Lucas was having a good time.  He had taken care of my horses, ridden them almost everyday, but about mid-afternoon the ride began to catch up with him.  Gone were the smiles and we were just beginning to really climb.  I can normally make it to Silverton with only one night on the trail, but with the grim features on his face I reckoned that we’d spend two nights on the trail.
    The first night’s camp was just south of Columbine Lake.  There was a small meadow off the road a piece.  We crossed it and camped on the far side of the meadow where the timber began.  There was a small stream running through the meadow and skirting our camp to the west.  I decided to hobble the horses so they could graze in the grass and have access to water.
    I watched as Lucas dismounted.  There was no way I couldn’t smile as I saw him walk stiffly to pick up firewood.  At least he wasn’t complaining and started doing chores without being asked.  I didn’t know how much outdoors experience he’d had.  After I unloaded the mule I went to the stream to fill up the coffeepot and a small pot for beans.
    As soon as Lucas had the fire started I put the pots on the fire.  Lucas watched me as I placed my bedroll down and then he followed suit.  We were in shadows, but the sun was still shining on the tops of the peaks in the distance.  The coffee had come to a boil and I poured each of us a cup.  It would be a while before the beans would be ready.  Molly had a piece of ham placed in with our food supplies.
    “Want that I cut up the ham an’ throw it in with the beans or keep it out?” I inquired of him.
    “Keep it separate, por favor,” he replied then took a taste of the coffee and grimaced.  “Senor Miles, do you have any sweetener for the coffee?”
    Smiling I replied, “No, the only luxury I bring on the trail is this.”  I reached in my saddlebag for a little pouch I always kept in there.  “Friend of mine, back in Texas, always kept some of this around to help flavor the beans.”
    I put a few pinches of it in the beans.  “Have to be careful not to get too much or it’ll make the beans too bitter.”  
    Showing him the pouch, he gave a smile, the stated, “Chili powder.”
    While waiting, I checked over my guns, wiped them off.  “Always a good idea to check your guns after a day’s ride,” I hinted.  He got up from where he was sitting to get his rifle.
                                        ***
    The next morning I was up early, before graylight.  I had to roust Lucas up.  He was stiff and sore.  “Come on, Pard.  We’ve got a day riding.  The horses will get a workout today.  I want to camp this side of Molas Pass.  It’s only about a dozen miles, but it’s a steep grade.
    He went up to stand by the fire that I had started earlier.  “Coffee’ll be ready by the time you bring the horses in.”  I could tell he didn’t want to leave the fire as it was fairly cold this morning.
    So far the weather had been good.  There were clouds in the sky but the sun was also shining.  I kept a watch, for the weather can change almost instantly in the high country.  Tonight I imagined we would find snow.  I hoped to make it to a group of boulders that had trees intermixed within them.  There was a small place in there that I had camped several times before.
    Lucas was chilled as we settled in for camp that evening.  “Hurry up, son, get that fire started.”  This was a good place to camp as there were boulders on all sides that would reflect the heat from the fire.  Tonight I would give the animals a bit of oats that I carried and picket them in camp.  
    We had seen several wagons coming and going.  The ore wagons coming from smaller claim sites going into Silverton where there was a smelter.  There were a few supply wagons going down to Durango…not many of those anymore since the railroad came.
    “Lucas, get over there by your bedroll.  Be relaxed, but I want you holdin’ your rifle.”  I switched my cup to my left hand.
    “Hello, the camp!” came a voice from the darkness.  “Mind if we come in?”
    “Come on–easy like,” I replied.
    There were three of them, rugged looking.  From my glance I reckoned they were miners down on their luck, but they were riding good horses.  Miners either traveled with a burro, mule, or shanks mare.
    “Saw the fire…say, that coffee looks mighty invitin’,” he declared.
    “Go ahead, help yourselves,” I replied.
    They fetched cups from their gear then gathered around the fire appreciating the warmth.  The one who had been talking ordered, “Ioway, pour us some coffee.”  As the man was pouring, I was introduced.  “The one doin’ the pourin’ is Ioway Jenks, this feller to my right is Glen Framm.  I’m a-bein’ Micah Teeter, and we’re obliged for the hospitality.”
    “I’ll not begrudge a traveler coffee nor the warmth of a fire on a chilly night,” I responded.  “Why you traveling so late?”
    “Framm’s horse began limpin’, so we had to walk some of the way.  We’re hopin’ a night of rest will solve the problem and we can ride on into Silverton tomorrow.”
    I saw him glance over at Lucas.  He smiled then reached up to wipe his mouth.  “Hopin’ yuh wouldn’t mind us stayin’ here for the night.”
    He had given me no reason to suspect him of everything.  I didn’t recognize the names as being wanted.  However, there was something nagging at me.  “Go ahead.  You won’t be able to bring your horses inside the rocks.”
    That brought a little frown.  “Okay, Glen, go and secure them soon as yuh finish that cup,” he ordered again.  Then turning his attention back to me.  “We’re thankin’ yuh.  By the way, yuh didn’t tell me yur name.”
    Without looking I said, “My pard over there is Lucas.  I’m Miles Forrest.”
    He put out his hand, I ignored it pretending I didn’t see the gesture and went to my bedroll.  “Reckon one of you boys could thrown some more wood on the fire?  I reckon it’ll get cold before mornin’.”
    Leaning back against my saddle I reckoned…

James Lamb blocked the doorway forcing Lucas to step back into the room.  “What’re doing here kid?” snarled Lamb.  “Coming to finish off my brother?”  He reached for Lucas forgetting his bandaged hand.  Lucas jumped grabbing the edge of the door swinging it as Lamb lunged for him.  The door struck the arm that was amputated.  Lamb let out a scream like a wounded cougar.
    That brought Doc Jones running in a hurry.  Lucas was back against the wall.  The pain had driven Lamb to his knees, also waking his brother.  He was in that position when Doc arrived.
    “What’s happened here?” asked Doc, then he saw Lucas.  “Lucas, what are you doing here?”
    From the bed, John Lamb groaned.  “Leave the kid alone,” groaned Lamb.  “He came to pray for me.  James tried to seize him forgetting his arms.”
    Doc stooped down by James Lamb.  “If I help, do you think you can get to your feet?  You need to get back to your own bed.  I don’t want any infection to get in that arm,” then he turned his attention toward Lucas scolding him.  “Lucas, you get on out of here.”
    Lucas ducked his head and hurried out of the room.
                                            ****
    I had told Lucas to be at the diner early the next morning.  I saddled Two-Bits and Hawk and were leading them along with a pack mule, walking beside Molly down to the diner.  She liked to be the first one there but often Elena beat her.  I had convinced her to start carrying her pistol in the pocket of the dress she wore to work.  At least it made me feel a little easier leaving her.
    Lucas and I had worked hard the day before filling up the wood box.  I wanted to leave enough for ten days.  The plan was to ride up, meet with the mine owners and then we’d come back on the train.  There was already some snow on the pass, but it was clear this morning.  After what Lucas had been through, I wanted to give him time to ride in the high country, it always seems to help sooth the soul.
    Elena was there already, getting things prepared for the coming morning rush.  Lucas was there waiting with a coffee cup in front of him.  I noticed that he was scowling.  
    “Are you drinkin’ that or just staring it down?” I questioned as I came up to the table.
    “Senor Miles, this is bitter.”  
    That brought a laugh from Molly.  “Here, Lucas, put a little sugar in it, then try it.”
    I watched him add the sugar and stir the brew shaking my head all the while.  He sipped it, then gave a little smile.
    “Sientate!” came the voice of Elena as she appeared from the kitchen with two plates of eggs, bacon, frijoles, and tortillas.  “Comer!” he ordered then struck off for the kitchen.
    “You’ve got your orders men, now get to it,” laughed Molly as she poured coffee for the two of us.  “I’ll have a cup with yo, then need to get busy helping.”
    We began to stuff the food in our mouths when Marta and Charlie came in.  She had a small frown on her face.  “Senor Miles, you will take good care of him, no?” she asked.  Charlie put his hand on her shoulder to give some comfort.
    “More’n’ likely he’ll be takin’ care of me,” I pulled at my moustache and gave a little wink.  “He’s good at that if you remember.”
    “Come on, partner we need to be hittin’ the trail,” I nudged him on the shoulder then drank down the rest of my coffee.  “See you in a few days.”
    Lucas followed me to the door then on out to the horses.  I checked my cinch before mounting then stepped up and into the saddle.  Lucas started to mount.  “Son!  Always check your cinch!”
    He had a startled look with me barking at him.  “I know, Senor Miles, I just forgot.”
    I nodded and continued to watch him.  As he settled in the saddle all of a sudden his eyes widened.  “Senor Miles, there’s a rifle in the scabbard.”
    “Well, why shouldn’t there be?  You’ve showed you could handle one, an’ you never know when I might need the help.  If you’re goin’ to ride a man’s trail, you need to be carryin’ a man’s gun.”
    He reached out to touch the butt of the rifle.  “You through gawkin’, we really need to be ridin’.  If so, remove your hat.  Lord, be keepin’ your hand on Lucas and I as we travel.  We’re trustin’ in You.  Amen.”
    Before putting my hat back on I waved it at Molly and the rest then gave Hawk a kick and headed off down the road giving out a loud, “Yeehaw!”
    I didn’t look behind me, but heard a higher pitched voice with a “Yeehaw” and the hooves of Two-Bits coming behind me.

Sheriff, what are you doing about these young hoodlums?  Those young Mexicans are nothing but trouble and there you are eating with one at your table!” ranted Martin Olson.  “One of which just shot a man!”
    “Now, just…” Charlie started to reply, but Olson continued his rant.
    Pointing a finger at Charlie, he boomed, “You know Sheriff, there’s an election coming up!  I’ll do my best to see you’re defeated at the polls!”
    I reckoned it was time for me to get involved.  One thing I can’t stand is a self-righteous rant from a bureaucrat.  I stood,  
    “You stay out of this Forrest!” he barked.
    “It’s time for you to leave, Olson,” I said as calmly as I could.  “And it might do you good to remember, that an election is comin’ up.  Remember, you have only been appointed to fill the term.”
    His face turned bright red, I thought it was going to explode.  “I don’t have to leave here!  I know my rights!” he yelled.
    I looked back at Wilson Foster and John Newcombe.  They ducked their heads trying to avoid my eyes.  “Are you two part of this?” I asked.  There was no reply.
    Turning my attention back to Olson.  “You can leave now,” I said as I reached back for my Greener, “or I can thump you on the head and drag you out to the street.”
    “Threats!  Sheriff, you heard him threatening me!”
    “Why don’t you just shut up and leave,” offered Charlie.
    Olson clenched his fists bringing them up chest level.
    He started to turn, then looked at his companions.  “Are you coming?”  Then he strode toward the door.
    Newcombe and Foster lingered for a few seconds.  “Miles, I’ve contacted McCall.  He says he’s interested and is coming down to visit.”
    “He’s a good man,” I replied.  “He’d be a great marshal for Durango.  But what will Olson say?  When he barks, you two jump.  Time for some backbone, gentlemen.”
    There was some mumbling under their breath that I didn’t catch as they turned to leave.
    Placing the Greener back against the wall, I poured another cup of coffee before sitting.  I looked at Marta, “Will your people vote?”
    Her eyes widened slightly.  “They are scared.”
    “If Charlie and I were with them, would they vote?” I asked in earnest.  “We need to get Olson off that council.”
    Marta pondered for a few seconds, “Si, they will vote.  But who is going against him?”
    I looked at Charlie and he shrugged.  “Listen, I have to make a run to Silverton because of the train holdup.  Why don’t you mention it to Ooverholm?”
    Then I turned my attention to Lucas and Marta.  “I need a man to accompany me up to Silverton,” I said putting my hand on his shoulder.  “Think you’d like to take on the job?”
    “Senor Miles!” exclaimed Marta.  “He’s only a boy.”
    “Seems to me he took on a man’s responsibility when he protected you,” I replied then glanced at Molly who was smiling.
    “Really?” responded Lucas in delight.  “You really want my help, Senor Miles?”
    “We would leave in the mornin’, so that means that you’d have to get the woodbox filled with at least a week’s supply.  You can ride Two-Bits,” I stated then turned my attention to Marta.  “I’ll be with him.”
                                ****
    Several hours later, Lucas sneaked into the room where John Lamb was lying.  “Senor, Senor,” he whispered.
    He opened his eyes and looked at Lucas groggily.  “You’re the boy that shot me,” he mumbled.
    “Si, Senor.  I am sorry, but I could not let you hurt my sister.”
    That brought a slight grin from Lamb.  “You’ll do, boy,” he said, then started to close his eyes.
    “Senor, I wanted you to know that I will pray for you.”
    Noise from the other room gathered Lucas’ attention.  He started out and bumped into James Lamb…
______________________
**Don’t forget to order your copy of the exciting adventures of Miles Forrest in my book, Return From Tincup.  It is available from Amazon.

I was sitting at the table with Charlie Gold, Molly, Marta, and Lucas.  We were waiting for Doc Jones to join us.  Lucas was not in good shape and he had his head laying on his crossed arms as Marta ran her hand over his back and shoulders trying to sooth and reassure him.
    Raising his head, with tears in his eyes he asked, “Uncle Charlie, are they going to put me in jail?”
    “No, son,” came his quick reply.  “A man has a right to defend his family from the likes of those men.”
    “Why, Lucas, they would have to arrest me for defendin’ Molly…” he cut me off.
    “But you are a marshal,” he muttered.
    I was getting ready to answer when through the door walked Doc Jones.  While he ambled over to the table, Charlie grabbed a chair from the adjacent table so he could join us.  Molly was up quickly to fetch a cup off the shelf and fill it with coffee for him.
    As he was adjusting himself in the chair, Lucas blurted out, “Is he going to die?”
    Doc slid his hand down over his chin as if pondering an answer then took the cup in his hand.  He sipped at the hot coffee, then wiped his mouth.  He looked at me first, then turned his attention to Lucas.
    “I won’t lie to you son, but the truth of the matter is, I don’t know.  The bullet went in his lower left side and how much damage it did I have no way of knowing unless I cut him open, and that would put him in worse shape with all of the blood he lost,” Doc answered then sipped his coffee again before continuing.
    “The bullet is still in him; I couldn’t take the chance of probing for it and doing more damage.  He needs complete bedrest for quite a spell; let it begin to heal so that bullet won’t move around.  I’ve known of people to live with a bullet inside, but, yes, there is a good chance he could die.”
    Lucas didn’t reply, just hung his head.  There was silence at the table when Doc spoke up.  “Molly, by chance, do you have any pie back in the kitchen?”
    “I reckon I can scare you up a piece,” replied Molly.  Marta started to get up to get it when Molly put her hand on her arm.  “You stay with Lucas, I’ll go get it.”
    As she was walking away Doc continued with his conversation.  “Miles, I had to cut the arm off James Lamb.  His last words before he went under the chloroform was that he was going to make you pay.”
    Doc was shaking his head.  “Why should Senor Miles have to pay?” interjected Marta.  “He was only doin’ his duty as a lawman and husband!”
    “Well, Marta, I really don’t have a good answer for that,” expressed Doc.  “Evil begets evil, I reckon is about all I can say.”
    By that time Molly was returning with three pieces of pie.  “Hear you go Doc,” she said placing one dish in front of him.  “Charlie, Lucas,” then she turned.
    I scratched my ear, then pulled at the end of my moustache as she stood there.  She looked at my forlorn face, smiled and walked to where Elena was standing with three more plates full of pie.  
    Molly took them from her and walked back to the table.  “Marta, this is mine,” she said placing is down on the table where she was sitting, “And dear husband, do you think I would forget you?” she asked placing a piece in front of me.
    What could I say?  With the pie in front of us, the solemnity of the previous moments had left and we were enjoying a special type of camaraderie.
    I was half-way through mine when I noticed that my cup was empty.  Standing I went to the coffeepot on the stove and was filling my cup when through the door came the city council with Martin Olson in the lead.  He pointed at Lucas, but was staring at Charlie.
    “I want to know…”