by Paty Jager
“Headed there next.” Isaac stepped toward the door.
“He’s not going to be happy.”
Isaac shook his head.
“Like you said, I don’t want to be a mine guard my whole life.” Isaac stepped out the door and found Tulley leaning against the guard shack watching the door of the assay office.
Tarnation! Now he knows I have a bag of money. Isaac wasn’t about to leave the money in the guard shack. The only place he could think was with Allie and that wasn’t a good idea if Tulley followed him. He’d see if he could get Mr. Morgan to change the coins into paper money so it would be less cumbersome and noticeable to people like Tulley.
He shoved the bag inside his vest which made a bulge but at least he wasn’t visibly carrying a bag that looked like what it was—money. His long-legged strides took him back to town. He spotted Allie dumping dirty water and had an idea.
Allie glanced up as he approached.
“I didn’t expect to see you back so soon,” she said.
“I need a favor. Can we go inside?”
She entered the school. He followed close behind, glancing toward the mine as he closed the door. Tulley was following him.
“I just asked for the wages I’ve been savin’ and need to leave some with you.” He pulled the bag out of his vest.
Allie’s eyes widened. “Of course.”
He dumped the bag on her bed. “Pull out the paper money. I’ll leave that here and see if Mr. Morgan will turn the coins into paper money.”
Allie picked out the paper, adding as she went. “You have nearly three hundred dollars here.”
The awe in her voice expanded his chest. “I had some when I arrived. I’ve been savin’ every payday since.” He shoved the coins back in the bag and placed it inside his vest. It wasn’t bulging as much. Tulley had to believe he didn’t leave any money with Allie. “Do you have something I can add to the bag to make it look as large as it was before?”
Allie looked around and picked up brown paper. “The supplies I purchased yesterday were wrapped in this.” She ripped it in half and then in half again and rumpled it up.
He pulled the bag out and put the paper in. Back under his vest the bulge was larger.
“I’m goin’ to tell Morgan I’m done bein’ a guard and then head to find a mule. When I get the mule, I’ll come back and get my things at the guard shack.” He nodded to her stuff. “Get what you don’t need right now bundled up. I’ll come by after dark either tonight or tomorrow night and we’ll load up your stuff, all but your bag.”
“Why not my bag?” Allie studied him.
“You’ll ask to get a ride back to Sweetwater Springs with the freighter. I’ll be on the road a couple miles out and get you.” He’d thought of this plan during his walk to and from the mine.
“That’s perfect! Everyone will think I went back to Kansas.” Her forehead wrinkled into a frown. “What about the freighter? Will he tell people you met me?”
“El won’t tell anyone. He’s a person who understands mindin’ his own business.” Isaac strode to the door. “If you see me later today, I’ll come by tonight to load your things. If you don’t, it will be tomorrow night.”
Allie nodded.
“Put the board across the door,” he said, glancing at her before pulling the door shut.
Tulley stood on the porch of the boarding house, watching.
Isaac strolled down the street to the Morgan house. It was still early enough, the boss would be working on the books before going out to the mine.
He walked up onto the porch and admired the double front doors while waiting for someone to respond to his knock.
The door opened. Mrs. Morgan stood in front of him in a full-fronted dress, proving what he’d heard about her being in the family way.
“Mr. Corum, I understand you brought a woman here the other day.”
“Yes, Ma’am. Alan Wagner’s daughter. She came to collect his things and information to take back to her family.” He nodded down the street. “She seems to be makin’ out just fine at the school.”
“So I’ve heard from Mrs. Tisdale. What can we do for you?”
“I’d like to speak to Mr. Morgan.” Isaac pulled his hat off as Mrs. Morgan stood back, allowing him to enter.
“You know where the office is.” Mrs. Morgan glided down the hall toward the kitchen.
Isaac walked down to the office door and knocked.
“Come in,” Mr. Morgan’s deep voice answered.
Isaac opened the door and walked in.
“Isaac, don’t tell me you need four days off to take Miss Wagner back to Sweetwater Springs.” There was a smile on Mr. Morgan’s face. He was a lot more congenial when Mrs. Morgan was home.
“No sir, I’m not sure what Miss Wagner’s plans are. I’m givin’ you notice that I’m headin’ out lookin’ for ground to start a cattle ranch. It’s what I’ve been savin’ up for and my feet are itchin’ to get started.” Isaac again had a twinge of guilt over not telling the full story, but it was close to it, so he’d not lose sleep over the story.
“You’re a good man. I knew I didn’t have to worry about trouble at the mine or stealing with you on duty.” He stood and held out a hand. “I’ll have this week’s wages ready for you tomorrow.”
“Thank you, sir.” He pulled out the bag of coins. “Could I bother you for paper money in exchange for these coins?” Opening the drawstring, he pulled the brown paper out and set the bag on the desk in front of Mr. Morgan.
Mr. Morgan poured the money onto his desk. “Looks like you’ve been saving up since you started here.”
“I have.” Isaac knew this was going to be pushing his good graces. “Is there a chance you could give me forty dollars in paper money and deduct it from what you count out of there?”
Mr. Morgan studied him. “Why that specific amount?”
“I planned to purchase a mule today to load my things on when I leave.”
“You could check with the Harpers,” Mr. Morgan said.
Isaac shook his head. “I thought it more likely Preston at Circle K or the S Bar D Ranch would have a mule for sale.”
Mr. Morgan opened a drawer and placed four, ten dollar bills on the desk. “I’ll deduct this from what I count out and will have the rest for you tomorrow along with your pay.”
“Thank you, Mr. Morgan.” Isaac held out his hand over the desk. Mr. Morgan shook and handed him the forty dollars.
“Use a company horse to ride to the farms.” Mr. Morgan said as Isaac put his hand on the doorknob.
“Thank you, sir.”
Isaac shoved the money in his vest pocket and left the house. Tulley was still leaning against the porch beam, watching. Isaac didn’t care. He strode down the road toward the mine livery and metal shop to borrow a horse. Having a horse to ride would get him back here tonight with a mule.
Chapter Fourteen
Alamayda rearranged the money in her underskirt to free up a pocket for Isaac’s money. Once that was accomplished, she made sure the shotgun was in the pulpit box and picked up her reticule to go to the store and purchase the items on her list. She wondered at the gossip it would cause when she rode out of town with the freighter after her purchase.
At the company store, she walked in and was surprised to see a tall, stern looking woman, who was very much in the family way, talking to Mr. Jones.
The woman turned at the sound of the bell above the door. “Good morning. You must be Miss Wagner.”
Alamayda nodded. “Yes. And you are?” She walked forward extending her hand.
“Mrs. Morgan.” The woman took her hand, gave it a squeeze and released.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Morgan.” Alamayda wondered at the wife of the mine owner working in the company store.
“What can we do for you? I heard you weren’t staying long.” The woman’s questions probed without sounding nosy.
“I’m not. But I’m moving on and need some supplies.” She set her
list on the counter.
Mrs. Morgan read the list and her eyebrows rose. “This is an interesting list.”
Together, Alamayda and Mrs. Morgan found the items Alamayda needed.
Mrs. Morgan took her money.
The items covered the end of the counter.
“Mr. Jones will bring these items to the school house for you,” Mrs. Morgan said.
Alamayda headed for the door. Mr. Jones followed with her parcels piled high in his arms.
“I hope this adventure you’re taking is pleasant,” Mrs. Morgan said as Alamayda exited the store.
“I hope so too,” Alamayda said under her breath.
Mr. Jones followed her across to the school. She had him leave the items on the stoop. She didn’t want to be alone in the building with him after the way he’d behaved at the store the previous day.
“Thank you,” she said when he stood from placing the items on the stoop.
“What do you need all this for if you’re leaving?” he asked.
“I’m not going home. I’m going to explore.”
“By yourself? This looks like supplies to be camping.” He peered at Alamayda as if he didn’t believe her.
“I will be camping until I get to my destination.” To change the subject, she asked. “Will the freighter be coming through here tomorrow?”
“Yes, why?” Mr. Jones’ eyes narrowed.
“I’ll need a ride. Can you ask him to come to the school when he’s ready to leave town?” She let her gaze drift over the parcels at her feet.
“Yes, I can tell him.” Mr. Jones walked back to the store, shaking his head.
Alamayda opened the school house door and grabbed a parcel, backing in.
“That’s a purdy sight,” said a male voice.
Alamayda straightened and pivoted. The man she’d witnessed watching Isaac this morning sat on one of the benches. Her gaze scanned the room. It didn’t appear that he’d looked through her belongings.
“What are you doing in here?” she asked in a tone she’d used on several occasions to show she wasn’t easily cowed.
“Just find it interestin’ that Isaac keeps tellin’ us you ain’t interested in men, and he ain’t interested in you, but I seen him comin’ an’ goin’ from here a lot.” He stood and walked toward her. “From what I can tell, you an’ him seem to be gettin’ along just fine.” He put a hand out capturing her chin. “I says we should get along too.”
His grip on her chin tightened as he pulled her face towards his.
Before panic set in, Alamayda dropped the parcel and shoved her hand in her skirt pocket. Wrapping her fingers around the derringer, she shoved the barrel of the weapon into his stomach.
“Let go of me and get out!” she hissed through clenched teeth.
The man backed up, glanced down at her derringer and laughed. “That won’t hurt anythin’ larger than a fly.”
She took aim and pulled the trigger.
The man yowled and clutched his ear.
“Get out! The next bullet won’t be aimed at an ear.” She pointed to the door with the hand not holding the derringer.
“What’s going on!” called voices from outside.
“Go on! Get!” she yelled, hoping for some help. She couldn’t count on Isaac, he was off purchasing a mule for their journey.
Mr. Jones stepped through the doorway.
The man she’d shot, spewed cuss words and shoved by Mr. Jones. Voices outside the school raised.
Mrs. Morgan stepped through the door. “What happened?”
Alamayda’s hands shook. She stared at the little derringer in her hand then turned her gaze on the woman. “I had to show him…”
Mrs. Morgan shoved Mr. Jones out the door and came to Alamayda’s side. “What did Tulley try?”
“He said he wanted what Isaac, Mr. Corum was getting.” She peered into the woman’s eyes. “He, Mr. Corum and I are friends. Nothing more. I don’t…”
“Did he hurt you?” Mrs. Morgan grabbed her by the shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. “Did Tulley hurt you?”
“He held my chin tight and was leaning…” He’d been leaning toward her for a kiss. She shuddered. If her first kiss had been forced upon her… Alamayda covered her face with her hands.
“I’d say he was lucky to only have a split ear if he forced himself on you. Gather your things. You’re staying with us tonight.” Mrs. Morgan bent to pick up one of the parcels from the store.
“No!” Alamayda wouldn’t be here to tell Isaac the change of plans. He’d have to ask where she was to find her, which would start more suspicions. “I’m fine. I can’t lock the door when I’m gone. He-he was in here waiting for me when I came back from the store. I’m not leaving this building again until the freighter arrives tomorrow. He’s taking me out of here.” Alamayda gathered her parcel from Mrs. Morgan’s arms. “Just stay here until I get my things off the stoop, please.”
The woman nodded but watched her closely. Alamayda didn’t care. She’d be out of here tomorrow. When all her parcels were sitting on a bench, she followed Mrs. Morgan to the door.
“Thank you for coming to my rescue. Mr. Jones, too. Please tell him I’m thankful.”
“When I heard the shot and that yell.” Mrs. Morgan patted her chest. “I wasn’t sure what we’d find.” She stared at Alamayda. “If I don’t see you tomorrow. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
Alamayda smiled. “Likewise.”
Mrs. Morgan strolled down the street. Alamayda shut the door and put the board across. She wasn’t setting foot outside or opening the door to anyone but Isaac.
***
Isaac smiled as he led a large red mule down the road to the mine. He’d been lucky and found a good mule at the Circle K Ranch. Preston Kincaid had dickered, but in the end, the price allowed him to even purchase a packsaddle. He rode through town and stopped at the blacksmith shop to drop off the horse he’d borrowed.
“Looks like you’re getting ready to move on,” Howard the blacksmith and livery man said.
“I am. Tomorrow I’m headin’ out to find the perfect spot to start a cattle ranch.” Isaac dismounted and handed the reins of the horse over to Howard.
“What about the mule?” he asked.
“I’ll bring him by later. I need to figure out how I’m going to pack my things.” Isaac led the mule over to the guard shack as the night crew came up the road toward the mine.
Miners stopped and asked why he had a mule and soon everyone on night shift knew he was leaving. Many wished him luck and several said they’d see him in a couple years when he couldn’t make a go of a cattle ranch.
That was the difference between him and the men who wore their bodies out working for someone else. If he was going to work himself to the bone, it would be to gain his dream and not someone else’s.
He tied the mule to the porch post and stepped into the guard shack. A bloody neckerchief sat on Tulley’s bed. His belongings were sitting in a pile on his bed.
Smitty entered the shack. “You’re leaving Milton and me shorthanded,” he said, leaning against the door jamb, his short legs crossed over his ankles. His dark, beady eyes peered out from under his long, straight, yellow hair.
“We’ve managed with three before Tulley came along,” Isaac said, moving to his bunk.
“Won’t be three. Tulley’s gone as soon as he gets back from getting his wages.” Smitty’s gaze didn’t waver from Isaac’s face. He was waiting for a reaction.
Isaac took his time reaching under his bed and pulling out the box that held his belongings. “Tulley get caught stealin’?” he asked, placing the box on his bed.
“Nope. He tried to steal a kiss from Alan’s daughter and caught him a bullet to the ear and losing his job. Mrs. Morgan was the one that sent him packing.”
Isaac grinned when he wanted to wring Tulley’s neck. “You don’t say. I’ve been tellin’ you all she don’t cotton to men.” He pulled out his extra clothes and rolled them up along with his ho
lster and pistol. Wearing a holster made every other man wearing one think he had to challenge you to a gun fight. He preferred his Winchester.
“Also heard, she’s leaving tomorrow.”
Isaac glanced over at Smitty.
“Just like you’re leaving tomorrow,” Smitty said, his eyes conveying he figured Isaac was running off with the woman.
“I didn’t know she was leaving tomorrow.” He grinned. “At least I don’t have to take her back to Sweetwater Springs. One trip with her was enough.”
The sound of the day shift leaving to get their evening meal and night’s rest helped Isaac change the subject. “I’m off to get somethin’ to eat. You comin’?” he asked Smitty as he headed to the door.
“Yeah. Any way you can stick around until we find another guard?” Smitty asked, following him out the door.
“I have my mule and my mind’s made up.” Isaac put an arm around the shorter man’s shoulders. “Sorry to leave you shorthanded, but it wasn’t my doing. I’ve told you all along Tulley wasn’t a man to be trusted.”
“Yeah, you did.”
Word had spread that he was leaving. Many miners on the way to and during the meal asked questions and wondered at his quick decision.
“It may seem quick to you, but this has been my goal since taking this job. It was only a means to get the money I needed to get a ranch.” After saying that more times than he cared, he left the boarding house. A quick glance at the school house showed a light glowing inside. He wanted to march over and ask Allie about Tulley, but had to wait until dark to check on her.
Chapter Fifteen
Alamayda had determined she’d send the cooking utensils and some of the food items with Isaac and take the rest with her so it appeared as if she took the items she’d purchased at the store with her.
Darkness had enveloped the little building for nearly two hours when someone rapped on the window on the side of the building away from town. She crept over to the window and peered out. Isaac and a mule stood beside the school.
She raised the window. “Why didn’t you come to the door?”
