“And would you walk among them?” the fancy-dressed man was asking Moss.
“Right now that’s just what I intend to do, mister. ’Cause I’m goin’ out there to finish off them you left wounded and put them out of their misery.”
The others listened even closer now. To watch a man walk among the buffalo would be more exciting than shooting the great beasts.
“You’re crazy, mister!” someone spoke up. “Have you seen the size of them things?”
“I’ve been around buffalo before.”
Amanda turned to look up at him. “You don’t need to do it, Mr. Tucker. You could get killed.”
He studied her sorrowful eyes. “I do need to do it,” he replied. “Now you just go back and sit down. I’ll be gone a few minutes.”
“But, Mr. Tucker—”
He led her to her seat and picked up his rifle, quickly leaving before she could argue any further. One man left to go back into the next car and tell the others not to do any more shooting, as there would be a man out there killing off the wounded buffalo. Moss made his way forward, climbing up and walking along the top of a baggage car, then jumping to the wood box, across that and down to the engine. The engineer turned to look at him.
“Can you stop this thing for a couple minutes?” Moss asked.
“Hell no, mister! We’ve got a schedule to keep!”
In the next second Moss’s rifle barrel rested against the startled engineer’s temple.
“Mister, you found time to slow down so the men back there could use them buffalo for target practice. So I expect you can stop for five minutes and let me finish off them that didn’t die! You think you could do that?”
The engineer swallowed. “I, uh, I guess so, mister.”
“Good. Now stop this damned train!”
The man quickly pulled some levers and in thirty seconds or so the wheels had ground to a halt. Moss lowered his rifle.
“Thanks,” he said with a grin. He jumped down and cautiously walked into the herd, which was now growing restless from the train and the gunshots. Many had already run off, but a few stayed, some of them angry bulls that appeared ready to charge the train.
“There he is!” he heard someone shout from the train. He knew he was doing a foolish thing, but he also knew that the sight of the kicking, grunting, half-dead animals would haunt Amanda Boone. And he could not bear seeing her upset.
He paid no attention to the people on the train. He walked down to the fallen animals, and soon shots could be heard, as he finished off those that still struggled and snorted on the ground. More began running, and Amanda’s heart pounded with fear.
“He’s doing it for you, Amanda,” she told herself. “He probably doesn’t care any more than those other men about the wounded buffalo. He’d not shoot them down from the train himself, but—if not for you—he’d not go out there among them just to kill off the wounded ones. It’s for you.”
She struggled against it, yet she knew she was falling in love with Moses Tucker, a man whose world was as alien to hers as night and day, a man far removed from the kind she should be setting her sights on. In fact, she had never set her sights on anything but teaching and becoming a nun. There was no room in her life for a man.
Several more shots were fired, while inside the train Amanda struggled with her new feelings. It frightened her. She had never thought much about how it would feel to really love a man, to want a man. Somehow it didn’t seem as sinful as she thought it would feel. Was it because God intended this to happen? But how could He? Why would He bring someone like Moses Tucker into her life? Mr. Tucker had all but flat out told her he’d led a sinful life up to now. Perhaps he’d even been an outlaw once. What would the sisters back in New York think if she told them about this man? They’d never understand. How could anyone back there understand without having been here and seen this land—seen its beauty and magnificence, felt its danger, seen its vastness. A big country, filled with big men like Moses Tucker. A woman needed a man in country like this.
“All you need is God,” they would tell her. It made her feel ashamed. She quickly closed her eyes and asked forgiveness for practically forgetting about the Lord. But her mind flashed back to Moses when someone shouted.
“He’d better look out! There’s a big one headed for him!” somebody yelled. Men hung out windows, shouting to Moss, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the imminent clash. A huge bull buffalo was thundering toward Moss, its head down in a charging position. Moss rose from a bull he’d just shot and turned at the sound of the shouted warnings.
“Moss!” Amanda whispered. By the time Moss turned, the bull was no more than twenty feet from him.
Moss Tucker raised his rifle and fired three quick shots without hesitation, then ducked and rolled out of the way at the last minute. Amanda grasped her throat as the animal rumbled past Tucker and ran on for several feet before stumbling to the ground.
Cheers went up, and Amanda breathed a sigh of relief. Moss got up and ran over to the fallen animal, which lay kicking on the ground. He quickly reloaded and finished off the animal. Then he turned and headed for the train. He waved to the engineer to get rolling, and steam rolled from the engine as the wheels skidded on the tracks, then took hold. Slowly the train began to move again, and inside men laughed and cheered. Moses Tucker had given them a good show. But Amanda knew he’d had no intentions of putting on an act for them. His only goal had been to put the animals out of their misery, for her sake.
He was walking alongside the train now, and another buffalo was headed for him.
“Hurry up!” somebody shouted. Moss began running, as the train moved faster now, and he quickly grabbed the railing at the front of the car, jumping up and out of reach of the buffalo just in time. The animal’s head banged against the side of the car. Then it turned and ran off. Seconds later Moses Tucker came inside.
“Good show!” someone shouted.
“Now, there’s a man!” someone else yelled out.
Moss just scowled at them and sat down across from Amanda. He removed his hat and ran a hand through his long, dark hair, then looked at her almost bashfully.
“Thank you, Mr. Tucker,” she said softly. Was it love he saw in her eyes? Perhaps. But it was most likely the kind of love Christian people have for everyone, not the kind of love he truly wanted from her. Women like Amanda Boone didn’t truly love men like Moss Tucker.
“You’re welcome,” he said quietly in return.
“I’m glad you’re all right, Mr. Tucker,” she said. How she wanted to say more! But she didn’t know where to begin. This was all too new. She felt foolish and inexperienced. How did a woman such as herself tell a man like Moss Tucker that she thought she loved him? Perhaps he’d even laugh.
The words went unsaid by both parties. Moss Tucker put his head back and sighed, and Amanda returned to her knitting. The Union Pacific thundered onward, and the buffalo disappeared behind them.
Excitement began to build within Sollit Weber. They were nearing Medicine Bow now, in Wyoming Territory. The high peaks of the Rockies were in sight. Tomorrow they would pass through Bitter Creek and Salt Wells. And before they reached Bear River City, Sollit Weber and eight others would be rich men. Raincloud and his warriors would have their rifles. And perhaps they would have a lovely young woman captive who would bring them a good sum of money down in Mexico, or a good share of pleasure on the way.
Chapter Eight
Most of Amanda’s time was spent pasted to the window as the train headed into western Wyoming. Never had she seen such a spectacle, and never had she felt closer to God than when she stared at the snow-covered pinnacles of the Rockies and gasped at thousand-foot high walls as the train passed through canyons. Tall, deep green pines stretched to the heavens, and in the background were the endless mountains—gray, purple, white—stalwart and silent. She caught glimpses of antelope and elk, and once she even thought she saw a bear, but could not be sure.
Moss Tucker simply
watched and enjoyed. What a treasure she was, such simple innocence and clean beauty. She had relaxed more—so much more than when she first ran into him back in Chicago. Now her questions were endless, like a child’s. All of her fear and apprehension seemed to almost disappear, now that she was sure she could trust him. She had put herself fully in his hands, and the burden was heavy. He wondered if he could possibly tell her more about himself now, and about his daughter.
No. Not yet. It was still too soon. Besides, he liked her easiness with him now. If he told her too much, she might again be apprehensive and quiet. He liked her better this way, smiling and talkative.
“Oh, I can’t wait to write the sisters in New York!” she chattered. “They’ll be so envious of the things I’m seeing. It’s just like they say it is in the books. I thought they were exaggerating, but they weren’t at all. Oh, Mr. Tucker, this country is so beautiful. So beautiful!”
Then would come more questions: Have you ever seen the Colorado River? Have you seen a bear up close? Have you ever seen a gold mine? Have you seen the Pacific Ocean? Have you ever ridden through the mountains on a horse?
“Yes,” was his reply to everything. He’d even panned for gold once.
“No!” she exclaimed. “And did you find real gold?”
His face seemed to sadden, although he smiled faintly.
“Yeah, I found gold. Even staked a claim. Did pretty good.”
She looked him over as though he were a king.
“Are you a rich man, Mr. Tucker?”
Moss laughed. “No, ma’am.” He lit another cigar and kept smiling, although it was obvious he was deeply disturbed inside. “I, uh, lost everything to a crooked banker.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Mr. Tucker!”
His eyes hardened slightly as he studied his cigar.
“Yeah. Well, it was a long time ago, and I was young and stupid, and in love, believe it or not. That’s where my trouble started.”
Her heart burned with jealousy at the statement, yet her mind instantly filled with curiosity.
“And what happened to the young lady, Mr. Tucker?” she asked cautiously.
His smile dwindled even more. He cleared his throat and looked out the window.
“She, uh, married a lawyer. Lives down in Los Angeles now.” He turned to look at her again, and his eyes were filled with pain. “Once she found out I was broke, she decided she didn’t love me so much any more.” He smiled nervously. “I reckon it’s a good thing I found out what she was like before I married her, huh?”
Their eyes held a moment.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Tucker.”
“Yeah, well, it’s sort of the story of my life. Too bad she wasn’t more like you. I don’t expect it would make much difference to you how rich a man was.”
She reddened and looked down at her knitting.
“It’s the quality of people that counts, Mr. Tucker. But in my case there would be no choosing.” She met his eyes again. “My life will be at the mission, as a teacher and a nun.”
His eyes moved over her for a brief moment, and again she felt the unfamiliar urging deep inside of herself.
“Will it?” he asked.
“Yes, Mr. Tucker,” she replied, not sounding at all sure of herself.
“Well, like I said before, that would be a waste in my estimation. But everybody has to do what they think is right.”
She swallowed and managed a smile. Moss Tucker had sent her mind awhirl and put her in quite a predicament. She wished she had one of the sisters there to talk with.
“Won’t you tell me more about your past, Mr. Tucker?”
He sighed and smiled softly. “I don’t think I’d better tell you just yet. Maybe once we get you safely to California, I could come and visit. There’s, uh, somebody I’m goin’ to see there, somebody special. Maybe I’ll introduce the two of you later on. That is, if you’ll allow me to come and see you once in a while.”
Her mind raced with dread and happiness. Who was the special person—a woman? Yet he’d said he’d like to see her in California.
“Certainly you may come and see me,” she replied, trying to hide her disappointment over his mention of someone special. “And who is this special person? A new love, perhaps?”
Moss chuckled, inwardly relieved that she appeared to be upset over the fact that it might be a woman. That was good. Was that jealousy he read in her eyes?
“No. It’s no woman. I’d tell you more, Miss Boone, but I can’t. Not just yet.”
Her relief was obvious.
“Well, whoever it is, you be sure to bring him or her to the mission. I would like Father Mitchel to meet you. He’ll be deeply grateful for your help on this trip.”
Again their eyes held. So much left unsaid. Yet it was there in the eyes. She returned to her knitting.
“Mr. Tucker, I—I think it would be perfectly fine if you called me Amanda. I mean, I—I wouldn’t object.” She looked at him again. “I think we’re good enough friends for first names.”
He smiled broadly. “Well, now, that’s just fine with me. You call me Moss, Amanda.”
His use of her first name sent tingles through her body.
“All right, Moss.” They both smiled.
At Salt Wells it was announced that the second passenger car on the train would have to be disengaged, and most of its passengers would have to wait overnight for another train that would come through the next day.
“We’ve found a cracked wheel,” the porter announced, amid groans and curses. “There’s not much room on the other car, so unless your trip is a dire emergency, you’ll all have to stay here in Salt Wells the night and go on tomorrow on the next train. We’re sorry for the delay, but it can’t be helped. The Union Pacific will pay for your keep. There’s a meal house just behind the station where you can eat, on the house.”
Although it was a great inconvenience to the passengers, Sollit Weber was overjoyed when he heard the other passenger car would not be going on. It only made his job that much easier. Now there would be only one car full of passengers to be concerned about, and, of course, Moses Tucker. But he knew how he’d handle Tucker. The rest would be easy now. It seemed everything was working in his favor. Only one car full of passengers, and a woman who would provide him with the advantage he needed.
All passengers disembarked, the ones who would have to wait for another train grumbling about the inconvenience.
“It’s too bad the others have to wait,” Amanda commented to Moss, as he led her to the meal house. “I’m glad it wasn’t our car that was delayed. I’m getting out to the mission late enough as it is.”
“Well, they’ll be picked up tomorrow. That’s not so bad. We’ve got a little time while they unhitch and sort through the baggage and all. You come on in here and sit yourself down and eat. I’ll rejoin you soon.”
“But where are you going?” she asked.
“Oh, I’ve got somethin’ to do. I won’t be long, ma’am.” He led her inside the crowded restaurant. “Looks like this is the only place in this little town to eat,” he grumbled. There was not a free table to be had. Then a young, handsome soldier seated nearby stood up.
“Ma’am, you’re welcome to sit down right here,” he spoke up, smiling kindly. His blue eyes shone with congeniality.
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to put you out, sir,” Amanda replied.
Sollit Weber put his hand out to Moss.
“Oh, that’s all right,” he said in a friendly fashion. “I’m Sollit Weber. Private Weber. I’m headed for Bear River City, then Fort Bridger.” Weber and Moss Tucker shook hands, but there was something about the private that did not ring true to Moss. He was too eager, too friendly, and too fresh-faced. “You, uh, sit right down here, sir, with your young lady. Me and my friend can wait. Oh, this over here is Pvt. Bobby Keller. He’s traveling with me.”
Moss nodded to Keller, who had an honest face—more honest than Private Weber’s. Keller nodded back and started to rise.
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br /> “I’m not staying,” Moss told the man. “I have an errand to run. You go ahead and sit there, Keller. When you’re through I’ll probably be back and I can take your place.”
Weber pulled out his chair and motioned for Amanda to be seated.
“I’m very grateful, Mr. Weber,” Amanda told him. “You really needn’t do this.”
“Oh, it’s my pleasure, ma’am,” Weber replied, smiling. “I’ll go ahead and order and eat standing up. And the two of us will stay right here with you until your gentleman friend gets back.”
“The name is Moses Tucker,” Moss told Weber.
“Well, I’m glad to meet you, Mr. Tucker. You go ahead and run your errand, and Private Keller and I will look out for—” He looked at Amanda and smiled a boyish smile. “Ma’am, we don’t even know your name.”
Amanda looked up from her chair. “Oh, forgive me!” she said, feeling rude. “I’m Miss Amanda Boone.”
“Miss?” Weber replied. “Pardon me, ma’am. But I wasn’t sure. I thought perhaps you and Mr. Tucker here were married. I mean, you’ve been traveling together—”
“We’re friends,” Moss spoke up, a little irritated. This young man seemed to be cleverly trying to find something out. Was it because he had an interest in Amanda? He suddenly realized he was jealous. The soldier was young and handsome, and didn’t men in uniform usually turn a young woman’s head? Amanda appeared fascinated with the soldiers, but then she’d probably never seen soldiers before. “Miss Boone is a teacher—soon to be a nun,” he added, hoping to dispel any interest Private Weber might have. Weber’s surprise was evident, and it pleased Moss.
“Well!” he said, smiling nervously. He looked down at Amanda. “A very commendable choice, Miss Boone. I’m honored to be in your presence.” Thoughts were racing through the young man’s mind. This young woman was single, and likely had never been touched by a man; she’d bring a good price in Mexico. But he was also confused. If she was truly to be a nun, what was Moses Tucker’s interest in her? Weber was sure he had not misread Tucker’s infatuation with Miss Amanda Boone. Perhaps Tucker knew a relationship was next to impossible; yet that would not necessarily stop him from loving the woman, and it would certainly not stop him from worrying about her welfare. This new information was a surprise, yet it did not really change Weber’s plans to any great extent.
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