COCHISE STATION 23

jeb loaded everyone up in his wagon includeing the doctor to watch over the dying bandit and started to willcox. ahead the slaughters were at a smart trott. jeb was struggling with the fact the man in the back of his wagon, trying to die there may have been the last of the gang who raided his texas ranch and murdered his wife and son. thenhere in southern arizona had whipped ignacio to a bloody pulp. why should he give this man a ride? why should he bring a doctor to ease his pain? jeb pushed his team as hard as he dared. he knew he couldnt catch the slaughters but he was in a state of mind that wasnt good. ignacio saw there was a battle rageing in jebs mind. he turnned to petra and nodded toward jeb. petra nodded in agreement. they both knew that jeb was struggling with himself. the doctor sat next to the outlaw . when the man whinned for water he allowed him a swallow from the canteen.why the man hadent died was a mystery to the doctor. there was no medical reason for the man to still be alive. by the time the roof tops of willcox came in sight the sun was setting. dusk was setting in and jeb s attitude hadnt improved any. petra moved to the seat next to him." patron, you musent torture your self with this bad man . he will soon die. will it make you feel better to kill him your self? i dont think so, it will make you a sour poor man who has no joy in life. ignacio has forgiven the man for the trespass on him forgive this man before he dies. it will free your soul. " jeb didnt look at petra, he did listen tho. as they neared the out skirts of town the dying man looked up" where is he? i need to tell him where is he?" jeb pulled the team to a halt and handed the lines to petra. he steped back into the wagon bed. the wounded man looked up with hope in his eyes" listen, i didnt harm anyone in texas. i didnt know they were doing what they did. i just held their horses , you got to believe me. i cant die with you thinking i was involved in that i just held the horses. do you believe me?" jeb stared down at the man. the doctor held the canteen to the mans lips but the water came out the corners of the mans mouth. ignacio looked to jeb with a question on his face. " i forgave him patron, i even said a prayer for his soul." the bloody man looked up into jebs face "PLEASE" WAS ALL HE SAID.jeb bowed his head" i believe you rest easy." the man seemed to relax and closed his eyes. " my office is just up there lets get him there."the doctor pleaded. jeb climbed back into the wagon seat and slapped the reins down the teams back and hustled them up to the doctors house. the man was still breathing but a shallow wheeze was evident. jeb and the doctor along with ignacio moved the man into the doctor house. as jeb came back outside slaughter walked up." we have taken rooms at the willcox hotel. i told them to hold rooms for your group. does the man live yet?" " yes and i dont know how. the doc says he should have died two hours ago, ill send ignacio and the girls along and ill put the team away.then ill be there." then a thought struck him" alvord? how come he never showed up today?" " i havent seen him i fear he may be involved in a game of cards some where. he does have a weeknes for that." slaughter answered. " ill be along in a bit john."was all jeb could find to say.