First Christmas in Sundance

By NellyPledge

SUNDANCE THE EARLY YEARS:

FIRST CHRISTMAS IN SUNDANCE

This is a back story to some previous Advent Calendar stories of mine.

 

After nine gruelling years of dodging bounty hunters, lawmen, and any other citizens trying to cash in on their ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ posters, Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry were finally granted amnesty in July 1890, at the birth of the new state of Wyoming. They celebrated hard for the next few months, until dwindling funds and too many hangovers, sent them back to Porterville. They needed help from their mentor, Sheriff Lom Trevors, in deciding what they would do with their future. 

Their first Christmas as free men was spent with Lom. It was a relaxing, reflective time, where they determined that they would start their search for a place to settle in Wyoming.

They spent the next nine months drifting from town to town, trying their hands at various jobs. Some towns welcomed them at first; that changed when Heyes started to win too much at poker, or the town sheriff began to feel uneasy at the attention the Kid’s fast draw reputation was attracting.

September 1892

“I’ve got a good feeling about this one,” Heyes said, waving his arm at the beautiful autumn scenery. “Look at the pretty golden leaves shining in the sun, and the town nestled in the foothills like that. It feels like we're coming home.” 

“You said that about half the towns we've been through, Heyes!” 

“Aw, Kid, come on now, I really think this is the one.” Heyes retorted. 

“We’ll see,” was Curry’s skeptical reply. “Come on then, I'm hungry!” Heyes rolled his eyes at his ever-hungry partner as he urged his horse into a trot towards the town of Sundance.

First impressions were good as they walked their horses down Main Street. It was a small town, but from their cursory glances at the businesses, it had all they needed. A saloon, small hotel, mercantile, livery and even a small newspaper office, which caused Heyes to raise his eyebrows, interest showing in his dark eyes. The solidly built jailhouse proclaimed the sheriff as James Ryan. Heyes felt a hint of recognition but no warning bells at the name. 

The buildings and boardwalks looked clean and well kept, as did the townsfolk who responded to their tipped hats with friendly smiles. 

With just a look and a smile passing between them, they pulled their horses to a halt outside the hotel and dismounted in unison.  Heyes slung both saddlebags over his shoulders, picked up their bed rolls and trotted up the steps into the hotel while the Kid led both horses to the livery. 

Being close to lunchtime, The Kid was drawn to the delicious aroma emanating from one of the shops he passed and he couldn't resist turning to look at the array of savoury and sweet bakes displayed in the window. He was even more taken by the pretty, blue-eyed, blonde standing behind the counter.  

Once satisfied their horses would be well cared for at the livery, he hurried back to the shop. Tipping his hat in greeting to the young lady, he flashed her a dazzling smile.

“Howdy ma'am. My name’s Jed Curry and I could sure use some help in choosing some tasty treats for me and my partner; we’re new in town. What would you recommend?”

Blushing prettily, Miss Faye Bennett smiled back, “Nice to meet you Mr Curry. I’m Faye. Welcome to Sundance.” 

Jed nodded his approval as she wrapped a large beef pie and a fragrant apple tart. After paying, The Kid picked up the package, tipped his hat in thanks, and with another killer smile said with confidence, “Thank you, Miss Faye. I'll be seeing you.”

Back in their hotel room, Heyes at first attributed his partner's distracted air and the dreamy look in his eyes to the pies.

“These pies are delicious Kid, where did you get them?” 

Puzzled at first by the lack of response and his partner’s apparent loss of appetite, Heyes eventually guessed the reason.

“I gotta admit Kid, I may have been over optimistic about this town, what say we move on tomorrow?”

Snapped out of his reverie the Kid turned to Heyes with a look of near panic and spluttered, “What! Oh no, Heyes, I think you were right the first time, I say we stick around a while, see what this town's gotta offer.”  

“Ah, suddenly you’ve got faith in my judgement? I know that look, Kid! You’ve seen something, or should I say someone, that’s sparked your interest already, haven’t you?”

The Kid answered with a sheepish grin. “Could be.”

Heyes gave his friend an affectionate slap on the back. “Come on, Kid. Let’s go check out this town.”

Trusting the judgement of his fellow lawman, Lom Trevors, Sheriff Ryan was willing to give the ex-outlaws a chance, and with the added acceptance of most of the townsfolk, Heyes and Curry soon felt at home. 

The mayor, James Coldwell, also seemed happy to have them there.  After all, Heyes and Curry weren’t the town's first notorious crooks. A few years before, a young gunman named Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, had been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in Sundance for stealing a horse. Whilst serving his sentence, he acquired the nickname, The Sundance Kid ⁽¹⁾. Coldwell quickly realised that the names Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry were also creating some interest in his small town, which was always good for business.

Having built up a sizeable stake through playing poker as well as some jobs they actually got paid for, Heyes and Curry set their minds to increasing their funds even more.

The Kid became a frequent customer at the little shop where Faye Bennett worked. He found out that the shop was attached to her father’s bakery and the Bennett family, Tom, Jean, Faye and her younger brother and sister, Patience and Tommy, lived in a large apartment above. It soon became apparent that Faye, a sweet natured, bright girl, returned The Kid’s feelings and Heyes was sure they would be wed before too long. The ex-outlaws decided that Sundance was indeed the place they wanted to call home and started taking steps to achieve that goal.

They moved out of the hotel into a small two-roomed apartment above the newspaper and printers shop. The apartment came with the job Heyes had secured with the print shop owner. He quickly learned how to set print, enjoyed liaising with the public, increased the sale of advertising space, and being a natural storyteller, was soon writing an occasional article and feature story. The newspaper owner was nearing retirement age, and after some initial reservations about hiring an ex-outlaw, was soon convinced he had found just the man to takeover the business.

The partners’ presence was also drawing in more patrons at the saloon. Men were staying longer and drinking more, all for the privilege of hearing about their adventures, the opportunity of playing poker with them, or just watching Hannibal Heyes play. To their surprise, they found him to be a fair and honest player with an easy going, friendly demeanour. He was also careful not to take too much of their hard-earned money.

The Kid, although quieter than his friend, had his fair share of attention, and was often surrounded by men eager to talk guns with the famous fast draw. He had awed them with occasional displays of skilful gunmanship, and on the rare occasion some out of town troublemakers had shown up at the saloon, they were impressed by his calm handling of potentially dangerous situations without once firing his gun. 

Terry Maguire, the saloon owner, would occasionally slip them some cash after a particularly profitable night.

“Commission well earned boys,” he would say quietly with a wink.

Joe Marsh, of Marsh’s Mercantile, often asked The Kid for advice about his small stock of guns. The Kid was only too glad to help, especially when he was called upon to advise customers on gun handling, as well as care and safety.

All this meant they soon had quite a healthy bank balance.

The Kid was becoming more involved with Faye but wanted to make sure he could offer her a future before even thinking about asking her to marry him.  And so, when a small shop unit became vacant a few doors down from the newspaper office, The Kid took his idea of opening a gunsmith shop to Heyes.

“That’s a real good idea Kid!” Heyes took some paper from his ever-ready notebook. “Let’s get some costings and practicalities listed.”

They talked and planned late into the night, and when they finally fell into an exhausted sleep Heyes had drafted a comprehensive business plan to take to the bank manager.

The Kid nervously wiped his sweaty palms on his suit pants as they entered the bank the next morning. He glanced at his confident, smiling partner, and calmed down considerably when he felt Heyes’ reassuring squeeze on his shoulder.

“Hey Kid, it’s a good plan. Have a little faith. Remember how we convinced that banker, Peterson, to stake us $20,000? This is a much better bet.”

Heyes’ optimism proved justified when, 30 minutes later, a loan, with very fair terms, had been negotiated. 

It was little more than three months since the ex-outlaws had arrived in Sundance, but they already felt at home and were certain they had secured a future there. 

Christmas was fast approaching. Although the partners did not have any plans, just knowing that they would be warm and comfortable, not have to watch their backs, or spend the day in a jail cell, was enough for them.  

The town’s Christmas dance was being held on the 21st of December at the church hall and Heyes suddenly found himself the subject of flirtatious looks, accidental bumps, and dropped handkerchiefs or parcels whilst walking about town. He found himself frequently apologising with a polite, “I'm sorry ma'am, let me get that for you,” and was starting to think that the town was full of clumsy, short sighted, young (and a couple of not so young) ladies. It wasn’t until after a few of the bolder females had asked him, “Do you have a partner for the dance, Mr Heyes?” that he realised their motive. 

Heyes really hadn't given much thought as to whether he would go or not. The Kid was already escorting the prettiest girl in town and he didn't want to be a third wheel. It was on the day of the dance that the decision made for him. Sheriff Ryan, having twisted his ankle when he slipped on a patch of ice, asked Heyes if he would escort his disappointed wife to the dance. 

“The sheriff’s wife, Heyes? You turned down all those women for the sheriff’s wife!” The Kid couldn’t help teasing his friend. 

“Aw, come on Kid, Jenny’s a nice lady. She won’t be expecting anything more than a dance partner from me. Besides, I’d rather disappoint a few young ladies than the sheriff’s wife,” Heyes’ concluded with a smirk.

The Kid was nervous walking into the church hall with Faye on his arm. He was to be formally introduced to Faye’s parents this evening. Yet to be invited into their home, and judging by the less than cordial exchanges each time he called for their daughter, he was well aware that Faye’s parents were not pleased with her choice of beau.

After the initial, awkward, slightly frosty introductions, not to mention Mr Bennett's rather aggressive tone when asking about the Kid’s prospects, the Bennetts found themselves warming to the handsome young man and his equally charming friend. Further reassured after speaking with the mayor, the sheriff’s wife, the banker, and other prominent townsfolk, the Bennett’s made the surprising decision to invite the two ex-outlaws to spend Christmas day at their home. In fact, by the end of the evening, they had had to turn down several other invitations.

Later, while laying on their beds, Heyes and Curry happily reflected on their evening.

“How about that Heyes! I figured Christmas Day would be the same as most every other year. Your coffee - made a little more palatable with a drop of Christmas spirit - beef stew, and some store bought seasonal pies, if we’re lucky!” The Kid said smiling over at his partner. 

“Hey! My coffee ain't that bad!” replied an indignant Heyes.

His smile soon returned though as he pictured the festive food-laden table.

“It’ll be real nice being part of a family Christmas, Kid. We haven't really had that since we were children,” he mused. “Apart from the time we spent Christmas with those nice folk in Middle Kiowa and…” he paused, his face taking on a wistful look, ”…the one we spent with Miss Amelia. If we'd been in this position then Kid, who knows what could have been.”

The Kid shook off a sudden feeling of guilt and in a more subdued voice said, “They weren’t all bad Heyes. We had some good times up at the Hole with the boys. There were a few with Lom, his coffee is better than yours at least! And the ones with Clem. They were aways “interesting”.”

“True, they weren’t all bad. Too many camped out in the freezing cold with nothing but beans to eat though.” Heyes shivered at the memory.

“Night Kid, better get some sleep; it appears we have some Christmas shopping to do tomorrow.”

Christmas morning found Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry leaving footprints in the light dusting of snow as they made the short walk to the Bennett’s home. Mr Bennett, still a little wary of the two, nonetheless shook their hands warmly and directed them to the parlour. 

Their senses soon overloaded with the sound of excited chatter and the smells of roasting meats and sweet spices.  It transported them back to their childhood - quick little fingers narrowly avoiding a rap on the knuckles with a wooden spoon while attempting to steal a freshly baked cinnamon cookie from a plate! 

It was a wonderful day! The Kid even managed a quick kiss under the mistletoe with Faye. Not to be outdone, Heyes pecked a blushing Mrs Bennett on her cheek, as well as a very giggly 15 year old Patience, who was fast developing a teenage crush on the handsome, dark-haired man.  Her brother Johnny excitedly talked with The Kid and listened with rapt attention to tales of the two outlaws’ exploits, suitably cleaned up, of course. Later in the evening, the talk between the men grew more serious as they sipped their brandies in the parlour. 

Heyes and Curry spoke of their hopes and dreams for the future; the preparations for The Kid’s gunsmith shop, Heyes’ imminent takeover of The Sundance Sound and their plans to start looking for a piece of land in the New Year. 

The evening ended with a toast, wishing each other a bright New Year and a promising future for all.

1. True story of how the Sundance Kid got his name.