Jimmy turned around; Priscilla had once again fallen too far back. He had tried carrying her for a while but he did not have the energy to do that for long. He was tired and hungry. The sun was beating down upon them and they had no water. The best solution they could come up with was having Jimmy lead the way, tramping down a path so Priscilla could walk in relative comfort as her shoes had been left behind. They were not suitable for such a trek.

“You sure know how to show a girl a good time,” Priscilla told him with a rueful smile as she finally caught up to him.

She took a step and Jimmy saw her start to wobble. He could tell from her unsteady gait that she was getting lightheaded. Jimmy slipped an arm around her waist, helping her walk for a while.

He was used to these kinds of conditions. His life before the judge had taught him how to deal with having nothing and Pony Express riders spent most of their lives outside, in all types of weather. Priscilla was clearly not used to this kind of life.

“You should go ahead,” Priscilla said. “I’m just slowing you down.”

Jimmy shook his head. “I am not leaving you behind. How will I find you again?”

“The way I’m going, I’ll still be here. You can find me.” Priscilla gave him a wan smile. “Go. Get help.”

“No,” Jimmy told her firmly. He picked her up and began walking.

“You can’t keep this up for long.”

“I can keep it up until we find water.”

“Then you’ll go?”

“No.”

Priscilla let out a loud sigh.

Jimmy ignored her and continued to walk. He could feel his legs getting heavier, his head beginning to pound. He could not keep this up much longer. Much as he hated to admit it, Priscilla was right. He was going to have to leave her behind. But as he looked into her face, which was growing alarmingly pale, he was not sure he could make himself do it.

“Water,” Priscilla croaked.

“We’ll find some,” Jimmy said, trying to sound reassuring.

“No.” She pointed. “See? Water!”

“Cill,” Jimmy said sadly as he looked to where she indicated. He was losing her. “There is no water.”

“No, there is. Look!”

Jimmy sat down and held her close. He worried even more when he felt her shiver.

“I’m just seeing things?” she asked quietly, a shadow of fear crossed her face as she realized what was happening to her.

Jimmy nodded, pressing his face against her neck. She was getting cold now. He had at least had breakfast yesterday. Who knew when was the last time Priscilla ate a decent meal?

“You have to go. Now!” she commanded him. “Please,” she added, beseeching him when he began to shake his head.

Jimmy looked around, realizing she was right. They could not continue on this way. As he continued to search, he scowled. There was not even a single tree to leave her under. “I’ll be back soon,” he promised.

“I know you will.” Priscilla smiled at him.

He removed his gun and handed it to her.

“No,” Priscilla began to protest.

“I ain’t going otherwise,” Jimmy said, narrowing his eyes at her.

Priscilla held the gun gingerly in both hands, and then set it beside her, her disgust with the weapon obvious. “I hate these things.”

“Use it if you have to,” Jimmy said briskly. He leaned down and kissed her quickly. Priscilla put her arms around his neck, resting her forehead against his. Jimmy was content to stay there, in her arms. He really did not know Priscilla very well, but once again he found himself longing for things he really should not be longing for.

She was the first one to break away. “Hurry back,” she said with a sad smile.

“Count on it,” Jimmy told her resolutely.