The scouts arrived: Zeke Randall and Farley. The husky man eyed his surroundings before he dismounted, and the towhead follow his lead. Zeke glanced at the blond captive, grinned, and turned to the Crow chief.
“What’s the problem, Black Moon? Ain’t we treated you fair?”
“Bad feelings come, Hair Face. We capture man you want. He say Snake-Man no spirit. He say use tricks on Crow. When Spirit come to prove white man wrong, prove great magic and power?”
“Farley’s going after him now. We had to be sure this place is safe. Get him,” Zeke ordered his companion, who obeyed without speaking.
“Why man with big medicine afraid? What can hurt spirit?”
“I meant, safe for his men; we ain’t spirits. Nothing can hurt Snake-Man. You’ll see. He’ll reward you big for that gift.” He pointed to Joe.
Zeke walked to the prisoner, but the others stayed behind. He looked down at the helpless man and chuckled. “I told you I’d get you, boy. You’re gonna suffer good before you’re dead.”
“You didn’t get me, Zeke; the Crow did. I’ve led you a merry chase for a long time. We both underestimated Black Moon; he’s a sly devil. You and Orin won’t fool him much longer.”
Zeke stared at him, then snarled, “Shut up.”
Joe read the threatening glare, but asked, “Why? Afraid Orin’s tricks won’t be strong enough to protect you when Black Moon learns the truth? When he does, he’ll skin the lot of you. He’ll feed-”
Zeke silenced him with a backhanded blow to the cheek as the bearish male growled, “Shut up. Talk again, and I’ll take out your tongue.”
Joe didn’t provoke the enraged man to lose his temper. If he had to be rescued from a beating, the trap would be sprung too early. He was glad Clay and the others hadn’t panicked when he was struck and come to his aid. Joe looked at his enemy with what appeared a contempt for danger.
“Where’s the woman you took from me? She’s been riding with you.”
Joe didn’t answer, just stared with an insulting sneer.
Zeke used his booted toe to kick the bottom of Joe’s foot, several times and hard. “Answer me, dead man,” he ordered.
“First you say to keep quiet, then you ask questions and demand answers. Which do you want, Randall, silence or talk?”
Zeke stroked his beard as he sneered, “Think you’re real brave and smart, don’t you?”
“I haven’t done badly until now, and my trouble didn’t come from you.”
More fury glistened in Zeke’s shiny eyes, so Joe cautioned himself to settle down. He couldn’t be too cocky or Zeke would get suspicious: He was attempting to keep the burly man distracted from the Crow until Orin joined them; he didn’t want any slips from the Bird People. “She’s with Black Moon’s wives. He decided to keep her and to trade me. I tried to bargain with him, but he thought I was more valuable to you than what I had to offer. I tried to convince him he’s being a fool, but you two have him duped good. As to your question, you’ve got it wrong; you stole her from me; I just took back my property. If you’d harmed my wife, you’d be dead by now instead of just mad.”
“Yore wife?” Zeke echoed in surprise.
“That’s right. Little Flower was gathering herbs while I hunted. She was to meet me nearby at noon. You snatched her. You did a pretty good job of hiding your trail back to camp, but I’m an Apache trained ex-Texas Ranger, so I’m not fooled easy. If you’d let her be, we’d have been out of this territory the next day. Then you went and put a ball in my arm and roughed her up. That made me real mad.”
Joe saw that he’d captured Zeke’s attention with his tale, so he continued it. “I guessed what you had in your wagons and what you were up to. Being an ex-lawman and plenty riled, I figured I’d hang around a while and take a little revenge. Trouble is, Randall, you and your boys kept pulling me deeper into your business. I don’t like being accused of murder—Clem, remember? I had a tough time convincing Captain Thomas at Fort Tabor I was innocent, but my Ranger badge carried more persuasion than your claims. Your lie riled me more. I told Thomas what I suspected was going on, but he believed this Snake-Man stuff was Indian superstition. I could see you boys were going to get away with your crimes. It wouldn’t have drawn me in if you’d left us alone. You didn’t, so I destroyed your guns. We were heading out of this sorry area when the Army came after us for two more murders. That made me mad again. I had you, soldiers, and your Crow friends chasing us with blood in the eye. With Thomas dead and framed good, I figured it was smarter to ride west and forget about you and your dealings, but we ran in to some of Black Moon’s braves.”
“You saying all this trouble was over that woman, a squaw?”
“My woman, Zeke; that’s a big difference to a man.”
“Why didn’t you ride into my camp and lay claim to her?”
“Texans aren’t fools. You’d have killed me and kept her.”
“Damn right,” he admitted. “I shoulda hired you that night. You’re good, Lawrence. You’ve been a wound in the gut to us.”
Joe glanced at his bonds, chuckled, and said, “But I ain’t perfect, or I’d be free and long gone. Standing too much guard and getting too little sleep dulled my wits.” He realized Zeke was falling for his story and relaxing. The evildoer even seemed to expose a begrudging respect for his prowess.
“You’ll get plenty of rest soon,” Zeke jested.
“In a permanent bed six feet underground?” Joe retorted.
“Yep, so why you so calm?” he asked, glancing around again.
“A man has to die sometime. A Ranger stares it in the face every day; I got used to living on the edge of a grave. Once you accept the fact it’s coming for you and you can’t stop it, you learn not to fear it as much. In your line of work and surrounded by hostiles, I’m surprised you haven’t learned that lesson, too; or maybe you have. Tell me, Randall, why do you boys want to provoke an Indian uprising?”
Zeke looked at Black Moon and his braves at the campfire. He turned to frown at Joe. “You’re talking too much again,” he warned.
“When a man’s gonna die, he needs a reason for it. It isn’t because I riled you boys a few times. It’s because of why you thought I was challenging you. I’ve guessed that much, but not the why behind it.”
“Who are you? Who you working for?” Zeke demanded.
“Joe Lawrence, like I told you that first night. I’ve been drifting with my wife for about two years. Ever since the Apaches burned our ranch, killed our son, and captured our daughter,” he said in an icy tone, with a frozen glare in his blue eyes. “They didn’t like me using the skills they’d taught me against them. Trouble is, only an Apache can track an Apache, and even I’m not that good. Never could find where they took my little girl. Finally had to give up searching for her to make a fresh start. So, we’ve been drifting around and looking for a new place to settle. We want to stay in the West, we don’t like crowded areas, but we’ve found Indian trouble everywhere we’ve looked, and we don’t want that risk again. You boys stirring up Indians to go on the warpath was part of why I was so riled against you. Too many innocent whites get hurt and killed. Ever seen a real massacre, Zeke? Probably not or you’d think twice about what you’re doing. I bet you don’t have any family to worry about losing to hostile attacks.”
“Nope, just have me. Why’s an Injun hater married to a squaw?”
“Married her before all the trouble. Except for her skin color, she’s as white as you and me. Speaks good English, so she heard all you said. Little Flower figured it was safer and smarter to stay silent.”
“She was a real looker. Be glad she’ll last longer with Black Moon than Snake-Man. He likes to use a strong hand with his women.”
Joe scowled for effect. “I guessed that much from Clem’s slips. You were smart to silence him; a man with a loose tongue and a weakness for whiskey is dangerous. Any chance we can make a deal? You get me back my wife and we’ll clear out of your territory?”
“You ain’t in no seat to deal. It’s too late, Joe.”
“I figured that, but can’t you tell me why I’m dying?”
“So you can yell it to them Injuns?” Zeke jested.
Joe chuckled. “In my place, wouldn’t you use just about any trick to save your hide?” He laughed again as if resigned to his predicament.
“Wagon come!” Black Moon shouted and stood.
“Your last card’s been played, Joe. Game’s over and lost.”
“Yep, I guess it will be over soon. Leastwise, I’ll meet your boss. I’m real curious about a man with so much power and money. Clever, too.”
Joe watched Zeke join the Bird People, who watched the wagon pull into place. He assumed the other four cutthroats, whom he’d seen at Black Moon’s camp recently, were survivors from his Rake’s Hollow attack. Their employer wasn’t in sight yet, and Joe prayed he was with them. The riders dismounted and tethered their reins. Farley went to Zeke like a moth to a flame. Wind Bird made his way toward Joe, but they didn’t speak or look at each other. Joe was relieved by the brave’s safe return and success.
The tailgate was unbolted and lowered. The string closing the cloth-bowed top was loosened and flared, creating a large opening. A big man stood under the white canvas arch with hands on hips. His lower body was clad in fringed buckskin pants and moccasins. His chest was bare and hairless. Colorful tattoos of fierce snakes began above his wrists, coiled round and round his strong arms, and seemingly crawled over his broad shoulders. Their triangular heads were depicted over each breast with forked tongues, bared fangs, glassy black eyes, and flared pits. The vipers were drawn with effective skill, to entice fear and superstition.
Joe’s alert gaze examined the disguise that covered the leader’s face and half of his head, reaching to behind his ears and to the base of his neck. The painted metal mask that hid his identity was in the shape of a snake’s head. The holes in it— eye, pit, and mouth—were small or shaped to prevent clues. The hair Joe glimpsed was black, dark, and silky. But shoulder length! Even if Orin’s hair was sooted or dyed, Joe reasoned, he knew it wasn’t long! He noticed the shade of the man’s skin, which was much too dark for Orin’s! In fact, Joe decided, the devil hinted at being…an Indian! He was baffled. He recalled Zeke’s curious expression when he mentioned Orin’s name earlier. Was it possible, Joe wondered, that Orin wasn’t the captain of these land pirates? Either way, he’d know the truth soon.
Zeke whispered a report, then fetched him. As they approached, Snake-Man spoke to the Indians. Despite new facts, Joe was surprised at not hearing a Scottish accent! He didn’t recognize the deep voice, but listened carefully. He knew there had to be clues to glean.
“My friends, why do you doubt me? Have I not proven myself to you? I have given you guns, bullets, whiskey, and many gifts of friendship. Have I not sent word where the Lakotas hunt and camp so you can raid your enemies? Have I not shown you my big medicine? Have I not provoked the soldiers against your enemies? Have I not kept the bluecoats away from your camps? Did I not give Black Moon a magic present?” He tossed the musical watch that Wind Bird had delivered to him back to the Crow chief.
“You promise more rifles, but they no come,” Black Moon replied. “Crow cannot fight enemies with whiskey and trinkets. You say, kill all Sioux. How we kill with no weapons?”
“More will come soon, my friend. You have captured the white man who destroyed your supply and who stopped more wagons.”
The last part was a crafty lie. Joe caught how slowly and carefully the head of the gang spoke. He studied the man’s physique, and culled his memory.
“I will speak with him. Then he will die. He will stop no more wagons from reaching Black Moon. Bring the captive to me, Hair Face. Rest, my friends, while we speak. I must learn if others work with him who will take his place to steal your supplies.”
The Crow returned to the campfire in the center of the clearing, as the wagon was on its edge. Everyone except Zeke and his master joined the Indians there. The husky hireling yanked Joe closer to the lowered tailgate.
“You want me to stay?” he asked.
The man studied Joe a moment, then replied, “No, he will not run. Keep your gun ready. If he does, shoot him down. Strike only his legs.”
Zeke checked Joe’s bonds, then left him alone with Snake-Man.
“You have much to tell me, Joseph Lawrence. Who sent you on this mission? What are your orders? Are you Army or Special Agent?”
Joe used a desperate ploy. “You can stop the ruse with me, Orin. That ochre dust on your skin and that fake accent don’t fool me. Did you scalp an Indian for that hair or order Zeke to get it for you? Just tell me why you’re instigating an Indian war before you have me killed.”
Convinced he was safe by the length of time his men had been there and from fieldglass study, Snake-Man laughed and relaxed, basking in his power and success. “Sly tae tha end ‘r’ ye?” he jested near a whisper. “Good, nae need tae work sae hard tae talk like ye. Ne’er have I met ae man who’s been such ae trouble tae me. Why, Joe?” he asked in a pleasant tone.
Joe was delighted the blackheart was incriminating himself before concealed witnesses. “I’ve already told Zeke and I’m sure he reported it all to you, so why repeat it? Let’s get on with my dying and the why of it.”
“Blarney, me lad, pure blarney. Ye’re nae speaking with ae man who can be duped easy. Talk tha truth, and I’ll make yer death easy and swift. Hold yer tongue, and I’ll make ye beg for it all night.”
“How about you tell me first why I have to die? I figured out what you’re doing here, but your motive escapes me. I don’t like holes in things, and I can’t seem to fill the one to this situation, and that riles me as much as being defeated. Why would any man go to such lengths to take control of a vast wasteland? What’s so valuable here?”
“If ye’re stalling for help tae come, it won’t. Me boys scouted tha area before we rode in; naebody for miles. If ye don’t tell me what I want tae know, I’ll send Zeke after yer woman. Ye’ll be sure tae beg tae speak plenty when ye see what I can do with her. But it would be tae late then. Once I start me pleasures, it’s nigh impossible tae stop until she’s used up. Understand me, Joseph Lawrence?”
“Clear as a mountain stream,” he responded between gritted teeth. He hesitated as he pretended to consider his predicament and decide his course. The kind of man this enemy assumed him to be would not yield easily or quickly. Orin waited patiently in confidence of victory. Joe shrugged and quipped, “Why not? No need to risk Little Flower’s death or my torture for a job I’ve failed. I’m certain you’d carry out such vile threats. If there was any other thing to do, you can bet I wouldn’t tell you a single word.”
Joe perceived a begrudging respect for him in Orin similar to the one he had witnessed in Zeke. “To protect my wife, I’ll do it your way,” he said. “I’m a scout for a private company that plans to build a railroad from the Great Lakes to the Pacific, using Asa Whitney’s route. They want this matter kept secret to prevent competition. President Fillmore has promised them federal land grants for surveys next spring. They hope to begin laying tracks in the East by late May. I was sent here to check out the terrain and climate, availability of supplies and protection, any Indian trouble, and possible opposition from landowners.”
Joe took a breath and went on. “It didn’t take me long to realize somebody was provoking the Indians and trying to prevent that treaty Agent Fitzpatrick promised my employers. They need that truce, Orin. They need the roads and forts it’ll bring about; they need peace with the Indians to obtain water and timber and game to feed the workers. My run-in with Zeke helped get me started. That story about my wife is true, so is most of what I told Zeke. What you called ‘blarney’ is what happened before I took this job. It shouldn’t surprise you that neither easterners nor southerners would accept my Indian wife. Taking this job served our needs. I nosed around until tracks led to you.”
“Ye may be telling
tha truth on most part, but ye’re lying about ae trail tae me. I’ve been too careful tae conceal it.”
Joe laughed. “Yep, until today.” When Orin’s head jerked around as if to search for trouble, he rushed on with, “Or rather until Zeke went to you after I destroyed those guns. Shipping those illegal crates through Pierre didn’t fool me; a smart man would never be so careless. And you have to be one of the cleverest I’ve met to get this far with your bloody scheme. I realized Simon was an ignorant go-between. I figured Zeke would head there after he discovered my mischief. He did, after he joined up with Farley. That kid isn’t alert and skilled like Zeke; no problem dogging him. I trailed him to his meeting with Carnes at Tabor, then on to Pierre to meet Zeke. They steamed straight to your trading post—and you.”
Joe rolled his shoulders to loosen their tautness. “I figured I had enough facts to get Captain Thomas interested in the case, so I left to convince him. Trouble was, Carnes had killed him, taken command, and declared me an outlaw. I knew by then he was in your pocket and trying to kill me, so explanations or threats were useless. The odds here were too uneven, so I decided to continue westward. It seemed best to report what I’d learned to my bosses and let them decide how to deal with you and your hirelings. But we rode straight into Black Moon’s arms; the Crow should have been farther north that day,” he muttered.
Joe exhaled in fake annoyance. “Anyway, I suspected you were the ringleader, but I didn’t know for certain until today. You just fell for my last trick, for all the good it does me. Besides, I couldn’t find another man clever enough to be pulling off your scheme. The railroad is important, Orin, so I’ll be replaced. Better tell Zeke to be more careful with him. And next time, find a better man than Simon Adams to cast suspicions on.”
Orin continued to make sure they weren’t overheard. “Tae bad we work opposite sides, Joe. I could have used ae skilled man like ye.”
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