by S G Read
While she was talking Ruben was busily putting up plates on a stand to be the targets. They were the old, chipped or discolored plates which were no longer any use. Instead of just throwing them away they were now used as targets. One by one the girls walked up with their rifle and smashed a plate with a single bullet. In each case until Priscilla fired the plate shattered and fell to the ground, well on to a sheet to catch the debris. When Priscilla fired however, part of the plate remained, not a lot but it could be seen. Priscilla held her ground and turned to look at Ms. Brody, who merely nodded. Priscilla took aim again and smashed the remaining piece so that none remained on the display. When it was Sarah’s turn she walked up as the others had, took aim and fired. She did not look at the plate again but merely walked away in her most ladylike manner. Duncan saw the plate smashed into myriad pieces and smiled. Finally when all the girls had fired and one plate still remained Ms. Brody walked up and took aim, smashing the plate with one shot then returned to her position.
‘That was to show that they are in good hands when we go on field trips.’ She declared and the crowd clapped including Duncan.
When the rest went back inside, Duncan remained sitting where he was and both Becky and Sarah joined him.
‘Your folks not here?’ He asked when Becky walked over as well.
‘No, not yet but they are on their way Mr. Lee.’ She replied politely.
‘It is nice to see you again Rebecca.’ Duncan answered, trying to keep the standards up.
‘Why thank you sir.’ Becky replied coquettishly. ‘But I am sure you would like to speak to Sarah alone, so I will take your leave.’
‘I will see you later I hope?’ Duncan asked.
‘I am sure you will.’ Becky replied and walked off, after curtseying politely.
‘Well Sarah, have you enjoyed your schooling?’ Duncan asked, while Sarah stood next to him.
Sarah sat on a vacant chair next to him, moving it closer before she sat on it.
‘I think I have. I have learnt to read and write properly, to act like a lady and I can still best all the local boys, although that can be a drawback when you want to form a relationship.’ She answered wisely.
‘There will be other boys in other towns.’ Duncan replied. ‘I am here to take you home with me, if that is what you want. You are not what I would call fully growed yet…’
‘It is fully grown Duncan and no I know I am not fully grown yet. There will be a time I want to go and visit places but for now I would like to visit Little Buck to see how things are.’
‘There have been some changes there you may not know of. The village has gone and Little Buck and the remainder of the tribe have moved in with Many Hands but they are under a sort of siege by the Sioux. We won’t be going to Many Hands village in the near future, it is too dangerous but on the way back we can stop of at the Carter place and talk to Slim, he will know what is going down.’ Duncan answered.
‘If we cannot get to the horse’s mouth, then another way of finding out will be acceptable.’ Sarah replied.
‘You talk just like any other lady I have met Sarah, your mother would be proud of you.’ Duncan declared.
‘I have money now and I have finished school so I do aim to mark my mother’s grave with more than just a headstone.’
‘It is your money Sarah but if you don’t go out and find work, it will have to last you a long time.’ Duncan counseled.
‘I could marry someone rich.’ Sarah answered with a laugh.
‘If you don’t black their eye when they come on to you.’ Duncan retorted.
‘I have decided not to do that unless I feel I have to.’ Sarah replied.
‘Some will still deserve it daughter, do you mind me calling you daughter? It is so much easier than having to explain this ward business.’
‘Not at all. I hope my father was just like you. In fact were you ever in Martinsburg nine months before I was born?’ Sarah asked seriously.
‘No I was away fighting the war, which is a shame. Any man would be right proud to have you as a daughter.’
‘Tell Jonas that, all he wanted me for was to work and to do his work as well.’
‘I can tell you are from good stock Sarah but circumstances might have made you as strong willed as you are.’ Duncan explained.
‘Good stock pa, you make me sound like a cow.’
‘Pa, I like that. Best make tracks, as I want you looking your best when you get the diploma tomorrow. Morning Sun wanted to come but she has two to look after now and with Sunshine airing her lungs, no one would hear a thing.’
‘I am going to have lots of children when I get married.’ Sarah declared.
‘Look after Sunshine and Duncan Wolf Lee for a couple of days and that will show you what you are letting yourself in for.’
Before they could move Becky returned and when she sat down they did not move, until one of the teachers came out to remind them what the time was. The girls went inside but Duncan stayed put. He knew the other visitors would be at the hotel by now and he planned to sleep in the barn, it was easier, cheaper and nearer Sarah in case there was any trouble. He did plan to lay a blanket on top of the straw so that he did not have straw sticking out of his clothing when he went in for the ceremony in the morning.
Slowly the lights in the school were dimmed and Ms. Brody walked to the back door to lock it against prowlers and there were a few about.
‘Not in the hotel Mr. Lee?’ She asked.
‘No, I figured them folks would fill it up so I thought I would bed down in the barn; with your permission of course.’
‘Granted with pleasure as the prowlers will think twice about coming with you in the barn but do wash up well in the morning!’
‘I will Ms. Brody, goodnight.’
He heard the door close and the bolts slide into place then lit up a cheroot to smoke, now that he was alone. He did not smoke a lot but a cheroot now and then was a pleasure he treated himself to. When the cheroot was long gone he stood up, stretching before walking off toward the barn. He was fully alert and a noise made him stop in his tracks.
‘Only me Mr. Lee.’ Ruben declared and appeared carrying a shotgun.
‘Going hunting Ruben?’
‘Only two legged varmints Mr. Lee, as I reckon the barn will be secure with you inside it.’ Ruben answered. ‘I got salt and wet grain in it so that we know who the prowler is when he turns up at the doctors to have it sorted.’
Duncan laughed and walked into the stable for a sleep he was looking forward to, although he would probably wake up when Ruben fire the shotgun. Any prowlers out tonight were in for trouble.
Chapter 15
Duncan woke in the morning when the sun shone in through the open door of the stable. He could hear Ruben pouring water and looked in that direction.
‘Thought you might be awake early Mr. Lee, I done run you a bath, get in while it’s hot.’ Ruben declared when he saw Duncan looking.
‘Is that a hint?’ Duncan asked.
‘A mighty big one but not from me, it is Ms. Brody’s orders.’ Ruben answered.
‘I think I’ll get in it then.’ Duncan replied sagely.
When he walked out of the barn he was wearing his best clothes and was even wearing some perfumed water that Ms. Brody had sent out for him. It was dangerous as a Sioux would smell it a mile away but he had today to get through, the train ride and then a horse ride to get to Carter’s ranch, by then he hoped that it would have faded sufficiently.
The back door was not open yet and there were no chairs outside as Ruben had moved them all into the main hall for the ceremony. Duncan lit a cheroot and smoked it, before walking round to the front door which was wide open to receive the guests. Some of the girls were there to greet them and they curtseyed as Duncan walked in.
‘May I show you to your seat sir?’ Sarah asked when she saw him.
‘How very kind.’ Duncan answered and allowed her to direct him to his seat in the main hall.
&
nbsp; He was not the first. Becky’s parents had finally arrived and they were there talking to Becky, catching up on things, as they had not seen her for some time. Becky stood up when they had finished with the small talk and the catching up.
‘This is Mr. Lee, Sarah’s guardian.’ She announced, pointing to where Duncan sat.
While Duncan and Becky’s parents got acquainted, Becky withdrew gracefully, to carry on with her chores, the last chores she would do at school. While Duncan talked to them, other parents arrived and they were seated. Becky’s parents wanted to know about her daughter from a third party, one who was not a school teacher or their daughter. That meant they became engrossed in their conversation and neither Duncan nor they took much notice of any newcomers.
Finally the hall filled and Ms. Brody took her place on the stage at the front. She tapped a glass to gain silence and waited for it to be complete before she spoke.
‘Welcome to our annual prize giving ceremony. Not only are we giving out diplomas to those that have earned them, we are also giving out prizes for good work during the term.’
She waited for the buzz to die down again after that statement then continued.
‘We will start with the diploma ceremony which is for those who have completed their studies here and achieved an acceptable grade in all areas.’
One by one the girl’s names were called out and they made their way forward to receive their diplomas before returning to their seats. When they had all been given their diplomas Ms. Brody tapped for silence again.
‘Now we will start with the girls who have been here for just one year and give out their prizes.’ She announced.
The prizes were given out in order of importance, the last one being most important. When the prizes for that year were given out, the next year received theirs and that continued right through until all the prizes had been given out. Sarah did not have to move during the prize giving.
‘And now we have the prize for school leadership and personality.’ Ms. Brody announced, standing once more. ‘This could only go to one pupil in my estimation and as I am the person who decides who it goes to then that seems to clinch it. The leadership prize goes to Sarah Pointer and were her mother still alive, I know she would be proud of her.’
Sarah promptly burst into tears and was led up to receive her prize by Becky. Ms. Brody shook her hand and Sarah took the prize before turning to the watching audience.
‘Some leader.’ She said stoically despite the tears. ‘I had to be led up by my best friend to receive the prize. There are others who deserve this just as much as I do but thank you for the honor.’
The applause lasted long after she had returned to her seat and buried her face in Duncan’s chest. Duncan patted her back gently as Ms. Brody continue speaking but when he saw Priscilla’s father walk up to the stage he eased her away from his and turned her to face the front. She was blushing and wiped her tears until he saw Mr. Wainthrop walk up the steps onto the stage.
‘Uh oh.’ She said quietly.
‘Indeed.’ Duncan whispered back.
‘I am pleased to welcome Mr. Henry Wainthrop to the stage.’ Ms. Brody declared as he walked across.
She shook his hand and sat down.
‘I heard what was said about Sarah and agree whole heartedly. Without her my daughter would have been kidnapped and would probably not be with us now, even if we did pay the ransom. For that I feel indebted and as I run a large business I am able to offer Sarah a place in my firm alongside my daughter Priscilla whenever she wants it.’ He announced, slightly pompously.
Sarah tried to sit tight but Duncan firmly ejected her from the chair she was sitting in. She stood up, in as ladylike manner she could to answer him.
‘Thank you for that wonderful offer, it is good for a young lady to have somewhere for her to go but at the moment I do not know what I am going to do, therefore, if it is acceptable to you I will think about what I plan to do before I answer.’ She answered politely.
‘Of course it is acceptable Sarah. We owe you a great deal so if in ten or even twenty years you find you can accept the post then come a calling.’ Henry answered. He turned to Ms. Brody. ‘Thank you for allowing me to talk to Sarah in front of these good people Emily.’
‘You are welcome Henry and there is always a place here for Priscilla if she feels that she wants to teach.’ Ms. Brody answered.
‘I am sure Priscilla will think that over as well.’ Henry answered and walked back down the steps off of the stage.
She may well have thought about it but theirs was a family business and Priscilla would soon be an integral cog in it. It was her place to take over when her parents could no longer do it so she had no real chance of accepting. Ms. Brody knew that and knew therefore that it was a safe thing to offer.
The younger girls made their way onto the stage and formed three lines ready to perform and then with the music teacher playing the piano they sang. They had worked hard on their harmonies and it showed while they sung. After each song the audience clapped and they sang another song until they had completed their performance. The applauding was long and loud with Duncan clapping as loud as he could, he had enjoyed the songs sung by these young girls with their sweet young voices.
‘Can you sing like that now then?’ He asked as they all filed out of the hall.
‘Not like that Pa but I can sing now and I intend to sing for you, Morning Sun, Duncan Wolf Lee and Hannah, when we return to the valley.’ Sarah answered.
‘I will enjoy that and so will Morning Sun, I think.’ Duncan answered. ‘Now go and fetch your things and we will be on our way.’
‘Ruben is bringing them down.’ Sarah answered casually.
‘Why? You only have a valise.’
‘A girl has to have clothes when she is being a lady.’ Sarah retorted. ‘I had to buy a few things!’
They watched and waited until Ruben appeared dragging a trunk.
‘A few things!’ Duncan exclaimed. ‘That is more than a few things and that trunk will never fit on your horse.’
‘Have you brought William with you then?’ Sarah asked excitedly.
‘No I haven’t. We are going to buy a mare for you to ride back and then let her loose in the valley to make foals for us.’ Duncan answered. ‘But that trunk will never go on a horse and I am not going all the way back by buggy, which is the only other possibility.’
‘We cannot leave it!’ Sarah exclaimed but kept her English in check.
‘I have no plan to. I will arrange for the stage line to send it to Martinsburg where we can collect it, if we survive the journey home with you smelling like that.’
‘You have perfume on!’ Sarah declared.
‘I do and I hope it will soon wear off!’ Duncan retorted. ‘The things I do for family!’
‘That sounds good, family.’ Sarah replied. ‘We can borrow the surrey to get the trunk to the stage line.’
‘A good idea and one we will take up. I am sure Ruben will not like us asking him to carry it down to the stage depot.’
‘Carry it! He can’t… cannot even lift it!’ Sarah declared and looked about to see if anyone had heard her.
Before they could go anywhere, the girls who were leaving had to say goodbye to each other, exchanging addresses and promising to write to each other. Tears flowed as tears always do in that situation and Duncan stood by and watched, he was not needed for this apart from being a strong presence. One by one the other girls said their goodbyes and left leaving just Rebecca to say her goodbye but she was saying goodbye to both of them, as she knew Duncan fairly well.
‘I will come and see you.’ She insisted while wiping the endless tears from her eyes. ‘It will not be the same without you for me to look up to.’
‘Look up to!’ Sarah retorted. ‘Who was it who was saying that it might not have been a good idea to black all those eyes when boys were rude?’
‘I thought it was a good idea at the time and I did black a couple!’ Becky repl
ied. ‘It is just that now, they keep away from us.’
‘But it will change when you go home, unless you start doing it there!’ Sarah warned.
‘I suppose it will. I will have to be careful whose eye I black then.’ Becky replied then she was on her way with Sarah waving furiously with Becky waving back.
Ruben and Duncan carried the trunk out to the courtyard to where the surrey was waiting to take people to the station. They loaded the trunk and then Duncan and Sarah walked away, with Duncan leading his horse.
Sarah was allowed to choose the mare she was going to ride and then the saddle she was going to use, then they headed for the stage depot to pay for the trunk’s delivery to Martinsburg. Duncan labeled it to Charlie the sheriff, for collection. After that they walked to the station to wait for the train. If it was on time they had half an hour to wait but it was not always on time. They hitched the horses and sat on vacant chairs to wait, talking about what they could see and what had happened both at the school and back in the valley while Sarah had been away. Each was able to catch up on happenings they did not know about.
‘So you met Many Hands?’ Duncan concluded.
‘Oh yes, it was one of those moments. I came out of the carriage we were in, the one which turned over, with my pistol drawn to shoot as many Sioux as I could and there he was. He did not kill me and I did not kill him. I asked him who he was and when he told me I said that I would not kill him. He asked me what my name was and when I told him he said he would not kill me. We came spilling out of the carriage, with Priscilla’s skirt afire. We put it out but you could seen her underclothes so we had to shield her so that no one could see. Rebecca asked Many Hands how we would get home and he told us where the stage was. They know Rebecca by the name ‘She who is not afraid of Sioux’ now. Or something like that! When Ms. Brody put a splint on Firm Hand’s leg and made it better she was invited out when they had anyone with a broken leg for her to fix and to show the squaws how to do it.’
