The Cogan Legend

by R. E. Miller

  “You girls are in for the experience of a lifetime,” Charles exclaimed in a gleeful mood. He looked at Rachel who held her head down and rolled her eyes upward and then back at her plate as she ate. Charles knew she wasn’t happy. “Tonight you can write to Tom and relay what a tremendous experience you had and tell him all about it.”

  Rachel never looked up from her breakfast and frowned even more.

  As breakfast ended Charles requested, “Go dress in your warmest garments and boots; we’ll be leaving soon.”

  As they entered the bedroom Rachel started, “Ann, I’m so opposed to going. I feel like quitting and taking a stage back to Philadelphia.”

  “You know I don’t want to go either, but maybe Father is right. This will be an experience we’ll never forget.”

  “Oh please, let’s just get it over. I’m sure I’ll have regrets as soon as we leave the lodge.”

  Charles, already dressed warmly, retrieved his flintlock rifle, powder, and balls while the girls were dressing. Then he thanked Mary for breakfast and gave her a peck on the check.

  As they came down the steps, Charles smiled and bit his tongue to keep from bursting into laughter. He knew he couldn’t say anything derogatory and laugh aloud or they would refuse to go. “Now, you’re dressed for the weather and look like hunters. This is going to be a successful day.”

  Overnight the weather had turned blustery and cold, and snow squalls had dropped two or three inches of new snow. When they stepped out of the lodge, a gust of wind blew and snow fell from the roof and hit them directly in the face.

  “Oh my goodness! Now my face is all wet!” whined Rachel. “We’ll freeze to death before we get ten feet and it’s totally dark. We have to be out of our minds to be out here now.”

  Ann couldn’t keep quiet any longer. “Father, Rachel is right. Must we go?”

  “Yes” was his only response, and he kept on walking. It didn’t discourage him at all.

  Off they went, Rachel just shaking her head and muttering to herself as they followed Charles. It was breaking daylight as they walked down a trail from the lodge toward the mountain. It was a clear morning; the wind diminished as they approached the mountain and without sunlight to warm the hollow, it was even colder.

  They came to a small creek too big to jump across so Charles looked for some logs to balance and cross. Not far was a downed-tree ideal for walking. Charles went first. “Who’s next?” As he put down his gun and held out a hand.

  “I can’t walk across that log. I’ll fall in, and then I will definitely freeze to death,” Rachel complained loudly.

  “Shush, keep your voice down; we must be quiet. Come on I’ll help you,” he interjected grabbing Rachel’s arm and helping her cross the log.

  Next, it was his daughter’s turn. She reluctantly obeyed when he implied, “Ann, come on, take my arm.”

  Walking, the girls were warm, and except for Rachel’s disgust, they were fine. Charles had high hopes of shooting a deer; the weather was ideal. He picked a spot he thought would be good to wait in ambush. He felt with the snow they’d be able to spot deer more easily. Charles scraped the snow from a wide circle around them with his boot.

  “What are you doing Father?”

  “It makes it quieter so the deer can’t hear you.”

  Where they were standing, the sun didn’t hit them at all. Before a half-hour had passed, the girls both shivered. Another thirty minutes passed, and they were shaking and dancing behind Charles. He insisted they stop moving. “The deer will see you if you keep jumping around.”

  The girls couldn’t take it anymore; they couldn’t stop shivering and their feet were frozen. They were jumping and prancing and making all kinds of gestures behind Charles’ back trying to keep warm. Rachel kept hitting Ann’s arm and pointing to Charles and with her hands and mouth gestured for them to leave.

  Charles laughed to himself knowing exactly how they felt.

  Ann couldn’t take it anymore. “Father, we can’t stand this anymore. Please may we leave?”

  Rachel told Charles, “I’m leaving. I don’t care about any deer.” She was too cold to care. “I’ve never been this cold in all of my life, and it’s not me who is being punished, although I wouldn’t know it.”

  Charles, who was just as anxious as they were to leave, wouldn’t admit that he was cold, but he did agree to leave. This time the girls hurriedly led the way and needed no help crossing the creek. Charles was left in back of the pack as the girls hurried to return to the lodge.

  When they arrived, the girls hurried to the fire to warm up. Charles found Mary in the kitchen. “Mary, as funny as it was to see those two dance and shiver, on the way back I started feeling a little guilty. Perhaps what I did was cruel.”

  “I don’t think it was cruel,” Mary assured him. “Neither of them got hurt, and they’ll remember it for a long time. I think it was good for them.”

  Charles sat on a kitchen chair and began removing his boots. “I suppose they’ll be mad at me though.”

  “Maybe so, but I wouldn’t worry about that.” She brought him a cup of coffee from the stove. “What’s done is done. My mom used to say, ‘No use crying over spilled milk.’

  “Thank you, Mary. It’s good to have a woman’s perspective on this.” He took a drink of coffee. “Thank you.”

  Mary turned back to her chores feeling like she could burst into song at any moment.

  Several hours later after warming themselves both girls approached Charles. “Father, I’m never going deer hunting or any kind of hunting again. Please never bring it up again.”

  “I can tell you, I’m never going again under any circumstance,” Rachel added.

  Charles just grinned. “But wasn’t the experience worth it?”

  Neither responded as they left the room.

  CHAPTER 5

  Two days passed after the hunting fiasco before the girls again became restless. Rachel took her frustrations out on Ann. “I can’t take this place. We’ve been here over three weeks, and the only thing keeping me sane is writing. Deer hunting, wearing men’s clothing, outdated fashions, and people who are so different from us. It’s like being locked up. I’m ready to go home.”

  “I’m as frustrated as you are, Rachel. If you weren’t here, I would run away, probably with the storekeeper in Gratztown.”

  Rachel laughed at Ann’s outburst.

  Ann turned toward the window. “I have a thought. Remember that town I told you about before we left? Sunbury? I recall him describing an outpost or fort. That could mean a lot of single men.”

  “Oh, that’s good for you,” Rachel said, “but what about me?”

  Ann eyed her friend calmly. “It’s good for both of us. You’ll get to see something besides the walls of this lodge and I’ll…”

  “I think I know what you want to do!” Rachel stood and walked to the window to stand beside Ann. “I guess it would be better than staying here.”

  “Of course! Anywhere has to be bigger than Millersburg, wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Yes, but what about it? He’ll just say no.” Rachel cleared frost off the window and peered out before turning toward Ann. “You know that.”

  “I’m going to ask to go until he gives in. I know he will especially with Mary to keep him company.” Ann fell backwards onto the bed. “He’ll give in; he always does eventually.”

  That evening Ann began her campaign. “Father, Rachel and I would like to get out of the lodge and see some of the country – and I don’t mean hunting.”

  “Young lady, you’re here because this is your punishment; you’re not here to be wandering all around the countryside,” Charles replied, barely looking up from the book he was reading. “Maybe you can use this time to read a good book or learn to knit. I know Mary would be glad to teach you.” He glanced at Mary who had just placed another log on the fire.

  Rachel, standing by the stairway, turned and went up to their room.

  “Father, geogra
phy is just as important as reading and far more important than knitting.”

  Charles sighed and put his book down. He took his time lighting his pipe and then shook his head. “No.” He picked up his book but the cloud of aromatic smoke around his head grew so quickly that Ann retreated.

  The next day when Ann brought it up again, Charles suddenly asked, “Where do you intend to go since you have already seen most of this area?”

  Knowing her father, Ann realized her comment about geography had turned the tide in her favor. “You’ve often mentioned a town named Sunbury. It’s probably the biggest town in the area, isn’t it?” she asked.

  “Sunbury, that’s a full hard day of travel. I don’t think so, young lady.” Charles said. “That could be terribly dangerous; two pretty young ladies traveling about the countryside unescorted. No, absolutely not.”

  “But we wouldn’t be unescorted; Lewey would be with us.”

  Charles sighed. “I’ll think about it.”

  “When can you tell me, Father?”

  “Don’t push it, young lady,” Charles responded angrily.

  Ann danced away to tell Rachel. She was sure her father would give in and allow them to go. Alone with Mary that evening, Charles decided to discuss Ann’s request. “You’ve heard Ann’s request to visit Sunbury. What do you think?”

  Mary looked up from her knitting. “What do you think, Charles?”

  “I’m afraid she’ll pester me until I say yes.” Charles admitted. “I’m not good with this punishment thing. By always giving in, what good is it doing her?”

  “Do you find it that hard to tell her no?” Mary asked.

  “Impossible!” Charles frowned at the floor. “She’s like a bulldog when she gets an idea in her head. I could tell her that we have to bag a deer before I allow any trips, but that won’t serve any purpose but to alienate Rachel from Ann and me.” He looked at Mary pleadingly. “What would you do?”

  “Are you afraid for their safety if they go, or just afraid they’ll not see this trip as punishment?”

  “Both, I suppose.” Charles admitted as he glanced out the window.

  “I see.”

  He looked at his housekeeper. “Then perhaps you might have Lewey accompany them as their guardian.”

  Charles stared at Mary. He read something in her face and realized she knew him better than he knew himself. “That sounds like a good idea. At least it will stop Ann’s pestering for the time being.”

  The look on Charles’ face told Ann she’d won even before she asked. She didn’t say anything during breakfast knowing she didn’t have to. When the meal was over, she looked at her father.

  “Ann, I’ve thought about your request. You may go with one stipulation; Lewey will be escorting you everywhere. You must adhere to this, or I won’t allow you to go.”

  “Of course, Father,” Ann replied.

  Charles summoned Lewey to the lodge. “Ann and Rachel want to take a trip to Sunbury. You’re semi-familiar with the country between here and there; you know there’s always the possibility of danger – although I’ve not heard of any problems. I’ve decided to let them go if you’ll accompany them everywhere they go as their guardian. If you don’t want to go, there’ll be no trip.”

  Even though Lewey enjoyed the peace and quiet of the area, he too was ready for a change of pace. After a few seconds he nodded. “I’ll make sure they don’t do anything I feel is unsafe.”

  This reassurance made Charles’ decision easier.

  After they received the news, Rachel and Ann immediately started packing. Rachel knew exactly what she needed for the trip, but Ann was unsure. “Should I take all my best fashions for the trip?” she asked Rachel as she looked through the wardrobe filled with clothes.

  “We’re not going to Philadelphia, Ann.”

  “Make sure you have plenty of leggings to wear, maybe long underwear, and one fancy dress. We must dress for the cold not style.”

  That evening after dinner Charles asked Lewey, “Is the team and coach ready for a long hard trip?”

  “Oh yes, I went over the coach today, and the team is fresh and ready to go.”

  Charles spread out the maps of the area to make sure Lewey knew the exact routes. “There are two ways to get to Sunbury. One is the road to the village of Millersburg, where you were the other day. That’s straight down the valley and north along the river, but that’s a two-day trip. The other route is the Hanes Gap route through the mountains toward a town called Herndon and north to Sunbury. The Hanes Gap route is the shortest, but it could be rough due to the lack of travelers. You’ll need to make a decision about three miles down the road as to which route you want to take. I’ll draw you a map should you decide to take the shorter route, but be alert, and make sure you have your pistols.” Charles gave Lewey ample cash to cover the entire trip and spending money for the girls.

  “I think we’ll take the shortest route,” Lewey said after tucking the money away. “Don’t worry, sir. I’ll protect them with my life.”

  At midmorning, Lewey was loading the bags onto the coach as Charles came to the coach door. “This is dangerous territory. The only reason I’m letting you go is because Lewey is with you.” He studied them sternly. “I want you to stay with Lewey. He is your chaperone. He’ll protect you. Should you see anything that looks suspicious let him know.” Charles tried not to look worried. “Lewey has all the expense money and is in charge of all purchases. I expect you to return by Sunday evening.”

  Lewey nodded, touching a forefinger to his cap. “We’ll be back.”

  Charles looked at Lewey. “Go on. Have a good time. Don’t push the team, find lodging tonight if necessary, and don’t be afraid to use the pistols. I expect you back Sunday evening.”

  Lewey touched his cap again and turned to the horses. “Giddy up,” he yelled slapping the leads lightly on the horses’ backs.

  There were still several inches of snow on the ground, and it was very cold. The girls were bundled in warm clothes and blankets inside the coach; the sun was shining through the thick glass windows of the coach which helped to warm the inside.

  Ann and Rachel watched out the windows at the passing scenery.

  “Father seems really interested in Mary, or I think he would’ve come with us,” Ann confided as the girls settled back against the stuffed leather seats.

  “I wasn’t going to say anything about that,” Rachel said with a mischievous smile. “He seems happy and content around her.”

  “I don’t think he should stay a widower all his life,” Ann said thoughtfully.

  “I don’t know,” Rachel said. “You might end up with a wicked stepmother who forces you to do the dishes and cook.”

  Ann made a face. “That wouldn’t last very long. The last time I tried to bake cookies, Katey and Mae ran me out of the kitchen!”

  “Seriously?”

  “I put in salt instead of sugar,” Ann laughed. “I’m just not cut out for cooking or cleaning or any of those kinds of chores.” She grinned. “And to think Father thought I would learn to knit!”

  “I don’t mind doing those things as long as it’s for the man I love,” Rachel said dreamily.

  “And you love Tom?”

  “Of course, I love him. The farther away we got from Philadelphia, the more I missed him.”

  “I don’t know if I miss Nicholas or Richard, or any of the others for that matter. I’m sure it’s not love I miss,” Ann said as she smiled at Rachel.

  “But I’m engaged to Tom, and I didn’t realize just how difficult being separated would be.” She turned to look out the window. “It does mean that we can get married sooner,” Rachel admitted as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

  They fell silent. Rachel nodded off, head lolling against the cushions. With an envious glance at Rachel, Ann wondered if she would ever find a man she longed to be with.

  As the late afternoon approached, Lewey slowed the team. Ann woke and looked out the window
in time to see a dilapidated directional sign nailed to a post. An arrow pointing west directed travelers to the Cogan Road Herndon and another arrow below pointed east to Mandata. She reached over to shake Rachel. “Rachel, I just saw a sign for the Cogan Road and Herndon. I guess that’s where Lewey is headed. I hope we soon find an inn or rest stop; I need to stretch and go to the bathroom.”

  Rachel nodded in agreement as she yawned and tried to wake up.

  Lewey proceeded more slowly as the road narrowed. Both girls strained to see out the window as daylight faded around the coach. They felt the temperature dropping.

  “Let’s share blankets,” Ann suggested, unfolding one from under the seat and spreading it over her legs. Rachel gladly pulled the warm cover over her chilled body as they huddled together.

  “How does he keep from freezing?” Rachel asked as she shivered inside the blanket.

  “I’m sure he has his woolens on,” Ann said.

  The sides of the mountains appeared to be closing in on them as the sun disappeared in the Cogan. “I wonder how Lewey does it,” Ann asked. “The road is so narrow! How does he keep from hitting the bank?”

  “I’m glad he’s driving and not me.” Rachel said fearfully while looking out of the window.

  “What if it plunges over the bank and into the creek?” Ann asked. “We’ll freeze to death!”

  The look of fright shown in their faces as the carriage wheels crossed an old wooden plank bridge. Thinking they might be afraid, Lewey turned his head and yelled, “Don’t worry, these bridges can take our weight and a whole lot more.”

  “A bridge, is that what that noise was?” A frightened Rachel asked.

  The stream meandered back and forth along the road. Just then the wheels hit another wooden bridge and the girls bit their lips.

  When the carriage continued its steady pace, Ann sensed no danger. “Oh, that was not that bad!” she said dismissively.

  “But I don’t see any railings on the bridges,” Rachel replied.