Angel with Spurs: A Laramie Story
Chapter 1: Ambushed!
Do you think we'll have trouble, Uncle Mac? I hope not, Naomi. But it might be best if you rode in the wagon with Patches. Alright, Uncle Mac . And I'll keep my rifle handy too. Good idea, Naomi. ''My name is just plain Naomi and I've been with Uncle Mac ever since I was sixteen. He's taught me how to ride and shoot as well as any man and that's a skill a girl needs out here. But sometimes I long for the pretty things a girl should have, too. Do you think we'll have any trouble, Patches? I hope not, Naomi. We're coming to the river now. You'd best keep that gun handy and be ready to duck. Do you see what I see, Patches? Yes, a man's riding towards us, Naomi. Why, he's trying to warn us! Giddy up! And they were across in no time with bullets flying everywhere. Hide yourself, Naomi. Yes, Patches. Do you see my uncle? He's going over to the other bank to that fellow that warned us, Naomi. Now duck! You too, Patches! I'll try to get any of them if they come this way. Alright, Naomi. That cowboy over there, I believe I've seen him before, Patches. Keep the prisoner quiet if you can, Reb. Looks like your uncle made it, Naomi. But they're still shooting at them both. [Meanwhile Across the River]
''Same old McGary''. Never waits for an invite.'' ''I should've known it was you, Jess. Nobody else would ever get in a mess like this.'' ''Oh, I don't know. You didnt seem to have much trouble'' . They're still shooting, Patches. I know, Naomi. Reb got one of them. Looks like they're pulling out, Naomi. ''They're taking off, Jess.'' ''Legging up the hill''. ''Jess?'' ''Jess''?, when he did'nt respond. ''Jess''! Reb, Naomi, get over here! Jess is hurt! ''What's the matter? Can't you get it out? It's alright, Jess. We're gonna get you fixed up. Naomi? Yes, Jess, it's Naomi. What about it, Patches? I dare'nt risk trying anymore, Naomi. It's too near the heart. Can't that book of yours tell you how to do it? ''Yes, Naomi, but it also tells me what will happen if I'm even an eyelash off.'' ''Probing for a bullet in an arm or a leg is one thing but this, a doctor will have to do it, and soon too.'' ''We won't get to Laramie before tomorrow afternoon at the earliest.'' What are we going to do, Uncle Mac? He won't last bouncing around in that wagon all day. And it's too far going back. Well, the only other doctor I know of is in Ironwood, Naomi. We'll have to take him there. Then let's get it done, Uncle Mac. What can I do to help? Stay in the wagon with him, Naomi. Sure, Uncle Mac. I'd be glad to. You two be gentle with him, now. We will, Naomi. Set him right there. I'll get him a blanket. I'd best get to driving this thing. Be sure to avoid holes, Patches. And drive as carefully as you can. I will, Naomi. I'll stay down here with Jess, Reb. You just keep that braying donkey over there quiet. I'll sure try, Naomi. Easy now, Jess. Don't try to move. Naomi? Yes, Jess, I'm here. Where's McGary? He's ridin outside, Jess. This is Reb Carlton, my uncle's deputy. ''Glad to see you both in one piece.' ' ''What about Buckner"? ''Still got a date with a rope". ''It's a tumbleweed wagon, eh''? Yes, Jess. Now don't try to talk, alright. Just get some sleep. Sure, Naomi. It's real nice to see you again. You too, Jess. ''It's funny''! What is, Jess? ''Slim always said I'd wind up ridin' in one of these.'' We're taking you to a doctor, Jess. How bad is it, Naomi? Nothing that can't be patched up, Jess. ''Why don't you stop kidding him''? Shut up you braying owlhoot! ''They don't think you can last till they get to Ironwood". Shut him up for me, Reb. Sure, Naomi. ''Ironwood''? Relax now, Jess. ''You can't go there. It's Buckner territory''! We have to Jess. You need a doctor. Just lie still now Jess, honey. ''My brother will be there, waiting.'' Shut him up, Reb. ''I warned you, Buckner''. ''McGary! McGary! '' ''What's going on in there"? I dont quite know. Hold up there, Patches. Any trouble in here, Naomi? No Uncle Mac, not now. Reb took care of it. Good. How about you Buckner, any complaints? That's good. I would'nt want it spread around that we don't treat our prisoners right. We'll be in Ironwood in a half hour, Naomi. That's good to hear, Uncle Mac. Take it away, Patches. We're almost there, Jess. You're going to be just fine. Hope so, Naomi. I'm gettin kinda sleepy now. You just lie there and rest, Jess. I'll be right here. Would you like it if I was to hold your hand, Jess? I'd like that, Naomi. You go to sleep now, alright. I'm here with you, Jess. Thanks, Naomi. Sssh, rest now, Jess.