radina was false."

"We didn't even get to his quarters," Artie replied. "Titaca stopped us. He had overheard Napota and Incala planning to ambush and separate us. He didn't know what Napota had in mind but I had a pretty good idea. So I headed back out here."

"And just in time."

W*W*W*W*W

The two agents remained with the Tatuma two more days. As Artie said, "We're already almost a week late in Albuquerque. What's a couple more days?" The funeral service for Napota was held that evening. They learned from Lunata that as a chief's son, Napota was entitled to certain ceremonies, but because of his treachery, Radina wanted it shortened. Napota was not a hero and did not deserve a hero's honors. Radina made sure that his people learned what the elder son had done, beginning with the lies about Artemus being a god and accusing Jim of attempted murder.

The following day, two more ceremonies took place. Radina insisted that he had the power to change the tribal laws and customs. He wanted to see his son inaugurated as the new chief, and he wanted to witness the wedding of the new chief and his bride. He also wanted the two outsiders to be present for the festivities… that lasted well into the early morning hours.

Finally, at midmorning on the third day, with slight headaches that both knew resulted from the fermented beverage that had been served at the post-wedding fete, they said their farewells, with promises not only to keep the Tatuma's location and existence secret, but to try to come back one day. Artie was no longer a god in the eyes of the tribal members, but both men were revered for having helped them escape the inevitable rule of a man they knew would be a tyrant.

Their horses, having been confined to the small canyon without much attention for several days, were eager to be out on the trail, especially Blackjack, who would have galloped the whole distance to Albuquerque, Artie thought, had Jim not held tight to the reins.

It wasn't until they made camp that evening alongside a small spring that they talked about the experience, how fate had seemingly led them to the Tatuma at just the right time. "Of course," Artie mused, "if we had not taken that shortcut, we would never have known of the tribe—and then would not have known whether Napota gained the chiefdom, if he murdered his brother, and wed Lunata."

"True enough," Jim sighed, lying back on his blankets. It was good to have the fire crackling beside them, to look up and see the stars. Even the ground seemed softer than the hard rock of the caves.

Artie poked a couple of small sticks on the fire. "Now we have to come up with an excuse for our delay without revealing the location of the tribe."

"We just tell them the truth."

"What?"

"Artie, a puma startled your horse, you were thrown and had a concussion. We could not travel for several days because of it."

Artie gazed across the fire at his partner. "James, sometimes you surprise me with your intelligence."

"Well, thanks a whole bunch, pal!"

Artie laughed as he lay down and pulled his blankets up, aware that Jim was not actually affronted. "I wonder if Amanito and Lunata will carry through with their plan to name their first son Artemus."

"Poor kid."

Artemus laughed again, knowing that his partner had evened the score. "Good night, Jim."

"Good night, Artie."

Fate steals along with silent tread,

Found oftenest in what least we dread;

Frowns in the storm with angry brow,

But in the sunshine strikes the blow.
—A Fable—Moral, William Cowper (1731-1800), English poet

THE END