A ghost of a chance with Butterbeans

It didn’t take long to get to the edge of the box canyon. Butterbeans was there first, ahead of Alex. They were nearing the outskirts of the old ghost town. It was a relic from a distant past and only a few standing buildings remained.

As they approach the town, the trail widens into an old dirt road. Once, long ago, the town was about prospecting. Additionally, built in the days of the gold rush, it was rife with history. Therefore, the old dirt road runs through the center of the abandoned town.

The first building in the town is the old church. It still has it’s wrought iron gates. Well worn and rusted, they stand open, as if inviting all who would enter. Dusty tumbleweeds roll lazily across the small yard as Alex passes by. Butterbeans is further up ahead near the old saloon.

A ghost of a chance with Butterbeans

Once more Alex hears the sound of a faint voice calling out for help. Then, from up ahead, Butterbeans gives an excited and loud bark. Alex can see her searching the ground for something. As he nears the old abandoned saloon, he sees Butterbeans dash into the old structure.

The day is much warmer and the sun is now high in the sky. Alex can see into the saloon as he arrives just outside the building. Butterbeans is standing in the old entry parlor. In fact, she is in a crouched stance, with haunches low. She appears to be looking down.

Now the cry for help sounds again. It is much louder, and closer. It is definitely coming from the old saloon. Furthermore, it sounds as though it comes from under the saloon. Alex steps onto the old wooden porch, and crosses into the parlor. Butterbeans turns to acknowledge him, with a brief tail wag.

The old saloon is still mostly intact. The parlor widens into the larger area, and is more entry than room. Likewise, it is coated in a thick blanket of dust. There is an ancient mirror, along the far wall that seems out of place. However, it’s the large open hole in the floor, that has Alex’s attention.

He speaks softly to Butterbeans, as he steps beside her.

“What have we found here?”

Under the floor

He peers into the hole in the floor. Similarly he is careful to avoid the edges. In fact, the entire floor feels weak and spongy. In the hole, and perhaps ten feet below, there is a young man.

Alex believes he is beginning to see what has happened. The young lad appears to be in his early teens. Furthermore, he is sitting and clutching his foot. As the young man sees Alex, a look of pure relief, comes across the youth’s countenance. He speaks quickly from the chamber below.

“Hi, my name is Jared. My sister owns the Bar K ranch. I was exploring this old saloon, and I fell through the floor. Please help me. I think my foot is broken.” The young man gives Alex a pleading look. Butterbeans chuffs a light bark, and looks quickly at Alex. Indeed, she is confirming her willingness to help the lad.

Butterbeans

Alex smiles warmly and gives Butterbeans an affectionate pat on the head. It looks as though they arrived just in the nick of time. Alex stands up to scout how they were going to do this, and is caught completely off guard, as the whole floor gives way. They are falling just a moment later.

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