"Rider up!" Lou shouted and Cody excitedly ran out of the bunkhouse, grabbed his reins and headed out as Ike was coming in.

"Ride Safe Cody," Kid shouted and Cody responded with a wave of his hand and off he went.

Ike didn't wait around and went straight into town. He had to get some money out of the bank for a special gift for Buck's birthday coming up. He saw a beautiful saddle a few towns away that he was determined to get his best friend.

Ike headed into the bank, not sure how much he had in his account, but knew he had enough for cover the saddle.

"Afternoon Ike" the bank receptionist greeted him with a smile. "What can I do for you today?"

He handed Ike a piece of paper and a pencil. Ike wrote down that he wanted eighty dollars taken out.

"That much, are you sure?" Ike nodded in approval and smiled. He was excited about spending that much money on his friend.

"Can I ask what you plan on doing with it?" the receptionist asked while giving Ike his money.

Ike put his finger to his lips then wrote down it was for a new saddle for Buck's birthday.

"That's a mighty nice gift. Your secret is safe with me. Here you are, 80 dollars." Ike signed a thank you and left back for the station.

In the other direction, Cody was not having an easy ride. he was on a steady pace when his horse suddenly reared up. A rattlesnake had slithered out on to the trail, spooking the horse. The snake spat out and bit the horse. Cody tumbled off his out of control horse and hit the dirt. The horse ran off with Cody shouting ineffectively, "Get back here you stupid horse."

Cody, already muddy, hot and tired was left with only one alternative, he got up and started walking to his destination. He was mumbling under his breath when he finally reached his horse, lying lame on the ground thanks to the snakebite. He pulled out his gun. He stroked the horse and was downhearted to have to put it out of its misery. "I'm sorry fella, I don't want to do this but I have to." A tear came to Cody's eye. This was his favorite horse. He closed his eyes and pulled the trigger.

What else could possible go wrong on this trip Cody thought to himself. He trudged forward and the sky began to rumble and opened up with rain pouring down. "I had to ask," Cody said to himself. Cody was already in a bad mood. He wound up tripping into a pot whole covering himself with mud. The mailbag went flying, spreading the contents within. Cody almost wanted to cry as he ran to pick up the now wet and muddy mail. He had to chase several pieces caught in the wind. If any of the other riders were here they would rag him to no end over how silly he looked.

"This should be the last one," Cody stated as he ran to pick up the mail that was caught partially under a rock. The rain had lightened up a bit to a mere drizzle as he lifted the rock. Underneath it was not only the mail but a whole in the ground with a velvet satchel in it. He lifted it out of the whole. It was a small bag but was a lot heavier than he thought it would be.

He peered inside, his eyes widened. He looked around to see if anyone saw him. He picked up the small sack and tied it to his belt. A smile now shone upon Cody's face, he strutted off to finish his run, approximately four more miles to go. This was one surprise Cody was pleased to find.

Ike returned from town to have lunch. He'd set off for Blue Creek tomorrow. He didn't have a run and Buck would be out working for a while. As Ike returned Lou noticed the smile on his face. He was hiding something and she knew it. Woman's instinct. She didn't push, too much on what it might be but the suspense was eating at her. She thought it must have something to do with Buck's birthday at least. Lou was leaning on the rail as Ike skipped up the steps.

"So what did you get him." Lou blurted out. Ike smiled and signed with his hand, buttoning up his lip. He then went inside to eat. Lou hit it right on the nose with that one. She followed, hungry herself.

Evening fell as Cody finally made it to his destination.

"What the hell happened to you?!" Rich shouted as Cody came trudging into the station.

"Where have you been and where the horse?"

"Don't ask."

"Well you're just in time for dinner."

"Sounds so, so very good, but I don't think I have enough energy left in me to chew it. Sleep, I need sleep." He went to the bunkhouse and was out like a light as soon as his head hit the pillow. His new found present was safely wrapped around his hand.

Cody slept solid through out the night. The next morning came and he rode out on a fresh horse for home, finally going home. After yesterday he'd never been more tired and had worse luck on a run. But through it all, that satchel was a gift from heaven.

After breakfast Ike helped Rachael clean up., to wait until Buck left for his run. Then Ike ran to the bunkhouse to gather his items.

"Hey Ike, where are you off too?" Lou asked curiously. She was reading Emma up on her bunk. Out was all Ike signed to lou.

"Can I go with you, please? I got nothin' else to do." She wanted to know Ike's big surprise as well. I want to keep it all a surprise, he told her.

"Please, I am going to rot just sittin' around here. It will get me out of hores and I am bored. Please," Lou now resorted to begging.

Ike sensed that she wasn't about to give up her fight so he gave in. Company on this trip might be nice to have. An ok and a nod of his head sent Lou flying down from her bunk. Ike saddled up the horses and Lou ran to tell Rachael that she was going with Ike.

"No way young lady, you have chores to do around here. You all can't just go flying off when ever you feel like it. You do have a job here, you get paid for it." Rachael was in a rare mood today, Lou thought. Reasoning is the only way to go.

"Rachael it is hard for me to get out and shop, I need to get something for Buck's birthday while he's gone. Jimmy, Kid, and Noah are still here and Cody is due back soon as well. Please." Lou did her best woman to woman gaze and hoped that would help her situation. Rachael caved in. She was too soft on the boys, especially Lou. She knew how hard it was to find time to go out shopping and stuff. She herself never had much time, caring after all these boys.

"Just promise me you'll finish up your work tomorrow."

Lou grinned, "I promise. Thanks Rachael." She gave Rachael a hug and rode off with Ike.

After a while Ike and Lou rested for lunch, watering the horses. Lou never really asked Ike where they were going. By the direction they traveled it was either River Ridge or Blue Creek.

"So where exactly are we going Ike?" He signed Blue Creek.

"What is so important there?" Lou hoping for an answer but got none. Ike again buttoned his mouth closed.

"Fine you don't have to tell me. I also need to finish up Buck's gift. I know what I have to buy and I'm sure I can find it in Blue Creek." What are you getting him? Ike asked.

Lou just buttoned her lips closed, got up and got Lightning ready to ride again. Ike knew Lou was picking on him now. He didn't really want any of the riders knowing till later. Lou would eventually find out first though. Might as well keep her in suspense as long as possible. Lou would keep his secret though, she kept many for him. Ike was glad he brought Lou along, she was nice company to keep.

A little bit after lunchtime, Cody came thundering into the station. Jimmy caught one look at the tired, mud faced rider and laughed.

"What happened to you? You're suppose to stay on your horse, not be dragged by it."

"Very funny. I'm starved, Rachael got anything to eat?" Cody wondered.

"Not one thing until you clean up." Rachael belted out.

"I haven't eaten since yesterday!"

"I don't care." Rachael said sternly and pointed her finger towards the shower.

Jimmy was nice enough to take Cody's horse into the barn and strip him down.

Cody came into the bunkhouse for soap and his towel. He laid his new found treasure under his mattress. He wanted no one else to see it until he talked to Teaspoon first. Cody enjoyed the shower, changed and then ate. Rachael fixed him a quick sandwich and some leftovers for him.

"Thanks again Rachael."

"No, no Cody. Thank you." She said with a hidden grin.

"What for?"

"For cleaning out the stables."

"I didn't clean." he trailed off knowing where is conversation was headed. Rachael beat him to the next words.

"Oh, but you will." She walked out with a smile. Cody just sank his head into his arms and pounded his fist on the table. Will this nightmare ever end? No rest ever for William F Cody.

Ike and Lou finally arrived in Blue Creek. They went to get two rooms at the hotel.

"I didn't realize we'd be riding in such high style. Bed and everything." Lou said sarcastically. Then went up to their rooms to unload. Lou looked at her self in her room mirror.

"Wave good bye to Lou.. bye, bye Lou." She would be Louise for one afternoon and evening. She was going to enjoy this. Ike threw his stuff into his room and asked the hotel man for a security chest to place items to lock up in. One was put in him room later for him with the key. Ike thanked the manager and went off to bargain for a saddle.

"Where did you put it?" an older man asked, he had a mostache and a dark five o'clock shadow.

"Ain't nobody gona find it Earl. I hid it real good." Another younger man mentioned. He was youthful, handsome and had dark brown hair to match his eyes.

"You'd better," warned Earl. After a while walking around the open plains the younger man found his hiding spot.

"Here it is."

"Where?"

"See I told you. I hid it really good." The younger man reached down and removed the rock, reaching in with his hand he grabbed air! air!

"What the hell!" he shouted, flames flying form his ears.

"Where's the bag Vin!" the older man shouted.

"It's gone!"

"What do you mean gone." He grabbed his young counterpart and punched him hard. Vin didn't go down without a fight. He hit the Earl and then drew on him.

"Back off. This is just a minor set back, nothin' more."

Earl calmed down. "This is far from minor. It's all gone!"

"Well we'll just have to get it back." he re-holstered his gun.

"And just where do you think we'll find it. We don't know who took it Vin!"

"Think Earl. What towns lie on this route? Sweetwater, River Ridge and Blue Creek. Who ever took the satchel had to have stopped at one of these towns." I hope, he added silently to himself. "We'll check them all out, I am getting our property back."

"Where to first?" asked Earl.

"Let's try Blue Creek." And off the two rode in search of the velvet satchel.

Earl and Vin headed to Blue Creek and on the way passed by an express station.

"Should we inquire within?" Earl looked eagerly and smiled.

"Might as well" Vin added. Earl rode up to the station and Vin went around it from the other side. As they were coming in a rider heard them and came out to see their visitors.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, you can." And then Vin snuck around from behind and hit him with the back of his gun. The rider slumped unconscious. The two were inside the bunkhouse with guns drawn before any one else could draw on them.

"Evening gentleman, guns to the floor now." Vin shouted. All of them dropped their guns.

"Just wondering if any of you fine boys have found my property. It's in a nice velvet sack." All of the rider shook their heads. They hadn't seen anything like that.

"Don't mind if we look around do ya? It's not like we don't trust ya, but..." Vin said as Earl began tying up the three riders. After the two ran sacked the bunkhouse they left for town. The riders still tied up and gagged.

Cody hated doing his chores. As he headed out to the barn that afternoon and tried to see if he could get any help.

"Hey Jimmy." Cody said with a grin.

"No way." Jimmy blurted out before Cody could say anything more and walked away.

"Kid."

"Sorry Cody, made plans to have dinner with Samantha tonight. Have to make sure everything is ready and perfect. " Kid went off.

Cody was on his own as he entered the stables. He felt that this would take all day. Suddenly the barn turned into a high rise that elevated way above him. Finally he finished at last. He took a few short cuts but wound up with some time on his hand. He went into town, carrying the velvet satchel with him. He was going to share his new surprise with Teaspoon. He found him napping in the sheriff's office, feet up on the table and hat tipped over his face. Cody crept up to him and wanted to surprise him. Just as Cody was right next to Teaspoon about to jump him, Teaspoon surprised him.

"What do you want Cody?"

"How did you know?" Teaspoon finally lifted his hat and sat up right.

"Your very noisy. your boots squeak."

"Well I have a problem. It's a good thing, I think, I hope, but I'm not so sure."

"Just spit it out Cody."

Cody went into a long explanation of his terrible ride yesterday and the surprise package he found. He took out the velvet bag and showed it to Teaspoon. Upon seeing the contents his eyebrows raised.

"Is it?"

"Could be." Teaspoon replied, "I can check it out. There have been a lot of robberies in the area lately."

"You mean this is stolen?"

"Let me ask around, Cody, and see if this is reported stolen by any regional sheriffs and such."

"What if nobody claims it Teaspoon? You know what I could do with that. I wouldn't be delivering mail that's for sure. It was a gift from heaven."

"Now don't jump to conclusions. Something this valuable out in the middle of no where will have an owner. Anybody else know about this."

"Not that I know of. I never told anyone about it."

"Keep it that way for now. I'm going to keep this here under lock and key until we find out where it came from. This kind of thing could cause a panic to claim it. Teaspoon then sat down to write six letters to different marshals in the area. He handed them over to Cody who took them to the express station to send them out with the next available runners. Jimmy took two of the letters and Noah two others, since they were towns close by. The rest went via other riders passing through. With a quick ride they'd be back by nightfall. Cody refused to tell them what was in the letter of great importance. Cody told them to get an answer and bring it back as soon as possible.

Chapter five:

It was starting to grow dusk in Blue Creek. Ike had bought his package and put it in his room, in the extra chest that was brought for him. He didn't know where Lou had run off to but was going to relax in style. Off he went to the town saloon.

Lou had spent the day shopping as well. She quickly changed into her dress and went out. She found a beautiful journal that would be perfect for her gift to Buck. Afterwards she saw a gorgeous necklace in a store window. After the guys found out Lou was Louise, she was never short on dresses to wear, but she never had anything to go with them. The necklace would be perfect. She went in and bought it. The lady was kind enough to place it, wrapped up, in a velvet satchel. She placed the necklace on and used the satchel as a purse since it matched her dress.

After strolling through town, she turned many heads in her direction. Jimmy would be envious, maybe a bit jealous. She heard music and a festive atmosphere coming from the saloon. So that is where she headed.

She entered and looked at all the eyes fall on her and her daring green dress. A beautiful newcomer to town wasn't something they saw every day. Lou saw a poker game going on with a few empty chairs. Why not try her hand at a game or two. She was a good player, could beat all the boys. She never really played for money though, by why not give it a go.

"Can I join you fine gentleman?" Lou asked in sweetest voice possible.

"Please Ma'am, you sure are a nice addition to this table."

Lou blushed at the compliment, "Thank You" She smiled and flirted just a bit his the handsome gentleman. All the gentleman rose as the lady took her seat.

"My name is Vincent Jerrid and this is Frank, Jack and..."

"Samuel." The stranger said with a smile.

"And what is your lovely name, so we know what to call you?" he said smiling at her beautiful eyes.

Lou blanked for a moment., Who was she? Certainly not Lou McCloud express rider. "Laura, Laura Dunne."

Only one person caught her hesitation, Vincent. This woman was not named Laura, was his first thought or was he over reacting. She was a new person to this town, he could tell and she did have the velvet satchel, exactly like his own. This woman was a mystery he wanted to solve.

Lou played for over an hour and was doing quite well for herself. She had well over doubled her money. Vincent during the game kept asking her questions about where she was from, what she did for a living, why was she in town. Lou never felt more on trial. She added lie on top of lie trying not to slip up on one. She was on her last hand when Ike came in to the saloon.

Ike saw her and was a bit shocked. She was beautiful in her dress, but never pictured her for a poker player. By her pile of money, he'd guess she was doing just fine. He gave her a far off smile and wave and went to the bar. Tonight the saloon had several guest singers up on stage. All of them sung rather well.

Lou won the hand again.

"Thank you very much gentleman for a lovely evening, but I must retire for a while."

"The pleasure was all ours Miss Dunne." Vincent took Lou's hand and placed a kiss upon it as she left. She was speechless and blushed by this scene.

"Thank you," was that she could reply. Vincent was going to watch this woman very closely. Ike saw the whole interesting scene from afar and smiled. Lou walked over to him.

Who's your new friend, Iked signed.

"Most certainly not my friend, kind of handsome, but not my friend." Ike smiled. He was a gentleman and decided he would buy her a drink.

"Why thank you Ike, but with tonight's winnings (she flashed the money in front of him) its on me." They toasted to a nice evening and then listened to the singers some more. Afterwards they went for a walk and then Ike escorted the lovely Lou back to her room.

Ike stood with Lou outside her door, right next to his.

"Thanks for a wonderful evening, Ike. Do I now get to see your surprise." Ike gave a reassuring no not until tomorrow. Lou threw her shoulders in the air.

"Can't blame a girl for tryin'. Good night Ike." And she gave him a soft kiss on the check. Ike just as tired went next door. He had to get a good night's rest for the long ride back to Sweetwater.