The Reno Kid (Where we left off in Part 1) Reno faintly heard it… a crunch of a boot. He rolled out of camp sight… Preparing to shoot. Reno took cover, behind a huge rock and slowly he brought his twin colts... to full-cock. ~ Part 2 ~ Who goes there?? He said, why this... time of night? A voice said, I'm Lost and I'm thirsty and I seen your light. You're lying, said Reno the fires in a hole. I did that, so it couldn't be seen by a soul. Nevertheless, the voice did reply the light was so bright that it lit up the sky… Believe me my friend... "I" sure wouldn't lie. Come on in closer... so I can get a better look. When he did, there was no gun... but he was carrying a book. What's that your holding?? Stretch it out…real slow… It's my King James Bible… I take it wherever I go. You some kind of preacher?? Or someone like that?? Yes sir, I'm Parson Smith and he took off his hat. Reno then softened and his voice came less gruff. Come on in Parson... we've talked long enough. The Parson was grateful and finally sat down. He explained he was lost... and had wandered around. The buckboard he'd driven he lost early that day. He was checking a wheel... when the horse ran away. Help yourself to some grub... and there's coffee in that hole. I don't know… How…you seen light... To save my soul. The Parson said smiling, God moves in strange ways. But I am telling you sir… I seen its bright rays. I asked God to help me, in my terrible plight... and right after I prayed… I seen your bright light. I walked here for hours... to find your campsite. I knew that HE sent you... to save me, this night. Now Parson... that's a tall tale... you're not supposed to lie. I halfway believed you about the light up in the sky. But when you say that GOD put "me"... out here to rescue you... that's hard for me to swallow... HE's got better things to do.   With GOD it's not an accident, that all this has took place. I believe HE loves you sir… and wants to show you grace. You obviously are on the run, from some kind of threat... the way that you reacted when You and I first met. Your guns were drawn, and cocked to fire. You gave me quite a start… but when you spoke... I then sensed... a softness in your heart. I didn't feel nothing, I was ready To blast. You shouldn't walk up on a mans camp that fast. More than one mans died... when they braced me. I never wanted it that way, it just happened to be. Since that very first time… I've had to keep travelin... and all the while... I seen my life just unravelin.   I just don't know how, to make change in this life. Someday it will end for me... and I've never took a wife. I wanted a family… Someone who knew how I felt... but I guess I'll just play out, the cards that I'm dealt. With GOD All things are possible, it says that… right here in my book. No matter what you've done… no matter what you've took. When JESUS died, He paid it all... for You sir… and for Me. He gave HIS life upon a cross, that we could both be free. You may think GOD is mad at you, cause HE knows what you have done. You couldn't pay for all those sins… that's why HE sent HIS SON. I don't know... why I found you here. I could have suffered loss... unless HE sent "me" to find "you"... and lead "you"... to the cross.. So turn to HIM… while you still can… and there still is a way. Give your life to JESUS, and follow HIM today. Your life will change... I promise you… in ways you cannot know. You CAN leave this life behind... if you really want to go. Reno felt an urging, to finally confess, the life he'd lived... the things he'd done... it surely was a mess. Two men kneeled beneath the stars... the Parson led the prayer. The Reno Kid met JESUS… and left his sins out there. Early next morning, Reno broke camp. He said, well Parson, I guess its time to go. I know Black can carry double... if I take it... really slow. So off they went...this mismatched pair... Reno reading Parsons"track". Reno knew eventually… the trail would lead them back. Finally the pair arrived, in the Parsons little town. Reno stiffened in the saddle, and lowered Parson down. Reno dismounted... and the two stood there facing each other. The Parson spoke first... I'll say one thing sir…you truly are a brother. Parson Smith, I just wanted you to know... that I am going to change my life... I am heading East…to break this chain and find a pretty wife. I don't know the things of GOD, or what HE just might do. I don't want my kids to miss it... I'd like them to grow up like you. I know that in time, I can learn a new skill. I'm tired of them hunting me... just for a kill. I plan for my kids to be smart like a teacher. Who knows, he laughed, maybe even a preacher. Reno placed his foot in his stirrup and swung himself in place... grabbed his reins...touched his hat... and urged Black to a pace. The Parson walked along with them, for just a little while. He offered up his hand to Reno... and gave him a big smile. The Parson said to Reno, You never told me how you're called. We spent this time together... my poor manners... I'm appalled. Don't feel bad there Parson... reason is... I didn't give it. I'm somewhat glad I didn't, cause it's time my life did pivot. Reno shaking the Parsons hand returned his smile in kind. I thought I'd use "your's" Parson Smith... that is ... if you don't mind. I'll keep my name a mystery, to any new folks that I may greet… I'll be known as John Smith...a name that is discreet. With that reply... Reno winked his eye.. and urged Black to a trot. The Parson watched as his new friend was gone... but not forgot… The Parson stood for quite awhile feeling sad of this goodbye. The Parson's eye's grew misty... must be something in his eye. C.C. ©December 15, 2005 Graphics By Nicole Continue on with Reno's journey (a sequel) by clicking here: Inspirational Booems Index