Across the Border (11 page)

The town of Ocampo, two hundred miles south of Galeana, was a bustling place that never seemed to sleep. Numerous hotels and boardinghouses in various stages of disrepair lay on both sides of the rutted road that divided the town. A boardwalk kept pedestrians from treading ankle-deep in dust or mud, depending upon the weather. This wasn't a family town, although it seemed to be teeming with people at all hours.

The reason for the activity lay in the surrounding area—the oil fields. Where other small towns might look out upon desert grass and cactus, Ocampo saw endless rows of oil rigs pumping relentlessly under the hot sun and through the night. From the town, one could see small figures ascending and descending the metal structures in the distance, looking like angels climbing the ladder to heaven. Their mission, however, was more down-to-earth. They were the troubleshooters who kept the pumps going.

Even though the town benefited from the government's open policy of homesteading the land, not all the inhabitants were pleased with the number of
gringos
who had moved in. They feared that the Americans would strip the land, take what profits they could, and leave behind worthless property. They had dealt in the past with “wildcatters” who escaped their responsibilities by moving on when money ran out or when they tired of the job.

Chad and Luke were fortunate, then, to have the company of Reymundo, who was able to assure the doubtful residents that Chad Rush was honorable and trustworthy, and that he was dealing not only with the Mexican government but with the large oil companies in the area. For this reason, Chad had been able to assure Manda of his safety when he joined the family at Christmastime.

True to his promise, Chad hadn't concerned himself with the affairs of government or the political views of the people who worked for him or lived in the town. Along with Reymundo, he and Luke put in long days, attended chapel services on Sunday, and otherwise kept to themselves. They never visited the taverns that lined the dirt street of Ocampo, nor did they listen to the gossip and rumors that flew about town.

It was surprising, then, that word of the latest political up­rising reached them before the oil companies had an opportunity to inform them.

“I heard news of trouble northeast of here,” Reymundo reported. “I happened to be standing near two oil men who did not know that I understood English. It is not good.”

Chad and Luke waited for him to continue.

“Some Mexican revolutionaries have plundered and burned an American town just over the border in New Mexico. Your president has sent a general to find the leader, but the leader has fled back to Chihuahua.”

“This is serious,” Chad agreed. “I'm sure we'll be hearing more about it soon.”

He was right. The week wasn't over before they received notice that Americans were advised to leave Mexican territory as soon as possible.

“I must stay until I've settled my business,” Chad told the men, “but the family should go at once. Ethan is a levelheaded boy, but I'm not sure he can handle that much responsibility.”

After considering several plans, the men decided that Reymundo would stay with Chad, and Luke would return to Galeana to escort the family to El Paso.

“They'll be safe there until I'm able to join them,” Chad decided. “I'm sure they would come to no harm in Galeana, but we should do as the government directs.”

“It's Luke!” Simon's announcement brought everyone running to the doorway.

For a long moment, no one said anything. Then everyone began talking at once.

“What are you doing here?”

“Where is Chad?”

“Is something wrong?”

“Is Papa all right?”

Luke waited until things quieted down before he answered. “I can only tell you one thing at a time. Sit down, and I'll explain why I'm here.”

Manda sat down at the table. “Something has happened to Chad. Tell me.”

“No, Chad's fine. He and Reymundo are workin' as usual. He sent me here with a message.”

Polly crossed her arms and harrumphed. “The mail ain't goin' anymore? That's a long way to come with a message.”

“The United States government wants all Americans to leave Mexico. I came to take you out. As soon as the business of the land is taken care of, Chad'll be along. There's nothin' to worry about.”

There was a stunned silence in the room.

“Is there danger here?” Manda was alarmed. “How soon do we have to go?”

“I don't think we're in danger,” Luke replied, “and we ain't got to leave tonight. I'll get a wagon in the morning while you pack. We can be ready to go after lunch.”

“The noon meal! Tomorrow?” Polly looked indignant. “Do you remember how long it took us to get ready to come here?”

Luke nodded. “I know. You got time to pack your clothes and beddin'. The rest'll have to stay. If Chad's got time to get it on his way through, he will.”

Manda looked around the room at the bright rugs and wall hangings they had acquired. She thought of the colorful pottery that would look so cheerful in her South Dakota home. Surprisingly, she was going to miss this country of friendly people, the
posadas
, t
he
marketplaces, and
fiesta
days. Mostly she would miss her church friends, especially Carlotta.

As though she heard what Manda was thinking, Polly stated, “I ain't leavin' here without saying good-bye to Carlotta. Will can run over and get her in the morning.”

Long after the family had gone to bed, Ethan lay awake, looking out the small window over his bed. There would be no chance to say good-bye to Carlos, he was sure. He wished there were something he could leave for his friend. He knew that Carlos would come to the house to find out why Ethan didn't come to work.

Ethan was almost asleep when he thought of what he could do. Quietly he slipped out of bed and lit a candle. Pulling his drawing book from under the cot, he quickly began to sketch. An hour later his gift was ready, and he fell asleep.

The next morning began before daybreak. Carlotta arrived and, amid tears, helped the ladies roll and tie the bedding and pile clothing in boxes. Polly and Frances packed baskets with food, and Simon was dispatched to buy fruit for the journey. Luke and Ethan loaded everything into the wagon.

Shortly after noon, the family pulled away from the home they had come to love.

Carlotta stood in the yard and watched the wagon head toward town. She held several pages of Ethan's drawing book, which she had promised to deliver to Carlos. Now she looked at the pictures Ethan had sketched. There was the little house they had just left. One page showed scenes of the village market, including the burros carrying food or hay or baskets. Another was a picture of a bright fire and boys gathered around it.

Carlotta pondered the last page. A large, two-story house stood beside a creek. Cottonwood trees lined the yard. In the distance were some buffalo. On the bottom Ethan had written,
Mi casa in South Dakota. Come and visit me
.

There is little chance that Carlos or any of the other boys will ever leave this village
, Carlotta thought sadly.
Ethan has been good for them
. She was glad that the family had come to Galeana.

As the wagon progressed through the marketplace, Ethan looked carefully down each side street, hoping to see one of his friends. There was no one in sight. These were the hours of
siesta
, and even the market booths were empty.

Polly, too, apparently hoped to see the
señoras
she visited with as she shopped. “I can't decide whether I'll miss gettin' out every day to walk to the market or be glad that I got food in the springhouse and cellar,” she commented.

Manda nodded. “It'll take a while to get used to staying at home most of the time. Of course, there's more to take care of in the big house than we've had here.” She sighed. “You know, I thought I'd be so glad to be going home that I wouldn't think of looking back. But I believe I'm going to be homesick for this little town. Luke, do you think the president is right? Is it dangerous for Americans to be here? We haven't seen any revolutionaries or bandits around Galeana.”

“I think the president's bein' cautious,” Luke replied. “Americans have been attacked in parts of Mexico, and some folks have been killed. We're asked to leave 'cause the government expects an uprisin' somewhere in the country. And they never know where it'll be.”

“It won't be here today,” Simon declared. “There isn't even a burro on the road for as far as we can see.”

Simon appeared to be right. The countryside was quiet under the afternoon sun. Even the small ranches they passed looked deserted.

Although he wouldn't say anything to the others, Luke was a bit uneasy. He hadn't let on how urgent the request had been that all Americans leave as soon as possible. As he glanced at the mountains to the left of them, he recalled Chad's parting words.

“Watch carefully as you travel north. It's in those mountains that the rebel general is said to be holed up. He's protected by the people because they love him. But his men are ruthless. They could decide not to let strangers go on to the border. You'll be in our prayers. God be with you.”

The sun was beginning to set when they stopped to eat the supper Frances and Polly had prepared.

“If I'd had a little more warnin', I could've baked yesterday,” Polly grumbled. “But I s'pose we can get bread wherever we stop tonight.”

“I don't reckon we'll be stoppin',” Luke said. “I'd like to get to El Paso as soon as possible. If we keep right on the road, we should be in Texas before noon tomorrow. We'll rest the horses a few hours as soon as it gets dark. Then we'll go on.”

Polly frowned. “You'd think we was bein' chased. All we seen in this country is friendly people, and you're rushin' us away like they was after us.”

The younger children were asleep when the wagon returned to the deserted road later that evening. Ethan sat beside Luke and watched as the stars appeared in the cloudless sky. The breeze was cool, and he pulled his jacket tighter around his shoulders.

“It seems like we been in Mexico longer'n seven months, don't it?” Luke asked.

“Yep. It was a long winter.”

Luke nodded. “You done a good job lookin' after the family.”

“I'm glad to be going back. We'll be home in time to help Henry with the spring planting. Did Pa write and say that we're coming?”

“Didn't have time. I'll send Henry a card from El Paso.”

“How long will we stay in Texas?”

“If your Pa ain't there by the first of next week, we'll go on. He hoped to be ready to leave soon after I did.”

They rode the next hour in silence. Ethan was beginning to feel sleepy, but he wanted to stay awake to keep Luke company.

“There's a fire in them mountains ahead,” Luke said softly.

They watched carefully as the light seemed to jump from place to place on the rugged hillside.

“Should we go on?” Ethan whispered.

“Got no choice. This here's the only road. If it's an ambush, they'll keep comin'. We'll trust God to go with us.”

The chill Ethan felt had nothing to do with the night air. These were rebels, probably bandits! He looked back at the others in the wagon. Manda and Polly were sitting up and looking toward the mountains.

“We don't have anything they'd want back here,” Manda said quietly. “If they demand your money belt, Luke, give it to them.”

Luke nodded.

Having heard some stories of revenge against Americans in New Mexico, Luke feared for the safety of the women and children. Thankfully he could pray, and he did so as they continued slowly toward the lights. It wasn't long until horses and men with fiery torches surrounded the wagon, and Luke was forced to stop.

“Stay quiet,” Luke said to the others. “We'll be all right.”

He tried to sound calmer than he felt. The shouting men and blazing fire made a frightening picture in the dark night. There was no way to tell how many were in the group, nor could anyone tell what their intentions might be. The ladies huddled together with Alice and the boys between them. The flames cast eerie shadows around the wagon, and Luke prayed that they wouldn't be harmed.

“
¡Americanos!
”
one man shouted, and the others seemed to push in closer.

Ethan's heart sank as he thought of the people who had been kind to them, and the boys whose friendships he had won before they left Galeana. He hadn't even imagined meeting enemies of his people.

Suddenly, from the midst of the crowd, a strong voice called out,
“
¡Pare
!
”

At once the horses and men surrounding them began to back away. Ethan peered through the flickering flames and smoke. Dimly he could make out the large man who had issued the order.

It was General Villa! Ethan recognized him in the light of the torches the men held. The general's gaze moved from Ethan to the rest of the family, then back to Ethan. He nodded and raised his hand, speaking a word to the other riders.

Ethan looked at Polly. It was clear that she, too, had recognized the leader. She put her hand over her mouth, and her eyes were wide. General Villa spoke again, turned, and then disappeared into the darkness. One by one the other riders followed him until only two horsemen remained.

One of them spoke to Luke.
“
Adelante
.”

Slowly the wagon inched forward, and the road ahead looked as peaceful as it had been before they stopped. It seemed as though they might have dreamed the events of the last few minutes, except for the presence of the two riders on either side of the wagon. No one dared to speak until, several miles down the road, the men stopped and then motioned for Luke and the wagon to continue.

“
Gracias
,” Luke said.

The men nodded, then turned and rode swiftly into the hills. For several moments no one spoke.

Then, “Whatever was that all about?” Manda said. “Ethan, that man looked at you as though he knew you.”

Ethan and Polly exchanged a look.

“You tell her, Polly,” Ethan said. “You met General Villa first.”

“That was Pancho Villa?” Manda gasped. “And you met him? How? Where? Why didn't you tell us about it?”

“Didn't know who he was then,” Polly replied. “I thought he looked like a bandit, but he treated me real good. He was a kind man who helped me find my way back to the road from town. Ethan came lookin' for me and met up with us.”

“He was nice to me, too,” said Ethan. “He said we had something in common because he was an orphan. And he told me about the newspaper job. I ran into him one more time after that.”

Polly shook her head. “Ma would spin in her grave if she knew I'd let a general in the Mexican Revolution carry my groceries home for me.”

“I wouldn't have rested easy in my bed, either, if I'd known that my family was hobnobbing with the most infamous outlaw in Mexico,” Manda declared. “I still don't know why in the world he paid any attention to Ethan.”

Now that the danger was past, the children began to chatter about their frightening experience. Ethan only half listened to them.

God knew that Polly's chance meeting with Pancho Villa and their later friendship would result in all their lives being spared. Was it possible that God knew every event of Ethan's life and was directing him each day?

As the daylight grew stronger and they neared the border crossing, Ethan decided that it was not only possible but very probable. Whatever lay ahead in life for him, God was already there!