Shatto's Way

by Roy F. Chandler

  His opportunity came sooner than he expected.

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  Chapter 24

  His Humpty Dumpty body aquiver with eagerness and fear of refusal, Dallas Kretzing, the dairyman, came to ask Toby's permission to marry Glenna Holman.

  "My God, Dallas. I don't have any say in such things! Your lives are your own and anyway, you are both old enough to be my parents. How could I rule on such a request?"

  "Toby, this is your village and Glenna and I are permanent residents of it. What we do affects all, so our joining is a decision you must sanction or reject."

  The word "reject" made him cringe a little, and he clutched Glenna's hand for support.

  Toby studied them fondly. Of course everyone was aware of Kretzing's courtship of the widow Holman, and as far as he knew, everyone approved.

  In turn, Glenna had been drawn from the loss of Jesse and had blossomed like a schoolgirl. To see the older couple walking hand in hand, engrossed to the exclusion of all others, turned every heart. Toby approved one hundred percent.

  "Dallas, Glenna, I'm honored that you value my opinion. Lord knows we all want the best for you both and in my eyes you make a beautiful couple."

  He hesitated, and then took the risk because it would have been artificial to have said nothing, "My guess is that if Jesse can see, he is cheering for you both right now, just as strongly as we are."

  He gave Glenna a powerful hug and Kretzing a long handshake. Then he rubbed his hands together in exaggerated satisfaction. "Now to the details, because if we're to have a wedding of two people we care so much about, it will have to be a great celebration."

  Then he paused and wondered aloud, "But who will perform the ceremony? We've no justice of the peace or minister among us."

  Their happy smiles gave him answer and he felt himself grinning back, "Well, maybe I'm as qualified as a ship's captain and they used to do it. If it suits you both, I'd be proud to say the words and enter your marriage in the records of this community."

  And that was what they wanted to hear.

  Shatto's Way went all out for the Kretzing wedding. Declared holidays were rare enough and were usually called because everyone was tired. This would be their first grand occasion and they meant to make it memorable.

  The cooking itself was unforgettable with families preparing old recipes they would never have considered for themselves alone. Ladies dug out their finest attire and outfitted their men in long neglected jackets and ties.

  Most were astonished at how loosely their clothing fit. Leaner rations and unrelenting physical labor had hardened their bodies. They were healthier and hardier, and the ill fitting clothes demonstrated it.

  Except for a few guards, all attended. Even the young bull, now known affectionately as Fred, was garlanded with wild flowers and brought to the proceedings. Kretzing's small herd had captured the hearts of most and they had rallied to cut and store sufficient quantities of the mixed hay and wild grain that appeared in many fields. Already the brown Swiss, with their lovable long-lashed eyes, waxed fat and neatly supplemented the local cows. The young bull perhaps exemplified the villagers' future hopes and his presence at his owner's wedding seemed appropriate.

  Although a few eyed him warily, this year Fred was safe; next season he would be of questionable temper and certainly unwelcome.

  With Turkey Ridge and the cave entrance for a backdrop, Toby stood before the gathering and joined the couple as securely as he knew how. He combined the favored "Dearly beloved" with words of his own choosing that he felt particularly applicable to their circumstance.

  When he was finished, the assemblage sang mightily then trooped to the feasting. Toby stayed for awhile, watching his people and thinking about them. If not complete satisfaction, they certainly displayed reasonable contentment. Their laughter was confident and there was no hint of doubt or worry in their activities.

  The village had come a long way in the few months they had labored together but he feared the worst was yet to come. Supported by the cave's treasures they had prospered but their harvest would be late and perhaps small. Peculiar weather still dogged them with too many overcast skies and an overabundance of rain. The war was not yet won.

  He supposed when historians, removed by some years from the immediacy of these problems, studied the journals of the times, they would wonder what was so very hard about it all. Certainly they did not have to start from scratch the way pioneers did. Knowledge was there for the using and materials from the simplest to the most complex were available for the taking.

  On the other hand, to some it might seem more like a fairy story where the survivors simply went out and plucked the fruits of the old civilization planting them in new and better gardens to be nourished into greater profusion than ever before.

  Only a few, he supposed, would understand the emotional destructiveness of seeing a world collapse or appreciate the invisible strains of reverting to a way of life that demanded gun carrying and defense of home and hearth. Gone, without time to adjust, were all of the comfortable securities, the ingrained belief in right triumphing over wrong, and most opportunities to solve problems through reason and accommodation.

  How could those future historians appreciate the gut-wrenching fear of night raiders, of hidden snipers, or savage looters, of no law other than personal strength and courage—anymore than these very villagers could have dreamed that their secure and well protected life styles would be ripped out, gutted, and tossed contemptuously aside in a matter of weeks.

  He had little time to ponder the thoughts of future generations, but he would try to write and record so that they could understand. In the meantime, he had important worries to contend with.

  Most immediately dangerous could be the continuing depredations of outlaw gangs, for as the community prospered, the probability of hungry bands combining into a powerful force for the express purpose of overcoming Shatto's Way increased. Singly, the wild bunches were too weak, but together they might prove overwhelming.

  Trusting to luck was rarely a satisfactory answer and Toby did not give it consideration. The worst local group of thugs lay at Kin Kora, and he had resolved to see its demise. Destruction of that band would seriously crimp any large organizing. Kin Kora represented a sort of nucleus, an example setter perhaps, for river pirates and outlaws. They had a secure base, they enjoyed freedom to raid and pillage without retribution, and they were highly visible. How they fared would be noted by all.

  He would wait until the festivities were finished. Then he would gather his people and explain his intent.

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  He had to delay a day because the celebrating continued long past customary retirement and what he had to say would need time and sober thought.

  Work was called off early, but he had word passed that he wanted to see every grown-up at a fireside meeting to be held following supper. As most still ate in the communal kitchen, that time was easily determined.

  In this case he desired uninfluenced opinion so he had not even told Chop his reason for meeting. He assigned a few of the older men to guard duty and brought his tough young men to the fire.

  Women came too, and it was important that they did. However things were decided he wanted complete understanding, because this task was different and it could cost lives.

  When he thought the time was right he stood and put a foot up on the stones around the fire pit. He adopted his most serious demeanor and started in hard.

  "Everybody knows about the outlaws that hang out at Kin Kora. You know they've come this way more than once. They killed one of us, beat up another, and they've burned a number of places. We're pretty sure they were the ones who shot into our hogs a month ago.

  "Still, you might not be aware of other crimes that bunch is responsible for, so I'll take time to mention a few.

  "We're sure they've killed a lot of movers. Nobody can prove it, but the bodies float down the river or are found lying along the river road. We know of no other comp
arable groups that might be responsible. Others may travel through, but the viper's nest at Kin Kora remains.

  "When this Colonel Kellog declared himself in charge around Harrisburg I'd hoped he'd see fit to clean out Kin Kora. As far as I know he has the only armed force ready to do it. Most of you know that we've corresponded, and that I've pressed him to act, but he hasn't shown any inclination to move. So, the only way left is to do it ourselves."

  That made more than a few nervous, and there was foot shuffling and head shaking. Others nodded tight lipped agreement while a few appeared downright eager.

  "I suppose I could gloss this over and claim we are just going down and scare them away but that isn't my intent at all. The fact is, we need to kill every damned one of them we can!"

  Others became uneasy at the harshness of his words and more eyes fell away.

  Toby continued in a softer voice, "If we look it in the eye we've got to recognize that trying to drive a bunch of mean people is really dangerous because, while we are practicing restraint, they won't have any reservations about shooting us dead. If we go at all, we've got to be as merciless as we know how so any survivors will never want to hear of this area again and so that word will pass that it isn't safe to outlaw near Perry County.

  "More than likely a few of you are thinking that maybe we'd best let them alone and hope they stay away.

  "Well, that won't work! Sooner or later the idea of all the good things up here will get to them. They'll round up other trash with wild stories about loot—and women, I will add—and then they'll come shooting and grabbing.

  "Now, I know as well as you that a year ago such ideas would have been ludicrous, but not anymore! If we don't get them first, they will come for us. That is as sure as I am standing here."

  He took a moment to step back and adjust his thoughts. Knowing he wasn't through, no one interrupted, but he saw women holding their men a little closer and many eyes were blank with speculation.

  "Just how we'll do it, I haven't figured out yet.

  "But we'll go in three days." There were exclamations of surprise. He continued.

  "We're going right away for a number of reasons. First, because there is no reason to delay. Second, word of things like this get around. How? Nobody knows, but it spreads, and we can't have them warned. Three days will give everyone time to get ready.

  "Tomorrow, Johnnie Freet and two men of his choosing will start for Kin Kora. Their job will be to scout the place and be ready with facts when we arrive."

  He held up his hand to restrain some already rising to volunteer.

  "Ok, hold it up a little longer while I explain some more.

  "Everyone who wants to go can see me tonight or in the morning. I'll pick those I need without any insult to those I don't select. Some have to stay here and some aren't really fit for this job.

  "Keep in mind that it's a dirty task. We'll hike hard and camp cold. Then we'll kill people and come home. There's no fun or adventure involved; it's just a rotten problem that has to be solved."

  As soon as he could, he got John Freet aside. "You willing to do the scouting, John? It'll be dangerous but it's got to be done right. Then you'll be expected to help us do the job, once I lay it out."

  "You know I'm the man for it, Toby. I've got half a dozen people already picking at me to go along, but I'd like to have Bill Long and Terry Askins, if they suit you."

  They did and Toby went on. "First thing is, I want the three of you to pack and take off tonight. Get there fast and scout as carefully as mice in a roomful of cats. Above all, don't be seen.

  "We'll need to know about guards, how many people in the place, and when it looks best to hit 'em. I'll want a clear description of the grounds, any good approaches, and of course any dangerous spots.

  "I'm going to bring a dozen men. That's all we can spare. With the three of you, we'll be fifteen, and that will have to do."

  Toby shook his head, "I hope to hell we don't run into an army of them! Letting 'em beat us would be worse than not going at all.

  "So, arm heavily 'cause you'll need guns later. Hide most of your equipment and scout light. Get facts for me, Johnnie. We can't go in blind.

  "One last thing. Expect us a night sooner. I'll announce tomorrow that we're moving everything up a day. That'll make everyone hustle and keep an edge on. We'll meet you at dark or later under the bridge where the highway crosses Sherman's Creek. Then we'll move out together from there."

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  Almost everyone volunteered for the mission, although more than a few expressed reservations. None of them had ever participated in an attack, and only a couple had gotten to shooting in defense of themselves. Whoever was chosen, it would be a green band that Toby led south.

  Toby chose his twelve men and gathered them close around him for instructions, "I'm in command. If I go down or get lost, turn to Chop. After that, it'll be John Freet.

  "Now don't let that scare you. I'm planning on us all getting home, me included." His words were wasted, for no one was afraid.

  "Every man will carry a rifle and a shotgun, with ammo for both. If you want a pistol bring it. I've no attack plan yet so we can't tell what we'll need.

  "Chop and I'll carry some of Praying Mantis' dynamite. Maybe we can use it to advantage.

  "Carry your own rations and bring enough for a week. If it takes longer we'll just walk home with empty bellies.

  "Pack only one blanket, wear good boots, dark clothes, and bring nothing that clinks or clatters.

  "Now a final thing. Right up until the shooting starts I want every man here thinking about killing a man or maybe many men. Don't fluff it off and expect that you will do the right thing when the time comes. Think close on how fast you will pull the trigger, what it will feel like, how it'll look, and what it will sound like.

  "Men, if we hesitate, we might all get killed. So grind out any doubts and know what you are going to do.

  "Oh yes, one thing more. It might be good to keep in mind how much depends on our success. This village and the lives of everyone here are apt to be forfeited if we fail to make a clean sweep.

  "Ok, go and get ready. Suck your guts up tight and clear your minds of everything else. You're part of a killing team, and don't forget it for an instant."

  They marched in loose column, not attempting to slip through unseen. They hadn't those abilities, and trying would only delay them. Men talked and walked abreast but they kept moving. The few people they met stood aside before the sight of a dozen men armed to the teeth and staying grim and unresponsive.

  Moving steadily, no word of their approach was likely, and near Duncannon they would take to the woods and not give away the direction of their closer march.

  They were a rough looking bunch all right, and Toby found himself more than a little awed. Who, after all, was he to be leading fighting men? He had no combat experience or record as a military leader.

  Did concern authorize him to lead? Because he owned the ball must his rules be used? Suppose he was ignorantly marching them all to their deaths?

  At times the questions haunted him and he had to force his thoughts away. Like it or not, he had taken the reins. This band and the whole village depended on him being right.

  The responsibility was weighty but it was also heady and he had the additional task of not letting personal power inflate his ego. He could recall General Patton advising that war was man's ultimate challenge, or something close to that, and there was the old saying about power corrupting. Toby Shatto managed to bury his doubts, but he kept a close grip on his values.

  With his over-sized but untrained squad, he intended to wreak death and destruction on their enemies. His heart and mind told him it was right and that they could do it. He settled for those assurances.

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  Chapter 25

  They arrived at the river junction later than anticipated and crossed the Juniata Bridge in late dusk. Although everyone was tired from two days of marching, Toby kept them m
oving. Darkness did allow the company to remain on the roads and they made time hiking directly down the highway.

  Near the ruins of Mutzabaugh's Market, Toby called a halt and ordered rest while a pair of scouts went ahead to determine that it was safe to bring the main party to the meeting place beneath the Sherman's Creek bridge.

  Toby scattered the men, reminding them to keep their shotguns ready, then he and Chop moved away a little to stand watch.

  The weather had been overcast and the night was dark. Little could be seen and listening appeared to be most useful. It seemed a night when no one would be about and that suited their requirements.

  Toby supposed the men believed he knew what he was doing but he could only hope that he did. The usual questions rose to bait him. What if the scouts had been caught and tortured into telling what they knew? Did ambushers wait at the creek bridge? He cursed the doubts, but it seemed a century before word came to them.

  It was all right! All three scouts waited by the bridge, and their spirits were high. Toby Shatto's also rose many points.

  Quickly they hiked along the deserted highway. Beneath the bridge, Toby put out guards and allowed the men to rest while he and Chop talked with the scouting party.

  Sitting in the dark, John Freet was barely visible, and Toby would have given a lot to have been able to study the man's face as he spoke of what they had discovered. Instead, he listened closely to Freet's voice, striving to determine the exact nature of what they had seen.

  "They're holed up in the main building, Toby. Yesterday there were only a half dozen but a bunch came in today. Seventeen or eighteen in there now.

  "Looks like they eat, sleep, and relieve themselves just any place they choose. They're a foul bunch, that's for sure.

  "One big hairy guy yells a lot of orders and gets obeyed, sort of casual-like. Oh, yes, before I forget. There's an old friend there too.

  "Remember the Reverend Kermit Mantis, Toby? He's among 'em, but he sure don't look like a preacher no more!"