Comes a Hero (Book 17 of Brides of the West Series)

by Rita Hestand

  "Yeah, but I have learned that these women are made of much more than sugar and spice, they have courage. Still, just in case, I told them to come to you if they have a problem."

  "That they do, sir." Hans agreed. "I have to say it is very brave of them to try it. And I'll do everything to keep the Confederates from knowing about it. You see, I don't believe in slavery either. I came to this country to be free to do as I pleased. Now that this war has broken out, I aim to help as many as I can."

  "Good." Quirt smiled. "I knew I could count on you."

  "Yes sir!" Hans smiled.

  For days they continued their routine of taking food to Miles, until one day Sylvia and her young officer spotted them.

  "What are those women up to?" Corporal Hayes asked as he watched them walking toward the woods.

  "I have no idea." Sylvia saw them and looked as confused as her companion.

  They caught up to them and the Corporal pulled Jennifer aside, "Excuse me Miss, but what are you doing out here?"

  Jennifer tried to compose herself, "We're feeding a deer."

  "A deer," He glanced at the beans and cornbread. His brows drew together, "Beans and cornbread?"

  "It's all we had," Essie explained.

  Luckily a tin plate had been left not far from where they stood, and Jennifer put the food onto the plate.

  "Ladies, deer's do not eat beans, they might try the cornbread, but definitely not the beans." The young Corporal explained.

  Irritated that a young man his age would lecture her on deer, Jennifer got her back up, "Well Corporal, something is eating it, look, the plate was clean when we came."

  The Corporal studied the plate then her. "Something else must be eating it then. It isn't wise to feed animals out here Miss, you might attract the wrong kind of animals, and we'd have to shoot it."

  Sylvia suddenly grabbed his arm, "Jimmy, we all do things to entertain ourselves out here. There's no real harm in this, is there?"

  He looked at her and started to protest, but she squeezed his arm and smiled. "I guess not. As long as the wrong animal doesn't get hold of it, I suppose there's no harm. Carry on…" he told them, and he and Sylvia walked away.

  Essie let out a breath, "That was close."

  "Too close and we won't have a plate for him tonight."

  "Maybe we can sneak him a little extra tomorrow."

  "We can try," Jennifer sighed.

  Later Sylvia pulled Jennifer aside, "Sorry about Jimmy, he likes to sound important, giving orders like he does."

  "You've gotten friendly with him, haven't you?"

  "I'll tell you a secret if you won't tell anyone else?" Sylvia eyed her.

  "Alright, I won't tell."

  "It's my way of getting information about the troops and their plans."

  Jennifer stared wide-eyed, "What kind of information?"

  "You know that peace treaty Mr. Noble arranged?"

  "Yes…."

  "Well, he's in for a real surprise. They aim to attack that camp of Indians next week. They were laughing about his attempt to obtain peace with them. They had no intention of keeping it."

  "But Quirt arranged it under their orders."

  "It was just a ruse to get rid of him while they made their real plans. The Confederates figure they are doing the settlers a favor ridding them of them, completely. And Jenny, I mean completely, including women and children."

  "Are you sure about this?" Jennifer gasped.

  "I am. It's all very hush, hush, but I found it rather confusing myself. I mean why did they send Mr. Noble out there, then plan to raid them?" Sylvia said with dismay. "They don't want to stay here. Their commanding officer wants them in New Mexico to start an uprising to make New Mexico territory for the south. They don't seem to care about Texas at all."

  Jennifer shook her head, "Sylvia, they want to stir trouble up here and then just leave us?"

  "That's the plan, only they think it will be easy to raid them and kill them all. It might put a feather in the Captain's hat to have an Indian victory too." She paused and then looked up at Jennifer, "And I do mean all of them… "

  "Women and children too?"

  "Yes, they consider them all savages."

  "If it were easy, it would already have been done."

  Sylvia nodded. "I agree. There has been some real grumbling among the troops that were here first when we came. The Confederates think the Indians should be easily defeated. They are wrong. I have as much pride in my home as anyone I know, but this war has no pride. This war will kill so many innocents."

  "When did you get to be such a great spy?" Jennifer smiled.

  "When I realized the war was really coming, I was frightened for my family. My family were abolitionist. I've seen how it works, it is a good cause, but so very dangerous. Especially where I come from. I never joined them, because they actually get where they don't trust anyone anymore, but I did learn from them."

  "You serious? That is very dangerous these days. Do you keep in touch with them?"

  "It's very dangerous and yes I write to them regularly. Don't know if they are getting my mail, but I write to them."

  "My God, I'd have never guessed. We have to tell Quirt Noble." Jennifer insisted.

  "I agree, I just needed some back up about this."

  "You've got it. And I've got a few things to tell you, but it will have to wait."

  Chapter Fourteen

  The mess hall where everyone ate was a long room toward the back of the barracks. It had plenty of tables and chairs. Supper was always at 6:30 and the girls took turns cooking, in teams of three. Another team of three would clean up each night. It worked well and didn't put a strain on any of the girls. Jennifer and Essie kept on a schedule so that every night one of them could go feed Miles. That night after supper as Jennifer and Essie gathered the food for Miles, Essie had to be on cleaning detail, so Jennifer had planned to go alone, but Sylvia joined her. "Every night you go out to feed this deer, I want to see this for myself."

  "Come on." Jennifer whispered, glancing back over her shoulder to make sure no one else got the same idea. Jennifer had come to like Sylvia and she trusted her.

  Sylvia went with her to the shed and when she saw Miles, she looked stunned.

  "Oh my, so this is who you've been feeding?" She almost laughed. "And I thought I was the only abolitionist."

  "Yes, please, don't give us away."

  Sylvia glanced at Jennifer's worried expression. "I won't. In fact, I'll help you. How long has he been here?" She stared at Miles.

  Miles wasn't sure what to think of another woman coming to feed him. His confusion registered on his face.

  "Almost two weeks now. Quirt is checking with the Indians to see if they might help him."

  "They would take him in?" Sylvia looked a bit worried.

  "Maybe."

  "I'll help any way I can." Sylvia acknowledged. She extended her hand to Miles and shook it. "I'm Sylvia."

  "You sure you ladies know what you are doing?"

  "We hope so." Sylvia smiled at him.

  "Thanks… I don't mean to cause any trouble."

  "We women have to stick together as the Confederates don't seem anxious to do anything for us, or even give us a thought as to helping." Sylvia exclaimed. "I'm as southern as they get, but I don't believe the south knows what it's doing yet. They don't realize the disadvantages they have, or they would never have started this war."

  When she saw how worried Miles looked, she reassured him, "Don't worry, I come from a long line of abolitionist."

  He looked surprised. "You ladies have done everything to help me, and I appreciate it, but I've got to get out of here before they find me, and the lot of you get in trouble." Miles said coming to stand in the middle of them.

  Sylvia came up to him, put her hand on top of his, "Be patient, we'll get you out, somehow. My parents have been abolitionists for years and they've smuggled many families out of Georgia. If they could do it there, we can do it here. Aft
er all, Texas hasn't even seen the war yet."

  "No ma'am, but it feels like it. It's like something creepy crawling up your back. Only it seems a lot of Texas people aren't sure how they feel about it. Lot of Union sympathizers over in Collin County."

  "Really, that's good to know." Sylvia smiled.

  The next day Quirt returned, and he had good news for Miles.

  "You will be accepted into their tribe, if you can pass the test of courage."

  Miles stared at him a moment then nodded slowly, "I think after taking the whip so many times I can stand almost anything else… " Miles smiled.

  "What's she doing here?" Quirt asked looking straight at Sylvia now.

  "She's our spy and she has something to tell you." Jennifer informed him.

  Sylvia related her news to Quirt and he frowned. Jennifer saw his hands fist as he studied the problem. "They can't do that. Not after all I've done to make the peace with them." Quirt moved restlessly about the shed now, "They're going to ruin everything I've done for the past two weeks and they sent me there. It's clear they don't trust me."

  "They intend to, midweek." Sylvia informed him. "I overheard them say they didn't trust you since you refused to sign up for the Confederacy."

  Quirt hit the side of the wall. "I guess maybe I should have, it might have thrown them off a little, if I had. I was trying to be honest with them. But there are too many conspiracies going on. No one trusts anyone these days."

  "They wanted you away from the fort, so they could make their plans."

  "Thanks for telling me." Quirt looked at her and smiled. Jennifer saw the look he gave Sylvia and wondered if maybe he liked her, after all, she was very beautiful. It wasn't her business, but he appreciated her beauty and right now her information was enlightening.

  He sighed, "Alright, I promised the Indians some supplies for winter. We'll sneak Miles in the wagon when I go. We'll load up, pull up at the edge of the trees, sneak him in the wagon and go. I can let them know of the Confederate's plans while I am there. They aren't going to like it, after all the bull I gave them about a truce."

  Jennifer looked apprehensive, "Will the Confederates let you take supplies to them?"

  "Good question. Well, it just means me and Hans and a few of our boys will have to load the wagon late evening and go."

  "That's pretty risky, isn't it?"

  "Part of my job. And only until I'm gone. If they say anything when I come back, I'll tell them I made some promises I had to keep. It'll be too late for them to object."

  "This is getting more complicated by the moment." Jennifer's brow shot upward.

  Quirt winked at her and smiled. "I think we all enjoy a little excitement, or we wouldn't be doing any of this."

  They spent a good hour talking over plans and it was getting late.

  "Get your plate and come with me girls, I'll walk you back." Quirt smiled. "Miles, hang on for a day or two and we'll have you out of here."

  "Yes sir."

  It was Friday night when Quirt and the boys from Fort Davis loaded the wagon, and the women helped smuggle Miles into it as they pulled the wagon toward the trees. Sylvia agreed to keep the guard company.

  They were very quiet, and Hans distracted the guard out back on duty while Quirt took a long route to the Indian camp. He tried to be as quiet as possible. It was a starry night and if anyone saw him leave, they could spot him for a couple of miles away.

  Once they were on their way, Jennifer, Essie and Sylvia went inside, happy that they'd helped Miles get away.

  Quirt walked the wagon away from the fort then got on the seat and whipped the horses into a fast run as soon as he was out of site.

  Halfway there he hollered at Miles, "You alright back there?"

  "Just fine, mighty fine." Miles replied peeking his head from the blankets that covered him.

  "We'll be there before sunup."

  "Sounds good." Miles sounded happy for a change. "I'm glad to be out of that fort, I was afraid for them ladies. They took an awful chance."

  "Just glad we've found a place where you will be safe. I mean, as safe as any Indian camp is."

  "At least I have a fighting chance now." Miles told him.

  "If they attack the Indian camp, will you fight with them?"

  "Yes sir, I will. If they let me."

  "Good."

  "Will you be fighting against me?" Miles asked curiously.

  "Nope. I asked the Apache for a truce of peace, they gave it. If the Confederates want a war, they'll have to fight it alone. I'm not a Confederate. And to answer your question before you ask it, no, they won't like it."

  "I'm surprised they let you stay then."

  "They had no choice, they needed someone who knew this land and the people here. I'm a Texan, and that's really, all I am."

  "You sound like one of them Davy Crocket kind of people."

  "I'd like to think so, yes." Quirt laughed.

  "Well, I sure won't forget you, or the ladies."

  Quirt smiled.

  Quirt introduced Miles to one of the chiefs. The old chief studied him a long while. He was dressed in buckskins and wearing a long robe of feathers on his head. He had many wrinkles and his eyes held a wisdom. "He must first pass the test of courage, then he can become one with us."

  Quirt nodded, "He's willing."

  "Good."

  In an hour they had the grounds set up for the fight. It would be with knives over a pit of fire. Miles showed no fear and his opponent was the biggest Indian in the tribe. Miles was still almost a head taller, but the Indian's agility proved to be a hurdle Miles had to get over.

  For thirty minutes they fought against each other, both nearly falling into the pit twice. Then finally the Indian lunged at him and nearly fell, but Miles pulled him up. The old chief nodded, and the battle was over.

  "He has proven his skill as a warrior, he will be accepted. He must fight against our enemies with us or he will be thrown out."

  "Good, now I have something to discuss with you." Quirt told the old chief.

  "Let us smoke the pipe and talk."

  Quirt nodded.

  The three of them gathered in a circle and smoked. When the chief heard the news of the Confederates plan, he was upset, but again he smoked the pipe, mulling it over in his head. Quirt knew he was mustering his answer to the Confederates.

  "Why do they not respect the truce? Can you tell me why they say they want peace, and then they don't?"

  "These are not the regular troops of Fort Davis. They are Confederate, here to fight a war between the north and the south with the white people. They seek to destroy anyone getting in their way. Rather than take the time to negotiate a truce, they'd rather just get rid of you, is my guess. It would mean a big feather in his cap to say he raided and entire village and wiped them out. I say this not to discourage peace, as I think we all seek peace. This is a new war and it will be very bloody. And I think they can taste that blood coming."

  The old chief studied his face, "So now you will fight your own people?"

  "Yeah, I guess we will. You fight the Comanche, and we will fight the north."

  "You are very troubled about this? It is in your face."

  "Yes, they sent me out to call a truce, I did so, now they like always, want to go back on their word. I am a white man, but I am tired of seeing the lies my people tell."

  "You will not fight with them?"

  "No."

  "Will they not do something to you, for not fighting?"

  "No, I'll leave on a mission, maybe go talk to some of the settlers. Most of the homesteaders around here want peace, not war."

  "I am glad you will be gone. I would not want to fight you."

  Quirt chuckled. "I tell you this now so that when it comes time, we may have peace between us."

  "You are a friend to the Apache. You speak with a straight tongue. I will council my people. If it is war, they want, they shall have it. Until another time when we can have a peace."

&nb
sp; Quirt shook on it and left, knowing that Miles would at least have a chance to live.

  As he left the Indian camp, he shook hands with Miles, "Good luck to you."

  "Thanks, we'll need it." Miles said and watched Quirt ride off toward the fort once more.

  "Remember, they'll strike on surprise. Be ready for them."

  Miles nodded.

  The old chief came to stand beside him, "He is a good man."

  "Yes sir, I think you are right about that. Someday, we will speak of this peace."

  "There are women at our fort, they have nothing to do with this raid that is planned."

  "I will remember." The old chief promised.

  Chapter Fifteen

  That evening when Quirt returned, he pulled Jennifer aside to talk to her. Just being with her, improved his mood and manner. She was a good influence on him, and he loved her honesty, and bold way of talking.

  "Walk with me," he murmured.

  "Of course," she smiled.

  As they walked about the yards, she waited for him to say something. She knew instinctively that there was something on his mind.

  "I told the chief of the plans to attack."

  Jennifer stopped and looked at him. Without warning he took her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. Shocked, her response was automatic. Her arms flew around his neck and she encouraged the kiss.

  As he pulled away, he smiled into her face, "I meant the kiss to distract anyone from listening to our conversation, but you gave me quite a surprise in return."

  She blushed, "I am too bold? Forgive me."

  He chuckled again, "Not at all. It's what I like most about you. I don't have to play guessing games. This war takes a lot of concentration, and you make it easy to know you. You are dear to me Jennifer, and you always will be."

  "Would it be too bold of me to tell you I feel the same?" She waited anxiously for his answer.

  He smiled, touched his lips to hers again and then looked at her, "No, I'm kind of glad about that."

  She smiled. "What did the chief say," she asked as they continued walking, as though she needed to change the subject.

  "He will be ready for them."

  "Was it wise to tell him?" She asked, frowning a bit.