You okay?” I whispered to Molly.
“If you get off me,” she replied.
“Quiet, stay low, and move over to the other side of the pallet.”
I was laying there, and I needed to listen. Things were quiet. Was the shooter still out there? There was only one shot. Did he think he hit me? Was he trying to sneak up on the cabin?
Then I heard a noise, moving slowly and softly. I moved to my knees and over to the darkened corner.
“Senor,” came the whisper. “Senor, it is Lucas.” Lucas was Marta’s little brother. “He is gone. He vamoosed.”
“Come slowly, Lucas.” I was concerned that the man doing the shooting might be right behind him.
He entered alone. “He is gone. I heard the shot and came, saw him mount a horse and ride away.”
“What color was the horse?” I asked.
“It was in the shadows, too dark to tell. It was a dark horse though.” He paused, looking at me. “Senor, you’ve been shot.”
I didn’t figure it was bad since I didn’t feel a thud and it didn’t knock me down. Looking where Molly was, “Light up the lamp and take a look at this.”
“Lucas, think you can get a fire started in the fireplace? I might want a cup of coffee after this.”
I sat down and Molly began to check me over. It was only a graze along the shoulder. At least no hole, but there was some blood. I thought she might feel some compassion, but all she said was, “Miles, you’ve ruined another shirt.” Now I figured it could have been my arm, but no, my shirt was what she was concerned over.
She was cleaning me up and getting the bleeding to stop and asked, “Do you think it was the same gang that robbed the train?”
“Could be. But there was only one person. If it was the gang I reckoned they would have made sure the job was done.”
I saw Lucas run out with the coffeepot. “Hey!” I yelled. But he was only gone for a few minutes. “Water, senor. I will make the coffee for you.”
Within minutes the water was boiling. I was wondering what type of coffee I might get. But he wanted to help so I didn’t say more. After the shot, it seemed to get real quiet, but night was completely on us now, and I could now hear the sounds of the night.
“I stay with you tonight,” said Lucas. I’ll keep guard so you and the Senora can get your rest.”
“No, you go home.”
“Senor, I insist. Please let me help you.”
Maybe I shouldn’t have given in but I was tired. The coffee was ready and I reached for the pot. “Okay, you go home and tell your mother and then come back if you wish.”
He was gone in a flash. Molly sat there with me. She was used to my life by now. “The Lord was looking after you Miles,” she said. “You could be dead.”
I nodded. “You’re right. My time will come only when He says it is time, but this was close.”
We sat there and drank our coffee. It wasn’t long when I heard the sound of feet running. “I am back. I will watch.”
“Okay Lucas, let’s take a walk so Molly can get ready for bed.”
We both turned in with Lucas sitting by the door. I woke up later, something or someone disturbed me. Plus the fact that my shoulder was hurting. I looked over at Lucas and…