by Marian Wells
“And you’re wondering if I’m spreading the talk to win you to my side. Yes and no. I don’t ask you to believe me; just listen and make up your own mind. I don’t like using people. Either their minds or their bodies.” She paused, then whispered, “See, I’ve enough Negro blood in me to want freedom more than anything else. And not just for me, for everyone. That’s why I feel so sorry for locking you in this room.”
“Crystal, you still haven’t told me.”
“Freedom. I’m caught up in the passion to buy freedom for every man. My money is my tongue and my hands. Nothing will stop me.”
“What does that have to do with Lucas Tristram?”
“Until Lucas and every man like him is stopped, we won’t know freedom from slavery. One by one they must be exposed. See, Amy, all of this is related to man’s greed. You can’t have greed and freedom. They fight each other. I believe the Bible—it teaches us to love one another. That’s the only way to freedom.”
Amy frowned. “You talk as if Lucas has done something to you.”
Crystal hesitated before speaking. “He has. But for the present, let’s concentrate on what is happening right now.”
“We saw Lucas Tristram in Santa Fe, New Mexico,” Amy said slowly, thinking aloud. “With that Confederate flag snapping in the air over his head. He looked like I’ve never seen him look before. Like King Midas with his hands full of gold.”
Crystal nodded. “That’s so. I believe in causes, but not in using causes for financial gain. Amy, I left the South at the time the rallying for freedom began. You see, it was the rich landowners who were shouting most loudly.” Twisting her hands, she added, “But the word freedom made me hungry. And I saw that hunger in countless other eyes. I had to leave to find out what freedom really means.”
“I’m beginning to understand,” Amy voiced. “Freedom means we can’t live that way—being a slave or owning slaves.” She looked at Crystal. “But you still haven’t said what he did.”
Her expression was veiled. “I’ll get there. Long ago Jefferson Davis scouted out these gold-rich areas. He decided the Confederate cause would best be served by having this gold in their coffers. Tristram has been in the territory since that first summer after gold was discovered. Does that tell you anything?” She paused as Amy gave her a puzzled look.
“He has been busy mapping out all the heavy gold-producing areas. Now he knows where the gold is, and in addition, he’s trying to get this gold committed to the Confederate cause. See, the cause wasn’t born overnight. Freedom was the handwriting on the wall. It was absolutely necessary the war happen.”
“Absolutely necessary? Crystal, the battle in New Mexico took care of their problem. Don’t you know that General Canby chased the Confederates right back into Texas?”
“But the war isn’t over. It won’t be over until the final shot is fired. Meanwhile, Lucas won’t give up his position. He’ll go on winning the confidence of men. My job is to be courier for Mr. Lucas Tristram. See, I’m Southern. You might say I’ve had my arm twisted behind me, but in reality it is something different. Anyway, I look as if I belong to the slave class. But I don’t—in fact, my family owns property and slaves in New Orleans. The white Southerners look down on us because of our mixed blood, but we have money and power. That is respected.”
She added, “Tristram’s job? He gathers the reports and the information and I deliver it all to a key person here in Colorado Territory. Amy, Lucas is a spy and I am his stooge. He is here to garner everything he can that will harm the Union, whether it is gold or information.”
Slowly Amy said, “Spies are shot during wartime, aren’t they?” Crystal nodded, and Amy continued. “You were afraid I would say something about you, about your past. But I still can’t imagine what I could possibly know that would harm you.”
Crystal was standing beside the windows. Amy couldn’t see the expression in her eyes, but she was quiet, waiting. Finally Amy asked, “Is it because there is someone important who must not see you as a spy? Someone you care for very much?”
More minutes passed, and then Crystal sighed heavily. “I believe you. I don’t think Amelia has told you anything about me. Also, Amy Gerrett, I trust you. Only the dear Lord knows how badly I need someone in whom I can confide. Someone who’ll help me muddle though this mess.” As she turned to walk across the room, Amy saw the glint of moisture on her cheek.
When she sat down beside Amy, she asked, “Have I made myself clear? I loathe Lucas Tristram. To smile at him, to laugh up at him and to tuck my hand in his arm and chatter in French because it pleases his vanity to be cast as a gentleman of noble character and good breeding—” Abruptly Crystal broke off and snorted.
Amy snickered into her hand, “Oh, Crystal!” she whispered, “you know him so well!” A sharp object rapped against the heavy door. Crystal clutched Amy’s arm. They waited.
There was a low, urgent voice. “Crystal, open up.”
They stared at each other. Amy scrambled to her feet; she needn’t be told it was Lucas. Across the room the large, dark mahogany armoire stood open. She threw a questioning glance at Crystal and slipped into the armoire.
“Just a moment,” Crystal called softly as she closed the doors behind Amy.
Amy heard Crystal’s step, the scrape of the key, the creak of hinges.
Carefully she dabbed at the perspiration on her forehead. What am I doing in here? I want to see Lucas—I have to discuss the piano with him.
She reached for the door, but at the same instant she remembered the expression on Crystal’s face. Crystal was afraid. Amy shuddered and strained to hear.
Lucas was speaking. “I’ve a message for you to pass on. This time the stage will be stopped halfway up the canyon. You’ll recognize your contact by the turquoise amulet on his hat. Make certain the message is in with the gold.”
“Lucas, why must you go to such lengths to pass along the message?” Crystal’s voice was loud.
“Keep your voice down,” Lucas remonstrated. “I have a feeling there’s someone watching me. Funny thing, I ran into a fellow in New Mexico. Twice. It seemed a casual contact. My guess is they’re using preachers as spies. Good cover, isn’t it?”
Crystal’s reply was inaudible. Lucas continued with a chuckle. “I’ve just given the fellow a new piano for his church. If they haul me in, he may have a difficult time explaining the piano.”
Crystal asked, “Isn’t this all a lost cause? It’s been in the papers that the Confederate Army has been pushed back to Texas.”
“My dear, as long as we’re winning the war in the East and South, it behooves us to keep a strong hand in here.” He paused and then added, “I’ll admit the chances of taking Colorado Territory aren’t good. The Pikes Peakers made a name for themselves in New Mexico. But there are other strategies under consideration.”
“That takes good imagination.” Her voice was mocking. “I can’t guess.”
Lucas was quiet for a moment. “New Mexico set us back, but we’re not out of the game yet.” Then he added, “It’s gold. Gold by the bagful, if nothing else. While we’re waiting for another push against the gold fields, we’ll continue to win support for our cause and at the same time drain away as much gold as possible. We need it desperately if the Confederacy is to survive.”
“You mean you’ll pack the ore out of here?”
“Not ore. With a few good contacts, we’ll know when the pure stuff is being shipped.”
“And they’ll never know how much you take?”
There was a pause and Lucas’s heavy voice questioned, “You think you’re not getting your share?” After another pause he said, “Don’t become an expendable commodity, Crystal. You are only valuable as long as you cooperate with the cause. If for one moment I thought your sympathies weren’t totally for the Confederacy—”
“And why do you think that they are?”
“Because you made a bad mistake a long time ago, and I know you’ll spend the rest of your li
fe trying to win back the favor of your husband.”
“You act as if you know where he is.” There was a long pause. Crystal’s voice was low as she said, “You deliberately compromised me. You carefully planned the scene so that my husband would believe I was unfaithful. Is it possible you had planted additional thoughts before you staged the scene?”
Lucas’s low laugh was followed by the teasing words. “Perhaps. And perhaps he only wanted an excuse to follow his conscience instead of his heart.”
Crystal’s voice was cold. “At least you’ve used the word heart. I can nearly forgive you for implying he was wanting out. That he was a—”
Her voice choked off the words. Lucas’s voice made Amy shiver as he finished the sentence. “Nigger lover? Crystal, that makes me wonder what else you have on your mind. Unfortunately, I’ll need to address the question at a later time. Meanwhile, here’s the bag of gold. Be careful—it’s heavy. The message is in the bottom of the bag. I want you on the stage for Central City tomorrow morning.”
Chapter 31
When the Randolphs rode into Denver City, Eli was sitting on the wagon seat, holding the reins. Matthew sat beside him, listening to Eli as he pointed out the landmarks. “This is the main section of town. That building out in the middle of the creek is the Rocky Mountain News building. The little town of Auraria is on one side of the creek, and Denver City is on the other. See over there, that’s the famous Criterion Saloon. But then, maybe you haven’t heard about Charley Harrison. Gave up on gold mining and has taken to strong-arming his way around town while he runs the saloon.
“The Methodist Episcopal Church is off yonder, down Cherry Creek and through those trees. Conference will be coming up. We might as well stay around for it.”
He slanted a glance toward Matthew and added, “You’ve made it clear you want to go God’s way. Might be that the best way to cement the agreement is to hang around conference for a time.”
From her seat on the pile of blankets and quilts behind Eli, Amelia watched Matthew. She noticed that he looked uncomfortable with the suggestion. Was all his talk of going God’s way a sham? The uneasiness was beginning to grow in Amelia when Matthew glanced at Eli. “Sir, begging your pardon, but do you want to stay?”
Amelia caught the question and she held her breath. This would be the final answer to all the long conversations she and Eli had carried on night after night.
He hesitated, then finally answered, “I think I do. I’m still sorting it all out in my mind, but I need to have a talk with the bishop from the Nebraska-Kansas conference.” Amelia caught her breath. Without turning, Eli stated, “Now, Wife, I haven’t made any decision.”
Matthew was grinning over his shoulder at her. Amelia smiled back as she said, “I’m not pushing, Eli.”
They turned down the main street of Denver City. Matthew studied the log buildings as they passed down the street. The wind blew dust into their faces, and Amelia smiled at the hint of distaste on Matthew’s face.
“We’re not too neat around here yet,” she stated. “There’s a sawmill getting started up, so in another year we should see a good share of planed lumber buildings. Meanwhile, the old cottonwood buildings will have to do.”
Matthew looked at her curiously. “You don’t sound as if you object to this cow town.”
“I don’t,” she said softly. “I rather like the feeling of a new beginning, whether for people or for towns. You know, Matthew, I’ve come to one conclusion. Colorado Territory seems to be the land of new beginnings. You get to talking to your neighbors and you find they’re fleeing something. It’s either bad work situations back East or they’re looking for the elephant.”
He turned to look at her. “I gather you aren’t referring to the structure they call the Elephant Corral?”
“Not hardly. It’s a catch phrase. I guess it can best be described by calling it an elusive dream.” She was silent a moment before adding, “Some neighbors are just the restless type. They’re looking for something new. I don’t expect them to stay here long.”
“So you think I might try gold mining?”
“Only if you’re looking for a diversion. There’s a pack of men around. I’d suggest you head for the high country. You might have a few dollars before the snow falls. Then again, you could come out of the hills a millionaire.”
Matthew asked, “That’s a pretty big business establishment over there, what is it?”
“That’s the Elephant Corral.”
“Well, it sure isn’t elusive. Can’t hardly miss the place!”
Eli pointed. “Over yonder are all of Charley Harrison’s businesses. I mentioned the Criterion Saloon. There are two hotels in addition and at least one more saloon—see, over there next to the general store. I understand the big saloon has gaming rooms upstairs, and who knows what else. All this was built up after we went to Central City, so I haven’t kept up with things. Back in the beginning, us fellas from the church did our preaching in the saloons on a regular basis. Guess they won’t cotton to it anymore, now we have a church built.”
“Eli.” They both turned at her strange cry. Amelia pointed toward the saloon. “Isn’t that Amy going into the saloon all by herself?”
Eli leaned forward to peer toward the saloon. “Sure looks like her, but I can’t imagine my daughter entering such a place, particularly alone. Besides, Amelia, we saw her head off with Father Dyer. She ought to be home with her husband right now.”
“Unless he’s come to meeting,” Amelia commented. Slowly she added, “I can’t imagine what she would be doing in a place like that.”
“Might be Father Dyer’s having services and she’s going in to play the organ.”
“In a saloon? Eli, I think we should go after her.”
He nodded. “But you’ll have to wait until I get this rig around to the livery stable.”
“Just let me off, I’ll go by myself.”
“No—it isn’t a fit place for a lady to be seen.” Amelia blinked at Eli’s back.
Matthew turned to grin at her. “Now, Mrs. Randolph, a pastor’s wife—”
Eli’s shoulders twitched. “Sorry, dear.”
“Eli, that’s the nicest compliment you’ve paid me. Certainly I’ll wait. Couldn’t be Amy, but if it is, we’ll find her.”
Eli flicked the reins to hurry the team along. At the livery stable they left the team and wagon and started down the street together, walking slowly for Eli’s sake. He was using one crutch and Amelia linked her arm through his as he limped along.
Matthew walked in front of them. When he stopped in the middle of the street, Amelia sidestepped him and lifted her head at the incredulous question, “Is that you, Daniel?”
“Daniel!” Amelia scooted around Matthew, exclaiming. “You’ve grown a beard! How nice.”
Eli smiled. “Good to see you, son. It was a big relief to get news of you through Father Dyer.” He clasped Daniel’s hand and then added, “We think we’ve seen Amy just ahead of us, and we’re following her. I suppose you know why she’s gone into the saloon alone.”
“Amy, in the saloon? I’ve been looking for her ever since I got here. Two days it’s been since I rode into town. Had to return the Army’s horse, and now I’ve walked my feet off looking for Amy.” He shook his head. “Not Amy, that’s not like Amy to be going into a saloon all by herself.”
****
Amy heard Crystal close the door after Lucas. The key turned in the lock, but the minutes stretched as Amy listened, and waited. There was only silence from the room. Cautiously Amy tapped at the door of the armoire.
Crystal opened the door and stepped back, and Amy sighed with relief as she stepped out. “Forever, it felt like,” she whispered. The room was filled with late-afternoon shadows. As Amy smoothed her tousled hair, she watched Crystal cross the room to light the lamp on the table. “I suppose you heard it all,” she remarked as she touched the match to the wick.
“Yes,” Amy said quietly. “Crystal, what are
you going to do?”
“First I need to get a message out, and then I’ll do just as Lucas has instructed.”
Amy caught her breath. “With the stagecoach being held up? You can’t; it’s dangerous.”
“Amy, it won’t be the first time. This is an old plan. You heard those men on the stagecoach talking about secessionists holding up the stage? Well, I’ve been held up several times. Each time I’m relieved of my bag of gold and a message.”
“Who gets the message?”
“I have no idea, but I do think it’s some key figure in Colorado Territory. Someone so well known that even Lucas isn’t allowed to know his name.” She paused and then added, “Makes you think all this is very important to someone.”
Amy nodded and asked, “Have you read the message?”
“No. It’s sealed and I wouldn’t dare break the seal.”
“You said you have a message for someone.”
Crystal nodded. “A contact close to the new governor. It is someone who needs to know every time Lucas sends gold and one of these messages.” She added, “By the way, the new governor, John Evans, is a former abolitionist, as well as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Does that tell you something?”
Amy studied her for a moment before saying, “It says something about Lucas, and it also makes what you are doing seem very important.” She looked at Crystal, feeling a new respect as she added, “How are you going to deliver a message?” Crystal looked steadily at Amy and didn’t answer.
“I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry; it’s just that I am worried.”
“Don’t fret.” Unexpectedly Crystal hugged Amy. “It’s nice to have someone here. “Do stay on while I’m gone.”
“How long will that be?”
“Just long enough for us to be robbed. The driver always heads back to Denver City.”