Lisa's Way

by Robert Collins

  “Anything to help would be appreciated.”

  “How?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Are you just gonna say thanks and be on your way? Or are you gonna give me something in exchange?”

  “If there’s something around here that people want, we’ll bring it back in exchange for what you can spare.”

  Marshall squinted. “That’d be presuming a bit, don’t you think?”

  Lisa reached into her travel pouch, took out a piece of paper, and unfolded it. “Would a guarantee signed by Major Willis McCall assure you?” she asked. She handed Marshall the paper.

  He nodded as he read it. “I don’t always agree with the Major, but he’s an honest fellow.” He handed it back to Lisa. “If he says you’ll keep your word, I guess I’ll believe you. Course, two sweet gals like yourselves ain’t planning to break your word with Rangers, are you?”

  “Would we be so sweet if we were?” Ellen replied.

  “Maybe, and maybe not.” He took a long drink. “Let tell you gals what I think a fair trade would be. You notice how far back the trees are from town, I trust?”

  “Yes.”

  “Did you notice the trails we got going back into the trees?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I’ve been trying hard not to go too far from town. My Daddy always said ’Don’t cut down too much.’ His Daddy told it to him, and his Daddy told it to him. Goes all the way back to Earth. ’Don’t cut down too much. They did it on Earth, way back, and didn’t leave enough for their sons.’ Whether that’s true or not, I don’t know. I do know that if I send my boys too far from town, they’ll get jumped.”

  It made sense to Lisa. She’d already noticed how good this area was for hiding. She’d gathered from what McCall had said, and from the assigning of escort Rangers, that outlaws were still lurking around. There probably weren’t that many, and they probably couldn’t take too much. A few could still be a problem. That led her to wonder what he believed the bigger threat to him was, attacks on his men or on his mill.

  “I’ve thought about asking Captain Roth,” Marshall continued, “or maybe Major McCall, see if more Rangers can’t be posted out here. Then I start wondering if my boys would get all that much done, being watched by a squad of Rangers. Then I think of my cousin Al in Marble City, and his big new spread. If the outlaws leave here, are they gonna take to rustling cattle, like they used to?

  “Now you gals come here, talking about other worlds.” He stood up, took an old book from a shelf, and laid it out on his desk. “My Granddaddy took this book from his world to this one. It’s the only thing he wanted to save from the Rain. It tells about all the kinds of trees on all the worlds.”

  “Mister Marshall,” Ellen said, “are you thinking about moving to another world? Is that what we could do for you?”

  “Maybe. I know this book is real old. Some of the places it talks about might not be there anymore. But trees, they don’t go away unless you cut all them down. This tells me there are trees on the worlds closest to ours that would make as good or better lumber than the trees around here.”

  “Would you like us to bring back samples?”

  “Samples, how thick the forest cover is, word about the towns nearby, if there are any other sawmills working. If I could spread my cutting around, get the best wood, I think I could give my kids a life and a business.”

  Ellen nodded and looked at Lisa. “I think we could do that, couldn’t we?”

  “Yeah.” Lisa turned to Marshall. “If you move, won’t that hurt people around here?”

  “Not much. Folks ’round here don’t like the noise. I keep telling them that the noise is nothing, if I had electricity they’d all go deaf. Naw, I’m not too worried. You just tell me what’s out there. That’ll be a fair trade.”

  ***

  Lisa was a bit surprised when she and Ellen returned to Arbuckle. The others had completed their work and had come back a day and a half before. Even though the trip had worn her down, Lisa still didn’t want to sleep until she heard what they had discovered.

  Wayne was the first to speak. “We picked up several large sacks of seeds. It’s a good selection of vegetables, plus some soybeans and cotton.”

  “Any needs we have to work on?”

  “Nope.”

  “That’s good. I guess we can divide the big sacks into smaller ones as we go along. Dave, Donna, what did you learn?”

  “The ranchers have a dilemma,” Donna said. “They say they’ve noticed a greater need for beef in the last few years. The problem is their grazing lands can’t handle larger herds. They’ve talked about trying to create more land, but there aren’t the hands available.”

  “They’re watching over pretty big spreads as it is,” Dave added. “I got the impression that they aren’t sure if they could watch over more land. And if they could, they don’t know how they’ll take care of the hands they’d need to bring in to do the job.”

  “They’d like us to find more land. I wasn’t sure if we could. They said if they couldn’t get more land, they’d like more feed.”

  “I’m not sure about land,” Lisa said, “but I know back home there’s more hay and oats than we need. I guess that’s something we can work on over the long term.”

  “What did you find out?” Wayne asked. “Any needs up in Eagle?”

  “Wood. The man who runs the sawmill wants to find better trees. We got some tools; we’ll have to bring back tree samples.”

  “Sounds like we’ll be doing some hard labor.”

  “Yes, we will.” Lisa yawned. “I’m tired. If you don’t mind, I’d like to sleep here. I can go into town tomorrow morning and get everything in writing.”

  “Sounds good. Want anyone to go with you?”

  “Actually, I’d like all of you to go with me. That way I won’t have to remember exactly everything you told me.”

  The next morning an awed Donna and Wayne joined a calm Lisa on her visit to Major McCall. They almost forgot what they had to say. Lisa was able to prod them along, and in no time McCall had a document ready. Lisa and McCall signed it, then Wayne and Donna added their signatures as witnesses.

  “Y’know, this is a pretty big deal,” McCall said as Donna finished.

  “Tell me about it,” she said.

  He smiled, seeming to know what she meant. “No. I mean, you kids will be the first to leave Lone Star through the portal in maybe three generations.”

  “Yeah, that’s right,” Wayne said.

  “I think we ought to celebrate that. I’ll talk to the Mayor and a few others. Let’s see if we can’t give you a right good send-off.”

  Later that day, as the sun neared the horizon, the town of Arbuckle came together. Dishes were cooked, McCall and a few local dignitaries spoke, and Lisa was peppered with questions. She took the feast in stride. She was happy to soak up the good feelings. She was also happy to let Wayne and his friends soak up more. After all, they were from here. It was only right that they get more than their share.

  “Let them be the heroes,” she told Little Wolf when he asked if she was bothered. “They ought to feel appreciated. They are doing something great.”

  “Even though it is your idea.”

  “Even though. As long as Wayne remembers tomorrow who’s in charge, I won’t steal their glory tonight.”

  Once everyone had filled their bellies a group of musicians stepped forward. “Time to work off that food with spell of dancing,” the leader of the group said. In moments people picked out partners, and the dance got under way.

  Lisa declined to dance to the first musical number. She wasn’t sure if their way of dancing was familiar; it wasn’t. More than that, she didn’t like dancing. She wasn’t as sure on her feet as she was in conversation. She was never picked first, and sometimes she was last to be asked.

  This time she was asked immediately, by no less a figure than Major McCall. “Let me see what I’m getting into,” she said. “Once I know the steps, t
hen I’ll give it a try.”

  McCall asked again the moment the first dance ended. She accepted, and found herself the focus of many envious eyes. The dance was mannered, but in an open, physical way. These folks didn’t dance cheek to cheek. At most they held hands, and kept far enough apart that another couple could come between them. It was a vigorous show, with lots of swings and turns. Lisa quickly found that she couldn’t handle more than one in a row. She wasn’t at a loss for partners, but as the evening wore on, she needed more than one dance to catch her breath.

  During one of these rests, Allie came up to her. “I guess you don’t move like this back home,” she said.

  “No, I don’t.” Lisa noticed that Allie wasn’t near as winded as she was. Good Lord, she thought, am I the only one here sweating right now?

  “You, uh, haven’t danced with Little Wolf at all.”

  “Oh. No.” Lisa looked around. She saw him dancing with some local girl. He seemed to be doing well enough. He certainly didn’t look as winded.

  She realized that he hadn’t asked her dance. Not that it bothered her, not really. They were friends, traveling companions. She hadn’t thought of him in any other way. Sure, he was cute, in a mysterious, quiet sort of way. Perhaps it was that she’d saved his life, that he owed her. Somehow the idea of her thinking of him as more than a friend seemed unsavory, considering that history.

  “I thought...”

  Lisa smiled. “We’re just friends. Would you like to dance with him?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, I’ll call him over.”

  “Oh, I, uh...”

  “Please.” She glanced at the crowd, then turned quickly to Allie. “That isn’t considered bad manners, is it?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  Moments later the dance ended. Lisa made eye contact with Little Wolf, then waved to him. He jogged over. “Yes?”

  Lisa cleared her throat and nodded towards Allie.

  Little Wolf blinked. Lisa cleared her throat and nodded again.

  He sucked in a knowing breath. “Allie, would you like to dance?”

  “Sure.” She started towards the crowd without waiting.

  Lisa touched his arm as he turned to follow her. “She is young, you know.”

  “I know.” He frowned at her. “She is not so young, though.”

  “I guess not.” She smiled. “Have fun.”

  He smiled back. “Thank you. You do not mind?”

  “Go. Have fun.”

  Lisa watched them dance. She is young, she thought, but he’s right. Pretty soon she won’t be a girl, she’ll be a woman. It’s not big deal. Leslie was her age when she started seeing... seeing... damn, what’s his name?

  Seems like months since I left. Hasn’t been that long, not really. Fairfield seems so far away now. Well, it is. Maybe not just far in distance, though.

  Lisa’s attention returned to the dance. She thought that Allie and Little Wolf looked happy. It made her wonder when she might find someone who really wanted to dance with her.

  Oh, don’t think about that. After all, you’ve got responsibilities. You’re going to be traveling for some time. You’re a leader, you don’t need to be distracted or preoccupied.

  Yeah, like Wayne is, or Dave?

  Oh, don’t get so worked up. If it happens, it happens. I’ve got time to fall in love.

  Just a little less time since you left home.

  ***

  “Is there anything we need to know before we go through?” Wayne asked.

  Lisa looked at him. He seemed to be a little nervous. She looked at his friends; they were as nervous or more so. She not only had to answer his question, she had to reassure him.

  “Going through the portal is no more terrible than walking around Arbuckle on a sunny day.” The day did turn out sunny. She hoped they’d make the connection. “You’ll see a rainbow of colors in the middle for an instant, then you’ll see the next world. Just go through, like you’re going through an open door.”

  “Will there be anyone waiting for us on the other side?” Kathy asked.

  “I don’t think so. We’ll be going to White Rocks. The portal there is now on the edge of the main town, Great Junction. The locals will see us come through. They’ll probably send someone to meet us. Let me do all the talking. They know me. I do want you to put your weapons in one of the wagons. No sense alarming them.”

  Wayne nodded. “As you’ve said, we’re here to make friends and help.” He turned to his group. “Do as she asks. We’ll be safe.”

  Lisa waited for the personal weapons and crossbows to be stowed. Once that was done she asked if there were any more questions. No one spoke up immediately. She decided that any further waiting might lead to more questions, and more delay. She went to the portal controls. She entered in a longer opening time. Before she turned the machine on she signaled to Major McCall, watching the scene from the side.

  “Something, Miss Herbert?”

  “I don’t know when we’ll be back, Major. Could be weeks, could be months.”

  “Didn’t think you’d be done in a day, Lisa.”

  “Just so long as everyone else thinks the same thing.”

  He smiled to her. “I’ll make sure folks keep their patience.” His smile faded. “You want anyone to follow you if too much time passes?”

  She shook her head. “If we get into real trouble, I’ll send someone back to get help. We have to be careful, Major. Too many people going through, and folks might start worrying about the Rain happening again.”

  “Maybe so. You be careful, Lisa.”

  “Yes, sir.” She shook hands with him. He nodded once, then moved away. Lisa bent down and touched the controls.

  “As soon as you see White Rocks, get moving,” she said.

  The portal worked just as she said it would. Little Wolf waved to group and led them through. Lisa stood, watching and nodding encouragement. Wayne followed the last wagon. As he stepped onto the portal platform, Lisa turned to the small crowd watching the group depart. She waved to them, smiled to Major McCall, then followed Wayne through the portal.

  She waited for the others to clear the platform on White Rocks. She glanced around; the sun was coming down. Great Junction was quieting down. The air was cool, but not quite as cool as she remembered. Good traveling weather, she thought. At least I hope it stays good.

  She stepped off the platform and jogged around the group. She walked a few feet towards town, then turned to the others. “Wait here.”

  She started for the town. She didn’t get far before she saw a group of local guards heading her way. She recognized the one in the lead. He was the man who met her when she first came through. She waved to him and called, “Hello, there.”

  “Hello, yourself,” the man replied. “Ah, the portal girl. I see this time you have friends with you.”

  “Business associates, if you can believe it.”

  “Indeed?” He stopped in front of her. He took some time to look at her friends. “Are they armed?”

  “Yes, but only to defend themselves. If it makes you feel better, I can ask them to stay here.”

  “It would.”

  She jogged part of the way back. “Wayne,” she yelled.

  He moved towards her. “Yeah?”

  “Would you mind camping here? At least for tonight?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  “Thanks.” She ran back to the guards. “If it isn’t too late, I’d like to talk to Mister Coe.”

  “It’s not too late. C’mon.”

  Inside Great Junction the man sent the other guards back to their posts. He led Lisa to Coe’s office. They met the Town Manager as he was coming out of the building. He smiled and shook Lisa’s hand. “You’ve returned, Miss Herbert.”

  “She’s got friends with her this time,” the sergeant said.

  “Friends?”

  “Next to the portal. They’re camping there for the night.”

  Coe glanced at the cl
ock on the front of the building. “I guess I can be a little late.” He turned to Lisa. “Let’s talk. Try to be brief.”

  “Sure.”

  Coe led Lisa into the building and to his office. He took off his jacket and sat down quickly. “Why are you back? Who’s with you?”

  “A group of friends from Lone Star,” she said. “We’re here to make some trades and find some armed men.”

  “Trades? Not here, I hope.”

  “Oh, no. We’d like to visit some towns that your merchants haven’t been to, for whatever reason. We’d like to make some deals, and see if they have things to deal for.”

  “Well, nobody’s gone up to Alamosa. It’s a hard route, Miss Herbert, but you’d be welcome to it. Some merchants have tried Two Forks. Those folks just don’t seem interested. If you want to try, go ahead. East of there, who knows?”

  “We’ll give it a shot. We aren’t here to take any trade from anyone, Mister Coe. If we have some success, I hope people here will want to follow up. My goal is to get people trading between worlds.”

  Coe nodded thoughtfully. “That sounds okay. If you’d like to make some deals here before you head out, I’ll help you out tomorrow.”

  “Thanks.”

  His mood darkened slightly. “Now, tell me why you’re trying to find armed men.”

  “You remember that world I said Little Wolf and I would go to after we left here? Big Springs? We found that there are two towns there fighting each other. Their fight makes trade to either impossible, and trade between other towns difficult. Their fight is also encouraging outlaws.

  “If things are to get any better that fight has to stop. I’ve found eleven people willing to help me try to stop that fight. I need more. We might get more here if people knew they could get something out of it.”

  “Trade goods,” Coe said. “You’ll give anyone who helps you a share of the goods you pick up along the way.”

  “That’s it.”

  “Were you planning to make some kind of announcement?”

  Lisa paused. She hadn’t considered making her scheme that well-known. Something about the idea bothered her. “I think I’d rather wait,” she said. “See who comes to us first.” A reason popped into her mind. “After all, too many people would cut down on everyone’s share.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. You’ll let me know if you change your mind?”

  “Of course.”

  He shrugged. “Is that it?”

  “Two little things. You said not many merchants went to Alamosa. Why not? Is it too far?”