The stage did not depart from Denver again until that afternoon and the train had already gone. They would have to spend the night at a stage station, but they would have had to do that anyway. Jim and Bones rode ahead again, but there was no one in the place they had broke up the robbery the last time.

The stage stopped in Castle Rock which was nothing but a stage station where they could rest and let the horses rest as well. Jim drank his fill of water. "It sure is hot on that trail," he said.

"Well, it's better than freezing to death I guess," Bones replied as he took some water for himself. He looked at the dipper that he was drinking out of. "Ugh, I hope this thing is clean." He looked at Jim. "Can you imagine how many people must come through and drink out of this? And it's probably never washed. I mean…"

"Bones. Please."

Spock stood waiting for his turn to get some water as well. "It is not logical to believe that in a time of limited population and in a time when people do not realize what causes sicknesses that they would be concerned about drinking after one another," he said.

Bones frowned at that. "I think that's what I just said in a less scientific way."

"Perhaps. It is also illogical to complain about drinking from a dipper when it is the only way to get water unless one wants to drink from their hand."

"Ugh. That would be worse."

Jim leaned on the rail of the horse pin. "I never would have imagined myself in a situation like this," he said. "No wonder people here wear hats. If you didn't, you'd probably get sunburn on your head."

"Keeps that sun out of your eyes too," Bones replied. "I guess it would be pretty hard to stare out across that sand and everything without the brim of the hat to shield your eyes part of the time."

"You have to admit, it hasn't all been sand on this trail, Bones."

"Yeah. There have actually been trees. I could have sat under one of those trees all afternoon, I think."

"Me too." Jim grimaced slightly. "You ever been saddle sore?"

Bones frowned. "Don't ask," he said.

"I have never ridden this far on a horse in my life."

"I can't say I've ridden this far, but I used to own horses. Can't say I own anything anymore." Bones looked at Jim. "Why? Are you saddle sore?"

"I wish I didn't have to walk right now."

"I wish I could do something about it. You should ask West or Gordon about it. You can't just let it go or you're going to be in a very embarrassing situation."

Jim frowned. "Like what?"

"You don't want to know. I've treated about everything, and you don't want to be treated for saddle sores. Now, come on."

Jim went with Bones. He figured Bones was not ashamed of asking about anything since he was a doctor. They found Artemus Gordon at the stable. He was removing his disguise. "These things get hot and itchy," he said.

"Hey, uh, you got anything for saddle soreness?" Bones asked.

Artie looked at little surprised by that question. "Of course." He took a jar from his saddle bag. "I never leave home without it. You should get yourself some chaps, and we have other remedies to help that too."

"Thanks. Jim, here, is having some problems."

"It happens to the best of us."

During the night, Jim slept lying in a pile of hay in the barn. He could not say he had ever slept in hay but it was sure better than sleeping in the saddle. He was sleeping soundly when someone put their hand over his mouth. He was startled out of his sleep, but then realized it was Jim West as he hissed, "Shhhhh."

Jim froze then and West took his hand off his mouth. "What's going on?" he whispered.

"I heard horses, and they didn't come up to the station."

"And you think they're after that money?"

"I don't know of any other reason someone wouldn't come on in, especially with a storm coming up."

Jim sat up and looked out the door of the barn just as lightning flashed. He looked at West. "What do you want us to do?" he asked.

"I figure they're going to send one up here to see how many are here, and try to get us to relax," West said.

"And then the rest will attack."

"I think so. I want you to take your two friends up in the loft of this barn and be ready for anything. If they get control of the station house, do something."

Jim nodded. West left the barn and went back to the house. Jim got up and woke Bones and Spock. "We've got trouble," he whispered. "Come on."

They climbed up to the barn loft. "What's going on?" Bones asked.

"Riders out there, and they didn't come up to the station," Jim said. "West wants us to…"

Just then, a rider came into the yard of the station. Jim, Bones, and Spock stayed back in the dark so the rider could not see them, and just watched.

"Hello the house!" the rider called.

The station master, Carl, came out. "What you doing out here this time of night?" he asked. "And in this storm?"

"Well, I kinda got caught in it. Was wondering if I could stay the night…or at least until this storm is over."

"Can't turn no one away. You're welcome to stay. I'll take your horse. I got three others staying in there. Came in on the stage."

"Three, huh?"

"Yeah. Two passengers and the driver."

"You got anything to eat in there?"

"Not this time of night. Got some coffee though."

Carl took the horse, and the rider went on into the station. Jim West was sitting in a chair pretending to be asleep. He had changed from his usual attire to jeans and a light blue shirt so he would maybe not be so recognizable. Artie had also changed into jeans and a brown shirt so that he would look nothing like he did when he left Denver.

The rider did not know Jim West and Artemus Gordon by sight, but they had thought there were at least six people with the stage that was carrying the payroll. He had been sent there to find out who was there, and they had expected three others. He figured they could be in the barn, but these two did not look like the ones who had been boarding the stage with the money.

West knew the man had walked in, but he did not intend to talk to him much. He thought he looked rather confused, and he also knew that he was not alone. He had heard those horses coming when he was outside on watch…and there was definitely more than one.

Soon, the station master came back in from the barn. "That storm's about to start raining out there," he said. "Just the first sign that the weather's about to change."

Jim shifted in the chair he was sitting in. "We best be quiet," Carl said. "These folks have a long ride ahead of them…all the way down to Texas."

The other man looked surprised by that. "Texas? You sure?"

"Well, that's what they said. I reckon they know where they're going."

"Yeah. Have any other stages come through today?"

"Well, of course, they have. This is a stage road, ain't it? Why don't you get some sleep and worry about the stages tomorrow? You wanting to catch a stage?"

"No. Just curious."

Carl went on into the other room, taking a look at West and Gordon before he closed the door. He knew they were not truly asleep, because West had come in and warned them that someone was coming.

The rider went over to the coffee pot and poured himself a cup of coffee while he looked at the other two in the room. He could see the one sleeping in the chair had a tied down gun on, and that most likely meant that he knew how to use it. The other was also wearing a gun. If they were the ones he was looking for, where were the other three.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash of thunder and rain started pouring. Jim West pretended to be startled out of his sleep. He looked at the newcomer. "Hey, when did you get here?" he asked as he stood up. He looked up at the ceiling. "Sounds like that storm is getting bad out there."

"I just got here a few minutes ago," the man replied.

West went over to the coffee and poured himself a cup. "You get caught out in that storm?"

"Almost. Just glad I ran up on this station when I did."

"Sounds like a real downpour out there."

The man watched West and decided he would bait him to tell his name. "My name's Wilson, Anse Wilson."

West simply nodded. He would not be baited. He had seen all kinds of people and heard all kinds of baiting. The man was not sure they were who he was looking for, and he was trying to find out his name. He knew Artie was not asleep and was hearing the whole thing, and he would also know what was being tried by this one.

Wilson seemed irritated that he did not get the information that he wanted. West could see that he was pretty young, and was probably sent in because he would not be known by them, which meant that the others were most likely known criminals. It would seem that they were afraid that they would know them.

"You always go around telling people your name, young man?" West asked, making an inflection on the word "young".

Wilson stiffened at that. "I was just trying to make friendly conversation," he said.

"Of course." West suddenly drew his gun, startling Wilson. "Now, who sent you down here to find out who was at this stage station?"

"Why…I…I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Yes you do."

Artie came over to them. West's smile was unfriendly at Wilson. "Now, I know you were not the only one who rode up out there," he said. "How many others came with you?"

Wilson swallowed hard as Artie took his gun from his holster. "You best tell him, boy," Artie said.

"I'm not a boy!" Wilson declared.

"Now, Artie, you don't have to insult the kid," West said sarcastically.

"Oh, well, pardon me," Artie said. "I just can't believe anyone with any sense would come riding up here like this and think we don't know what he's doing."

West's smile faded and he walked closer to Wilson. "How many were with you?" he asked. "We know what you're here for."

Wilson looked genuinely terrified. "There are five others," he said.

"Only five?" West looked at Artie. "Did you hear that? They've only sent six after us."

"What an insult," Artie said dramatically sarcastic. "Do they have no more faith in us than that?"

Wilson looked from one to the other. "What are you guys going to do with me?" he asked.

"Oh, well, I think our barn out there is rather empty. You can keep the horses company."

Artie tripped Wilson and made him fall flat on his stomach. He got some rope and began tying him up. "You know, if you make it through this, young one, you should learn to keep better company," he said. "Don't you know if you hang out with bad company, you suffer the same fate that they do?"

West got him up after his hands were tied securely. "Come on!" he said and took him out the side door of the station. It was pouring down rain, but he took him out to the barn anyway.

Jim and the others saw him coming with the prisoner. "Spock, go down there and help him," Jim whispered.

Spock went down from the loft and met West. "Keep this guy in here and keep him quiet," West said.

"He shall be quiet," Spock replied as he drew his own gun. "Up that ladder."

With some help from Spock, Wilson got up the ladder. "We have a prisoner who needs to remain silent," Spock informed the others.

Bones came over to them. "I'll make sure he's silent," he said. "Come on, you!" He shoved Wilson into a hay room in the loft and shoved him down into the hay. He untied his hands and tied them with his arms outstretched to the rails on each side of the room. Then he tied his own bandana around the boy's mouth. "Sorry if that tastes salty, but I've been wearing it all day. Probably covered in sweat." He finished tying it and then made sure the boy had no knives or anything. "Now, before you think about making any noise in here, you better think again, because we don't like people trying to kill us or our friends."

Bones went back out where Jim and Spock were. "He shouldn't be able to get out of that," he said. "He's not much more than a kid. Getting caught up with the wrong crowd."

"Maybe he's learning something," Jim replied.

West and Gordon were watching out the window now, and had put out all the lights in the station. Lightning was still flashing outside and the thunder was loud, and the rain was really pouring. "You really think they would try and attack us in this weather?" Artie asked as he yawned. "I could be sleeping."

"Artie. We're dealing with desperate people," West replied.

"They must be truly desperate if they come out in this."

"Money makes people desperate enough."

"Do you think they're expecting their little spy to come back?"

"Probably. And when he doesn't…who knows what they'll do?"

Jim yawned as he, Bones, and Spock were lying in the barn loft looking out the open window. "Don't you dare go to sleep," Bones said.

"This is boring," Jim replied.

They both looked at Spock who was sitting up looking out the window. "You could act like you're just a little bored," Jim declared.

"Vulcans do not get bored, Captain," Spock said.

"Oh, I know it. I wonder how far the train has gotten."

"Probably already to Colorado Springs right now," Bones said. "And here we are laying in a barn loft watching for stage robbers."

By the time the storm ended, Jim was dozing as he leaned on the wall of the barn. Bones nudged him. "Wake up!" he whispered.

Jim stretched. "I'm no good at guard duty," he said.

"We'll be in Colorado Springs tomorrow, then you can sleep."

As the storm moved away, they could still hear the rumbling thunder in the distance, but then they saw movement on the trail and behind the station. "You think West and Gordon see that?" Bones whispered.

"I hope," Jim replied. "He wanted us to stay here and take action if something happens."

"When do we take action?"

"I don't know. Let's just see what happens."

They watched as two riders came into the front yard of the station. It was very dark out there now, but there was a lantern light on the front of the station which allowed them to see slightly. They could see that they were carrying guns as they dismounted. "I'm more interested in the ones coming around the back," Jim whispered.

"I suppose they will be our quarry," Spock said.

West opened the door of the station as the two came up onto the porch. They were a bit startled, but did not react. "You're coming in a little late, aren't you?" West asked.

"Yeah, we just need a place to stay for the night," one of them replied. He could not see West's face very well as the light was behind him, and was also shining in his face. "Are you the station manager?"

"No. We're just staying here the night, and wondered who was out here."

"Just need a place to put our horses and get dry. Are you guys the only ones here?"

"Yeah. You looking for somebody?"

The man stared at West a moment. "You ask a lot of questions."

"I want a lot of answers too."

Suddenly, the two grabbed their guns, and West grabbed his as well. Artie was ready and shot through the doorway at the two who were surprised because they did not see him inside hidden behind a counter. They both jumped from in front of the door.

Jim, Spock, and Bones had left the barn and were going around to the back of the station where two more had come up. "Hold it right there!" Jim said as he stood at the corner of the station.

The two back there were startled and grabbed at their guns. "I wouldn't do that!" Spock said as he came around beside Jim.

The outlaws froze where they were, and did not finish their draw. "Now, throw those gun belts down!" Jim demanded. "And you better not make any funny moves either."

Bones stepped out beside them next. "Step over here," he said.

As they got the two under control, Jim collected the gun belts and they marched them around to the front of the station where the shooting had stopped. West was about to come around the corner and he and Jim almost ran into each other. "Don't sneak up like that when we've just been in a firefight," West said. "That's a good way to get shot."

"Well, everything was quiet so I figured it was under control," Jim replied. "We got these two back there."

"Good work."

"You think that's all of them?"

"I hope."

They went back into the station and tied up the three outlaws who had survived. Artie had gotten a slug in the arm. Bones looked at the wound. "That looks bad," he said.

"Can you fix it?" Artie asked.

Bones thought this was the worst thing about being in this century. "I sure don't have anything to give you for pain," he said. "I don't like the idea of digging a bullet out of somebody while they scream, or even when they try not to scream. It would actually be better if you did rather than holding it all in. You could get lead poisoning if I don't take the bullet out so it's like being between a rock and a hard place." All the time Bones was saying all this, he was looking at the wound and getting Artie's shirt sleeve out of the way.

West brought a bottle of whiskey over. "You can pour this on it," he said.

Bones shook his head. He supposed he would have to use that. It was the only thing to use for sanitizing. "I guess you know this is gonna burn," he said.

"Yeah," Artie replied.

Bones poured some of the whiskey on the wound, and Artie almost jumped out of the chair he was sitting in. "If you thought that hurt, wait till you feel this," Bones said.

"He has no bedside manner," Jim remarked.

"No need to try and sugarcoat it."

"I could render him unconscious," Spock suggested.

Bones looked at him a little dumbfounded for a moment. "Are you suggesting that you do a Vulcan pinch?" he asked.

"It would make this easier for him and you."

"I guess I can't argue with you there."

Artie was not sure about that but Spock grabbed his shoulder and he was out before he could protest. "Well, what do you know?" Bones asked. "A good use for the Vulcan pinch. Anesthetic."

Jim was beginning to wonder if he would ever get to sleep again, but he was drinking coffee to try and stay awake. He hoped he could sleep when they got to Colorado Springs before they went off to find the right piece of land.