by R. E. Miller
CHAPTER 26
Phillip saw Ann from the gallows and raced down the steps. He rushed past Charles and made his way through the crowd. “Ann,” he asked as he got closer, “What happened? Why are you here?”
Tears streamed down her cheeks. “It’s too late, isn’t it?”
“For him?” Phillip’s voice was tinged with anger. “I hope so!” Then he softened. “But why ride all this way, Ann?” He took her hand and helped her down from the horse. Its head hung low as it blew and snorted, as if gasping for breath.
Ann clung to him, buried her face in his shoulder. “I remembered what happened.” Her voice was hollow, empty.
“We know what happened!” Phillip tried to push her away from his shoulder so he could look at her face. “He killed your friend. He tried to…”
“No!” Ann moved away from him. “That’s not what happened!”
“Ann!” Phillip looked around at the crowd. Most of them were still watching the swinging corpse, hoping for an extra kick or tremble.
He guided her away from the edges of the crowd. “What did you remember?” His voice had gone as ashen as his face. He knew she’d come in haste and that scared him.
Ann straightened her shoulders. She looked at the ghastly sight behind Phillip. A shudder went through her body and she began wringing her hands. Her lips trembled. “Poll Soll was innocent.”
“No, Ann! He wasn’t innocent,” Phillip protested. “He and his brother tried…”
Ann shook her head, silencing Phillip’s protest. “He saved me and tried to save Rachel, but he was too late. He didn’t kill Rachel; he killed his brother to save us.”
“Please, Ann. Think hard about this. Are you sure you weren’t just dreaming what you hoped instead of what really happened?”
“It’s true.”
Phillip closed his eyes. For a minute he breathed deeply. When he opened them, his voice was barely a whisper. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m positive. That’s what happened.”
“Oh my God, what have I done?” Phillip asked. He took Ann in his arms and pressed his head against hers, shutting out the world around them.
Charles, seeing Phillip’s hasty departure but not knowing the reason for it, followed, pushing and fighting the mob that circled the gallows until he broke free. He made his way to Ann and Phillip. “Ann, what’s wrong?” He demanded. “Is something wrong with Mary?”
“No, Father.” Ann looked at him, drained of all energy. “Mary and I rode all day to get here. I’d hoped to be in time…” her words trailed off.
Charles looked at Phillip. “What the devil is going on?”
Ann gathered her strength. “All the details of that day came back to me last night. But I was too late.” Her eyes red and puffy from crying.
“Where’s Mary? Why isn’t she with you?”
“She’s coming.”
Charles looked around. Mary was not in sight. He frowned. “Too late for what?”
“To save Poll Soll from hanging.”
“Good heavens, Ann! Why on earth would you want to do that?” Charles’ face turned beet red, and it was all he could do to keep his voice down.
“Poll Soll didn’t murder Rachel; instead he saved me from his brother.”
“What nonsense is this?” Charles clenched his fists. “That scoundrel murdered Rachel and tried to do as bad to you!”
Ann shook her head. She didn’t have the strength to argue.
“Where’s Mary, Ann?” Phillip asked, hoping to change the subject for a minute.
“My horse went lame just outside of Sunbury, so Mary gave me her horse and urged me to ride on ahead.”
“Mary’s walking here?” Charles’ frown deepened. “This is utter nonsense!”
Ann shuddered.
Phillip wrapped his arms around her and looked at her father as he walked away, his feet kicking up angry clouds of dust. Suddenly Charles changed directions and strode off at a right angle.
Phillip whispered in Ann’s ear. “I see Mary. She’s made it into town.”
Ann groaned in despair.
Lewey appeared at Phillip’s side. “Ann, what are you doing here? And, what’s Mary doing walking into town?” He saw Phillip’s face. Blood drained from his. “What’s the matter? What happened?”
“Lewey, I’m afraid we’ve hung an innocent man,” Phillip said.
Lewey looked hard at Phillip’s face. What he saw there convinced him.
“Ann remembered everything?”
“Yeah.” Phillip nodded.
Charles returned with Mary at his side. Mary went to Ann and took her away from Phillip. Ann collapsed in Mary’s arms. “I didn’t make it in time,” she said dully.
“He’s not innocent of murder, you know,” Charles protested. “He may not have been the one to bury the knife in Rachel, but he killed just the same.”
“He killed his brother to save my life,” Ann insisted. She was drained emotionally.
Phillip excused himself. “Charles, I need to take his body down and bury it. Will you and Mary look after Ann please?”
Tom arrived. He looked puzzled. “What’s going on? Why is Ann here?”
Charles sighed. “Ann’s memory returned, and she and Mary hurried to get here before the hanging. They didn’t make it.”
Tom’s face showed added confusion. “Whatever for?”
“She wanted to save him. He didn’t kill Rachel.” Charles said his voice flat.
Tom gave them an angry look. “This is disheartening to hear. We went through hell capturing this man, and he is innocent?”
Charles held up a hand. “Tom, don’t push this. Ann feels bad enough. She’s been wrestling with this since it happened.”
Mary put a hand on Tom’s arm. “Last night Ann had a dream, or rather a nightmare. She remembered everything about that horrible day. It was Poll Soll who tried to save the girls by killing his own brother. After realizing he was innocent, Ann begged me to let her ride here to see if she could testify on his behalf. She wanted to save him, but we failed.”
Tom spun on his heel and stalked away.
The crowd around the gallows had thinned. No one had heard what Ann had to say. Charles breathed a sigh of relief. Things would get awfully bad if people learned that they’d just put a rope on an innocent man – in fact, a man who’d tried to right his brother’s wrongs. That wouldn’t be looked upon very favorably in the frontier town.
Charles spoke. “Things are as they are; we can’t undo what happened, and we all share the guilt. All of us must now try to put it behind us and move on. Now let’s all go back to the hotel so Ann and Mary can rest; they look exhausted. We’ll talk later.”
Lewey waited a few minutes and then followed Tom to the hotel saloon which was filled with patrons discussing the execution. Lewey realized Tom was upset with Ann. He put a hand on the younger man’s shoulder and spoke quietly. “Tom, you have to understand what Ann went through that day. Even I forgot some of the details. If you had someone threatening you with a knife, ripping your clothes off and then winding up with your best friend in your arms and her blood everywhere, it’s possible you’d want to forget too.”
“You’re telling me Rachel died for nothing?” Tom was unconvinced. “In the trial it came out they were both guilty. All of a sudden Ann is sure he’s innocent? How do you expect me to feel?”
“I don’t doubt Ann; she was there. She just didn’t remember,” Lewey said mildly.
The bartender brought two beers, and Lewey led Tom to a table and sat down with him. “I’m sorry about the mistake, but I’m glad Ann tried to do the right thing. Rachel wouldn’t have wanted Poll Soll to hang for something he didn’t do.”
Tom took a drink and lowered the glass. “I’m just mad, Lewey. The truth is, I wanted Poll Soll dead as much as anyone. I wanted someone to pay for Rachel’s death.”
“We all did.”
Tom turned anguished eyes on Lewey. “How do we live with this? We killed
a man who tried to save Rachel?”
“We were wrong.”
“Yeah, no shit!” Tom took another drink. He started to put the glass down and changed his mind and took another long drink.
“You would’ve hung him at the cave,” Lewey said quietly.
“I would have. Instead, we got a legal lynching.”
“As bad as you feel right now,” Lewey said with insight, “Ann must feel like she’s the one who pulled the trap door on Poll Soll because she couldn’t remember in time. Let’s not make this worse for her.”
“She can go to hell!” Tom exclaimed. He finished the last of his beer and dropped the glass on the table. It rattled around and then shivered to a stop. Tom pushed back from the table and stood up. He stormed angrily from the building and out into the street.
Charles was able to reserve a room for the night. As he directed his daughter and Mary upstairs, he hoped this wouldn’t throw his daughter into a relapse since she appeared to have made so much progress, especially with Mary’s help.
After Phillip and his men buried the prisoner in the town cemetery, he returned to the fort to complete the necessary paperwork and report to the captain. He entered the captain’s office and saluted. “I’ve buried the corpse, sir.”
The captain looked up and frowned. “Lieutenant, what’s wrong? I thought you’d be pleased after the hanging.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I received some rather unwelcome news from my fiancée a few minutes after we carried out the sentence.”
“What news?”
“Poll Soll didn’t kill Rachel Miller. His brother did.”
“He was an accomplice. That’s enough to hang him anyway,” the captain said dismissively.
“No, sir. He was, in fact, trying to pull his brother off of Ann. He was trying to save her life – and he did.”
The captain looked astonished. “You’re not serious! And how do you know this?”
“Ann Fairchild, my fiancée, was in the coach with Rachel. She remembered what happened last night and rode all day to try to get here to testify on Poll Soll’s behalf.”
“My God! She remembered? Just like that?”
“In a dream – or a nightmare, sir.” Phillip studied the floor.
“A nightmare.”
“Yes, sir.”
“So, she got this in a dream.”
“No, sir. She remembered because of the dream.”
The captain shrugged. “Let it go, Lieutenant. That’s an order. You can’t crucify yourself, because there’s no sense in it. You’ll just ruin your life and everyone you come into contact with. Let it go.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Don’t forget, Lieutenant; it was established that he killed his brother, so he was guilty of murder.”
“I know that, sir, but it doesn’t make me feel any better knowing that I hung a man who was innocent of the charges we found him guilty for. This trial was about Rachel Miller’s murder.”
“It’s obvious you feel bad, Lieutenant, but there is no bringing him back. You just have to accept what happened.”
“I don’t know if I can do that, sir.”
“You don’t have much of a choice, Lieutenant. You either move past it, or you let it ruin your life.”
Phillip nodded. He waited a heartbeat and then said, “Sir?”
The captain studied his face. “You’re still going to resign, aren’t you?”
“Yes, sir. With your permission.”
“I think you’re making a mistake, Lieutenant. The men like you and they follow you. That’s a rare combination.”
Phillip waited.
“Alright. I’ve spoken to Colonel Adams about you, and he has agreed to release you, but only because the Army is drawing down on this outpost. He still wants you to stay.”
“I’ve made up my mind, sir. Thank you for accepting my resignation. I’ll have it on your desk first thing in the morning.”
After his duty ended for the day, Phillip was anxious to see Ann. As he entered the lobby, he saw Charles with two plates of food. He hurried over. Without the usual preamble, he blurted, “How is Ann? I’d like to see her.”
Charles handed him one of the precariously balanced plates of food. “Good. You can help me carry a plate. I’m taking Ann and Mary something to eat. You can deliver Ann’s.”
Ann smiled when she saw Phillip. She invited him in and waited until he put the food down before hugging him. His presence helped change her mood.
“Ann, I’ve got some news,” Phillip said as he disentangled from her embrace. “I’ve resigned, and the captain has agreed to release me in a few weeks.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“Am I sure?” Phillip laughed. “Absolutely! I tried to resign a time or two already.” He sobered. “Look, Ann, I’m serious about marrying you and starting our life together. I don’t see the Army as being very good to married soldiers. It’s not the kind of life you’re used to and besides, I’m ready to get out.”
Phillip grinned at Charles, who stood in the doorway. “I hope that’s okay with you, sir.”
Charles nodded. “I expect you’ll find a job soon enough.”
“Yes. That’s my plan.”
Charles nodded. “When will you be coming to Philadelphia?”
“Just as soon as I’m able.” Phillip released Ann. “I can’t wait to start our life together.”
“I can’t either,” Ann said as she turned to Mary.
Mary smiled. “I know how you feel. Remember our discussion?”
“I’m anxious to put this whole tragedy behind me,” Ann said.
“Amen,” Charles agreed. The others nodded.
“Phillip, I don’t want you to stay too long. The ladies are exhausted and we’ve got an early start tomorrow.” They shook hands. “I’ll see you in the morning,” Charles said.
Mary looked suddenly uncomfortable.
“I’m just leaving too,” Phillip said when he noticed her discomfort. “I’ll see you in the morning before you leave,” he said to Ann. He kissed her goodbye and left the room.
In the morning they were all anxious to leave and get the events behind them. Phillip arrived at the hotel early to say his goodbyes and join them for breakfast. Lewey had already eaten to give himself time to get the coach ready and waiting. When they’d finished, Charles stood. “Five minutes, Ann.” He and Mary left the dining room so Phillip and Ann could share a few minutes together.
“When will you come to Philadelphia?” Ann asked. “You weren’t very definite last night.”
“I’m going to try to get everything done in a couple of weeks. I told the captain I wanted to resign my commission immediately, but it will take some time to get everything done. In the meantime, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy. But I’ll miss you.”
Ann’s cheeks were wet as she hugged Phillip. “I’ll miss you terribly.”
“It won’t be long, Ann, and then we’ll be together always. I love you.”
Charles helped Ann into the coach and followed her in after shaking hands with Phillip. He called up to Lewey. “Take the long route through Millersburg this time.”
“Yes, sir, gladly,” Lewey said. He also preferred never to see the Cogan again.
CHAPTER 27
Phillip rode into Philadelphia three weeks later and was welcomed at the Fairchild home. As the week passed, Ann became more involved with preparations for her father and Mary’s upcoming wedding.
Phillip found himself left out more and more as the days went by. In addition, he became frustrated with his inability to find a suitable job. “Look, Ann, I know you’re busy helping Mary, so I’ll devote my time to finding a job and perhaps look for a house. You may not see me very much for the next week or so.” He studied her eyes as he spoke.
Ann nodded. “Alright, but I want the chance to look at the house before you commit.”
That wasn’t the answer Phillip hoped for, but it was logical and he couldn’t find a reason for his s
udden irritation. “Of course, I wouldn’t think of making a decision without your input,” he said with more sarcasm than he intended.
Ann looked hurt. Something was bugging Phillip, but she wasn’t quite sure what it was. All Ann could think to say at the moment was, “Okay, then.”
Phillip turned on his heel and walked toward the door.
“Phillip!” Ann called after him. “Aren’t you even going to say goodbye? Where are you going? What kind of job are you looking for?”
Phillip turned. He saw the look of pain in Ann’s eyes and felt terrible. He walked back and guided her to the bench where they sat to talk. Phillip apologized. “I’m sorry, Ann, please forgive me.”
“I know I’ve probably been ignoring you, but this is so important to Mary, and she needs me right now.”
“I understand,” was his only comment.
Still upset, Ann said nothing as she watched him walk out of the door.
Charles and Mary’s wedding was turning into a bigger event than Mary had hoped, and she welcomed Ann’s assistance. “Ann, I’m getting nervous about the wedding. It’s becoming more of a social affair than I wanted.”
“I’m sure this is stressful for you, but Father has so many friends and acquaintances that he feels he must invite.”
“I know, but this is not who I am,” Mary twisted her hands together in anguish. “I was perfectly content at the lodge. This is all so overwhelming!”
Ann wrapped her arms around her future stepmother. “I’m glad you need me. I feel like I can repay some of the help you gave me.”
Mary smiled. “Thank you, Ann. You’re really a wonderful girl. Your mother would be very proud of you.”
Tears formed in Ann’s eyes at the unexpected mention of her mother. “I hope so,” she said.
Mary took Ann’s hands in hers. “You know I’ll never try to take your mother’s place, Ann. I couldn’t. You’re a grown woman now. I hope we can always be friends.”
“Of course!” Ann’s smile radiated, made all the more bright by the glitter of moisture in her eyes.
Mary looked around. “I wanted something smaller and more private. I’m afraid I’ll fall flat on my face in front of all those high society women.”