The Stranger: Chapter 4
by Rose Baker
Charlotte closed the cabin door behind her. She had gone to check on the children and found them missing. Added to that, William had still not returned from hunting. After much deliberation, she decided to leave a note on the children's slate in case someone returned before she did. She left it on the table in full view and then she set off to the Mackenzies. The children must surely have gone there. Perhaps, once there, they had just lost track of time. Israel was friends with their son, Ben. Or, perhaps, William had met up with them there.
It was very unusual for him not to return for supper.
Charlotte carried the covered lantern close to her body to protect it from the wind, but not so close that the hot metal would burn her skin. Torn between anger and frustration, she wondered what she would do if the children were not at her neighbor's cabin. With the full moon illuminating the surrounding path and the help of her lantern, the journey went quickly. As she approached the run-down cabin, the smell of cooked onions and meat filled the air. She could hear a baby crying behind the closed door. Charlotte hammered as loudly as she could, finally calling out to be heard.
A heavy bar was lifted from the door and it opened. Charlotte was greeted kindly by her portly neighbor, who had a small child resting on her hip.
"Good heavens, Charlotte, whatever are you doing out at this time of night? Is there something wrong with the one of your littl'ins?" Betsy MacKenzie asked as she swung the door wide and guided Charlotte into the warm cabin.
Charlotte looked around. She gasped, her hand rushing to her mouth. "They're not here! Oh, no! Israel and Mary said they were coming here, they slipped out hours ago."
Betsy gently sat Charlotte down on the bench next to the table. "I'm sorry, I haven't seen them since yesterday. But, you just wait here. I'll ask Ben. Israel and him are thicker than thieves." Putting the small child down on the floor, she crossed to the loft and yelled up into it. "Ben, I want you down here this very minute!"
A sandy-haired boy with a grimy face peered over the opening at the top of the ladder. "But, Ma, I ain't done nothin' wrong."
"I ain't says as you have. Now come down here, before I take the wooden spoon to your backside!"
A skinny boy dressed in his underclothes scurried down the ladder. He stopped at the bottom and looked at his feet.
"Come here, Ben. Mrs. Browning has some questions about Israel."
"Please Ben, I know you and Israel are friends. Have you seen him and Mary tonight? They left our cabin hours ago, saying they might come here. I am very worried about them." Charlotte attempted to keep her voice calm. Her anxiety caused her to tightly grasp the folds of her skirt and twist them. "Their Cousin William hasn't turned up either. Do you know where he might be? Please, do you know anything at all?"
Ben looked at his mother and bit his lip. He glanced at Charlotte, and then returned his gaze to the floor. "No, ma'am, I don't know nothin'."
His mother rounded on him and took hold of his ear. "Now, young man, what do you know? I've seen that look afore, and it's when you're fibbin'."
The boy squirmed. "Ow, alright, let go!" Rubbing his ear, he looked at Charlotte and said, "All's I know is that Israel said he wanted to look at the British soldiers' cannon. I done heard it was goin' to leave tomorrow, and Israel, he didn't want to miss it."
"Is that all, Benjamin?" his mother asked, raising her voice.
"Yes, honest. Can I go back to bed now?"
Betsy nodded and sighed as the boy scurried up the ladder. "Boys! What a handful they are. As you well know."
Charlotte's eyes filled with tears. "What can I do? William is not home. I can't go looking for them in the middle of the night. Even if the moon stays out, I doubt if I would see them. Could your husband, Donald, help?" Charlotte asked.
"Sorry, the lazy sod is sleeping it off. He came home with a right skin-full. Why don't you wait till mornin' light? The Redcoats probably caught the littl'ins snooping around." Betsy patted Charlotte's shoulder "I shouldn't worry, they'll be all right. It might teach them a lesson. Why don't you stay here until the sun's up? I can put a kettle on."
"No. Thank you, Betsy. I won't stay, but you're probably right. I best be off in case they're home already."
And saying her goodbyes, Charlotte left.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Charlotte had just arrived at her cabin and was near the door when she was startled by the noise of a loud explosion coming from the direction of the English soldiers' camp. As she watched birds flew out of trees in response to the sound, and the woods seemed to come awake. The sound of it, even though distant, caused her to jump and almost drop the lantern. Charlotte's hand shook as she opened the door. She quickly rekindled the fire in the hearth and lit as many candles as she could find, hoping the light would act as a beacon to those missing.
Close to a half an hour later she went outside again and called out for Israel, Mary, or William to answer. Charlotte waited, straining her ears. Then she called again. Suddenly, from the direction of the camp she heard gun fire. She could only pray the soldiers' muskets were not aimed at those she loved. She waited until the gunfire stopped and then went back inside.
Helpless and alone, all she could do was wait and hope.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dressed as an English soldier Mingo made his way back to the tent where he thought Daniel and Jericho were being held. He nodded to the guards and told them that he and his partner, who would soon be along, had been sent to relieve them. As the men happily yielded their posts, he positioned himself and strained to hear the voices within the tent. The rustling of the leaves in the windy night masked any words. All he could hear was a low murmuring.
One of the voices was English, and it sounded like the man who spoke was leading an interrogation. Slowly and quietly, Mingo started to loosen the ties that held the canvas wall to the ground. He dare not loosen them too much or the wind would cause the wall to billow; only enough to make a quick release. Joseph should be close to setting off the explosives by now.
Mingo drew his knife in readiness.
As footsteps approached he moved to a position of attention. A pair of officers passed by. Mingo swiftly saluted them. They returned the gesture without pause and kept walking. He waited a few minutes before turning back, his ear close to the canvas again. A voice he knew was raised in anger.
Jericho. Good old loud Jericho. Mingo could make out clearly what he was saying.
Then he heard a hammer cock.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Charlotte paced the packed-earth floor in front of the hearth. Turning yet again, she paced to the cabin door and lifted the bar. Hugging her woolen shawl close to her shoulders, she walked out onto the porch.
The clouds flitted in front of a large, full moon. One minute the woods and meadow leading to the river were in bright view, and the next in inky darkness. Charlotte involuntarily shivered thinking of her children, out alone in the night. Her mood shifted from despair to frustration, as she thought of Israel and Mary's disobedience. And William's. He was also missing. Then a thought occurred to her. Perhaps the two men who had called earlier had caught up with him. The idea frightened her, even though she was sure they were really William's friends. She did not want to lose him. She had come to rely on his company and his help around the farm. His presence had filled the gaping hole left by her husband's death. Until William's arrival, she had not realized how lonely she had become. The stranger had been a complete gentleman. There was nothing romantic between them.
Perhaps, with time, that might have changed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jericho stood completely still; the flintlock butted up against his temple. Sweat broke out on his brow. He held his breath, waiting for the hammer to fall. During the ensuing silence, the Major started to chuckle. Then he pulled the pistol away. "My little joke, the gun is not loaded. Too dangerous, don't you know?"
The lanky young man released his breath and swallowed. Daniel stepped forward, glancing at a very pale Jericho. "Seems to me that was a pretty mean trick, Major. Now what did you hope to achieve by it?"
"In truth? I don't rightly know. Call it a reaction to frustration." Major Coles toyed with the pistol and resumed his pacing. Chuckling to himself, he turned back toward them. "It did achieve one thing; it quieted your young companion here."
"Now, see here," Jericho said hoarsely. " I don't like your kind of joke."
"You're not exactly in a position to object, Mr. Jones. Besides, I am getting rather tired of this. As we are obviously not getting anywhere, I think we should resume this interrogation after I have had some rest, and then some breakfast." The major started to walk towards the tent opening to call the corporal standing to guard outside, when a loud explosion rocked the camp.
It had come from the direction of the river.
"What the...?" the major exclaimed. An instant after the blast, the tent flap blew in, gutting the candles and the lanterns. In the sudden darkness, something struck the British Officer, knocking him to the floor. He hit his head on the corner of the desk and was knocked out cold.
Jericho stumbled into Daniel and fell to the floor. Suddenly, a deep voice whispered, its tone urgent, "Here, let me give you a hand." Daniel felt someone grab hold of his elbow and pull him backwards. He could sense Jericho being hauled up as well. A knife quickly sliced through their bonds, and then the voice whispered again, "Quickly, there is not much time. Follow me."
The two men stumbled blindly after the tall dark shape. The back wall of the tent had been loosened and they all hurriedly scrambled under the canvas. All about them was the noise of panic and confusion. In the distance the bridge was on fire. Soldiers shouted and ran in various directions, seemingly without purpose. Daniel could barely make out their rescuer, but he seemed to be a Redcoat. Whoever this man was, and whatever his purpose in freeing them, would have to be figured out later.
At least, for now, they were free.
The three of them ran in the opposite direction of the bridge, keeping to the thick undergrowth where they could. Until his and Jericho's eyes adjusted, all they could do was follow this man. Then, all of a sudden, the man paused and held his hand up to indicate that they should do the same. Dan soon saw why. Two British soldiers were running in their direction. The trio crouched low as the Redcoats ran noisily by.
"Whew! That was darn close," Jericho said loudly, grinning.
He was quickly silenced by the stranger, who clamped a hand over his mouth. Their rescuer whispered in his ear," Do not speak, until I tell you we are safe."
Jericho nodded. Daniel smiled to himself. There had been many a time when he had been tempted to do exactly that same thing. The stranger seemed to know what Jericho was like. Daniel narrowed his eyes to see more clearly, but it was still very dark. The moon had retreated again behind the clouds, and he could only vaguely make out their rescuer. He was tall, dark-haired, and seemed to be dressed in a British regiment coat only. His pants were dark, not the pale cloth the British wore. And he was bare headed.
Indicating that they should follow him, the stranger cautiously rose from his crouching position. He moved at a quick jog as he led them away from the river. Daniel followed closely behind, with Jericho sullenly bringing up the rear. From where the noise of the British camp was, Daniel concluded they were circling back around the encampment. Whenever a British soldier came into view, the trio sank down behind whatever cover they could find. Finally they arrived at the small lean-to where the powder had been stored. Dan glanced at the sky. The moon was still hiding and the night was dark. He couldn't see a thing. But he could hear. The stranger stopped and brought his hands to his mouth to make a quiet birdcall. Daniel felt the hairs rise on the back of his neck.
It was the same call Mingo used to make.
A voice spoke from the darkness, "William, is that you?"
"Yes, Joseph. Did you succeed? It certainly sounded as if you did," the stranger asked, very quietly. Daniel thought his voice sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it. So far the stranger hadn't said anything that wasn't said in a terse whisper.
"Oh, yes, it was quite a spectacle! You're English, William. It was enough to make Guy Fawks proud," Joseph answered. From his voice Daniel could tell the older man was grinning from ear to ear. "I'm a bit deaf in both ears now though, so you might speak up. You sound like you're talking through a blanket."
"Since there could still be soldiers about, we need to keep our voices down," the stranger urged, keeping his voice very low.
"I see you got Daniel and young Jericho," Joseph whispered, taking the hint. "Looks like we did well, eh?" He shook the hands of all three men.
"Yes, exceptionally well indeed. Now, you best be off, before the soldiers come to search the tavern." The stranger patted his shoulder. Joseph waved to them and then quickly set off, disappearing into the darkness.
Only partially turning towards his companions, the stranger whispered, "Come on, follow me, I know a good vantage point."
"Seems to me I should be thankin' you for rescuin' us instead of askin' questions," Daniel said quietly as he caught the stranger by the elbow. "But do you mind tellin' us who you are?"
"Not here. The soldiers could still be close." The stranger moved quickly ahead before Daniel could quiz him further. Daniel followed, with a silent Jericho behind him.
There was something very familiar about this stranger, Daniel told himself. The man moved quickly and quietly through the woods, pausing every now and then to listen. If he had not been dressed as a soldier, he might have mistaken him for an Indian. Most Englishmen stomped about, as if the noise they made would frighten any threat away.
Eventually they came to the clearing near the riverbank near where Daniel and Jericho had rested only the day before; the very place where Daniel thought they had been watched. It struck him suddenly.
Was this man their watcher?
The stranger climbed over a fallen tree and then knelt down to observe the way they had come. Again, he held up his hand to call for silence. The trio waited to hear if they had been followed. No bird or animal stirred. In the distance they could hear the noise of the British camp and of the British soldiers continuing to search - in the wrong direction. As they waited, the moon peeked out from under the silver edges of the clouds, casting a soft glow on the surrounding trees. Daniel stared at the trees silhouetted against the river, struck for a moment by the beauty of the scene. Then he turned to look at the stranger.
The brilliant wash of moonlight illuminated an all too familiar profile.
"Mingo?" Daniel gasped. Jericho's head quickly swung around.
The stranger turned to look at him and grinned broadly from ear to ear. "Gentlemen, it is very good to see you both." He clapped a hand on Daniel's shoulder, and then another on Jericho's.
Jericho stared with his mouth open. "You're alive! Mingo, you're alive!" Then he paused. "Hey, what happened to your hair? And you're wearing a red coat? You join up?"
"Hardly," Mingo laughed quietly. "This," he indicated his coat, "was purely for disguise, and is best discarded this very minute." He started to wriggle out of the coat. "As for the hair, that is a much longer story."
"Where have you been all this time, Mingo?" Daniel asked, staring at his friend. He could hardly believe his eyes. "I know you've been in some mighty tight scrapes, but this time we thought you had used all your nine lives at once. It's been months since we thought you had been killed."
Mingo looked thoughtful. He shook his head slowly. "Yes, it has been months, many months. When I was shot in the ambush, it must have caused me to lose my memory. Until this very evening, I had no idea who I really was. None whatsoever. " Taking a deep breath, he continued, "I must tell you the rest as we travel. We should be out of earshot from the soldiers before I do. Also, I left some children in a hiding place, and with all the commotion and noise they must be very frightened."
"Children?" Daniel asked, a puzzled expression on his face.
"Yes, they are part of my tale. Come on." Mingo replied as he indicated the direction they must travel.
As they made their way through the woods, Mingo quietly told them what he could about the ambush, his recovery, and his new life as a farmer. He told them about Charlotte and the children, and how she must have rescued him.
Daniel interrupted Mingo's story. "These children, their names wouldn't be Mary and Israel?"
"Yes, they are. How did you know?" Mingo asked.
"Jericho and I met them, and their mother." Daniel paused and glanced at Jericho. "We had just found your jacket in the river, near their cabin, and thought we might check and see if they knew where you were. We asked if she had seen any Indians."
"And?"
"And...." Dan paused uncomfortably. "She said she hadn't."
"Oh." Mingo stopped and looked into the distance. "Ever since my memory has returned, I have wondered why Charlotte told me this fiction about my being William, her dead husband's cousin. I had assumed that she did not think of it as a fiction, but really thought I was."
"Look, Mingo, you don't know what state you were in when she found you," Daniel said. "She probably saved your life."
"And I cut my own hair while trying not to drown," Mingo grumbled. "I don't understand, why didn't she tell me the truth? She didn't even tell me you had called."
"Mingo, women do crazy things all the time. Who knows what they think?" Jericho added.
"You'll have to ask her Mingo. Now, all this talkin' ain't getting us any closer to those youngins, so let's go." Daniel turned as if he meant to grasp his rifle. Then he grimaced. "Funny, get kind of used to Tick-Licker being about. She's probably on the Major's trophy wall by now."
"Ah, I doubt it. They are probably still searching for us. Let us hope it is in the wrong direction," Mingo said.
Daniel caught him on the shoulder. "Mingo?"
"Yes, Daniel?"
"It's good to have you back."
With that, the trio set off with Mingo leading the way.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I'm frightened." Israel whimpered, wrapping his small arms around his knees. "And cold too," he added.
"Will you stop whining," his sister, Mary, whispered, leaning close to his ear. "This was all you idea. If we had stayed at home, you would be in a nice warm bed."
"But, there could be bears about," Israel continued.
"Israel, there could be British soldiers with guns thinking you were a baby bear. Now will you shut up!"
Israel and his sister had eventually drifted off to sleep, under the tree where William had left them. The second explosion had awakened them an hour earlier and now they were both very much on edge.
"Mary, don't you think we should try and find home now? You know, leave, in case the soldiers are searching for us?"
"No. William told us to wait." Mary clenched her teeth to keep them from chattering with cold and fear. "If we leave he might not find us, and anyway we could get lost in the dark. I'm not budging. If you want to leave, you can go by yourself."
Israel twisted to look at his sister in the dark. "You know, William might have been captured by the soldiers," he whispered, lowering his voice even further. "They might be torturing him for being a rebel. He could tell them where we are."
"Now you're just being silly. William wouldn't tell them where we are. Besides, there is no way he would get caught." Mary replied.
"But, he's a rebel. That's treason," Israel insisted.
"You used to think Cousin William was the best grown-up alive. What's changed? He's still the same person," Mary said, hugging her coat close about her.
"Pa said the rebels were stupid for hating the British."
"Pa's dead now and things have changed. Ma thinks we shouldn't be British anymore. I asked her, and she said Pa would have changed his mind as well if he'd still been alive." Mary patted her little brother on the arm. "Come on, why don't you try and get back to sleep? I'll keep watch."
Israel snuggled next to his sister, trying to absorb some of her warmth. The young boy thought about how much his life had changed. He missed his Pa. As he blinked back tears, Israel worried that he would forget what his Pa looked like. He had already forgotten what he sounded like. Israel thought of Cousin William. He liked him a lot. Closing his eyes, Israel prayed his father's cousin would be all right - even though he was a rebel.
And he was sure Mary was lying about Ma.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I left them over here, by this tree," Mingo said as the three men entered a more overgrown part of the woods.
They approached the tree quietly and slowly, not wanting to alarm the children. "Israel. Mary," Mingo whispered.
"Cousin William!" they replied in unison.
Israel jumped to his feet. "You're alive! We was worried the soldiers had caught you and tortured you. We heard the explosion..."
"Shhh, it is all right. I am here now," Mingo said, dropping to one knee. Israel rushed into his arms. Mary got up quickly to join her brother.
"We was real worried, Cousin William," Israel said clutching Mingo's sleeve tightly. "We heard the explosion, and you were gone for such a long time."
"I am safe and sound. And do not worry, we will get you back home in no time at all," Mingo answered, gently detaching himself from the two children.
Only then did Israel and Mary notice the other two men standing behind William. One was very tall. The other a little shorter and younger. The two children immediately clutched Mingo again. Israel wrapped one arm around Mingo's left leg and hid behind him. Mary was his mirror-image on the right.
Mingo laughed. "There is no need to be afraid. These are my friends. They will not hurt you. I promise."
"All right, if you say so," Mary said, still maintaining her grip.
Mingo laughed again. "Really, I promise, they are my friends. Please, if you do not let go of me soon, I am going to grow roots and turn into a tree."
Daniel approached and squatted down so he was the same height as Mary. "I've met you before, young lady, earlier today. Remember? I said I had a son called 'Israel', and a daughter called 'Jemima'. I wouldn't want anyone to hurt my youngins, and I wouldn't want to hurt anyone else's. Now how about we head off home? It's only down the road a short ways."
The two children slowly released Mingo's legs. Mingo patted each of their heads. "You must be very tired."
Israel still wary, looked at Daniel. "No, I ain't tired." He frowned and asked the tall man, "Are you a traitor?"
Dan frowned. "A traitor? Now, I don't rightly know about that. I guess there are some things I do which some might not agree with, but I do what I think is right and just."
"Israel, why would you ask something like that?" Mingo queried.
"You blew up the bridge, didn't you?" Israel replied, looking accusingly at the three men.
Mingo took a deep breath. He rubbed his forehead where it still hurt from the blast. Then, he answered, "When you are older you may understand. This is a young country which must stand on it's own two feet and be independent. The British do not want to recognize this. They are imposing heavy taxes and unjust laws, about which we have no say."
"Yes, Israel," Daniel added, shifting so he faced the little boy. He glanced at Mingo. "Your cousin is right, the British don't belong here. As to whether we are traitors, that is a tough question. I want what is best for America, and I believe the British don't."
"Yeah, I couldn't agree more." Jericho added, nodding his head thoughtfully.
"Mary says that Ma thinks they shouldn't be here either," Israel said quietly.
"Mary is correct, your mother does believe that," Mingo replied.
"See, I told you," Mary said, looking intensely at her brother.
"Israel, you must make up your own mind, but I'm sure from talking to your mother that your father would have come to support the rebels had he lived. Now, let me introduce my two friends. This is Daniel Boone, and this, is Jericho Jones," Mingo said, indicating his two companions.
"Since we are now properly introduced can we shake hands," Daniel said as he offered his hand to Israel and Mary in turn.
"Howdy. Good to meet you," Jericho said, doing the same.
Israel opened his mouth wide and yawned loudly. "I'm cold, can we go home now?"
Mingo smiled. "Of course. You've both had quite an adventure. We best be off home. Your mother is going to be worried beyond distraction."
The children were very tired and after the boy stumbled a few steps, Daniel picked up Israel. Mingo did the same with Mary.
Jericho took up the rear, keeping a look out for any British soldiers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Charlotte had remained in the chair by the fire so long that only a few embers remained, glowing in the ashes. The panes of glass in the windows had slowly changed color from dark to light, as the soft gray of dawn had crept across the sky. The cabin was cold and very still. She stirred at last and shifted the blanket. As soon as it was light enough she would head to the settlement to ask for a search party to look for Israel and Mary. As for William, Charlotte felt uneasy. Perhaps he had come across the two tall men, looking for the Indian, and had left.
Charlotte sat staring a while longer at the embers and then quickly rose, tossing off the blanket. Gathering her shawl about her, she crossed to the cabin door and opened it, and then stepped out again onto the porch. The wind had fallen away completely during the night and everything was still. The river in the distance reflected silver, like an old coin, gleaming dully as the predawn light reflected on the water. Even though it was still summer, the morning air was cool, with a hint of autumn. Charlotte inhaled it deeply and then sighed. She sat on a low bench and from there observed the sky, as it ever so slowly changed from a pale gray to a washed-out yellow.
Lost in her thoughts, she did not see the three men coming up the road, which lead from the settlement of Limestone. It was only as they got closer and she heard their voices, that she glanced up and noticed them. With a start she stood up, dropping her shawl on the ground. Two of the man appeared to be carrying small children.
Grabbing her skirts, Charlotte set off at a run. As she drew close, she was able to see who they were for certain. Sobs broke from her as she increased her speed and ran toward them. Mary was being carried by William, and Israel was in the arms of the tall man who had called earlier.
With barely enough breath to speak Charlotte asked, "Are they...?"
"They are fine. Just tired," Mingo said kindly, moved by Charlotte's anguish.
"Oh, thank God!" she sobbed.
Mary and Israel were awake now, if a bit groggy. "Ma, I'm sorry," Israel said, his words slurring.
"Oh, Ma!" Mary cried.
As the men released them, Charlotte bent down and hugged her two children tightly. "I've been so worried. Don't you ever do anything like that again," she scolded them, all the whilst sobbing with relief. "You hear me?"
"Yes, Ma," Israel assured her meekly.
"I'm sorry, Ma. I really am," Mary added, hugging her mother close.
"It's all right, just don't run off like that again. You're all I have," Charlotte said, stroking her daughter's hair. Still holding her children close, she looked up at the three men standing nearby. "Thank you for bringing them home."
She could not, however, look directly at the man whom she had originally called 'the stranger'. Charlotte wondered whether he remembered these men who claimed to be his friends. She quickly stole another glance at him, but his face was a mask, showing no emotion at all.
"Do you want to come in for some coffee or breakfast?" she asked, looking directly at the tallest man, who had a kindly face.
"No, Ma'am. We best be on our way," Daniel replied, looking over his shoulder. "There may be some British soldiers looking for us, and I reckon we shouldn't be here in case they find us."
"Are you sure? I'd like to offer you some hospitality, for all the trouble my children have given you."
"It's no trouble at all. They were lost and we brought them home. Any well-meaning person would have done the same."
Gathering up Israel, and taking Mary by her free hand, Charlotte started walking toward the cabin. The men watched but did not follow. When she got to the porch, she set Israel down. Opening the door, she ushered the two children inside, saying to them, "Now, go to bed. I'll be up shortly." Turning back to the trio Charlotte said, "Please, at least come in for some coffee. Or maybe I could get some food for you to take with you."
"No, I'm sorry we can't," Daniel said, looking again over his shoulder. "We really need to leave as soon as we can."
"You don't mean to go right now?" Charlotte asked, this time looking at the stranger. He met her gaze and held it.
Charlotte looked down in shame when as she saw the hurt in his deep brown eyes.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Daniel looked at Mingo. "We would like to stay longer, but in all honesty it's not safe. Not just for us, but for you as well."
Charlotte asked suddenly, "Does this have to with the explosions? The ones I heard during the night?"
"Yes, it does, Ma'am. Best not to say much more," Daniel answered. "You've got some very adventurous youngins there. Take good care of them. Goodbye Ma'am." Tapping Jericho on the shoulder, Daniel tuned to leave.
Jericho touched his hat. "Mornin', Ma'am. Nice to have met you." He also turned to leave.
Daniel paused to look at Mingo. "You comin', Mingo?"
Mingo looked at Charlotte, and then back at his friend. "Give me a minute, Daniel. I'll catch up with you on the trail."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They stood a while on the porch in silence, not looking at one another. Charlotte was the first to speak. "Mingo? That's your real name?"
"Yes."
There was a moment silence. "The children will wonder where you are," she said sadly. "They really like you. You know that, don't you?"
Mingo, who had been staring at the river in the distance, turned to look at her. "Why did you lie to me? Why did you make up this fiction about who I was?" he asked, his tone of voice reflecting how hurt he was.
"I didn't mean to lie to you at first," Charlotte replied. "It was just that I didn't know what to do with you. I couldn't tell people you were an Indian, or leave you in the river looking like that. It was just easiest to say you that you were William."
"I do not understand. Why not tell the truth?"
"The truth? Do you know what they do to Indians around here? I might as well have left you to die," Charlotte said. "I did what I thought was best at the time." She paused and added softly, "I was going to tell you truth."
"Why didn't you?" Mingo's tone was accusing.
As her voice started to shake, Charlotte reached out a hand to steady herself on one of the porch posts. "I was going to. I really was. I tried to. It just got harder, and harder..."
"Harder? Why?" he snapped.
"Please," she pleaded. "Listen to me. I can understand why you are angry with me. I know I should have told you. I know. Believe me, I know. I was going to. But, you didn't talk like an Indian. You had the manners of a gentleman. And with your hair cut.... Well, I...."
Mingo shook his head. "Charlotte, I have been here for over three months. There was more than ample opportunity."
She nodded her head. "You're right. I knew I had to tell you. It was just that as time went on, it got harder and harder." She rubbed her face with her hands and then brought one down to rest on her throat. "Please, I am so ashamed that I didn't tell you. All I can say is, I have been so lonely here, by myself. It has been such hard work trying to keep the farm going." She looked at him. "Can you understand how hard it has been for me?"
"But Charlotte," he said softly, looking at her, "I have had friends and relatives who thought I was dead. Did you never think of that?"
"I am so sorry about that. I did wonder. Do you have family?" she asked as fresh tears filled her eyes and she brushed them aside.
Mingo sighed as he looked at her. There were deep shadows beneath Charlotte's eyes, placed there by worry and lack of sleep. Her hair, which was normally neat and tidy was unkempt, and her clothing askew. He felt his righteous anger change to pity. "I have an uncle, and a nephew in my tribe."
"Your tribe? I thought your name was unusual. You really are an Indian?" she asked nervously.
"Yes. I am half Cherokee. My father is English, and I was educated in England," Mingo replied quietly.
"Well, that explains your manners and accent then. So you don't have a wife?" Charlotte asked, her eyes downcast.
"No. No, I don't. However, I have another family of sorts. You met Daniel. He's a part of that."
"Then, there is nothing I can do to make you stay?" Charlotte asked evenly, looking directly at him.
"No, I am sorry. I do not belong here. I have my own home," Mingo said softly.
"The children will miss you so. They will be devastated. What do you want me to tell them?" Charlotte asked, growing strangely calm. Somehow, she knew she would have to accept the fact that this man whom she had grown so fond of, would not be in her life anymore.
"Perhaps you could tell them that I joined the rebel cause. You may be questioned by the British, therefore it will be prudent to tell them the same thing. You could say that Nathan's cousin was always the black sheep of the family. Just make sure they don't think that you, or the children, had anything to do with the bridge being destroyed," Mingo answered.
"I will." Charlotte looked at him a moment and then added, "You had better go. I wouldn't want you to have to tell that story to the soldiers yourself," she said with a wry smile.
"Say goodbye to the children. I will miss them as well," Mingo said awkwardly. He stepped of the porch, then stopped and turned back. "Goodbye, Charlotte. Take care." He favored her with a brief smile and then set off at a fast clip, intent on catching up with his friends.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Charlotte took a step to edge of the porch and watched as the tall stranger jogged away from the cabin. As he neared the last fence post, he paused and turned back. He lifted his hand and waved, and then quickly turned back to run after his two friends.
Charlotte stared after him, a sad expression on her face, until he disappeared from view.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Daniel and Jericho heard someone running, close behind them. The two men quickly stepped off the path and headed for a cluster of trees. A familiar birdcall halted their action. As they returned to the path, they saw it was Mingo approaching.
"All went well?" Daniel asked.
A somewhat subdued Mingo replied, "As well as could be expected."
"Been no sign of soldiers. Sure looks like them Redcoats are still lookin' in the wrong direction," Jericho said with a grin.
Mingo nodded and the trio began to walk. They journeyed on in silence for a while and then Daniel said, "You've been sorely missed back home, Mingo. It will be something to see the family's faces when they get a look at you."
"Yeah," Jericho added, frowning at Mingo. "That is, if they recognize you in them clothes and with that short hair!"
Mingo ran his hand over his short black locks. "I will appear to be one strange-looking Indian until this grows out. But, no matter what, it will be good to be back home," he agreed."
THE END
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