The Unknown
by Patricia Henry
Chapter Seven
Breakfast had not come too soon for any of them. No one had gotten any sleep. They had tried in the wee hours of the morning. But each had lain in bed remembering Jess, crying softly hoping the others would not hear.
Though they had gone about their business as usual. That morning nothing felt ordinary. Breakfast had been silent. A few mumbled words about passing the salt. Though all plates were half eaten; Jonesy never complained once about any food wasted. Afterwards, though each had been busy with chores, all had moved slowly. Each only going through the motions of every day life. At ten that morning, the stage pulled into the yard.
Jonesy started out the cabin door with Slim.
“Where are you going?” Slim snapped. Slim had been jumping down everyone’s throat since the first crack of light.
“To help you with the horses. I know Jess usually-”
Slim’s sour mood worsened, “I did it before Jess came and I can do it alone now. If I need your help, I’ll ask. But I don’t!”
Andy moved to Jonesy, both watching Slim as he walked to the stage. “He sure has a short temper don’t he?” Andy observed.
“Slim was strong for your Pa when your Ma died. Then when Matt died, Slim was strong for you. But now, well he got to where he depended on Jess. I’m figuring Slim is feeling lost right now.”
Mose had made this run ever since the stage line had been in existence. Slim usually greeted Mose with a wave and a smile. But this morning as Mose climbed down from the stage seat, Slim walked briskly past him without even a nod.
“Mose, I’ll have these horses changed in no time,” Slim said as he began to loosen the harness from the lead horse.
Mose usually made a bee line to the cabin to get hot coffee and whatever food Jonesy provided. But today, Mose followed Slim like a puppy dog. He trailed to the corral. As Slim paused to open the gate, Mose dug in his pocket, then handled Slim a couple of dollars.
Slim eyed the money as if he had never seen any. “What’s this for?”
“To help with buying Jess a stone.”
Slim’s eyes dropped. “You heard?”
“Stage line has already posted a reward. I sure was sorry to hear the news.”
“Well Mose I ain’t sure about the stone,” Slim said as he entered the corral. But he stopped in his tracks as he saw a huge frown on Mose’s face. He couldn’t remember seeing the old man look so angry.
“Slim, that boy didn’t have any family. So it’s up to us to see that he’s buried proper. I just wish I had more to give you. I’d give it if I had it, you know that!”
Slim figured the money. “Mose, I think Jess would be very thankful for what you’re giving.” Slim put the bills in his pocket. “Why don’t you go inside? I bet Jonesy could rustle you up some pie and-”
“Slim, you ain’t going to believe this. But I ain’t hungry.” Mose’s shoulders slumped as he started to turn away.
“Mose?”
Mose looked back at Slim.
“You suppose you could help me with the horses? Jess usually does.”
A smile lighted Mose’s face. “Sure, Slim! It’d be my pleasure.”
As they worked, Slim confided, “I’m going to Carter City to pick up Jess’ body. You think you could help Andy change the horses while I’m gone?”
“I’ll pass the word up and down the line. I bet you every driver will help him ‘til you get back. We all took a shine to Jess. Sure going miss that boy. And teasing him. Sure could get him riled, couldn’t I?” Mose laughed.
Slim couldn’t help but smile, “You sure could, Mose.”
But suddenly both sobered. “Yeah, it just won’t seem the same,” Mose mumbled.
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