"Like Carla, Dilly was another girl who took a right shinin’ to me and was deadly dangerous, but in a different kinda way. I can’t seem to understand why it would happen, but Dilly was deadly serious about me and I mean deadly. I first met her when she was holdin’ up the stage I was travelin’ on, though I didn’t realize it was her at the time. She was the leader of the gang and the one who ended up by killin’ the driver. She made us passengers remove our boots and walk into town in our stockin’ feet. Boy howdy did I have sore feet for a week after that.

“Next I came across her in the saloon or rather she came across me when she invited herself over to play a game of poker with a few of us guys. I gave her the pack, tellin’ her to deal, expectin’ to catch her out, but from the time she started there was no doubting’ she knew how to play all right and how to handle herself, by later on pullin’ a small derringer out on one of the guys who accused her of cheatin’. Real cool she was stickin’ with it ’til he apologized. I couldn’t help but be fair tickled by her. That’s how she made me feel most of the time. Later on I remember telling’ mother Dilly was as ladylike as a rebel yell. I couldn’t think of a better way to describe her.

“She was small, right pretty too, thick blond hair and sparkly eyes and I reckon I could have fallen for her if she hadn’t been so brash and forward and taken to chasin’ after me. As I said to her, I liked to do the courting’ but not to be courted. She tried most ways she could to get me interested. Pretendin’ her horse was runnin’ away with her so as I’d chase after it to rescue her. Then she goes fallin’ off so as I’d pick her up. Then she told me the horse was a right wild critter, but when I looked at it quietly standin’ there grazin’ I didn’t have to be as smart as Jarrod to realize what she was up to. I dropped her, literally, straight down to earth. Mind I did take her into town after to kinda make up for her bruised butt and I bought her a drink.

“She had a confrontation in the dress shop over me with Audra after havin’ seen us together. I’m not sure what went on or what was said, but I could imagine she was tryin’ to ward off Sis. Of course what happened with Audra only made me the laughin’ stock at the breakfast table bein’ the brunt of my sister’s and brother’s jokes. I honestly wasn’t sure whether I’d put my pants on or not that morning’. They never gave me chance to explain any of what was or was not goin’ on with Dilly and by the time Nick started on me I wasn’t sure whether I was sprinklin’ sugar or salt over my eggs. Thankfully mother could see the tiz I was in and came to my rescue.

“I had no real interest in Dilly, I was only trying to be sorta neighborly and so when she said she and her brother were interested in buyin’ a property in the area I showed her around the old Webster place. This is where she started harpin’ on about whether I was married. Now I know it ain’t a good sign when a girl starts jawin’ on marriage, but I wasn’t quite set for what was to come. Like everythin’ about Dilly she’d just come out and say it and so she starts telling’ me she intended I was gonna be hers. She reckoned she loved me, she wanted me and she was gonna have me and then she kissed me. Now the kiss was right sweet, but I didn’t start it. Now I reckon Dilly was quite used to havin’ her own way, but with me she was out to lose.

“Next she bought me a real fancy saddle, musta cost her an arm and a leg, being black engraved leather, real top quality hide all ornamented with silver studs. It wasn’t my type at all ’cause I don’t go for fancy stuff. I like a saddle ya can feel at home in when you’re working’. I don’t know how many times I put it in the wagon to take it back to her and then took it out again because I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. So I guess at the time I mighta had some thoughts toward her. I did get a chance to talk to Mother about her and of my thinkin’ toward Dilly and how she made me feel. I know she did make me happy and wanna laugh a lot, but it was mainly ’cause she was childlike and I was laughin’ more at her than with her. It was then with talkin’ to Mother I really knew I didn’t love her and would never have the right feelin’s for her.

“I did know I’d never met anyone quite like her before, but just how, I wasn’t sure at that time. It wasn’t ’til I cottoned on she was the leader of the hold up gang things really went pear shaped and I knew she was something different. I had a dinner date with her and had finally decided to take the saddle back and packed it in the back of the buggy. On the way I was ambushed and shot at and while I was shootin’ back tryin’ to defend myself doesn’t Dilly come along and the attackers flee real sharp, leaving her with me. Things just didn’t seem to add up and that’s when I noticed the way she was cleanin’ her shootin’ iron, the same way the fella did who held up the stage and killed the driver.

“I didn’t have to be a smart city lawyer like my eldest brother to realize who she was. I accused her and she confessed, but then started promisin’ to turn over a new leaf if only I’d have her. To her it was so simple. If I’d marry her she’d give up all the robbin’ and killin’. Now there was no way I could stomach that. Heck I was not only dealin’ with a thief, but she was also a cold blooded killer and I turned her proposal down knowin’ I would have to turn her in to the sheriff. And boy howdy that’s when I learned hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. I’m not sure I understood the meanin’ then, but I sure did later on.

“First I was kidnapped, then I found myself tied up in her cabin, next I was gonna be used when the gang held up the bank in Stockton, but before that, she tried havin’ her way with me. I suppose anything’ was worth a try as far as Dilly was concerned. One of her brothers as I now knew them to be had dropped a lighted cigar which I was able to get hold of and so while she was smotherin’ me with kisses I managed to burn my way through the cords and free myself. I grappled with her, rammin’ my hand over her mouth to quit her squawkin’ and dragged her outside when doesn’t she go and bite into my arm. I’d had enough and just let go of her, jumped on a horse and hightailed it out of there before her brothers joined in, knowin’ there would be time for a reckonin’ later.

“I wasn’t far from home when I heard hoof beats poundin’ after me, I turned off the road and sure enough the Dilly gang were makin’ their way to the Barkley Ranch. I didn’t know what her game was, but I knew she’d be up to no good. I followed them, but kept my distance and by the time I arrived she’d set the straw in the barn alight and I had no idea where her brothers were. I was worried for the horses and rushed into the barn. I should have rung the fire bell, but stupidly I thought I’d try to douse the flames, but Dilly started threatenin’ me and then shot me in the leg. I fell back crackin’ my head and everythin’ went black when I passed out. When I came to, the straw was blazin’ good and I knew I couldn’t fight it so I made to rescue the horses instead. They were spooked and pretty panicky by then. I managed to release them and chase them toward the door out of the barn and at the doorway they collided and trampled on Dilly as she was comin’ back in. I had no idea why she was comin’ back.

“There was nothing’ I could do. I picked her up and carried her outside to safety. She died there in my arms.

“By the time I’d kinda recovered myself, the ranch hands were in the barn and dealin’ with the fire. They managed to get it out before the timber started up. I managed to pick up Dilly and carry her to the house. Somehow it didn’t seem right to leave her out there. I’m not sure Mother knew what was going on when I appeared in the house, but she had me lay the body on the settee in the sitting room and she covered it with a blanket. Nick was sittin’ on one of the chairs holdin’ his head and started cussin’ when he saw the body. This was all happenin’ in the early hours of the morning’ and quite a ruckus had started up. The family had gotten up and Jarrod had come outside after Nick when he’d come out lookin’ for me and found our loud brother sprawled out on the way to the barn. Nick was sufferin’ from a mild concussion and I was shortly gonna be sufferin’ from acute embarrassment.

“Dilly’s bullet had glanced through my thigh. Mother sent one of the hands to fetch the doc. then she insisted on inspecting the wound herself. I reckon that was the first time a disagreement between Mother and me nearly turned into a full blown argument. Mother was not used to anyone saying no to her. She wanted my pants off and I said no. She said I hadn’t gotten anything she hadn’t seen before and I said she hadn’t seen me before and that’s the way it was gonna stay. For a tiny woman she sure had a strong will. I could see her getting’ all wound up and was waitin’ for the mother talk about changin’ my three cornered pants when I was a babe, but I had the answer ready for that, for there was no way I was givin’ in to her demands this time. I’d have sooner gone with Bentell again.

“Eventually a deal was struck before I bled to death in the foyer. Well really it was that smart lawyer brother of mine, ever the diplomat who came up with the deal. Jarrod appeared with a pair of kitchen shears and started cuttin’ the leg off of my pants sayin’, “I assume you have no objection to Mother viewin’ your naked leg.” That broke the tension and we both started laughin’, thinkin’ how ridiculous we were bein’. Mind I still wasn’t gonna remove my pants and that’s where I draw the line to callin’ Mother, Mother.

“Doc. Merar arrived a short while later and after Jarrod helped me to my room he inspected the damage and gave it another cleanin’ and dressed it. He was pleased with the job Mother had made and no infection set in. As it was my leg was sore and stiff and I was confined to the house for a few days while it was healin’ and managed some paper work as well as keepin’ brother Nick company while he nursed his concussion. Nick can’t half be grouchy, just like an old grizzly with the toothache and I still reckon he blames me for the blow to his head.

“One of the men took Dilly’s body into town where it was laid to rest. Without Dilly, the brains of the gang, it wasn’t long before her brothers were captured and servin’ their time out in prison.

“It was a few weeks before my leg was up to working’ again and I rode out with Mother for the first time usin’ the new saddle, perhaps in a final memory of Dilly. That was the only time I used it. I gave it to Audra for the Orphanage Auction Sale. It had been bought out of ill gotten gains and in all good honesty I couldn’t live with that nor keep the saddle. I didn’t need it and I wanted it to be put to good use.

“’cause you have a pretty hard head big brother, you were back to work by the end of the week .

“How’s your head Nick?” Vaguely aware Heath asked. This was the first time Heath had addressed his brother directly since he had asked Nick whether he remembered Dilly.

Hearing his name Nick responded, “What ya say boy, how’s my head what?”

While Heath had been mumbling through his reminiscences over Dilly, Nick had come by Billy and the posse. Nick, relieved at seeing them, had asked one of the posse to ride to Stockton to fetch the doctor to the ranch and then to return to the house to warn Victoria Barkley. Billy and the rest of the men, now sure the gang where holed up in the Low Peaks went back to do more scouting. Having seen Heath, the posse were forewarned as to the danger they would be in and accepted Nick’s warning not to become dead heroes. Billy hoped he would be able to get an idea as to the hideout before he made proper preparations to go in after them.

“The concussion.” Heath replied, concerned for his big brother. Since leaving the posse Heath had stopped shivering and was comfortably nestled in his brother’s arms.

“What concussion Heath? I don’t have a concussion.” In his turn Nick frowned showing concern for Heath realizing his younger brother’s confusion. “You’re rambling Heath,” he stated.

“Did you... find them?” Not realizing what Nick said again Heath changed the subject and asked another question confirming to Nick his opinion about his brother’s confused state.

“Find whom?” Nick replied, almost certain Heath was not talking about the rustlers.

“Find... Dilly’s brothers?” Heath responded with a touch of annoyance knowing how ornery Nick could be and was sure then he felt it in his brother.

“Heath I ain’t been out after Dilly’s brothers, we sorted that mess up months back. Gawd, you sure know how to pick some girls. You had one that was hitched up to God and then you get one that’s more a kin to being hitched to the devil. Comes along wreaks havoc, nearly burning down the barn and gives me one gawd almighty headache.” Nick was not sure how much Heath was understanding so at this moment he thought he would take the opportunity to pretend annoyance and was glad to feel and hear Heath give a little chuckle.

“Where were you... then?” Heath continued vaguely remembering waiting for Nick, but not understanding why.

“I was out chasing after rustlers.” Nick answered, believing it best to humor his brother while he was talking.

“Did you... find any?” Heath asked wondering why Nick would be out chasing after rustlers when he knew Dilly’s brothers were robbers who held up stage coaches or banks, but did not take animals.

“No. But you did.” Nick replied, emphatically.

“Did I?” Heath asked, now very confused, not remembering any rustlers or why he was sitting on a horse in front of Nick or why his shoulder was distressingly painful.

“Yes you did. That’s why you have a slug in your shoulder.” As the cheer he felt earlier waned and because of the manner of the conversation and his growing worry for his brother Nick could feel his mock annoyance changing and growing into real annoyance. “Come on Heath surely you remember,” he found himself irritably spitting out at his brother.

“Can’t remember Nick... It’s no good... Paining Nick... Hurts... a lot...” Heath’s faint voice began to mumble again. He thought he had only been trying to help Nick when he heard the curtness and felt the tension coming from his brother. He could not understand the reason for it. He knew his brother’s temper was rising and thought to try and soothe it. Fighting through the pain in his shoulder for the right words to say, “Vern Hickson!” came tripping smoothly off his tongue. Heath sighed, feeling pleased with himself, not sure what he had said.

That name did it for Nick. Immediately he became contrite understanding it was his worry for Heath that was driving his annoyance which had been sending negative vibes through to his brother. He now realized Heath had no idea what was happening and there was no reason for him to start taking his composite of worry and annoyance out on his young brother. “Vern Hickson? Aw gawd, I’m sorry Heath. It has nothing to do with Vern Hickson. You have a slug in your shoulder which was put there by some rustlers we were tracking. I’m taking you home so the doc. can get it out.” Finishing speaking, he put his hand up to Heath’s forehead to feel the presence of a hot flush of fever.

“ ’see.” A slight nod of his head and Heath responded, feeling his brother’s anger dissolve as he puzzled over what Nick was talking about. He knew Nick was aware Vern Hickson had nothing to do with rustlers. “ ’m dying? Rance Kendell. He had me cold. ’m gut shot.”

“No Heath. You’re not gut shot. You’re going to be all right.” Nick tried to be reassuring, remembering the weeks of anguish the family went through after Heath had shot and killed Rance Kendell’s son. As Heath began thinking about the incident Nick once again prayed for the safety of his brother.

“My shootin’ of Rance Kendell’s son was the start of the mess with Vern Hickson. Of course I didn’t kill the lad deliberately it was self defense. If I hadn’t shot him he’d have killed me. The law abided by self defense, not that it made me feel any better about it. Now I know I’ve done my fair share of killin’ but it’s never easy knowin’ you’ve killed someone.

“Rance Kendell couldn’t accept self defense and until things quieted down some Nick thought on gettin’ me away for a while, so he bought a stallion he said we desperately needed to improve our breedin’ stock and sent me to collect it. I felt like I was runnin’ away, but I know Nick was only doin’ what he thought was right for me and right for all of us.

“Well, I brought the stallion back and Vern Hickson too. I met up with him on the trail back home and then later when he’d gotten himself shot in the arm. That’s when I learnt who he was. I’d heard of him. I knew what he was, a hired killer. Still, I couldn’t leave him on the trail I had to do what I could for him and then I brought him home. Nick was none too pleased about havin’ a killer in the house, but there wasn’t much else I could do. It wasn’t in me to leave him out on the trail to die and I know Nick, even with his mouthin’ off an’ all, he would have done the same as me.

“It wasn’t ’til Hickson was well enough to leave when he asked the way to the Kendell’s spread that Mother and I suspected what he was doing in Stockton. Much to Nick’s chagrin I rode out that night to find Vern and find out what the score was. As we suspected he was out to kill me. Rance Kendell had hired his services. He challenged me there in the bar, slappin’ my face a coupla times tryin’ to goad me into pullin’ my gun out on him. I’m more than sure he’d have been happy for me to draw on him then and there, makin’ the job that much easier for him.

“Well I had no intention of makin’ his job easy and went into town the next day with Audra, but I wasn’t totin’ my shootin’ iron. I knew Hickson’s code. He’d never shoot an unarmed man ’cause it would leave him wide open for a murder charge. I dropped Audra off and unbeknown to me doesn’t she go on up to Vern’s room to plead with him not to kill me. Well this just fell into his hands. He assaulted her knowing I wouldn’t stand for it. He expected me back the next day to respond to the assault on my sister’s virtue.

“I told Mother and Audra I had to face him and it wasn’t ’til later that night I learned from Mother Vern had called it off. I didn’t sleep much that night, wonderin’ what had happened. I realized Mother must have bought him off because there was no way he would forfeit his earnin’s. There was no way I could allow Mother to buy him off because we were in the fortunate position to do so. Before breakfast I asked Mother how much she’d paid Hickson. Boy howdy she told me and to think the folks in Strawberry reckoned I’d never account to much. I was worth six thousand dollars.

“I didn’t have breakfast that morning, I just told my family what I had to do and why I had to do it. I had to try and stop Hickson because if it wasn’t me then another day it would be someone else he was out to kill. Someone who didn’t have the means to pay him off. I knew if I didn’t go out and face him then I would never have been able to live with myself. Nick and Jarrod were all for comin’ with me, but I said it was something’ I had to do. I was sure I had that right and they seemed to understand and they let me go alone.

“I met with Vern way up on the high road. I don’t reckon he expected to see me again. He sure was a smooth talkin’ fella. I told him to get down off of his horse and face me. He wasn’t gonna do that, because he’d been paid not to. I told him again and he was amused by the idea. He reckoned he was ninety nine percent certain he could take me, but there was always the one percent which he couldn’t bank on. No he was gonna take the money and ride. It was then things happened too quick. Vern turned as if to ride off, but then suddenly went for his gun, I instinctively went for mine and there was the sound of three guns going off, all at the same time. I felt the slug burnin’ a hole straight through me from back to front, that was all, there was no pain, not then. With the feel of it I clutched my side as I watched Vern with my slug in him slowly slide fatally wounded to the ground. I turned to see Rance Kendell fall from the scrub and roll down the slope.

“I knelt down to Vern and apologized to him because I thought he was drawing on me. Vern said Kendell had him cold, but I knew it was me Kendell had cold. Vern took out the money Mother had given him and breathed his last. I took the money and stuffed it in my pocket. I went over to Charger and mounted and rode over to Kendell to check on him. I didn’t need to dismount, I knew he was dead by the way his eyes were starin’ vacantly up to heaven. There was only one thing I had to do and that was get home while I could. I could feel the throbbin’ in my side. The pain had started.

“I must have been half way home when the pain became unbearable. I was getting’ hot and I could feel the blood runnin’ from me, down my back and front. Many times I’d seen men gut shot durin’ the war and the endin’ had always been the same. A few days of excruciatin’ agony and then death. I needed to get home. I wanted to get home. Oh how I wanted to get home. I wanted my family with me. I wanted to be with them. But it was no good. Soon I fell from the saddle and lay in the brittle grass, the sun burnin’ down on me and the buzzards gatherin’ in the sky.

“I don’t know whether I lost consciousness or not, but when the sun was at its highest and hottest, Nick was there and Mother and Audra and Jarrod too. I was lifted into a wagon and Nick sat with me wiping’ my face and talkin’ to me and tricklin’ small amounts of water into my mouth, but not enough so as I could drink. I was awake all the way home and I can remember being carried up the stairs and laid on my bed. I remember havin’ my clothes removed and the doc. bein’ there. He cleaned me up and put a bandage round my middle and I could tell by the silence in the room and the look in his eyes he didn’t hold out much hope for me. He’d done all he could. I could hear Nick in the distance givin’ a tirade, but could not tell what he was sayin’. I could hear Mother calmin’ him.

“From then on I was never really in tune with any of them. From then on the hurt ruled my life. The pain was incessant and with me all the time, eatin’ away at me and clawin’ into me, twistin’ and tearin’ at my guts. I was beyond control. I could not stop myself from cryin’ out, I screamed or I cried, the tears ran freely, but there was no relief. I could find no escape.

“In my dreams I seemed to be floatin’, twistin‘, and twirlin’ encased in a myriad of shockin’ colors with my mama or my father or with my army buddies a long time since having left this world, all there by my side. I was searchin’ for peace, but could never find it. Over and over a high pitched screech was shrillin’ through my head. At times there was a bright light which offered hope, but it would disappear before ever I could reach it. Always I dreamt the same and agony was forever my companion.

“There were times when I could see my family sittin’ round my bed and I could see myself there so clearly in their midst curled up tight and yet I was removed and apart from them grimacing’ against the torture. I could see them and myself from any angle, high up, low down, but always the scene was the same. When I was more aware I would look up at each of them, into their faces. I was glad they were there. Always one of them was with me and within reach, yet still they might as well have been a million miles away because I could never make contact.

“In their own way each of them was different. Audra kind, soft and gentle with tears in her eyes telling me to stay. I tried to say I wasn’t going anywhere, but no words came out. Jarrod, a face of reason and concern telling me I belonged and not to leave. I wanted to tell him I knew I belonged I had long past leavin’ but I couldn’t. Nick with a frown of worry telling’ me it was a working’ ranch and I was needed and he could not manage without me. If I’d heard it once I’d heard it hundreds of times. I tried to tell him I knew it was a workin’ ranch and whatever, I would always be there to help him, but he didn’t understand. And Mother, a face of love, tellin’ me I had my father’s guts and never to give up, that I had fought my way into the family and I was going to have to fight my way out. I tried to say ‘I love you’, but I had no voice, only a scream.

“Never was I on my own and always the message from them was the same. “Fight! Fight!” I heard the word wrackin’ through my brain. I didn’t know why I had to fight or who I had to fight, but I knew I had to fight. And day ran into night and night ran into day and I screamed and the tears ran, the torment never endin’.

“Then one morning’, I believed it was morning’ for the night lamp was still lit, though I could hear the birds singing outside, I came to and there was a dull ache in my gut. Suddenly all seemed real. It was bearable and I opened my eyes and there was Mother lookin’ at me with red rimmed teary eyes, a drawn and haggard face, but she was smiling’ and bent forward and kissed me sayin’, “Welcome back Heath.” I didn’t know I’d been anywhere.

“It was a miracle the doctor said. For two whole weeks my family had battled while I had lain close to death. The way I felt I could believe it. Vern Hickson was dead and buried. Rance Kendell was dead and buried. But I had been spared. I was alive. Not well, I was sore, tired and exhausted, but alive.

“From then on in, I slowly recovered, my family there to see me back on my feet. The wound healed and eventually I was well enough to move out of the house though not quite up to workin’. I had a good laugh at Nick’s expense watchin’ him tryin’ to break the stallion he so desperately needed, the one I had brought home. It was a critter more ornery than Nick. Even if it was a plug fit only for the glue pot Nick was determined to keep it because he reckoned, but for that stallion, we might never have been forewarned about Hickson. I wouldn’t have known him ’til the day he drew on me and more than likely I owed my life to the animal. Forewarned was to be forearmed as far as brother Nick was concerned.”

“I had... to give you that... didn’t I Nick?” Heath opened glazed eyes and through the haze stared vacantly down at the three gloved hands, two in black and one in tan and tried to remember what he had said and why he had said it and wondered where the other hand was.

“Look Heath you’re not starting this again.” Although Nick did not want to get embroiled in these disjointed remarks his brother kept coming out with, he was already curious to know what Heath was referring to this time. “I know I’m going to regret this, but what did you have to give me?”

“When Nick?” Heath responded pertly, glad to hear his brother’s voice, always strong and comforting to him.

“Right Heath I’m gonna keep calm. Right here goes. You just said you had to give me that?” Taking a deep breath, Nick waited for the answer.

“Give you what Nick?” Heath asked, wondering what it was Nick expected to be given.

Nick was not the most patient of men in fact he knew he was renowned for being anything but. He also knew how his younger brother could play on this knowledge and work him into a frenzy just for the sheer hell of it and at this moment in time he could not be sure, but he questioned whether Heath was deliberately setting him up again. He knew even in this sickly condition the capability was not beyond his brother. Taking another deep breath, he decided to give Heath the benefit of the doubt and play along with him. He managed to keep his voice down and responded to Heath’s question. “No Heath. It’s what you said. You said “I had to give you that.”

“I said... You had to... give me what?” It was no good, Heath had tried to understand what Nick was talking about, but he could not make sense of it. He did so want to understand Nick because he was not feeling too good and these mind games were not helping the pain in his shoulder or the throbbing that had started in his head.

Another deep breath and Nick raised his voice, but managed to keep his patience, already regretting the first response to his brother. “No Heath. I didn’t say I had to give you that, you said ‘I had to give you that?’”

“Did I?” At last Nick felt relieved thinking he had broken through the wall of confusion.

“Why did I say that Nick?” With blind faith Heath knew Nick would help him understand.

“For crying out loud Heath how the hell should I know? You’re the one who started this conversation.” Exasperated Nick just managed to hold on to his temper, reminding himself Heath was not feeling too good and was probably unaware of what he was saying and that he was not being deliberately cantankerous.

“Was it? Why’d I do that?” Just as Nick had thought, Heath was unaware of what he was saying and just felt he should respond to Nick to let his brother know he was listening to him.

Nick decided not to answer the last question and for a while all went quiet as Heath became mesmerized by the three gloved hands before him. Eventually his mind began to dwell on a horrific pile of discarded amputated limbs he had seen outside a military hospital during the war. Heath started up again with a voice of panic and utter confusion. “Where is my other hand? I can’t find my other hand.” What he saw in his mind’s eye transpired to his thoughts, but he began to speak, sounding more like a distraught child who had mislaid his favorite comfort toy than an amputee victim.

Any other time Nick might have been amused, but not now, “Awww Heath, it’s all right. Your arm is safe inside your jacket.” Compassion rippled through his voice.

“Oh,” Heath said wondering why his arm was inside his jacket.

Seeming to understand his brother’s thoughts Nick continued to explain, maintaining a calm façade for the sake of his alarmed brother. “You have a bullet in your shoulder and your arm is safer inside your jacket.”

“’see... I didn’t... lose... it then?” The younger man asked, relief evident, although he could no longer remember what he thought he had lost.

“No. Of course you didn’t lose it.” Nick allowed himself a small smile and answered.

“What didn’t I lose?” Heath felt compelled to ask another question.

“You didn’t lose your arm.” This time the elder brother gave a slight shake of his head to ward off a sharper response.

“Who lost it then?” Another question from the younger Barkley was forthcoming.

Nick could liken Heath’s questions to those of a young child and surprisingly the elder brother was now feeling comforted by them. It gave him reassurance his brother was still with him, albeit at a different level. “No one lost anything Heath.”

“We did...We lost something Nick... don’t ya... remember?” Seriously, Heath posed another question.

“No Heath.” Nick gave his brother an affectionate squeeze knowing there was more to come.

“We lost the rodeo.” Giving a nod of agreement, Nick wondered where Heath’s thoughts were going to.

“I won’t... be any good... at the rodeo... will I...? ...Sorry Nick.” Heath worried.

“The next rodeo isn’t ’til next year. That’s if we have one? We have plenty of time. I think your arm will be fine by then.” Nick reassured Heath. He could tell Heath’s thoughts were in a shambles and knew another half hour would see them home and sooner to having the bullet removed. Putting his hand in his pocket he found a clean handkerchief. One handedly he removed the cap from the canteen, deftly tipped some water on to the handkerchief and letting the canteen slip began wiping away the beads of sweat from his brother’s face. “There you are Heath. That feel better?”

“ ’s good Nick.” Feeling refreshed Heath went on to ask, “will Joshua be there?” Joshua Watson was an ex slave who had worked for the Barkley’s and had proved himself a capable bronc rider.

“Not next year. I’m afraid not Heath.” Heath sighed and closing his eyes exhausted with talking, leaned back against his big brother. Feeling his brother relax into him Nick urged his mount to extend its walk stride thereby shortening the journey home.

“ ‘Ain’t a rider can’t be throwed and ain’t a horse can’t be rode.’ That’s what Joshua said when he picked his self up off the dirt after havin’ been thrown by Abadden. I wasn’t too keen on him ridin’ the horse, it havin’ already injured two of our hands, but Nick had come home all fired up as though the forge bellows had sparked life into his backside about the rodeo with the Mortons and he wanted to find out how good Joshua was.

“Nick had let himself fall for it again and had ended up this time wagerin’ five thousand dollars on our winnin’ the rodeo. At that moment in time, Nick knew it was pretty useless and yet he had fallen for the Morton’s tauntin’. Along came this ex slave statin’ he was the man who could win it for us. Nick had told him the horse was his if he could break it. He remounted Abadden again and after the second ride the horse was his. Of course Nick was thrilled.

“Now the rodeo had been started a few years back as a friendly competition for us and the Mortons to find common ground to becoming’ more neighborly. Well it was supposed to be friendly. It was a sparrin’ ground for our rivalry. But previous times had shown the Mortons weren’t ones to take to bein’ beaten and were none too keen on becomin’ neighborly either. They would go to any length to win. Even though they had hired all the best wranglers and champion bronc riders Nick had it in him that everything was on target for us winnin’ this time all because we had Joshua.

“Things started heatin’ up. Nick had the men practicin’ and training under Joshua’s guidance and the men were gettin’ right fired up and started to wager on Joshua and us winnin’ too. And then before we got as far as the rodeo, one of our guys was shot by the Mortons on some pretence of spookin’ their cattle. Nick goes chargin’ over there and I had to bring him home after he gets himself all beat up and stomped on by the Morton boys. There he was sportin’ a real humdinger of a black eye, worthy of grillin’ the best prime steak. Jarrod, ever the voice of reason takes himself round to the Morton’s ranch to try reasonin’ with them and don’t he come back with his backside scorched too, more fired up than Nick he was. Boy howdy have I got me two of the most bull headed brothers a little brother could have. I did tell big brother there was no reasonin’ with Rufus, but Jarrod knew better.

“Now the Mortons had sussed out what we were up to and they found out about Joshua. They were even out there watchin’ him through glasses. Sure enough they wanted him as part of their team, but it wasn’t ’til he turned them down and beat J.R. to the draw that they really became sour. I was with Joshua that day and he sure knew how to handle his self.

“Seein’ how fast he was with the shootin’ iron they’d decided Joshua must have been an outlaw and before comin’ round they’d gone as far as to find out who they thought he was. They had no intention of losin’ the rodeo and arrived to tell the family to turn Joshua over to the law. Well before we knew what was happenin’, near enough a full blown range war was startin’ up. If we weren’t gonna turn him in, then the Mortons were. They reckoned he was the black man who’d ridden with Colman’s raiders and was wanted in Phoenix and there was a wanted poster out on him.

“I’d staked out the boys on the North and East Ranges and rode out to meet Nick and the rest of guys on the West. Sure enough along came Rufus and his boys and his men and the shootin’ began. There was no reasonin’ with anyone, their lot or ours. We were exchangin’ bullets, but no one was makin’ any headway. I told Nick I was goin’ to get the other men and leapin’ on my horse I rode off.

“Of course, there was only one casualty on our side that day and that was me. As I rode out I caught a slug in the back of my right shoulder. I felt it rip into me, painin’ down my right arm. I managed to hang on and ride out of there. About ten minutes later I met up with Joshua. I was hurtin’ some, but I didn’t think it was too bad so I sent him over to the North range to fetch up the men to help Nick while I made my way over to the East.

“I never did get over to the East. I reckon I musta fallen off shortly after leavin’ Joshua. I can’t remember much about it ’ceptin’ startin’ to see the world swirlin’ around me. I know I did try hangin’ on in there, but sometimes it just don’t work. Next thing I knew I was sittin’ a front of Nick again on the dun horse of his. The earth had stopped spinnin’, but my shoulder was sure painin’ me and my ears were kinda poundin’ with the sound of Nick’s voice.

“When Nick has somethin’ to say, he sure does let ya know about it. I can remember Nick blatherin’ to me all the way home, telling’ about how Joshua had come ridin’ up and said he was the fella the law was after and he was gonna give his self up. Nick seemed quite acceptin’ of it and he told me he’d promised Joshua the job of foreman when he’d served his sentence. He told how the Mortons stopped their fightin’ satisfied Joshua would not be a contender for the Barkleys and rode off back to their ranch. And then, ’til we were home I was given the full works on how we were still gonna beat the hides off of the Mortons at the rodeo.

“I was kinda hopin’ the rodeo would have been called off, but no, both Nick and Jarrod seemed more determined than ever. I don’t know about reasonin’ with the Mortons, there was no reasonin’ with my brothers. The truth was, the Barkleys didn’t know how to quit either and I guess I had to go along with that too. I have to give it to that loud mouthed brother of mine, he gave it every shot he could. He improved his ridin’ skills no end.

“Of course I was neither use nor ornament at the rodeo. It wasn’t long after gettin’ home that Doc. Merar arrived and removed the bullet. It hadn’t really done much damage. The doc. reckoned it had ricocheted off of a rock and had carried grit and cloth into the wound. He cleaned it up best he could and bandaged it with a poultice. By the middle of the night I was runnin’ a fair fever. My shoulder was painin’ me somethin’ bad and my bedclothes were soaked. I couldn’t think why I was in a wet bed. It’s weird how you can remember some thin’s, but not everythin’. I know I was real hot and then I’d be freezin’, sweatin’ and shiverin’ even and every time I pushed away the sheets someone would put them back. I can remember battling’, but I don’t know who with. I remember keep tellin’ them to leave me alone and a loud voice tellin’ me to hush up. I reckon that musta been Nick. I can remember them tryin’ to drown me. Of course they were only tryin’ to get me to drink, but it didn’t seem like it at the time. Then someone would be washin, me down, real cool it was, felt real good, but I don’t like to think who that might have been.

“I think it was about three days before I was back to reality. The wound had settled down and the poultice they’d kept replacin’ had been effective and had cleaned out what the doc. couldn’t.

“When I was up and about I went out to cheer on Nick and the men in their trainin‘. Well the rodeo eventually came by and the Mortons won again, but I was proud of Nick. He put his all into it and he won some of the rounds, but I’m afraid our team were no match for the Mortons. Nick took it graciously and so did Jarrod. Yep I was proud of Nick, I was proud of both my brothers. One day we will win, perhaps when Joshua is with us. I look forward to that day. Of course our relationship with the Mortons hasn’t improved none. So much for a friendly competition to manage the rivalry between both the families.”

“We’re home.” With his voice, Nick nudged his brother back to awareness.

Heath responded and opened his eyes and looked at the big white mansion before them as together the brothers rode through the gate. “Home... we’re home... glad Nick. ’m... glad to... be... home.” Nick clearly heard the pleasure and contentment Heath expressed in those few words. “Never... had a... home for all... them... years.. after the war... just wandered... aimlessly... much like... a tumbleweed... blowin’ in... the wind, ’til... I came here.”

Nick nodded, “I know Heath you told me before.”

Heath took no notice of Nick and continued to talk remembering back to when he first arrived at the ranch. “When my mama... died... and I found... out who... my father was... I was good and mad... and I came here... I wanted to see… where... the great... Tom Barkley lived... And I wanted... to see his family... and my family... ’cause you was mine too.”

Nick responded, “You found us” he said pleased.

“Yes... I found you... But… it wasn’t right.” Heath felt the need to explain.

“What you mean it wasn’t right?” Nick asked affronted by the remark and thinking his brother was rambling again although not in the same fragmented way he had earlier.

“I only... wanted to see... was all... ’ had… no intention of… telling ya... I thought I could... get a job... and then after… a month or so... I’d move on.” Heath confessed.

“I see.” Nick was hearing this for the first time and his eyebrows came together in puzzlement as he too started rememberin’ back to when Heath had come to them.

“I hadn’t... counted on you.” Heath stated. “You can’t... half get mad,” he chuckled.

“What you mean counted on me?” Nick asked.

“You... coming into the bunkhouse... and dragging me off to the barn... ya know... and getting me.. all riled up an’ all... so as I’d spout out to ya... who I was.” Heath explained.

“Are you telling me you weren’t hankering after anything?” Nick was bemused by the confession.

“Yes... I didn’t... want anythin’... I never gave stayin’... a thought... ’ceptin’ to work as a hired hand...” In the few years he had lived with his family he had never mentioned this and but for the condition in which he currently found himself, it would not have been disclosed at this moment either.

“Well it didn’t sound like that the way you went on in the study with Jarrod, Eugene and me. You sure were making some demands then all right. ” Nick objected not understanding what he was being told.

“I know... Nick... But that... was ’cause... you made me… good and mad.” Heath continued to explain.

“Now hold on here, you came back later that night to get that money Jarrod offered ya. The money ya stuffed in a glass. If ya didn’t want anything then what was that about?” Nick could not believe what Heath was telling him.

“I’d been... with Audra... and she knew who I was... and I’d said I was gonna use... the name... none of you... could stop me from using that... was all I wanted... and... while I was out... there watchin’ the fire... I got to thinkin’... it was a mistake... my leavin’ the money... It was just my stupid pride... I needed it... hadn’t two cents to rub together... That’s why... I came back... To get it.... I was leavin’... and I wouldn’t be seein’ you again...” As he heard himself it seemed ridiculous that he should have thought that way then.

“You mean if I hadn’t attacked you that night then the possibilities are you’d have stayed a short while and then one day you’d have ridden off and we’d have never known who you were and I’d never have known you was my brother. Is that what you’re telling me Heath?” With quiet astonishment, Nick finally understood what his brother was saying.

“That’s the way of it.” Heath gave a slight nod. “Yep... that’s the way of it,” he repeated. “Thank you Nick... for beatin’ it out of me... for givin’... me a home… for taking me in... bein’ my brother... for bein’ here for me... ’s good... real good.”

Nick had not realized the significance of his attack on Heath that night and grunted as Heath, due to the way he was feeling started thanking him in a maudlin way.

“Well Heath if that was the result, then I’m only too glad I did. To think if I’d kept my hands to myself at the time I’d have more than likely got what I was after and gotten rid of you. I never learn do I? Act first and think later.” He laughed out loud and gave Heath a brotherly squeeze as the pair of horses halted outside the front door. “Ya sure are plenty free with your jawing when you’re toting a slug around inside of ya. Takes a lump of lead to get ya greased up enough to fess out information. Well brother, we’re home and we have to get you into it.”

It was not the first time he had been brought home sitting in front of his brother on his horse and Heath allowed himself to fall forward over the saddle horn knowing the procedure. Nick dismounted and walked round to the other side of the horse and pushed Heath’s right leg up and back to rest on the animal’s rump. “Ciego,” he called out, but no one responded. “Never here when you need him,” he complained, moving back round to the near side. “Right Heath, hold on. You ready?” He had his left hand ready and pulled with his right hand at Heath’s right leg bringing it toward his left and then held onto the body as it slid downward until his brother was standing. “Right Heath put your arm over my shoulder and we’ll get into the house.” Heath complied and with Nick’s arm round his brother’s back, together they made it into the house.

“Mother, Silas.” Nick yelled, leading Heath toward the stairs.

“No... Nick.... Too tired... in the sittin’ room....... please,” Heath quietly expressed his desire.

Silas appeared as Nick and Heath made their way toward the sittin’ room. “Mr. Nick, Mrs. Barkley is not in and the doctor was on a call at the Wallace’s and will be here shortly.”

“Thank you Silas. Can you fetch a pillow and a cover, oh, and some warm water and a cloth please.” Nick intended making his brother comfortable and clean before Dr. Merar arrived. Silas took it on himself to remove Heath’s backward slanted but firmly fitting hat before rushing off to deal with Nick’s requests.

Nick removed his own jacket and hat and threw them on to a chair before removing the fleecy jacket from his brother. Then he began to carefully peel away the bloodied shirt from Heath as he sat on the settee. “Don’t forget... my gun belt.” Heath winced.

“No Heath.” Nick immediately responded by undoing the belt.

“’cause it’s not the first time... you’ve forgot it.” Heath feigned seriousness.

“Any more of this back chat and you can do it yourself.” Nick glowered at his brother with his hazel eyes full of concern. “How’s it feeling?” with a slight nod of his head he indicated toward Heath’s shoulder.

“Hurts,” was all Heath said as Silas arrived carrying a bowl of water.

“Thank you.” Nick took it and Silas went off to fetch the bedding.

“Okay. I’ll try not to hurt you more.” Nick began to gently wash away the dried blood.

“You’re always... Takin’ care of me.” Heath stated drowsily with trust and contentment as his leaden eyelids closed. “You remember Midas?”

“Do I remember Midas? How could I forget it ?” Nick replied remembering only too well the two nights and a day worrying and wondering where his brother was. Silas returned with the bedding and realizing Heath was no longer with them, together they laid him down and made him comfortable on the settee and Nick continued with his gentle ministrations, looking at the small angry hole which was no longer bleeding, knowing too well the damage it could cause. When he finished, Silas fetched more clean water and Nick wiped and refreshed his brother’s face before sitting to watch over him while waiting for the doctor to arrive.

“There had been a cave in at the Midas mine. Twenty five men had been killed. I was ridin’ out there to meet Nick. I’d been away a week on business and Nick had wired me lettin’ me know what had happened. I’d left Marinet and was half way to Midas. I decided to spend the night campin’ and to get to Midas to meet Nick in the mornin’. I was quite settled when Charger started gettin’ restless. I knew somethin’ was up, but couldn’t figure it. Then this fella walks on into camp as large as life leadin’ his lame horse. He’s right friendly in a way I couldn’t trust. He starts on about wantin’ to buy my horse and he wasn’t for takin’ no for an answer. Well before much longer he was lyin’ dead with a couple of my bullets in him and I was passin’ out, not feelin’ too good with one of his slugs in my side.

“When I came to, I knew I had to get to Midas or there’d be no hope for me. For some reason I was determined to take the Dutton pay roll money with me that the fella had obviously stolen. Nick wasn’t there to help me this time and I don’t know how I did it, but I managed to get a top of Charger and made my way toward Midas. I know I wasn’t in a good way, but somehow I managed to hang on in there ’til I reached the town. If I thought I was in a nightmare before, it was nothing to what was gonna be happening next.

“I passed out as I rode up the high street and after that all I can remember is a real bad pain and bad dreams. I can vaguely remember hearin’ Nick’s voice though I was not sure what he was sayin’. I tried to call to him, but someone covered my mouth so as I could hardly breathe. I know I wasn’t feelin’ too good. Then I can remember more voices, a man and a woman. I was being lowered from somewhere ’cause I can remember the pressure on my chest and the pain and pullin’ on my side. Then I was bein’ half carried and dragged at one stage.

“I know I had a fever at some time too ’cause I always remember the weird kinda dreams that torment me. I’m never quite in control of things and my head’s always swimmin’ in a sickly kinda way. I can remember seein’ Audra, but for some reason she had dark hair. I kept hopin’ she would help me escape, but from where, I didn’t know. Then there was the fella who tried to steal Charger, he was dead, but he was still wantin’ to buy him. I couldn’t find Nick anywhere. I had the shakes real bad at one time an’ all.

“I did come to, but I had no idea where I was besides being in a bed. There were two women lookin’ at me. I was real confused. I wasn’t sure where I was ’til one of them said Midas and it came back to me. I knew I had to meet Nick, but one of the women kept goin’ on about hidin’ me and that she knew who I was and what I’d done. I was gettin’ frightened ’cause I knew who I was, but I didn’t know what I’d done or what they were goin’ on about. I didn’t feel too good. I wanted Nick.

“I told them who I was. “Heath Barkley” I said. I could tell that didn’t go down too well. I started cryin’ out for Nick. I couldn’t tell what was goin’ on then. I just knew I needed to get out of there. I tried, I know I tried. I managed to get out of the bed, but only took about one stride before passing out. Can’t remember too much after that. I seemed to have been dragged down some stairs and I can remember wakin’ up and bein’ shaken. I was travelin’ in a wagon, I knew that much. I could tell by the sound, the smell and the jostlin’ of it. I don’t know how long I was in the wagon ’cause I lost what senses I had.

“The next time I woke up I was in a mine shaft. No mistakin’ that. I could smell the dank air and the rotten timber before I opened my eyes. Someone had thought on leavin’ a lighted lantern otherwise I know I’d have panicked. Never did like bein’ down them dark mines.

“My side was still painin’ though it was kinda numb now. I couldn’t rightly think what had happened to it. I wasn’t sure if I hadn’t been caught in a cave in down the mine. I know I had the desperate feelin’ I had to get out of there. Managin’ to get to my feet and usin’ the wall for support, I made my way toward the air, toward where the light was comin’ in. I found the entrance, but was blinded by the sun light. Next I knew, there was shootin’ and it seemed as though I was the target. Panic took over then. I managed to force myself back inside the mine. It was dark beyond the lantern and I grabbed it to light my way. Then there was more shootin’ and bullets passin’ by me, bouncin’ off the walls. I smashed the lantern and made my way further and deeper into the mine. It was dark and I was barely able to see. Stumblin’ into an ore truck, I hid behind it and listened. I listened real hard. I knew my life depended on it. My heart was beatin’ real loud I was sure it would be heard.

“I could hear the fella comin’ after me pass by and move further along the shaft. I could see the light comin’ from his torch. It could only be a little time before he found me. I grappled with the brake on the truck. I knew what I had to do. I don’t know whether it was ’cause I was weak or the brake was rusted, but it was real hard to release. It creaked and the fella heard it. I could see the light comin’ back toward me. I was panickin’. The brake finally gave and I fell into the truck startin’ it off down the track, further into the mine toward the torch.

“I heard the rumble and fall of rocks and timber as the shaft caved in and then all went quiet. The dust settled. There was no light and I hoped the fella had been trapped by the fall. I thought to get myself out of there, but I heard more rumblin’ and then the timbers around me started fallin’. There was no escape. As the dust settled I was trapped. I could feel the timber lyin’ across me. Not heavy so as I was injured, but enough that I couldn’t move. Almost for as long as I can remember this is what I dreaded, being trapped, alone and dyin’ slowly in the dark, below ground. I wanted to cry out for Nick, but knew it was useless. “Why couldn’t it have killed me?” I thought and resigned myself to fate.

“I thought I was dreamin’. That I was imaginin’ it. I heard my name. I heard the voice. I felt my tears. I felt his hands. Nick was there. It was real. He was real. He started to move the timbers and managed to release me. He didn’t check to see if I was okay, he just lifted me and together we made it out of the mine before the mountain moved again burying us both.

“I could stand no longer and he lowered me to the ground. My eyes cleared. “Thanks Nick,” I said looking’ at him. I was safe. My fears were over. I knew Nick would take care of me and I let sleep claim me.

“I woke. A dull ache gnawin’ at my side and a sound I knew only too well from campin’ out durin’ cattle drives or round ups was drawin’ me to awareness. I was lyin’ on my side and I opened my eyes. The drapes had not been drawn and I looked out through the window at the stars in the clear night sky glad to know I was no longer trapped in the mine. The night lamp was lit and the sound of grunts and sniffles were comin’ from behind me. With care I turned to look at my brother in a chair, his hands on his belly, his legs stretched out and his head lolled back as he drove the cattle home. The sight looked good. This time it was me who watched him only too thankful he had gotten me out of the mine and thankful I had a brother like him. I knew I was safe. At peace, shortly I fell asleep.

“Next time I opened my eyes I knew I was in a Doc.’s and that it was probably in Midas, clean and comfortable and warm in a bed with a dull ache in my side, a few aches and pains else where, a mite light headed and Nick sittin’ there lookin’ at me. Those big soft puppy dog eyes questionin’ me. “S’okay Nick I managed to utter.” It was what he wanted to hear and he smiled.

“It seems after I passed out, Nick had tried to get me to drink some water and then with help from some fellas who were gathered outside the mine he had gotten me on to the dun and ridden with me back to Midas and to the doc’s.

“The doc. was in the room and seein’ I was awake, came over to check on me. He explained I still had a bullet inside of me, but he was loathe to take it out for fear of causing more damage. The wound seemed clean and had started to seal up. I had lost a fair amount of blood which would make me tired and light headed and I would need to drink plenty to make it up. Any fever I may have had was more or less gone and he felt sure the wound would heal well. He was satisfied with it, but intended I should stay at his surgery for a good few days so he could keep his eyes on it. Seein’ Nick frownin’ I asked more questions as much for his sake as mine. “The bullet will be all right.” “You will feel it now and again.” “It might work it’s way to the surface.” “No it’s not in a position to cause lead poisonin’.” “Your fever is way down, I think it will settle now.” “Yes you should check up with your own doc. when you get home.” He told us.

“I wasn’t too sure about carryin’ this bullet around, but I’m still here and it’s been fine ever since. ’ just get a twinge now and again.

“Nick explained the nightmare to me saying how Hannah Kendall had thought I was the guy who had stolen the Dutton payroll and had intended on hidin’ me from Dutton. Then when she found out who I really was, she’d dumped me in the mine and left a note for Dutton tellin’ him I was the robber and lettin’ him know where he could find me. She was grievin’ for her dead husband and wanted to take her revenge out on the Barkleys. In some way I could understand her, but Nick wasn’t havin’ any of it. That was Dutton that was shootin’ at me in the mine. It was him who was killed when the shaft caved in. Somehow I can’t say I was sorry about that.

“Nick had been worryin’ and searchin’ for me, havin’ ridden all the way to Marinet and back throughout the night before findin’ the camp site, my gun and belongin’s and sussin’ out what had happened to me. Hannah Kendall owned up and told Nick where I was. Nick was only too glad to find me and alive too. I can’t say I was sorry either.

“I could tell Nick had really gotten his self all wound up and it took him a while to wind down. We stayed in Midas ’til I was feelin’ stronger and was up to travelin’. When I was feelin’ better we moved into the hotel and I rested up there, takin’ the time to discuss and decide what to do about the mine and gettin’ to know Nora, Hannah Kendall’s sister who had tried to help me. When I was up to it Nick still fussin’ over me like a mama cow with her new born calf drove me home in a buggy. Thanks to Nick I was goin’ home and boy was I glad. There was a time I might have been the twenty sixth grave in Midas.

“Twenty six graves ... or is it... twenty seven?” Startled by his own voice he opened his eyes and wearily stared through a fog at his brother. Eventually as his eyes focused he could not help himself from speaking. “Always looking out... for me... aren’t ya Nick?” His voice was quiet and faltering.

“What ya say boy?” Nick woken out of a trance boomed out watching as Heath grimaced.

“Just thinking Nick... was all... just thinking,” he uttered and smiled at his brother the crooked smile which could say so much. “Good job... I was awake,” he teased.

“Some time, some day, some where I must have done something good to deserve all this. A home, a family and a brother like Nick.”

Heath heard himself saying, “Thank you Nick... that’s all... just thank you... for being my brother... is all,” For the first time in hours his mind seemed cognizant.

“Quit ya maudlin Heath. I’m your brother and that’s all there is to it.” Nick responded with awkwardness, putting his hand to his brother’s forehead to monitor the fever he was sure his brother was harboring and was pleasantly surprised when he felt it much cooler than it had been. As it was, he still felt bound to give Heath another refreshing wipe and took the cloth from the water and began squeezing it out when there was a knock at the door. Silas quickly answered it and saw the doctor into the sitting room.

“Afternoon Nick,” Doctor Merar said approaching the settee while putting his hand forward to shake that of Nick Barkley. “Heath” he nodded toward the younger Barkley. “I’m sorry I’m late I got caught up at the Wallace’s.”

Nick placed the cloth back in the water as the doctor turned to inspect Heath’s gunshot wound. “How are you feeling Heath?”

“All right,” came the quiet expected reply.

“All right!!?” Nick exploded and Dr. Merar would have been startled had he not been forewarned by the exasperated intake of air before the voice rang out. As it was Heath flinched while managing to give the doctor a faint apologetic smile. “And Charger’s a prime Hereford bull and I’m your sainted aunt.” Nick boomed, moving forward and glowering down at his brother who now displayed a pitiable mask. “He’s been rambling most of the way home and if he wasn’t rambling to me he was out of it gabbling to god only knows who else. ’til we arrived back here the boy hasn’t known who he is, where he is, or even what he is.”

“Is that right Heath?” The doctor composed himself and rephrased his question and Heath giving a small nod displayed a faint crooked smile of remorse.

“He’s cooled down a lot now, but I reckon he had a good fever going earlier and the bullet’s paining him too, although I doubt he’ll admit that either.” Nick continued articulating as the doctor checked Heath’s vitals.

“Nick could you find me an upright chair to sit on. I may as well take the bullet out now.” Doctor Merar said, pulling a small table over to his right and took out from his bag the instruments he needed for the operation. “It’s all right Heath we’ll soon have you right.” He said reassuringly, aware of the volatile Barkley agitatedly hovering behind him. Silas as always, prepared had brought in a bowl of warm water and a towel so the doctor could wash his hands. Soon the physician began digging for the bullet with his alcohol cleaned instruments. Fully occupied Nick held a glass chimney over his cotton gauze covered brother’s mouth and nose ready to deposit extra drops of chloroform if Heath started to show signs of coming round.

Less than quarter of an hour and the doctor was dropping the small lump of lead into a jar, pleased with the extraction. Nick removed the chimney and while his patient was out, the doctor cleaned the wound, swabbed away the recent blood and stitched up the enlarged injury leaving a small drain hole at the lowest part. Then, having completed the bandaging he started tapping his patient on the cheeks, trying to elicit a waking response.

In a short while Heath was awake and gradually becoming more aware and opened his blurry eyes. “Right Heath the bullet is out. It was not quite in the joint, but not far off so the joint fluid is intact you’ll be pleased to know. It went in at an angle and was wedged under the joint. You’ll be sore for a while, but so it doesn’t seize up I want you to move your arm without working it. You still have a bit of a fever and it’s hard to know which way it will go. I think any confusion or shivering and sweating you’ve been having was partly due to that and probably your body’s reaction to the bullet and blood loss. You have lost a fair amount and so you’re going to feel weak and tired for a while. You must rest up for a few days and drink plenty of fluids to make up your blood. I’ll call in tomorrow and check on you.”

“Thanks doc.” Heath murmured and Nick grunted.

Doctor Merar picked up the jar which held the offending bullet and held it out to the two younger men. “I have a feeling this here is the very last bullet I have had to dig out of you son. I don’t think there will be any more. I think it was the last bullet you’ll have felt here in the big valley. I suggest you frame it or put it in the glass cabinet,” earnestly the good doctor said, handing the jar containing the small lead item over to a perplexed Nick.

Both brothers, thinking the doctor might be contemplating retirement, asked, “what makes you say that?”

“Trust me boys, I have a feeling about these things and I’m seldom wrong, ” he said giving a knowing look.

“I hope you’re right.” Nick responded without giving it much thought, but Heath was already musing over the doctor’s prophecy which to him portended impending doom.

“I think I’ll be looking elsewhere for my money in future. You Barkleys have sure kept me in pocket, especially since you came to live here Heath.” Dr. Merar made to laugh and then told his patient to take heed of his instructions before making toward the door. “All right Nick. I will show myself out. Good day to you.” And with that the doctor left the brothers thinking on his words.

“What the doc. said.” Heath began with a frown.

“Huh hum?”

“What you reckon... he meant Nick?” continued Heath, looking worried. “I have... a bad feelin’ in the gut... about it... I get the feelin’... something bad is... gonna happen with me.”

“ Bad? Am I hearing this? What do you think has been happening to you most of the time? Just as far as this last year goes, you’ve been shot in the leg by that damned dangerous Dilly woman, not to mention the crack I got on the head, then you flaming well nearly died with a lump of lead through your gut from Rance Kendall, then you’re the only one who gets his self shot by the Mortons. All them fellas we employ and you’re the only one who gets hurt. Not satisfied with that you get yourself shot and disappear for a couple of days when you was supposed to be meeting me in Midas and had me worried half to death and now you’re laid up again after attracting another lump of lead. If you’re not going to an early grave you’re driving me to one. No little brother I’m more than happy with what the doc. said. Perhaps I’ll get some peace after this?” Nick made his statement relieved and wanting to believe Heath was going to be all right from then on. “Look Heath, I’m more than happy to believe what the doc. said.”

“I guess so... I do hope so too... I suppose I have had me a year.” Exhausted and sore, Heath relaxed back into the pillow, not altogether satisfied with Nick’s response, for he still had a bad feeling niggling away at him.

A short while later the front door opened and Victoria Barkley arrived home followed by Stockton’s ex sheriff Harry Bodine. Immediately her eyes fell upon the bandaged and prone body of her blond son lying on the settee. “Heath,” she called out as she approached, concern obvious on her face. “Hea...”

“Aw, I’m all right just lost a little blood is all.” Giving a small crooked smile, Heath reassured his concerned mother.

And the rest is history…