by Joe Corso
Percy ran out of the store to aid his friend. He called into the crowd of spectators for help. Two men who had watched the gunfight ran over to him.
“Quick, grab his legs and help me bring him into the clothing store.”
Percy and the two men laid Charlie on the kitchen table.
One of the men told Percy, “The man that shot your friend was the third Baskom brother.”
“There were three of them?”
“Yes, and all three were meaner than a rattle snake. It was a real privilege seeing your friend face off against those men. They were considered real good with a gun and fancied themselves as gunfighters.”
“Were they that good?”
“Oh, they got into a few gunfights, but it was always with a drunken miner or cowboy. No one as good as the Lone Jack Kid. After three or four successful gunfights they considered themselves gunfighters, and I guess they figured on making a name for themselves by killing your friend here.”
“Lift him up. I have to get his shirt off.”
They lifted Charlie while the two worried girls look on helplessly. Percy turned to the girls. “Get me hot water, lots of hot water, and some clean rags to dress his wound. And one of you go to my room at the hotel and get my doctor’s bag. It’s on the bureau and it’s black. You can’t miss it.”
Lorraine stood stock still with her hand to her face. “Will he . . . will he be all right?”
“If I don’t tend to him right now, he’ll die. I just hope the bullet didn’t hit any arteries or organs. If it hit his lung he might not make it.”
With Charlie in the sitting position, Percy checked the exit wound to see if the bullet went clean through. He nodded. “Good.”
“Good what?” Lorraine asked hopefully.
“The bullet went clean through and it looks like it didn’t hit any of his organs. Now go and do what I told you. One of you get me some hot water and clean rags and the other get my bag. And hurry! His life may depend on it.”
The girls turned to rush from the room, but one of the men told them to stay and help the doctor. He’d go for the bag.
Chapter 28
Charlie woke in his room with a splitting headache and his chest and arms bandaged tightly. The room was dim and he had trouble seeing.
“Take a whiff of this. Breathe deeply.”
Charlie gagged and turned his head away. “God but that stuff is awful.”
“I know, but it cleared your head, right?”
Charlie had difficulty turning his head, and when he did he was surprised to see Percy and Lorraine sitting beside the bed wearing worried looks.
“What happened out there, Percy?” Charlie asked weakly.
“They had the deck stacked against you. There was a third brother we didn’t know about. I should have seen him, but I was so preoccupied watching you that I never noticed him getting into position behind you.”
“What kind of shape am I in, Percy?”
Percy grabbed Charlie’s wrist and timed his pulse with his pocket watch. Then he felt his forehead. “You lost a lot of blood, Charlie, and for a while there I had my doubts. But you are one hell of a stubborn cuss, I’ll say that for you. You’re just too ornery to go and die on us.”
“Us?”
“Yeah, us. Lorraine and me. That us.”
Charlie looked over at Lorraine, who was standing behind Percy now, and motioned with his head for her to come closer. He asked her in a weak voice. “How long have you been here?”
“I’ve been with you since you were brought up to your room. Someone had to stay with you, so between Dr. Percy and me, why we remained here all the while, keeping a vigil over you. I thought you were going to die, Charlie, and I was so frightened.”
“How long have I been here, Percy?”
“You’ve been unconscious for three days, Charlie. I was worried you may not regain consciousness, but my fears were unfounded.”
“Percy, come a little closer. I’m a little tired.” Percy brought his ear close to Charlie. “Did I get all of them, Percy? I know I got the two facing me, but do I have to worry about the third brother?”
“No, you got him. You shot him in the throat and he drowned in his own blood.”
Charlie’s eyes were becoming heavy and he had trouble keeping them open. “How about that, Percy. Got him in the throat. I must be slipping, ’cause I was aiming for his chest. In the throat you say . . . how about tha . . .”
Charlie closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep. He slept for two more days.
He woke on the third day to a garrulous voice. He was dreaming that Ned Buntline was standing at the foot of his bed, dressed like a mountain man with his walrus mustache and a red nose.
“He’s awake,” a woman’s voice exclaimed. “Charlie, it’s me, Lorraine.”
Charlie opened his eyes and saw Percy standing there, with relief on his face.
“Feeling better, partner?”
Charlie did feel better, much better. “Yeah, and I’m hungry too.”
“Well, that’s good sign.”
“I had a strange dream before I woke up. I dreamt that old walrus Ned Buntline was standing at the foot of the bed. Boy, I must have really been out of it.”
Ned Buntline, who had been sitting slightly behind and to the side of the bed stood. “Old walrus, eh? When you get better I’m gonna tan your hide, you young whippersnapper you.”
Charlie had learned to trust Buntline. He also liked him and considered him a friend. He was both surprised and glad to see him.
“How did you know? I mean, how did you get here so fast?”
“I was in Los Angeles on business when I received a telegram from New York, informing me you were shot in a gunfight.”
“But how did you get here so fast?”
“You’ve been asleep for another three days, Charlie,” Percy explained. “Mr. Buntline heard about the shooting on the first day.”
“That’s right, son. As soon as I heard I got right on a train to San Bernardino, and from there I took the stage to Yuma. Got here yesterday and been waiting for you to wake up. The whole territory is talking about the gunfight. You faced two men and killed them both, then you even managed to shoot and kill the man who shot you from behind. Now that’s one hell of a story son, and . . . a good start for another Lone Jack Kid book.”
“Damn, Ned, I thought you had other clients and you didn’t need me any more.”
“Sure I have other clients. I was in California setting up a tour for Buffalo Bill Cody when I heard about the gunfight. I also have people I’ve hired to do the legwork for me. But you, son, are the goose that laid the golden eggs.”
“And here I thought you loved me for my good looks.”
Buntline smiled. “That too, Kid, that too. Look, I’m not going to bother you for a day or two. When you feel stronger I’d like you to tell me all about this latest adventure of yours.”
It was two days before Charlie felt well enough to talk with his friend Ned. Buntline had a number of writing pads and writing instruments, and he sat down beside Charlie, waiting eagerly for him to begin his tale.
Charlie began his tale when he boarded the train in Penn Station and waved goodbye to Ned in New York. It took him three full days to bring the story up to the present.
When he finished, Ned rubbed his hands in glee. He couldn’t wait to hear Percy tell his side. When he finished interviewing Percy he’d have in his hands the greatest Lone Jack Kid book written yet. It would whet the appetite of every red-blooded American, who would clamor for any news of the Kid’s exploits. Buntline’s clever mind was already envisioning a series of press releases which he’d issue periodically, paving the way for a groundswell of interest in the Lone Jack Kid’s every move.
Charlie didn’t see or hear from Buntline for the next three days, which gave him a chance to get the rest he sorely needed. The only addition to the equation was that Ban-Chu now sat by his side guarding him. Every time someone came near the bed a low
growl rumbled from the wolf, warning the intruder not to go any nearer to his wounded master.
Chapter 29
Buntline spent the next three weeks secluded in his room at the Yuma Hotel, writing and editing his new book. He left his room periodically to eat in the dining room. Other times he had room service bring his food up to his room. Then, three weeks later on a bright Sunday morning, he came bounding into Charlie’s room.
Charlie was dressed and sitting by the window, watching the traffic on the crowded Main Street. He jumped when the door opened and tried unsuccessfully to reach for his gun. He was relieved to see it was Ned Buntline, barging into his room unannounced.
“Are you trying to kill me, you old walrus?”
“Hell, Kid. I’m not trying to kill you. I’m trying to make you more famous than you are.”
Charlie lit a stogy that Percy had bought for him then looked at Buntline. “Ned, I’ve come to love you like an uncle, but so help me God if you don’t stop writing books about me, I’m gonna forget you’re a friend and I’m gonna shoot you myself.”
Buntline just laughed. “I just came to tell you that I finished the book. I’m calling it The Lone Jack Kid in Pursuit.”
“Before you publish it I want to read it.”
“Sorry, Charlie, but I’ve already sent it to my publisher. You know the old saying, the early bird catches the worm.”
Charlie shook his head and looked back out the window.
“What’s the matter, Charlie? What’s wrong?”
“Don’t you see what you’ve done, Ned. Those two men I’ve been tracking didn’t know I was on their trail. Now they’ll be waiting for me. When they get wind of me coming they’ll lay a trap for me. Now I can’t use the element of surprise against them. You’ve managed to take that away from me with this new book that you were in such a hurry to have published.”
“Gee, Kid, I’m sorry. I was so anxious to write the book that I didn’t consider the consequences. Wait a minute. I can fix it.”
“How can you fix it, Ned?”
“It’s simple. I’ll telegram my publisher and tell him to hold off publishing until you catch up to the two fellows who tried to kill you.”
Charlie’s eyes brightened. “Go on, Ned. Go and telegraph your publisher.”
A knock on the door interrupted their talk.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me, Percy. I heard voices. Can I come in?”
“Come on in, Percy. It’s just me and Ned having a little talk.” From the expression on Percy’s face Charlie knew he had something important to tell him. “What is it, Percy?”
“Charlie, since you were shot I’ve been doing a little thinking, and I’ve made a decision. I’ve decided to remain in Yuma and practice medicine here. They could use a good doctor, and I guess you were the catalyst that convinced me I’d be doing the right thing by remaining here.”
Charlie chuckled. “Look at my friend, Ned. He thinks he’s fooling me. He’s staying here because of a little filly named Janie, right Percy?”
Percy’s face turned bright red. “Well, since you’ve been here lying in bed, me and Janie been spending a lot of time talking and getting to know one another and well . . . to make a long story short, I proposed to her and she accepted. We’re getting married, but we haven’t set the date yet.”
Charlie gave Percy a warm smile. “That’s great, Percy. You and Janie will make a perfect couple. I wanted to tell you and the two girls that I’m sorry for missing the square dance.”
Percy brightened up. “You didn’t miss anything, Charlie. When you were shot the mayor simply postponed the dance for a couple of months. In fact, when I leave here I’m going to his office to tell him that he can schedule the dance for any day he wants, because my friend Charles Longstreet is now well enough to attend.”
“You see, Ned. There’s never any rest for the weary. I no sooner get out of bed and my friend here tells me that I’ve got to attend a dance.”
“Don’t forget, Charlie, this is a dance in your honor.”
“That too, Percy.”
When Percy left, Ned said, “I’ve got an idea, Charlie. Since I can’t publish the book until you find those men, I can still promote it.”
Charlie tilted his head in Ned’s direction. “You better explain that to me.”
“I’ve been thinking. Since I can’t publish the book, it may actually be better for all concerned, namely me . . . and you, if I follow through on my plan. I plan on promoting the book as if it will be published tomorrow. By doing that I’ll have all of your fans pre-ordering the book. With all of the pre-publication publicity the book will be getting , your readers will be clamoring for it. Take the two men you’re hunting. Even if they’ve read all about your exploits, they will never know you’re coming after them.”
“What exploits?”
“The exploits I’ll be hinting at in my publicity campaigns. I won’t be specific. I’m just gonna give the readers enough information to make them demand that the book be printed. Yeah, I think this way is better than just having the book printed. Well, I’ve got to write my first ad campaign and get it to the telegrapher so he can send it to the newspapers.”
Charlie’s shoulder still ached but he was moving around freely now. He regained the weight he had lost thanks to the diligent care Lorraine constantly showered on him. Charlie called Ban-Chu and playfully pulled the wolf toward him and petted him. The wolf loved being fussed over by Charlie.
“Come on, Ban-Chu, let’s go for a walk. Maybe I can find somewhere private to practice my shooting.”
The wolf listened to his words and only understood the phrase “go for a walk.” Charlie and Ban-Chu walked first to the gun store on Main Street, where Charlie picked up four boxes of ammunition, amounting to two hundred rounds. With the ammunition in hand they continued their walk until they came to a field outside town, where they lost themselves in a stand of trees. Charlie looked at the trees and branches, picked out a number of targets and began pulling his gun. At first he drew his gun slowly and hit what he aimed at. It was when he tried his fast draw that things didn’t go as smoothly as he would have liked. Well, he thought, I’ve been out of action for quite a while now, so a little rust is to be expected. By the third box of ammunition his rust was lessening, and he was becoming more accurate. By the start of the fourth box he felt he was almost there. He’d need another week of practice, but he was pleased with his improvement.
Chapter 3 0
Two weeks later, after breakfast, Charlie walked to the general store and handed the clerk a list of supplies he needed. He told him to deliver the order to Zeb Barker’s stables when it was completed. Then he headed over to the stables.
“I’ve ordered supplies and they should be here shortly. When they’re delivered, get my horse saddled and put the supplies on the burro. When that’s done, send someone over to the hotel to let me know. I want to leave here as soon as possible.”
Zeb knew the Kid had to travel far and fast in order to catch up to the two back shooters. “Don’t worry, Kid. I’ll take care of it.”
“Good.” Charlie flipped Zeb a five-dollar gold piece. “That should cover everything.”
Zeb smiled. “It sure will, Kid. Thanks.”
Back at the hotel, Charlie told the desk clerk to let Percy know he’d be waiting in the dining room. “Let him know I have something important to tell him.”
The desk clerk nodded and ran upstairs, while Charlie went to a table in the corner and ordered coffee. Just as the coffee arrived, Percy came bounding down the stairs and sat down opposite him.
“What’s wrong, Charlie? Are you feeling all right?”
“Calm down, Percy, or you’re gonna have a stroke. Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted to tell you that I’m leaving town today. I need to make up time before those two bandits get lost on me. After all, this is a big country, and if I wait any longer I’ll never find them. I just hope they’re holed up somewhere and riding the wi
nter out in some little town. They still have no idea I’m coming after them, so they’ll be in no hurry to leave their nice comfy little hole. That’s all I wanted to tell you.”
“I’ll come with you, Charlie.”
“No you won’t. You have a girl you care about and a medical practice you have to start.”
“That’s just it, Charlie. I have no money to start a practice. My father paid for my education and said he’d give me the money to start a practice. The catch is, he wants me to open it in our hometown in Pennsylvania.”
“Is money all that’s worrying you, Charlie?”
“Yeah, it sure is. How can I open a practice without money?”
Charlie wore a sly smile. “Did you know that I’m a pretty rich man, Percy? Hell, I have so much money I don’t know if I can spend it all. How much money are you talking about?”
“About a thousand dollars should allow me to open a pretty fair practice.”
“That’s no problem, Percy. I’ll wire my brother Bob and tell him to send one thousand dollars in your name.”
Percy looked down for a moment then he said in a low voice. “Charlie, it’ll take me quite a while to earn enough to pay you back.”
Charlie laughed and clapped him on his back. “Don’t worry about the little things, Percy. Consider this payment for the medical treatment you gave me.”
Percy looked at his friend curiously. “Where did you get this money, Charlie?”
“Hell, I’m a partner in two gold mines with my brother Bob and two old gold miners. I earned more money than I could ever spend in my Broadway show, and I own a stack of diamonds. So money is no problem for me. I have plenty of money. Besides, you’re my friend. You finally earned that title. You earned the money I’m gonna give you.”
Just then the batwing doors to the hotel opened and a young man about twelve years of age came bounding in. He stopped to look around then spotted Charlie and ran over.
