Cowboys In the Badlands

Rather lost, they stare over the divide, how best to circumnavigate this obstacle? They can see a path gently sloping down but it is far off to the north two days ride. West is back from whence they had come, east is an impassable cliff of sheer rocks. They can not see far to the south but maybe, they talk it over and head into the unknown. Tumble weed rolling by pushed by the wind as playfully it blows them into their path. Miniscule trees dot the flat plateau and small shrubs popping up here and there. In a hurry they head on swiftly southwards and soon start to descend to the valley below. Billy is pale with anxiety as they push on his wife Betty is due to give birth. Sammy casts worried looks at his friend knowing there is little he can say that will help. At last they reach the valley and gallop on Just another five miles will they make it in time? Their horses now struggling, sweat pouring off them. Billy's homestead comes into view cattle scattering as they gallop through the herd and into the yard. Sammy hangs back as Billy dashes in to Betty. In full labour she screams "Where have you been?" "The preacher is here to wed us. Did you get the ring?" "I have it here" said Billy and without delay they were married. And within minutes the twins arrived a boy and girl both bawling. "Geezers you cut that close Billy" said Sammy as they slumped on the front porch drinking beer. "We made it in the nick of time" replied Billy flushed with the joy and fulfilment of life. written 17/09/2014 contest: Cowboys in the Badlands sponsor Isaiah