Teaspoon tried to shout over the thunder overhead as he bellowed out commands right and left. "Noah, get them horses under cover! Cody, you secure the windows! And Ike, go make sure that the supplies are sheltered, goodness knows we don't want anything to get ruined." He watched as the boys ran obediently around the station. Buck had rushed over to aid Noah with the terrified horses that fought against them.

Rachel turned to Teaspoon, her eyes not hiding any of the fear within her. "Jimmy, Kid, and Lou are out in this." She said softly. There was no need for him to reply with words, because she could see the look of agreement and troublesome creases that formed at the corner of his eyes.

"Keep them safe, Lord." He said softly.

"Amen." Rachel replied before heading back inside. Neither one of them needed to say another word about the matter.

Teaspoon stopped her with a gentle touch on the shoulder. "After this clears, and if they haven't shown up, we'll go look for them." He saw the somewhat doubtful look that crossed her face. Even though Teaspoon was a man of his word, she still couldn't help but wonder if he'd really do it. "I promise." He added.

"I didn't do anything, Kid! People get things like this and they're ain't always an explanation." Jimmy instantly became defensive. He would never have let anything like this intentionally happen to Lou. And just the very idea that Kid would think he'd done something like that, made him furious. Still, he couldn't blame his friend, heck, he might have had the same reaction too!

Kid looked up at Jimmy and realized the concern that was smeared from ear to ear. Suddenly he felt very guilty over the whole outburst. "I'm sorry, Jimmy. Let's just get her well." Any hostility that Hickok had felt for those few moments quickly drifted away.

"Lou." Kid waited for her to reply. She moaned softly, and seemed to try and reach out. "You're going to be fine." You have to be!

"What do you want me to do?" Jimmy said softly. His tone was barely audible over the thundering noises in the background that echoed through the cave.

Kid felt Lou's forehead once more. "It seems my brother had something like this. It passed in a couple of days. We just need to keep her comfortable. She needs to keep drinking. Do you have any water left?" Kid left no time for hesitation. "Just grab my canteen." He motioned to where Katy was standing and Jimmy went to fetch it.

"This storm is bound to pass quickly." Teaspoon said evaluating the dark vicious clouds. The others looked at him trying not to be irritated. That was about the fifth time he had said that within the past few moments. It didn't take much thinking to figure out why he was so anxious.......he was picturing his three boys.......and girls caught out in this mess with no shelter.

Buck looked over at their station master. "They will be fine, Teaspoon."

"Wish, I had your optimism." Noah added.

Teaspoon looked outside once more. "I'm going out there to find them."

"Teaspoon you just can't.........." Rachel was cut off as he raised his hand. She knew that there was nothing left to be discussed.

Without a word, the other boys began gathering their things to head out with him. "Now wait, you boys can't all go with me."

*You can't do this alone.* Ike signed.

"Yes I can and yes I will. You boys need to stay here in case we get one of them horse raids." He pulled his rain poncho over his head and went over to get his belongings.

They all looked back at Rachel, who in turn shrugged her shoulders. "Better do as he says." She noticed how all of them were not even slightly satisfied with that answer. She took a deep breath. "Alright, one of you go with him."

"Should we draw straws?" Cody asked.

"Yeah." Came the chorused reply.

"Come on, Kid, you need to get some rest. I'll watch Lou for a while." Jimmy put a comforting hand on his shoulder. He knew how stubborn Kid could be, and that offering was probably a futile effort.

He looked up from his position seated next to Lou. "No, it's alright. You go ahead. I'm not going to leave her. At least she hasn't gotten worse yet."

Jimmy turned around and looked around for a comfortable place to sleep. "Okay, wake me up in an hour." He bent down and squeezed Lou's hand. "Lou, you're too stubborn to let this take you."

James Hickok had only been asleep for what seemed like a very short time. He hated being awakened by a sudden noise or panicked voice, which was exactly what came from Kid's mouth. "Jimmy, come on get up! There's something going on outside." He sat up quickly and rubbed his eyes, expecting to see bright sunlight, but was instead greeted by the damp darkness.

"What is it, Kid? Has Lou gotten worse?" He tried to stay calm, but the fear in Kid's voice wasn't very soothing.

"No, there's a group of men standing outside the cave. It's the same one that almost trampled over me with their heard of horses. I don't know Jimmy, I have a bad feeling. I think we better be ready for something." He placed his hands on his hips and glanced towards the opening. "I don't like it at all."

On to Part Five