Oregon Destiny

by Rachel Wesson

  “You know we would do anything in our power to help you, Captain Jones. Have some coffee and a slice of cobbler.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, for the coffee and the support. I have to be honest, my request is totally personal and nothing to do with the trail or our travels.”

  Becky’s heart started beating faster despite the fact he had yet to look in her direction.

  “Spit it out, young man. What do you want?”

  “Mr. Thompson, I was wondering if I could borrow your daughter for a little while, this evening.”

  Becky nearly forgot to breath. Stunned silence greeted his words.

  “What I mean is, I have a friend who is ill and I would really appreciate Johanna’s help.”

  Johanna, he had arranged this talk to speak about her twin. Of all the things she had expected, having nothing to do with her wasn’t one of them. Nobody answered but simply stared at him. He continued as if he hadn’t noticed their discomfort, “Johanna’s proved herself to be an excellent nurse.”

  “Of course Johanna will help but where is this patient?” Becky’s Pa asked the question on everyone’s mind. “Why haven’t you just brought them over? Why the secrecy.”

  Jones opened his mouth but nothing came out. He looked briefly to David.

  “Captain Jones’ friend is not part of our wagon train.”

  “Don’t they have their own doctor on the train your friend is traveling on?” Pa continued.

  Becky almost felt sorry for her pa as he looked confused. But she caught a look that passed between David and Scott. “This friend isn’t white, is he?” she blurted out.

  “No, Miss Thompson, she isn’t.”

  “You want my daughter to treat an Indian?” The shock in her pa’s voice might have been funny under other circumstances.

  “Yes, Mr. Thompson I do,” Scott swallowed audibly. “Perhaps I best explain.”

  “I think you should, lad,” Ma answered patting Pa on his arm in a bid to stop him from storming off, Becky suspected.

  “I am an orphan. Years ago, I came to live with the Shoshone Indians. The reason why is not important. What matters is they took me in, were very good to me. They gave me a name—they call me He Who Runs.”

  “They think you are a coward?” Ma’s tone was full of disbelief. “Why?”

  “No, Mrs. Thompson. I ran away from a horrible situation, hence the name. Now one of their people, a woman who was particularly kind, is ill,” Scott ran a hand over his hair as he always did when he was was agitated or nervous. “Their own medicine man cannot save her. I don’t know if Johanna might be able to but I would like to try.”

  “I will go with you,” Johanna said firmly.

  “No you won’t, my girl. You are not going anywhere near an Indian camp. We all know what happens to young white women in those places.”

  “Pa.”

  “Paddy.”

  “Mr. Thompson.”

  All three spoke at once. Becky looked from Johanna to Pa to David. Why did David still call her pa Mr. Thompson? The abstract thought annoyed her so she pushed it from her mind.

  “I can assure you Miss Thompson will be perfectly safe in my care. My brothers will not touch her,” Scott spoke calmly but his eyes blazed at her Pa’s reaction. “I would prefer not to bring any more men with me as there are some who could interpret that action as a show of force. But I will if you insist.”

  “Johanna isn’t going anywhere without me,” Rick insisted, taking Johanna’s arm.

  To Becky’s surprise, her sister didn’t shake it off but smiled up at her fiancé.

  “I will go with Johanna,” Becky surprised herself as much as the others by speaking out.

  “You are better off staying here,” Scott said.

  His dismissive tone made her temper rise. “Why? You said yourself you didn’t want to bring more men. I can handle a gun and a knife as well as any man.”

  “That has nothing to do with it. The less people who go the better.”

  “I am not people. I am her twin and I insist on going.”

  “Neither of my girls are going. I am sorry, Captain Jones, but I have to say no. It is far too dangerous,” Pa said, although his expression wasn’t apologetic.

  Scott stood up. “Thank you for your time and your hospitality. I understand your reasons, although you are wrong.”

  Chapter 14

  “Wait a minute. I will not sit by if there is a chance I can help this woman. I am going to help, Pa.” Johanna had stood up to talk. “You brought me up to help our neighbors.”

  “But these people are not our neighbors.”

  “Why? Because they are not white?” Becky shut her mouth quickly fearing she had gone too far. Her pa didn’t say anything but his face took on a rosy tint. Maybe she had hit close to the truth. She stood up and walked over to Johanna. “Both myself and Johanna will go. Rick, you may decide what you want to do. Pa, I am sorry but you are wrong.”

  “I agree with the girls. I think they should go. I trust Captain Jones and when he says they will be safe, he means it,” David added. “The Indians have been very generous in their trades. I am certain the recent supply of fresh fish has helped us to stay healthy.”

  “Thank you, David,” Captain Jones replied.

  “Pa, please say yes? I do not want to go without your approval but I will.”

  Becky watched her pa’s reaction to Johanna’s plea. She saw her ma give him a slight nudge. Although her ma had stayed silent, it seemed she didn’t agree with her husband.

  “Okay you win. But, Jones, you better bring both my girls back in one piece. Otherwise, you will answer to me.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I am going with Jo.” Rick stood and put his arm around Johanna’s shoulders.

  “Rick, I appreciate your sentiment. But it would be safer for everyone if you didn’t. My brother does not know you.” Before Rick could answer, Scott turned to David. “He has seen you, at the water speaking to me. He would not be surprised to see you with the twins as you are their brother-in-law.”

  David nodded.

  Becky bit her lip. What would Johanna do? Rick looked mutinous. He would insist on going.

  “I think it is best to follow Captain Jones’ advice. He knows these people. Rick, I feel the same as you. I hate the thought of my girls going into that place without me. But…if it is safer, we should agree to it.” Ma’s sensible voice was designed to sooth ruffled feathers.

  Johanna gave Rick a quick kiss on the cheek. “I think you should do what Captain Jones says too. Although I love you for your support and I will miss you dreadfully.”

  “I will stay behind. I don’t like it but I won’t put Johanna or Becky at risk.” Rick’s face showed his displeasure.

  “We need to go now. The time is wasting,” Captain Jones said.

  “I must pack some things. Becky, can you help me, please?” Johanna said, reaching up to kiss Rick on the cheek.

  Chapter 15

  David and Captain Jones escorted the women back to their wagon to collect what they needed.

  “Did your friend mention what could be wrong with the woman?” Johanna asked. “It would be helpful to know what to pack.”

  “No, sorry.”

  “I will just pack a bit of everything then. I hope we can help her. Have you explained that I am not a real doctor?”

  “Yes, Miss Thompson, but Indians don’t set much store by fancy titles,” Captain Jones replied. “I have also told my brother you will do your best but the woman could still die. Do not be afraid. He knows the risks.”

  “Who is this woman?” Becky bit her lip at her tone. She hadn’t meant to sound so belligerent. Scott looked at her, his raised eyebrows the only acknowledgement of her tone.

  “Her name is Winona. Her husband is my closest friend, the brother of my wife.”

  Becky paled as the ground swayed under her feet. His wife?

  Scott took her elbow and held it until the world stopping spinning. �
��I will explain later. For now, please put your questions aside and help your sister,” he whispered tersely.

  “Where is the camp?” David asked.

  “It is some way away. We will ride at first and then leave our horses near some trees and walk the rest of the way. Paco will have some men watching us, one will stay with the horses.

  “Why can’t we just ride into the camp?” David asked.

  “The Indians fear the white man. To ride into the camp at night would create panic.”

  Becky had a feeling that wasn’t all the story but she wasn’t about to challenge him now. He had said he would explain later. She had to have patience.

  Becky rode behind Scott with David sharing his horse with Johanna. She used the opportunity to nuzzle close to him, his strong body helping to keep her fears at bay. She knew he wouldn’t take them anywhere dangerous. Yet her mind kept going over the stories Harold Chapman had told them, back when they lived in Virgil, about Indians taking white girls for slaves.

  The moon lit up the clear night. Thankful it was dry, Becky tried to see if there was anyone watching them but she couldn’t see anything. They reached the grove of trees Scott had mentioned. Jumping down, she waited for David to help Johanna. She had suggested her twin wear pants but she'd declined.

  David carried Johanna’s bag and they turned to walk when Johanna gave a small scream. Becky looked up instantly to see three Indians staring at them. They were riding horses yet nobody had heard them come near. At least they hadn’t. Scott didn’t look surprised.

  “This is Johanna, the lady I told you about. Her sister, Becky, and their brother-in-law and my friend, David.”

  The Indian looked them in the face before he said something to Becky.

  Scott answered back but as they spoke a different language Becky didn’t know what he had said.

  “It’s rude to speak when we don’t understand you,” Becky said glaring at Scott. “What did he say?” she asked.

  “Becky, it is better you do not know.”

  “I want to know.” Becky didn’t stamp her foot but her tone spoke volumes.

  “He asked why pretty lady made herself look like ugly boy.”

  David and Johanna laughed but Becky didn’t find his comments amusing. She glared at the Indian. He said something else to Scott before walking away laughing.

  “What did he say?”

  “I am not telling you. Come on let's move out.”

  The group followed their Indian guide. The other two Indians remained behind staring at them but not saying anything.

  Chapter 16

  Becky watched Paco as he led the way. His sister was married to Scott. What did she look like? Were they happy? Did they have children? Would she meet his family at the camp? She wished now she had stayed with her ma and pa. She didn’t know if she could meet Scott’s loved ones and pretend to see him as just their wagon train captain. Surely his wife would see by her face and actions she was in love with him. She started to fidget as she always did when nervous.

  “Becky, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  “It’s something. Tell me, now before we get to the camp. You are not in danger. Do you believe that?” he asked softly so only she could hear.

  “Yes,” she lied. While she didn’t think anyone would kill her, she also didn’t believe his wife would welcome her arrival.

  “Tell me what you are thinking.”

  “Scott, will your wife be there?” Not waiting for his answer, she blurted. “How could you kiss me like that when you are married?”

  “Was married. My wife died some time ago.”

  The rigidness of his body told her he was telling the truth but that there was more to the story. He had his reasons for not telling her more so she had to respect them. Although she was sorry the woman was dead, a part of her was glad he was free. Immediately the thought hit her, she felt awful. How could she think that way?

  They walked quite a bit before they came upon the camp. It was very quiet. A couple of men were standing outside one of the lodges. Scott directed his group over to them.

  “This is the Chief, his medicine man and some other important braves. Show respect,” Scott whispered before moving forward to greet them himself. He clasped the old chief’s hand before he was engulfed in a warm embrace.

  “It has been too long, my friend.”

  “It is good to see you too, Chief. These are my friends, here to help Winona.” Scott caught the frown on the medicine man's face. “My friends were taught some white man medicine. It may work for Winona too. You are very kind to let us try.”

  Scott smirked to himself. The medicine man hadn’t been his favorite member of the tribe. If he refused to let Johanna help, he would look ungracious in front of the Chief and other leaders. He couldn’t afford to do that. He knew he could pay for it later. The medicine man was rumored to favor all-out war with the whites. If that day came, he knew he would be top of his list of men to kill.

  Scott beckoned the girls over and introduced them to the leaders hoping Becky would keep a civil tongue in her head. To his surprise, she was as charming as Johanna. The Chief welcomed them to his village which was comprised of a number of dome-shaped dwellings. The Chief pointed to one where Winona was resting.

  Chapter 17

  Becky had to bend her head to go inside the building Scott called a wickiup, but once she was in, she found she had sufficient room to stand and move about. The dwelling, although small, was clean and tidy. A woman lay on fur blankets in one corner, her skin gleaming with sweat, a feverish look in her eyes. She hoped her sister would be able to help. She didn’t like the way the medicine man had stared at them, his hatred reverberating off him in waves. He reminded her of Mr. Price for all the wrong reasons.

  Johanna moved toward the young woman who shrank back from her. Scott moved forward to translate.

  “Winona, my sister, this is my friend. She is a medicine woman among her people. She has strong medicine. We hope it will make you better.”

  Winona looked to her husband who nodded before she smiled back weakly at him.

  “Thank you, my brother, for trying to help. I think it is too late. Please look out for my husband and my family. Life is difficult for us now. More so than when you left.” The talking left her exhausted.

  “You are tiring her out, Captain Jones. Will she let me examine her?” Johanna asked.

  “Yes, she will. I will turn my back but cannot leave as you need an interpreter.”

  Johanna worked quickly. There was no rash but a high fever. Her twin asked a couple of questions which Scott then asked Winona’s husband and translated back to Johanna. Winona had fallen asleep again.

  “Yes, they had visitors recently from a wagon train. She was playing with her children by the river. Her children got sick but they have both recovered. What is it?”

  “I think it is something similar to what Ma had. I don’t think it is cholera, although I can’t be sure. Can you bring her to the river to bathe her like we did for the others?” Johanna asked. Scott nodded. Johanna looked back at the patient. “ We need boiled water. I want to rub her down with mint tea just as we did with my mother. Do the Indians have salt? Our doctor at home recommended drinking salted water when anyone fell ill.”

  Chapter 18

  Despite Johanna speaking quickly, Scott listened carefully. He was desperate. The tense atmosphere in the camp spoke volumes. The braves were restless, some didn’t like the white women being here. If Winona didn’t recover, he was extremely worried about their reaction. It wouldn’t matter to the medicine man that Johanna had done her best. He would make out another Indian had died at the hands of a white person.

  He spoke rapidly to Winona’s husband before they left to speak to the Chief. As he suspected, the medicine man argued against the bathing insisting it would kill her. He listened as Paco argued back. He didn’t get involved. This wasn’t his decision to make.

  “You say this woman helped ma
ny others in your train?” Paco asked.

  “Yes, she did. But that does not guarantee anything, my brother. Your wife could still die.”

  “I know but she is not getting better. I think she will die.” Paco’s voice cracked. He looked away, regaining his composure. “Maybe this way she can be saved.”

  It was soon settled. Winona’s husband carried his wife to the river where he bathed her. He did exactly what Johanna told him to do. Becky helped Johanna bathe the woman and then Paco carried her back to their home. The men left the women to dry Winona who was now sleeping.

  Johanna needed water so Becky offered to get it for her. She came out of the wickiup to find Scott and Paco waiting for them. As always, her heart leapt with pleasure being so near to Scott despite the circumstances.

  “My brother thanks you for making his wife better. He said you and Johanna are golden visions,” Scott said.

  Becky smiled at Paco. “Thank you.”

  “You love my brother, yes?”

  She didn’t know what shocked her more. The fact he spoke English or what he said about her loving Scott. Flustered, she turned to go back into the lodge totally forgetting about the water.

  “I no mean to make you go red,” Paco apologized putting his hand on her arm. “I’m sorry.”

  She smiled at him showing him she knew he didn’t mean any offense. With a quick glance at Scott, she saw he was ignoring her. Obviously, he didn’t share her feelings. She nodded to Paco before returning to the lodge.

  “David said Captain Jones is going to show him some horses later. I think we will be returning to our camp tomorrow, the next day at the latest. I think she will get better.” Johanna checked Winona’s fever as she spoke.