STONE SOUP

Drena Hills

"Well if I called the wrong number why did you answer the phone?"

-

James Thurber

DODGE CITY, KANSAS

September 1867

Jedediah Curry was hungry. At thirteen there were not many times in the last three years he could remember not being, but experience didn't seem to make it any easier.

He looked down at the plump young rabbit in his hand and grinned once more triumphant. Since leaving the orphanage six months prior food had become even more of a priority. At least at the home it was daily and consistent, if not sparse and indigestible.

On his own with his 15 year old cousin, Hannibal Heyes, they had learned quickly they would have to not only work hard, but keep their wits if they wanted to keep their stomachs full.

So work hard they did and most times they faired all right. But they had hit a dry patch in their steady progress west and it had been a day since his last meal and he guessed even longer for his cousin.

It was something Curry was just coming to realize, that often his cousin gave him his share of the food with some excuse about having all ready eaten and better. This realization had spurred the boy forward desperate to be the one who brought home enough to eat that night and for once feel like he was carrying his own weight.

At the moment they were holed up in an old barn outside of Dodge hoping to pick up work with the drovers due in that week. Autumn was fast approaching and the nights were cool, but for the moment it was a satisfactory arrangement until they found 'real' jobs. Neither one knew much about being a cowboy, but they could ride and they could rope and it seemed enough to the young optimists.

Both had quickly realized it was a blessing not being able to afford a room in the wild cattle town. Shooting in the street occurred daily and even Heyes had been cautious about entering the saloons and trying his hand at poker.

So they had split up to look for work in the neighboring farms and ranches and it was here Jedediah had spotted the rabbit and with one quick shot brought down dinner.

It hadn't been luck he had his gun with him. He made it a point to practice every day now and had brought it along hoping to find a chance to sneak in a work out.

The old revolver was his most priced possession and he practiced whenever he could afford ammunition. Heyes had scoffed at first, but things like the rabbit tended to bring him over to his side about the practicality of being handy with it.

He had just reached the edge of town near the stockyards when he stopped at the crowd gathered intently watching something.

Still boy enough to be curious he inched forward and wiggled through until he was right up front.

It was a traveling medicine show, but none like Kid had ever seen. Instead of garish and paint worn, this one had a sophisticated air of importance. A proper portable stage was set up in front of it and a small, slight man dressed like a gentleman was weaving a spell to the crowd.

He didn't talk loud or fast like other snake oil men Curry had seen, but instead his words were soft and compelling and his smile seemed to say though he was important and had far better things to do, he had stopped just so he could help them.

Behind him rows of bottles proclaiming Dr. Saunder's Life Elixir were lined up. The wagon's side panels boasting the amazing claims of the liquid and how the heads of Europe used it on a regular basis.

Jedediah grinned and folded his arms interested and listened.

"Now ladies and gentlemen I know you, like myself are hard working decent people just trying to make a living, and look after your families. But life can be hard and occasionally out right difficult and during these times you need something to help carry you over the hump and keep going.

"Which is why I have spent my entire life perfecting this elixir of life. My first bottle was created to help my own dear mother, who is still going strong at 93. Therefore I have complete faith…"

"Mister! Mister you gotta help me!"

Jedediah stared in amazement as from the back of the crowd he heard a familiar voice.

Turning he watched as the crowd parted and his own cousin hurried forward helping a frail old woman bent and pale.

"It's my mother sir!" he said stopping in front of the crowd and wiping the tears from his face as he helped her onto a seat on the step. "Doc says she ain't got but a month left, she's been right poorly and with Pa gone and my six brothers and sisters crying at home for her…"

Curry watched slack jawed. He had seen Heyes lie before and would be the first to admit how good he was at, but nothing, nothing had prepared him for the performance he was now witnessing. He found himself being pulled in with the crowd as Heyes proceeded to break every heart there and cause every eye to turn to the man on the stage for hope.

"Young man," he said and for a moment Curry thought he had been as surprised as him to see Heyes. "I have just the answer. Madame, one spoonful is the normal dose, but in your dire need, I feel a whole bottle is necessary."

"How much is it mister? We ain't got no money?" Heyes said, a catch in his voice making the woman next to Jed gasp in sympathy.

The man paused and the crowd held its breath.

"I'll buy the lady a bottle!" one man yelled.

"Or I will!" said a woman in the back.

"You are a good and generous people," Saunders said looking at the group so proudly they all blushed and looked embarrassed, "But as a doctor I cannot allow this woman to suffer, she may have this bottle free, even though it strains me financially."

The crowd ahhhed and then began to clap and as one moved in to watch as Heyes carefully put the bottle to the woman's lips and helped her drink.

There was a dramatic pause and then suddenly her eyes fluttered open and the woman sat up eyes wide and clear.

"Oh my!" she cried. "I can breathe! I feel so…alive!" she said it with such joy that Curry felt a lump in his throat forming as she hugged Heyes.

The crowd was cheering and moving around to congratulate her and Heyes, who was hugging his 'mother' rather enthusiastically.

Shouts for people wanting bottles came fast and furious and it was all the man could do to keep them coming.

During the selling Heyes and the woman slipped away and Curry realized he had lost him.

Frowning he moved out of the crowd and headed for the barn anxious to hear the tale from Heyes's point of view.

************************************

"That was quite a performance you put on young man," Soapy Saunders smiled amused an hour later as he pulled his wagon up to the clearing where Heyes and his 'mother' were waiting. "I was rather surprised to find you had a son Georgette!"

In response the woman pulled off the white wig to reveal thick dark curly hair and a youthful air. Her smile was bright and carefree and at 17 she was becoming a beauty as she entered womanhood.

"It was his idea Soapy, don't be mad!" she smiled innocently.

"What did I tell you about picking up strays George?" Soapy said with an affectionate smile at the woman, his current partner.

"Not a stray sir, my name is Hannibal Heyes and I was looking for work when I met George. She explained to me about the 'work' you two do and I thought it was something I would like to try my hand at. I coerced her into letting me help so I could show you my potential."

Soapy sat back and tried not to smile at the boy as he finished his rehearsed speech. He was young, 16 if a day. Dark hair, constantly being brushed out of his eyes, and those eyes, they reminded him of his own when he sized up a mark. But there was something more there, a need, a hunger and it was not just physical. It was a longing and sadness Soapy could relate to.

He looked over at George. She'd been with him for the last year as a favor to her father as he finished off a prison sentence. Together they had done quite well and except for her weakness towards spur-of-the-moment decisions she had been a fine partner and companion.

He wondered who had approached whom first, but he gave the boy points, he was taking full responsibility for the action.

"Young man you do indeed have the gift, that was a fine performance," Soapy smiled stepping down and offering his hand. "Perhaps I might have a place for you with us."

Heyes face burst into a grin that made him step back. Oh this one had more than the gift, this one had magic. This was a raw talent waiting to be polished and the thought made Soapy smile appreciatively, there was nothing he liked better than teaching.

"Thank you sir!"

"Why don't we just get some supper and…"

The laugh was dark and low and they all turned.

Heyes remembered the man from the crowd. Perhaps 25, heavy set, smelling of drink and an aversion to washing. He wore his gun swung low around his hips and chewed the end of his cheap cigar like it was his last meal.

"First I'll take that money you made old man," he sneered. "Quite a haul you took in, that will suit be just fine. Nice to see you again Miss Sinclair, told you I'd get something out of your before you left."

"You know him George?" Soapy asked quietly.

"Michael Dredd, tried to pick me up in town." Georgette said and some of her confidence had shrunk and she looked frightened.

"Maybe after I tie these two up we'll see about you and me again…George!"

"Don't think so mister, lady said she isn't interested in your company," Heyes said moving in front of her.

"Well lookee what we got here, a boy trying to be a man, lady does do that to ya don't she lad? Now back away or I'll just save the rope and shoot you."

"No," Heyes said simply his eyes unwavering.

"And just how are you gonna stop me?"

"By having his partner surprise you," Jed said coming up and stopping in front of the man.

It would be the first time Soapy Sanders would see the two cousins be there in time for the other, but not the last and he watched fascinated at how unsurprised the one was at his friend's perfect timing.

"And who's this kid?"

"Jed don't!" Heyes said suddenly realizing his cousin had his revolver tucked in his gun belt.

"You heard him move along before I break you in two."

"Can't do that mister," Kid said calmly, so calmly Soapy took a second look at the boy and suddenly felt a hope he hadn't before.

"Then your just gonna have to shoot me," Dredd laughed.

"Where?" Curry asked pleasantly.

"What?" the man said startled.

"I said where you want me to shoot you? I mean no reason to kill you, delay my supper for one thing. Now the arm will still let you ride, leg might make it a bit of a problem, but you'll still have your gun arm or …." He went on politely without the slightest hint of concern working it out calmly and Heyes noticed the man had started to sweat.

Suddenly he went for his gun, but Jedediah was waiting and the man froze at the gun staring at him.

"Shoulder I think…"

The man let out something resembling a whimper and then suddenly dived for his horse and leaping aboard spurred it out of sight.

"I caught a rabbit," Curry said calmly turning to face his cousin trying not to let on how scared he had been.

"Mr. Saunders?" Heyes said a little breathless. "This is my cousin Jedediah Curry.

*************************

Years from then they would still list that night's dinner as one of the best meals they ever ate. George couldn't cook to save her life, but Soapy had a gift with spices and sauces to make the rabbit tender and flavorful. He topped the meal off with wine, the first Kid had ever tasted and the two boys found themselves feeling safe and comfortable around the campfire.

"Cousins eh? Doesn't show up physical, but you can see the resemblance once you get to know you two," Soapy said watching the two boys amused as they gathered up the supper dishes. "Where do hail from?"

"Lawrence originally sir, but been around a bit since starting out there," Jedediah said politely.

Soapy watched the boy's catlike walk. He knew a gunslinger in the making when he saw one and it pained him to think of what the future would bring for the amiable young man.

"So what do you say sir? Jed and I could really be useful and I think you could teach us a whole lot about….life," Heyes finally grinned.

"Mr. Curry why don't you and George take the supper dishes down to the river and rinse them?"

George gave Kid her best coquette smile, the one she'd been practicing and Kid nodded enthusiastically.

Heyes waited for them to leave and then took the seat and the cigar Soapy offered him next to the fire.

"Mr. Heyes you have talent, I could use you and if your willing to learn I think you could go very far in my line of work."

Heyes grinned and tentatively took a puff of the cigar. The smell reminded him of home and his father and Jed's on the front porch. For the first time in years he felt comfortable just being 15 and relaxed excited at the thought of someone else being in charge.

"Thank you sir, Jed and I…"

"Hannibal, may I call you Hannibal? I'm afraid my offer does not include your cousin."

Heyes looked up startled, "Not Jed? But he saved your life, he saved all of us, he stopped…"

Soapy raised his hand, "I know and I am very grateful to him. He is a fine young man, but he is also a gunman and that is something I simply cannot abide. My cons work without the need of weapons. Having him here would open up the possibility…"

"But Jed wouldn't shoot anyone, he just keeps the gun cause, well it makes him feel safe, like he's looking after us. He just hunts with it."

Soapy smiled sadly and put a hand on the boy's shoulders, "Hannibal your cousin is all ready the fastest man I've ever seen with a gun, he is only going to get better. He already has the walk and the eye; he doesn't need to carry a gun to show he can use one. Other gunmen will smell it on him. Trust me I've been around a long time and I've known a great many people."

Heyes stood up angry, "You make it sound like Jed's gone bad or something! Your wrong!"

"Perhaps, but either way my offer stands for you and you alone."

Heyes stared at the older man and was ashamed to say for a moment he was torn. Here was a chance to just be him. To have someone else make the hard decisions. But more it was a chance to learn and to grow. Soapy had books and knowledge and he would travel to all the places he had only dreamed of with solid shoes on his feet and a full stomach to carry him.

"I'm sorry sir, but were a package deal."

"Then I am sorry too Hannibal. Why don't you both stay the night and leave after breakfast."

"Thank you sir, I'd enjoy the chance to talk to you some more."

"And I you my boy!"

***************************************

Heyes awoke and sleepily rubbed his eyes to the smell of bacon. The sun was higher than normal for him to rise too and guiltily he sat up and grabbed for his boots.

"About time sleepy head!" George grinned. "Everyone has eaten but you!"

"Good morning Hannibal, coffee?" Soapy asked watching the boy run his fingers through his hair and attempt to put it in place.

"Thank you sir, sorry about over sleeping, where's Jed?"

George and Saunders glanced at once another.

Heyes frowned at the look. Jedediah had turned in early and he had talked with Soapy long into the night finally falling asleep just before dawn. It had been wonderful speaking with someone so clever and imaginative again. And he had fallen asleep to dreams of his grandfather.

"Your cousin left just after dawn Hannibal," Soapy said quietly. "He asked me to give you this."

Confused Heyes took the note and read,

Han,

Heard Mr. Saunders offer you the job, know why you didn't take it.

You'd be good at that kind of thing Heyes, always were.

Don't worry about me I'll hook up with a cattle drive and get work and be fine.

Take care,

Your cousin,

Jedediah Curry

"What's he doing signing his full name like I don't know who he is!" Heyes yelled crumpling the note up into a ball angry. "Which way did he go?"

"To town. I gave him my schedule so he could write you."

"He don't need to write me cause I'm gonna be with him," Heyes said firmly gathering up his stuff.

"Hannibal, wait, think for a minute, you cousin did a great sacrifice leaving you."

"Thank you for everything Mr. Saunders, Miss Sinclair, but were partners, good day."

"Hannibal wait!"

But the boy was all ready over the hill.

"He didn't even have breakfast," George said with a pout.

"It seems I underestimated the affection those two have for each other," Soapy said thoughtfully. "I just may have been wrong, a man might be wiser to have both of them working for him."

********************************

"JED! Jed wait up!"

Curry turned surprised and felt the hollow empty hole inside him begin to close at the dark haired figure running up behind him.

"What are you doing here? Didn't you get my note?" Jed said as the two stood standing awkwardly facing each other.

"Yea I got your dang note, made me run half way across the state to catch up!" Heyes yelled sitting down and pulling off his boot to rub his foot. "What you mean pulling such a stunt? I thought we were partners!"

"I heard what he said about me, that I was trouble and that you'd be better off with him."

"Jed you always been trouble, so have I, in fact most of the trouble you been in, I thought up!" Heyes said and then his face softened at his friend's worried one. "Were partners, that's more binding than cousins, we stick together remember?"

Jedediah's face broke into a smile that transformed it, "Partners!"

Heyes sighed that done; "Now we gotta think about our next meal."

"No we don't!" Curry grinned pulling two twenty dollar gold piece out of his pocket. "I got food too. Mr. Saunders said it was payment for helping him."

Heyes stared wide-eyed at the money.

"Here Han you take it, you earned it really," Jedediah said pushing the coins at him.

"Nope we both did, one each," Heyes said eyes alight with what he could do with that much money at a poker table. Then he was back to reality, "Now what was that about food? I'm starved!"

****************************

NOVEMBER 1867

Two Months Later

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Soapy Saunders didn't hear the knock at first. The rain had been coming down so hard and he was so far from town that he hardly expected anyone out on that stormy night.

Finally he heard the shout of his name and hurriedly went to the caravan door and opened it up surprised.

"Mr. Saunders its Heyes, he's sick, I need your help."

Soapy paused for a moment taking in the frightened blue eyes of the boy with his arm around his friend. He had lived his whole life without attachments, without family, without entanglements. Later he would tell himself it was because George had returned to her father, once more out of prison. and he was finding the nights lonely without her constant chatter. It certainly had nothing to do with him being a soft touch.

"Bring him in Mr. Curry."

****************************

"We got us a job with a rancher heading back to Colorado, Four Seven ranch, been working there the last two months. Pay was bad, work hard, but we stuck it out saving our money. Heyes finally thought it was safe enough to play poker with the other cowboys. At first they just laughed and figured they'd take him, but he kept winning, he usually does in a fair game. Well this went on for a few weeks, I knew he should stop or win less, but he was so happy about increasing our stake he got a bit cocky."

"And someone didn't like it?" Soapy guessed.

"Yea, I found him in the barn, they'd beaten him pretty badly. I went to the owner to get help, but he called us troublemakers and said we had to leave. I tried to find a doctor in town, but they didn't have one and then I remembered you and saw you weren't too far from us, so I took a chance, can you help him?"

"Jedediah your cousin is hurt pretty bad, he needs to do some quiet mending," Soapy said trying not to show how worried he had become while undressing the boy and getting him into bed.

Heyes had barely been conscious, the riding taking whatever strength he had left out of him.

Curry sunk into a chair. He had filled out, looked older and ranch work had toughened the boy out of him, but his eyes were still young and at the moment afraid.

Soapy sighed. Winter storm was approaching, alone he could weather it but with these two. He had promised himself he would not go this year, too many painful memories, but they were close and what choice did he have? But the group would not be pleased.

"I may have the answer," he said quietly. "And may God help me for it! My friends, we have sort of a club in town. A private building, we stay there over the holiday and plan and visit, it's not far."

"They'll help us?" Kid asked relieved.

They'll help me; Soapy thought and bit his lip, until they see what I've brought!

**************************

"Have you completely lost your mind? The boy is a gunman! I'd be surprised if he's not wanted!" Diamond Jim Guffy yelled as the room full of 7 men and 2 women waited.

They had arrived at the fashionable manor house outside of town and found it was almost full up with Soapy rounding the guests to ten. All of the residents were in their late thirties or forties and all had eyed the two boys suspiciously.

But Soapy had secured them a room over the barn and a doctor had been sent for. He was now reaping the results of this action in the grand parlor filled with his peers.

Looking around he realized he had a tough crowd. These were the best of the best. The cream of the flim flam set. There was Diamond Jim, unofficial leader in Silky's absence. Maude Adams, still seductive, though now the grieving widow instead of ingenue. Ruby Lace, the best pick pocket he had ever met. Ace Lewis and One Eyed Jack Williams, professional card sharks and magicians in their own right. Shady Littleton, master of the tumbling safe combinations and Little Owen, master of disguise

"He will only stay until his cousin is well and wait till you meet his cousin!" Soapy beamed. "He's another O'Sullivan, mark my words!"

"Soapy don't try to con a con man," Guffy growled. "You know the rules, the club is only for our kind, bringing strangers in will endanger us all."

"I will take full responsibility for them."

"I don’t like it," Maude Adams said looking up from doing her nails. "They're trouble!"

"Ma'am?"

Kid stood in the doorway of the meeting room. He had put Heyes to bed in the room they had been given over the barn next to the lodge and hearing the shouting knew Soapy was having problems.

"You're right, Soapy explained about this place. How you all set it up to weather the winters, look after each other and we don't have any right to this. But my cousin is the only family I have and all I'm asking is you let him heal up. If you want me to, I'll go, I swear, but if you let me stay I'll take care of him and do anything you ask to pay you back. Please," his voice faltered. "I don't know what else to do."

The room went silent and everyone looked at Jim and he shifted uncomfortable at the a forlorn figure standing there cold and shivering.

"All right until he heals, but I want him gone by Thanksgiving!" Guffy yelled and with a dark glance at Kid stormed out.

"Well done my boy," Soapy said softly a moment later steering Kid quickly from the room. "If there is one thing a con man can't resist, its sincerity!"

*************************

"Where am I?" Heyes said a week later or tried to, his voice dry and cracked.

"Safe, staying with Mr. Saunders and his friends," Kid grinned relieved. "Here let me get you some juice."

He helped his friend sit up and take a few sips.

"How long I been out of it?"

"Little over a week. I found you in the barn, they did a fair job on you."

"Yea McCleever watched as they did it," Heyes said coughed.

"The owner? He saw and didn't stop it?"

"Yep," Heyes said taking another sip.

"That…"

"Wasn't about poker Kid, I caught them framing one of the farmers for branding, figured it out, I guess they were afraid I'd talk."

"We gotta report this."

"How? Man owns half the territory," Heyes sighed feeling low and beaten.

"Here you eat something, and then sleep some more, I'll go tell Soapy your awake, he's been worried about you."

"He didn't mind? I mean helping?"

"Nope, learned a few things about him too. Ain't just a simple snake oil salesman, Heyes the tales I've heard about his cons would make your eyes pop out! He's got money too, lots of it!"

"Then why is he on the road?"

"He likes it, least that's what he said when I asked. Says a con man worth his salt needs to spend time with the common folk. Maude says its got more to do with his wife dying a year back, really hit him hard."

"You sure sound like your making friends."

Kid looked uncomfortable, "I've been trying to stay out of everyone's way and not be any trouble."

"That must be killing you," Heyes smiled faintly managing another spoonful of soup. "I think that's all I can do for the moment."

"Good start, get some rest. I'm gonna go do some chores and I'll be back later."

"Chores?"

"Earning our keep."

***********************************

"Oh thank you Jedediah no one fixes the fire quite like you!" Maude smiled as Kid stood up from the task. She was nearing 50, but still had her figure and her interest and very few men could resist the smile or the offer of her red curls and green eyes.

"Thank you ma'am, anything else I can get you?"

"No this is superb," the second older woman, Ruby Lace said stretching out luxuriously in front of the main drawing room hearth. She was a small, frail tiny thing and Kid had learned the two had conned every millionaire on the east coast in their hay day. She had also been Soapy's wife's best friend and had confessed her delight that he had been forced into returning to help them having been afraid he might stay away the memories too hard to bare.

"And how is your friend this morning Jedediah?" Ruby asked genuinely concerned.

Kid's face broke into a smile, "He's awake ma'am, actually took some soup!"

"Oh that's wonderful!" she said. "I shall have to see if I can tempt him with some of my streusel, no man can resist it!"

"That would be great ma'am, thank you," Kid said with a grateful smile and making his exit.

"Such a nice boy," Maude said thoughtfully. "Such sad eyes sometimes though."

"What?" Guffey said from the book he was dozing over beside her.

"And you didn't like him!" she said slapping his arm annoyed.

"What? What did I do?"

"I wonder if his cousin is as sweet as him?"

**************************

"Humph," Guffey said a week later looking up from his chess game as Heyes was led into the room by Maude and her brigade and told to sit by the fire. "Seems our Mr. Heyes is doing just fine."

"Nice try Jim, but I saw you talking to the boy the other night, you had that look,' Soapy said trying not to smile.

"I do not have a look, which one?"

"The one you get when you see gold, I told you the boy is a natural."

"He might be worth taking under our wing, but there is his cousin."

"Jed?" Soapy said looking out the window at the boy shoveling snow so the path from the main house to the stable was clear. "I haven't heard one complaint about him."

"He's a gunman Soapy, you know it and I know it. We don't need his kind around here and from what I can see you don't get one without the other."

"Maybe you don't want one without the other. Hear my out Jim," he said on the man's surprised look. "Those two have a rare bond and they work well together, I think someday they might be more famous as a team all of us put together including Silky."

"Don't let Silky hear you say that. You better hope they are gone before he gets here. You know his thoughts on guns and the men who carry them."

"He's a boy Jim."

"I watched him practice, he's a genius with that weapon and you know it."

"Pity, if we could only persuade the group to let them stay the winter."

"Won't happen," he stopped looking up and realized Heyes had been pulled into a card came with Ace Lewis and One Eyed Jack Wilton. "Might be for their own good that it doesn't!"

******************************

Heyes looked up from where he was laying a blanket over Kid's exhausted form. True to his promise Kid had done everything possible to ensure they earned their keep, but between staying up nights nursing him and working he often hit his bed too tied to remove his boots.

"He's worked very hard to keep you here Hannibal," Soapy said quietly from the doorway.

"Yea, I know," Heyes said concerned. "Too hard. I keep telling him its okay to ease up, but he's worried if he doesn't get it right you'll all ask us to leave."

"I tried Hannibal, I tried very hard to get them to let you stay."

"But Kid scares them."

"Yes, you have to understand in our profession, we work with our wits not our fists. Violence has no place in a proper con."

"They are wrong about Jed."

"I know. Come let him sleep I want to show you a new book I just received on mathematics. Did you know Hannibal there is a mathematical equation for everything?"

*****************************

Jim Guffey sighed. Silky was due in for the holidays tomorrow and the time had come. All around him the great house was being prepared for the Thanksgiving holiday, but a pall hung over the festivities because everyone knew it was time for good-byes.

He, of course, had to ask them to leave. It was Silky's house, Silky had rules and he had helped too many of them for them to flaunt the boy on his arrival.

But he had watched what the new blood had done to the group. Heyes was like a sponge soaking up anything and everything he was shown or taught. He moved from card tricks to learning to tumble a safe with Shady Littleton within a week and he'd never seen the old safecracker so excited about a student.

He himself had been astounded at how clever the boy was and how insightful his ideas were. Why two of his best cons had been improved on his suggestions.

And then there was Curry. Jim smiled; he was as well liked as Heyes, but for different reasons. Curry provided an audience, and ear. Curry was a rare thing in their world, a listener, but also something more; Curry had sense and a quick, practical mind. He could hear your dream and without destroying it gently nudge you to the problem with it or ask the questions you needed to have answered.

His fast hands had also been utilized by Ruby who taught him slight of hand and how to lift just about anything from anybody. She would be loath to lose her best pupil.

And for a man so gifted with the gun he had gentleness about him that was startling. For the first time Jim began to doubt Silky's stead fast no exception rule.

But the sting was set for the new year and they still had problems to work out. Silky would not want to walk into a problem like this or the distraction it would bring.

He would have to tell the boys it was time for them to move on.

***************************

"Don't," Heyes said firmly as they entered the entry hall and shook off the snow.

"Don't what?" Kid said surprised removing his jacket.

"You're thinking it again, we leave together in the morning."

"Heyes they want you to stay."

"Kid end of discussion…" he stopped they had entered the dining room for probably their last meal at the club and froze at the brightly lit and decorated table filled with all 10 residents.

"Surprise!" Maude cried hugging them. "We wanted you to have Thanksgiving before you left!"

"Thank you!" Kid grinned as Heyes laughed and shook Soapy's hand.

"We're going to miss you boys," Soapy smiled.

"Come along seats of honor at the head of the table," Ace yelled.

They were led to the front of the table and given seats opposite Diamond Jim.

"A toast to two fine young men I have no doubt we will hear about again someday!"

There were clinking glasses and shouts of here here and then the turkeys were carried in. Three huge massive platters with all the trimmings.

"You can thank Jedediah for this feast, he shot them," Jim said.

"Glad I could help," Kid said as he was toasted. "Ah there is one other thing, that con, the store I think you call it? The one you've been having trouble with? I think I got the answer."

The room went silent. Even Heyes turned to stare at him, but if Kid was aware that he had said something earth shattering he didn't let on.

"Really?" Soapy said eyes twinkling like a man watching a miracle unfold. "Do tell us!"

"It reminded me of a story my grandfather used to tell called 'Stone Soup'. Seems this beggar would go into town and set up his pan and water in the town square and proceed to 'cook' a stone, make stone soup. " Heyes looked up, understanding, Jim and Soapy were just a step behind him.

"And the beggar got everyone to contribute because they thought they knew it all, until he had meat and vegetables, real soup," Soapy finished slowly and everyone looked at each other."

"Yea and it got me thinking, you're working too small here, what you need is a 'big' store. You need to work several marks at once. You got the people. Ruby says lots of your kind out of work; this could employ all of them with enough marks to cover it. And the stock market idea is good, but its not exciting enough, plus people don't know enough about it. So while I was cleaning the stable I got to thinking, horses, everyone knows about horses or thinks they do and everyone loves a horse race. What if you changed it so instead of them knowing about certain stocks , they could win certain races instead?"

Heyes looked up eagerly, "You could use the idea of this club, something elite, prestigious, secret, people love that, give them a way in and a chance to belong and they'll all want to contribute."

"And the bigger it is the harder it is to believe its not real," Kid said with a shrug turning his attention back to his dinner.

"You young man are very intelligent," came a voice from the door.

Everyone froze and Heyes heard someone whisper 'Silky'.

"Yes I'm early good thing too, start dinner without me and the con to boot, who are these two?"

"Jedediah Curry sir," Kid said rising.

"Hannibal Heyes sir," Heyes added also taking to his feet.

"You both know this is a private club for con men and you do not belong here?"

"Yes sir," Kid said contritely.

"And may I ask how you got to be here?"

Heyes looked up innocent, "Well sir to be honest we conned our way in."

The older man looked at him in astonishment and then slowly a smile began to form and was quickly swallowed.

"Well sit down, sit, your food is getting cold, someone get me a plate and a chair, it is my house."

Servants were quickly scrambling and a moment later Silky was seated.

"Actually I heard about you two from Soapy, that's why I'm early, I wanted to meet the two boy wonders before this lot scurried them out afraid I'd throw fits, which one is Curry?"

"I am sir," Kid said nervously.

"Gunman I hear. I don't like guns."

"No sir, smart man wouldn't."

"And you're not a smart man?"

"I'm cautious man sir, learned there aren't many smart men, so found it wise to be cautious rather than smart."

Jim almost laughed, but Silky's look made him cough instead.

"Well you got a smart mouth on you, but it seems from your idea there is brain attached, that's rare enough. And you, you’re the one they have pegged to replace me I hear."

"No sir," Heyes said quietly.

"So you don't think you can be as good as me eh?"

"No sir I think I can be better than you," Heyes said politely.

Someone gasped.

Soapy sighed.

"What was your name again boy?" Silky asked glaring at him.

"Hannibal Heyes."

"You got a smart mouth too boy."

"No sir honest answer to an honest question."

Silky O'Sullivan stared at the two young men thoughtfully trying to hide the growing excitement building inside of him at such fresh, prime talent.

"I suppose you can stay," he said finally picking up his fork and then pointing it at them. "But you, you shoot anything when I'm around or even show that gun I'll have you southbound in ten minutes understand?"

"Yes sir!" Kid said dazed.

"And you, a little respect until you've earned the right understand?"

"Yes sir," Heyes grinned. "I look forward to earning yours."

Silky harrumphed, "Irish without question, Lord help us."

"Yes sir!" Kid said with a grin so bright the man shut his eyes and shook his head.

"Lord help the decent folk," Soapy said under his breath. "If they can dazzle the great O'Sullivan."

"You say something Saunders?" Silky growled.

Soapy grinned and with a wink to Heyes merely replied, "Pass the potatoes?"