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  “But Rick told her the full story years ago,” Eva said her expression telling them exactly what she thought of that excuse.

  “Yes and only because she kept having nightmares but I think it left Sarah looking for love,” Jo speculated. “I think we failed her somehow. Edwin isn’t the right man for Sarah, regardless of his opinions, which are detestable. He isn’t firm enough. She needs someone like Scott, who will let her be herself but keep her in line at the same time. Just like he did with Becky.”

  “Jo, you take that back. I don’t answer to Scott. We are equals,” Becky protested.

  “I know that sister dear but he does curb your more impulsive actions,” Jo replied, smiling at her sister.

  “He should have curbed her a bit more. I thought that Richard person was going to hit her,” Eva said but she wasn’t smiling.

  “What did you do in town Becky? Why am I only hearing of this now?” Della asked, her face wearing the expression they all knew well. Their ma was furious.

  “Relax ma. I just told one of the men who survived the wagon train massacre how he should speak to his fiancé. You would have hit him with your rolling pin.” Becky echoed her ma’s threat. “He was so rude. You should have heard the way he spoke to Tilly. He more or less told her she should have stayed with the Indians. No self-respecting woman would have returned alive.”

  “Nonsense. If he loved her, he wouldn’t care about anything other than she returned safe.” Ma had very firm views on how men should behave. “Maybe I should bring my rolling pin to town after all.”

  Ma was all riled up making Jo wish she had never mentioned anything. Ma was easily upset these days, she was so wound up over the threat of war. At least Rick was safe from that threat. She should thank the Lord for small blessings. There was no way the Army would let him enlist. How many men would go if a war was declared? More importantly, who would survive. She shuddered as the image of Stephen or Almanzo marching off to battle flashed into her head.

  “Jo, are you all right? You are very pale,” Becky held Jo’s hand, studying her carefully.

  “It has been a rather stressful few days. A good night sleep will do me the world of good. On that point, I am going to go home.”

  “I will drive you back and then David can drive me home. He and Scott were at your house earlier. Ma are you staying with Becky or coming with us?” Eva asked.

  “I will stay here. I plan on letting your sister have a sleep in tomorrow. She’s not going to get much chance with four children underfoot.”

  “Don’t remind me Ma. Why did I think having lots of children was a good idea?” Becky said ruefully rubbing her small bump.

  “You love being a ma. If anyone from Virgil had told me you would have the largest family out of all my daughters, I would have thought they hit their head,” Ma said.

  Jo looked at her sisters. She was lucky to have such a supportive family. They would help her get through the weeks and years ahead. But now she needed some privacy. She took her leave and headed back to her own home with Eva. Thankful her sister didn’t chatter but remained quiet, she let her thoughts linger on her husband. Ma was right, she shouldn’t make him feel like an invalid. He would hate that.

  Chapter 39

  Eva had remained silent on the trip, but not because she was upset over Rick. She was. Her brother in law was a lovely man and a wonderful husband and father. But it wasn’t what had upset Eva. She felt selfish even thinking about herself but her ma’s words had hit home. Her mother or sisters didn’t know but she would have loved to have more children. But it just didn’t happen. It wasn’t for want of trying but every month they were disappointed. She wondered if she should go speak to Doctor White. He was a nice man but she would be so embarrassed having to ask him questions like that. But who else could she ask?

  Mrs. Newland maybe? She acted as midwife sometimes. She was good at it too but did she know anything about trying to get pregnant? David thought they should just accept things the way they were. They were lucky to have their two boys, but she would love a little girl. She idolized Jo’s twins, Nancy and Lena. They made her laugh particularly, Nancy, who was an old soul. Paco said her spirit had roamed the earth before. Eva didn’t know if she believed that, but Nancy was wise beyond her years.

  Impatiently, she focused on getting back to Jo’s house. Indulging in self-pity wasn’t good for anyone. She had a healthy husband, two fine boys, a lovely extended family and a working profitable farm. She should be happy with her lot. Jo needed her support now.

  When they got back to Jo’s the lights were all on. Something was wrong. Eva pulled up but Jo had already jumped down, running into the house. Eva said a quick prayer Rick was okay before tying up the horses and following her sister indoors. Everyone was awake including the twins.

  “Is it Rick?” Eva asked her husband as he came forward to greet her.

  “No, he’s fine. There is trouble in town. I brought the boys over here with Jessie and his family. I want you to stay with them. Almanzo is coming with me.”

  “David, be careful. You know there are some people very mad with your latest articles.”

  “Being a newspaper man means I have to tell the truth, Eva. Most people respect that. Someone has to stand up to Harvey and his friends,” he said before giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I will be back as soon as I can.”

  She linked arms with Jo as David and Almanzo rode off. Jessie was out checking everything was fine around the ranch. Bridget was in the kitchen making cookies and bread. Bridget always started baking when she was worried.

  The children were all tired and acting up. Eva guessed that although the adults were trying to appear cheerful, the children had picked up on their anxiety.

  “I hope Becky and Ma will be all right.”

  “Scott will make sure someone is with them. He won't leave them alone. Why don’t you start a story with the children? I want to check on Rick.”

  Eva gave her sister’s hand a squeeze and then went to get the children settled. It was going to be a long night.

  Chapter 40

  “Almanzo, what do you think is going on?”

  “I have no idea, David. Walking Tall sent a message with a younger brave, a boy of 13 or so to say to meet him at the crossing. He said to bring guns and men. I hope it’s not a ploy to get us out in the open,” Almanzo looked around him as he spoke. “Harvey has been itching to get a piece of us for a while now. You got him riled up with that piece you wrote about his slaves. He thought he had got away with it.”

  “He should have been jailed. Treating people like pieces of property is wrong. Slavery is banned in Oregon for good reason,” David said heatedly. Almanzo knew David was furious the law hadn’t punished Harvey by putting him in prison. He had paid a small fine and that was that.

  “It's not because people love the blacks though is it? I don’t think there were many who felt sorry for the Smith family. They just wanted them out of Portland.”

  “You are very perceptive, Almanzo. Unfortunately, you are also right. The men of Oregon voted against slavery but they also voted on the no blacks law in the State. So far Oregon is the only state to join the USA with a racial clause in their constitution. They don’t have that in Alabama or other well-known slave states,” David’s voice was full of disgust.

  “You aiming to become another John Brown?”

  “No son. Eva would kill me,” David joked then grew serious. “I don’t believe in killing people over my views. I think Brown was wrong in wanting to arm slaves and others. Fighting is not the answer. I believe all people should be treated equally. Murders and mobs will not do the Black cause any favors.”

  They both fell silent as they drew closer to the crossing. Walking Tall was waiting for them.

  “I am glad we are your friends. You are so noisy, if we were your enemy you would both be dead by now.”

  “Nice to see you too Walking Tall.” David greeted the younger man. “Is your father here?”

 
“No, he has gone ahead. He told me to wait for you. He Who Runs is with him.”

  “Scott is here already?” David looked around him. “What is going on?”

  “We kept scouts near the area where the Indian tribe who had the girls is camped. They noticed some white men acting suspiciously. They think they were spying on the Indians.”

  “You mean preparing to attack? Soldiers?”

  “No, not soldiers but men from town. Militia.” Walking Tall spat the hated word. The militia was often more ruthless than the soldiers.

  “What are Paco and Scott going to do?” David asked.

  “They will fight. If they have to.” Walking Tall’s tone suggested the fighting was inevitable.

  “Guess your promise to Eva will be hard to keep,” Almanzo said to David. David didn’t get a chance to reply as a cry went up.

  “The attack has begun. Come. Quickly.” Walking Tall shouted as he rushed toward the noise.

  They rode out as fast as the horses could carry them. Up ahead they spotted smoke and heard gunshots. That couldn’t be the tribe who had offered the women shelter as they didn't have any guns.

  Were Paco’s Indians armed? Almanzo didn't think many of them had guns although both Paco and Walking Tall did. Scott had insisted on them learning how to use them although both had resisted at first. But as with most things, Scott being so persuasive had convinced them. Arrows didn't work too well against guns.

  They came to the top of the ridge. The scene below was one of devastation. Many of the lodges were in flames. As they watched, a group of men chased down some children, killing them as if hunting animals.

  His ma and Mia were down there. Without another thought, Almanzo raced down into the fray. He jumped from his horse to check on the women and children. He saw things that would haunt him forever. But still, he kept looking. David, Walking Tall and their men had come in from the right with Paco and Scott already fighting on the left. The attackers finally saw they were outnumbered and made a run for it. Almanzo looked up to see Walking Tall and his men chasing after them. There was no sign of Paco or Scott. David had dismounted and was looking around him in horror.

  Almanzo kept moving, kept looking. There were so many bodies, most of them dead. There were some who were still living. He asked them if they had seen Broken Wing and Mia but they couldn’t understand him. They didn’t speak English. Frantic, he moved faster and faster. Some Indians from Paco’s group were helping the survivors.

  Almanzo almost fell over the Chief. The old man was still alive although badly wounded. With tears in his eyes, Almanzo stopped to help the man who had been so welcoming to him. He gently lifted the man to bring him to where the other survivors were being helped.

  “Broken Wing. You found her?” The Chief asked.

  Almanzo shook his head, having lost the ability to speak.

  “She ran, with Mia. Over there,” despite the pain, the Chief pointed in the direction of a hill. “Go. Help.”

  “I will help you first,” Almanzo insisted.

  “Too late for me. Go. Please. Mia. Look after her,” the Chief was gasping, desperate to get the words out.

  “I will. Hold on. We can help.”

  The Chief gave him a sad smile and that was it. He was gone. Almanzo stared at the bundle in his arms. NO!

  He didn't realize he had shouted until the other Indians stared at him. He placed the body on the ground respectfully. David moved quickly to his side to check the Chief. He closed the man’s eyes.

  “Friend of yours?”

  “He was kind. He is my sister’s grandfather. I have to go find her.”

  “Al, the men… they may have taken captives.”

  “For their sake, they better not have touched them.” With a last look at the Chief, Almanzo turned and mounted a horse. It wasn’t his but it didn’t matter. Thanks to Walking Tall, there wasn’t a horse he couldn't ride. He pushed it in the direction of the hill.

  “Al, wait. Let me come with you.” David’s voice came from behind him but he didn’t have time to wait. His ma needed him. He pushed the horse faster and faster, his rage mounting. Whoever had done this was going to pay. He would make sure of that. No matter the cost. He kept going until he spotted something or someone on the ground up ahead. Jumping from the horse, he ran screaming no as he reached her. His ma was breathing but barely.

  “They have Mia,” his ma said breathing heavily. “Get her back. Please.”

  “Ma, I will get Mia but let me get you to help.”

  “No time. Go, find my daughter, please. I let you down. I cannot do that to her. Please, Almanzo. Please.”

  His ma beseeched him even as the blood mark spread. He stared at it in horror, torn between dragging her onto the horse and taking her back and doing what she wanted and going for his sister.

  They both heard the horses at the same time. Almanzo turned around drawing his gun. David jumped off closely followed by Scott.

  “Ma is hurt. Bad. They have Mia.” Almanzo spoke quickly fighting back his horror and tears. “Can you take Ma to help? I have to get Mia.”

  “David, take Almanzo’s ma back to the camp. Al, I am going with you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I can come too,” David suggested.

  “No David, you are needed back there. They have so many wounded. Plus you will keep Paco in line,” Scott’s concern for his friend made his tone sharp.

  “Paco’s wounded?” Almanzo’s heart jumped. Walking Tall should be with his father.

  “Yes, but he’ll live. If he’s sensible!” Scott’s facial expression was impossible to read. Almanzo hugged his ma. “I’m going to find Mia. Please hold on. We will be back.”

  His ma put her hand to his face. “I never stopped loving you. So proud…”

  “Ma!”

  “Al, she hasn’t died. She’s passed out. Go. I will look after her, I promise,” David said, lifting his ma gently from the ground.

  Almanzo jumped back on his horse. Scott had already raced ahead so he pushed his horse to follow. He didn’t want to think of how scared his little sister would be. He’d been terrified when he has abandoned alone but he had been a ten-year-old boy. She was a little girl. He kept riding hard hearing Scott speak to the two Indians with them. He spoke their language too fast for Almanzo to understand. He guessed he had told them to spread out and look for Mia as both Indians took off in different directions. They kept pushing the horses wondering just how far ahead of them the riders had got.

  Chapter 41

  Darkness fell and still no sign of the men or his sister. Almanzo wanted to keep going but Scott insisted on stopping. They had to rest the horses. It was too dangerous for the animals to continue pushing them at the pace they had taken.

  “Do you think we missed them? We couldn’t have been that far behind them,” Almanzo asked breathing heavily.

  “We haven't missed them but they got at least an hour start on what I imagine were fresh horses. We will find them,” Scott said.

  “You can't know that.” Almanzo didn’t know why he argued, maybe it was frustration at not catching Harvey and his friends.

  “No, but I can promise you we won't go back until we find them,” Scott snapped.

  Almanzo knew his friend wasn’t angry with him but with the situation, they were in. Ma was injured and Paco hurt. Maybe some other people Scott loved were also hurt. Walking Tall whistled before he walked into the camp leading his horse. The two Indians who had separated from them earlier soon answered him.

  “We make camp here. My men will be back shortly. One has found something,” Walking Tall said in greeting.

  Almanzo stared at him in awe. Even after all these years, it amazed him how much the Indians could communicate in a series of what sounded like bird calls.

  Without thinking, Almanzo started to prepare a fire. Walking Tall stopped him, a grin on his face. “This is why we can always track white men. You do not think beyond your stomach.”

  “I need
coffee,” Almanzo said churlishly.

  “You need to keep out of sight. Smoke travels long distance.’

  Almanzo couldn’t believe he hadn’t thought of that.

  “Don’t blame yourself. You have more important things on your mind,” Scott said as he came back from hobbling his horse.

  “I swear I will scalp them myself if they touch a hair on her head,” Almanzo meant every word.

  “This is your Indian sister, the one you weren’t at all sure you wanted.”

  Almanzo hung his head, shame coursing through his body. Scott had known despite Almanzo’s words to the contrary. He had wished his ma would leave the Indian camp and Mia behind and come back to live in Portland with him. If Mia wasn’t there, their neighbors would have less to speak about. How could he have been so selfish?

  His ma would never have left her daughter. He wouldn't help the twinge of jealousy that ran through his blood but then his brain kicked in. His ma hadn’t meant to leave him, she had done what she thought best to save his life. Now she was doing exactly the same for Mia. When he thought of the smiling little girl in the hands of strange men who didn’t see her as a person, the rage boiled within him.

  “Do not let anger cloud your vision. You have to focus. Find Mia first. Revenge comes later,” Walking Tall counseled him as Scott fetched some water for the horses.

  They sat on the ground chewing some food. Walking Tall stopped chewing, listening intently his hand on the knife at his waist. The bird call came and he visibly relaxed. The two Indian scouts joined them. They spoke too fast for Almanzo to follow but he caught words here and there.

  “What did they say?” Almanzo finally asked, losing patience.

  “They have found the camp and your sister. It is up ahead, about an hour from here.”

  “So let’s go,” Almanzo jumped to his feet.

  “There are twenty of them and only five of us. We need to plan this carefully. They know we are coming so we have lost the element of surprise.