Chapter 11

The Stable Boy

Lou knew how much Kid loved horses. His dream was to run a horse ranch after the express was over. She had always hoped that she would be a part of that dream. She had even ridden Katy, his beloved horse, just incase it might help with his memory.

They started to walk out to the garden when Kid stopped and looked at Lou with a confused look on his face. "What’s wrong?" she asked.

Kid chuckled then said, "I just realized that I don’t know where the stables are."

This caused Lou to laugh also. "Well it’s a good thing I’m here then. I took my horse there the day I arrived. Come on I’ll show you."

They walked through the beautiful garden and down the path. At the end of the path there was the stables. Off to the left was the corral, were several horses were grazing. Lou pushed open the door leading to the stables the warm smell of horses hit her. Lou loved that smell. Kid also seemed to recognize the smell. A puzzled look came over his face and he stopped.

"Are you Ok?" Lou asked concerned.

"Yea," Kid said smiling, "This just seems familiar, yet at the same time different. Does that make since?"

Lou smiled she knew that it made perfect since. The smell was like the barn at home during the summer the difference was Kid had never been in this stable before. "Yea, it does." She told him soothingly.

They walked into the brightly lit room. All the stall windows were open so the gentle breeze could waft through the area. Lou walked to the stall were Katy was standing and held out her had with a sugar cube on it. She knew this was Katy’s favorite treat, but she also knew that Katy preferred when Kid gave her the treat.

Katy took the cube hesitantly all the while watching Kid. It seemed confusing to her that her master wasn’t giving her the treat and talking to her. Lou patted Katy’s neck and said soothingly in her ear, "It’s OK girl."

Kid walked towards Katy staring at her. "She’s a beautiful horse. Do you think she’d mind me petting her?"

"Not at all. She would be delighted to have you pet her." Lou said smiling as Kid came forward and stroked the horse’s neck.

"You are a beautiful horse, aren’t you baby." Kid mumbled

Lou smiled a sad smiled. She had hoped seeing Katy would jog Kid’s memory but it hadn’t.

"Have I seen this horse before?" Kid asked Lou, "She seems so familiar."

"She’s a great horse, isn’t she," a voice said walking into the room

Lou turned and saw Jimmy walking in from the back. His timing was perfect since she wasn’t sure how to answer Kids question.

Kid turned to face Jimmy and stuck out his hand, "You must be the new stable boy. My names James Beckworth."

Jimmy took Kids hand in a firm shake. "Nice to meet you Mr. Beckworth, I’m Jim. Jim Butler."

Lou put her hand over her mouth to stifle the giggle that was threatening to escape. It seemed so funny to her that these two best friends would be shaking hands like they didn’t know each other. Jimmy shot her a warning look and Lou quickly turned back to Katy.

Kid and Jimmy talked for a while about the stables and the horses that were there. Jimmy told Kid that they had a fine stock. "Will you want to be riding soon?" Jimmy asked.

"Oh, no," Lou interrupted, "The doctor won’t allow that for a while."

"Oh," Jimmy said, "Well when the doctor gives the Ok, just let me know."

The two talked a little while longer about the horses. Kid expressed his desire to ride soon. Lou reminded him that he wouldn’t be riding anything until the doctor gave the OK. Jimmy told Kid to come down anytime and if he ever needed anything just let him know.

"Thank you," Kid said shaking his hand again before he and Lou left the stables. "I like him. He really seems to know what he’s doing." Kid told Lou as they were walking back towards the house.

Lou just smiled at this comment. Kid and Jimmy were always at odds over how to handle the horses at home. Kid was a wonderful horseman and even though Jimmy could handle horses and treated them well he still didn’t compare to Kid.

They made it back to the garden and Lou suggested the sit for a while under the large willow tree. "I’ll run up to the house and get our lunch, if you don’t mind waiting. I’ll be right back"

Kid and Lou enjoyed their picnic in the garden. Kid asked Lou more about the Pony Express and her life. Lou answered his questions as truthfully as possible without saying anything about him. She was shocked when Kid reached out his hand and brushed a stray hair behind her ear.

"You’re very pretty, Miss. McCloud," Kid said softly

Lou blushed and muttered, "Thank you. We’d better get inside it’s getting chilly out here and you need to rest." Then she jumped up.