Date: Fri, 7 Jun 2013 21:26:01 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joe Collins <joecollins7420@yahoo.com>
Subject: On the move West     Chapter 2

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offends you, then please leave! If you are looking for hard core sex, you
won't find it here. However, some sex and reference to sex will be found.
The story plot and characters are fictional and any resemblance is just
coincidental. Please feel free to email me and be sure to include the title
in the subject line. joecollins7420@yahoo.com

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On the move West
Chapter 2

Just as the first rays of sunlight arrived, Stanley, who was on guard duty,
saw a figure move in the brush. He immediately ran to where I was sleeping
and woke me. "Jim, I saw a man over there in the brush," pointing to where
he had seen him.

"Get the other men up and I will see what I can find." I took my rifle and
went to the edge of the small wagon circle.

"You with rifle, I come in peace. I no harm. I, Joshua, brother of Adam
traveling with you."

"Show yourself and come closer."

Joshua and the three men with him, rose up and started toward the
wagons. Now everyone was awake and all the men had gathered with the rifles
ready to fight, if need be.

"Lower your rifles. They are friends. The one in the lead is a brother to
Adam. He and his party are the ones who warned those who were beaten that
the bad guys were coming. Come on in. We are glad to see you. I know that
you will be pleased to know that your brother and all those with him are
alive. They are not in good shape but at least they are alive. Come I will
take you to them."

When they got closer to the wounded, Joshua ran to his brother and they
embraced each other. They started talking to each other in their native
language. After a few minutes, Adam said, "We must use English. We can tell
out friends here what the others are saying."

Joshua rose and walked over to me, "Adam say you medicine man. You save
everyone. Thank you!" He took my hand and gave him a big hand shake, Indian
style.

"Yes, I am a doctor. I can't take all the credit. All these good people
joined with me and worked just as hard a I did. We are all thankful we came
along when we did. We were all kicked off the train that we were traveling
with. Now we are on our own. I hope that we won't have any trouble since we
are small in size."

"You in my people's land . You safe. No have trouble from Indian. We
help. You save all," said Joshua. "You travel with brother and friends?"

"Yes, until we reach the fort at least. I think we will stay here for at
least two more days. I want to give the injured time to heal some. Riding
in a wagon will not be the most comfortable for them."

I leave friends with animals. I go back to fort. Bad men camped along
way. I listen to them. They not know I there. Two days bad men come. Kill
everyone here. Animals not far. There old cabin . No one there . Someone
build fence across canyon. No way horses and other animals get out. Plenty
grass and water in canyon. We put animals there," said Joshua.

"I think that was a good idea. Let's ask your brother and the rest of his
group what they think and see if they think they can make it that far. How
would the traveling be?"

Joshua replied, "Travel no problem. Old wagon trail. Flat land all way. No
rock. Take two, three hour. Creek near cabin. Lots of water. Adam, what you
think?"

"I think we should go. I know it will be painful. After what we have gone
through, nothing could hurt any more. Who knows when those terrible men may
come back!" said Adam.

Need be ready. Can`t just sit and do nothing," Joshua said. "Bad men come
for sure."

"Go and get your women folk and children." I told the men. "They need to
hear what is going on and be in on the decision making. We will go with
`majority rules' Each person will have a chance to have their say and one
vote. This goes for all the wounded as well. Hurry, we don't have time to
waste!" I proclaimed.

*****

Soon everyone was sitting on the ground in a half circle around the
injured. Jim stood in the front of them so everyone could see and hear
him. "I don't want to scare you but our lives are in danger. As I see it
there are only a few solutions, none of which offers any guarantees,
although some are better that others," Jim explained. "Thanks, to our
Indian friends here, we are almost certain that the men who raided and beat
all of you are on their way back. This time, it is not to beat but kill
every living soul here in camp. We have to do something and very little
time to do it!.

I continued, "The worse thing we can do is sit and do nothing. We all know
what the outcome of that will be. We could jump in the wagons, and head as
fast as we can travel toward the fort and hope that we will make in
time. The problem with that would be hard on the injured. Fast travel would
probably kill them all. Plus the fact, that the outlaws would be traveling
on horses which will cover more ground than we would in the slow
wagons. They are between here and the fort. Thus, we would be in worse
shape than we are now. So I would say those two options are out."

"Another option that I like even less, is to get on the horses, ride
double, and head for the fort. This would mean leaving the injured. I told
the last wagon master, that I was staying and I haven't changed my mine. If
that is the decision, you make, you'll go with out me!"

"I am staying with you! I agree that the first two options are out, also!"
said Stanley and stood up. Everyone stood up and said the same thing.

"I am glad that we are all in agreement. Now here is a proposal that needs
your opinions and acceptance. Let's put the ones not able to travel far in
wagons and take them to the cabin Joshua told us about. I have two wagons
that I will leave here and use my teams to pull the three wagons that we
found. I have four extra oxen and the teams that were used to pull my two
wagons. I can get my wagons later. We can leave the women and children
along with the hurt at the cabin. The men, and older boys can get on their
saddle horses and return to this spot. We can lay in ambush for the
villains. Hopefully, we can get them all. Then we go back to the cabin and
head for the fort. Now it is time for discussion. Who want to be first?"

Sarah was the first to stand. "Jim, I agree with most of your
plan. However, there is one part that I would like to change. You said that
the men and older boys would return. I think that you should allow some of
the women and younger boys return with you. I know that I can shoot a rifle
with accuracy and I can ride a horse fast and furious. I have seen Robert
ride and shoot and he would be a good one to come back with you." She then
sat back down.

"I am going with you, also!" Said Judy. The other women all agreed with
Judy.

"I am sorry Sarah, I wasn't trying to say that women could not ride and
shoot. I was just thinking about the younger children. If something
happened to their mothers and fathers, how would they survive?"

Betty was the first to reply, "Jim, I know that I can't stand at the
present time, but if I survive, and I will take care of the children. I can
supervise the children from my bed, now. I promise if something happens to
their parents and I survive, I'll take them all and raise them
somehow. They will have a chance at least!"

Tom stood and waited for everyone to become quite. "I certainly agree with
Betty, Sarah, and Jim. As I see it, this is our only option. I would like
to hear from the sick and hear what they think."

"I would like to know what happened to my husband. Joshua, do you know?"
asked Betty.

"Yes, Bad men hang him." replied Joshua.

Betty started sobbing. "Thanks for being honest. I have felt this in my
heart all along. I just wish I could take a rifle and join those going to
protect us."

"I just hope that it is not too late to make our move!" said Adam. Joseph
immediately agreed with him.

"I am usually against violence but under the circumstances, this is one
time when I agree those men must be stopped somehow. So I agree with Adam
and Joseph," said Father Matthew.

Charles rose to his feet. "I agree with Father Matthew. These men have to
be stopped and if violence is the only way then so be it! I say lets vote
and not waste any more time. All those opposed say I." Not one person voted
against going after scoundrels.

"Jim, would you take over and officially become our leader and spokes
person? Asked Tom.

"Reluctantly, I will agree. Joshua, do you know where all the valuables are
buried?"

"Yes, I help bury."

"David , Stanley, and Robert, why don't you go with Joshua and his friends
and help dig them up. The rest of us will start getting the wagons ready to
roll and the injured loaded. Then we can be on our way."

The wagon camp became a bee hive with all the hustle and bustle going
on. In half an hour the first wagon pulled out. There were only two wagons
left and they had been stripped of all the food supplies and anything of
value. Only the farm equipment was left.

The little train reached its destination. Surprisingly the cabin was still
in good shape. The patients were moved inside and made comfortable. Betty
was left in charge. Mary choose to remain at the cabin, which was probably
a good idea. She could fix meals and keep the house supplied with water. If
need be, she could go for help. Adam, Joseph, and Luke were placed in
chairs by the windows. They were each given a pistol to use if need be.

The women got some men's clothing and changed into them. Now they could
ride a horse and not worry about their skirts getting in the way and they
wouldn`t have to act lady like. Some of the children laughed, but this
didn't stop the ladies. They had a job to do and was going to do it
regardless!

"I know short-way where wait for men to come. Is narrow canyon with steep
sides. Wagon trail go bottom canyon. Can see long way. Good place to hide."
said Joshua.

"I may be commander-in-chief but you are the head of my war department.
Lead out and the troops will follow you," I said. This caused a chuckle to
go through the `troops'.

*****

I divided the group into two parties . I had Joshua place one group on one
side and the other group on the other so that both sides of the canyon
could be used. Joshua did a good job finding places where people could hide
and still have a good view of the canyon floor. He told the people to get
comfortable, not move around much and above all to be quiet.

"Jim, me and friends go. We wait, watch. We see men, come back in a
hurry. Watch for us return." said Joshua.

"Be careful, Joshua. We don't want any causalities. Every person is
important . Joshua, can you howl or bay at the moon like a Coyote?" Joshua
gave a loud sample. "Howl like a coyote four times. Wait for awhile and
then you and your friend can howl at each other, if you want. This will be
your signal that you are coming in and for us to get ready! On your way out
stop by and tell the people on the other side. I will tell the ones on this
side. Good luck, and we will see you soon," I said .

Before I knew what was happening, Joshua and the three men were gone. Now
the waiting game could begin. David and Stanley were going to take turns
keeping guard on the other side of the canyon while the others slept. Donna
and I were going to keep watch on this side. Donna volunteered because she
said she wouldn't be able to sleep any way.

Blackness slowly worked it's way into the valley. Only an old owl talking
to his mate broke the silence. The only other sound was a gentle breeze
blowing through the leaves. Donna took the first watch and I grabbed a
nap. When I awoke, I relieved her and she took her nap. The early morning
sun broke the uneventful night. Jim saw members of his party stand up and
stretch and the disappear from sight.

Breakfast consisted of dried meat, dried fruit and a cold hard
biscuit. Each person had a sack of these ingredients and a canteen of
water. If used sparingly the food and water would last for maybe three days
at the most. There was just enough to kill the hunger pains and nothing
more.

Lunch came and again people stood up and waved to each other and then went
back into hiding. I am sure that some even took little short naps. I know I
did.

I have to be doing something, I can't just sit idol and do nothing. I found
a chunk of wood and started carving. Before long, I had an owl roughed
out. Now all I had to was fine tune it and one of the kids at the cabin
would have a new treasure. I finished my owl before eating the evening
meal. I found a longer, bigger chunk and decided to make a deer. I had it
completed before dark. At this rate, I would have a complete zoo and each
child could have his or her choice.

Night came and again all was quite.

About 10 the next morning, the coyotes started howling and then stopped. I
became very tense and almost had a heart attack when Joshua walked up and
touch me on the shoulder.

" They not far. Be ready. Twelve men come. I go tell other side." And he
was gone..

I thought to myself,Twelve men. They must have picked up 6 men from the
wagon train that kicked us off. At least we have the advantage, we know
they are coming and we have good protective cover. They can't see us but we
can see them and they don`t know we are here!"

I stood up and shouted, "When they get here hold your fire. I would like to
take them all alive and let them stand trial. If you do shoot, shoot to
kill! We have enough wounded to treat." I then concealed myself and started
playing the 'waiting game'. I always lost this game.

*****

About an hour later, We heard an owl hoot and the 12 renegades came around
the bend. I stood up and yelled, "Stop! Where you are! Get off your horses
and throw you guns on the ground! You are completely surrounded and there
is no way to escape.! If you don't obey, then prepare to meet you maker!"

"You are just bluffing and we are calling your bluff!" The man, who was
obvious the leader, yelled back and lifted his gun to his shoulder. Before
he could fire, an arrow pierced his heart and he fell to the ground and
didn't move.

Another raised his gun, Donna raised her rifle, aimed and fired. She had
hit her target- right between the eyes. This was the signal for everyone to
start shooting. In a very few minutes all the trouble makers all lay on the
ground.

"Hold your fire! I want to go down and check and see if any are still
alive. I don't want anyone to lie there suffering. Stay where you are and
be ready. I will tell you when to come down."

The first man I checked was the wagon master that kicked us on the wagon
train. I found only one man still alive. I knelt by his side and raised his
head a little. I could tell that he didn't have much longer to live. "I
must know are all those who were involved in the hanging of a young negro
man, all in this group?"

"No, three men were taken prisoners by the soldiers at the fort. They are
in jail waiting for trial. They are sure to be hanged." The man stiffened
and was gone.

"Hey, everyone get your horses and come on down. We need to round up all of
the loose horses." commanded Jim.

Soon all the horses were caught. "Tie each man on a horse and we will take
the bodies with us. It is not decent just to leave them out here. We will
bury them when we get to the cabin. I know some of you are thinking, `Why
bother'. Every man deserves a decent burial but it doesn't have to be a
Christian burial. They can all be put into one pit as far as I am concerned
with no marker!"

Joshua came up to Jim. "You good man. Many no bother bury dead. Indian
scalp and leave. Our people get burial."

"Can we get to the fort from the cabin or do we need to bring the ones we
left there back out this way?" Jim asked

"Good road from cabin. Not much father. Maybe one half day," replied
Joshua.

"Very good. Let's head back to where we left the wagons. We can put the
bodies in a wagon and use their horses to pull the wagons. I think we have
been away long enough," Jim exclaimed.

*****

As the group came into sight, Children can running from everywhere. When
they heard people coming Mary and Betty told the children to run and hide
and not to come back until they were told to do so. Betty was now able to
walk and had hollered to let the children know it was safe to come in. The
children ran to their parents and started hugging them.

Every one went into the cabin.

"Betty, may I talk with you before we go in?

"Sure, it is about my husband. Isn't it?"

"Betty, we already know that he was hanged. I found out from a dying man
that all of his captors were killed today except three. They were taken
prisoners and are held in jail at the fort waiting trial. All three are
expected to be hanged. My question to you is, do you want to stay for the
trial and hanging.?" said Jim.

"Right now, I would say yes but I will have to give it some thought. I am
at my wits end. I am at the point of not knowing what I am going to do. I
have absolutely no money and no family. I was sold and removed from my
family when I was a small girl. So I have no family to go back to. One
thing for sure, I don't want to return to the south. My husband and I were
going to make a new life for ourselves. We wanted to find a small place to
call our own," said Betty with tears running down her face.

"You and your children are more than welcome to travel with me. When we
reach our destination, I will build you a house right next to
mine. Together we can search for that new life. There is always light at
the end of the darkest tunnel. Working together, I know we can achieve both
out goals," I said with tears rolling down my face.

"You have just made me so happy. I just wish that it were proper to give
you a hug, but I'll just have to give you a big thanks from the bottom of
my heart," said Betty with tears still down her checks.

"Betty, times are changing. You are a free woman now. We can throw the old
customs away and do our own thing. I consider you my equal, so come over
here and let's have that big hug!

"Are you sure? What will people think?"

"Yes, I am sure. If people don't like it, I would say that is their
problem. If they say anything. I'll bust them in the mouth!" said Jim
giving Betty one big bear hug. Jacob and Lisa burst through the door and
grabbed Jim and gave him a big o' hug.

TBC

*****