Within the Candle's Glow

by Karen Campbell Prough

  There was silence, then the crunching of stones and sticks. Jim gritted his teeth and caught his breath when the girl walked into view. Her torn skirt swished about her legs. A streak of sun slipped through the canopy of trees, touched her hair, and lit it with glimmers of gold.

  Josh carried a heavy musket cuddled in his arms.

  Jim silently emerged from the side of the trail. “Drop your weapon.”

  Josh froze.

  Ella spun and dove for some mountain laurel on the opposite side of the path. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her wrinkled skirt disappear behind a rock.

  “Don’t shoot. I did her no harm.” With his free hand raised, Josh slowly faced him—recognition widening his panicky, dark eyes.

  “Put the musket down.”

  In slow motion, Josh laid it at his feet. His ebony eyes locked on Jim’s face. “She’s unhurt. She hain’t been violated. Ask her.”

  “You better be telling the truth.” He retrieved Josh’s weapon and set it between two chest-high rocks. “Ella Dessa?”

  She scrambled through the bushes, dragging her shawl, and made a wide berth around Josh.

  With his left arm, Jim shoved her behind him. “You all right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Josh, what should I do with you?”

  The muscles in the man’s clenched jaws worked and moved under the smooth skin of his face. Jim recognized the Indian blood in him, but Josh slumped, and his posture bestowed a suggestion of underlying timidity and deceit.

  “I want you … to let me leave these parts?” His tone was hopeful.

  “Why should I do that?” He sneered at the tall man. “Give me one reason.”

  If I let him go, will he return?

  “Ahh, ’cause I won’t come back no more?”

  Jim was conscious of the girl’s right hand sliding down his back. She leaned against him. Her body shook. He wanted to turn and wrap her in his arms.

  Ella’s brave front had crumpled.

  “Here’s what I’m sure of,” Jim said to Josh. “There’s others of her family searching for you right now. I know Walter’s a crack shot. Miles has a new gun. He’s itching to shoot something. Lyle hunts with a bow, as good as any Indian, and that ain’t all the men in this cove. The preacher killed a bear last week. If I decide not to shoot you in front of this girl, I can set a gunman on your trail—right soon.”

  Josh blinked, processing what he heard. His worried eyes searched the wooded mountain slope. “They’ll hunt me like an animal?” He twisted his hands together, dry skin causing a raspy sound. “I said … I ain’t comin’ back. I’m headin’ south.”

  “I suspect, very shortly, about fifteen men will close in on your boot heels. They’re all good trackers. And my brother, Samuel, is the best. He doesn’t need two hands to search for sign. You won’t have a chance.” He chuckled. “They probably won’t even bury you. Your carcass will be left for the black bears to gnaw on—like that horse I found.”

  “I’ll go, but give me my weapon.”

  “No.”

  “How do I protect myself?”

  Jim pointed his gun at the trail. “How? By leaving this area. Run fast when you can.”

  Josh stumbled over a rock, moved fifteen feet down the trail, and stopped. “You cain’t let me walk with no weapon.” His face had gone fish-belly white. “I got other men huntin’ me, ‘cause—‘cause I stole gold.”

  “You and your partner—years ago, did you kill Velma’s husband?”

  “No, no!” He shook his head, black hair whipping the sides of his narrow face. “We found him. My partner wanted to do a good deed—so God would favor us.”

  Jim chuckled. “You are stupid. And this gold you gave Ella, saying it was Velma’s?”

  Josh licked his dry lips. “I lied. It never were her husband’s.” He blinked and stammered, “There was—there was another dead man.”

  “Hmm, I know who killed him. Get out of my sight!” Jim yelled. He pointed the barrel of his gun at the man’s narrow chest.

  There was no hesitation. Josh whirled and jogged—in spite of the rocky trail. His coat flapped against his slim hips.

  Jim lifted Josh’s musket from the ground. He hesitated and then flung it through the air. It crashed into a boulder, busting into three pieces. The stock hit a tree. Josh flinched and staggered to a stop. He started to pick his way toward the area where it landed, but he heard Jim chuckle.

  “Go ahead, Josh. Give me one last reason to kill you.”

  Indecision showed in the way Josh raised his hands to the sides of his head and gripped his long hair. Then he turned and ran.

  “He won’t be back.” Jim slipped his left arm around the girl and crushed her against his side. He knew Josh would run as if trailed by haunts.

  Ella pressed her face against his chest. “Thank you for findin’ me,” she whispered, her lips touching his shirt.

  “You’re not hurt?” He couldn’t stop the trembling in his fingers as he cupped her chin and lifted her tear-streaked face. He wanted to hold her and never let go. “He didn’t hurt you? If he did, I’ll go after him.”

  Her cheeks flushed pink. A light sprinkle of freckles blended with the vibrant color. “No, he pushed me around some. He threatened to take me to Florida an’ marry me.” Her blue eyes shimmered with tears. “Take me home?”

  “How about our place first? Mother will be praying I found you.” He took the liberty of hugging her to his side. He released her before his boiling emotions got the best of him. He set the gun over his shoulder and offered her a hand.

  For a split second, she hesitated, and then she slipped her hand into his. “I didn’t know if anyone looked for me. How’d you know?”

  “Deer.” He swallowed and headed off her next question. “Sam and I found him. We figured you wouldn’t have left him without a cause.”

  Her eyes filled. “Josh hit him with the butt of the musket.”

  “Deer’s back right leg is crushed.”

  She gasped. “I thought he had died.”

  “No, but he’s hurt bad.” He tightened his hold on her hand.

  “Did you find my bonnet? I left it as a sign … wrapped in a filthy blanket he gave me.”

  “No.” He grinned. “I saw his name scratched in the clay floor. You did that?”

  “Yes.” She shivered and tightened her grip on his hand. “I didn’t know what else to do.”

  “Let’s speak of something more pleasant—like me finding you.”

  He matched his stride to her shorter one. A heaviness in his chest hurt when he thought about Josh accomplishing what he schemed to do with Ella. Jim wanted to stop right there in the woods, wrap his arms around her, and promise to protect her forever.

  How would she respond?

  “Ella, there’s others hunting for you. I know Samuel sought help last night.”

  “He did?” Astonishment widened her eyes.

  “Yes. He told me how he hurt you.”

  “Samuel’s not the same since—” She pressed her free hand to her lips.

  “My brother’s battle is within himself. It’s a fight only he can win, after he reaches clarity of mind. He’s suffering.”

  “With God’s help, he’ll make it.”

  “Yes, that’s so. In fact, he hurts more when you’re near him.”

  “Why?” Her puzzled blue eyes stared at him.

  He cleared his throat. “Because he loves you. He’s a very proud man. He has to make it on his own and prove to himself he’s still a man—capable of conquering the odds. It may take years, but Samuel will eventually come out on top.”

  “That’s what I said, but he was even more hateful. It’s like he no longer wants to be near me, an’ I did nothin’ to him.”

  “Well, as much as this hurts, you can’t be the one to stand by him or even help him. You’re part of his pain.”

  “No!”

  “He cares deeply about you. But let him grow strong without relying on you. I know
him. He’s on a lonely trace—an overgrown, rocky path. Let him go. I know he dearly loves you—more than you realize.”

  “Loves me?”

  “Yes. So, let him find his way back to you, if it’s meant to be.”

  “Come back to me?” She shook her head. “No.”

  “Yes. He will then ask you to be his wife. You’ll just have to be patient and wait.”

  Jim wanted to stop right there and lay his own heart and soul bare for her inspection. He wanted to see what she’d say. He couldn’t. Samuel loved her too much.

  Ella walked with her head down, but her small hand remained tucked in his.

  His mother had warned him only hurt and pain would come out of the situation, and she was right. Sophie made it especially clear of late that she still wanted his attention, and he felt Ella wasn’t meant for him. He decided he’d soon ask Sophie to marry him and end the agony. The young woman’s parents would welcome him as a son-in-law.

  Life would settle into a calm routine.

  As they drew near the house, he sensed Ella’s grip tightening. Jim thought he understood her extended silence and tension.

  She was reluctant to face Samuel and dreaded the news about Deer.

  Chapter 21

  Jim’s mother saw them and ran to hug Ella. “Oh, honey, we’ve been worried.”

  “Josh took me,” she murmured against the older woman’s shoulder.

  “Oh, no!”

  “She didn’t go quietly.” Jim chuckled. “This girl’s mean. I trailed them like a chicken hawk and watched her annoy him.”

  Ella pulled away from his mother’s embrace and giggled. “Stop tellin’ lies.”

  “No lie. It supplied me with a new regard for you.”

  His mother frowned. “Jim, there are men looking for her. They started at daybreak, after I cooked breakfast. There were fourteen of them, before they split up. Phillip cried at being left behind. He wanted to join them. Josie’s in the garden praying.” She patted her cheek. “Ella Dessa, they all love you.”

  “Mother, we need to signal the searchers. Think if we rang Papa’s iron bell they’d understand?”

  “I’m sure if they hear it, they’ll understand.” She grinned. “Guess who offered to ride with them?”

  Ella shook her head.

  “Velma!”

  “What a sight that’d be,” Ella said, as she thought of Velma’s pregnant shape.

  Inez smiled. “She meant it. It was a rough night, not knowing where you were. You’re like my own daughter.”

  She impulsively kissed the woman’s cheek. “Thank you.”

  “Oh, I forgot. Anna is caring for Deer. She hasn’t left his side since Sophie Wald’s father put the bone back in place this morning. He sewed the leg with sinew and bandaged it. Deer might not run after this adventure, but the man thinks he’ll live, as long as there’s no infection. Makes me sick—what Josh did to him and to you.” She motioned toward the sleeping quarters. “Come, I’ll take you to Deer. Jim, can you ring the bell?”

  Ella knelt beside Deer as the resounding clang of the iron dinner bell jarred her nerves. Anna turned away when the whimpering dog tried to stand and lick Ella’s hand.

  “No, no, lay still. I’m so sorry Josh hurt you,” Ella whispered.

  Anna said, “He whimpered all night.”

  “Thanks for carin’ for him.” She gazed into the girl’s sad, blue eyes. “You did a good deed.”

  “I wanted to stay with him. Besides, his mother’s dying in the barn. He needs comforting.” Her fingers trailed over the dog’s silky ears. “He hasn’t moved much.”

  “I’m sorry to hear ‘bout Dancer.” Ella tried to smile at the blond girl who had always avoided her friendship. She had never understood Anna’s aloof, bitter attitude.

  The girl shrugged. “She’s old.”

  “But none of us like to lose those we love.”

  “No, I suppose not.” She rubbed Deer’s nose. “He tried to find help for you, even when he was hurting.”

  “I know. I was afraid he was dead.”

  “How will you carry him home?”

  She started to answer but stopped. She searched the face of the thirteen-year-old. It dawned on her—Anna didn’t want her to take Deer. She swallowed the lump in her throat and made an immediate decision. “Well, I’m uncertain as to how I’d tote him—without hurtin’ his leg. Could you care for him ‘til he’s well?”

  A bright gleam lit the girl’s eyes. “Oh, I’d do my best.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Ella bent and kissed Deer’s head. “Thank you, Deer, for tryin’ to help me.” With shaky hands, she wiped her tears and stood. “I must go. Take care of him.” She rushed from the room before she changed her mind.

  At the kitchen, she paused. The scent of food made her weak. “Anna will take care of Deer.”

  Inez’s tender, knowing look said she understood. “That’s sweet of you.” She gathered Ella in a hug. “Thank you. We gave away all the other dogs, except one to guard the corral at night. Anna needs friends. Maybe Deer will fill a void in her that no one reaches, especially since her father died.” She turned away and sighed. “Life isn’t always easy.”

  “I know. That’s why we need one another. God understands that ‘fore we realize it.”

  The older woman nodded. “Samuel and some of the men rode into the clearing as Jim rang the bell. Most have left for their homes. Jim wouldn’t repeat what some of them said about Josh.” Her fingers smoothed Ella’s hair. “He didn’t, ah—hurt you?”

  “No. Not that way.” She chanced a quick glance at the fireplace where a large kettle hung from a hook. A wonderful, tantalizing smell drifted from it.

  “I’m so thankful.” Inez wiped a tear away. “Jim’s headed for the barn. I’m afraid Dancer’s reached the end of a lengthy dog life. Samuel couldn’t stand to be there for her final breath, so he went to his room.”

  Ella nodded, also knowing Samuel probably sought his room because of her presence in the house. She wearily folded her arms across her waist. She felt the events of the previous day crushing her. Going without food or water, along with the long night, had weakened her body and mind. She was glad she didn’t have to face Samuel. After what had passed between them, she also needed time for healing.

  “Honey, you look like you’re going to collapse. When’s the last time you ate?”

  She grimaced. “Yesterday, before comin’ up here.”

  “Oh, my. Well, you aren’t leaving my kitchen without food in your belly.” She guided her sideways. “Take a seat by the table. You’re as white as a sheet. Your freckles stick out like a scattering of liver spots. We have to feed you.” Inez turned to the kettle hanging over the fire. “I have the noonday meal cooked. You’ll eat before stepping one foot out of this house.”

  “It smells good. You said Jim went to the barn?”

  “Yes. He wants to take you home when you’re ready to go.” She set a portion of steaming stew in front of Ella and laid a hearty slice of bread across the corner of the wooden bowl. “Eat and I’ll spoon up some more.”

  #

  Ella paused to let her eyes adjust to the diffused light in the log barn. She spotted Jim sitting cross-legged on a pile of dried grass and hay. His right hand caressed the concave side of the old hound. The animal barely had strength to breathe. Her emaciated body lay on a folded horse blanket.

  “Jim.” She knelt beside him and touched his shoulder.

  He smiled and winked at her. “How’s Deer?”

  “Hurtin’. I saw Anna wanted to care for him … so, I’m leavin’ him be.”

  “Thoughtful of you.” His fingers stroked the white muzzle of the dying dog. “An old Indian gave her to me during a winter storm—just before he died. He got her off a trapper … said she was a spirit dog.” He shrugged one shoulder. “Not that it matters.”

  “How’d she get her name?”

  “She had an Indian name I couldn’t pronounce, but it sounded like ‘dancer,�
� so the name stuck. She’s just a hound dog with a pretty name.”

  “It’s perfect.” She crossed her legs and smoothed her dirty skirt. “Your mother said you talked to those who hunted for me? You thanked ‘em for me?”

  “They rode in as I rang the bell. Samuel was with them. He looked ragged and worried sick about you.” His granite eyes searched her face. “You should’ve seen the smiles, when I told them you were safe. Leigh said he’d tell the group of men who spent the morning hunting for you in the cove. They said Miles was beside himself.”

  “I’m sorry they didn’t get their mornin’ chores done, ‘cause of me.”

  Jim’s hand cupped Dancer’s grizzled muzzle. “Those men make up the backbone of this secluded settlement. Each one gives for the good of others, or none of us would survive. We aren’t gold miners.”

  She stroked the dog’s back and gazed at Jim. “Does Samuel want to be with Dancer? I can leave.”

  “You’re not going anywhere without me accompanying you. Samuel said he couldn’t bear to be here when she goes.” He sighed. “Long time ago she got kicked by a cow. That’s why she had the bad eye. Samuel stayed with her nonstop, until she was on her feet. We thought we’d lose her then.” His large hand caressed the top of Dancer’s head, passed over her closed eyes, and down her spine.

  “You should eat somethin’.”

  “I will.”

  Dancer whimpered and licked Jim’s hand.

  Her chest heaved and went still. Except for the cooing of a mourning dove somewhere outside, silence reigned in the barn.

  Dancer was gone.

  Jim dropped his head and kept his large, callused hand on the dog’s side, as if hoping for a movement, an indication she still lived. Then he shook his head and tossed his worn hat to the barn floor. His jaw clenched.

  “Jim,” she whispered, her heart breaking.

  When he lifted his eyes, tears filled the lackluster gray depths. “Poor old dog was loved.”

  She wrapped one arm around his back and laid her cheek against his shoulder. “Jim, I’m sorry.”