TITLE: The Journalist's Tale
AUTHOR: Madison
FEEDBACK: Hunter8555@aol.com
COMMNETS: This is another version I wrote of the "The Story", told
strictly from the journalist's observations. The original tale can be read
at the WAY STATION
STANDARD DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders don't belong to the author, but to
MGM/UA Television, Ed Spielman and Josh Kane. No copyright infringement
intended.

                            The Journalist's Tale
                                 By Madison

The day hinted fall was approaching, and it seemed to make Cotton Wood come
alive. It's fine citizens were enjoying the cooler weather which seemed to
make everyone happier. Children were playing in the streets, I could see why
my sister loved the town so much. At first when she begged me to pay her a
visit, I was very hesitant about leaving a big town like Seneca. But, I was
enjoying my stay so far.

I had just left the saloon when I noticed two young boys following me. The
smaller boy had to be nine or ten, and the other close to thirteen -- not
much older. I had a feeling I knew why they were tagging behind me.

"Can I help you?" I asked nicely.

"Are you a writer?' One of the boy's inquired curiously.

"Did you really meet, Wild Bill?" The taller boy boldly asked.

"What are your names?" I was just as curious about them, as they were about
me.

"Andy," the oldest announced. "This is my younger brother, Lucky."

"Well boys, I am a writer," I told to the two young lads. "And yes I have
met the notorious gunfighter." The kids' eyes lit up at my response. "I
wrote a novel about my experience with him."

"What was he like?" Lucky asked eagerly.

"Would you two like me to tell you about the night I met Wild Bill?" The
excitement they displayed was my answer.

"It all began a few weeks ago in a town called, Seneca... My name is
Jonathan Dean McKay, I'm a journalist who resides there. The town's glorious
fair was taking place then, and all the citizens were celebrating it. I was
in the middle of my supper, at the finest restaurant Seneca offered, when I
noticed him."

"Wild Bill?" The younger boy asked with uncontrollable excitement.

"The one and only. But this marvelous gunfighter with his two Navy Colts,
was not alone. Accompanying him was the most beautiful woman I ever laid
eyes on."

"A girl?!" The boys exclaimed in unison.

"Yep. She had short auburn hair, and wore a lovely blue dress. It was
apparent that they had a strong liking for each other." My comments received
some face making from the boys. "When your older, you'll understand. Now, as
I was saying. I was determined to talk to the gunfighter, so I bravely
approached their table. 'Mr. Hickok', I began, 'I was wondering if I could
interview you for my story.' He answered as fast as he notoriously drew his
Colts, 'No'."

"Why would he say no?" The older boy inquired.

"Well, can you boys keep a secret? I think he's a little press shy." My
theory made them giggle. It was obvious the thought of Wild Bill being shy
amused them. "Anyway, I was still determined to learn more about this great
man. When he and the pretty lady left, I followed them to the dance that was
being held outside in the middle of town. Let me tell you, when those two
began..."

"They don't dance, do they?" Romance was obviously not one of the boys
priorities yet.

"I'm afraid they do. It was very romantic. Of course they didn't even get to
finish one dance before gun fire began echoing..."

"There was shooting?!" Finally I had arrived at a part the boys liked. "What
happened?"

"Well, the town's deputy had caught a gang trying to rob the bank. But this
was no ordinary gang. It was the 'Fallen Gang'. The Fallen Gang was well
known for their killin' tendencies, and the young deputy was all alone."

"Uh oh," the little nine year old exclaimed. "Wild Bill helps him doesn't
he?"

"Naturally. But the young lady he was with does too. Hickok immediately
tossed one of his silver guns to her. Without hesitation, she instantly
rushed into the heat of the battle with the gunfighter, firing right beside
him."

"Girls can't shoot guns!" Andy declared.

"Not true," I informed him. "I saw this girl wound several of the outlaws.
Not only did she help Wild Bill defeat the gang, but she also got the deputy
to safety." I could understand how astonished the boys were, when I first
saw the young woman do this, I was amazed myself!

"Wow," The nine year old stated. "I think I might be able to like her.
Maybe."

"She was breath taking, I must say. But she's a real mystery."

"How so?" The oldest asked.

"Well, the next day after it all happened, she and the gunfighter were
gone."

"Maybe they left town?" My youngest listener suggested helpfully.

"Yes, but you see no one knew a thing about her. Not where she came from, or
even her name!"

"Then what?" Lucky's older brother asked.

"I became determined to find her," I stated seriously. "Now, I realized that
she could be anywhere in this great big country, so I decided to put a
bounty on her sweet head."

"How much?" The bounty had definitely caught their attention.

"Fifty dollars, but the lady had to be brought to me unharmed!" I still feel
guilty for pulling this stunt. Something really terrible almost happened.
The bounty hunter that had brought the lady to me was an unkempt man, who
was unbearable company.

"Did anybody find her?" Andy inquired.

"Yes, a man named Colter." I could still remember my encounter with them
quite well. "I was working on another story, when a rugged man's voice
interrupted my work. He stated that he had someone I wanted to meet. Sure
enough, there was the woman I had been searching for."

"Who was she?" Lucky demanded.

"Unfortunately, she's still a mystery. Every time I tried to ask the
remarkable lady with soft brown eyes her name, Mr. Colter would rudely
interrupt me. He only cared about getting his money." I could still recall
the embarrassed look that crossed the girl's face because of Colter's
behavior. "Finally I paid him and asked him to be on his way. Colter was
quick to leave, but he insisted on taking the lady with him. Naturally, I
objected."

"What happened then?'' The older boy asked.

"Well, Colter dragged the girl away, and threw her on the back of his horse.
I quickly retrieved my horse, and went after them."

"Did ya get him?" Lucky eagerly inquired.

"No, but when I caught up with them, the lady had already been saved." I
watched the boys' curiosity and excitement grow. They were really enjoying
my tale. "Wild Bill had already caught the bounty hunter, and his lady had
her kidnapper's own guns drawn on him!"

"Wow! That'll teach him!" Andy cried. "What did Wild Bill do then?"

"He gave the bounty hunter a strict warning. Wild Bill told the man that if
he ever came near his woman again, he would pay for it. The bounty hunter
quickly rode out of there!"

"Why did he let him go?" Lucky exclaimed.

"Hickok couldn't arrest him. In a sense, he hadn't done anything illegal. I
had put a bounty on the girl's head, and the bounty hunter was just
collecting it. I was partially responsible for the lady's predicament."

"Was Hickok mad at you too?" Andy asked.

"I suppose he wasn't too happy with me. However, he never threatened me."

"What did he do?" Lucky was a very curious little boy.

"He and the young lady just rode off. I realized something as I watched them
disappear from sight. They were perfect for each other. Riding with Hickok
was the only woman I could ever imagine being able to 'match' him. She was
brave, loyal, and truly remarkable -- just like Wild Bill."

"I'm in love!" Lucky declared to my amusement. Who wouldn't be in love with
Hickok's sweetheart. Although I still wanted to know more about the lady, I
had to accept the fact that she was meant to remain a mystery.

The End