“I agree.” Robert mounted his horse. “I’ll lead the way.”
The trio eased along the path, anxious for dawn. Brush and trees made ghostly figures, and when the wind stirred, it was as if the branches beckoned them forward. Otherwise there was no sign of life—no sound to suggest anyone was nearby. The darkness and cold were their only companions. Chilled to the bone, Phillip pulled his collar up and his hat down to stay as warm as possible. Mostly, he prayed.
“Ella! You can’t get away from me. I know this land better than you!”
Jefferson continued to call out after her, but Ella refused to give in to fear and turn back. She could hardly feel her feet. They were so cold—and probably bleeding from the debris-covered forest floor—but she didn’t care. She kept her hands up in front of her face in order to feel her way through the thickets and brush, but otherwise she prayed and tried not to think about the man who was closing in behind her.
After a time, Jefferson stopped hollering. Ella wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. At least when he was yelling at her, she had some idea of where he was. Now, however, there was no telling. He could have worked his way around her and be waiting just ahead. She paused and listened. Nothing could be heard but the remnants of rain as it dripped through the trees. She thought of finding one of the full pines and crawling beneath it to hide until light, but as tempting as that thought was, she feared she’d freeze to death. She had no coat, no shoes, and her stockings were ripped to shreds.
She tried to keep her mind fixed on home and Phillip. She didn’t want to give in to despair. Not now. Not when there was a chance she might make her escape. She remembered once, after her tutor had told her about Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the West, she had asked her father if they could go on an exploration and sleep outside under the starry skies. It sounded like such a grand adventure. Her father had quickly informed her that such things weren’t for the likes of refined women. Ella thought that very disappointing. Why did men get to have all the fun?
Now, however, she would gladly have traded the danger of the woods at night for her warm bed and restricted life. The next time she enjoyed such luxuries, she would be extra grateful for them. If there was a next time.
She didn’t really fear death, but she longed to see Phillip again and tell him how much she loved him. Her time in Europe had left her without doubt on that count. Even now, the thought of seeing him again was what pushed her on. It gave her strength as her reserves quickly gave out. Several times she found herself starting to cough and suppressed it as best she could. If she made too much noise, Jefferson would find her.
The snapping of branches sounded from somewhere behind her, and Ella froze in place. Was it Jefferson? An animal? Branches breaking as they froze?
Please, God, help me.
She pressed on as quietly as she could manage with her stiff limbs. She couldn’t be sure of where she was or if she’d even managed to maintain a northerly course, and exhaustion was quickly overtaking her. Every step she took was sheer misery. Her hands and feet were frozen, and her legs were like lead weights as the wet wool material of her skirt clung to them. Twice she’d caught her hair in the branches of a tree or bush and thought for sure Jefferson had found her. Now, as a hint of dawn added light to the skies, Ella couldn’t fight a deep sense of fear. The darkness had kept her hidden, but now she would be visible to Jefferson. This was his land, and he had already proven to know it well.
Ella staggered toward an opening in the brush. She could see on the other side that there was a bit of a trail, but whether it had been made by man or animal, she didn’t know. Was it safe to follow it? It wasn’t yet light enough to see where it led.
Tears slid down her cheeks. She crumpled to the ground in defeat. Where was she to go?
Lord, I have no idea where I am or where I can go to be safe. Please help me.
She wiped her cheeks with the hem of her skirt, but it did little good. The fabric was soaked from the rain. She couldn’t give up now. She just couldn’t. Yet she felt so helpless and hopeless. It was hard enough to face the first, but the second made her feel even worse. She knew God was with her. There was hope in that, but she also knew that she might well lose her life in this course.
Drawing a deep breath, Ella studied the area around her. Maybe she should find a hiding place and wait until it was once again dark. Maybe she could tear strips from her gown and pad her feet. Maybe she could take pieces of bark and use them to make soles to walk on. Maybe—
Something darted out at her from the side. Ella let out a scream, confident that Jefferson Spiby had found her. Instead, a deer rushed past, giving a leap as it suddenly spied her.
If Jefferson was nearby, she’d just given away her location. Her decision was made. She’d have to keep moving. Perhaps she should take the path and see where it led.
With great effort, she forced herself to stand. The pain she felt was no comparison to the fear. She forgot about tearing pieces of cloth or stripping bark and instead hurried as best as her bruised and bloodied feet would allow.
“It came from that direction,” Phillip said, pointing. He’d heard the scream and knew it was Ella. “Take my horse. I’m going on foot.”
Before Robert or Abe could protest, Phillip had jumped from his horse and headed toward the brush. He was confident that Ella was just beyond the trees, close enough to get to without the horse. No doubt Jefferson Spiby was the cause of her distress. Phillip felt his belt for the knife he kept there. He’d rather have a gun, but the knife would have to do. He pushed aside the brush and looked for any sign of a path or of Ella. It was only now getting light enough to see by, yet in the tight weave of trees, shrubs, and dead vegetation, Phillip had difficulty making his way.
“Lord, please help me find her. Help me know which way she’s gone.”
The toe of his boot caught on a root, and Phillip fell headlong onto the leaf-covered forest floor. He had started to get to his feet when he spied something pink. He plucked a piece of cloth from where it had torn off and stuck to a thorny bush.
Ella! Mara had told them Ella was wearing a pink dress. It was the only one missing from her wardrobe.
Phillip jumped up and looked around. He listened, intent on hearing even the slightest movement. She had come this way. She was close. He decided that even if Spiby were in pursuit, he would call for her. Maybe his presence would frighten Spiby into leaving her alone.
“Ella! Ella, it’s Phillip! Where are you? Ella?”
There was no reply.
Phillip tried not to despair. She might not be able to speak. The scream may have indicated Spiby had her and was causing her pain.
He pressed on, watching the area carefully for tracks. He picked up her trail easily. Thankfully the forest had shielded her tracks from the heavier rain, so her progress was easily seen. He followed as quickly as he dared. When he reached the edge of a small clearing, he could see that she had actually taken a rest here. The brush was beaten down in a small circle. There were also deer tracks and a small animal trail that no doubt led to water. In the wet, muddy ground, he saw what looked to be a human footprint.
Good grief, was she barefoot? Phillip knelt and ran a finger along the small print. It had to be Ella’s.
Now he felt even more frantic to reach her. She was barefoot, and who knew how long she’d been exposed to the cold and damp without proper attire. What if she’d run from the house without any clothing at all? Then he remembered the piece of cloth in his hands. At least she was dressed.
Phillip seethed. Whatever Spiby had done to her, he’d pay. Phillip drew a deep breath and pushed his anger aside. Now wasn’t the time to think on those things. Right now he needed his wits to find Ella.
He followed the deer trail, seeing additional footprints. She was running, at least a short distance. He could tell by the stretch of space between the prints. And then just as the path bent to the right, Phillip spotted her ahead. She had fallen and lay in the path, unmoving.
“Ella!” He rushed to her and lifted her in his arms. Was she dead? “Ella! It’s Phillip. Wake up.”
Her eyes fluttered, and for a moment she stared blankly at him. Then, as she seemed to register what was happening, she reached up. “Phillip?”
He grinned. “Yes. It’s Phillip. I’ve come to rescue you.”
“That’s a turn of circumstance,” she murmured. “Usually I’m the one rescuing you.”
“Not anymore,” he said, hugging her close.
He headed back the way he’d come as quickly as he dared with Ella in his arms. He wasn’t sure what Robert and Abe had done when he’d taken off, but hopefully they were close enough that he could reach them without too much effort.
Ella had closed her eyes, but whether she was just resting or had fainted, Phillip didn’t know. He didn’t want to waste his energy on trying to talk to her when she was clearly spent. She had no coat, and her exposed skin was icy to the touch. Worse still, her bare feet were in bad shape, the soles cut in multiple places.
Phillip reached the place where he’d entered the woods. It wasn’t easy to pick his way back to the road while balancing Ella and keeping her from further harm, but he managed it. When he came into the clearing, he was glad to see that Robert and Abe were still there.
“Ella!” Robert cried, jumping down. “Is she alive?”
“Yes, but nearly frozen. Quick, get some blankets so we can wrap her up and get her warm.”
Abe and Robert untied their bedrolls and worked the blankets around her as Phillip continued to hold her.
“Did you see Spiby?” Robert asked.
“No. He may be out there still, looking for her,” Phillip replied.
“Most likely he made his way back to the house when he heard you calling for her,” Robert said. “My guess is that he knows we’ve found him and he’ll hightail it out of here.”
“We have to get Ella warmed up. His hunting lodge is the only thing nearby. Do you suppose we dare go there? If he’s still there, we have three of us to his one.” Phillip looked to Robert for his thoughts.
“I don’t like the idea of meeting the enemy in his camp,” Robert replied. “He knows this area better than we do, and he definitely knows the house better.”
“But it’s imperative we get her warmed up. I think we have to take the chance. A couple of us can stand guard while the other one tends to Ella.”
Robert glanced down the trail. “I agree. We’ll just have to take our chances and pray for the best.”
Ella awoke to warmth and the smell of coffee. She smiled, and for a moment she thought perhaps her abduction was nothing more than a nightmare, but then she opened her eyes. Her heart nearly stopped as she recognized her surroundings and realized she was back in the hunting lodge. However, the man standing at the window wasn’t Jefferson.
She moved her legs and cried out as pain radiated up from her feet. The man at the window turned. It was Phillip.
“Am I dreaming?” she asked.
He was at her side in two long strides. “Lie still, Ella. Your feet are pretty torn up. We wrapped them as best we could, but you need to rest. We plan to head out in the morning, but for now you need to stay put.”
She shook her head. “How did I get here?”
“What do you remember?”
She thought a moment, then opened her eyes. “I was running from Jefferson.”
Phillip’s brows came together as he frowned. “He managed to get away. Do you remember where he planned to take you? Where he was heading?”
She was hesitant to believe that Jefferson was really gone. “He told me we were going to California.” She rubbed her temples. Her fingers still felt cold, but at least they didn’t hurt as they had. “I knew I had to get away, and when he let me go to the outhouse, I ran.”
“I found you collapsed on the deer trail.”
“Oh, Phillip, I can scarcely believe you’re here.” She held out her hand. “Are you sure this isn’t a dream?”
He smiled. “It’s real enough. I came to your house to surprise you and instead found out that Spiby had stolen you away. I’ve never been more afraid.”
She patted the mattress beside her. “Sit with me.”
He sat and took her hand. Ella gazed into his dark eyes. She could see a sobriety there that had been missing before. He had done it. She was certain of it. He had put aside liquor, hopefully forever.
She smiled and touched his cheek. “I’m so glad you found me. I prayed you would come but thought it impossible.”
“With God, all things are possible. You taught me that.” Phillip grinned in the boyish way Ella had come to love.
“Why did you bring me here? Weren’t you afraid Jefferson would be here?”
“We figured it was three against one, and you were in desperate need of warmth. It was the only place we could get you some immediate help. He was gone when we got back here with you. Abe and Robert and I took turns looking for him, but it was clear he saddled up and hightailed it out of here. We might have gone after him, but it was far too important to get you warmed up and tend to your feet.”
“He figured I’d try to run, so he refused to let me have my boots or coat when I asked to go to the outhouse. I knew I couldn’t let that stop me.”
“I’m so glad you’re safe.” He pulled her up and embraced her for a moment, then gently eased her back against the pillows. “Sorry. I just had to hold you. I thought I’d lost you forever.”
“I was worried you had too. Jefferson had grandiose plans for disappearing forever.” She shook her head. “But what about you? How are you?”
“I’m fit as a fiddle and ready to dance a jig.” His smile broadened. “That is, as soon as my best gal is well enough to dance it with me.”
“I heard talking and figured you must be awake,” her brother said, coming into the room. “How are you feeling?”
Ella could see that neither man had slept. They both looked haggard. “I think I feel better than either of you. You look exhausted.”
“Yes, well, it’s hard to sleep when you don’t know if your baby sister is going to live or die,” Robert said matter-of-factly. “Now that I know, I’ll be happy to return home and rest.”
She laughed. “I’m so grateful for what you both did. Abe too. I cannot thank you enough. When Jefferson took me, I feared I’d never see any of you again.”
“We feared the same,” Robert said. “I know what he’s capable of . . . what he might do.”
Phillip frowned, and Ella could see the concern in his expression. She gave his hand a pat. “He didn’t hurt me. God protected me in every way.”
A look of relief passed between Robert and Phillip. “We prayed it would be so,” Robert declared. “Mara and Mother were praying at home as well. We were so afraid of what Jefferson would do to you.”
“I think he was far too consumed with his own well-being to give me any real attention. He knew the Pinkertons were after him and that you all would come searching for me. He had no rest, no peace of mind. I assure you of that.”
“I sent a boy to wire the Pinkertons in Washington before we left the farm. No doubt they’ll send a man,” Robert said, fixing Ella with a serious expression. “Anything you can remember about where he intended to go or what he intended to do would help them greatly.”
Ella nodded. “I understand. Jefferson didn’t say a lot, but he did have plans. He intends to change his identity and disappear in the West. He has friends who will help him, and at least some money.”
“You mentioned him going to California,” Phillip said, stroking her hand with his thumb.
“Yes. He said he had a friend who would help him. I think he lives in the city of Riverside. Jefferson mentioned going there on the train. That’s really all I know.”
“That’s more than we knew. It’s hard to say if Jefferson will change his plans now, but I have to believe he’ll at least attempt to go through with what he set in place. Now that you’re aw
ake, we should start for home. I’ll let Abe know.” Robert headed for the door, then glanced back over his shoulder. “I feel confident that I’m leaving you in good hands.”
Ella looked at Phillip and nodded. “The very best.”
Two days later, Ella sat in front of a Pinkerton man in the comfort of her childhood home. She felt completely restored, and even the cuts on her feet were healing well enough that she could walk on her own—although Mother insisted she use a cane just in case.
The detective had listened to her every word, making notes and asking questions as they went along. He now closed his little notebook and got to his feet.
“I believe that’s all I need. It seems you have nothing new to add, so I will join the other agent back in town.”
Robert stood as well. “You will let us know if you find him?”
The Pinkerton man smiled. “Oh, we will find him. We always get our man. But to answer your question, yes. We’ll notify you when Spiby is in custody.”
Robert walked him to the door while Ella and her mother remained seated. Ella reached for her mother’s hand. “Hopefully Father’s testimony will put him away for the rest of his life.”
“I just hope your father doesn’t have to face such a sentence. I know your brother feels confident he will be given leniency for his testimony, but I worry so.”
“No matter what happens, you mustn’t worry. Robert and Virginia will never abandon you. Robert has assured me you will always have a home with them.”
Her mother nodded. “I have a feeling we’re done for in this area.”
“I had much the same thought,” Robert said, returning to the front room with Phillip now in tow. “I doubt we’ll ever be welcomed back into polite society around here. People who were forced to help our father and Jefferson Spiby’s family will begrudge us for a great many years. Not to mention the authorities who willingly helped them for money. They have lost the extra benefits Father and Jefferson provided. There’s bound to be hard feelings over that as well.”
What Comes My Way Page 24