Read Online Along The Fortune Trail by Harvey Goodman - Free Book Online Page A

“You just rest up and get well,” she said with warmth. “I'll pass on your thanks to Jenny Simpson. She made your breakfast. Better eat it while it's still warm.”
    “Jenny made this?” Sammy looked down at his plate with a whole new appreciation for what was before him. He picked up his fork and dug in. Halfway through the plate, he knew he couldn't eat another bite, and soon after that he was asleep.
     

Chapter 15
     
    T he days went by and Sammy improved steadily, at least at staying awake while visitors came to call. He was grateful for the company, though, and he quickly accumulated enough reading material and pieces of pie or cake to keep him eating and occupied. And naturally, the better he felt, the more stir crazy he became. It came to a head when Lundy showed up one morning.
    Sammy started right in on him, not even giving him a chance to say hello. “It's time to go, Lundy. I've gotta get outta here today! Doc says another week, but I'm not doin’ it. I'm just layin’ here gettin’ soft and bustin’ with cabin fever. Parker's got an extra horse. Go check would you, Lundy? I'm good to ride right now.” Sammy was already swinging his legs to the floor and preparing to stand up.
    “Whooaaa down there, Leaky. I don't know if that's such an all-fire bright idea.”
    “I'll tell you, Lundy,” Sammy quickly injected with straight seriousness, “I don't believe I care to be called Leaky anymore. It's caused me too much trouble. You just get me back to the T. and I'll be all right. Come on, Lundy, I'm askin’ for your help now.”
    “Well I do have the buckboard here,” Lundy mischievously said. “You think we oughta pull the big caper and spring you outta here, huh?”
    “Now you've got the right idea, partner,” Sammy said with a grin of relief.
    “Let me run that one by the doc for the sake of courtesy. I'm sure he won't put up too much of a fuss. I don't reckon he'd mind seeing you go unless he really figured it'd be dangerous for you.”
    “You go have your conversation and I'll be dressed and ready in five minutes,” Sammy said with a tone of resolve and determination that let Lundy know that he was leaving the premises, one way or another.
    Lundy shook his head with a look of mock disgust. “You sound like a man who's ready for work, but somehow I don't think you're up to it yet. But then again, you've been a surprise since day one.”
    Lundy left the room and Sammy slowly got dressed. He was stiff, and each movement brought pain, but pulling on his new boots again and putting on fresh duds took his mind off it. Moments later, he stood at the top of the stairs and knew it would take some concentration to get down them in some other way than a tumble. He steadied himself and began the descent, his legs feeling rubbery and his ribs aching with each downward step. But his determination delivered him to the bottom without incident.
    He walked through the parlor to Doc Payton's office where Doc sat at his desk, his attention on some paperwork that he had a pen to. Doc continued writing and spoke without looking up. “Lundy says you're leaving. I don't recommend it, but I don't reckon it'll kill you. Just lay up and stay off a horse for a good while. You sure don't want to re-injure those ribs anytime soon. They're another two months from being fully healed.”
    Sammy knew the doc was right on that score. “I'm much obliged to you and Missus Jenkins for all your care. I'll follow your advice ‘cause I know from that trip down the stairs that my ambition is presently a whole lot stronger than the rest of me. What do I owe you, Doc?”
    “You can settle up later. Just take it easy and stop back in next time you get to town. We'll get another look at you.”
    “Here's ten dollars against what I owe,” Sammy said, pulling the money from his pocket and putting it the on the desk.
    “Then five more will settle it … but no hurry. Pay me when you can. Lundy said he'd be back in a few minutes.