Back at the ranch while Barrett is patrolling the West Ridge with Heath he starts noticing a few of the cattle stirring about, “Something seems to be riling them up,” he says, “Let’s take a look.”

Replying, “Yes sir,” Heath goes with him. As Barrett is checking on the stirring cattle he doesn’t hear the rattling sound that is coming nearby until his horse suddenly begins pulling back, “Whoa there,” he calls out, “Whoa!”

Turning to see what all the commotion is about Heath tries swinging around the departed cows which have just plowed through a portion of the makeshift fence and ponders what to do. Then catching a glimpse of movement from behind a rock in somewhat tall grass about 5-6 feet away from Barrett’s horse and slithering towards the grassy fields that leads to a babbling brook he calls out, “Look out!”

As the snake continues slithering and rattling Barrett’s horse furiously squeals about. Bucking with all its might the horse screams and rears up on his hind legs. Barrett trying to hold onto the reins couldn’t stop the force of being tossed out of the saddle and landing heavily onto the dirt on his rump. The horse immediately moves away from the approaching snake. As Barrett sits there in shear fear he watches in horror as the snake slithers towards him from his left.

Thinking quickly Heath immediately dismounts, grabs his rifle and runs toward the snake and Barrett who is still mesmerized at the slithering snake not taking his eyes off of him as it’s head comes up and as it is just about to strike Heath brings up his rifle, aims at his target and just seconds from reaching a frozen Barrett he quickly fires at it. Hitting it, he and Barrett watch as the bullet penetrates its target dropping him in his track. Going over to Barrett who is still staring at what is now left of the dead form of the snake next to him still flabbergasted at what just took place, Heath asks, “You okay?”

Nodding his head, “Yes,” Barrett replies, “Thank you,” as he is being helped up on his feet from Heath while still looking down at the remains of the unmoving snake, “I was almost a goner. That was a good shot,” as he brushes the dirt off the back of his pants. Heath stands there holding his rifle slung over his shoulders in his hands. Noting the runaway cows, “We better get after them,” Barrett then says, “We better get after them. Come on,” and quickly retrieving his hat from off the ground Heath nods his head and returns the rifle to its scabbard.

Going over to his horse Barrett grabs hold of the reins and begins patting him on the nose as he soothingly calms him down. Once he has settled down Barrett then says as he mounts up, “Come on Thor; we have some work to do.”

After mounting up Heath and Barrett go after the straggling cattle that took off and as they reach an empty field going towards a line of trees Barrett instructs Heath to go one way while he goes the other and they’ll circle back around. Nodding his head and separating Barrett heads right while Heath goes left.

Working together they shout, “Yah! Git!” as they manage to round up the ones that broke free and drive them back to the rest of the herd. Noticing the broken fence, “We better get that fixed up,” Barrett instructs, “Come on.”

Dismounting they pitch in with fixing up the fence pounding it back into the ground and then after wiping their brow and forehead with the sleeve of their shirts, “Boy,” Barrett says, “That took years off of me, we better go check on them again making sure all are accounted for. Let’s go!”

Replying, “Yes um,” Heath and Barrett once again mount up and circle around checking to see the cattle are all accounted for with Heath taking the east side while Barrett does the west. Meeting back up, “Did any get out?”

“Not that I could see,” Heath answers, “All here.”

“Let’s check one more time,” Barrett insists, “We need to be sure. Nick won’t like it if any did” and separating they check on them one more time to be certain.

Back in town after finishing their dinner and paying for it Josie and Nick leave the Cattleman’s Club and walk down the street to the playhouse. Glancing up at the stars, “Nice night,” Nick says to Josie. Smiling, “Yes it is,” Josie replies.

Reaching the Stockton Playhouse and after purchasing two tickets for the show they go in. Finding a table close to the front nearest the stage they sit. The waiter comes by and serves them each a drink. Upon putting them down Nick gives him a coin from his pocket. As the curtain goes up they take sips of their drink. Once the show begins they sit there until it’s over with. After it finishes they get up and after standing there clapping the cast comes out and takes a bow. A couple minutes later they leave.

Standing outside the theatre, “That was an interesting play,” Josie points out.

“It was indeed,” Nick comments. Josie then asks, “Did it scare you at all?”

“Not in the least,” Nick states, “But they did a good job with it.”

“Yes they did,” Josie admits as they slowly go up the road, “What are you gonna do now,” she then asks.

“It’s getting late,” Nick mentions, “I need to be heading back to the ranch have work in the morning. I must say it was an enjoyable evening.”

“I have to agree,” Josie replies. Nick then offers to escort her home in which she gratefully accepts. And upon retrieving their horses from the livery Nick goes with Josie to her home to which he bids her goodnight and then continues on to his own ranch.

Back at the ranch Barrett and Heath are still on the West Ridge. Noticing the time, Barrett informs Heath they have one more hour before they could turn in and asks, “How does that sound?” to which Heath answers, “Fine.”

Returning home Nick gets Coco settled in for the night and then walks in the front door. Realizing no one is home except Silas who is probably asleep he does a fast check of the house going from room to room making sure everything is a-okay before distinguishing the lamps and quietly going into the kitchen. Seeing the door to Silas’ room is closed he ascends the back stairwell.

Patrolling the West Ridge and noting it is now 11:15 pm and no one showing up, “I wonder where are replacements are?” Barrett asks of Heath, “It’s after 11; they should be here by now.” Heath replies, “Not know.”

Pondering his options, “Tell you what,” Barrett says, “You stay here and wait for them to come and I’ll go back. When they show up, you could go. Maybe I will catch up with them along the way, okay?” Heath replies, “Okay.”

Barrett then tells him, “Now don’t leave until they come. If you leave before they do, Nick will have your head and you don’t want that.”

“No,” Heath replies. Bidding him goodnight Barrett leaves Heath alone to wait for the next shift to arrive.

Back at the house after using the bathroom and finishing what he has to do Nick goes to his room changes into his nightshirt and gets in under the covers.

While both Nick and Silas are sound asleep in their warm beds, Heath is up at the West Ridge patrolling and waiting for his replacement to show up.

Monday January 23rd 1871

It is now past midnight and Heath continues circling around checking on the cattle on the West Ridge going from one side to the other still waiting for his replacements to come. Once or twice his eyes close before reopening them.

Not knowing the time it is now 4:45 am and Heath is still waiting and circling around checking on the cattle when two riders show up, “Heath,” one rancher Hank calls out to which Heath replies, “Yes um.”

“Were you here all night?” Hank asks. Heath replies again, “Yes um.”

“Bobby was right then,” Mike says to Hank.

“Where are Sam and Austin?” Hank asks, “They were supposed to relieve you.”

“Not know,” Heath replies.

“No one came by to relieve you at all?” Hank asks. Heath replies, “No sir.”

“They must’ve stayed in town or something,” Mike speculates.

“That’s what I was thinking,” Hank says, then noticing the lopsided fence somewhat tipped over Hank goes over to it and upon testing it out, “Heath, what happened here?” he asks.

“Broke” Heath replies “Cows went out of here. Barrett and I fixed it.”

“Did any cows get away?” Hank wanted to know.

“They did,” Heath replies, “We got them back.”

Going over to Heath, “Heath,” Mike tells him, “We’ll take over now. You go back and when you get there have Duke come here. Tell him it’s important; also tell him to bring a couple of hammers.”

Replying, “Yes um,” Heath rides away while Mike and Hank remain.

“Let’s make sure they’re all accounted for,” Mike informs Hank.

“Right,” Hank responds as he and Mike go to check on them.

Back at the house Nick comes down the stairs dressed for the day and upon greeting Silas who is standing there by the window looking out, “What’s out there?” he asks.

Sighing, “Oh nothing,” Silas then says, “Looking to see if Mr. Heath was coming up the walk.”

“Why would he be doing that?” Nick wanted to know.

“He’s not in his room,” Silas mentions, “And I’d check outside to see if he was coming. Breakfast is ready and Mrs. Barkley told me to make sure you boys ate.”

“Do you see him out there?” Nick inquires.

“No,” Silas then asks of him, “Did you sleep well, Mr. Nick?”

“Slept like a log,” Nick answers. Silas then asks, “Did you enjoy yourself?”

“I must say I did,” Nick then says, “Seeing he’s not coming how about if you bring me my breakfast then.”

“Yes Mr. Nick,” Silas answers disappointedly, “Right away,” and while he heads for the kitchen Nick goes into the dining room and takes a seat at the table and waits patiently for breakfast to be served in which Silas comes in bringing him scrambled eggs, toast, bacon with coffee and a glass of orange juice.

As Nick thanks him “As soon as Mr. Heath comes in I will get his” Silas replies with Nick telling him “You do that” as he quietly eats by himself enjoying his freshly brewed coffee and gulping down his glass of juice.

Walking in the bunkhouse’s kitchen area Barrett gets his breakfast of oatmeal and raisins and joins Oscar who is the only one in the room at the moment. Exchanging goodmornings Oscar then asks, “You just wake up?”

“I guess I must’ve overslept,” Barrett notes.

Noting the time, “I guess so,” Oscar says, “Must’ve been that late shift you ran last night.” Barrett says, “Must be. Where is everyone else?”

“Scattered,” Oscar explains, “Went off to their assignments or whatever. How was it working with the Barkley bastard last night?”

“Went alright,” Barrett says, “Just made the best of it.”

Nodding his head, “I guess that is all you could do,” Oscar replies, “Seeing you got roped up with the likes of him.”

“True,” Barrett then says, “We better hurry up. Nick doesn’t like it if we are late.”

“That’s for sure,” Oscar states as he and Barrett finish their breakfast in silence.

Returning to the dining room “Still no Mr. Heath?” Silas asks of Nick shrugging his shoulders saying “Guess not. He must know I don’t like his coming in here late.”

“I suppose” letting out a sigh Silas then tells Nick “Have a good day Mr. Nick” who then replies “See you later” getting up and going out the door not noticing the disappointed expression on Silas’ face as he heads out.

As Heath walks in the barn he is greeted by Duke who is getting the wagon hitched up. After returning the greeting Duke says, “You’re up early aren’t you?”

“I am,” Heath answers.

“Did you and Gal have a nice ride together?” Duke asks of Heath who replies, “We did,” as he pets her. As Duke asks him if he’s ready to go Heath says, “Uh Duke.”

“Yes Heath,” Duke replies. Heath then informs him, “Hank and Mike would like for you to come out to the West Ridge. They need to see you, said to tell you it’s important and said to bring a couple hammers.”

“Tell you what,” Duke says, “You take the wagon over to the creek while I go and find out what they want and then I will meet you there. How’s that sound?”

“Sounds fine, Duke,” Heath replies. Duke then asks, “Have you seen Nick this morning?” Heath replies, “No, I haven’t.”

“Well finish what you need to do with Gal” Duke says “And I will see you in a few minutes alright?” As Heath replies “Alright” Duke grabs one of the horses and after saddling him up he grabs two hammers and heads out towards the West Ridge while Heath takes care of Gal.

As he is bringing the wagon out into the open he catches sight of Nick who is walking towards him saying, “You’re up early.” Heath replies, “Yes sir.”

“Silas missed you this morning,” Nick then asks of him, “Are you gonna make a habit of not being in on time?” Heath replies, “Don’t know sir.”

“Where you headed?” Nick then asks.

“Taking wagon to creek,” Heath replies, “Duke said take wagon to creek and will meet me over there.” Nick then says, “Then I suggest you do as Duke says.”

“Yes sir,” Heath replies. Nick then asks, “Where did Duke go? Did he say?”

“Yes” Heath answers “To West Ridge to see Mike and Hank. They asked him to come there sir.” Nick then says, “I see. Well carry on, you mustn’t be late. I do expect everyone to be starting work at 6 and it’s almost that now.”

Replying “Yes sir” Heath climbs into the driver’s box and as Nick tells him to have a good day he says “Yes um” and flicking the reins heads off towards the creek while Nick goes inside the barn and after inspecting everything in there he grabs Coco and takes off.

Arriving at the creek Heath is met and greeted by Bobby, Ron, Jim and Johnny. Bobby asks, “Where is Duke?”

“Went to West Ridge,” Heath replies, “Hank and Mike wanted to see him.” Bobby asks of him, “You okay?” Heath answers, “I am.” Bobby says, “Well alright.”

“We better get started,” Ron announces, “We still have a little ways to go.”

“Right,” comes from Jim. As the men start working on the almost finished bridge Heath takes care of the wagon and then joins them.

Arriving at the West Ridge Duke meets up with Hank and Mike circling the herd and upon calling out to them they come over to him “We were waiting for you to come” Hank mentions. Dismounting, “What is it?” Duke asks “Heath said it’s important.”

“It is,” Hank replies. Mike then says, “Are you aware of Heath working here last night until this morning?”

“No I wasn’t” Duke then asks a little disturbed, “Where are Austin and Sam? They were supposed to have worked the 11 to 7 shift?”

“We don’t know,” Mike replies.

“Bobby told us,” Hank mentions, “That he went to check on Heath and didn’t see him around anywhere but saw Barrett asleep but not Austin or Sam.’

Mike then says, “So we thought we’d come up here and sure enough Heath was out here all night by himself.”

Exhaling heavily, “Alright,” Duke then tells them, “Jack and Vinnie are scheduled to work here next, would you mind staying until they arrive and then go onto your regular assignments?”

“Not at all,” Mike answers with Hank saying “We don’t mind,” Mike then adds, “We’ll do it. Oh,” he then asks, “Did you bring the hammers with you?”

“I have them,” Duke asks, “What do you need them for?” Mike brings him over to the partially tipped over fence. Duke asks, “What happened?” upon looking at it.

“Not sure,” Hank replies, “From what Heath said some of the cattle broke through it and he and Barrett fixed it up.” Duke asks, “Did any cattle get away?”

“They did,” Mike mentions, “But Heath and Barrett managed to round them back up.” Hank adds, “And we counted them, they all seem accounted for.”

“That’s good,” Duke exhales heavily.

“We’d tell Nick,” Mike confides, “But right now he really isn’t too good to talk to of lately and we don’t know if he would be hearing what we’re telling him so we thought we’d tell you instead.”

“You did right,” Duke mentions “Both of you did,” then taking out the two hammers he hands them each one and then mounting back up he leaves them with fixing up the fence.

Nick doing his normal morning rounds checks on the cattle on the North Ridge once he’s assured they are all accounted for and the men assigned are working he rides away.

While the men are working hard at the creek pounding boards into posts Heath being a little further up working by himself and as he wipes his eyes with the back of his shirt the hammer in his hand falls and as he is reaching for it he and the hammer plunge into the water below letting out a scream as he goes in.

From a distance Duke catches a glimpse of him falling over and as he calls out to him races towards the creek. Bobby quickly yelling out takes off his boots and jumps into the water after him as does Ron, followed by Jim and then Johnny. Being the first to reach Heath’s side Bobby lifts him up and as he coughs and moving his arms about sputtering and shivering Duke continues to watch in horror as the men work feverishly together in pulling him out of the water. Keeping his hold on him, “I got you Heath,” Bobby says, “I got you. You’re safe. You’re gonna be alright.”

Assisting Bobby, “Take it easy,” Ron tells him.

“We got you Heath,” comes from Johnny also holding onto him.

Adding his voice to theirs, “We’re almost there,” Jim notes, “Just a little farther,” as they are pulling him out of the water and onto dry land. Duke quickly dismounting joins them.

As Heath continues coughing Bobby places his right hand on the back of his shoulder blades saying “Take it easy Heath. Come on, take slow easy breaths.”

“Easy Heath,” Ron adds kneeling on the other side of him with Jim and Johnny kneeling before him watching as Ron and Bobby continue talking to him.

“That’s it, Heath,” Jim joins in with Johnny adding, “You’re doing fine. Just continue taking it slow.”

Joining them, “Take it easy,” Duke tells him adding his voice to Bobby’s and then seconds later asks, “Heath, you okay?”

Putting his right hand out while his left is holding onto the ground keeping him somewhat tilt forward, “I okay,” Heath answers nodding his head as the coughing begins to subside. Getting up Duke retrieves his canteen and upon returning has him taking a drink from it who quickly complies and takes several sips from it.

Duke then asks of the men, “What happened?” Looking to each of them gathered.

“He was reaching for the hammer,” Jim explains, “And fell in.”

“Heath,” Duke asks, “Did you swallow any of the water?”

Heath answers “Think a little.”

“I got him up,” Bobby mentions, “Before he managed to get any more in.”

Studying Heath, “Heath,” Duke says in alarm, “You’re shivering and soaked.”

“Sorry Duke,” Heath replies.

“It’s okay Heath,” Duke then tells Bobby, “Bobby, I want for you to go back to the house and have Silas give you some dry clothes for him, a couple blankets and towels. The rest of you, go and get into some dry clothes then get back here. I will stay with him.”

Quickly following Duke’s orders the men grab their gear and their horses while Duke stays with Heath getting him to sit underneath a tree while he builds a fire.

Finishing his rounds on the North Ridge Nick moves onto the East Ridge and finding everything is okay he continues on. Reaching the Barkley House while Bobby heads for the front door the men go to get changed. Greeting Bobby upon opening the door, “What could I do for you?” Silas ask of Bobby.

A little out of breath, “I am in a hurry,” Bobby answers, “I need for you to give me dry clothes for Heath, some dry towels and blankets.”

“Why?” Silas wants to know, “What happened?”

“He fell into the creek,” Bobby explains, “Duke is tending to him while I come for the dry clothing.” Holding the door open Silas invites him in. Bobby tells him, “I’ll be right back. Gonna change out of these wet things.”

“I’ll have them ready for you,” Silas informs him. While Bobby heads over to the bunkhouse to change out of his wet clothing Silas goes up the stairs and retrieves the items requested by Bobby and then heads back down the stairs with them.

Meanwhile after getting a fire going Duke is now boiling water. Back at the house after changing into dry clothing Bobby retrieves the items from Silas and upon quickly thanking him and leaving he goes over to the waiting men, “Let’s get back,” as he places everything onto the horses and then mounting up Bobby leads the way back to the creek making the horse pick up speed as the men quickly follow closely behind.

Handing Heath the cup of tea he made, “Here Heath,” Duke tells him, “I put a little sugar in it. I believe you like it that way.” Upon graciously accepting it Heath who is shivering begins drinking it as instructed. Duke then informs him, “I’ll get you some more in a little bit; take your time.”

Returning Bobby quickly offers to give Duke a hand in which he gratefully accepts. As the rest of the men show up with Ron quickly dismounting followed by Johnny and Jim who bring over the requested items Duke graciously takes them and has them taking care of their horses and returning to their work.

While the men do as instructed Duke says to Heath, “Come on boy, let’s get you out of these wet things.”

Working together quietly Bobby and Duke assist Heath with getting out of his wet clothing. Upon seeing his bare back, “Oh my Lord,” Bobby lets out in horror as he and Duke are both in a state of shock as they catch sight of the many scars going crisscrossing from one side to the other.

“Something I suspected from the very beginning,” Duke informs Bobby.

“I kind of thought of that too,” Bobby replies.

“Make sure it doesn’t get around,” Duke tells him.

“I’m not going to say anything,” Bobby promises.

“Come on Heath,” Duke soothingly says with Bobby adding, “Easy Heath,” as they continue helping him out of his wet clothing.

“You okay?” Duke asks of Heath who glances up at him replying, “I okay Duke.” Taking the towels they begin drying him down, “Thatta boy,” Duke tells him as he is being stripped of all his wet belongings.

“How’s that feel Heath?” Bobby asks, “Much better, huh?”

As he nods his head Duke has him getting up so that he could lay a blanket down on the ground and then after he has him sitting on it he places another one over him. Covering him up “There Heath” Bobby says “You will feel much better now.”

As Duke tells Heath to get some sleep, “Sleep?” Heath says in alarm, “Can’t sleep. Have work to do,” starting to get up.

Grabbing hold of his shoulders, “No Heath,” Duke replies “I want you to sleep,” keeping him down, “When you wake up and feel better then you could, okay?”

“Don’t know,” Heath says. Duke tells him firmly “Well I do! Am I not the foreman and the boss around here?” putting his hand underneath his chin lifting it slightly. Heath replies, “Guess.”

“Then get some sleep” Duke enforces “If Nick should come by I will take care of everything. You’ll be alright, trust me okay?” running his hand alongside of his cheek. Staring into Duke’s eyes “I trust you Duke,” Heath states.

“Then get some sleep,” Duke reiterates, “Everything will be fine.”

“Yes Duke,” Heath replies. Getting up Bobby says to Duke “What’s Nick going to say” as Duke is grabbing Heath’s wet things.

“Let me worry about that,” Duke notes, “I don’t think he will but if he does I could handle him.” Taking Heath’s wet clothing Duke places them over the sides of the wagon so they could dry from the sun shining down on them. Then as they head back over to the creek Heath begins closing his eyes.

Still doing his rounds Nick checks on the South Ridge and then onto the West Ridge; seeing everything running smoothly and nothing out of the ordinary he rides off. Meanwhile back at the creek the men continue working while Heath is sound asleep underneath the tree he is at. After Nick finishes his rounds he returns to the barn and after placing Coco in his stall he retrieves a wagon and once it’s hitched up he heads out in the direction of the town.

As Heath continues to sleep he begins stirring about. Catching sight of him Ron alerts Duke who quickly stops what he’s doing and goes over to him who is now whimpering.

As Duke moves closer Heath mumbles, “No! No! No!” while moving his head from side to side and his arms swatting at midair and his feet moving back and forth in the dirt. Reaching his side Duke dodges the swinging arms and upon calling out to him he manages to get underneath the arms and gently shakes him.

Continuing to whimper, “Mama,” Heath calls out, “Mama, no! Be good, be good,” still moving about, “Stay back!” he then says, “Stay back!”

Shaking him gently Duke calls out to him “Heath! Heath! It’s Duke. Come on boy; wake up,” he says several times until he slows down and upon opening his eyes, “Huh?” Heath asks, “What happened?” looking around in a daze.”

“It’s okay Heath” Duke replies “You were having a bad dream.” Placing his hand underneath his chin asks “You okay?” Nodding his head “I okay” he answers.

Handing Heath his canteen and upon him drinking from it Duke asks, “Do you have them often?” as Heath nods his head, “Do the Barkleys know of them?”

Shaking his head, “No,” Heath replies.

“Didn’t think so,” Duke then asks, “How long have you been having them?”

Shrugging his shoulders “Don’t know” Heath replies “All the time ever since back as I could remember.” Duke says, “Must be a long time.”

“It is,” Heath admits, “Don’t matter; get use to them.”

“Do you think you could get back to sleep?” Duke asks. Heath says, “I could.”

“Then, how about trying?” Duke replies, “In a little while it’ll be lunchtime. I’ll make you some broth to go with the rest of your lunch, okay?”

“Okay,” Heath answers. While Heath goes back to sleep Duke walks away. Ron asks, “How is he?”

“He’ll be alright,” Duke answers, “Let’s finish up,” resuming his work.

Arriving in town Nick stops off at the Roadside Market. Going inside he catches sight of Hal who behind the counter asks, “What could I do for you?”

“Came for sacks of grain,” Nick mentions.

“The usual right?” Hal inquires. Nick replies, “Yes.”

“Is your wagon outside?” Hal wanted to know.

“It is,” Nick says, “I wouldn’t be able to carry the sacks on my back now would I?”

Chuckling, “I don’t suppose you could,” Hal then tells him, “I’m having a special.”

“What’s the special?” Nick asks.

“Inventory is out of whack,” Hal notes, “I’m trying to get rid of as much of it that I don’t need and selling many sacks at a very low price.”

“Oh yeah?” Nick asks, “Like how much or how low?”

“Five cents per bushel” Hal answers, “Instead of 40 cents. You could get a lot more for the price if you purchase more sacks.”

“That I could” thinking it over Nick says “Okay you have me sold. I’ll take 100 sacks.”

“100 sacks won’t fit in the wagon,” Hal mentions, “How about I load up what I can and then have the rest dropped off by a couple of my delivery men?”

“That will work,” Nick replies, “And you could add them to the bill.”

“It will be my pleasure Nick,” Hal says.

“I’ll be back in a little bit,” Nick replies, “I have a few more errands to run.”

“Go ahead,” Hal informs him, “When you return they will be ready for you.” Upon thanking him and is heading for the door, “No thank you,” Hal tells him, “You’re doing me a great service by taking them off my hands,” as he is walking out.

As Heath awakens from his nap Duke checking on him asks, “How you feel?”

“Fine,” Heath replies.

Pouring some homemade broth into a cup Duke hands it to Heath who thanks him upon taking it. Feeling the steam rising “Hot” Heath says.

“It is,” Duke answers, “I just made it and thought I’d join you. It’s lunchtime, do you mind?” Shaking his head, “No,” Heath replies, “Sit.”

“I’ll be right back,” Duke tells him and as he walks away Heath resumes blowing and sipping the hot broth.

Coming over to Heath next, “Hi Heath,” Bobby says, “Good to see you awake. You feeling better?” Heath answers, “I am.”

“You probably needed that sleep,” Bobby says and then offering to join him for lunch he replies, “I’d like that.” Walking away to retrieve his lunch Duke returns with two sandwiches. After handing one to Heath he then goes to make some coffee. Seconds later, Bobby returns and takes a seat alongside of Heath.

As Duke asks what he has, “Oh,” Bobby answers, “Just a roast beef sandwich.”

“Sounds like what I’m having,” Duke notes.

Bobby says, “Could be. There was so much left over from Saturday.”

“That there was,” Duke replies, “It helps with not having to worry about what to make for the next couple of days.”

“True,” glancing over at Heath Bobby then says, “Oh Heath, want to see something?”

“What?” Heath asks.

“Look over at the bridge,” Bobby says, “It’s almost finished. All we have left is the railing and this project is done.”

“I see,” Heath replies.

Bobby then asks of him, “Want to talk about the dreams you had?”

Heath replies, “No.”

“If you ever change your mind,” Bobby says, “I am here to listen.”

“I am too,” Duke informs him.

“Heath,” Bobby then asks, “Did you tell Duke what we did yesterday?”

“Yesterday?” Heath mimics. Bobby replies, “Yes, when we went out riding.”

“No,” Heath answers. Bobby insists, “Why don’t you? I think he’d like to hear.”

Duke asks of him, “What did you do?”

While eating their sandwiches, “Went riding,” Heath answers, “Bobby showed me some of the areas; went into the water.”

“Went into the water?” Duke asks casting a concerned look over at Bobby.

“It was only ankle deep,” Bobby states, “You know the stream just outside the Barkley property.”

Nodding his head, “You had me worried for a minute,” Duke says.

“I’m not that foolish Duke,” Bobby replies, “I know he can’t swim.”

“I didn’t say you were,” Duke says, “It’s just when I hear water and Heath, I get worried. Tell me more Heath.”

“Bobby had me take my boots and socks off,” Heath mentions, “We rolled the bottom of our pant legs up then went walking around the water. Saw fish, a turtle, a toad, a bull frog, Bobby let me hold the turtle, the frog and the toad.”

“Sounds like you had a little bit of fun,” Duke surmises.

“Didn’t get to hold the fish though,” Heath notes.

“I would think,” Duke says, “Holding fish would be a little trickier to do. They move too much.” Heath replies, “They do.”

“I hadn’t done that kind of thing,” Bobby mentions, “Since I was young but felt good to do again and thought it would be something fun for Heath to be doing; something different instead of doing nothing.”

“Good thinking Bobby,” Duke then says, “Did you have fun Heath?”

“I did,” Heath admits. Duke says, “Then that is what counts.”

Arriving with two wagonloads of sacks of grain one man says to the other, “Where are we supposed to put them?”

“Bob didn’t say,” the second man replies, “Let’s just place them against the barn, when Nick Barkley comes he could decide where he wants them to go.”

“Good idea,” the first man remarks and unloading the wagons they stack the sacks which happen to be 25 per wagon neatly in front of the barn against the wall. Once they’ve finished they climb back up and leave the ranch returning to town.

...Continued