“White men are so brave. Picking on little white woman. No wonder our braves kill them so easily.”
She closed her eyes at the beating his words earned him. Surely her family and friends had realized by now she was missing. They would come and find her, wouldn’t they? But then Scott would be in danger. There was no mistaking the hatred Mitchell had for him. After all this time, they’d thought he was behind them, but he’d been waiting for them. He was like a fox—cunning. It made him all the more dangerous.
“Enough. I don’t want him dead. Yet,” Mitchell ordered.
Bill and Price let Paco go. He slumped to the ground as if he had lost consciousness. She prayed he was pretending to be more badly hurt than he was as he looked awful. She looked at Beaver but he was still staring at the ground. Surely, he would do something. Anything.
Chapter 45
Scott wandered around the camp stopping to talk to people when they called to him. He was grateful they had all arrived safely but he couldn’t relax. He didn’t know if it was because now his job was done he would leave to seek out Mitchell, or if it was something else. He hadn’t heard from Paco in four or five days. It wasn’t unusual enough to be a sign of something bad but he couldn’t shake the feeling his brother was in trouble. Maybe the army had launched an attack on the village. He wished his brother and family would move higher into the hills. There was a system of caves they could use to provide shelter in the worst of the weather. They would also serve as good hiding places but the Chief refused to run as he saw it. The medicine man had accused him of being a coward for even suggesting it, but he’d sensed the Chief understood his reasons. But the Chief couldn’t afford to lose face with his tribe. Not now, when so many of them thought he was weak for not fighting the white man.
Scott went to get some water and found David by his side.
“Oh, you are here.”
“Of course, where did you expect me to be?”
David looked sheepish and somewhat embarrassed.
“David?”
“Have you seen Becky anywhere?”
“No, why?” The feeling something was wrong intensified.
“Becky’s been missing for a while. When we couldn’t find you, we assumed, that is to say we thought…”
“You thought we were together. I haven’t seen her alone tonight. I don’t like this David. You know what she is like.”
‘You don’t think she would have gone into Oregon City, do you?”
“Not likely but then she is so impulsive you never know. She would have taken a horse. Can you check whether one is missing? I will go find Rick and a few of the other men to come with us if we have to search for her.”
David moved quickly to check the horse situation
Captain Jones turned to find Johanna in front of him. She was paler than normal, her eyes troubled.
“Becky is in trouble I can sense it. It’s a twin thing. You have to help her.”
“Can you tell me where she is?”
“No. But she is scared. Oh please, Captain Jones. Find my sister.”
She impatiently brushed away a tear rolling down her face.
“I will do my best. When did you see her last?”
“Becky went for a walk. She seemed upset but didn’t want to talk. She wanted to be alone and promised to stay in sight of the wagons.”
“Since when did your sister ever keep her promises?” His sharp tone lead to more tears. “Sorry, Miss Thompson. That was unforgivable. Can you please ask Rick to join me? I need some of my men to come with us.”
She nodded but before she could move, he added, “I will leave it to you as to what you tell your parents. But wait until we are gone. Your father will be in no condition to go searching in the woods at this time of night.”
She turned away and hurried to find her fiancé. He looked quickly around the room, signaling to a few of his regular men.
“Jessie, we got trouble. Miss Thompson, Becky, has disappeared. I smell Mitchell.”
Jessie paled. “What do you need boss?”
“More men. Got any friends down in the city?”
“Yes, sir, a few. I might be lucky to catch them before they drink the bar dry.”
“Go fetch as many as you can. The sheriff, too, if there is one. I don’t know if they replaced Murphy after he got shot in the robbery. Make sure you bring men you trust. I don’t fancy getting shot in the back.”
“Sure thing, boss. Don’t go getting shot up before I get back. You ain’t paid us yet.”
Jessie’s grim humor worked to reduce his tension level slightly. He needed to concentrate. Maybe Becky had just lost track of time. But he sensed it was more than that, although for once he hoped his senses were wrong.
Chapter 46
He went to mount up when he heard a whistle he’d recognize anywhere. It was Paco’s son, Walking Tall. If the teenager was here, there was trouble. He moved toward the trees, whistling back his own signal. The boy almost fell into his arms, panting hard from exertion.
“They have my father and your woman.”
“Where?”
“Some miles that way.”
“How many of them are there?”
“Fifteen, although it was dark so there may be more.”
“Paco and Becky, are they hurt?”
Walking Tall stared back, his expression saying more than he could put into words.
“I want you to go and tell the men what you have told me.”
Walking Tall shook his head. “I am staying with you. Father told me to stay close. He thinks there is more shocks on way.”
What could be more shocking than Mitchell having Becky and Paco? He looked to the boy but he returned his stare blankly.
“Have you anyone with you? Where are my brother’s men?”
“Father sent them back to our village. There was talk of a raid. I think it was an excuse but I do not know for certain.”
He put his arm around the teenager’s shoulders sensing his dilemma. Should he do as his father had ordered and stay here or should he go back to his village to check on his father’s wife and younger siblings. Walking Tall had lost his mother to a soldier’s ambush when he was but two summers.
“Paco knows what he is doing. He said stay with me so that is what you must do.”
He paced, wondering what to do next. He couldn’t just barge into the woods as he was outnumbered. But the very thought of leaving Becky with Mitchell for one second longer than necessary tore at him too.
“I have idea. Do you want to hear?”
He looked at the boy. Despite his tender years, he was Paco’s son, and his brother would have given him the skills necessary to protect himself and his family.
“I am listening.”
The boy’s plan was simple but potentially lethal to Mitchell, and the chance of success was high despite its simplicity. He introduced Walking Tall to his men and outlined the plan. He didn’t mention whose idea it was. Now was not the time to plant any seeds of doubt.
The men nodded as he spoke. “Do we go now or wait for Jessie?”
“We go now. There is no time to lose. We got to smoke these snakes out.”
Walking Tall had already scouted the area. There was nobody else living in the woods and there were no wagon trains parked near enough to be affected. Apart from their own.
David came running just as he finished explaining the plan.
“No horses are missing. Oh, hello.” David recognized Paco’s son. “They have Becky?”
“Yes. Paco too. At least fifteen men with guns. We are going to smoke them out.”
“What? You mean to set fire to the wood?”
“Yes, it’s the only way. It will give the impression there are more of us and buy us some time until Jessie gets back from town with reinforcements.”
David was looking at him as if he had gone mad.
“You can’t set the wood on fire. It hasn’t rained for days. The whole place will go up in seconds.”
“What? I am obviously missing something.”
“This is why the soldiers always underestimate my Indian brothers. They only see the obvious.” At David’s puzzled look, he explained. “Mitchell and his men are camping in a part of the woods that just happens to have a natural fire break nearby. All we have to do is extend that break a way around the back of his camp, without being seen, and they will be trapped.
“Have you lost your mind? Becky will be caught in the middle of that fire. Paco too,” David protested.
“We will get them out.”
“How can you be sure of that? There has to be a better way.”
Walking Tall scowled but Scott knew David was worried for Becky. There was a risk, of course. But then Mitchell could shoot Becky as soon as they set foot near his camp.
“It’s our only chance of getting her back safe. Do you want to come or stay with the others?”
“I’m coming. Eva and her ma know. They will tell her pa when we go and then they will distribute guns to everyone who can use one. Will they be safe from this fire of yours?”
“Yes.” So long as the wind didn’t change direction, but he saw no reason to mention that now. They needed to focus on what was happening, rather than worrying about what might happen later.
Rick came up to him. “Johanna told me. What do you need me to do?”
“I want you to stay here.” Before Rick could voice his protest, Scott outlined his plan. “If the wind changes you will have to clear the camp as fast as you can. Can you do that?”
“Yes, but surely you need more help?”
“No, stay here. I can’t explain it but there may be other trouble coming. Paco sent me a message but I don’t fully understand it as yet. I need someone I trust here. Someone calm who can act under pressure.”
Rick nodded. “Come back soon. Safe with Becky and Paco.”
The fact Rick included Paco meant a lot to him. He grasped Rick’s hand firmly before leading his men into the forest.
He saw Paco’s son had done his job well. The clearing was a natural fire breaker and the stream behind it would guarantee it would work. They should be able to fool the white men into thinking the fire was bigger and that a whole tribe of Indians was chasing them. Mitchell knew the Indians hated him, so his imagination wouldn’t take too much persuading.
He went to each of his men explaining the plan and their part in it. All the while, his mind tried to work out what Paco’s warning meant. What other surprises had his friend discovered? They waited as long as they could but there was still no sign of Jessie. He sent one of his men, Duke, back to camp to wait for Jessie and to explain their plan. Last thing he wanted was Jessie and his friends getting caught in a firestorm.
Chapter 47
Becky sniffed, she was sure she could smell something. A fire. She looked around but couldn’t see anything. She caught Paco’s gaze but couldn’t tell what he was thinking. One eye was swollen from the beating and almost closed, the other had a cut right above it. She wished she could help him but her hands remained tightly bound despite her efforts to release them.
“Boss, you smell that?” Price whined.
“Quiet. I’m thinking.”
“His brain is working so hard, there’s smoke coming out of it.”
“Shut up, Bill.”
Becky listened to them arguing. The smell of smoke was worse now. It was irritating her nose and the back of her throat. She couldn’t cough properly because of the gag.
“The woods are on fire.” A man came running toward Mitchell.
“I told you not to leave your post.”
“Boss, the woods are on fire. We got to pull out. It’s spreading fast.”
“Do you think it’s the Indians? Jones wouldn’t be stupid enough to set the trees on fire when we got his girl here.”
“I don’t know who it is. Don’t care neither,” Bill cursed. “We got to get out of here. Look how fast that’s moving.”
Becky’s eyes widened as the flames grew higher. The smoke was denser now. Was this it? She looked to Paco but he was lying still. Was he dead?
Beaver had moved. Not by much, but he was now slightly nearer to Paco than before. Becky caught his eye but he looked away. She sensed he was telling her not to stare at them. She moved her feet focusing Mitchell’s attention on her.
“Don’t worry, girlie. You’re coming with us. Won’t leave you here to cook.” His evil laugh sounded louder than before. She bit down hard on the gag in her mouth to stop the tears welling in her eyes from spilling over.
He came nearer and roughly pulled her to her feet but as they were still bound she fell over. Cursing he grabbed his knife and slashed through the bonds. “You try anything funny and you’re dead. Got it?”
She didn’t acknowledge his threat. She couldn’t say anything anyway given his dirty rag was in her mouth.
He pulled her closer to him, motioning his men to move toward the area of the forest not in flames.
“I ain't going in there, boss. All those trees, we gonna go up in smoke any second.”
“Where do you want to go?”
“The river is that way.”
Mitchell followed his man toward the river, dragging Becky alongside him.
“What’ll we do with the Indians?” Price asked.
“Leave them.”
“Shouldn’t we shoot them first?” Bill suggested, his finger on the trigger.
“And put them out of their suffering. Over my dead body. They aren’t going anywhere. They are bound tighter than a hog on a stick,” Mitchell taunted.
The men laughed again. The tears flowed down Becky’s face. She pushed her body in a desperate bid to reach Paco but Mitchell cut her off.
“I thought you was Scott’s gal. Developed a fancy for red skin, did ya? Would change my mind if I were you. Dying breed they are.” He laughed at his own joke. She kicked him, causing him to trip over. She tried to run but one of his men cut her off.
“You try that again I will shoot you,” Mitchell growled, catching up with her. He slapped her across the face to show he was serious.
Becky sobbed as he pulled her away from Paco and Beaver. She gave one last look behind her, seeing the two men lying on the forest floor. Soon the flames would reach them. Where on earth was Scott? Surely, he and the others had seen the smoke? Maybe they were dead. Had the Indians killed them before attacking Mitchell?
Chapter 48
Back at the camp, Rick paced around wishing he was out there with the other men. All the remaining men, women, and some of the older children who could shoot were armed. The other children were in place to help load guns if they were able. Mrs. Freeman was minding the very young children in the back of one of the wagons.
“You see anything, Hughes?”
“No, sir. Not yet.” Hughes answered Mr. Thompson who was also pacing. He’d put up a real fight, wanting to get into the forest to look for his daughter. It had taken a long time for his wife to calm him down and persuade him his place was protecting the rest of his family.
Johanna came over to stand beside him. He wished he could remove the concern from her face, but until Becky was back safe and well, that wouldn’t happen.
“Can you talk to Becky?” he asked not looking at her, aware of how silly his question sounded.
“You mean in my mind?”
“Yes. I know it sounds silly but back East there were a few people who said twins could do that.”
“We can’t. I can sense when she is in trouble as I feel apprehensive and sick even if I am perfectly safe. I have no idea where she is. I can’t close my eyes and pretend to be looking out of hers. We are not witches you know.”
“I don’t know about that. You got me under a spell.”
He hugged her close, feeling the tension in her shoulders. He could see the same fear in Eva, although, of course, she was worried for her husband and sister.
“Rick, I am so glad you are here with me.
I couldn’t bear it if you were in danger too.”
“I feel so useless standing here. I should be helping.”
He held her as she rested her head on his shoulder. Then she pushed him away.
“Look, that’s smoke. Oh my goodness, the forest is on fire. Oh, Rick, they are going to be burnt to death. What will we do?”
“Nothing we can do but pray. Captain Jones knows what he is doing.”
“Someone’s coming. Look.” Johanna pointed at a figure making his way out of the forest.
“It’s an Indian. I think it’s the man who helped us cross the river. Maybe Paco sent him,” Rick said.
Before he could stop her, she was running up to the Indian.
“Beaver, is that you?”
The Indian gasped for breath. “Need help. Paco hurt.”
Rick told Johanna to go back to her pa. He would go with Beaver.
“Get your bag. If he is hurt, he will need nursing.”
He didn’t wait for her reply but followed Beaver back toward the forest. He could feel the heat of the fire and hoped Beaver wasn’t going to direct him into the middle of it.
Paco was lying on his side at the edge of the trees. Rick saw he was badly hurt. He helped Beaver carry him back to the camp where Johanna and Eva came forward to nurse him.
“What’s up with him?”
“Looks like he was badly beaten. I sure wish someone could speak to Beaver. He could tell us about Becky.”
“She with Mitchell.”
Both Rick and Johanna looked at Beaver in shock.
“You speak English.”
“Some, not much. I have to go now. Go help.”
“But what…” Rick didn’t continue as the man disappeared into the forest.
Johanna tended to Paco. Her ma helped as they washed him, fixing him up as best they could. “His leg is broken. I never set a leg before,” Johanna said, her voice trembling.
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