They ended up staying for two more nights after moving their camp closer to the stream, both men and horses able to get some rest and for Heyes' ribs and shoulder to heal up some. But now, even though they were able to catch fish every day, they were completely out of everything but a half dozen strips of jerky between them. Heyes knew that his partner was concerned that they were running low on bullets, which was why he hadn't shot any game, so they were riding in hopes of finding a town where they could replenish their supplies.

After being in the saddle for five days the two travel weary men pulled up, leaning on their saddle horns staring at the sign welcoming them to the town of Craighurst, population 93. Neither man had ever heard of it but desperate for supplies they headed their horses down the main street. Heyes was riding slightly ahead of his partner who was nearly unseated when he unexpectedly reined his horse around sharply, actually knocking into the Kid's animal causing Curry to grab at his saddle horn to maintain his balance.

"Turn around Kid, go…" Heyes hissed urgently.

Hearing his partner's tone of voice, Curry didn't waste time asking why, just did as he was told and they cantered out of town the same way they had entered, Heyes casting a look back over his shoulder several times.

"Who did you see?" the Kid asked once they had slowed down and were out of sight of the town.

"U.S. Deputy Marshal Frank Mitchum."

"Mitchum! Nebraska's his territory what's he doin' in Montana?"

"Dunno Kid but since he knows both of us on sight, I didn't figure it was a good idea to ride right up to him and ask."

Deciding to ignore his partner's sarcasm, the gunfighter turned in his saddle, his right hand resting on his horse's rump, to look back the way they had come. "Uh Heyes…"

"Yeah?" Heyes turned to see what his cousin was looking at, groaning when he saw the cloud of dust heading in their direction.

"I'm guessin' that means he saw us."

They kicked their horses into a gallop, both men cussing under their breath, knowing they were in the open with no cover unless they could make it to the distant trees that would afford them at least some cover.

They had almost made it when they heard gunfire behind them as the posse got within range, the bullets fired at them coming too close for comfort. Both men immediately ducked low on their horses laying the split reins on the animals urging them on even faster. Heyes had pulled ahead when the Kid sat up a bit, pulling his Colt to fire back at their pursuers who immediately dropped back to a safer distance. Looking to see where his partner was the Kid saw him disappear into the copse of trees and headed after him. Looking over his shoulder as he followed his cousin he saw the posse stop, watching as he too disappeared into the trees. Curry smiled knowing that the men chasing them would think twice before coming any closer, unsure as to whether he and his partner would be waiting in the trees to ambush them. He dismounted and dropping his reins peered around a large tree seeing the men appearing to argue about whether to continue into the tree line after them or not. He grinned and fired three shots in their direction. Those shots had them turning their horses and heading back the way they had come. He watched until he could no longer see them, wanting to be sure they weren't going to come back. Letting out a breath he leaned his forehead against the tree closing his eyes…that had been too close. Pushing himself away he pulled the last of the bullets out of his belt to reload his gun, holstering it as he made his way back to his partner, frowning when he saw him wrapping his bandana around his arm.

"You get hit?" he asked sharply.

"It's just a scratch Kid."

The Kid grabbed the reins, mounted and moved his horse next to Heyes. "You sure you're all right?"

Heyes rolled his eyes in irritation. "Yes Kid, I'm sure…it's barely a scratch, now let's get outta here before they decide to come back."

XXX

Sitting around their campfire several hours later, they greedily devoured the two sage hens that the Kid had shot…and since they hadn't eaten all day his hunger had outweighed his need to conserve what little ammunition they had left.

Wiping his hands on his jeans, Curry grabbed his canteen taking a long drink of the tepid water it contained, wrinkling his nose as he put the stopper back in. His partner glanced over at him.

"I'd even welcome a cup o' your coffee right about now Heyes."

"Always knew deep down you liked my coffee," he teased with a smile.

"Don't know as I'd go that far."

Heyes chuckled moving his left arm slightly, turning his head away from his partner, but not before he'd seen the brief flash of pain on his face.

"Ya better let me change the dressing on that arm," the Kid said.

"Its fine but I'll let you change it in the mornin' before we head out."

"All right," Curry said with a nod. "I'll take first watch, you go ahead and get some sleep, I'll wake you in a couple hours."

He watched his cousin stretch out in his bedroll knowing he was as concerned as he was about their present situation. They had to find a town…and soon. Getting to his feet he took a walk around the perimeter of their small camp listening intently for any sounds that could signal trouble. He relaxed slightly hearing the sounds of night…the distant howl of wolves, the nearby hoot of an owl and the chirp of crickets…none of which would be heard if there was danger in the vicinity. He poked at the small campfire with a stick before tossing it in the flames and going in search of more firewood.

Once again squatting by the fire he ran a hand wearily over his eyes before glancing over at his sleeping partner. He took a swallow of water from his canteen again wishing they had some coffee. His head jerked around, his hand dropping to his .45 when he heard a twig snap, slumping in relief when he saw the deer stop to look at him before bounding away.

He was adding more branches to the campfire when he heard Heyes moving restlessly. Glancing over at him he got to his feet when he heard him starting to mumble. He took a few steps toward his partner reaching his side just as Heyes sat bolt upright shouting "No! Kid!" his eyes flying open looking around frantically for a few seconds before finally focusing on his cousin.

"Whoa easy Heyes, I'm right here," he said squatting down. His partner's eyes locked onto his and he grabbed his arm.

"Kid…you…you're all right?" he demanded.

"Course I'm all right, you were just dreamin'."

Heyes closed his eyes, running a hand through his sweat dampened hair as he fought to calm his breathing before pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.

The Kid eyed him, taking in the flushed and sweaty face, reaching out to touch his forehead.

"What d'ya think you're doin'?" Heyes snapped as he pulled back, swatting his hand away.

"Thought maybe you were runnin' a fever."

"Well I'm not, I'm fine."

"I'm changin' that bandage."

"But…"

"It ain't up for debate so you might as well save your breath."

Heyes sighed in irritation but knew there was no point in arguing and besides it did feel like it needed to be changed. He sat quietly while his partner doctored him, cleaning the wound as best he could with hot water. Heyes had been right when he had said it was just a scratch, but both men knew that even something as minor as this could be deadly if it became infected.

"Try and get a bit more rest."

"Kid, we're gonna be leavin' in a few hours and I won't be able to get back to sleep now so you might as well try to get some rest."

The Kid settled into his bedroll, watching Heyes through half closed eyes as he slowly wandered around, poking at the fire, yawning and running his hands through his hair. Even though he had his back to his partner, Heyes was fully aware that he was watching him despite the fact that he was feigning sleep. Knew he had probably even heard him say "dammit" softly after starting to put water in the coffee pot before remembering they had no coffee.

"Go to sleep Kid," he growled softly but not unkindly.

The Kid chuckled as he rolled onto his side and closed his eyes.

XXX

The next morning found them in the saddle once more. Heyes had easily convinced his cousin that there was a small town called Midland that he knew of a couple days ride to the east where they would be able to stock up on supplies. Both men rode quietly, lost in their own thoughts as the miles fell behind them. It was well past noon when they stopped by a small pond to water and rest their horses and while Heyes sat in the shade of a cottonwood tree his eyes were on his partner who stood at the water's edge gazing off into the distance. He pursed his lips as he studied his best friend, beginning to wonder about him…he'd been quieter than usual since that episode in Chapel Ridge which had been followed not long after by barely escaping that posse from Craighurst. They were both feeling the strain of the past couple weeks, but it was nothing that hadn't happened to them before.

The Kid turned away from the water and saw Heyes watching him. He lowered his head as he walked over, sitting beside him under the tree.

"We'll be in town tomorrow afternoon Kid. We'll get supplies and I'll even buy ya a beer and a steak supper."

"Yeah, that's as long as no one recognizes us…again."

"Naw, our luck's about to change, I can feel it."

Curry barked a short laugh. "Sure Heyes. Our luck's gonna change all right and probably not for the better."

Heyes gave his partner a sharp look. "C'mon Kid, I know things have been rough lately…"

"Rough lately? The Kid's voice rose in disbelief as he looked at the man beside him. "Heyes things have been rough ever since we agreed to this damn amnesty deal and we ain't no closer to gettin' it. The governors can't seem to keep their jobs long enough to give it to us and every time a new one comes along, the deal starts over again."

Curry started to get to his feet, but Heyes reached out grabbing his arm stopping him.

"Kid, wait…how be we go to Midland and get supplies, have a good nights' sleep, some decent food, then we'll talk this over, decide what we're going to do."

Curry lowered his head, taking a deep breath as his shoulders slumped. Heyes watched him intently, bracing himself for what his partner might say.

"Fine Heyes," he said. "Let's go to Midland."

Heyes grinned and patted his cousin's arm.