by Danni Roan
“No, he came to us,” Sarah Jane explained.
“Why?”
“Well I fell off a mountain, and they picked me up,” Titus admitted, feeling the familiar embarrassment crawl up his neck.
The old woman studied him for a moment her dark eyes seeming to delve into his very soul, and then she rocked back on the log howling with laughter.
Soon the other women were looking at her and even some of the men stepped out of their lodges to see what the commotion was.
When the old woman barked out the tail in her own tongue, the others began to laugh too, and soon Titus was turning redder by the minute until Sarah Jane touched his sleeve a soft smile on her face.
“They’ll tell this story a hundred times,” she whispered, “but look at them. It’s always best to laugh.”
Titus smiled looking at how the village had found the hilarity in his predicament. It had been foolish not to check his footing when he’d dismounted, it had been fool hardy to continue moving after dark in an unfamiliar land.
Titus looked at Sarah Jane, her eyes bright with both laughter and appreciation.
His smile widened and suddenly he began to laugh to. He’d made a big mistake, a mistake that could have cost him his life, but instead he was here with the Bentley’s.
If he hadn’t fallen down that hill, he never would have met Sarah Jane, and he knew beyond a doubt that he would have been a poorer man for it.
After several minutes of laughter, and the story being told and retold, his hosts settled back to their tasks of preparing dinner or tending children.
Mama Peaks chewed her fry bread with jam patting Sarah Jane’s arm absently.
“You keep,” she said, “is good falling off mountain.”
“The jam is for you Mama Peaks.” Sarah explained wondering what the woman was saying.
“Yes, mine.” Mama Peaks said, taking the jar from Sarah Jane, “but him, you keep,” she finished pointing a boney finger toward Titus.
Titus sat up straight looking at Sarah Jane who looked at him, a new light in her eyes. He wondered for only a second what it would be like to call a girl like Sarah Jane his.
She was smart, funny, caring, and prompted him to think in a way he hadn’t for years. Sarah Jane was the kind of girl you took home to your mother. Who you courted with great care, and if you were lucky, you married.
Titus turned away from the enticing dark eye and lovely smile. He had nothing to offer a girl like Sarah Jane. He didn’t even have a name.
The walk home was quiet and awkward. Titus carried the now empty basket again as they leaned into the icy wind that whistled down the mountain pass.
Snow was on the air, and they both knew that soon even the valley would wear a blanket of white.
“I hope Mama Peaks didn’t embarrass you too much,” Sarah Jane finally said. “She’s very old and does whatever she likes.”
Titus smiled. The old woman had been interesting and had made him laugh. He was grateful for that.
It had been interesting to see how the village worked, and how each person had their tasks to complete.
He’d noted that more permanent structures were under way further along the valley and wondered if the Indians would be allowed to stay at the mission for good.
“I’ve found it very interesting living here these past few weeks,” Sarah Jane said.“I’m always learning something new about the native way of life.” She looked up at Titus, but he was silent, still pondering his own thoughts.
“Until recently they were nomads traveling from place to place hunting buffalo and gathering what they needed from the land, but all that has changed now.”
Titus nodded, he knew about the Indians of the west and how they’d followed the massive herds of buffalo for generations taking only what they needed.
“The buffalo are almost gone now,” Sarah Jane continued. “It must be hard seeing your whole world change.”
Titus agreed. “I can’t argue with that.”
“Can you imagine traveling all the time? Seeing something new or waking up to a different view as the seasons changed? I never knew I’d like traveling when Pa told us we were moving, but I’ve enjoyed seeing all the new places we’ve passed through.”
Titus chuckled wryly. “You want to travel and see things, and I’d like to find where I belong,” he said. “We make quite a pair.”
Sarah Jane stopped looking up at him and he hesitated in his step.
“I wish I could help you find your way Titus, I truly do, but in the mean time try to remember that you have today and don’t waste it wishing for something that you haven’t found.”
Titus stared into Sarah Jane’s dark eyes and felt himself sinking. Slowly he nodded. “I’ll try.”
Chapter 26
FOR THE NEXT THREE days Titus not only worked on the wagon with Bill Bentley, he did it with a vengeance.
This family was starting to mean something to him. He didn’t know his family. He didn’t even know if he had one, but he could help the one he was with.
Each day he joined Bill in the shed, replacing worn spokes, refitting the tongue, patching holes and making sure that the conveyance was ready to roll in the spring.
“You’ve been a mighty big help to me,” Bill said wiping his greasy hands on a rag.
“I think this wagon’s in better shape now than when we started out.”
Titus smiled, “You and your family need to be safe,” he said.
“Then you should trail along with us,” Bill said. “Nothing like having an extra soul along to keep an eye out for trouble.”
“You think there will be trouble?”
“I don’t know but the trail hasn’t been easy so far.”
Titus nodded thinking of the trials of the road. He’d traveled enough now to know that it didn’t take much to turn travel to tragedy.
“I’ll think about it.”
“I’m sure you’re anxious to hear from the sheriff. It’ll put your mind at ease.”
“It will,” Titus said. “I’d like all concerned to know that you and your family are safe.”
“I’m sure they’ll be pleased to know you’re well,” Bill added with a smile.
Titus thought of Jed and Birdie, even the Sheriff. He was sure they’d be sad if something happened to him, but would it change their lives?
He was just a man they’d taken pity on, not family. If he disappeared completely, would it make a difference to their lives?
“I hope you decide to come along,” Bill said slapping Titus on the back. “We’re all fond of you.”
Titus smiled in appreciation. “Maybe I will.”
“Will what?” Calvin skidded into the shed, Melvin on his heels.
“Titus here might travel on to Biders Clump with us.” Mr. Bentley said.
“That’d be great,” Melvin said. “Maybe he’d let us look after his horse and mule.” He turned to his brother a hopeful grin on his face.
“You mean, maybe he’d let you ride them for him.” Bill said.
The boys smiled angelically at Titus then turned back to their father. “Ma says come to lunch.”
Bill Bentley ruffled his son’s blonde locks and grinned. “We’ll be right there.”
Together the boys charged back toward the house shouting plans for how far they’d ride on their own if Titus let them have his horse for a spell.
Bill chuckled, “Those boys are as rowdy as my brother and I were at that age,” he said. “I think they might drive their mother up the wall though.”
“It’ll be better when you’re settled again. I’m sure this new town must have a school, and things for boys to do.”
“My brother said Biders Clump got a new teacher a couple of years ago and that he’s good with all of the children.”
“I’m sure you’ll be happy to be settled.”
“I will, but I’m enjoying the journey as well. I always like seeing new places. Still I think I’ll be happy to get back to normal. For now,
I think we’d better get in for lunch, or we’ll be having a cold dinner.”
Titus followed Bill into the house to see lunch on the table and Sarah Jane pouring coffee into cups.
As he stepped through the door, she looked up and smiled sending a warm shiver to his middle.
“The wagon’s in fine shape,” Bill said, drying his hands which he’d washed at the bucket by the door. “Should be smooth sailing when the weather clears.”
“I’ll be glad to be settled,” Molly said. “I’m grateful for this place and for all that the Brothers have done for us, but I’ll be glad to get back to a town and have my own place.” She looked around the simple adobe home and smiled. “This is good, but it isn’t mine.”
Bill reached up taking her hand and pulling her down beside him at the table before saying grace.
Titus looked up at Sarah Jane who’d sat down at the other end of the table, wondering how she felt about a new home.
Didn’t all women want a house a place to call their own?
Sarah Jane looked up offering him a soft smile, and he ducked his head not wanting her to know he’d been studying her.
She was a pretty girl, kind, and fun, but he had nothing to offer a girl like her. He would spend his days traveling trying to find out who he was, no woman would want that?
“Titus will you be traveling with us when we move on?” Sarah Jane asked him back from his thoughts.
“I’m not sure yet. It depends on what’s going on in Hester.”
“Perhaps once Laughing Dog returns you’ll be able to make a decision,” Molly said.
“We could check in, and see if Father John’s heard anything after lunch,” Sarah Jane suggested.
“That’s a good idea,” Bill agreed.
The usual lunch chatter continued over the meal, but Titus’s mind kept coming back to the idea of family, so it caught him by surprise when Sarah Jane took his empty plate.
“Ready?” she asked a twinkle in her eye.
“Oh, yes,” Titus said rising awkwardly and heading for the door.
Together they stepped into the gray day heading in the direction of the church.
“Have you ever been to Wyoming?” Sarah Jane asked, once again catching him by surprise.
“Not that I know of,” he smiled.
“Perhaps you have kin there?” Sarah Jane suggested.
“How would I find out?” Titus said. “I don’t even know where to start.”
“You have a good point,” Sarah Jane agreed, “but you could ask around if you travelled with us.”
Titus shrugged, his coat feeling heavy over tight shoulders.
“I’ve traveled a good bit now I know that,” Titus said. “I just wish it would lead me somewhere.”
Sarah Jane laughed, and he turned to look at her. “I’d say you’re somewhere right now.”
Titus smiled her little reminder jarring him out of his thoughts. “I guess I’m worrying too much about everything at the moment.”
“I think you can be forgiven for that,” Sarah Jane said. “It must be hard, but perhaps you need to let it go and maybe something will happen.”
“You think so?”
“Sometimes if I look too hard for something, I can’t think of where it could be, then I stop looking and pretty soon I find it.”
Titus laughed, he knew what she meant, but in two years he still hadn’t been able to find what his memory had lost.
“So you think I should come along with your family, and see if anything comes back?”
“Unless you have something else more important to do?” Sarah said her dark eyes dancing with mirth.
Making the turn that led into the village square, they saw Laughing Dog coming out of the church.
“Laughing Dog,” Sarah Jane called, leaving Titus’s side and hurrying to the brave.
Titus continued his stroll toward the church his eyes on the interaction between Sarah Jane and the young Indian man.
“Did you get what I asked for?” Sarah Jane questioned smiling up at the man.
“I get.” Laughing Dog said, pulling the ribbons from the same hidden pocket in his jacket that he’d put her pennies into.
“Good now please take them to Morning Star.” She said pointing and pushing him in the direction of the young woman who was busy with even more wash.
Laughing Dog looked at Sarah Jane then down at the yellow ribbons in his hand then toward Morning Star and grinned, striding across the square his head held high.
Titus smiled, at once relieved that Sarah Jane wasn’t interested in the brave, and pleased at what she’d done to point the brave in the right direction.
What woman wouldn’t like a pretty gift?
Sarah Jane turned almost walking into Titus as he stepped into the door way of the church and smiled brightly at him.
“That was sneaky,” Titus said, returning her grin.
“I know, but I couldn’t take it anymore,” she said with a shake of her head. “Besides Mama Peaks told me she was going to sew them into a tent if they couldn’t figure things out for themselves.”
Titus laughed a deep rumbling in his chest. After meeting the old woman he believed she would have done it. “I’m glad you saved them that. I can only image how embarrassing that would be.”
“Probably,” Sarah Jane agreed, “but better than the two of them dancing around each other and being miserable the whole time.”
Titus turned watching as Laughing Dog handed the ribbons to Morning Star who stood up from her wash smiling brightly, her eyes soaking him in.
Sarah Jane elbowed Titus in the ribs. “I’ve done my part, now it’s up to them.” She said grabbing his arm and dragging him inside.
“Ah I wondered how long it would take for you to show up once Laughing Dog returned.” Father John said as the two walked in.
“What did you learn Father John?” Sarah Jane asked anxiously moving to the front of the church.
“I was just reading through the telegram,” the priest said. “Here you read it for us.” He finished handing it to Sarah Jane.
“Titus. Good work.” Sarah Jane began looking up at Titus with a smile. “Wired Sheriff Pike at BC. That must be Biders Clump.” The young woman interjected, “Jed and Birdie are fine. Advise you travel on with family and see them settled.”
“That’s good news isn’t it,” Sarah Jane said handing Titus the paper. “Everyone knows that everyone is safe.” She giggled softly at her comment making Titus smile.
“I’m glad to hear that Jed is well,” the young man said.
“Always nice to get good news now isn’t it?” Father John said, looking at them kindly. “It’s hard to simply trust that those we care about are well when we are far away from them.”
Titus turned his blue gaze on the priest. “That’s too true parson,” he agreed. “I’ve worried over whether I even have a family for more than two years now.”
“Then you must trust to providence my son,” Father John said. “Sometimes that is all that we can do, and frankly it is the best thing we can do anyway.”
“Thanks padre,” Titus said feeling somehow calmer.
“I will light a candle for you and for your family whoever and where ever they may be.”
Titus clasped the other man’s hand appreciatively. It was a comfort to know that someone else understood.
“Shall we go tell my parents?” Sarah Jane asked noting how Titus had relaxed at the priests words.
“I’m sure they’ll be happy to hear the news,” Titus said giving a wave to Father John and offering Sarah Jane his arm. “They’ll know that their family is aware of their delay, but that all is well.”
Sarah Jane took Titus’s arm pleased at the physical contact that the gesture permitted as they walked through the doors and into a fresh falling snow.
“Father?” a young priest no older than Titus stepped out of a side door moments later. “I thought you were only lighting a candle for Titus’s family.”
�
��Brother Matthew,” Father John said, “I’m lighting one candle for his family, one for the Bentley’s and one for Titus himself,” He smiled knowingly. “If the way Sarah Jane looks at him is any indication he’ll need it.”
Brother Matthew turned looking at the doors of the chapel where the couple had exited so recently looking confused.
Chapter 27
“GEORGE.” SHERIFF PIKE ambled up onto the front porch of the Biders Clump Boarding house and nodded at his old friend. “I got a wire today.”
“You did? Who from?” George asked, as he packed more snow around the galvanized ice cream bucket at his feet.
“Sheriff Davis down in Hester. Seems he was worried that we hadn’t heard about the Bentley’s kin and wanted us to know they’re safe in Utah at the moment.”
George Olson chuckled. “Messages every which way I guess,” George said.
“How’s Francis doing?” the Sheriff asked casually.
“Oh, he’s doing just fine. He’s been helping me with the wood pile and even offered to help Byron over at the livery.”
“Folks don’t mind him being here in town?” Sheriff Pike’s dark eyes were sharp.
“Nah, no one minds. They seen how much the boy wants to help and ain’t worried none.” George said.
“Hey, we’re havin’ a couple folks in to supper tonight. Why don’t you join us?” George said. “I’m making ice cream to go with Polly’s chocolate cake.”
Sheriff Pike looked down at the bucket and crank contraption George was working, suddenly feeling hungry at just the mention of Polly Esther’s cake. “I think I’ll take you up on that George,” Pike said with a grin. “I’m not the kind of man to miss out on an opportunity like that.”
The sound of a horn blaring and the chug chug of a new fangled automobile made Pike groan.
“Here comes Jasper again.” He said shaking his head. “Can you tell me why a regular horse and buggy isn’t good enough for that man?”
Together the two men watched as the horseless carriage made its way around a turn puttering into view with the town’s banker at the helm.
“Morning George, Sheriff.” The man greeted from beneath a heavy fur coat.