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#28 The Christmas Angel


The Christmas Angel

By

Patty Wilkinson

(For all my friends in the Robert Fuller Fandom, with love & thanks)

Chapter 1

It was a chilly evening just a few weeks before Christmas. Slim Sherman and his business partner and good friend, Jess Harper were lounging before a crackling fire in the ranch parlour. Their young ward, Mike Williams, busy at the table writing out his Christmas list.

After awhile Slim drained his coffee cup, got up from his rocker and mooched over to his desk and started thumbing through some business papers.

Jess turned his attention to the blonde haired youngster, still busily scribbling away.

“Hey Tiger, time for bed…and I think your list’s just about long enough huh? You don’t wanna over tax Father Christmas.”

“OK Jess…so shall I send it up the chimney for Santa?”

“Err…no,” said Jess quickly, wanting to see the contents first, “Bring it over here buddy. We’ll just check the spellin’ first OK?”

The child did as he was bid and Jess perused the list, his face eventually relaxing into a warm smile.

“Hey listen to this Slim.”

The tall blond rancher raised his eyes from where he was busy adding up some figures, looking slightly less than enthusiastic…but listened none the less.

Dear Santa, Please may I have that Hunting Rifle in the store window in Laramie…its just swell and I promise to be real good forever if I can have it.

Jess paused and grinned at his partner before continuing.

Also could I please have some candy and comics? Could you please bring some new boots for Jess as his are falling apart, a new pen for Slim so he can do his accounts real well and a scarf for Aunt Daisy, to keep her nice and warm.

Thank you very much,

Mike Williams, Sherman Ranch and Relay Station, Near Laramie, Wyoming, America, The World.

Jess reached over and ruffled the youngster’s hair.

“That’s real nice Mike, thinking of us all that way…but I figure Santa only brings presents to kids, not grown-ups.“

The boy looked troubled by that. “Shucks I really wish I could buy those things for ya….”

“Hey Tiger, I know you’ve made us some Christmas presents,” said Jess quickly, “and they’ll mean a heck of a lot more to us than any store bought stuff.”

“Honest?”

“Honest…now off to bed Tiger…..you’ve got a busy week coming up at school what with the Party and Carol Singin’ and all…”

The boy rose to go, but at his bedroom door turned back…”I can still come on the Turkey Shoot can’t I Jess…Slim?” he asked looking hopefully at his guardians.

“Sure,” said Jess, “We’ll head off for Paradise early next week as soon as school’s out for the holiday.We could even make a camping trip of it, stay out a couple of nights…what do you think Slim?” he asked turning to his buddy.

Slim’s blue eyes clouded and he looked unhappy. “Sorry, don’t think I can make it this year Jess.”

“Huh.....heck Slim we always go over to Paradise,” he said referring to a far flung area of the Sherman ranch that abounded in wildlife, hence its name.

“I’m sorry…but it seems like the Overland are doing spot checks on all the Relay Stations, making sure we’re running a tight ship…that the horses are all fit and healthy, harnesses in good shape, that kinda thing. I really can’t have a neighbour running the place while I swan off on a hunting trip Jess…..it just wouldn’t look good.”

“I guess not,” said Jess looking subdued.

“Aww Slim, that sucks,” said Mike sadly.

“I know buddy, but you and Jess will have a ball and then you can tell me all about it huh?“

The child finally went off to bed and Slim returned to shuffling his papers a haunted look in his eyes.

After awhile Jess wandered over and leaning on the wall surveyed the pile of papers cluttering Slim’s desk.

“What’s up Slim, you’ve been messin’ about with the accounts all dang week…is there a problem?”

To his surprise Slim ran a weary hand across his troubled face and then said, “There really isn’t an easy way to say this buddy…but we’re in a kind of financial crisis right now.”

“Huh?”

“We’re stony broke Jess, for the present anyway.Once the beeves are fattened up and sold on next year we’ll be fine…but right now….” and he shook his head sadly.

“What…you’re kidding me!”

“Do I look like I’m joking? OK I’m not saying were going to lose the roof over our heads but what I am saying is that there just isn’t enough spare cash for Christmas…well for presents anyway, like expensive hunting rifles for Mike…or the new boots I was going to buy you either, hell I’m so sorry pard.”

Jess took the news about his boots on the chin and then continued, ”But why, I thought we were OK? “

Slim sighed again, ”We didn’t make the profit I’d hoped for on those beasts we sold last month, plus with you being shot up riding posse, we lost out on the mustanging contract. The last straw was that darned storm last month. Heck you know how much we had to pay out on the timber for the fences, not to mention the barn roof.”

“Hell Slim I thought you said all that was covered by that darned insurance policy you took out.”

“So did I but it seems I didn’t read all the small print and they’ve wriggled out of it…..won’t pay up, I only just heard a few days ago…. been trying to see a way out.”

“Jeez Slim, that took all our savings!”

“Do you think I don’t know that Jess…heck I can’t even afford to pay us our wages this month, got just enough for the basics of food for us and the stock.”

“Won’t pay up, I bet I could sure make ‘em pay up,” muttered Jess savagely; a furious glint in his deep blue eyes as he balled a fist.

“Garldarn it Jess settle down, that really isn’t helping any. Do you think I’d have ended up this way if there really was a way out?”

Jess just dipped his head and cussed softly, knowing the truth of it.

At that moment their beloved white haired housekeeper Daisy Cooper came in from the kitchen where she had been baking, alerted by the raised voices.

“Why, Slim, Jess whatever is the matter dears?” she asked her kind eyes concerned.

“I think you’d better come and sit down Daisy,” said Slim gently,” we need to talk.”

“So let me get this straight,” she said sometime later, “all the money you and Jess had saved for Christmas presents and all the little extras has gone on the ranch repairs…. and there’s really nothing left?“

“That’s about the size of it Daisy,” said Slim, ”I’m real sorry.”

“Goodness me dear, I understand. It’s young Mike I feel sorry for. I know Jess was going to buy him that rifle he’d so set his heart on.” Then she turned to Slim in consternation, ”And you promised to buy him and Jess new boots… .Mike really has outgrown his present ones…I just don’t think they’ll fit him soon.”

Both men sighed deeply at this added problem.

Daisy looked thoughtful, ”There is Mrs Patterson, she is always offering hand me downs from her tribe of youngsters;she might have boots Mike’s size?“

Daisy was referring to a neighbour whom she had helped through her many pregnancies.

”She’s always saying she’d like to be able to thank me for all I’ve done for her,” went on Daisy enthusiastically.

“No,” said Jess firmly, ”He ain’t havin’ hand me down boots, he’ll have new and that’s an end to it.”

Daisy and Slim exchanged a look, knowing Jess’s feelings on poverty and especially hand me downs. Having been brought up, the middle child of five in abject poverty back on the Texas panhandle that was all he’d ever known.In fact he had once told Slim that the very first time he ever had new boots was when he joined the Confederacy in the war.Before that he had gone barefoot all summer and worn second hand ill-fitting boots come winter.

“So how are you proposing to pay for those?” asked Slim.

Jess just shrugged, “I’ll find a way….”

Daisy then subtly turned the conversation around to more positive news.

“Well the good thing is that I’ve been stock piling everything I need for the holiday food over the last few weeks, some spices one week, extra suet and flour another, that way it doesn’t overburden the housekeeping,” she said smiling kindly at Slim. “So we have all we need for the meal and will still be able to entertain all our guests as usual.”

Slim and Jess heaved a sigh of relief at that bit of news.

“I’m assuming you have got your…err drink requirements from Mr James?” she asked with a little shudder of distaste, referring to the mountain man, Denver James, and his illicit moonshine.

Jess flushed up a little, “Uh…yes Ma’am,” he said quietly, knowing that although she didn’t approve she turned a blind eye to their usual yuletide indulgence.

“And you and Mike will be bringing the Turkey home…and oh yes of course there will be the usual side of Venison from dear old Gabe,” she said smiling fondly. “So all will not be lost and I’m sure we can make some presents for Mike, maybe promise him the rifle for his birthday instead?“

Slim finally allowed himself a smile that turned to a broad grin, “Trust you to make things not seem so bad Daisy, bless you,” he said with feeling.

Jess too brightened up at the thought of the two large jugs of hill whiskey safely ensconced in the barn.

“Sure Daisy,” he said brightly, “It’ll all come right and after all it’s about celebratin’ the Baby Jesus bein’ born and all ain’t it…not just about present giving.”

A little later the dark haired cowboy let himself out of the house saying he was going to check on the horses before turning in.

Slim joined him awhile later and on entering the dimly lit barn he was not surprised to see his friend grooming Traveller, his horse.

“Thought you’d be doing that,” he said as he wandered over.

Jess tipped his hat back and surveyed his partner, “You did?”

“Yup, when you’re feeling troubled I can usually find you keeping company with your horse,”said Slim with a tiny smile.

“Yeah, well his company’s kinda peaceful ya know?” said Jess throwing his buddy a withering glance.

“OK, OK,” said Slim putting his hands up in mock surrender, ”I’m not going to start preaching to you on saving money…I sure would like to know how you’re gonna magically produce brand new boots out of thin air for the boy though.”

Jess merely tapped his nose, “You just let me worry about that,” he said before patting his horse and leaving the stall.

He mooched over to the back of the barn where the whiskey was safely hidden and picking up one of the stone jars and a couple of tin mugs he wandered back over to Slim.

“Want a drop?” he asked as he slouched down on a straw bale, removing the cork with his teeth.

Slim went over and sat down beside him accepting the mug and taking a sip, before grimacing as the fiery liquid hit the back of his throat.

After he’d recovered he grinned over at his partner, “Gee that’s mighty good stuff Jess.”

Jess followed suit and shook his head gasping as the powerful spirit hit home.

Then he turned to his friend, ”I guess it won’t be too bad Slim, like Daisy said she’s got all the food covered and with this, he said tipping his drink back, well it’ll be just fine.”

Slim threw him a challenging look, ”I thought you just said Christmas was all about celebrating the birth of Baby Jesus?” he said.

“Well sure it is,” replied Jess, “We’re just wettin’ the baby’s head ain’t we!”

“I think celebrating a birth by taking a drink…..or ’wetting the baby’s head’ as you call it is supposed to be after the birth Jess, not before… and baby Jesus isn’t about to be born for another few weeks. So put that dang grog back where it belongs and lets go turn in…work to do tomorrow, it isn’t holidays yet you know.”

“Aww you’re no fun,” replied Jess with his cheeky grin as he corked and replaced the whiskey.

It was later when Jess was stretched out ready for sleep that he rolled his head on his pillow and looked over to Slim’s bed where he was reading.

“Say Slim, ain’t it kinda funny the way that guy Gabe always leaves us a haunch of venison, but we never see hide or hair of him…heck have you ever laid eyes on him? “ he asked referring to the old gentleman Daisy had mentioned earlier.

Slim put his book down and looked over to his pard, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

“Yup, I met him once, when I was out on the Turkey shoot, over on Paradise with my Pa…Old Gabe helped me out some….I managed to get myself hopelessly lost when I was just a little kid. Pa was searching or me, but it was Gabe that found me, heck I was sure relieved.”

Jess chuckled , “Go on…”

“Well, that was the only time though.Pa reckoned he was a recluse; lives up in a cave someplace on Paradise. He has done as long as I can remember. Comes into town just once a year, but just buys supplies and disappears off again, gone before anyone’s really noticed him…strange that. He never talks to anyone or visits the saloon, nothing. Anyway like Pa said I guess he likes his own company.”

“So why did your Pa let him settle there, it’s all Sherman land ain’t it?”

“Yup, Pa knew him. He was in the same outfit in the war, the army Padre. Pa set a lot of store by him…then after the war he was a travelling preacher…finally settled down here at Pa’s invitation. Never had a penny to his name apparently, just lived to preach the Gospel. Did some fur trading at one time to make ends meet, buy supplies…but that’s about all.”

“So why does he bring the venison every year?”

Slim shrugged, “Kind of a thank you I guess….”

Jess chuckled, “Some thank you, he must have poached it off your Pa’s land in the first place.”

Slim laughed, “I guess so, but at least he always butchers it real well…leaves it ready for the oven on Christmas Eve without fail. Me and young Andy used to try and wait up to see him, like with Santa…but we never did. See he always brought us a little present too, when we were small…a hand carved toy…beautifully made, got ‘em all still. Pa said he loved kids and animals.”

“Sounds like he was an important part of your Christmas when you were a young ‘uns,” said Jess sleepily.

“Oh yeah he sure was…...me and Andy used to think of him just like we did Santa…like he was real special…and never seeing him just added to the mystery… You know what Jess, I’ve hunted high and low for that guy…when we’ve been off in Paradise and never once had a glimpse of him…I’m kinda beginning to think he was just a childhood fantasy…maybe me and Andy made the whole thing up, about the venison and all I mean?”

“Except for one thing pard,” said Jess, “he still delivers the venison every year… .or someone does…. And goes into town too…maybe we’ll catch up with him there this year?”

“Hey yeah, he does doesn’t he?” said Slim. “He must be real old now and that’s kinda weird that we never see him in the town…. isn’t it Jess….Jess?”

But his partner was already sleeping peacefully.

Chapter 2

The following week was a busy one for all at the ranch and relay. Daisy was cooking up a storm in the kitchen ready for the big day, whilst Mike enjoyed all the festive preparations in school.

Jess and Slim spent their days doing the usual yard chores and tending to all the beasts as well as putting some final touches to the barn and lean to renovations.

“That sure was some storm,” said Jess as he finally started gathering up his tools, the work completed to his satisfaction

Slim nodded sadly, “And it isn’t really winter proper yet either. It’s usually January or February when the weather really hits us.”

“Yeah, well maybe spring will be early,” said Jess hopefully, turning to gaze at the already snow covered mountain peaks in the far distance.

It was later that day that Jess rode out for Laramie saying he had some business to attend to and it was supper time before he returned. He was looking weary but triumphant and went directly to his room squirreling away a parcel he was carrying before hurrying to the table as Daisy called him again.

“So what have you been up to then Jess?” asked Slim with a grin, you’re looking a mite secretive.

Jess merely winked and tapped his nose before tucking into Daisy’s delicious fare.

It was the following morning before Slim was to find out Jess’s secret though.

He came upon him in the barn in his stocking feet tapping away at his boot heel with a small hammer.

Slim wandered over recognizing old Jonsey’s cobbler’s last and other tools. (NB holding device shaped like a human foot that is used to fashion or repair shoes)

“So thinking of making a career as a cobbler are we pard?” he asked with a chuckle.

He watched his buddy struggling with the difficult task awhile longer before saying, “You know I should really stick to shoeing horses Jess…I don’t reckon you’re gonna make the grade as a cobbler.”

Jess swore loudly as he hit his thumb once more, trying to hammer some small tacks in the right place in the boot heel. Slim noticed that he’d also stuffed the old boots with some newspaper and figured they were leaking. Then on glancing down his suspicions were confirmed when he saw Jess’s socks were soaking wet.

“Hey Jess, why don’t you just admit defeat and wear your Sunday best, huh?”

“I can’t,” muttered Jess crossly, once more applying himself to the task in hand.

“Oh come on Jess don’t be so darned stubborn. OK I know those new boots are your pride and joy. Garldarn it you polish them so dang much I’m surprised the leather hasn’t worn away… And yes before you say it I know they’re your ‘courtin’ boots’….but I’m sure your Millie won’t be too distraught if they get a mite worn. Heck its better than soaking feet isn’t it?” He finished throwing his buddy an impatient glance.

Jess turned angry eyes on him…”You all done?”

“Yup, so are you going to get changed then Jess. We’ve work to do and those old boots of yours really have had it…. shall I fetch your good ones?”

“No,” said Jess gruffly, “you can’t.”

Slim looked surprised, “Why ever not?”

“Because I ain’t got ‘em any more have I?” Jess said quietly, concentrating once more on mending the boot heel.

“What…what do you mean?” asked Slim looking astonished now.

Jess sighed deeply and then turned his full attention on Slim.

“I ain’t got ‘em because I sold them and bought new boots for Mike, satisfied? Now will ya stop goin’ on Slim and let a man work in peace,” he said turning back to the job.

Slim sucked in a shocked breath about to say more and then saw the look in Jess’s eyes and decided against it.

He merely put out a hand and squeezed his partner’s shoulder before turning away, feeling truly humbled.

When he told Daisy about it a little later, rare tears sprang to her eyes. “Oh the dear boy…he loved those boots and saved so hard for them.”

Slim shook his head, “He just couldn’t bear to see Mike uncomfortable like that, we’ve all noticed how he takes his boots off the minute he’s through the door, they’ve obviously begun to pinch a little.”

Daisy nodded with the ghost of a smile, “And to think I’ve been trying to teach him to leave his muddy boots by the door these past six months.”

Then her smile faded again, “Are you sure you can’t scrape together some money for those work boots you were going to get Jess…. maybe I can sell something too…to help out a little?” She asked hopefully.

Slim shook his head vehemently. “I wouldn’t dream of taking your money Daisy and Jess would be furious if he found out.Nope I reckon he’s done a good enough job on those old ones to last him a tad longer….and maybe our luck will change in the spring and we’ll find a decent bunch of mustangs to break.”

She nodded. “I hope so dear.”

“And Daisy, don’t say anything to Jess about….you know, I figure he wouldn’t want Mike to find out what he’s done.”

Later after supper all hardship and money worries were forgotten as they entered into the festive spirit, discussing the coming holiday and the prospect of entertaining their friends.

This year they were looking forward to sharing the day with Jess’s girl, Millie Johnson, her Ma, Peggy, Slim’s girl Lily and of course their good friend the Laramie Sheriff, Mort Corey.

While the adults were happily making plans young Mike had been sitting by the fireside studying his favourite book. It was an illustrated volume of Bible Stories, the many pictures drawn by one Jane Wright an old friend of Jess’s from his panhandle days.* See The Persecuted.

Jane was of the Quaker faith and had suffered persecution and ridicule throughout her short life. However Jess had championed her when she was a small child and later when she sought sanctuary at the ranch, after the demise of her brother, one of Jess’s best friends. Her passion in life, after her religion, had been art and she was lucky enough to have her work spotted by Doc Sam Baker’s brother who was a successful book publisher. He had taken Jane under his wing and now she was a world famous illustrator.

As Jess watched the youngster slowly turning the pages of the book he cast his mind back to the day it had arrived .They had all been delighted that Jane had done so well in having the book published and she had even signed it for them.

Later that evening as the men had been having a small whiskey out on the porch, before turning in Slim flicked though the book again and stopped at a picture depicting the Nativity. However this picture just had the Holy Family in the centre and one visitor, probably a shepherd.

The young man was kneeling down by the crib a look of awe on his handsome face, his dark hair caught in the glow from a lantern and his deep blue eyes dancing with delight….

Slim stared at it for a good few minutes…“Well I’ll be… looky here Jess.”

He passed the book over and watched his partner’s face as comprehension finally dawned… “It’s me Slim,” he said in awe… “She’s painted me in as a shepherd.”

Now Jess remembered his delight that she had seen fit to include him in that particularly special scene. Of course young Jane had a very deep affection for him, bordering on obsession, Jess remembered, and sighed with relief that she was now a happily married woman, with a young family.

“So what’s the story tonight?” he asked casting Mike a questioning glance.

It had become their custom to read a small passage from the book before Mike’s bedtime and over the last few weeks the Christmas Story had gradually unfolded.

After they had heard all about the arduous journey Mary and Joseph had made riding a donkey to Bethlehem, Mike asked, “So how far was it from that Naz…Nazareth to Bethlehem?”

“A pretty long ride Mike,” said Slim thoughtfully, “it looks to be about seventy odd miles by my reckoning.”

“Jeepers I sure wouldn’t wanna ride all that way on Harpy,” Mike said referring to their ornery mule.

He had originally been called Harry, by the old prospector who had owned him. However once he had been given to Slim in payment of a debt his name had been quickly changed to Harpy, after Jess. Slim always maintained it was because he was so dang hard to get going in the mornings and was of uncertain temperament. This was much to Jess’s annoyance of course and he denied sharing any traits with the disagreeable animal.

Slim and Jess just chuckled at the boy’s words now though.

Then he turned to Daisy, “Will you tell me the bit about the Angel again, please Aunt Daisy?”

Daisy smiled across at him and put her mending down before taking his book and after thumbing through it found the place and started to read:

“The Angel Gabriel said to Mary: 'Peace be with you! God has blessed you and is pleased with you.' Mary was very surprised by this and wondered what the angel meant. The angel said to her 'Don't be afraid, God has been very kind to you. You will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a baby boy and you will call him Jesus. He will be God's own Son and his kingdom will never end. 'Mary was very afraid but she trusted God. 'Let it happen as God chooses.' she replied to the angel. Gabriel also told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth who everyone thought was too old to have children, would have a baby boy whom God had chosen to prepare the way for Jesus.”

Jess looked on grinning at Mike’s rapt attention and when Daisy had finished and handed the book back to Mike, Jess asked to see Jane’s depiction of the Angel Gabriel.

They both looked down at the figure in a white belted gown with the huge wings and strangely benign expression on his strong features, surrounded by celestial light.

“He kinda reminds me of someone,” said Jess thoughtfully. “I know he sorta favors Ben the blacksmith, over in Laramie.”

He passed the book over to Slim and he agree. “Well she got you down as a shepherd so I don’t see as to why old Ben shouldn’t be Angel Gabriel,” laughed Slim.

Then Daisy turned back to the youngster, “So what fascinates you so much about the Angels then Mike and Gabriel in particular?”

“I dunno,” said the youngster thoughtfully. “My teacher was telling us all about him, how he was God’s special messenger Angel…told Mary and Joseph about the baby comin’…. could have been him as told those shepherds where to find the Baby too she said…. well I think that’s kinda neat. And I sure don’t know why he had to keep sayin’ ‘don’t be afraid’…I sure wouldn’t be,” he said stoutly. “I’d think it was just swell seein’ a real live Angel.”

Slim and Jess hid there amusement, but Daisy took him seriously.

“You know dear I do believe we all have our own special Guardian Angel who looks out for us…so maybe you will see him one day.”

“Wow really Aunt Daisy? So are the Angels guardians, like Slim and Jess are?”

“I suppose so dear, someone special to look over you…yes just like Slim and Jess do,” she said nodding at the youngster and including the cowboys in her beaming smile.

“Well I may not be sproutin’ wings anytime soon, or be real good at all that Bible language,” said Jess his eyes twinkling. “But I ain’t too dusty at shootin’ Turkey, so iffen you wanna come along with your old Guardian at first light I figure you’d better be hittin’ the sack Tiger.”

Mike squealed with delight at the news.

“We’re goin’ tomorrow Jess…really!”

“You bet ya…now off you go Mike, sweet dreams.”

Once he’d gone Jess picked up Jane’s book again and idly flicked through it enjoying the beautiful pictures and then he glanced over to Daisy.

“So do you really believe in the Angels Daisy?”

She turned to him and gave her beautiful smile, “Oh I’m certain dear…so who do you think helps you out of all the trouble you seem to attract like a magnet, if not your Guardian Angel?”

He thought about that for a moment and grinned across at their elderly housekeeper.

“Well iffen you’re so well in with those ol’ Angels maybe you could have a word and ask ‘em to give me a hand to avoid trouble…never mind helpin’ me out of it,” he said with a broad grin.

“Oh, away with you,” she chuckled. “Shouldn’t you be having an early night too if you’re riding out at dawn?”

Chapter 3

Mike and Jess set off at first light, but not until after they had enjoyed a huge breakfast cooked by Daisy, followed by a slightly less enjoyable lecture from Slim.

“If you’re sleeping out I should use one of those caves by the small lake…if the weather turns anyway.And Jess don’t forget to make sure to keep an eye open for bear, remember that grizzly we came upon last year? Keep the boy close…..all the time, you can’t be too careful up there you know and…..”

“Slim!” Jess broke in, “We’ll be fine stop yer fussin’. Yes we’ll use a cave if it rains, and we’ll keep an eye open for bear…and garldarn it, Mike knows as well as we do all the dangers.”

“Now where’s Daisy gone, we’ve got to be off,” he said firmly.

The housekeeper returned a few minutes later with an extra blanket.

“For Mike dear, I didn’t realize you’d be camping out, it’s really chilly at this time of year…make sure he wraps up warmly too, won’t you?”

Jess rolled his eyes away from Daisy’s vision, but when he turned back to her he smiled benignly, “Sure, sure I will don’t fret,” and he kissed her gently on the cheek.

The couple were finally on their way and set a good pace through the early morning sunshine landing at the hunting grounds by noon and they soon set up camp.

They decided to spend the next couple of days just enjoying themselves, fishing and hunting any game that came their way, before picking up a Turkey on the last day so that it would be nice and fresh for the Festive meal. Jess planned to arrive back a week or so before Christmas Eve so that they could help fell and decorate the tree as well as to make all the last minute preparations.

However this special time was just for him and Mike and he aimed to make it as good as possible for the youngster. Partly to try and make up for the disappointment of not receiving the beloved rifle Mike had set his heart on for Christmas.

They had broken the news to him just the day before and though initially a little tearful and upset he accepted the disappointment stoically, once he understood the situation. Like the good kid he was, as Jess had said to Slim later that night.

“I felt real bad having to disappoint him that way,” said Slim casting his friend a miserable look.

Jess nodded, “Me too. After what the boy’s been through in the past I guess we kinda want to try and make his life perfect.”

Then he sighed deeply, “But we both know it ain’t, don’t we Slim? Life’s full of trials and tribulations and the sooner young Mike understands that, well the better it’ll be I guess.”

Slim smiled inwardly at Jess’s mode of speech and then remembered the Minister had used those words in his address the previous week….so Jess had been listening….then he concentrated on what his buddy had just said.

“I suppose so,” agreed Slim reluctantly, “but he’s still very young Jess, I figure it’s natural to want to shield him from stuff.”

But Jess shook his head, “That ain’t doin’ him no favors Slim, he needs to know the reality of it.Like the fact that ranching is a hard old life and a risky way to make a living right now too. The sooner he realizes that, so much the better.”

Slim sighed deeply, “Maybe it’ll make him study harder, go to college like young Andy and make a career for himself. He’s a bright kid…could be a doc like Andy, lawyer even. Anything I guess, if he put the studying in.”

“So is that what you want for him Slim?”

The tall rancher shrugged, “I just want him to make a good life and be happy I reckon, whatever that takes.”

“Uh…well he sure loves the life…gettin’ real good with the horses and all too.That’s why he needs to know the downside as well as the good stuff Slim, so he can make a proper decision when he’s older.”

Slim had nodded in agreement and they had turned in shortly after.

Now Jess watched the youngster carefully as he cleaned Andy’s hand me down rifle. There was a look of deep concentration on his young face as he performed the task, illuminated by the crackling camp fire, and the recent conversation with Slim came back to Jess.

“So do ya think you wanna make a go of ranching, when you’re all grown up then Mike?”

The youngster thought hard for a moment and then said firmly, “Yes I really do Jess. I guess it isn’t going to be real easy and fun all the time…but yeah, it’s what I want to do most in the whole world…..!” he said his eyes alight with enthusiasm.

“Well just say iffen you ain’t too sure,” Jess chuckled and the boy smiled back.

“You’re so funny Jess,” he giggled before turning back to the task in hand.

That was the first of several little talks they had over their camping trip and Jess was often amazed by the youngster’s new found maturity…but was pleased to see it still tempered by childish innocence, like his faith in Father Christmas…not to mention Angels.

It was a clear cold night and the stars seemed very bright and amazingly close as they settled down to sleep, looking up at the magnificent display above them.

“I guess it was this sorta night when the Angel went and told all those shepherd’s about the Baby Jesus,” Mike said softly, his breath freezing in the chill night air.

“I reckon so,” Jess agreed sleepily. “Must have been powerful scary iffen I’m truthful,” he said now reconsidering his initial bravado about encounters with Angels. “It says in the Good Book, somethin’ about a host of Angels…so what’s that then Jess?”

Jess turned his head on the saddle he was using as a pillow and considered the question.

“Figure that’s like a whole bunch of ‘em,” he said eventually.

The boy settled then, satisfied with the answer and lay quietly, happily imagining the scene, before turning to his beloved guardian,

“Night Jess….”

“Night Tiger”

*******

The next morning dawned bright and sunny, but cold and Jess made sure the boy was in warm dry clothes before they headed further into the depths of the wild countryside of Paradise.

Although belonging to the ranch it had never been cultivated or fenced and the landscape, complete with its variety of flora and fauna, had been unchanged for thousands of years. Wildlife abounded in droves, but as well as the game Jess was interested in he was also aware that their predators were also numerous and kept the boy close, heeding Slim’s warning of bears being around.

He also felt that it was way too cold for the young ‘un to be out in the big open at night and decided to make their way to the mountain foothills that were peppered with ancient caves. He remembered he and Slim had slept in one a few years back and made for that one which overlooked a small lake

“I reckon we’ll sleep with a roof over our heads tonight Mike,” he said cheerfully. “That ol’ cave can get real snug with a good fire burning.”

The child was secretly relieved as he had been a little chilly the night before, but said nothing, wanting to appear as tough as his hero.

“Can we fish the lake?” he asked as they arrived at their destination sometime later.

“Sure we can buddy; we’ll just set up camp and spend the morning fishin’, OK?”

“More than OK,” Mike replied happily.

After a successful morning fishing and dining on their catch they had turned their attentions to exploring the area a little more.

They left the cave and made their way up a steep track carrying on up the mountain, in the hope of scaring up some rabbits for supper.Jess knew of the lush woodland that lay a little further up on a vast plateau of conifers interspersed with grassland and rabbit warrens and figured they’d find their quarry up there.

“Stay real close to the mountain and away from the edge,” Jess insisted as they slowly made their way up. “This path looks kinda rough in places,” he added, turning to look at the boy and emphasize his words.

“Yes sir,” Mike responded quickly, knowing how important it was to obey all orders when out in the Big Open with Jess or Slim.

Then everything seemed to happen at once.

It was a very bright, if chilly afternoon, but suddenly Jess was aware of a shadow above him, and glancing up was just in time to see a big cat launch itself at them.

Jess called out a warning to the boy, raised his rifle and shot the critter straight through the heart as he was in mid-flight, having leapt just a split second after Jess had looked up.

As he fell, the cougar caught Jess a glancing blow and then continued over the edge to the deep drop below, plummeting downwards onto the rocks.

Mike watched in horror as Jess desperately tried to keep his footing, but teetered on the edge of the drop. It all appeared to happen in slow motion as Jess’s arms flailed, then just as it seemed he would regain his balance the heel of his boot snapped, making him lurch forwards and he tipped over the edge of the mountain trail.

Mike screamed hysterically and peered over to see his hero hurtle down the steep slope, before ricocheting from rock to rock and finally coming to rest at the bottom of the mountain some thirty feet below. His fall was broken by some low lying bushes, but Mike still heard the sickening thud as he landed followed by a deathly silence

The boy yelled frantically down to him to no avail. The dark haired cowboy lay ominously still, his arm splayed at an unnatural angle…and blood running down his face where he had caught his temple on a rock on the way down.

Mike stood there crying and shaking for several minutes before taking a deep hiccup-ping breath and trying to pull himself together.

The light was beginning to fade a little and a cloud covered the sun, making the child shiver involuntarily and he knew he could stay there no longer.

Slim and Jess had instilled into him one of the first rules of survival, to keep warm and dry at all times, particularly night time, the cold being a big killer, but what of Jess?

Mike peered over the ledge again and knew there was no way he could climb down and that his only option was to follow the trail back to the cave. Then continue back down to the lake and follow the mountain around until he came upon the place where Jess had fallen.

However by the time he finally made it back to the cave it was practically pitch dark. He knew he would never be able to make it down to the lake safely and even less able to find Jess in the dark moonless night.So it was with a very heavy heart that he stirred the campfire to life, fed it with some of the dry kindling they had collected earlier and curled up in his bed roll, eventually crying himself to sleep.

*******

When Jess came around the moon had reappeared from behind the clouds and he could just make out the bulk of the mountain behind him and the huge conifers standing sentinel to his left. After a few moments he realized where he was and then the terrible memory of the fall came flooding back to him.

“Mike,” he gasped…”Mike?”

Where was the boy?Was he safe or had he attempted to make his way down and fallen too?

Jess’s heart raced at the thought and he broke out in a cold sweat…. he must find the boy.

He lay there for a moment taking stock of his situation and then as he moved slightly pain shot through his left arm and he winced, before gingerly trying to move it again.

It soon became obvious that it was broken and steeling himself he used his right arm to grasp the injured one and bring it to his side. Fresh sweat poured down his face and back, as the full agony of the broken limb threatened to render him unconscious. But after a few deep breaths he managed to sit up and then stand swaying and peering around him into the gloom.

It was bitterly cold and he was shivering uncontrollably. He put a tentative hand to his face and felt the sticky blood there. He swallowed deeply as rising nausea threatened to overcome him, but he breathed deeply once more and the moment passed. Then he searched around on the ground for his hat and rammed it on, pulling it down hard, his eyes narrowed as he peered off into the darkness. He retrieved his rifle which had landed a few feet from the carcass of the dead cat, then looked around him once more for any sign of Mike.

He called out for the boy several times, but nothing and he breathed a sigh of relief, just hoping and praying the youngster had returned to the safety of the cave. He spent some more time desperately scanning the whole area in the now bright moonlight, but there was no sign of the child and reluctantly he moved on.

He knew he had to get some shelter from the frosty night air and slowly began staggering towards the pine forest, knowing it would afford him some shelter. Once he was under its dense canopy the air seemed slightly warmer and drier and after wandering on for a few more yards he found what he was looking for.

Beneath one of the huge trees was a large hollow between the surface roots. He then set about dragging as much light brush wood and dried grasses as he could find, pausing frequently to catch his breath and cuss at the pain in his arm and head, before continuing with his task.Once he had collected enough insulating material he finally fell to his knees and slowly lowered himself own into the large depression at the base of the pine. Then he pulled as much of the dry brushwood and foliage over him as he could, effectively acting as a blanket. He had used this old trick once before and was relieved when after a few minutes he gradually started to warm up and pulling his sheepskin jacket tightly around him, fell into a deep exhausted sleep.

Chapter 4

It was mid-morning before the strong winter sunlight penetrated the cave mouth illuminating where Mike still lay huddled beneath his blanket, sleeping as deeply as only the very young can.

The tall figure, robed in a white gown stood in the mouth of the cave peering down at the youngster a benign look in his old eyes and a serene smile touching his lips at the vision of the sleeping child.

He held his arms open wide in an act of blessing. Wanting to sanctify this pure innocent child…… and that is when Mike awoke, rubbed his eyes and then looked up into the face of…… an Angel.

The bright winter light bathed the figure in a holy glow. The loose sleeves of the robe, held high in benediction looking like angels wings and his abundance of white hair , giving the appearance of a halo all serving to personify an image of a being from another world.

Mike shrank back in shock as the huge apparition stood there staring down at him.

Then a deep voice boomed, ”Fear not! I wish you no harm my child.”

So it was an Angel Mike deduced, that’s what the Angel Gabriel had said to the shepherds, ‘Fear not for I bring tidings of great joy…’ that’s what he’d said. So if this was really the Angel Gabriel, well then sure he wasn’t in any danger.

“I…I ain’t afraid, Mister Gabriel….sir…” he muttered being rather unsure as to how to address an Angel of the Lord.

The older man’s face softened and relaxed into a friendly grin, “Gabe…just Gabe will do,” he said, gently.

As Mike looked more closely he realized the ‘Angel’ didn’t really have wings, it had just been a trick of the light, the way the old man had held his arms aloft in that way.But before Mike could start trying to figure out what was going on he remembered about Jess and the dreadful fall……

*******

It was an hour or so later when they finally came to the spot where Mike believed Jess had lain…and they looked around them in the brilliant winter sunshine.

They had seen the vultures and heard their haunting cries even before they reached the spot where Jess had fallen. Mike’s heart was beating twenty to the dozen in dread at what they might find.

“He was here I tell you,” the youngster said in tears of frustration… .as they reached the place. “This was where he was I’m sure.” But there was no sign.

The pair looked around and then Gabe saw one of the vultures make its awkward landing a little distance off, flapping its wings and giving its eerie call once more.

The ‘Angel’ and Mike exchanged an anxious glance before he squeezed the boy’s shoulder gently. “Stay here son I’ll go and take a look.”

He marched purposefully across the stony ground and then came to a standstill…..the vultures squawking angrily at this invasion of their territory as they flapped off again and wheeled noisily above him.

Gabe looked down at the bloody corpse for a long time. Then he sighed deeply before he eventually turned and beckoned Mike over.

“I imagine this is the big cat that caused your guardian to fall?” asked Gabe looking sadly down at the remains of the once magnificent beast.

“That proves it, this is the place” the child whispered, “He was lyin’ here right beside the big cat…..but where is he Gabe…where’s he gone?” he cried, tears of frustration threatening once more.

They searched the immediate area and then spread out encompassing the first half mile or so of the conifer forest, constantly calling and then stopping to listen to the eerie silence; the only sound, the continued cries of the vultures as they circled overhead.

Gabe finally concluded that the injured man might have tried to get back to the lake, needing water. Then he would have looked for the boy and could have made his way back to their campsite by now.

“Maybe he’ll be there waiting on us son…he certainly isn’t here,” and the couple reluctantly retraced their steps.

Once they had returned to the cave and found no sign, they went on down to the lake shore which afforded a good view of the area and sat back to think.

“So tell me boy, what do you think his injuries were?” asked Gabe kindly, trying to piece together what might have happened to Jess.

“He had all blood on his face,” the child whispered shuddering at the memory, “Hit his head on a rock I guess, and his arm looked real funny too, kinda ….I dunno…just wrong lookin’,” he finally managed, getting tearful again.

“Umm,” said Gabe softly, “That sounds like a broken arm. The head wound might have made him dizzy…or he may be even having a job remembering where your camp is….”

“So are you a doctorin’ kinda angel,” asked Mike now, his eyes wide with interest.

Gabe chuckled, “Well I’m quite good at doctoring the beasts and I think humans aren’t that much different.”

“But how are we going to find him?” asked Mike looking anxious once more.

“We’re not young Mike,” Gabe said with a smile, “He’s going to find us…now where’s that old hunting rifle of yours umm?”

After Gabe had let off several volleys, crashing into the still air he sat back and produce some musical pipes from a leather satchel he wore at his waist.

“Hey those are real neat,” said Mike fascinated, his troubles forgotten for a moment. “What are they?”

“My Panpipes,” Gabe replied showing the boy the wooden instrument that was made of a series of pipes of different lengths all bound together by a rough piece of cord. Then he held the pipes to his lips and blew gently across them and suddenly the still air was filled with an enchanting melodic sound.Once Gabe got into his stride the pure notes rose and fell, the haunting melody reverberating far and wide.

Just half a mile away at the edge of the forest Jess was finally awoken from his deep semi-conscious slumber, induced by the head wound.It was the sound of the gunshots crashing through the stillness of the forest that awoke him … He tried to sit up and push the brushwood covering him away, but quickly fell back as the pain in his head and arm floored him.

He took several deep breaths, and then tried again, this time managing to sit up.

Then he heard it, two more shots…. Mike he thought……. was that Mike trying to signal to him? Or no, God forbid, trying to protect himself from what? Cougar, bear? Hell there could be any damn thing out there. The rush of adrenaline was all he needed to drag himself up. After a moment he staggered from where he’d been so perfectly hidden from Mike and Gabe beneath the blanket of foliage. He stood there for a moment shaking and desperately trying to get his bearings the pain in his head making him feel totally disorientated.

Finally he slowly made his way forwards in what he hoped was the general direction of the lake, feeling dazed and nauseous, but determined to find the youngster.

He had only been walking a short time, limping due to the broken heel on his boot and cussing loudly, when he heard something else…something that made him stop in his tracks…. Panpipes. The familiar, almost ethereal, sounds wafting towards him were like balm to his troubled soul.

He was suddenly transported back to the Texas panhandle and old Injun Joe playing his beloved Panpipes. How Jess had loved to hear that almost wistful, haunting sound coming from the old cabin, just a stone’s throw from his own shabby hovel that he and his family called home.

Injun Joe was the sweetest, kindest old man he had ever met and he hated to see the way some of the towns folk treated the old timer. To Jess he was a true friend and mentor, someone to run to when his Pa was in a drunken rage and Ma and the little ones were trying to hide from or pacify the tyrant.

Then he remembered back to that terrible afternoon when he was just about six or seven years old. He’d done something to annoy his Pa, probably breathed too dang hard when the bastard had a hangover Jess thought grimly now. At the time his Pa had made a lunge at him and hit him hard around the head, causing Jess to yelp in pain and fall badly. Then as Pa came forwards the light of battle in his eyes Ma had rushed in from the kitchen, hauled the boy up and thrust him out the door, entreating him to just run off and hide.

Well he sure hadn’t needed any second telling. He’d been out of the cabin and down the bumpy track like greased lightning, his Pa’s oaths flying after him.

He didn’t stop until he was deep in the woods. That was when he decided he’d never go back again and just carried on walking and walking…until it was late afternoon and his stomach was grumbling.

He knew he would have had no problem in bringing down a rabbit with his slingshot, or building a fire to cook it on. However his slingshot was hidden under his pillow at home. Also he was miles from rabbit country now he realized as he looked round at the open plain before him reaching as far as the eye could see and realised his escape was hopeless.

He had slid to the ground looking at the vista before him in total despair. Even at that tender age he realized he would not survive in that desolate open countryside. He had no horse, no method of defending himself or any way of catching his dinner….and he sighed deeply knowing his quest for freedom was useless.

It was almost dusk when he realized he was hopelessly lost in the vast acreage of forestation that lay to the south of the small shanty town where he lived. The share farmer’s land abutted the woodland that he knew, but the more he stumbled on through the encircling gloom, the more lost he became.

It was then that he had heard it. The poignant, melodic notes of the Panpipes and he knew old Injun Joe must be near at hand.

He came upon him in a clearing in the forest beside a crackling fire, a rabbit on a stick roasting nicely.

The Indian had raised his friendly, kind old eyes to the boy and merely said, “There you are Jessie boy, come along in and sit you down, suppers nearly ready.”

Jess had never forgotten that accepting, matter of fact greeting. No fussin’ or frettin’ just a reassuringly friendly welcome. Later Joe had taken the boy home, once Jess’s Pa had left for the saloon and the coast was clear. Then he’d hightailed it off to bed well before his Pa’s return, he remembered smiling at the memory….

Then he was suddenly catapulted back to the here and now as the Panpipes became louder and a few moments later Jess broke the cover of the woodland and saw Mike with a tall stranger sitting on the lakeshore some distance away.

All the time Gabe had been playing Mike’s eyes had been constantly scanning the area…. and now his prayers where suddenly answered as he saw Jess limping slowly towards him.

With a shrill cry of joy the youngster sprang up and tore across the short distance between them in seconds, throwing himself in Jess’s arms, both of them laughing and crying with relief.

Jess had fallen to his knees and was holding the boy close when Gabe advanced slowly towards them.

The cowboy looked up at this vision dressed in a pure white belted robe, the noontide sun illuminating him, the thatch of white hair looking almost like a halo. His first thought was that of Mike’s, the stranger looked just like an Angel. But something about him was somehow familiar…Then he remembered what it was, he favored Ben, the Laramie Blacksmith. The man Jane had modelled Angel Gabriel on in her Bible Stories illustration. So that was it Jess thought smiling to himself.

The big man grinned down at him, “Howdy, so you must be the famous Jess Harper?”

Jess raised a quizzical eyebrow, but before he could comment Mike turned to the stranger and said to Jess, “This is my new friend Jess. Angel Gabriel!”

The tall man chuckled, “Just Gabe, call me Gabe,” he said, reaching down and hauling Jess up, before shaking his hand firmly.

“Well, howdy, and I guess you must be the famous Gabe who brings us that fine venison haunch every Christmas. It sure is good to meet you.”

Then placing a hand on Mike’s shoulder, he said, “And thank you kindly for looking out for my boy here.”

“That’s my pleasure, but I think he is not the only one in need of looking after my friend, please come to my home, I will tend your wounds and you must rest awhile.”

*******

Jess had finally agreed to Gabe’s ministrations after he’d all but collapsed a few minutes after his reunion with Mike.

The youngster was sent off to collect Traveller and his own mount Sunny and then with Gabe’s help Jess managed to mount up and the big man led them to his mountainside cave.

“Gee no wonder Slim never managed to locate you over the years,” Jess said once they had made their way through some dense foliage and then entered the cave via a small hidden entrance.

If the doorway was small then the cave itself was huge, opening up into a space of almost church like dimensions…and then Jess’ attention was drawn to the back of the cave where there was indeed a small Altar with candles and a wooden cross.

Gabe’s eyes followed where Jess was looking and said softly, ”I imagine Mathew…err Slim that is, has told you of my past as a Padre?”

“Sure, you were the Padre of his Pa’s outfit in the war weren’t you?”

He nodded, “And then a travelling preacher, until I became too old. But once a man of God always a man of God,” he said beaming. “That is why you find me robed”, he said alluding to his white attire. I was celebrating the Lord’s Supper…but then I felt all was not well… So I visited your camp and found the child distressed and you missing.”

“Well thank God you did,” said Jess sincerely. “I guess you saved his skin, mine too. So you knew we were camping near here?”

“Oh yes my friend, I see everyone who comes to Paradise…I know of their comings and goings.”

Mike had just joined them from where he’d been tending the horses, as Gabe mentioned celebrating the Last Supper.

“So you don’t wear that long robe all the time then?” asked Mike looking fascinated…still believing in his own innocent way that the old timer was indeed an Angel, having missed the recent conversation telling of Gabe’s life as a Padre.

Gabe turned to him and ruffled his hair. ”Bless you no son, not too practical for these parts…just for when I’m spending  time with our Lord.”

“I guess you’re on pretty good terms with him then”, the boy said imagining an Angel would be.

Jess turned to share the joke with the old man…..but was surprised to see the look of sincerity on his face, ”I’d certainly like to think so son,” he replied before wandering off to fetch his medical supplies to treat Jess.

Jess looked around Gabe’s home and approved wholeheartedly. It put him in mind of the tepee he had once shared with his dear friend and blood brother, an Arapaho, named Little Wolf and later the home he had with his beloved wife, Sky, Little Wolf’s sister before her untimely death. * See Blood Brothers.

It had the same large central fire, the smoke leaving via a cleft in the cave ceiling. Surrounding the fire were some comfortable cushions covered in brightly woven fabrics. Sumptuous wolf and bear skins covered the floor and more Indian style woven tapestries covered the walls making the space feel warm and comfortable.

Jess had sunk down onto one of the cushions, his head wound finally taking its toll and when Gabe returned shortly afterwards the young cowboy had collapsed into unconsciousness.

Mike was kneeling beside him looking shocked. “He…he was sayin’ what a great place this was and then he went kinda white and shaky, and passed out,” he whispered looking frightened.

“He’ll be OK boy, don’t worry,” Gabe said kindly as he started cleaning Jess’s head wound, before administering a herbal paste and bandaging the wound. Then he turned his attentions to the broken arm that he had put in a sling, back at the lake, made from Jess’s bandana.

“I guess it’s a good thing he’s out of it son,” Gabe said. “Now I need to set this arm and I think it might be a tad painful if he was awake.”

Of course that was the moment Jess came around.

“Huh….wha you say?” he groaned….

“This arm Jess, I’m afraid I need to manipulate and splint it…”

Jess just nodded and then turning to Mike said, “Go water the horses will ya Tiger….?”

Mike looked unsure, “Aww Jess I wanna help.”

“Mike…!” Jess said throwing him his ‘don’t mess with me’ look.

The child got reluctantly to his feet. “OK, I’m goin’.”

“Good boy,” he whispered beginning to feel really nauseous again.

Once he had gone Jess turned to Gabe. “OK I’m ready…..”

He gritted his teeth but made no sound as Gabe worked quickly and efficiently to align, then securely splint the limb, before returning it gently to the improvised sling.

Once it was over Jess was pale and shivering from shock, sweat beading his forehead. Gabe helped him to a low cot by the fireside and covered him over with a heavy wolf skin coverlet.

“Now I will play for you,” he said softly, “and you will sleep and renew your energy….”

“I will huh,” Jess said disbelievingly…feeling that a good shot of Red Eye would serve him better.

However as soon as those ethereal notes started echoing around the cave, the acoustics making the Panpipe sound even more alluring, he was suddenly relaxed, his pain and angst forgotten and shortly after that he fell into a deep and restorative sleep.

When he awoke several hours later he felt strangely at peace and lay there in the dimly lit cave listening to Mike and Gabe talking softly.

He gathered that Gabe had given the boy an impromptu lesson on playing the pipes and the child was delighted with the result, begging for Gabe to show him how to fashion his own instrument from the reeds growing at the lakeside.

“Tomorrow my boy, we’ll go tomorrow…..now it is nearly time to sleep.”

“OK,” said Mike,”but will you tell me some more about the pipes first…please?” he wheedled.

Jess smiled in the darkness, at this old familiar bedtime ritual of begging for more time up.

“So what do you wish to know?” asked Gabe patiently.

“Well why are they called Panpipes? I mean they look nuthin’ like pans,” said the boy with childlike logic.

Gabe hid a smile and then answered the boy’s question as well as he could.

“They are named after an ancient god of Greek mythology called Pan,” he started.

“Huh a what…of…what?” Mike asked looking baffled.

Gabe thought hard and started again. “The Greek myths are ancient tales told long, long ago in a country far away from here, called Greece.”

“OK I got ya….”

“So,” continued Gabe, “the tales tell of gods and strange creatures and their doings. The stories were passed down from generation to generation…sometimes helping the people to think about their world and why and how things happened the way they did.”

Mike sat crossed legged his mouth slightly open in wonder as the stories of Greek Mythology unfolded before him.

“So,” continued Gabe, “one of the gods in the stories was called Pan and he was the god of the wild, of shepherds, nature and hunting.”

”He sounds real neat,” said Mike enthusiastically, “I figure Jess would like that kinda guy iffen he was the god of the Big Open and huntin’ and all.”

Gabe chuckled and agreed he would, before continuing his story.

“As well as that, Pan was the god who loved music especially the pipe music. You see it was Pan who made the first pipes…so that’s why they are called Panpipes.”

Mike smiled broadly, ”I kinda like the thought of that…some ol’ god from long ago making that first pipe…even if it is just a tale.”

Gabe agreed and then said, “How about you bed down now Mike and I’ll play a little more to get you off to sleep huh?”

It was sometime later when the child was fast asleep that Jess and Gabe shared a coffee and the discussion came around to Gabe and his way of life.

“You sure have lived some; the places you’ve been,” said Jess eyeing the older man over the rim of his cup, “So how come you know all about them Greek Myths an’ all?”

Gabe smiled, “I have travelled far and wide, as I have told you my friend. My Papa was Italian, Mama English and they moved to England after their marriage. I was born in the old country…had what they call a classical education…my Father insisted upon it. We boys learnt all about the Ancient Romans and Greeks…. and very clever folk they were too. We even learnt Latin….a dead language,” he said thoughtfully.

Jess grinned, “Heck I have enough trouble with dang livin’ languages…”

Gabe chuckled, “There’s more to having a good and useful life than just education you know Jess.”

Jess nodded in agreement. Then turned to encompass the cave with a sweep of his good arm, “It looks like you’ve had dealings with the Indians too huh?”

The older man nodded, “Yes I lived with them for awhile. They taught me so much… .even to that herbal dressing on your head…their medicine is wonderful you know Jess,” he said enthusiastically.

“Yeah, I know that alright,” he replied softly.

“Oh?” Gabe asked giving him a shrewd look.

Jess looked down and sighed as though weighing up whether to say more…then made a decision.

“I married an Arapaho squaw…she…she…. was killed,” he finished quietly.

Gabe just nodded accepting this new piece of the jigsaw of Jess’s life, finding this complex and private man fascinating. But he made no further comment, instinctively knowing he wouldn’t appreciate further questioning.

“You’ll know what a spiritual and knowledgeable people they are then,” he replied.

Jess just nodded again and then said, “So you’re from the old country, but you sure don’t talk that way so much?”

Gabe grinned again, taking this sudden change of subject in his stride.

“Well I’ve lived over here since I was just a boy of sixteen. Father was a minister and we moved over lock stock and barrel…up to Canada…taking the Gospel to the Indians, trappers and then later the Wagon Trains going West.”

“Can’t have been an easy life,” Jess said thoughtfully. “You must have seen some real hard times, death…disease….garldarn it Gabe that was a hard call. Your Pa taking you all that way…dangers from the hostiles back then…hell some of those ol’ trappers ain’t much better.”

Gabe nodded in agreement. “You’ve surely got that right Jess…but you see we had one thing going for us.”

“You did?”

“Oh yes…the good Lord provided for us…what is it you say, watched our backs?”

Jess smiled grimly, “Well iffen you say so Gabe, but give me a good buddy and a loaded gun any day.”

Gabe just raised an eyebrow.

“OK so this is where you say ‘Oh ye of little faith’.” joked Jess.

“On the contrary …I say you make good sense…but who is to say the good Lord isn’t watching over your buddy…and you too. Or maybe your Guardian Angel is watching out for you umm?”

Jess thought for a moment and then grinned, “Sure I’ll buy that….”

Then he threw the older man a thoughtful look. “You know there’s somethin’ I can’t figure about you Gabe.”

“Oh, so what’s that then young man?”

“Well the way I’ve heard folk talk of ya…you’re kind of a recluse…never show your face when you bring that Christmas gift over to the ranch….I figure you know dang well when me and Slim ride over here too…and yet you’ve never even said howdy…so how come?”

Gabe gave him that kind honest look that Jess was becoming familiar with.

“That’s simple my friend, you have never needed me before…and now you do.”

“Well you sure got that one right Gabe, and I appreciate everythin’ you’ve done for me…the boy too…” Then he lay back down looking pale and ill again.

”I’m kinda beat…..I figure I’ll get some sleep…and Gabe…. Thanks huh…..”

Chapter 5

The next morning when he awoke Jess felt terrible, his head was aching badly, his vision blurred and he felt sick and dizzy.

Gabe took one look at him and went off to the back of the cave where he rummaged around in his medical supplies before returning with a bottle of medicine.

He shook the bottle well and then poured some out into a cup and mixed it with a little water before passing it across, to where Jess was leaning back on his saddle, looking wary.

He sniffed the mixture and cast Gabe a look of disgust, “Gee that stuff stinks…”

“Of course,” the elderly man said with a smile, “didn’t anyone ever tell you the worse it tastes the better it is for you?”

“Oh yeah, you bet,” he said gruffly, “and they all dang well lied through their teeth too.”

“And would a man of God lie to you?” asked Gabe, his twinkling eyes at odds with the serious question.

Jess gave him a faint smile and after a moment took a deep breath and swallowed the potion in one, before cussing lightly under his breath.

Later Gabe and Mike took off to find the reeds with which to make Mike’s Panpipes and also do some fishing, leaving Jess to sleep.

He tossed and turned for awhile before finally falling asleep, but then his rest was disturbed by a terrible nightmare….

It had started with all the money worries they were currently experiencing. But instead of just being unable to buy new boots or Mike’s prized gun, things were much, much more serious.

Daisy was real sick…she looked years older than her usual healthy self and was almost emaciated. She was lying in her bed and Jess instinctively knew she was dying. He also knew that if he could just get some money then he could pay for the life changing operation she desperately needed and save her.

In the next scene he was arguing about something with Slim, both men at fever pitch yelling and shouting and then Jess swung a punch, decking Slim and he lay there looking up at him…deep hurt in his light blue eyes….

“Please Jess don’t do it pard…..you can’t… I won’t let ya!”

Jess was looking down at something cold and hard in his hand…his old gunslinger weapon, which he had removed from its hiding place in the chimney breast. He spun the chamber feeling it balanced and heavy in his hand ….and then he had holstered it and walked away.

It was when he was saddling Traveller that Mike had come into the barn…. it was winter with snow on the ground and he looked chilled to the bone and tearful.

“Don’t go Jess….don’t leave…please you can’t go you just can’t,”…..he cried grabbing hold of Jess’s arm….

He recoiled in agony, the child’s touch sending waves of pain shooting up his arm…but he still shook him off…. and turned to mount his horse…looking back down at the child, pity in his eyes.

“It’s the only way,” he shouted at the boy. “You’ve gotta see that…the only way to get the money is to take it…you've gotta learn that Mike!”

The child again grabbed hold of his arm….”Jess…Jess….!” he yelled.

Then he was suddenly awake, Mike leaning over him calling his name…his arm throbbing painfully and perspiration pouring down his face.

“Huh….wha…what Mike….. is that you Tiger?” He finally managed feeling totally confused.

“You were yellin’ and getting’ real upset about something,” the child said looking anxious, “I was just tryin’ to wake ya Jess and knocked your bad arm, I’m real sorry.”

Then Gabe entered the cave and loomed over Jess, taking in the situation.

“It looks like Jess here’s had a bad dream son,” he said noting Jess’s pale face and shaking hands as he patted the boy’s arm reassuringly, saying he was fine and Mike hadn’t hurt him none.

“Yeah, that’s all it was Tiger a bad dream, I’m OK,” he said quickly.

“Why don’t you go and fill up the canteens Mike, I bet Jess could do with a good cold drink, yes?”

The boy nodded and ran off to do as he’d been asked.

Gabe eased himself down beside where Jess still lay on the cot and threw him a worried glance, “That was a mighty bad dream, do you want to tell me about it?”

Jess just shrugged and said nothing.

“It might help…”

Jess sighed and then looked up into the kind eager face, wondering, not for the first time, as to why it seemed so easy to open up to the elderly cleric. First telling him about his marriage to Sky and now this….It sure wasn’t like him to share stuff with folk…but somehow Gabe seemed different, almost like he was an old friend.

“We’re havin’ a few problems back at the ranch…money wise that is…Bottom line is we’ve used all our savings on repairs after the storms we had awhile back. There ain’t nuthin’ left for presents, extras for Christmas and the like…. I figure it’s playin’ on my mind some. I hate to disappoint the boy…he ain’t had it easy you know Gabe.”

The older man nodded wisely, “I have heard a little of his past and about how you and Slim adopted him…”

“You have?” asked Jess looking surprised.

“Some things I make it my business to know,” he said with a sly wink.

“Oh?”

Gabe chuckled then, “Mike gave me a potted history of you all, including how he came to hook up with you…I guess he’s one lucky little boy don’t you think?”

Jess shook his head, “Oh no we’re the lucky ones to have him…he’s a great kid.”

Gabe smiled and then said seriously, “I really shouldn’t worry about the boy. I imagine you feel you’re letting him down, by not providing material things? But he is rich beyond measure by the loving care it’s obvious he receives from you folk at the ranch Jess…and that’s all he needs.”

“I guess…it’s just….”

“Just what?”

“I dunno…I had kinda a tough life as a kid growing up…and I want better for him ya know?”

“Of course I understand, he told me a little of your life too…”

Jess gave him a grim smile. “About how I was a gunslinger…fastest draw in Texas, according to him, huh?”

Gabe smiled, “Something along those lines yes.”

Jess shook his head, “Well I sure ain’t proud of it, and I wish the boy weren’t either.”

“Oh, he wasn’t bragging about you riding on the wrong side of the law. He said that was all behind you and now you were ‘the best darned horse breaker this side of Texas’ and he wants to be just like you when he grows up.”

Jess’s face finally relaxed into a genuine smile, “The hell he did…oh well that’s OK then I guess.”

Then after awhile his face clouded again and he turned troubled eyes on his new friend. “That dream I had Gabe…. Miss Daisy, our housekeeper was real sick, the boy had no boots….and I was gonna use my gun again to get some money for them… I’d figured I’d put all that behind me…but I guess it’s still somewhere up here,” he said tapping the side of his head.

Gabe shook his head and patted the younger man gently on the shoulder, “That’s merely a mark of how much you care if you’d be prepared to do that for them… Nothing more…believe me.”

Then the moment was broken as Mike ran back in with the water, demanding to know how Jess was feeling.

When he had been reassured all was well, he asked Gabe if he could go check on the old man’s critters.

Once he’d run off Jess threw Gabe a grateful smile.

“He sure loves your animals Gabe; he’s got him a pet ‘coon back at the ranch, but he ain’t as well-mannered as your little fellah there,” he said as he watched the boy cuddling the racoon.

“I just like the critters and they seem to like me too…I rescue them if they’re sick or injured, got to be a full time job,” Gabe chuckled tipping his head towards the darker recesses of the cave that housed a variety of pens containing recovering wildlife from birds to small mammals.

“I guess you’re not up for hunting much then?” asked Jess carefully.

“Pardon?” asked Gabe turning back from where he’d been watching the boy petting Ricky the racoon.

“Hunting, I guess you don’thave much time for it, feelin’ the way you do about the critters?”

“Well I’ll tell you Jess…I kill an animal if it’s of a mind to kill me first like the bear and wolves,” he said nodding to the rich furnishings of the beds and floor of the cave. “I enjoy a rabbit stew, venison…..yes and even a wild Turkey come Thanksgiving….but I only kill what I can eat, never for sport…and I always…” and he looked down…suddenly seeming self-conscious.

“You always what?” asked Jess looking fascinated at this huntin’, shootin,’ fishin’ man of the cloth and thinking what a real nice guy he was.

“Well I always offer a little prayer for the critter, give thanks for its life…just the same as the Indians do….I guess it makes me feel better doing that,” he said honestly.

Jess grinned back at him, “Well I think that’s real nice and I’m sure glad you don’t have a problem with huntin’ turkey, because I’ve got a feeling we may need your help.”

*******

The following morning after spending the previous day resting Jess was feeling much better. The head wound healing nicely after Gabe had reapplied the ointment several times and the broken arm settling down, although he still suffered a dull ache from the damaged limb. Otherwise he was ready for the turkey hunt and the three set off before first light, knowing they would have to be early and catch the birds just as they finished roosting for the night.

They were in place under cover and downwind as the first fingers of the dawn light filtered through the light cloud cover …and it was Mike who brought a huge turkey down with a single shot.

Jess had asked Gabe to be backup in case the boy missed or worse just injured the critter. However it turned out his help wasn’t needed this time and the child was cock a hoop with his kill. Jess of course knew he himself couldn’t handle a rifle single handed right then and it looked like it would be several weeks before his arm was back in commission according to Gabe.

“You’ll be OK travelling back?” he asked Jess as they finished their supper later that evening.

“Sure, ain’t nuthin’ wrong with my shootin’ arm, I can handle my handgun. So we’ll be OK iffen we run into any trouble, and I can ride single handed too…. we’ll be just fine Gabe don’t fret. Anyway I figure iffen we don’t get back home pronto Daisy will be sending ol’ Slim out playin’ search party.”

“Aunt Daisy tends to worry some iffen we’re away too long,” Mike said honestly.

“Yeah, she’s kinda clucky that way and not without reason in my case,” said Jess dryly, knowing the number of times he landed home injured or shot up some. “And anyway we know that’s just because she cares about us don’t we Tiger.”

The boy beamed at his hero, “Sure I know that, Aunt Daisy’s just the best…..”

After supper they had taken their coffee outside to a bench near the cave entrance, and with the benefit of a crackling fire were comfortable and able to enjoy the clear winter night sky.

The stars seemed almost so close that they could reach up and touch them thought Mike in awe as he reveled in joining the men in a hot drink before he went to bed. He hunkered down by the fire and looked up at the two men sitting on the bench his eyes sparkling with pleasure.

“This is like we sit at home ain’t it Jess,” the youngster said.

Then turning to Gabe continued, “We’ve been reading from the Good Book these last weeks all about the Christmas Story…and we look at Miss Jane’s pictures….”

“Who is Miss Jane? “asked Gabe with interest.

Jess filled him in on Jane and her illustrations even to where he was depicted as a shepherd and also to the uncanny likeness of Gabe to the Angel Gabriel.

Gabe smiled and looked up to the heavens; “It may have been on a night just such as this when the Angels visited those shepherds,” he said quietly.

“I wish we had our Bible and we could have read that bit,”said Mike thoughtfully.

Gabe leaned forwards and ruffled the boy’s hair affectionately, “I have one in the cave, but I think I can remember enough of it,” he said and clearing his throat he recited the age old story. His deep strong voice giving the words even more meaning than ever before for the youngster.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angels, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

They all sat in total silence for a moment when Gabe had finished, a wonderful feeling of peace and enchantment in the chill night air as they looked up to the myriad of sparkling stars, one shining more brightly than all the rest.

Then Jess was suddenly transported back to that night several years ago when he’d been on the drift and spending Christmas completely alone…out in the Big Open.

He had been on his way to try his luck in Canada…but then something strange and mystical had happened.

He had been feeling real sorry for himself, all alone on the special night of Christmas Eve.

It was a lonely spot, where he had camped, the trees stark shapes against the white snow, all illuminated by a huge moon and a myriad of twinkling stars. And just as tonight, there was one……one real special one…..that was brighter than all the others.

To try and make himself feel less alone he had started singing a carol that his Ma had sung to him as a child……

“O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy Perfect Light.”

He sang, his strong, if slightly slurred, baritone echoing into the silent night. Making Traveller’ s ears flick and an owl silently launched himself from a nearby tree, flying off in fright. He had grinned to himself and taken another sip of his coffee, liberally laced with hill whiskey, beginning to feel real mellow.

“Go on then, ol’ star,” he’d mocked. “Why don’t you lead me to your Perfect Light, huh?”

What did the Good Lord want with the likes of him anyway, he’d thought bitterly, feeling desolate and abandoned.

Then he’d suddenly heard it……..unmistakably the voice of his Ma, whispering in his ear, like she was sitting right beside him.

He’d half turned. “Ma?”

There was nothing there, but the insistent voice continued. “I brought you up better than this, son …. mocking the Lord just because you’ve had a bit of bad luck, feeling sorry for yourself.”

He’d opened his mouth to argue and then snapped it shut again, on two accounts. One he never argued with his Ma, and two, well, what was he doin’ talking to a darned ghost anyway.

‘Remember what I told you, boy, when you were a young ’un….. to love the dear Lord, be respectful of him?’

Jess bowed his head. “Sure, Ma,” he’d whispered, “but life’s kinda hard right now, you know?”

“That’s why you need to take stock then, son. Think what you want above all other and wish for it on that star…… the one you’re so swift to mock. You must have belief, son, not just in our Lord to guide you, but in yourself too.”

“Ma?”

But the forest had been silent save for the lonely cry of a distant wolf and the wind sighing in the pines.

Was that all it had been -- the wind in the trees? Or his dear Ma? He never knew.

But he had known what he had to do… .have faith in himself and trust his own judgement.

The following day he had followed the star and headed west…. fetching up eventually at the Sherman Ranch….

Deciding to stay was the best dang decision he’d ever made he thought now. And maybe it was all up to that star leading him onwards…and his Ma’s wise words. Whatever it was ……. his wish of a home with special people in his life to share it with had come true.

“Jess, Jess are you OK….?”

His head shot up and he turned to look into Gabe’s kindly concerned eyes.

“Sure…sure I am… .just rememberin’ somethin’ ‘tis all,” he said quickly.

Then he turned to Mike, “Time to hit the hay buddy iffen we’re makin’ an early start tomorrow, go on, I’ll be in directly to tuck ya up.”

For a change the boy hadn’t argued, being tired after the long day and once Jess had settled him down, he’d returned to the fireside.

When he came back he had a small flask in his hand containing a few shots of Red Eye and gestured to Gabe’s coffee cup offering him some.

To his surprise the padre accepted with a grin.

“To keep the cold out,”he said or maybe for medicinal purposes only as old Jonsey would say.”

Jess chuckled, “So you knew old Jonsey then?”

“Oh yes…he was a great friend of Slim’s dear Pa…and I knew him in the War.”

“So what made you settle here in Paradise?” asked Jess, tipping a good measure of whiskey into Gabe’s cup, and raising a questioning eyebrow.

Gabe spread his arms in a gesture embracing the verdant foliage, magnificent pines and distant mountain peaks….”Well who wouldn’t want to live here?” he asked.

Jess nodded, “I guess,” for him yes, but Gabe? He wasn’t convinced.

“An educated guy like you don’t ya miss talking with other folk… worshiping in a proper church, that kinda thing?” he persisted.

Gabe shook his head, “I have my Church,” he said gesturing to the cave behind him. “And I can talk with my Lord…. that is all I need….and besides my good friend Mathew was happy to allow me to stay. This is where I felt I needed to be, once my travelling days were over.”

He continued thoughtfully, “He was a very brave man, Mathew Sherman, a good soldier and a true and loyal friend too.”

“I guess I already knew that,” said Jess softly.

“You did…but you never met him surely?”

Jess shook his head, “Nope but his son is my best buddy.”

Gabe’s face was wreathed in smiles at that, “Quite so,” he said.

“Anyway it was important for me to be here for him and his family, to help them in the only way I know how. By keeping them all in my prayers, offer my…. well, my guiding light… .with the Lord’s help of course, whenever it was needed. I did that until his untimely death and since then I have watched over and prayed for Slim and young Andy…and now Slim’s second family…..everyone at the ranch,” he concluded quietly.

“You’ve watched over us?” asked Jess looking skeptical and wondering how that could be so. Heck he’d sure never clapped eyes on Gabe before…. and yet there was that strange sense of knowing and trusting him like he was an old friend.

Gabe smiled, “Prayer and positive thought are wonderful things Jess, I have not needed to be with you to care for you spiritually.”

“Kinda like a Guardian Angel?” Jess asked, jokingly.

Gabe just looked across and smiled, but said nothing.

Then Mike called out from the cave…wanting Jess…. and the moment was broken.

“I figured that was too dang good to be true, him heading off for bed that easy,” Jess said with a wink that made Gabe smile…. thinking how lucky the youngster was in his Guardians.

Chapter 6

It was early the following morning when Gabe noticed Jess scrabbling about looking around him as though searching for something.

“Lost something?” asked Gabe as he stirred up the central campfire in the cave and put the coffee pot on to boil.

“My old boots Jess said, I need ta try and mend that heel before we go.”

Jess had been wearing a wonderfully comfortable pair of moccasin boots made from deer and wolf skin, borrowed from the cleric and now he knew he needed to give them back.

“So what’s wrong with the ones you’re wearing?” asked Gabe cheerfully.

Jess looked down at the perfectly fitting warm boots and said, “Heck Gabe nuthin’ they’re just great, but I can’t take your boots.”

The old timer grinned, “Jess look at the size of my great feet compared to yours. They’re not my boots I made them for you when you were sick and sleeping all through the day, earlier in the week.…”

“Huh…for me….really?” asked Jess his eyes opening wide in surprise….” I can’t take ‘em really Gabe….I …”

“Hush son, you don’t want that old deer and wolf to have died in vain umm? And you wouldn’t want to upset your ‘Guardian Angel’ either would you?” he said with a mischievous chuckle.….

Jess grinned back, “Hell no, I surely wouldn’t,” he agreed. “Thanks Gabe.”

When they rode out Jess was surprised at how hard it was to leave the old guy.

“Look if you stop by this year call in for a visit will ya? I know Slim and Daisy would be real pleased to see you. Thank you for that lovely gift of fresh meat you drop by every year too.”

Gabe sidestepped the invitation neatly, “Oh you be sure to tell them they’re very welcome, I’m glad it’s appreciated.“

However Jess was not to be deflected.

“Heck you can tell ‘em yourself can’t ya Gabe… .stay and enjoy some of it with us too, you’d be made real welcome.”

“That you would,” chipped in Mike, “and you could visit with my critters too, see Bandit and Buttons and all!”

“Well that surely sounds like fun,” admitted Gabe, still being careful not to commit himself.

He patted Traveller’ s neck and looked up to where Jess was mounted and ready to go…

“You take care of yourself son and always remember…someone has your back…yeah?”

Jess looked slightly surprised at that and figuring he was referring to Slim simply smiled. “Sure I will, look after yourself too Gabe and thanks for everything.”

“So long,” called Mike as he urged Sunny on to a canter, “be seein’ ya!”

Their journey back to the ranch was fairly uneventful although Jess hadn’t expected to suffer so much discomfort in his broken arm, the gnawing pain making him feel quite sick. By the time they finally entered the ranch yard in late afternoon he was feeling in less than good spirits as Slim ran out to meet them.

“Hey Mike good to see you little buddy,” he grinned as the child jumped down from his mount and hugged the tall rancher.

Then he turned his attention to Jess who still sat his horse.

“So what day do you call this?” he asked looking exasperated. “Two days you said pard…and it’s been nearer five…..so what kept ya…Couldn’t find Mister Turkey eh?” He teased.

Then he noticed how awkwardly Jess dismounted and how Mike had run around and taken his arm, supporting his hero as he swayed a little, looking pale and sickly.

“Jess?”

Then he noticed the sling and shook his head. “Oh no, not again, so what have you been up to this time pard?” he asked shaking his head in mock despair, but a compassionate look in his eyes.

“He broke it,” Mike piped up, “but it wasn’t his fault Slim, really it wasn’t. There was this cougar pounced on us see…well Jess shot him…but then that ol’ heel came off of his boot and he done fell off the mountain Slim…right to the bottom…and there was all this blood an’ then this Angel came and helped me find him…..and…”

“Whoa, there Tiger,” said Slim taking advantage in the boy pausing for breath.

“Jess here doesn’t look any too good, can you put the horses up while I take him in…and we’ll hear the story later huh?”

“OK Slim, you got it,” the boy said marching off with the horses in tow, always being glad to be given extra responsibility.

“Thanks pard,” muttered Jess softly once the youngster had taken off.” It weren’t too bad these last few days…I guess the ride over’s kinda shaken it up some.”

Slim slung a friendly arm around Jess’s shoulders and walked him over towards the porch,

“So who set it for you then the Angel?” he chuckled

“Well funny you should say that,” said Jess with a weak smile as they entered the comfortable warmth of the ranch house.

Daisy came bustling out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron an excited smile on her face, “Oh welcome home dear, we were beginning to worry a little…”and then she stopped in her tracks at Jess’s strained pale face, his arm in the sling held protectively with his good arm.

“Why Jess dear, whatever have you done?”

Once he was installed in front of the fire with a coffee including a restorative drop of Red Eye, compliments of Slim, he began to feel a little better.

Mike had re-joined them and was happy to fill Daisy in on all the happenings of the last few days with special reference to Jess’s fall and subsequent injuries. Leaving out none of the harrowing details of Jess’s blood splattered face and strangely splayed arm as he lay unconscious at the bottom of the mountain.

Daisy shuddered and then said, “Well I’m sure Gabe did a wonderful job setting it Jess but I really think you should see Doc Sam and as soon as possible.”

“I’m OK, really I am Daisy,” Jess insisted.

Daisy ignored him and turned anxious eyes on Slim, “You could drive him in first thing couldn’t you dear,I really don’t think he should ride at the moment.”

“Daisy!” said Jess in exasperation.

Mike came and sat down next to Jess who was stretched out on the old leather sofa and said earnestly, “Aunt Daisy’s only clucky because she cares about you Jess.”

“Mike!” said Slim and Jess in unison, “That’s no way to talk about Aunt Daisy,” continued Jess throwing him a censorious glance.

“But that’s what you said back at Gabe’s place,” the boy insisted, ”ain’t it Jess? You said as how she’d be getting’ real clucky and frettin’ iffen we was home late and then you said…..”

“OK Mike, that’s quite enough,” said Jess quickly.

“Just sayin’,” replied Mike quietly, looking down now and realizing he’d made some sort of gaffe.

Daisy hid a smile at Jess’s obvious discomfiture and then took pity on Mike too.

“Alright Mike, I’m sure Jess meant it kindly, now why don’t you run along and wash up for supper and then I think you and Jess could do with an early night,” she said diplomatically.

It was later that night when both men had turned in that Slim finally got a chance to ask more about Gabe.

“I just can’t get over the fact that you actually met him and spent time with him that way,” said Slim for the second time. He sat on the edge of his bed and looked across to where Jess was already lying down, looking even more drawn and exhausted than when he had landed Slim thought.

“Yup we saw him OK…and if you think we made it all up…well I’ve got those handsome boots to prove it,” he said nodding to where his boots had been placed reverently at the bottom of his bed.

Slim beamed at him, “Well I was beginning to think he was make believe like Santa and the Tooth Fairy…never having clapped eyes on him all these years.”

“Umm…but you did see him once you said?”

“Yup I told you, I was real young, seven maybe eight and I went off to try and scare up a turkey at first light all by myself……wanted to show Pa what a big boy I was I guess,” he said smiling ruefully. “Turns out I’d walked about a mile in the opposite direction from where our camp was… Gee Jess, I could have gotten into all sorts of trouble up there…wolves, bear…”

“Cougar,” supplied Jess dryly.

Slim grinned at him, “Yup, cougar too….”

“So I wonder why we’ve never seen him all the times we’ve hunted there,” Slim persisted.

“Well that’s easy,” said Jess stretching out and trying to make his aching arm more comfortable.

“Oh…it is?”

“Yeah he explained all about that. Simply said we’d never needed him before. See he only shows himself to folk in need…like when you got yerself lost that time…This time I was hurt and Mike was frettin’ so he came and checked on us and ended up helpin’ us out. He’s a real nice guy too,” he finished sleepily.

******

The following morning Jess decided to cave in regarding the visit to the doctor’s after suffering a restless night, his arm giving him some considerable pain. He also wanted time alone to talk with Slim.Ever since his return the day before his pard had been a little quiet and withdrawn and Jess wanted to find out what the problem was.

“So everything been OK while I was away then?” Jess asked after they’d travelled the first mile or so in complete silence. Slim was concentrating on trying to avoid the pot holes in the road and give Jess a smooth ride and didn’t respond at first.

“Huh?”

“You managed OK while I was away?”

“Umm… oh yeah, I managed just fine, sure Hotshot why do you ask?”

“I dunno, you’re just a tad quiet.”

Slim just gave him a weak smile, “Well it’s kind of hard to get a word in edgeways what with Mike sounding off about Angels all the live long day….he really thinks old Gabe is an Angel doesn’t he?” he said.

Jess smiled, “I guess you had to be there. He even had me fooled first time I met him, all dressed up in his err…what’ d he call em…..vestments, you know a long white robe, he wears when he takes his church service thing. With that white hair and all, an’ the sun shining behind him he sure had the look of an Angel.”

Then he chuckled, “But this particular Angel is kinda handy with a fishin’ rod and huntin’ rifle and don’t mind a spot of Red Eye.”

Slim smiled back enjoying the joke. “Oh well I don’t suppose it will do the boy any harm thinking he’s been visiting with an Angel…after all he spends enough time keepin’ company with you, I guess he’s in need of some good God fearing preaching and common sense.”

Jess leaned over from where he was sitting next to his pard on the buckboard seat and clipped him around the ear with his good hand…both men laughing.

But then Jess sobered, “There was somethin’ about him though…somethin’ real special ya know Slim….?”

“Like what?”

“Dunno, can’t put my finger on it…. made me feel….” and he threw Slim a thoughtful look, “well like I knew him real well, kinda trusted him, even told him stuff…about my past and all.”

Slim raised a quizzical eyebrow, “That’s not like you, you tend to play your cards pretty close to your chest with strangers don’t you?”

Jess just nodded, “And the way he plays those Panpipes…it’s real special Slim…sounds like….” he sighed looking for the right words; “I dunno…like something an Angel would play,” he finally finished…shaking his head and smiling ruefully at having to admit the truth of it…there definitely was something kind of angel like about the old man.

Slim just grinned back. “Well let’s hope Mike masters playing the pipes that darned well…and sooner rather than later.”

“Amen to that,” Jess agreed having sat through Mike and his first attempts at playing the Panpipes he and Gabe had made earlier in the week.

“So how did the inspection by the Overland go?” Jess asked, thinking maybe all was not well there and that was the cause of his friend’s low mood.

“Just swell,” said Slim, his broad friendly features suddenly smiling cheerfully.

“All the horses and harnesses passed muster. Then they were so impressed by Daisy’s cooking and hospitality they’re actually hiking up our wages come the New Year…..how about that!”

“Um, well guess it’s about time our luck changed… I figure we’ll be needin’ all the help we can get with me laid up with this dang arm,” Jess replied peevishly, absently rubbing the painful limb. “I’m not gonna be much darned use over the next few weeks.”

“Hey take it easy buddy, if it had to happen, well now’s as good a time as any…we’re pretty slack over the winter and Mike will pitch in and do some of your chores, so don’t go fretting.”

Jess just looked down and didn’t reply.

“Say, how about we call in at the Saloon after the doc’s, catch up with our girls for a spell huh?”

Jess visibly brightened at that prospect and they arrived in town shortly afterwards. Once Slim had reined in the buckboard they went straight to Doc Sam Baker’s house and were greeted fondly by Doc Sam’s pretty daughter and nurse, Carrie.

She beamed at the cowboys when she opened the door and saw them standing there and then a look of resignation crept into her eyes and she said, “Oh Jess, what have you done now?”

Jess turned pained eyes to his buddy, “Why do the women folk always say that?”

Slim just shrugged and grinned. Carrie grabbed hold of Jess’s good arm and pulled him inside now smiling up into his twinkling blue eyes.

“It’s only because we care about you, you great galoot,” she said fondly, and leaving them in the waiting room went off to fetch her Pa from the breakfast table.

A few minutes later the tall distinguished looking doctor marched in rubbing his hands together and smiling.

“Howdy, Slim, Jess good to see you, so how did the Turkey shoot go Jess?”

Then he stopped in his tracks when he saw Jess’s arm in a sling….”Uh-uh….you really don’t need that do you…not right now anyway.“

“Huh?” asked Jess looking puzzled. “I guess there’s never a good time to get smashed up is there doc?”

Sam exchanged a quick glance with Slim, who responded with a slight shake of the head…

“Well come along into my surgery buddy, let’s take a look at the damage,” he said quickly.

Jess went and sat down on the examination couch while Slim lounged against the wall and looked on.

Once the sling and dressing were removed Sam made a careful examination.

“So how did you do this?” he asked, glancing up.

“Had me a tussle with a cougar, shot him…then lost my footing, followed him over the edge of the mountain, Paradise way.”

Sam sucked in a breath, “Uh…nasty. But could be worse, at least it’s been set well, by a real expert by the looks of things you’re really lucky Jess.”

“I am? Well it sure don’t feel like it from where I’m sittin’ Sam…it’s a dang nuisance…can’t do hardly any chores and hurts like hell iffen I ride too far….” and he subsided into a moody silence.

“Umm….well like I say, it’s been fixed up real good, I’ll just put some more secure splints in place and a fresh dressing and then you’ll just have to rest it Jess…five or six weeks I’m guessing.”

Jess cussed lightly under his breath, but made no further comment.

“So who patched you up?” asked Sam conversationally as he started work.

Slim grinned, “It was his Guardian Angel.”

“Ha!” spat Jess, flinching slightly as Sam manipulated the limb as he replaced the splint, “Iffen he’d been my Guardian Angel he’d have dang well caught me before I hit the dirt.”

Sam and Slim chuckled at that…but Jess looked stony faced, the pain beginning to make him feel sick and light headed.

“Nah, it was old Gabe that lives over that way,” said Slim, “he was great, looked after Jess and Mike too, saved their bacon I reckon.”

Jess nodded, “Yeah, he’s sure got that right.“

Once the job was finished to Sam’s satisfaction he sat back and perused his patient carefully.

“You feeling OK buddy?” he asked kindly, noting that Jess had turned a mite pale and was sweating a little.

“Been better, been worse,” came the stock reply.

“Um…well it’s a tad early for spirits, but how about a nice cup of Carrie’s coffee huh?”

Once they were seated with their coffee in the doc’s parlour Jess turned to his friend and said “So what did ya mean before Sam, when you said it was a bad time to break my arm?”

Sam again flashed a glance across to Slim and looked uncomfortable.

“Well?” said Jess irritability, “So what’s going on?”

Then turning to his partner, “Huh Slim?”

“You’d better tell him Slim, he’ll only find out from someone else sooner or later, I guess it is better coming from you.”

Jess’s eyes swivelled to his pard, “I knew it… I just knew there was somethin’, you bein’ so dang quiet since I landed back…..Well?”

Slim sighed deeply, “You’re not going to like this Jess.”

Jess’s temper finally exploded. He was feeling sick, frustrated and now everyone was keeping secrets from him.

“Garldarn it Slim just spit it out!” he yelled turning angry eyes on his buddy…

“OK, OK…so if you have to know it’s Reuben Slade… .he’s busted out of the Denver jail and he’s on the run…said to be gunning for you…satisfied!”

Jess’s face was a study of shocked disbelief…. he sat perfectly still for a moment and then turned furious eyes on his friend. “And you weren’t gonna tell me?”

“Sure I was,” said Slim now trying to calm his buddy down seeing how agitated he was, “I was just waiting for the right time that’s all.”

“Oh so when would that be?” asked Jess sarcastically, “Before or after he’d gunned down Mike and Daisy…and turned his gun on me, huh? Because that’s what he dang well promised to do if ever he got out.”

“Look just calm down Jess, all this fussing and fretting isn’t good for your health. Anyway according to Mort he was seen just outside Denver a day ago, so there is no way he could arrive here anytime soon,” said Sam patiently.

“So you knew all about this too Sam? Hell was I gonna be the last person in town to find out…? Damn it I said he should have swung from the highest tree at the time of the trial.”

“Look Jess you played your part by bringing him to justice and giving that condemning evidence against him, it was up to the Judge and jury to determine the outcome and pass sentence,” said Sam, ever the voice of reason.

“Sam’s right,” agreed Slim, “I know folk were hurt when he turned over the Laramie Bank, but he didn’t actually kill anyone.”

“Not with his gun, maybe,” said Jess, his eyes as hard as granite and voice deep and gravelly as he recalled that emotional time just two years ago. “But goddamn it Slim have you forgotten how old man Cummings died of a heart attack just two days later?”

“Even you said it was the shock Sam,” he said turning accusing eyes on the doctor.

“Then there was his old Ma…she passed away just six months later. Folk said she died of a broken heart and the shame of it all, just gave up on life. Sure the guy’s guilty of murder even if the court didn’t see it that way.”

“Look Jess, this is exactly why I didn’t want you to know,” said Slim looking exasperated. “Mort says half the State are out looking for him, seems there’s a massive Bounty on his head and I guess he’ll be apprehended way before he even hits Wyoming.”

“You think that do ya?” asked Jess darkly, “Well I guess you don’t know Reuben Slade too well then…because iffen he says he’s gonna kill me then he will…. or have a damn good try at it anyways.”

Slim and Sam exchanged a nervous glance. They all knew Slade’s reputation as a fast gun. Jess had outdrawn him once before, but as Slim remembered it was a pretty close run thing…now with this injury…. well. Even if it wasn’t his gun hand that was affected, it could still slow him down a mite. The boy sure wasn’t himself Slim reflected as he looked across at his pard. Jess was looking pretty much strung out and edgy, his gun hand clenching and unclenching and a steely light in his dark blue eyes.

“Look Jess, I hope you’re not thinking of doing anything foolish,” said Sam, unconsciously picking up on Slim’s line of thought. “Just let the law deal with it huh?”

“‘Twas the law as let him escape,” muttered Jess darkly, ”and I ain’t holding up much hope of them apprehending him either. Iffen he wants me then he’ll go through hell and high water to get me…that’s just the way Slade is….”

Jess was finally persuaded to calm down some and go over to the Saloon where he was warmly greeted by his girl Millie.

She had exclaimed over his broken arm and given him a little peck on the cheek, saying how glad she was to have him home.

Then he stood back and viewed her quizzically, “So have you been privy to all this business about Slade gunnin’ for me then?” he asked, ominously quietly.

Her head shot up and she looked him in the eye and told him the truth at once, just as he’d known she would do.

“Why sure honey it’s all over town, but Mort assures me he’s got it covered,” she said quickly.

“Sure he has,”…..said Jess sarcastically.

Slim who had been looking on shook his head, “See if you can talk some sense into him will you Millie, he won’t listen to me,” and he went off in search of Lily, to firm up arrangements for the big day….it being just over a week before Christmas.

After a minute Tom, the barkeep, wandered over and noting Jess’s sling just tutted and shook his head, “Been in the wars again I see Jess boy,” he said with a rueful smile.

“Looks like it,” muttered Jess beginning to feel really irritable.

Firstly he barely had the price of a whiskey in his pocket due to the way things were with the ranch finances. Then his arm was aching something fierce, and now it looked like some maniac was gunning for him.The last thing he felt like doing was exchanging banter as to the amount of times he was seen entering and leaving Doc’s place with a variety of injuries.

Something in the young cowboy’s eyes alerted Tom to the fact and he merely said, “You can take your break now Millie, but just half an hour OK, there’s a good girl.”

Millie turned her beautiful brown eyes on her boss and smiled her thanks before lifting the bar hatch and inviting Jess through into the back room and then up the stairs from the kitchen to her room above the bar.

Once they were inside her cosy chamber she helped him remove his new boots, seeing that he was struggling with his damaged arm. Then he left them by the door along with his gun, as per Millie’s house rules, and wandering across the room slumped down on her old sofa in front of the fire.

“Nice boots,” she said with a friendly grin.

Jess agreed and explained a little of how Gabe had supplied them and some news of his trip. Then he lapsed into silence and sat staring moodily into the fire.

After a moment she took his hand and squeezed it gently, “What’s up Honey?“

He turned to her and then realized what a jerk he was being.

“Jeez I’m sorry Millie, I guess I’m just kinda bothered that Slade might be out there…. mostly worried for Daisy and the young un, ya know?“

“You don’t really think he’ll get this far?”

Jess just nodded, “Oh yes, he’ll make it OK, just a case of when.”

Millie was silent for a little while and then turning concerned eyes on him said softly,“You won’t fight him will you Jess…can’t you just let Mort take care of it?”

Jess just shrugged, “It ain’t me that wants the fight Mill. But I sure ain’t walkin’ away from it either…. I can’t, not where Daisy and Mike are concerned…not to mention you.”

She just bowed her head at that.

“Come on Millie, you haven’t forgotten how he was with you, how I had to tell him to back off when he got way too familiar…..”

“I know Jess, but that was just the drink… .that was his downfall, cause of all his trouble…he just looked at life through the bottom of a whiskey glass…..“

“Well that’s just a dang excuse…he didn’t have to be that way…Hell that’s what makes me so mad…he had everything Mill…everything a man could want and he just threw it all away in favour of the bottle.”

She knew the truth of it. Reuben Slade had been the son of a rich rancher who had a large spread on the edge of town…. all of which was to be Reuben’s one day. But as a young man he had left home and taken himself off living a riotous life on the Mexican border, living off an income supplied by his doting Ma. That was when Jess had first met him. The pair had run with rival gangs, both of them leading a decadent and lawless existence of petty crime and youthful high spirits. But then Jess had left…seeking to do something more meaningful with his life and it wasn’t until many years later that their paths crossed again shortly after Jess had moved to Laramie.

Slade was by then a hopeless alcoholic and after his father’s demise had come home to claim his inheritance. Then he had systematically sold off first the stock and then the land to fuel his addiction for alcohol and gambling, much to the shame and fear of his poor Ma. Then once all the money had run out Slade had turned to a life of petty crime…

It was when Jess was acting Deputy for Mort and had arrested Slade for attempted theft of whiskey bottles from the saloon that the gloves were really off. Slade had turned on Jess,saying what a worthless bastard he was and how he was probably still a criminal hiding behind a Deputy Sheriff’s badge.

That had hurt Jess deeply. Then a few weeks later when it became obvious that Slade was after Millie …that’s when they had finally come to blows. Afterwards Slade had gone around Laramie bad mouthing Jess to any who would listen, blackening his name with tales of his less than squeaky clean past.

In truth Slade was deeply ashamed of the way his life had spiraled out of control. In complete contrast to Jess who had turned his life around for the better. The fact that he was so obviously admired and liked by the town’s folk merely fueled Slade’s jealousy.

Then had come the fateful day of the Laramie bank heist, when Daisy and Mike were inside the bank…

Slade had attempted to hold up the bank, but Jess and Slim had entered and in the ensuing shootout Jess had outdrawn the outlaw…by a whisker. Then after he and Daisy had testified against him he had gone berserk, screaming that he would have his revenge as he was dragged away from the court room.

Now Millie shuddered at the memory and realized the truth of Jess’s words.

“What will you do?” she whispered.

“Nuthin’ I can do, ‘cept keep an eye on Daisy and Mike …just wait and see what happens I guess.”

Then he saw the look of fear in her eyes and cursed himself for being so dang insensitive.

“Hey sweetheart, I guess it won’t come to anything…like Sam says with that big Bounty out on him every bounty hunter north of Texas will be on the lookout. They’ll get him way before he makes it this far I reckon.”

“Really Jess?”

“Yeah, really…So how about a little kiss before Tom starts yellin’ for ya huh?”

Chapter 7

“Look Mort all I’m sayin’ is will you keep an eye out for Millie? You know how Slade was with her.”

“Sure I will Jess boy, but I really don’t think he’ll make it this far and if he does, I doubt he’ll ride into town. Not with the world and his dog hunting him down.”

“Yeah, well they ain’t caught up with him yet,” Jess said darkly, as he paced about Mort’s office.

The Sheriff flicked a glance over towards Slim, looking for some support, but the blond rancher merely shrugged.

“I can’t get him to listen to sense Mort…”

“What is it with you two?” Jess suddenly exploded, “You know the way he is…he’s a crazy man.”

“Crazy when he’s been on the bottle yeah, but he’s been banged up in the Denver jail for nigh on two years,” said Mort thoughtfully, “a man can change.”

“Not that one,” muttered Jess, shaking his head and turning to peer out of the window onto the busy street.

“OK, OK you win, I’ll make sure either me or Lon will patrol the saloon regularly when we’re on duty…but I really don’t think it’s necessary.“

“Maybe I should stay in town,” said Jess thoughtfully, “after all I ain’t much help at the ranch right now am I Slim?”

“Ha…nice try Hotshot, but I figure you can still collect the eggs, feed the chickens and give Daisy a hand with the indoor chores. Besides he doesn’t hold a grudge against Millie, she’ll be safe enough…its Daisy and Mike that he’s threatened.”

“Hell, you’re right, come on pard, let’s get back,” he said quickly, making for the door.

“So long Mort see ya at Christmas.”

The Sheriff nodded and then turning to Slim said quietly, “He’s kinda spooked ain’t he?“

Slim nodded, “Not without cause I guess Mort. If that slime ball Slade does take him on…I figure Jess is wondering if he’ll be fast enough to down him…It was pretty close last time and now….well he isn’t in a good place with that bum arm and all….”

Mort nodded sagely, “I see. Well tell him not to worry about Millie or her Ma I’ll bring ‘em over to your place along with Lily, as we agreed for Christmas Day.”

“Thanks Mort and I just hope this whole sorry business is over before the big day. Hell it’s bad enough not having two cents to rub together right now…never mind this too.”

“Yeah, I’m real sorry about that,” said Mort having heard all about Slim’s financial woes earlier in the week, “That’s just too bad and it’s the youngster I feel sorry for,” he said shaking his head sadly.

Just then an irate Jess stuck his head around the door. “You comin’ or what!”

Slim rolled his eyes at Mort and sighing made for the door.

They got back to the ranch in record time and ran into the house calling out for Daisy.

She emerged from the kitchen almost at once looking anxious, “Why Jess dear whatever’ s the matter?“

“Are you OK Daisy, nobody’s been snooping around?”

“Pardon? Err…no dear nobody has been here at all, why?”

He took off his hat and threw it in the general direction of the peg by the door before running a hand through his tousled dark hair and ignoring her question asked another.

“So where’s Mike then?” he said curtly.

“Why he’s out in the home pasture I believe, he said he wanted to practice his roping skills. He took Buttons with him, poor long suffering dog,” she said with a faint smile. “He was trying to rope her last I saw.”

Jess dashed past her and out through the kitchen door yelling for Mike, just as Slim entered by the front.

“Goodness me Slim, what on earth is the matter with Jess? He was quite sharp with me just then…and now he’s shouting at poor Mike, what’s going on?”

It was a good few minutes before Daisy and Mike were both sitting down around the kitchen table and Slim explained the situation to them both.

Jess had regained his composure by then and realized nothing would be gained by scaring the child and elderly housekeeper half to death and so made an effort to relax.

“See it’s this way Tiger, me and Slim figure that Mister Slade will be caught real soon…but in the meantime we’d like you and Aunt Daisy to stay close to home…OK?” he asked encompassing Daisy in his warm smile.

It was later when Jess had taken the boy off to the barn to do some chores that Daisy turned concerned eyes to Slim.

“He’s very worried isn’t he Slim, does he really think that dreadful man Slade will seek him out for revenge?”

Slim knew of old how astute Daisy was and that there was no earthly use in trying to pull the wool over her eyes.

“Yes,” he said softly, “I’m afraid he does and worse, I think he’s worried he might not be able to out-draw him this time…they were pretty closely matched before. And well…he isn’t too good right now, what with that broken arm and all…. even if it isn’t his right one, it’s still bound to be bothering him some.”

“Oh I agree dear, he hasn’t been himself since he got back.What did Sam say?”

Slim shrugged, “Just the usual. For Jess to take things easy…but you know what he’s like….”

“Umm…well this is one instance where he won’t have any choice. He can hardly work much with that arm in a sling.” Then she smiled warmly at the blond rancher. “Thank goodness it will be Christmas in a few days, maybe he’ll relax a little with Millie here…and I can’t wait to see dear Peggy again,” she said as she bustled off back to her baking.

Slim smiled after her, marveling the fact that not much could keep Daisy down for long. He was glad Peggy Johnson was accompanying her daughter this year as he knew how fond Daisy was of Millie’s Ma….And of course Lily would be there too and he grinned broadly before going off to the barn to check on his partner.

Well Daisy had certainly been right about Jess being unable to complete most of his usual chores, although that didn’t stop him attempting to carry them out as usual…The more he failed the more frustrated and moody he became and eventually took himself off riding fence for the day.

“I might not be able to mend the dang thing if it is down, but at least I can tell you,” was his parting shot as he urged Traveller off at a brisk pace.

When he hadn’t returned at dusk Slim went out looking for him, an anxious looking Daisy waving him off.

He discovered him just by the Laramie road, Traveller tethered to the Ranch Gate and Jess leaning on it, looking off to the distant hills.

Slim reined Alamo in and looked down at his friend, “What are you doing out here pard, Daisy’s had supper ready this past hour.”

Jess looked up at him and then back to the view. “Just thinkin’ is all,” he said softly.

After a moment Slim slid down from the saddle and went and leaned on the gate by his buddy.

“So what about then Jess?”

He said nothing for a long time and then, “About life…death…..” Then he turned troubled eyes on his pard… “So do ya believe in Heaven and Hell…all that stuff?”

Slim looked thoughtful, “I guess so yeah, it’s what my folks taught me…yours too…and it’s all in the Good Book I guess…so why do you ask?”

Jess shook his head… “I just got to thinkin’ about it. Thinkin’ about men I’ve killed, dispatched to their Maker or to Hell….I don’t often dwell on it too much…figure it would drive a man crazy….but tonight…” and he shrugged.

“Is it Slade…you think you’re going to have to kill him?”

Jess nodded, “If it’s him or me then yeah, I guess I’ll have to…”

“And you really think he’ll come gunning for you?”

Jess just shook his head sadly, “I don’t think so, I know so…. and maybe Daisy and Mike too….I just can’t let that happen Slim, you’ve gotta see that.”

“Sure I do pard, he has to be stopped.”

“Yeah, by me and my dang fast gun,” spat Jess looking bitter.

“I take it you don’t really want to take him on then Jess?”

He sighed, “I just get kinda tired of it all……. the killin’ ya know?”

“Why are you feeling this way now Jess? Hell I know killing doesn’t come easy to you, never has, but I’ve not seen you… well… brooding about it this way before, what’s different?”

Jess shrugged again, ”I dunno really…I think it’s something to do with Gabe…. we talked Slim. A lot…. about dyin’…. what happens…to your soul….I guess it was all kinda complicated, but I reckon he has a different way of thinkin’ on how to deal with things… .and maybe he’s right.”

“Heck Jess it was only a couple of days ago you were saying Slade should have been hung from the highest tree…and now you’re saying…. what exactly?”

“I dunno…I want him gone sure I do, in jail with the key thrown away or hung for what he did to old man Cummings. Not to mention his poor old Ma…. and what he wants to do to us too. Sure he has to be stopped and I guess the only way is to shoot him… .but not by my hand Slim…Like I say I’m getting’ kinda weary of all the killin’,” and he sighed deeply looking off to the hills once more.

Slim clapped him on the back, trying hard to keep his voice light, although his heart was breaking at the thought of his best friend being in this god awful position.

“Come on Jess…Daisy’s fretting, let’s go home huh?”

*******

Over the next few days the men went through the motions of playing happy families for Mike’s sake. They were even able to forget their troubles for a little while as they went off the short distance to the small pine plantation near the east pasture and chose a tree to bring home.

When supper was over Slim made his annual visit up to the ranch attic. After banging about for some time he emerged looking slightly dusty, but triumphantly clutching the box of Christmas decorations.

Mike was beside himself with excitement as Slim carefully lifted the lid revealing the selection of tree ornaments, some dating back to Slim’s Ma’s childhood. They had been brought over from the Old country and carefully stored and enjoyed year upon year.

Daisy came in from her ministrations in the kitchen and looked almost as excited as the youngster when Slim carefully un-wrapped the brightly colored baubles.

“It always amazes me that something so delicate could survive the long trip over here from Scotland,” she said in awe. “Not to mention you and young Andy handling them,” she added with a twinkle in her eyes turning to Slim.

He grinned back, “I guess Ma would have tanned our hides’ iffen anything had happened to these,” he said.

Mike’s attention was taken by some of the newer ornaments that Jess had given him, the Holy infant in his crib along with Mary and Joseph. He’d also made some shepherds and sheep, to complete the scene. The child adored the little Nativity figures which Jess had painstakingly carved for him on the boy’s first Christmas at the ranch. Now he happily settled down to place the figures reverently at the base of the tree.

Then Jess picked up a rather battered looking star…”I reckon this has seen better days,” he said grinning across at Slim. “Hardly gonna lead any folk any place is it Slim?” he said turning the dingy cardboard star with peeling silver paint over in his hands, “Least ways those shepherds and wise men to Mike’s Nativity down here.”

Slim grabbed it from him looking indignant, “Hey I made that in Sunday School…and there’s nothing wrong with it!”

Jess and Mike exchanged a glance, the boy giggling as he sensed some of Slim and Jess’s ‘bit of nonsense’ coming up as Daisy called it, and he wasn’t disappointed.

“Sunday School?” asked Jess looking horrified, “Heck Slim it must be real old then…..no wonder it’s so rough lookin’,” and with that he snatched it back and made off for the door holding his prize firmly in the air out of his pard ’s grasp.

Slim was up and after him in a split second and the couple tore across the yard before Slim grabbed it back, only for Jess to regain it a moment later. Then after some jostling and Slim threatening to do dire things to Jess’s bad arm, he eventually capitulated. And they came back in their arms slung around each other’s shoulders and laughing riotously.

Daisy looked on smiling and thinking, not for the first time, how amazing her boys really were. She knew Jess was sorely troubled about the Reuben Slade business, with Slim worried about him. And both men heartsick at the current financial situation at the ranch…but looking at them now you wouldn’t have thought they had a care in the world she reflected. She knew a lot of the easy banter was for Mike’s benefit too. As they tried to shield him from the harsh realities of their current situation and she blessed them for it.

Slim reached up and placed the star at the top of the tree, turning and winking down at Mike who grinned back.

Jess wandered over and ruffled the youngster’s hair, “Come on Tiger time for bed…..Christmas Eve tomorrow and a busy day, guess ya need your sleep huh?”

“Aw Jess do I have to?“

“Yes you have to,” said Jess grinning down at the child, “and take that darned flea bitten cat with you,” he said referring to Jasper the ranch cat, who had a less than friendly relationship with the dark haired cowboy.

“Sure,” said the child scooping the big tabby up in his arms…”gee thanks Jess.”

Daisy shook her head, but for once didn’t object, if it got the over excited child off to bed.

“So how come I’m allowed?” asked the boy as he made for his bedroom door.

“Because if that dang critter sharpens his claws on my butt one more time he’s goin’ in the oven with the turkey tomorrow,” said Jess chuckling. “So I figure you’d better keep him outer my way huh.”

Mike was finally persuaded to turn in with the promise of a story from Jess as well as the cat’s company and the couple went off together laughing over some childish joke, Jess turning at the door and winking at Daisy and Slim.

When Jess returned half an hour later Slim was stretched out by the fire and Daisy was dispensing coffee. She poured Jess a cup and then turned enquiring eyes on the young cowboy.

“Did he get off alright dear?”

Jess accepted the cup and sank down on his rocker, “Yeah…..after another story about the Christmas Angel…that kid sure is fascinated by angels,” he chuckled. “And he still thinks old Gabe is the Angel Gabriel,” he said shaking his head and grinning over at Slim.

“Maybe Mike’s got it right and he is, “laughed his buddy.

“Now, now you two,” reprimanded Daisy, “don’t you be so swift to mock the Angels. I’ve told you before you both have a Guardian Angel looking out for you…so just you watch what you say!”

“Umm, well I bet yours is just about ready for early retirement…amount of work he has to do watching out for you,” Slim said sotto voiced for Jess’s ears only, before turning and apologizing to Daisy.

“Well old Gabe sure is a great guy,” said Jess soberly, “Angel or not.”

He turned to Slim, “I hope he calls in when he leaves the venison tomorrow, I asked him to…well to stay… if he had a mind to.”

Then casting a glance over to Daisy said, “Hey that would be OK Daisy, we’ve enough food to go around?”

“Oh plenty dear,” and she clasped her hands together smiling happily, “It really would be wonderful to meet him at last.”

“Uh…well don’t hold your breath,” said Slim thoughtfully, “I guess old Gabe just isn’t the visiting kind…. sure never has in the past any way.”

“Maybe he will this time though, after meeting Jess and little Mike, you did say he was fond of children.”

Then she looked thoughtful, “Talking of visiting, don’t forget we’ve been invited to that party at the Patterson’s place tomorrow. We’re to go over about 11 O’clock for an early lunch and then the children are going to sing for us around the tree that will be lovely won’t it?” she asked turning sparkling eyes on the pair.

“Sure,” said Jess quickly, “just a shame I’ll miss it Daisy…”

“Oh and why is that dear?”

“Well someone’s gotta stay home and mind the shop ain’t they… we can’t expect Mose to change the team on the noon Stage all on his own, now can we?”

“Err…maybe I should stay Jess, after all you’ve got that bum arm and all…. well I’m not sure as you’ll manage.” Slim said quickly.

Jess turned to his buddy, “Well I managed pretty good when you were off mending that fence on the east pasture the other day didn’t I?” came the quick reply. “I’ll be just fine stayin’ home and anyway…”he finished softly, turning away from Daisy’s hearing.

“Anyway what?” muttered Slim.

“I thought of it first,” Jess whispered with an evil grin.

Then more loudly for Daisy’s benefit, “Yup I sure will miss those little ones singing all those endless carols…. but you enjoy pard and tell me all about it when ya land home huh?”

Slim threw him a murderous glance but said nothing admitting defeat.

“Oh well I’m glad that’s settled,” said Daisy happily, “and you must come next year Jess dear…now anymore coffee anyone?”

Chapter 8

Christmas Eve dawned bright and cold with a light dusting of snow in the yard, much to Mike’s delight.

Jess had wandered over to the barn after breakfast and Slim joined him a few minutes later.

His buddy was grooming Traveller and whistling softly as Slim advanced and stood leaning on the stall door watching him. After a moment Jess turned to him. “So lookin’ forward to hearin’ the Pattison brats serenade you?” he chuckled.

“They’re going to serenade us?” Slim asked raising an eyebrow.

“Daisy’s words, not mine,” said Jess smiling across. “Well are ya?”

“What do you think Jess…. but one thing I will enjoy…”

“Oh so what’s that then?”

“I heard from Mort that Davy Patterson has a whole barrel of his killer cider up for grabs…and I aim to sample it.”

Jess’s smile faded. “You don’t say… .umm…”

“Uh-uh too late Hotshot, you had your chance and blew it.”

Jess shook his head and grinned again, “I guess I did.”

Then Slim sobered. “You will be OK?”

“Huh….left home alone I guess so Slim, I’m a big boy now ya know.”

“You know what I mean, we haven’t heard anything about this Slade business in awhile, you don’t think he’ll have made it this far do you Jess? I know Mort says not, but heck I can’t help but worry some.”

“So when didn’t ya?”

“Huh?”

“When didn’t ya worry Slim? Come on its Christmas Eve, he’s probably holed up somewhere with a few bottles and drunk as a skunk…. Nah, I’ll be just fine you just go and enjoy yourself.”

Slim nodded and went off to do the chores before getting ready, but Jess called him back.

“What pard?”

“No hittin’ that old cider jug too dang hard…last thing ya want on Christmas is a bad case of cideritis,” he said chuckling.

Slim waved a hand at him and went off to get on with the work, smiling to himself.

Jess put the brushes down and leaned back against the stall wall, his good hand cradling his broken arm and he closed his eyes and breathed deeply, “dang thing,” he muttered darkly. Then he rubbed the painful arm gently, willing the deep ache to subside.

Once he’d waved the others off, an hour or so later, he made for the coffee pot and sat perusing the Laramie Sentinel, feet up on the kitchen table until he heard the mid-day Stage rolling into the yard.

Daisy had left the turkey cooking in the slow oven and it would take until the following day to cook through, but even now the wonderful aroma permeated the house mixing with all the herbs and spices of her recent cooking endeavors.

Now as Mose entered the house he sniffed appreciatively.

“Gee that sure smells good, so where is the dear lady?” he asked, looking around him.

“Ain’t here,” said Jess succinctly, “she’s gone visitin’ the Patterson tribe, won’t be back much before suppertime.”

“Huh?…Yer tellin’me Miss Daisy ain’t here…and me with my hair tonic on and fresh from the hot tub last night and all,” he said looking downcast.

Jess hid a smile knowing what a soft spot the old man had for his housekeeper and took pity on him.

“Well she left some pie with your name on it Mose. She said special as to how she hoped you’d enjoy it….and she’d see you in town at New Year,” he added for good measure.

“She did?“

“Why sure…come on, we’ll have a coffee and then I’ll give you a hand…as best I can anyway,” he muttered.

“Umm….so how is it?” asked Mose peering down at the dark blue sling that now supported Jess’s injured arm.

“Darned things givin’ me gyp,” said Jess moodily, “thought it would be gettin’ better by now.”

Mose sucked in a deep breath, “Oh no boy these things take time…now when I broke that ankle of mine I remember……”

It was sometime later, when Jess had heard just about as much as he could take about Moses’ medical history of breaks, sprains and various dislocations that the Stage was ready to roll again.

Then just as Mose was about to rush the team out of the yard, he paused and got that mystified look on his face that usually pre-empted a forgotten parcel or letter.

Jess watched as he patted all his pockets before finally taking a battered envelope out of his vest pocket, and handing it down to Jess.

“Nearly forgot boy, some dude gave me this on the trail awhile back, said as to give it to you personal…”

“Who…who gave it to ya Mose?” cried Jess urgently, but with a hasty ‘Merry Christmas’ Mose had hustled the team out of the yard and was halfway up the rise…..disappearing in a cloud of powdery snow.

Jess swore loudly and then looked down at the scruffy envelope in his hands for a long minute before ripping it open and staring at the contents.

There were just three words scrawled in pencil and initialed.

It read. Six pines, now…. R.S

Slade…Reuben Slade was here…and waiting for him up on the ridge with the six tall pines out at the far side of the east pasture.

Jess dashed back into the ranch house and scrabbled around in Slim’s desk until he found some paper and a pencil and then wrote a hurried note, saying he’d gone to town. Then leaving it propped up on the kitchen table made his way purposefully over to the barn.

This was where he met his first hurdle, how to saddle Traveller single handed. On the odd occasion he had ridden out since he injured his arm Slim or Mike had saddled up for him. Now with the prospect of hauling the heavy saddle in place he had to grit his teeth and use all the inner strength and guts to accomplish the task.

Then once the job was done he leaned forwards his forehead resting on Traveller’ s neck as he closed his eyes swaying slightly as sweat poured down his face and back and a wave of dizziness threatened to over take him.

After a minute he managed to pull himself together and mounted awkwardly, before turning Traveller towards the east pasture spurring him on to a lively gallop.

As he rode he tried to make some sense of the situation.

It looked like Slade was going to take his revenge out on Jess and hopefully leave Daisy and Mike out of it he figured. Jess imagined that he would only have harmed them as a way of getting back at him…and if he was already dead, well there would be no point.

Also the note he’d left would mean Slim would be unaware of what was really happening and keep him out of trouble. By the time he’d realized Jess had lied… well……either Jess would be dead and Slade moved on…or else Jess would be able to explain to Slim the reason for the deception. Either way Slim and the others would be kept safe.

As he set off, the snow which had been drifting lazily down all morning, suddenly took on a new life. It was whisked up by a spiteful little wind, the flakes driving into his face, stinging and making the ride even more disagreeable.

He never made it to the ridge where the six pines grew.

He was just about half way across the east pasture and had come to where the ground rose up significantly, topped by huge boulders…. when he struck from out of nowhere.

One minute Jess was riding along, hat pulled well down cursing the inclement weather and the next a shot whistled past his left ear.

He was so shocked at the ambush that he paused for a fraction of a second too long and the next bullet caught his left side just below the ribs…. before something stirred him into action and made him dive from his mount.

He heard someone yell his name as if in warning and felt some unseen force literally push him from the saddle as though someone had thrust him violently to the ground.

With that his natural instincts finally came into play and he rolled and fired at his attacker, shooting him squarely through the heart…. The man looked deeply shocked, clasping his chest and then fell, dead before he hit the ground.

Jess’s first thought was that his poor old arm couldn’t stand much more abuse thrown at it and then he felt the warm blood oozing from the wound to his left side and clasped a hand there to try to staunch the blood flow.

His second thought was why in hell had Slade bushwhacked him? Sure he was as evil as the day was long, but he didn’t think even Slade would stoop to these depths…..to call a man out for some gun-play and then ambush him in this cowardly manner…it just didn’t make sense.

He got to his knees and then finally managed to stand up, staggering slightly he took a couple of deep breaths to steady himself, before wandering over to where the man, dressed all in black, had fallen.

Jess turned him over with the toe of his boot and then stood staring down at…… a complete stranger…

“What the hell?”…he whispered.

But before he could make sense of what was happening he heard a rider advancing fast and a moment later Slade appeared, his rifle aimed at Jess’s head and a broad grin on his dark ugly features.

“I see you’ve found my friend,” he smirked.

Jess said nothing, just eyed the rifle warily.

“A bounty hunter,” Slade said inclining his head towards the dead man.” He’s been dogging me since Cheyenne…just gave him the slip and then I figure he saw you comin’ over and didn’t feel too inclined to share the bounty.”

“So he tried his luck with me…thinking I was on your case too,” finished Jess bitterly.

“Yup, that’s about the size of it,” Slade agreed.

“And now?” asked Jess casting a jaundiced eye at the outlaw.

“Well now we have our little shoot-out Harper…Hell I wouldn’t bushwhack ya…I’ll give you a fair chance.”

Jess gestured to where his broken arm had escaped its sling and hung at a strange angle, the splint broken and the wound to his side, from the bounty hunter’s bullet, now bleeding copiously.

“And this is your idea of a fair chance is it?” he asked.

Slade shrugged, “Take it or leave it… I can just as easy gun ya down in cold blood iffen you’d rather?”

Jess shook his head a bitter grin on his lips, “Oh no Slade you don’t git off that damn easy…you came here for a shoot-out and that’s what I’ll give you.”

Jess removed his bandana and unbuttoning his shirt shoved it hard against where the bullet had creased him, before turning to face Slade who had now dismounted and taken the gunfighter’s stance.

They stood for several minutes, the sweat breaking out and soaking the back of Jess’s shirt.

Slade with a slight twitch from a nerve in his cheek, both men’s eyes never leaving the others.

“Guess I’ll see you in Hell then Harper,” Slade said and drew…..

Goddamn it he was fast alright Jess thought…faster than he’d remembered even…..

Then seconds later Jess holstered his gun a grim smile on his face…damn fast…but not quite fast enough.

He made his way over to the fallen man and looked down dispassionately as he writhed on the ground clasping his leg, bright red blood oozing between his fingers as he cussed and cried out in pain from the bullet wound to his thigh.

Jess kicked the man’s iron out of harm’s way and then bent to examine the wound…before standing up again and peering out at the increasingly poor weather. Dusk falling and a cold white mist coming down….although the snow had stopped falling at least.

Then he glanced down again.

“Oh quit yer moaning,” he said testily and moving over to Traveller he delved in his saddlebags for a minute before returning with some bandages.

“Here, tie that around it to stop the bleeding,” he said gruffly.

Then he was suddenly acutely aware of his own wounds. Not only had he rolled on his broken arm, doubtless damaging it further but he was also losing a lot of blood from the wound to his side courtesy of the bounty hunter.

He clutched his side once more, trying in vain to stem the blood now soaking his bandana. After a few minutes he began to feel dizzy and darkness descending as though the world was slowly closing in around him….

He fought so hard…. but finally fell to his knees…and a moment later lay unconscious, face down on the freezing ground…..a dark red stain slowly seeping into the snow beside him.

Across from him Slade forced himself up and desperately reached for his gun, so near and yet so far away…just out of his grasp…the blood was pounding in his ears as he tried again and again before he too fell backwards…as dead to the world as Jess was.

It was sometime later when Jess came around and sitting up looked anxiously over to where Slade was still out for the count.

He gave a mighty sigh of relief when it was obvious his adversary was incapable of harming him…But he still felt weak and shaky and doubted he could walk as far as Traveller, never mind mount him and ride for home to get help to bring in his prisoner.

He made a tremendous effort and dragged himself up to his feet…. and stood swaying and cussing softly.

After a moment he collapsed back down to his knees, feeling totally broken…in both body and spirit…He tried again to get to Traveller who was just a few yards away…. and he dragged himself…virtually crawling on his hands and knees…He wouldn’t do it, he wouldn’t die out here in the bitter cold a mere mile from his home and family…. And for what….. because some drunken vicious outlaw wanted his revenge.

It was then that he heard it…. the sound at first so faint that he couldn’t be sure…. but then gradually it came closer and closer, the haunting melodic notes of the Panpipes.

He lay in the snow transfixed as the ethereal sounds slowly advanced, seeming to soar into the sky, so that eventually the sound was all around them. The pure notes flooding Jess’s very being with their resonance.

Then through the mist a spectral figure appeared riding a grey horse, the animal seeming to fade in and out of the haze, before finally advancing. Its rider, dressed from head to toe in white wolf skin garments looking equally ghost like.

Jess took a deep shuddering breath…. Gabe…it just had to be Gabe…..

Moments later the old timer slid down from the saddle and marched over to Jess…”Here you are son, not late am I?” he said softly, almost like they’d arranged to meet.

Jess grinned up at him, from where he still lay in the snow, “Nope just about bang on time, iffen you’ve a mind to help me up and give me a leg up on my horse,” he said.

Gabe smiled back, “Oh I think we can do a bit better than that son, how about I fix up those nasty looking injuries and then ride back with you huh?”

True to his word Gabe wandered over to his grey mare and returned a moment later with his medical box and started work on the arm.

“This may be a tad painful boy,” he said softly as he manipulated the arm once more into position and re splinted it.

Jess had turned deathly pale and thought he might chuck, such was the pain and Gabe patted his shoulder gently. “I know boy ‘tis powerful painful…but it’s not broken again, just a nasty knock and time will heal it…. “

“Yeah, time,” muttered Jess darkly to himself… .and that was something he didn’t have too much of…heck he needed to get back to work…Slim needed him to pull his weight…he couldn’t stay playin’ the invalid much longer…not with the business in such a bad way.

Then his mind was dragged away from those worrying thoughts as Gabe carefully cleaned the bullet wound to his side.

“Nothing major damaged, by the looks of things,” he said cheerfully as he started to bind Jess up after applying some of his potent ointment to the lesion, “but you’ll need to see the doc Jess…..to be sure huh?” Then he looked down to where Jess was grimacing in pain….”Pretty sore huh?”

“Kinda,” Jess whispered.

“OK just try and relax for me,” Gabe said and laying his hands on the wound he closed his eyes and sat completely still, hunkered down beside the cowboy…

Jess had closed his eyes, but after a few moments he looked up to see what the old man was up to…and realized he was silently praying.

Jess lay quite still and after a little while he did indeed feel more relaxed and the burning pain in his side was gradually replaced by a feeling of soothing warmth.

He must have dozed off, because when he awoke he was covered in a warm blanket and Gabe was ministering to Slade’s leg wound.

Jess relaxed back and closed his eyes again…but then seconds later they sprang open as he heard a horse approaching.

“Goddamn it,” he whispered to himself, “not another dang bounty hunter…”

He was up on one knee, his gun drawn with impressive speed considering his fragile condition…as Mort was to say later.

The Sheriff raised his hands in mock surrender…

“Hey buddy I’m one of the good guys,” he said grinning down at Jess….

“Hell Mort what are you doin’ here?” asked Jess holstering his gun and sinking back down to the comfort of his blanket.

“Well I’ll tell ya. I just got a wire from Doug Masters over in Cheyenne and he said his Deputy had a sighting of Slade a couple of days back…but he’d been snowed in and only just got back into town….So I figured I’d ride out and check on you.”

Then he glanced down at where Slade was now looking a better colour after Gabe had cleaned and bandaged his wound.

“Yeah, well better late than never,” muttered Jess grimly, the twinkle in his eyes taking the sting out of the comment.

“Hey you’re dang lucky I found you at all,” Mort retaliated.” I was going around by the road…and then I heard this wonderful pipe music coming from your East pasture so decided to investigate….Then when it stopped I was turning back to the road and something made me carry on this way…Darned strange just a gut feeling I guess…but lucky I reckon,” he said with a grin. “I can take the prisoner off of your hands Jess… and get Doc Sam to pop in too huh?“

Once Mort had left with the prisoner giving a cheery ‘see ya tomorrow,’ Gabe turned to Jess. “So let’s get you home son. Do you think you can manage to ride or do you want to double up with me on old Dancer there?”

Jess glanced over to the elderly grey mare and figured her dancing days were long gone…and walking any distance with one up would be about as much as could be expected of the old lady.

“Nah, I’ll be just fine on Trav,” he said quickly, “if you give me a leg up huh?”

Once in the saddle Jess gritted his teeth and cradled his broken arm for a moment, swallowing and taking a deep breath…. “Jeez,” he whispered under his breath as the pain kicked in again…..

“Are you OK Jess?” asked an anxious looking Gabe.

“Yeah, sure,” he said quickly and taking the reins in his good hand clicked his horse on to a slow walk.

They rode across the snowy pasture together and after a few minutes Jess looked over at the old man and said thoughtfully, “What did you mean when you said you thought you might have been late? I weren’t expectin’ you to turn up there.”

Gabe just smiled across and said, “Well I heard the shooting and thought there must be something wrong…”

“Uh,”…Jess considered this, “But why Gabe, I could have just been hunting….I mean you didn’t know anything about the fact that Slade was gunning for me…heck I didn’t even know myself until I got back from Paradise.”

“Oh I knew alright,” he said quietly,“like I told you…I look out for everyone here at the Sherman place…. always have done since Matt’s day. Now I watch over his boys and you too Jess after all you’re as good as family aren’t you?” he asked smiling at the young cowboy.

Jess just shook his head grinning, “Well I guess I don’t understand it…or how you knew I was in need of help, but I’m sure glad you did. And yeah….I’d like to think I’m family…old Hardrock sure is like a brother to me…young Andy too,” he agreed…and they rode on in a companionable silence.

After awhile Gabe pulled out his Panpipes and played a soft melodious tune that was heartrendingly beautiful. The snow clouds had blown away and a moon hung in the clear starlit sky illuminating their way, the snowy landscape sparkling in its pure white light. Jess cast his eyes up to the heavens and marvelled at the multitude of stars, with one brighter than all the rest, the Christmas Star.

He thought back to that long ago Christmas Eve when he had been all alone and desolate and he had heard his old Ma speaking to him clearly…”Think what you want above all other and wish upon that star’ He had done… wished for a life he could be proud of, good friends…and to turn his back on his old gunslinger ways…and that star had led him home…although he didn’t know it then… .home to the Sherman Ranch…

He was suddenly filled with an overwhelming feeling of peace and joy, as the pure Panpipe notes soared upwards into the clear night air.

Later he realized he must have fallen asleep in the saddle and his good old horse had plodded on through the night bringing him safely home… He remembered drifting off, the last thing he saw, Gabe at his side watching over him.

The next thing he remembered he was sitting his horse by the hitching rail in the ranch yard….the door had burst open and Slim was there, looking up with concern…” Thank God you’re home pard…..” he said with feeling.

He’d come forwards and Jess finally let go of the saddle horn and literally fell into his buddy’s welcoming arms…. Then Doc Sam was there and they carried him into the warm fragrant ranch house and laid him gently on the couch.

“Gabe… .where’s Gabe?” he whispered, now visibly shaking and looking pale and anxious… “S…Slim, where’s he gone…..?”

Slim exchanged a glance with Sam and then looked down to his buddy.

“There wasn’t anyone with you Jess…you were alone.“

“No! No I weren’t Gabe was there with me…see he patched me up,” he said showing the binding to his side.

“Go look Slim please…”

“Go on Slim,” said Sam softly, “go and look.”

“But?” protested Slim, knowing perfectly well the yard was deserted, save for Traveller.

Sam just jerked his head towards the door and said quietly for Slim’s ears only, “Just humour him buddy the boy’s obviously sick…delusional maybe …seeing things you know?”

Slim just nodded and wandered off…

“OK now Jess I guess it’s lucky I bumped into Mort on my way home from the Patterson’s place…he told us all about your shootout with Slade….so are you hurt anyplace else?” Sam asked kindly.

“My arm got kinda knocked about,” he whispered… “but Gabe replaced the splint… .it ain’t too bad now.”

Sam gently manipulated the arm and agreed it looked just fine.

“It will have set you back some,” he said, “but no lasting damage… Heck Jess it could have been a lot worse…what did you think you were doing going off after Slade on your own that way?” he asked.

Slim had returned and he threw his buddy a concerned look…. “That’s exactly what I was going to ask Jess.”

“Goddamn it Slim you know darned well why I had to lie to you…I had to protect Daisy and Mike…. you too…I guess.” Then he half sat up looking around him…. “Where in Hell are they anyway?”

“It’s OK pard take it easy,” said Slim gently pushing him back down. “They’re still over at the Patterson’s. Mike was having such a good time…Davy is bringing them back…anytime now, so just relax OK.”

Then Slim helped him to sit up and gently removed his blood stained shirt and Sam discarded the stained dressing and peered at the wound, looking puzzled.

“What’s wrong Doc,” asked Slim, “is it real bad?”

Sam looked up and grinned, “No on the contrary, it’s in surprisingly good shape.”

Then he turned to Jess, “Considering the amount of blood covering your shirt I expected a much deeper and more serious wound, but by golly this seems to be healing already…no bleeding or infection….it’s quite extraordinary. So how exactly did he treat it then Jess?”

“Uh…I dunno just cleaned it up some and put some of that foul smellin’ ointment of his on it,some kinda Indian recipe he said.”

Then he turned to Slim, “It would give old Jonsey’s liniment a run for its money…way it stank I can tell you Slim.”

Sam chuckled at the memory of Jonsey’s cure all lotions and potions. Then said more seriously, “I am familiar with this herbal cure and very good it is too….but this amount of healing in just …. what an hour or so?” and he shook his head. “Anything else Jess, I sure would like to know his secret.”

Jess shrugged then said, “It was real painful I know that and he said I was to relax and then I guess he said some prayers…put his hands over it and that helped…felt kinda warm and the pain went and then I fell asleep…I guess that old ointment is more potent than we know huh Sam?”

“Of course,” said Sam softly, “The laying on of hands…a way of invoking the Holy Spirit to help with healing….so is this Gabe a man of God?”

Slim nodded, “He was the Padre in my Pa’s outfit and then a travelling preacher, so I guess so yes.”

“He sounds like a fascinating character,” said Sam warmly.

“Mike seems to think he’s the Angel Gabriel come back to earth,” Jess chuckled…“and maybe he’s right,” he finished….only half joking.

“Did you see Gabe when you went out?” Jess asked now.

Slim shook his head, “No sorry Jess, he must have gone….”

Then Sam snapped his fingers… “Gabe…so is he an old guy?”

“Yeah,”said Jess turning to him, “lives over on Paradise kind of a recluse I guess.”

“That’s it then,” said Sam now, “Mort said we weren’t to worry none, that you were in good hands, with this old timer and I guess he was right.”

“See I told ya,” said Jess indignantly, “and I ain’t delusional either Sam… .whatever that means!”

Sam chuckled, having forgotten how exceptional Jess’s hearing was.

“OK buddy, I apologise unreservedly…and now I must away…or Santa will be calling before I hit home,” he said laughing.

Once he’d left Jess turned to his partner, “Slim will ya go tend to Traveller for me, that ol’ horse is still out in the cold and needs a good rub down….”

“Surely, you take it easy huh?”

“Thanks and Slim, blanket him good when he’s cooled down huh…its real cold tonight.”

“Will do…”

“And Slim, a Bran Mash huh… .the old boy deserves some pampering I guess….”

Slim sighed, “You got it…..”

“And…. Slim…”

“What!”

“Thanks…..”

Slim grinned at him and threw a gentle punch to his good arm… “OK Hotshot I won’t be long.”

Slim was actually back again in five minutes.

“Hey that was pretty dang quick, are you sure he’s cooled Slim, I don’t want him sweatin’ under his blanket….and did ya feed him…huh?”

Slim beamed at his pard, “All done…he was already in the barn, groomed, fed and possibly had a bedtime story too….”

“Huh?”

“Must have been Gabe, Traveller looked very perky, fed real good and blanketed…and no he isn’t too warm…happy?”

“Sure and there’s no sign of the old guy?”

Slim shook his head, “Nope, but I found this on the porch,” and he showed Jess a huge venison joint, wrapped in muslin, and prepared for the table… “and this” he said displaying a small package.

“So what’s that then?”

“I don’t know…present for Mike… I guess, got his name on the package.”

At the mention of the child’s name Jess sat up….. “Hell they’ll be home shortly, lose this bloody shirt will ya Slim and fetch me a clean one.”

Slim chuckled wondering if his friend was cussing or merely describing the state of his shirt.

Slim picked up the offending garment and said, “Lose it?”

“Yeah, dispose of it…hide it….. I dunno; stick it under my bed or somethin’ just so long as Daisy doesn’t see it.”

“Well that’ll hardly help her get the stains out pard,” Slim said logically.

“Garldarn it Slim are you bein’ deliberately dumb…I don’t want her to know I’ve been hurt.”

“Hey I’m not the dumb one…it’s not me that’s sitting there looking like I’d been chewed up, spat out and stepped on some Jess,she’s bound to find out.”

“Oh come on ya know what a good actor I am…Look she doesn’t know right now does she…you’d left the party before you heard about it…so let’s just keep it that way huh? Come on Slim it’s Christmas she’s gonna be real busy and she don’t need to be fussin’ and frettin’ over me.”

“Well…..”

“The same for the boy, you know how worried he gets iffen he thinks I’m hurt or sick…so just go get me a clean shirt will ya and help me to my rocker…..”

Jess had only just settled when the door banged open and the whirlwind that was Mike Williams burst in…scattering snowflakes and letting the cold night air rush through the house.

“Hey Tiger, good time?” asked Jess pasting a welcoming grin on his handsome features.

“We sure did,” the boy cried looking flushed and happy…”simply the best, Gee I wish you’d been there Jess.”

“Me too,” said Jess with feeling, exchanging a private wink with Slim.

Then Daisy came in having said her goodbyes and thanks to Davy before bustling in and glancing down at Jess.

Then she peered more closely, “Are you alright dear, you look a little peaky?”

Slim sucked in a breath but Jess just grinned up at her… “Never better Daisy, just this old arm achin’ some…but I’m fine really.”

“Umm…alright dear if you say so. But an early night might be in order?”

Then she turned her attention to Mike, “And for you too young man it’s way past your bedtime …go and get washed up and then you can have just one small present…off with you now.”

When he returned a little later in his nightshirt he was allowed to choose just one present. This had been a ploy started by a harassed Mary Sherman to get her lively boys to bed on Christmas Eve…and Slim had reintroduced it.

Mike stood before the beautifully decorated Christmas tree now in pride of place in an old beer keg to the right of the fireplace…. the candles lit and their home made gifts piled beneath it.

His eye immediately went to Gabe’s little package.

“Hey this is new, when did this arrive?” he asked excitedly.

“Gabe came by and we were…err…kind of busy, never saw him,” Slim improvised, the telling of lies not coming as easily to him as his buddy. “Anyway I just found the Venison and gift a little while back.”

Daisy wandered over when she heard that, “Oh dear, what a shame he didn’t call in, I was so looking forward to meeting him.”

“Me too,” Slim agreed, “but I guess he’s a real private man and we just have to respect that.”

“I sure wish I’d seen him too,” piped up Mike, “he’s just swell ain’t he Jess.”

“He sure is. So are you gonna open it then?” asked Jess, nodding to the parcel in the child’s hands.

The boy lost no time in tearing off the wrappings and then stood there gazing in awe at the beautifully carved figure of an Angel.

He turned it over in his hands taking in the almost gossamer like wings, so finely carved and the strong, but benign features of the face….

“Wow,” he said softly.

The work of art was passed around and duly admired by all.

“I guess Gabe must have known the state of that ol’ star of yours Slim,” Jess said jokingly, saw the need for an Angel for the top of the tree huh?”

Slim beamed back… “Well I wouldn’t be surprised, he seems to know one heck of a lot about us all,” he mused…referring to how Jess said he had seemed to know about Slade and the trouble Jess was in. How he’d implied that he watched over them all at the ranch as well.

However Jess threw him a warning glance and he said no more on the subject.

Meanwhile Mike had reclaimed his gift and was looking at it in wonder.

“See I was right all along…he really is the Angel Gabriel and he’s given me this to prove it,” he said gleefully.

Once he had finally been shooed off to bed Daisy too had professed the need for an early night and took her leave.

“Don’t stay up talking all night you two”, she said fondly, “I imagine Mike will have us all up at first light.”

Once she had gone Slim wandered off to the kitchen, returning with a stone jar and a couple of tumblers.

Jess raised an eyebrow… “What have you got there partner?”

Slim winked at him, “Davy gave me a drop of his special cider to share with you. Said it was a crying shame you’d been left home and didn’t I know Lincoln had freed the slaves.”

Jess chuckled and accepted the proffered brimming glass.

“Thanks Slim,” he took a good swallow before closing his eyes tightly and opening them again, grinning broadly across at his buddy.

“Jeez that’s mighty powerful stuff…he ain’t been throwin’ rats into the brew again has he?” Jess asked laughing.

Davy Patterson’s grandparents originated from Somerset in the Old Country and word had it that he brewed his cider the same way his forefathers had by adding the odd dead rat to add substance…to the brew.

“Aww don’t,” said Slim pretending to gag. “That’s just a vicious rumour and you know it,” then more thoughtfully, “Hell Jess you probably started it!”

They laughed and then a little later Jess put his glass down on the floor beside him and picked up the little Angel figure that Mike had put with the other Nativity figures below the tree.

He turned it over in his hands admiring the exceptional handiwork and then grinned over at his buddy….

“I figure Mike was right, got his initials on the bottom here A G…see Angel Gabriel.”

Slim smiled indulgently… “I figure there’s a little part of you that kind of wants to believe that too isn’t there Jess?”

Jess started to deny it and then looked thoughtful…. “I dunno Slim, you ain’t met him…there sure is something…well kinda Holy about him. Dang it you should hear him play those Panpipes too…’tis like a host of Angels singing…real special like…I dunno…makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck…. but its sorta relaxing too… aw I can’t explain…”

“Go on Jess you’re doing real good…and yep I’ve heard the pipes played and it’s just .....such a pure sound. And kinda ghostly, sad as a lone wolf cryin’ to the moon,” Slim said waxing lyrical after his second glass of the strong cider.

“Yeah that’s it…. then there’s other stuff too Slim. Things he’s told me that he couldn’t possibly know…. He weren’t at all surprised by my past…and knew all about Mike and Daisy movin’ in…. but he ain’t even crossed the threshold.”

“Uh…maybe he heard; someone in town told him?”

“Yeah, but he never mixes does he…. Then there was that business with Slade…it’s almost like he knew I was in trouble Slim and he was lookin’ out for me…”

“That was odd, I grant you.”

“The way he tended me….Sam couldn’t believe how well I’d started healin’ after all that praying and layin’ on of hands or whatever….. Well that’s sure the kinda stuff an Angel might do? Then there’s all that stuff about watchin’ over us…like those Guardian Angels Daisy was on about. He could be an Angel…when you think of it all…”

“Or a man of God Jess….Just a very good caring man of God huh?”

Jess shrugged, “Yup I guess you’re right…but heck Slim it would be kinda nice to have our very own Angel over on Paradise…Heck even the name where he lives is fittin’.”

Slim laughed and slapped Jess’s good arm gently… “Come on pard lets turn in… .before that cider gives you anymore crazy ideas….”

Chapter 9

Christmas Day dawned bright and sunny, with no more snow…but of course all were up and about at the ranch and relay long before sun up, courtesy of young Mike.

He had sat on the end of Jess’s bed and the two cowboys had looked on as Mike reveled in the contents of his Christmas stocking, mostly toys crafted by the ranchers and some sweetmeats produced by Daisy. He professed it to be the very best yet, as he went off to dress for breakfast and Slim and Jess exchanged happy grins.

“Heck iffen I’d have known he’d be happy with my homemade stuff I’d never have spent all that money at the mercantile last year,” Jess joked.

Slim grinned over as he shaved….. “Well he’s a good kid and I figure that stuff means a lot to him because we made an effort to make it for him…”

“I guess…..but I sure wish we could have bought him that rifle Slim…he’d really set his heart on it.”

Then he beamed at his buddy, “He’s a real good shot now too ya know Slim, brought that Turkey down, no problem.”

Slim smiled across. “Well he’s had a good teacher in you Jess, and yeah it would have been nice. But like Daisy says we can get it for his Birthday.”

Then they were called to breakfast by Daisy and were treated to pancakes and maple syrup and the conversation about their money worries was soon forgotten.

Afterwards the men went out to the barn to start the chores, Jess impeded by his bad arm as usual and cussing lightly at the frustration it caused him, not being able to care for his mount as he would have liked.

After awhile Slim came over and said kindly, “I’ll do that for you buddy, why dontcha go back in and have another coffee?”

Jess’s expressive eyebrows shot up, “Huh?”

“Go on you heard me and anyways…I figure you’d better level with Daisy. The way she was watching you over breakfast, like a hawk, I figure she knows somethings up. Anyway Doc Sam said that dressing on your side will have to be checked out and changed today…”

“Aww Slim, I don’t wanna worry her….or to have her fussin’,” he said honestly.

“Well I figure you don’t have much choice Jess, Mort will be here soon and word of you shooting Slade will be all over town by now. Plus Millie will know and she sure won’t keep Daisy in the dark will she…and what’s more…..“

“OK, OK you’ve made yer point I’m goin’,” said Jess knowing when he was beaten.

When he went back inside he was surprised to see Daisy sitting at the table with a fresh pot of coffee almost like she was waiting for him, but she just smiled and gestured to the pot as he entered.

“Thanks Daisy, thought you’d be hard at it in the kitchen now,” he said.

“I will be shortly dear, just getting my second wind and anyway, I thought you might want to talk to me?”

Jess sank down opposite her and accepted the coffee before giving her a rueful grin.

“You know don’t you Daisy?”

“Well I know you’ve been hurt Jess, but not as to all the why’s and wherefores,” she said quietly.

“So how do ya know then…..huh?” asked Jess looking puzzled.

She smiled, “Jasper…he found the shirt hidden under your bed and took great pleasure in ripping it up under the table just now,”she said chuckling, “He certainly is a wicked old cat.”

“You got that one right,” Jess agreed with feeling. “It must have been the smell of my blood on it that attracted him, he sure does like that. Must do the number of times he attacks me, got a real taste for it I reckon.”

“Oh Jess, he’s just playing,” she said laughing merrily.

“Sure he is,” muttered Jess darkly.

Then he finally opened up and told Daisy all about the note from Slade, but how he’d been bushwhacked by a bounty hunter even before his shoot-out with the outlaw.

Daisy sucked in a deep breath, her hand to her mouth as he explained everything, trying to make it as simple as possible and sparing her the grim details.

Once she had been convinced he was just fine and his wounds had been checked by Doc Sam, she relaxed a little.

“And you still managed to outdraw that dreadful man even with those nasty injuries?” she asked in amazement.

Jess just shrugged, “Yeah I did, it was a pretty close run thing…. Gee he‘s real fast Daisy, I figure it was a miracle I did it, all beat up the way I was. I barely managed it last time and I was fighting fit.”

Then he looked very thoughtful, “Maybe someone had my back huh?”

Daisy just smiled benignly, “Like your Guardian Angel dear?” she asked, waiting for his flippant come back…

But no, Jess looked deeply into her eyes…. “Yeah maybe Daisy, that and old Gabe…. too.”

Then he explained the part the old timer had played, seemingly knowing Jess was in trouble and coming to his aid.

“How do ya think he knew where to find me and that I was in trouble too? And all that talk about looking out for us at the ranch, how can that be so when he lives all the way over on Paradise?”

Daisy looked very thoughtful.

“I knew a man a lot like Gabe when I lived back east. He was our Minister and quite a remarkable man. If anyone was sick or troubled he’d be there…sometimes just minutes after they were in need of him or even before… .almost as though he had a sort of sixth sense. He could pick up on distress or disaster as he termed it, even if he was miles away. He was a great believer in the power of prayer and positive thought too, he really believed it could cross continents and help and support folk in another place completely.

Jess just raised a quizzical eyebrow, “He did?” he asked, all this talk now getting a tad too fanciful for him.

“Well call it what you will,” Daisy said firmly, “a sixth sense or Divine Guidance, you have seen it at work first hand Jess in Gabe being there when he was needed…Mort too…Didn’t you say he just chanced that way and then had a gut feeling that he must continue the same route and not turn back. Goodness me and haven’t you said yourself often enough how you relied on a gut feeling. Might not that be some greater power helping you?”

Just then the kitchen door banged open and Mike tore in looking flushed and excited.

“Jess, can ya come at once Slim needs you…. says he can’t find his hoof pick and you had it last…says it’s his best one and iffen you’ve darn well lost it he’s gonna darn well….”

”Ok Tiger I’m comin’,” Jess cut in hastily, throwing Daisy an apologetic smile, before quickly following the boy out.

They were just finishing the yard chores later that morning when they heard the sound of a buggy approaching and before too long Mort hove to in the yard with his precious cargo of Millie and Peggy Johnson as well as Lily Robinson, Slim’s girl

The ranchers were there in a second welcoming the ladies and Mort, when Daisy hurried out of the ranch house to greet them.

“Oh Happy Christmas my dears,” she called as she wiped her hands on her apron, beaming up at her friends.

Mort jumped down from the buggy seat, handing Peggy down before turning to Jess and smiling.

“One Ma-in-law and one best girl,” delivered as promised he grinned.

Jess flushed up and said warily, “Hey now hang on there Sheriff, me and Millie ain’t hitched yet you know.”

Peggy Johnson beamed up at him, “Why Jess Harper I do believe you’re blushing,” she said in delight.

Jess grinned down at her and pecked her cheek, “Howdy Ma, Happy Christmas,” he said cheerfully. Then after helping Millie down and doing likewise, waved a hello to Lily before proudly escorting his ladies inside.

Lily and Slim embraced fondly before Slim glanced at the back of the buggy and was amazed to see a sack bursting with presents.

“Heck Mort where have all those sprung from?” he asked raising a questioning eyebrow. “I sure hope everyone hasn’t gone spending their hard earned money on us. Me and Jess said we couldn’t do presents this year and didn’t expect any back,” he said looking anxious.

“Well don’t you go fretting any Slim, because these are all courtesy of Santa…or to be more precise… the Laramie Bank as they put up the Bounty on Slade.”

“Huh what are you talking about Mort?”

It was some time later, once they were all settled with a warming coffee, sitting around the fire that Mort continued.

“The latest on Slade is that his leg wound will be fully healed in a week or two and then he’ll be transferred back to Denver… .and for a good long spell you’ll be pleased to hear Jess.”

“Well Amen to that,” muttered Jess.

“I shouldn’t worry about his vendetta too much either. I overheard him chatting to my deputy Lon yesterday and he was saying as how he wasn’t gonna mess with that Jess Harper no more. Said that if you shot that way when you were hurt real bad, then he wasn’t about to take you on fit and healthy,” the Sheriff chuckled.

“Well that’s good news,” said Slim, but it doesn’t explain all these presents Mort.”

“See it’s this way, as you know there was a mighty handsome Bounty, Dead or Alive on Reuben Slade, and as it was Jess here who captured him, well he gets the reward”.

“I do?” asked Jess looking surprised, “Heck I’d completely forgotten about that. Anyway you know I never go after the Bounty Mort.”

“Uh, well yes I do son, but I’m hoping that you’ll make an exception in this case. You see I took the liberty of claiming on your behalf… .and well spending some too.”

“You did?” asked Jess looking speechless now.

“So what would you have done with the money?” Mort persisted.

Jess shrugged, “Settle with old Ezra down at the mercantile, pay him for all those gifts we ordered and then had to cancel…..then put the rest in the ranch account to keep us afloat until we can turn the corner and sell some stock….so what have you done with it then?”

Mort looked real pleased with himself now, “Well just that boy. Old Ezra had your list and I’ve covered it all, the rest is sitting in the Laramie Bank… .and more than enough to see you right for the next few months.”

Daisy was the first to speak, “Oh Mort dear, how wonderful and thank you so much for being so thoughtful”…. and then Slim and Mike joined in, the excited babble at odds with Jess’s silence.

After a moment Slim turned to his partner and said softly, “Jess?”

He knew full well that Jess abhorred Bounty Hunters and would not want to be forced into that position, but hell they needed the money. Surely his friend wasn’t going to be difficult and send everything back to the store and the money back from whence it came too?

Then he saw Jess’s glance rest on a large oblong parcel that was unmistakably Mike’s long awaited rifle and watched as his expression softened before turning back to him.

“Yeah, what Slim?”

“Are you OK with this?”

He stared around the company and then at the gifts now piled beneath the tree for a moment, then finally nodded, his face spreading into a toothy grin, “Sure I am pard…and thanks Mort.”

“Well that’s good to hear,”said Mort with relief. “Because I did a deal on those boots of yours you sold to old Ezra. He tried to charge me top dollar, sayin’ as how they’d been cared for and polished so dang much they were worth more than when he sold them to you…but I beat him down in the end,” he finished, with much laughter from the amassed company.

It was later, after Daisy’s wonderful meal and then the grand present opening that Millie and Jess managed to grab some time alone.

Jess had waited until everyone was busy chatting and admiring their presents before rising and heading for the backdoor, giving Millie a tiny jerk of his head to indicate she should join him.

Once they were safely in the kitchen he snagged his warm jacket from by the door and draped it around Millie’s shoulders before taking her hand and making a dash across the snow covered yard to the comparative warmth of the barn.

Once in the peaceful sanctuary he took her in his arms, dispensing with his sling and holding her close before kissing her deeply.

“Happy Christmas sweetheart,” he whispered in her ear, before pulling back and looking longingly into her deep brown eyes.

“I sure wish we could… .ya know be alone together tonight…”

“Me too Jess but we have New Year to look forward to. You can stay with me in town then can’t you?”

“Sure…..sure, we’re all comin’ in for the big dance, but Mike and Daisy will put up at the hotel and me and Slim are free agents that night,” he said softly. “And in the meantime…” He took her face between his hands, leaned in and kissed her passionately again.

He finally disentangled himself sighing deeply, knowing they should really head back shortly, before Mike was sent out to find them.

He turned and made for Traveller’ s stall and returned a moment later with a small package…

“What’s this?” Millie asked in surprise, her eyes dancing with delight, “You already gave me that beautiful Spanish shawl for Christmas.”

He gave her his shy smile, “Well I made this for you when I thought we didn’t have any cash to spend…. I hope you like it.” Thinking to himself it was dang lucky he’d completed the gift before his arm was broken.

She quickly pulled the wrapping off and stared transfixed at the little bangle made of fine braided leather, in beautiful shades of delicate pink and pale blue.

“Oh Jess,” she whispered, this must have taken you hours, “dying the thongs and then weaving them so beautifully.”

He smiled down at her, “Well you’re worth it. Daisy helped with the dyes and I guess the braiding weren’t much different to working a Hackamore….maybe a tad more fiddly,” he added honestly. “Here,” and he carefully tied it around her wrist, his bad arm making the task difficult, but he finally completed it.

She looked down at the pretty little bracelet and sighed with happiness… “It’s perfect Jess, thank you.”

Then smiling up at him she said, “Do you know what this puts me in mind of?”

He nodded, “That Christmas when we were just little kids…my Ma was powerful sick and I came to spend the day at your place.”

She nodded, “And you’d never had a proper Christmas before had you?”

“I guess not, you know the way Pa was… .didn’t hold with all that kinda ‘nonsense’ as he called it.”

She frowned and squeezed his hand gently… “And we did just the same thing…remember? We went over to Pa’s barn and I gave you a friendship bracelet I’d made you…we were what….. about nine and ten?”

He nodded, “I’ve still got it too.Don’t fit no more, but I’ve kept it real safe.”

She smiled, “We said then we’d be friends forever and we sealed it with a kiss…do you remember Jess?”

He chuckled, “I recall you demanding I kiss ya…then you said it was pretty good for a first time and you figured I’d improve with age and we’d try it again…when we were all grown up.”

She laughed, “I remember.”

“So have I?”

“Huh?”

“Improved with age?”

She grinned then and punched him lightly on the chest,“You know you have…I wouldn’t be promised to ya otherwise.”

He laughed and then sobered, “What Mort said this morning, callin’ Peggy my Ma-in-law… kinda got me thinking…..about our understanding… See Mill I ain’t given you a ring yet and I know we’re promised, have been awhile now and maybe I…..”

“Hush,” she said quickly putting a finger on his lips, “We said we’d just stay the way we are a tad longer didn’t we, no formal engagement yet huh?”

“I guess, but I just got to thinkin’ well maybe that friendship bracelet could be like a symbol of us …well bein’ promised, just between the two of us…huh Millie?”

She looked into those blue pleading eyes…. and yes it was what she wanted, more than anything in the world, sure she did. But Millie was no fool and knew how important Jess’s freedom was to him. Sure he loved the idea of settling down with her, she knew that…. but she also knew he wasn’t ready…not quite yet. There was still a wanderlust deep in his soul and a need to take off every now and again… .and wisely Millie knew that all too well.

But this…their secret understanding, well this was perfect.

“Alright cowboy, I guess I can agree to that…our secret though…..”

He gave a whoop of joy and then held her close kissing her deeply……and that’s how Mike found them a little while later.

“Oh yuck!” the child said as he entered the barn on his mission to bring the errant couple back into the fold, “Yer kissin’!”

The couple jumped apart, but then Jess recovered quickly and grinned down at the youngster.

“I guess we were Tiger, guilty as charged,” he chuckled, seeing the child’s look of disgust.

“So did Aunt Daisy send you to fetch us back huh?”

The child grinned up at his hero, “Nope it was Slim, he said, “Him and the others were thinking of playin a hand or two of cards and did you want to play….he seemed to think that was real funny,” said the child scratching his head and looking puzzled.

“Oh I bet he did!” said Jess in mock outrage.

Mike just shrugged and continued, “Anyway he said you’d probably be in the barn and I was to look here first…and here you are, he was right.”

“Sure he was Mike, you run in and tell him we’re coming in right now OK?”

Once the child had gone he turned twinkling eyes on Millie, “Dadgum it, he sent the kid over to disturb us…knew dang well what we’d be up to.”

She laughed back, “I guess he’s just jealous because he didn’t think to escape with Lily first.”

“I reckon…. come on let’s go whop him at poker…huh?” he said cheerfully, taking her hand and smiling into her eyes.

Chapter 10

The day passed quickly with much laughter and happy chatter. Eventually the ladies departed to the kitchen to prepare some cold cuts for supper, whilst the men folk sat around the fire a drink apiece feeling mellow and contented.

Young Mike had spent the afternoon dividing his attentions between proudly polishing his new rifle, admiring his wonderful boots from Jess, and poring over a book on Angels. The book had been found in the attic and Slim believed it must have belonged to his mother. It was brightly illustrated with all sorts of Angels including Gabriel and even had a chapter on Guardian Angels.

“Gee it says here we’ve all gotten one for sure, a Guardian Angel that is, and there’s special ways you can tell,” Mike said excitedly, his eyes shining with eagerness.

“Oh really?” asked Jess exchanging a wink with Slim, “So how’s that then Tiger?”

“Well it says as how sometimes there are co…coinsid….”

“Let’s have a look,” said Slim kindly and taking the book continued to read the closely written text, “There are coincidences, like a meeting that is unexplained and unexpected….”

“Ha, like me runnin’ into that old Bounty Hunter,” said Jess quickly, “that sure was unexpected…”

“Umm,” said Mort thoughtfully… “but what about the coincidence of both me and the old timer err….. Gabe turning up at just the right time to help you out huh, that was pretty unexpected and unexplained.”

Slim continued reading, “It says here that often gut instinct comes into play when the Angels are around…Didn’t you say that’s how you felt Mort? That you figured you needed to carry on across the east pasture instead of going back by the road?”

“Yup, it was kinda strange that. The road was an easier ride too…. but if I’d gone back I guess I wouldn’t have found Jess until much later, or been able to take the prisoner in, in time to claim the bounty,” he said thoughtfully sipping his whiskey, “so what else does it say then?”

“Err”…Slim perused the book again…

“It says that the sign your Guardian Angel is nearby can be a white feather…”

“Ha,” laughed Jess…“well I guess we must have a whole host of those ol’ Angels then, number of white feathers we’ve got in the chicken house……”

Slim cast him a quelling glance, “I hadn’t finished….a white feather in an unexpected place….”

“Oh right,” said Jess looking less than convinced.

Then Slim continued… “This is really interesting, I wonder why I’ve never read this book before… .in fact I don’t ever recall seeing it before…it was just by the Christmas decorations…”

“Uh,”said Jess dryly, “another coincidence then…..”

“You can mock,” said Slim, looking at his buddy thoughtfully, “So how about this then…. Angels occasionally manifest by giving a cry of warning, calling out to a person by name and maybe even forcefully removing them from danger……”

Jess flushed and looked down, knowing Slim was referring to the incident when he had paused a tad too long in the saddle when he’d been bushwhacked, and how he had heard his named called and felt something literally push him from the saddle. Up until that moment he had not dwelt on the incident too much, not being able to figure it…..but now…..

“Well,” asked Slim raising a quizzical eyebrow, “convinced?”

“Would you gentlemen like to wash up for supper?” Daisy called out as she breezed in from the kitchen ….. “Oh and Mike, do put that cat out dear, he’s eyeing up the dining table again…..”

In the rush to capture the fiery tempered Jasper the moment passed, but Jess was to recall it later.

Supper was a lively affair with much teasing and banter, Daisy and Peggy sitting back and enjoying the young couples flirting and having fun. Mike looked on eagerly and was included in the general mayhem, while Mort like the older ladies sat and enjoyed the youngster’s pranks and especially Daisy’s cooking.

“Well Miss Daisy I figure you’ve really surpassed yourself with that Christmas Cake,” he said wiping his mouth with his napkin.

“Would you care for another slice Mort dear?”

“No thank you Ma’am…I figure three is quite enough,” he said with a cheery smile.

“Amen to that,” said Jess firmly. Dadgum it he thought where did Mort put it all?

“It really is good Daisy,” Peggy agreed, “You must let me have the recipe. Maybe I’ll be able to tempt my Millie to have a go at baking, the Lord knows she’s not the world’s best cook, but we live in hope,” she said chuckling and patting her daughter’s hand kindly, to show she meant no malice.

“Hey she’s getting much better,” said Jess staunchly defending his girl, “heck she ain’t poisoned me in…er weeks, have ya sweetheart?” he asked turning to grin at her.

“Why Jess Harper!” she said swatting him none too lightly across his good arm…. “When did I ever poison you….?”

He just looked at her a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth but not replying.

She stared at him and then rolled her eyes… “Oh yeah, there was that once…OK… but I am getting better huh?”

“Sure you are and anyway, you’ve gotten other talents ain’t ya?” he said taking her hand and giving her a loving look.

Mike who had been lapping all this up grinned and asked innocently, “Like what Jess?”

“Huh?”

“What kinda talents does Miss Millie have? Do ya mean like fishin’ and stuff?“

Jess caught Slim’s eye and they both tried to hide their laughter….

Meanwhile Millie looked down, blushing a little, knowing full well Jess was referring to their passionate love life…

However Jess was unfazed and turned to the youngster smiling benignly, “Sure Tiger, fishin’, huntin’ too. Gee she was real good with a sling shot when she was just your age you know.”

“Wow,” replied the youngster looking at his Guardian’s girlfriend with new respect in his eyes…real pretty and good at hunting and fishing, that was Mike’s kind of girl, he decided,when he was older anyway…all that lovin’ stuff being kinda yukky though he thought.

Peggy suddenly noticed Jess still holding Millie’s hand and her attention was drawn to the beautiful little friendship bracelet.

“Why Millie dear that is lovely.”

She looked over to Jess, “From you my dear?”

He nodded and then something in his eyes, as he turned to look at her daughter, made Peggy suddenly realize the significance of the little love token and she smiled inwardly. Her daughter would tame this stubborn, complex, loyal, funny, rough and tough free spirit that was Jess Harper…eventually, she thought with a little smile. They were both still young and there was plenty of time….

Lily too noticed the look and felt a tiny stab of jealousy…quickly replaced by happiness for her good friend, for Lily was nothing if not a loyal and true friend to Millie.

She loved Slim dearly and believed he loved her too…and yes it was still early days for them, but oh how she wished he would declare his intentions towards her.

She glanced shyly across at him…and saw his eyes go from the little bracelet to her and then there was a look of such love in his eyes that she felt her heart start to beat faster. All the chattering in the room faded into the background and it was as if it were just her and Slim in the room.

“Lily…Lily…”

“Um…er pardon?”

“I said lets you and I wash up huh? I think my Ma and Daisy deserve a break,” said Millie smiling at her friend’s daydreaming.

“Oh yes surely excuse me”…and she leapt up and started collecting the plates and clearing the table.

Once the other women folk and Mort were made comfortable in front of the roaring fire, Mike had finally been dispatched to bed. He had been yawning widely and was nearly asleep on his feet, but still put up a fight when Jess tried to separate him from his beloved rifle.

“Nope not in yer room Tiger, it goes in the gun rack with the other rifles and you can clean it again in the morning OK…?”

“OK Jess.”

“Hey and no sleepin’ in those new boots either,” he laughed.

The child chuckled at the thought and then ran back over to his hero and hugged him hard, “Thanks Jess,” he said sincerely… “I’ll polish ‘em real good just like you do with your special courtin’ boots!”

That caused much hilarity amongst the adults, but the child just beamed at them saying politely, “Night all…. and thank you for all the lovely presents,” before turning to go into Slim and Jess’s room. Here he had a spare cot, the girls sharing his room, whilst Peggy was bunking in with Daisy.

Once he’d gone Slim and Jess joined the girls in the kitchen and there was much laughter and horse play as they washed the dishes, Jess declaring the task had never been quite as interestin’ before.

“Just a shame we’ve gotta say goodnight soon,” he whispered, pulling Millie into an intimate embrace.

Slim had taken Lily’s hand and agreed, as he looked deeply into her beautiful violet eyes, “I guess we’ll just have to make up for it at the New Year’s Dance huh? “He whispered before pulling her close and kissing her soundly.

Not long afterwards the ladies finally made their way to bed leaving the three men having a final nightcap before turning in……

It was Mort who caved in first declaring himself as stuffed as the Christmas Turkey and in need of rest, to sleep off his over indulgence. He had stretched out on the old leather couch by the window and was soon snoring gently.

Jess shook his head grinning at his pard, “I should think he is dang well stuffed the way he attacked that Cake… .thought there’ d be none left the way he was goin’ at it,” he said with feeling.

“And is there?”

Jess shrugged and wandered off to the kitchen returning a few minutes later with a couple of slices and handed a plate over to Slim.

“You do realize this will be the third slice we’ve had?” said Slim looking slightly guilty.

Jess merely shrugged, “Who’s countin’…. and anyway Mort ‘ll probably finish it off for breakfast iffen we don’t eat it…. kinda saving him from himself…act of charity see?”

Slim grinned and topped up their whiskey glasses before relaxing back, “Well if you put it that way…..”

After awhile Jess forgave Mort his overindulgence and wandered across with a blanket to cover the sleeping Sheriff as the fire was beginning to die down, and the room growing cooler, then he paused.

“Hey Slim looky here, ain’t it a shame Jack isn’t here this would make a darned good photograph.”

Jess was referring to Jack Williamson, a professional photographer and good friend to all at the ranch * See ‘The Visitor’

Slim mooched over and a huge grin lit up his face when he looked down at Mort, fast asleep, with Jasper snuggled up in the crook of his arm.

“Well I’ll be!” said Slim chuckling, “It looks like Mort’s made a new best buddy.”

Jess grinned back at his friend, “Wouldn’t that be just a great picture, stuck up in his office… .let all the jail bait know our Sheriff’s gotten a softer side.”

Slim laughed… “He’d never live it down would he….”

Jess covered him over with the blanket and Jasper opened one eye and cast the cowboy a baleful glance.

“Sure wouldn’t catch me sharin’ my bed with the crazy critter,” he muttered, before turning back to the comfort of his rocker.

Slim looked thoughtful and then went and rummaged around on his desk before returning to the fireside and passing a large photograph over to his pard.

“Talking of photographs reminded me. I found this in the attic when I fetched the decorations down…Its Pa’s old Regiment, taken just before he left the army.

Jess took it from him and perused the picture for several minutes before his face relaxed into a broad grin.

“That’s your Pa ain’t it, dead centre…gee he’s the spittin’ image of you pard.”

Then he looked more closely… “And this must be Gabe… .with the dog collar and all, right next to your Pa…he’s changed some.”

“Well it was taken a few years back,” said Slim, “he’s bound to have done wouldn’t he.”

“I guess,” then Jess turned the old sepia photograph over carefully and read the names on the back….. “Here we are your Pa’s name Captain Mathew Sherman…. and Reverend Gabriel Angelino….huh? Is that Gabe then?”

Slim’s brow furrowed in thought, “I guess it must be. It’s crazy but I never made the connection, of course Gabe is short for Gabriel….So what’s his surname again, I don’t believe I ever heard Pa mention it…he’s always been just ‘old Gabe’ to us kids.

Jess looked over at his buddy, “It’s kinda foreign, he told me his Pa was from Italy…it’s Angelino…funny sorta name that…but I guess that’s foreigners for you,” he said with a mischievous grin.

Then his smile faded, “Slim…what is it?” he asked seeing the shocked expression on his buddy’s face.

“Do you know what that means in Italian Jess?”

“Hell no why should I? It weren’t my Ma as was a teacher and taught me all this stuff…Honest Slim I swear your mind is so darned cluttered up with foreign tongues and book learnin’ and all, it’s a miracle it ain’t done exploded by now!”

“Jess will you shut up.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll tell you what it means…translated from the Italian…it means angel…so Gabe’s real name is Gabriel Angel translated to the English.”

There was a shocked silence, then, “The Hell it is?” whispered Jess in astonishment.

He turned the picture over and stared at it for a long time before shaking his head in wonder, “So what do ya know…. another one of those dang coincidences I guess huh pard?”

“Yup I figure that’s all it is,” said Slim before taking the picture from his friend and placing it reverently beneath the tree.

Both men sat in contemplative silence, just sipping their whiskey and looking into the fire for a long time. The only sound the ticking of the old timepiece on the chimney breast and Mort’s gentle snores.

Awhile later Slim reached for the hill whiskey Mort had brought them to top up their drinks. Gee it was powerful stuff he thought…some of old Denver’s best brew by the taste of it.

“Want one for the road pard, before we turn in?” he asked peering across at Jess sitting quietly in his rocker.

“I guess so, thanks,” he said and he passed his tumbler over for a refill.

Then before taking a drink, raised his glass and said softly, “To Gabe… a great guy whoever he is and wherever he is tonight.”

“To Gabe,” said Slim….

And then grinning… “Merry Christmas Jess…”

“Merry Christmas pard…..”

Epilogue

Gabe sat cross legged before a crackling fire, set in the mouth of the cave overlooking the Sherman fishing lake, a few miles from the ranch.

He had spent every Christmas Day here since he moved to Paradise, breaking his journey back home after he had delivered his annual gift of venison.

What pleasure he’d derived peering in through the window and watching the young Sherman boys open his gifts too. Now Mike’s young face had lit up at the sight of the little carved Angel and he smiled at the memory. Then chuckled to himself at the child’s innocent belief that he was somehow the Angel Gabriel come back to earth…and shook his head at the fancifulness of youth.

He was a lovely boy though; a real credit to his guardians.

Then he thought of Slim, how proud old Matt would have been of his eldest son he thought, grown so like his Pa…a good man, loyal and true.

His thoughts then wandered to Jess…headstrong and stubborn…but a good man…with strength and tenacity… a fitting friend for young Slim, watching his back…

Then he shook his head in amusement, if ever there was a young man in need of his Guardian Angel it was Jess, and Gabe thanked God that he had just that ……if he did but know it.

He sighed happily as he surveyed the silvery moonlight shimmering on the lake…a perfect Christmas night.

Then picking up his Panpipes he started playing. He was totally in harmony with the world and his God… .the pure haunting notes rising in the clear night sky heavenwards…. and as he looked up a single white feather slowly spiralled down to land at his feet.

He smiled, gave a little nod of acknowledgement and then continued playing, the crescendo of notes sounding almost like a heavenly choir of angels….

The End

Happy Christmas

May your Guardian Angel ever watch over you

To hear the sound of Panpipes please click below… no copyright intended.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcEDjmMXfFM

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