The Cogan Legend

by R. E. Miller

  The day after the funeral, Charles was anxious to return to work. He thought if he buried himself in his business it would relieve some of the guilt. His first day back he spent alone in his office until Tom made a surprise visit.

  “Tom, I’m shocked you came to work today.”

  “I didn’t come to work, Mr. Fairchild. I came to speak to you. I want to join the lieutenant in the search. I don’t care if you fire me; at this point in my life I have nothing to live for. Whoever murdered Rachel took my life as well. I want revenge.” Tom’s eyes started to water.

  Charles looked at Tom. “I understand. I wouldn’t mind joining the search myself. The lieutenant feels he’ll catch the murderers within a matter of days. Go with him, Tom, and with my permission. Your job will be here when you get back.”

  “When they’re caught, tried, and hanged I’ll be back. I’m going to leave with the lieutenant. ”

  “Tom, I don’t know what accommodations you’re planning, but you’re welcome to stay at my lodge until you join the search. I’ll write a letter to Mary and explain everything, and you can give it to her upon your arrival.”

  Two days remained until Phillip’s departure. Ann was emotionally stronger, and her father was getting back into his routine. This allowed Ann and Phillip time to renew their relationship. They spent every moment together.

  Phillip expressed his intent to resign from the Army and marry her. “Ann, I won’t allow your father to send you away. I’m going to ask for your hand in marriage before I leave. I couldn’t stand the possibility of you being thousands of miles away and never seeing you again. I can’t let that happen.”

  The next evening Phillip and Ann decided to visit Rachel’s mother and Tom, but Charles declined the offer to accompany them. Mrs. Miller rejected their visit and didn’t want to see Ann. She excused herself to her room.

  While they sat in the living room Tom asked, “Phillip, when are you leaving for Sunbury? I want to accompany you and join in the search for those murderers. Mr. Fairchild has already given approval for me to leave work.”

  Phillip was pleased. “We’ll leave at eight o’clock Friday morning. That’s the only way I can make it to the fort by Sunday evening. It will be a very long hard ride and we’ll be exhausted.”

  “I have no problem with that.”

  “We’ll get to Mr. Fairchild’s lodge Saturday evening. I’ll leave for Sunbury on Sunday and make plans for the search party. I’ll return to the lodge so you can join us.”

  Thursday, Phillip decided that tonight after dinner he would approach Charles and ask for his approval to marry Ann.

  At dinner Charles asked, “Ann, do you remember anything about what happened on the return trip from Sunbury.”

  She just shook her head. “Father, with your help and Phillip’s patience and love, maybe someday I will.”

  In an attempt to jog her memory Charles continued, “Lewey is positive it was those two men you encountered in the Cogan when the coach stopped for water and grain on your first trip to Sunbury. He told me the man called Poll Soll couldn’t keep his eyes off of you.”

  “That’s true. He just stared at me with glaring, beady eyes. We saw them again in Sunbury, and again he just stared. They were both scary looking men. I get frightened every time I think about them.”

  Phillip said, “It doesn’t matter, we’ll begin searching for them. When they’re caught, we’ll get a confession. I’ll have my men down there every day; we’ll camp in the area if need be, but we’ll find them.”

  When dinner ended, Phillip asked, “Mr. Fairchild, could I speak to you in private?”

  Charles assumed it would be a discussion on the search and that perhaps Phillip didn’t want Ann to hear. In the study Charles asked, “Do you know something about those men you didn’t want Ann to hear?”

  “No, Mr. Fairchild, my business is of a personal nature. Ann and I are in love, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together.”

  Charles paused for several minutes. “I appreciate that you both seem to be in love, but there are more practical matters to consider.”

  “What do you mean, Mr. Fairchild?”

  “Well, were you ever in love before?”

  “No, but since I met Ann I know what love is. I feel it in my heart.”

  “How will this relationship flourish when you’re over 100 miles away from Ann? You don’t even know when you’ll see each other again.”

  “My intent is to hand in my resignation as soon as the two men responsible for Rachel’s murder are brought to justice.”

  “How will you support a wife if you resign and don’t have a job?”

  “I’m ambitious and not totally untalented. With the experience I’m getting in the Army, I could manage a business.”

  “Where would this business be?”

  “Probably Philadelphia, since there is more opportunity here, and Ann could still be close to you.”

  Finally, Charles wondered if this was leading to his business. “Do you expect me to give you a job?”

  “No. I’ll find something. I intend to be wealthy someday.”

  “Well, Ann lives a lavish lifestyle. Look around. You can see what I’m talking about. I’m not sure it’s a lifestyle you could support. Perhaps for a while she would be happy living without these things.”

  “I realize it won’t happen overnight. But I know I can do it.”

  “You’ve only known each other for a few short weeks. I’m not so sure Ann knows what love really is. I was young once and I know what the cycles of love are.”

  “I have no doubt about her love for me.”

  “Why do you want to rush into marriage?”

  “It won’t be tomorrow; we didn’t decide on a date. When I resign, move to Philadelphia and find a job, we’ll be closer and our love will grow. Would you be more agreeable?”

  “Additional time would certainly be better. I want what is best for my daughter and that doesn’t rule out sending her to boarding school. Marriage now could ruin any opportunities for her future. You’ll have to prove yourself to me first.”

  “I can promise you that she will always be taken care of. I love her with all my heart.”

  “Ann is all I have. I love her too, Phillip. I must give this great consideration.”

  Charles didn’t want to discuss the marriage anymore and changed the subject. “Phillip, as soon as I feel Ann is strong enough, I’m going back to the lodge to join in the search and be with Mary. More importantly, I want to attend the trial and be present at the hanging. Nothing will bring Rachel back, but it will be some justice for her death. And, I admit, some relief for my guilt. Now let’s listen to Ann play the piano.”

  Charles liked the Lieutenant. In the time they had spent together, Phillip had gained his trust and confidence. Charles felt he was a man of his word and sensed his leadership ability and knew he was an intelligent man. However, he was unsure that Phillip would be the success he claimed and would indeed be able to provide the lifestyle to which Ann was accustomed. After a few songs, Charles excused himself for the evening and allowed Ann and Phillip time together.

  The night passed quickly and Phillip was up by six o’clock, as were Charles and Ann. Katey and Mae prepared a large breakfast in preparation for Phillip and Tom’s departure.

  Neither Ann nor Phillip was looking forward to his leaving. The conversation was light; Phillip and Ann shared more smiles than words.

  “I’ll have Lewey saddle your horse and bring it to the house,” Charles said as he left the room.

  “I love you so much, Phillip,” Ann cried. “I’m going to miss you. You don’t know how grateful I am that you were here. I don’t want you to go.” Tears streamed down her cheeks.

  Phillip put his arms around Ann and didn’t want to let go.

  “I will write every chance I get,” Ann promised.

  “I’ll be thinking about you all the time and I’ll write as often as I can. I love you so much, Ann.”

&n
bsp; Soon Tom arrived, and it was time to leave. He stepped inside out of the cold and said, “Mr. Fairchild, I want to thank you again for holding my job until I return.”

  Charles said, “I hope you and the lieutenant are successful in apprehending the murderers and you’ll be able to return soon.”

  Charles pulled an envelope from his pocket. “Tom, I want you to give this letter to Mary when you get to the lodge. It will explain everything.”

  Tom looked at Ann and asked, “Would you please check on Mrs. Miller occasionally? She is still distraught over the loss of Rachel.”

  “I will be glad to,” Ann assured him.

  She waved as the men departed.

  CHAPTER 16

  It was late afternoon and dusk was coming fast when the Lieutenant and Tom arrived at the lodge. Mary went to the porch when she heard the commotion. “Well, I’ve been anxiously awaiting your arrival, Lieutenant.” She dusted flour from her hands. “Who’s this?”

  “This is Tom Straub, Rachel’s beau.”

  “Oh, my!” Mary said as the man dismounted. “Such a terrible thing.”

  Tom’s face clouded for a moment at the painful memory, but he climbed the steps and put out his hand. “Mary, I’m pleased to meet you.” He pulled an envelope from his pocket. “This letter from Mr. Fairchild will explain why I’m here.”

  Mary took the envelope and shoved it into her apron. “I know both of you must be exhausted. I’ll show you to your rooms after you have a bite to eat.”

  The next morning Phillip and Tom couldn’t resist the aroma from the fresh rolls baking and before long they were both downstairs ready to sit down at the table.

  “Mary, you are amazing. You’re up and making breakfast before we’re even out of bed,” Phillip said.

  “I’m always up as soon as the first glimmer of light comes in my window.”

  “Tom, I really didn’t get much chance to tell you about Mary on our journey but in addition to being a great cook, she was a tremendous help to all of us during that tragic day. She assisted Ann in her time of need and helped me with Rachel.”

  “I just did what I had to do that day, Phillip.”

  “Mary, it sounds like Mr. Fairchild has found a great housekeeper,” Tom added.

  Mary didn’t comment, but she thought, I hope to be more than his housekeeper. Perhaps one day I will be Mrs. Fairchild.

  “Tom, while you’re staying at the lodge, you can help Mary.”

  “I want to earn my keep. I’ll help with anything you need done,” Tom said.

  “I’ll put you to work; don’t worry.”

  After breakfast Phillip went to the stable to prepare his horse for the long ride ahead. It was even colder than before, the coldest day of the trip, and the north wind whipped across the valley. Today, he needed a blanket in addition to his parka. He came in the lodge to warm and say goodbye. “Mary, thank you so much for your hospitality.”

  Mary grabbed a bag from the cupboard. “I prepared this for you to eat on the way.”

  “Thank you Mary,” he said as he gave her a hug.

  “Tom, I’ll be back as soon as possible. Be prepared to spend cold nights in a tent. You won’t need to worry about provisions because you’ll be eating army rations. Perhaps you can familiarize yourself with the area until I return, but don’t go to the Cogan alone.”

  “Have a safe trip. I’ll be waiting for your return.” They shook hands before Phillip walked outside.

  Phillip mounted and kicked his horse into a trot. The wind howled through the big oak trees as he rode down the long lane away from the lodge. Soon he was beyond the Haines Gap and headed for the Cogan. His thoughts were on Ann and how much he missed her and loved her. As he approached the directional sign for the Cogan his mind wandered back to that dreadful day. He was determined to take his time, looking for any evidence, anything that might suggest the whereabouts of the two murderers.

  Once he entered the Cogan the wind subsided, the sun disappeared, and it became deathly quiet. An eerie feeling came over him. Perhaps, he thought, the same feeling the girls had felt each time they entered this place. Several inches of new snow had fallen covering everything that had happened that horrid day. Phillip slowed his horse to a walk. There were no new wagon tracks in the snow; apparently, not many people used this road. Present were deer tracks going up and down the banks, and even cougar tracks on the road, but not a human track to be found.

  Phillip slowly made his way toward the spot where he thought the coach had set. He felt as if he was being watched, but he didn’t see anyone or anything as he looked up the mountainside. He came to the area where the murder took place, dismounted and walked around looking for clues or anything that would lead to those men. Saddened by the thoughts of the tragedy, tears began to roll down his cheeks. He kicked the fresh snow and there underneath was frozen blood.

  Phillip walked toward where he thought the coach had been, kicked the snow again and found more blood. Now he knew this was the spot where the coach sat. He tied a handkerchief around a tree to mark the exact spot. He thought about the blood that went down the road and then shook his head and realized if Rachel was inside the coach, this couldn’t be her blood. It had to be one of the murderer’s. Now even more confused, he couldn’t understand why it would be their blood, or either of the girls. Determined to solve this mystery he looked around for several more minutes and told himself, I’ll avenge Rachel’s death, I swear. Phillip didn’t find anything else, so he decided to move along.

  A chill came over him as he rode down the trail toward the burnt out structures. He sensed someone was watching so he yelled as loud as he could, “I’m going to find you. I will find you.” It echoed all around the Cogan.

  Soon he was at the site of the fire. Even with the new snow the charred boards and the foundations were clearly visible. He dismounted, walked around and looked for footprints, but there were none to be found.

  When the house burned, a portion of the wall fell across the open well. Thirsty, Phillip decided to pull the wood away from the opening and lean over for a drink. Horrified at what he saw, he jumped back and shouted, “Oh my god!”

  He drew his pistol, cocked it, took a deep breath and slowly approached the well again. There floating face up was the big, scarred stranger. Phillip, still visibly shaken, stepped back. Again, he approached cautiously, this time taking a better look at the man. Previously, he only had momentary glimpses of the man, but he recognized the scar on his cheek. His skull was split with his eyes wide open and face and hands white; it was truly a shocking sight. The dead man’s face reflected a look of horror and Phillip felt that look was transformed to him. Phillip decided to do nothing but cover the well; after all, the body wasn’t going anywhere. It would be there until he returned with his patrol, then he’d pull him out and bury him.

  Still shaken, he spurred the horse to a gallop. He wanted to get away from the Cogan as fast as he could. As he rode he wondered if the two men fought over the girls, and the one killed the other. It would explain the blood trail down the road. It was the only thing that made sense.

  He approached Herndon and stopped at the tavern for something to eat and inquire about the two men. After he’d ordered, he approached the innkeeper. “Mr. Parson, about two weeks ago, I was here with two young ladies and their driver on our way to Gratztown.”

  “Oh, yes, I remember you.”

  “We had an encounter with a big man who had a scar on his cheek. Have you seen him lately?”

  “I know who you mean, but I haven’t seen him lately. Rumor has it that he and his brother burned his brother’s house and livery stable to the ground and left the area. I didn’t go up and look but that’s what I heard.”

  “You mean the place in the Cogan?” Phillip asked.

  “Yea, that’s the place,” the innkeeper said.

  “Does anybody know why?”

  Just then a man came in and sat at the end of the bar. The innkeeper asked, “Lamar, maybe you can hel
p answer some of the Lieutenant’s questions. You get around more than I do. He wants to know about Jim Soll and his brother.”

  “What do you want to know?” Lamar asked.

  “About the fire in the Cogan.”

  “The rumor I heard by a few of the locals who use the road was that they saw blood all over the area before the new snowfall. They know something terrible happened, but they don’t know what. Everybody around here suspects murder, and they think those two did it and took off. People heard of strange things happening up there for years, but this is the worst. Now everyone is afraid to use that road.”

  Phillip asked, “What are their names again?”

  Lamar said, “The big one is Jim Soll and the shorter; lame one is Poll Soll. Both are half Indian. Their father married a squaw from the Susquehannock tribe and brought her here to settle. They had those two. I heard their father was one mean man. Those men know this area like the backs of their hands.”

  Phillip inquired about the shorter one. “How did he become lame?”

  Lamar told him, “I had heard that while playing as kids, Jim Soll accidentally chopped Poll in the back of the leg with an axe, and he’s been lame ever since.”

  Then Phillip asked, “How did the big man get that huge scar on his cheek?”

  “Right here in this tavern,” the innkeeper said. “When I first purchased this place, twenty years ago, Jim Soll came in one night. He does patronize this tavern, and he’s a good customer. Anyhow, this couple that I had never seen before sat there where Lamar is sitting; the woman at the corner and the man to her left. I’m not even sure they were married. They were minding their own business when Jim kept getting closer to the woman and made obscene gestures along with filthy talk. Soon he had his hand on her leg, and by that time the stranger had this long knife in his hand and slashed him right across the cheek. The wound was deep and blood poured out. Jim knocked the woman right into the man, then grabbed his arm and the knife, drug him outside and beat him. I never saw anything like it. Jim beat him to within an inch of his life. It took all the strength she had to get him in the wagon, and I never saw those two again, but Jim kept the knife. I’ll never forget it.”