I realize that the first part of this fic was sent to the edc.ml.org
list twice. That second copy was supposed to have gone to the FFML. If
anyone on the FFML has not received a copy of the first part and would
like one, please let me know privately.
Anyway, here's the fic I hope you've been looking forward to reading...
--Dark Sentinel
THE REAL ADVENTURES OF JONNY QUEST
"To Risk Death Daily"
Part II
written by Dark Sentinel
"Next up, Joseph Pocker and Jonathan Quest!" the announcer cried from
the porch to the courthouse.
Jonny delightedly emerged from the crowd gathered on the opposite side
of the street and walked over to the corner of the courthouse where
several mustangs were tethered. He mounted with ease and waited while
his competitor clambered up. They lined their horses up together at the
starting line.
"GO!" the announcer bellowed.
Jonny dug his heels into the sides of the horse. With a neigh, the
paint dove into a gallop and tore down the street to the entertainment
of the onlookers. At the finish, he swung off his pony the instant it
stopped, tore off the mochila, plopped it on his second pony's back, and
got one foot into the stirrup. He slapped the pony's rump before he had
even climbed on, and it sprinted down the street, back to the starting
line. He swung up and crossed the line before Joseph did.
The crowd cheered its approval. Even the announcer was impressed.
"Good run," he told Jonny as the dusty boy passed. "If you want to talk
to Mr. Russell, he'll be in town on Monday."
"Thanks," Jonny grinned as he joined the rest of the crowd.
Sunday passed by agonizingly slowly. Dr. Quest realized how antsy
Jonny must be feeling, and came up with scores of tasks for Jonny to
take his mind off of the waiting. The moment one chore was completed,
Dr. Quest called out the door something else that needed doing.
At last it was Sunday night. Jonny retired to bed, exhausted, in
delighted anticipation of meeting one of the founders of the famed Pony
Express. His dreams were filled with sprinting skewbalds, dashing
mustangs, and the wide open country. He could hardly wait.
Jonny was up at cockcrow. He hurried through his chores; currying the
dusty, sleepy donkeys, feeding the chickens, gathering eggs, and finally
turning the donkeys out to pasture. He raced into the kitchen once more
and gulped down the breakfast that Mrs. Evans had set before his place
at the table. Before Mrs. Evans could even remind him about returning
his dishes to the sink, he was out the door and gone.
Dr. Quest entered the kitchen groggily and asked where Jonny was.
"He went to meet Mr. Russell in town," she sighed in return. "I think
he's getting in over his head, but I suppose it's none of my business."
Dr. Quest sat down and said nothing.
That afternoon, Jonny raced back from town. "Oh, Pa, Pa!" he cried as
he charged into the house. "Guess what?"
"What?" his gray-haired father asked lackadaisically from the couch.
"Mr. Russell hired me! I'm going to work for the Pony Express!" he
nearly exploded.
Dr. Quest sat up. The day Jonny left could be the last time he'd ever
see him. "Well, I'm glad for it, son, but I wish you wouldn't go."
"But Pa, this is what I WANT to do."
"I know that. And that's why I'm letting you do it."
Jonny's eyes shone. At least his father wasn't like so many others;
those that disregarded their children's dreams for their own interests.
His father understood. Jonny took his pack from the kitchen table and
walked outside, his father following. Mrs. Evans stood on the porch and
looked on.
"Go, Jonny. Go ride, and earn money, and make a man out of yourself.
Make me proud." He touched his hand to Jonny's shoulder. His son
looked up at him with a gaze of utter respect.
"I will."
"Godspeed!" Dr. Quest called, waving until Jonny was out of sight.
- - - - - - -
Comment if you will!
--D.S.
(
geocities.com/televisioncity)