Camp Camel: The Heart of Texas

by Eaton, Rosemary

  Bryan said, “Her name is Jenny, not M or Nahuu or The Knife. Don’t call her that, it’s bad luck.”

  Bo buttoned his cuffs, “Bad luck, that doesn’t even come close to what I saw in the report coming down here. Which gets us back to the man who orchestrated this little adventure, MacLeod. “

  Bryan replied, “She said he blamed some Indian boys for some hangings last year. She recognized him.”

  Bo swore, “So, you think he’s really Anderson?”

  Bryan said, “Hard to tell. All the others have disappeared. But there was a Private Anderson with him. You don’t suppose he was just pretending to be a Private. He sure tried to kill her hard enough. Shot her and was encouraging MacLeod to shut her up.”

  Dallas said, “I don’t think so. That man didn’t act like an officer. But MacLeod being Anderson might explain why he was so cock sure he outranked us. Anderson was a Colonel.” Dallas asked, “Are you descent yet?”

  Bo opened the door and let Dallas inside. Bryan looked around, “Where’s JC?”

  Dallas said, “Jenny has him.” Dallas looked at Bryan, “She’s fine. Really. You don’t believe me, then go on and keep her company. We can finish this up.”

  Bryan left and looked around. They weren’t in the wagon. Bryan ran back to the Major’s residence and looked around and came back out. He tried to look down the road and couldn’t find her. Then he heard JC scream out in the camel pen and he ran. He burst through the door in time see JC on Daisy and Jenny hanging on for dear life behind him. Bryan ran and jumped up and pulled himself up behind her taking them both in his arms as Daisy looped around the pen. Jenny was screaming as loud as JC in delight. Bryan relaxed and chuckled, “Sit up straight and try to keep your weight in the middle like JC. Lean back when she rises or sits.”

  Jenny replied, “He is small, not fair.”

  Bryan smiled, “No not fair, but that’s how you do it. You spread out over her and she will wiggle you off.” Bryan thought about asking her if she forgave him, but thought better of it. She was talking and she wasn’t mad or at least she wasn’t mad right now. That was a start.

  There was a disturbance out beyond the camel pen. Bryan ordered Daisy down and helped Jenny and JC off just in time for Gage to come running through the door looking for Bryan. There had been an accident and they needed a doctor. Jenny held JC and Bryan quickly went and got his medical bag and follow Gage back to his office. Jenny walked quickly wondering who was the patient. There was her father, so it wasn’t him. Dallas and Bo were at the door trying to get people to back up.

  Dallas called out, “Fall in men. I’ve got an announcement and now is as good a time as any.” The crowd hushed and the men lined up and came to attention. Dallas waited and when he could see everyone’s eyes on him he said, “Some of you may know the person next to me, but for everyone’s benefit, this is Major Bo Callahan. Major Callahan will be taking over command of Camp Verde as I move to Delight Arkansas to join a combined force of Arkansas’ 36th Infantry and Texas 12th Cavalry in defense of our northern border between Arkansas and Texas. I expect you to give Major Callahan your support like you have me. His wife Victoria Vegas Conroe Callahan has her own record of accomplishments and credits in our war effort. I would caution you to cross her at your own peril. You won’t find her the easy push over as my wife was, but she’s just as good as most of you with a rife, rope, and can hog tie a steer in less time that it takes you to spit.”

  Dallas continued as he looked at Jenny, “Captain Travers and his wife Jenny will join my unit in Delight. This camp and Camp Davis will share a doctor. But have no fear, we expect to see several transferred up from Corpus Christi to San Antonio to assist in any emergencies. There were grumbles at the mention of Bryan leaving by the women and some mentioned they would have to go back to using mid-wives and sewing up their husbands and sons themselves. Dallas held his hand up, “I understand your concerns, but Captain Travers will be the only doctor within a 100 miles and serve several units between Southern Arkansas and Northern Texas.”

  Where the Road Leads Us

  Bryan popped his head out and looked for Jenny. He whispered something to Bo and went back inside. Bo put his hand up, “Mrs. Travers, your assistance is requested. Victoria held her hands out to Jenny to take JC. Jenny smiled at JC, “Be good.”

  Gage came out and brought his father inside. Jenny followed the men. There on the table was MacLeod. Bryan looked at all of them, “He needs blood. I’ve tested Gage and he isn’t a match. It will take too long to get to Sister Abigail. I can’t force you but I have to ask if you’ll let me test your blood and if you’re willing to give him blood.”

  Mr. Travis frowned, “What? You’re saying we’re related?”

  Gage said, “Dad, Jenny thinks he’s Mom’s son. We could be.”

  Mr. Travis looked at MacLeod, “Not my son. You’re saying she had him when?”

  Gage looked at Jenny for help. Jenny held her arm out, “Here Bryan.”

  Mr. Travis frowned, “But he grew up in that mission.”

  Bryan cut Jenny’s finger and dripped blood onto a slide that contained MacLeod’s blood. Bryan looked under the microscope, it was compatible. Mr. Travis held his finger out and Bryan ran the same test. The blood was incompatible. Bryan’s eyebrow rose, “Jenny shares the same blood type as MacLeod or who ever he really is.” Then Bryan noticed that her blood wasn’t clotting.

  Mr. Travis said, “That proves nothing.”

  Bryan replied, “You are correct. It doesn’t prove she’s related, but she does share a blood type that is compatible with his except for one thing. She just ate wokwave. Her blood isn’t clotting.”

  Mr. Travis looked at Jenny, “Who did that to you girl.”

  Jenny said, “Life.”

  Mr. Travis cussed, “Why would I think I could ask you anything and not get sass back? Of course the man is related. He’s just as much a prick as she is.”

  Bryan looked at the number of bite marks, “MacLeod, I’m not a Priest, but maybe you want to confess your sins to someone. I don’t know that even her blood would help. They’re just too many.”

  MacLeod grunted, “Then why?”

  Bryan said, “Confession is good for the soul is it not?”

  MacLeod replied, “Her. Just her. He’s nothing to me.”

  Everyone but Jenny left the room. She sat next to the Priest and waited. MacLeod looked at her and took her hand. His hand was trembling as the snake’s venom traveled through his veins toward his heart. MacLeod coughed then spit out some blood, “Just remember. Judge not least you be judged. Who are you to say whether my God is a woman or man. You’re nothing. Your Mother was nothing but a one night stand for my father.” He squeezed on her hand as hard as he could. Jenny didn’t call out. She just looked at his face taking her other hand and gently touching his forehead and whispering, “Shush, it will pass. It burns, but it will pass and all will be well. Be at peace brother. I forgive you.”

  MacLeod cried out, “I don’t want your forgiveness. I wanted her to be there just once for me. I wanted to know she cared and why she never came back for me. Is that too much?”

  Jenny could hear Bryan lecture her, “Want is something you desire right now or in the future. Wanted is something that applies to the past that didn’t happen.” Jenny eyes teared up, “No, not too much brother. I will pray for you to meet her on the other side and she can tell you she should have kept you in her arms. I will open my veins for you if it will help your pain to see her seed die.”

  MacLeod swallowed, “It might, but then I’d never have a chance to hear her confess why she gave me away would I? Besides, you ate wokwave. You’re trying to dam me to hell with contaminated blood aren’t you?”

  Jenny rose, “You have caught me brother. I ask your forgiveness for considering such an action to end my life and stay with you in hell reminding you every day that I am your sister and I saw your pride blame innocent boys for other’s mistakes. It was me who sent the arrows into the
ir hearts before they suffered at the end of your rope.” Jenny’s lips trembled, “I hear our mother’s voice in my mind. Is she dead?”

  MacLeod chuckled, “Yes, very dead I’m afraid. So what is she saying?”

  Jenny said, “I should have gone with you and I am damned to hell for taking their lives, eating wokwave, and trying to take my own. She wants to grab me by my chin, but her hands are only ghosts.”

  MacLeod tried to laugh and went into another coughing fit. When he could breathe again, he told Jenny, “She wouldn’t have been there for you. There was just a cell in the middle of the desert at a Mission for Mojave orphans near Yuma waiting for you to rot in right after I got you to show me where you found that ship and got me that last chest. I figure, at least one of those heathens lost their parents thanks to you. I’m not a nice man, but you know that don’t you.”

  Jenny answered, “You are a man. No better and no worse than others I’ve known brother. The best of you are smucks and the worst are a prick. You are a prick, but like me you have lived through much to arrive at this point. I wanted her to to feel the pain in my life too when I gave you her rosary as if to ask why no one came. If she can not stay with you, I can. Live and I will walk to the valley of fire again and find the pearls to buy your God’s forgiveness. Surely he loves these bobbles more than holding life against us or why would he line his streets with gold when dirt is softer on well worn feet?”

  MacLeod muttered the word, “Blasphemy, why did you go and say that?”

  Jenny replied, “Because we are damned you and I. But maybe we all are and this is your hell and when our spirit takes flight it is because he has forgiven us. That is why it was peaceful and quiet. It is only while we breathe this life that there is pain.” MacLeod just looked at Jenny’s eyes and didn’t say another word until his face relaxed and he smiled, “Mother, you’re here? You came for me?” His eyes closed and Jenny heard his last breath escape from his lips as his eyes stared straight ahead. Jenny called out for Bryan, “Bryan? Beat his chest!”

  Bryan came to her side and took his pulse, “No. It would just bring more pain Jenny.” Bryan took his hand and closed his eyes. Jenny turned and took her fists and beat on MacLeod’s calling out, “You come back. You don’t leave now. You tell me what she said brother.” Bryan gave her a minute, then stepped in and took her hands and turned her to face him.

  Jenny hid her face in his chest, “Why do I cry for him? She came for him. I know he is happy.”

  Bryan said, “Because. You knew his pain and he knew yours. Hush now, it’s over.” Bryan kissed her head, “Did he mention the pearls by any chance?”

  Jenny said, “No, only that Mother is dead and no one waiting for me. She came for him. I sure hope she is not God the Father or I am doomed to stay here in hell forever.”

  Bryan looked down and kissed her forehead, “I kind of hope she is then. I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t have approved of me either. So, we have time for those million children Jenny. Hell is not so bad when the right people are with you.”

  Bo came inside. He looked at MacLeod long and hard and over to Jenny, “Why would you cry for that man M? He would have killed you. You know that.”

  Bryan looked at Bo, “Something Dallas forgot to mention to me? What do you mean by that Bo?”

  Bo looked at Dallas, “You didn’t tell him?”

  Dallas said, “Now why would I do that. It wasn’t like Gage was going to let him get that far. I just asked him to find out what she knew.”

  Dallas asked, “So, are we headed West? Jenny would you recognize where the ship came up if we can get you close?”

  Jenny asked, “Where is Gage? Our brother is dead. Our Mother is dead.” Jenny turned back to MacLeod’s body and was on her knees holding his hand in hers as she rocked back and forth and said what prayers she could remember for his safe journey and hers.

  Gage peeked his head in the door, “Someone call my name?”

  Bo walked over and touched him, “You’re really alive?”

  Gage looked at Bo like he was getting tired of being asked that same question, “Yes, still in this hell hole. Apparently, you must have pissed someone off too to find yourself back here, Major is it? Just how did that happen?”

  Bo swallowed, “Earned every stripe. General Beauregard promoted me.”

  A wry smile crossed Gage’s face, “Figures. Both of you seemed to have done well while I was rotting up North.”

  Dallas said, “Oh, I don’t know Colonel Travis. Seems to me you did something that impressed headquarters to earn that rank.”

  Gage stood up a little taller, “So, now you believe me? What gave me away?”

  Bo asked, “Colonel? Wait a minute. That means he’s in charge?”

  Gage said, “That’s usually the way it works Bo. Colonels before Majors, but don’t worry, I’m not staying. Camp Verde is all yours.”

  Dallas looked at Bo grinning ear to ear, “All yours, little brother.”

  Bo looked at Travers, “And Bryan’s new orders? Who wrote those?”

  Gage replied, “Why I did. He’s under me so I can put him anywhere I want. Can’t have Jenny out collecting wokwave. I know what it does to her. She’s high now isn’t she?” Gage moved to her side and knelt down and waited for the prayer to finish and said, “Amen.” He turned her toward him, “Hush-a-bye Jenny. Don’t waist your tears. Just an traitor trying to cover up his tracks.”

  Bryan asked, “That haversack Dallas gave her, you put that in there didn’t you?”

  Gage turned his face up to Bryan, “You might be married to my sister, but I’m still your commander Travers.”

  Bryan pursed his lips, “Sir.”

  Gage didn’t answer. He rose up and told Jenny, “Be a good girl Jenny and leave this dead man. He would have killed us all given the right chance and for the right price. I guess someone must have been looking out for us today. I swear I heard whispers in the trees right before he slipped and fell in with the little vipers.”

  Jenny asked, “What did Mother say?”

  Gage said, “Damned your sorry hide you imposter. You’re not touching another hair on my family again. You want me, you got me.”

  Jenny hugged Gage, “That sound just like her. I could see that.”

  Gage looked at Jenny, “So are you ready to go hunt rocks in Delight?”

  Jenny looked up, “Can not. Have to go with Bryan. He still need me. He say we have million children. That take long time.”

  Gage looked over to Bryan, “A million? I thought we agreed?”

  Bryan replied, “She didn’t, Sir. But, we’d rather not stay in Delight with the Major’s family. It’s a small cabin. Their family is growing and we need our own time.”

  Gage put his hand on his chin and thought, “I see. Tired of being her second husband are you? Well, that’s good. I think Jenny’s tired of being a second wife too.” Gage didn’t say it directly but Bryan got his drift.

  Gage looked outside and then back to Jenny, “I know. Captain, you take that covered wagon and go see if the two of you can figure out how to get that mule out.”

  Bryan frowned, “He’s not going to like that, Sir.”

  Gage agreed, “You’re probably correct about that, but someone has to man up, and you look like just the one to do it. I’ve got to leave.”

  Jenny said, “You take your children with you.”

  Gage said, “Yes, and Mary Jane. We’re getting married and she said it was him or her and it’s going to be her.” Gage looked at Jenny, “You understand, right?” Gage wasn’t say the him was Cole not his Dad.

  Bryan said, “Delight sounds fine, Sir. We’ll be on our way within the hour. He has hired help. Plus you just need to wait and let that water drain a little longer. If we tried to do something now, the rest of the house is going to cave in. Let it dry out.”

  Gage looked at Bryan, “Why Captain. I knew if you put your mind to it you’d find a good solution in no time. Good. It’s settled. You take Dallas with you a
nd go to Delight.”

  Dallas asked, “So, I don’t guess you can tell us where you’re headed?”

  Gage said, “Need to know.”

  Dallas said, “No really, what’s the next big thing we’re going after Gage?”

  Gage grinned, “Why Major, it’s a lumber mill over a volcanic field. What do you say we take what I got for Traver’s land grant and go buy some prime under-developed land near Delight? I know some men that were released from service for mental and physical reasons after giving this country their best that could use a little help.” Gage turned to Bo, “Now that’s how you get their respect. Time for me to turn in my uniform Bo. They’d be hanging me for refusing to resign if that man was still alive. Dad’s right, I’m not alright, but I’m going to get there with a little help.”

  Jenny asked, “What he mean by that?”

  Bryan smiled, “We’re going to Delight. You’re going to see snow and ice, and hot summers, and get to hunt for rocks Jenny. That’s what it means.” Bryan reached over and gave her a deep passionate kiss.

  Jenny asked, “An a million children?”

  Bryan said, “How about we find a place of our own and build a home first?”

  Jenny smiled, “So Father come with us too?”

  Gage coughed, “Well, I guess we could ask.” Gage yelled out, “Thomas is dead Dad. You want to move to Delight and building a lumber mill?”

  Mr. Travis cursed, “What? You’re going to leave my house like that? Just sitting over that sink hole. Gage you leave me like that and I’ll tell your Mother to come get you.”

  Jenny looked at Gage, “He not know she dead?”

  Gage swallowed, “Probably not. I think I dropped the letter from the Mission down that hole.”

  Jenny looked at Bryan, “Cover your ears husband, this will be bad.”

  Jenny yelled back, “You come live with us? We have million children and you can help walk them.”

  Mr. Travis swore like a sailor, “The hell I will. You pop out more bastards, you deal with them yourself girl. I wouldn’t live with you if you were the last person on earth!”