Cowbob and the Teeter-Totter Gang

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The smell of stew lingered in the air, its warm embrace snuggled with his nostril’s and left his taste buds craving. Cowbob slowly opened his eyes, pupils straining to adjust to the new environment. His clothes completely soaked with sweat and his hat sitting near the top of his head was the second thing he noticed.

He gasped for air and he felt something invade the back of his throat. At first, his body told him to reject it, that it has no place being there. His brain argued with his body, it recognized it as a necessity. Water was still being poured down his throat and over him as he tried to sit up and swallow it greedily.

“Welcome back buddy”

Yo-Yo sat on the floor next to him, watching him struggle to swallow the precious liquid.

“These fine cow folk’s done saved our pathetic lives partner”

Yo-Yo smiled and dished out a helping of stew to his companion.

“Eat now. They have agreed to let us sleep here tonight, before we make our return home.”

Cowbob straighten up and lunging his spoon deep into the food, shoveling it in gratefully. He took a moment and scanned the many faces of his gracious hosts.

“Home? Why would we go home?”

A look of confusion from Yo-Yo prodded a further explanation from him.

“We returned the horses like we wanted Cowbob, what other business do we have here? I reckon it’s time we ride towards that big orange sun and disappear for good.”

A lanky man wearing scruffy jeans and ripped up flannel shirt adjusted his hat and met Cowbob’s gaze.

“I think that is wise cowboy. We are very thankful for what you did for us, but now you need to blow on outta here before the Teeter-Totter Gang puts you down for good.”

The concerned look on his face and the many mumbles of agreement just helped to reaffirm the decision he was about to make. Cowbob wolfed down the remaining stew and attempted to stand. With shaking knees and ribs that felt like they were being prodded at with an ember glowing fire poker, he propped himself up and made direct eye contact with Yo-Yo

“I reckon I can go this one alone Yo-Yo, but someone has to stop them.”

Yo-Yo dropped his eyes to the floor and let the thought sink in before talking.

“You are such a stubborn cowboy you know that!”

Cowbob pulled his last sucker from his shirt and placed it between his lips and nodded in agreement.

“You have no ammo, you are injured, and you are outnumbered five to one. Why are you doing this CowBob? Why would you go looking for a fight you know you will lose? We got their horses back. We won.”

He looked at Yo-Yo giving him a stern glare

“We didn’t win. Not by a long shot.”

“How you figure?”

“Yo-Yo. Think about it…just because we returned the horses don’t mean squat. They can very easily just rustle em again.”

Cowbob could actually see the realization sinking in on Yo-Yo. He watched his expressions go twenty shades of confused before settling on a determined. A defeated sigh escaped Yo-Yo and he dropped to his knees, picking up his hat and fitting it upon his head.

“No weapons, outnumbered, and the entire gang gunning for us. This really will be our last stand.”

“More than likely your right Yo-Yo, but only tomorrow will tell”