Cora: Bride of South Dakota (American Mail-Order Bride 40) (13 page)

Gopher entered the tipi followed by the eldest of his sons, Whispering Bear.

John, Sam and Henry stood and shook the young man’s hand.

Whispering Bear spoke to John. “Father said, your woman has been taken. He said she is somewhere in the hills.”

“Yes. We need to find her before she gets hurt. Will you help, Bear?” John asked.

“My brothers are gathering braves. We leave soon. We will bring woman here to you.”

“But….” John stayed Sam’s protest with a hand on his arm.

“Did you see man take woman?” Bear asked John.

“No. We saw a horse in the distance and we think it was her. They disappeared through the parting in the hills. It’s directly across from the ranch.”

Bear turned to his father. “pte wani yapi mnikaoskokpa” (cattle canyon).

Gopher interpreted. “My son said it’s cattle canyon. Sometimes your cattle wander in there and my sons herd them back out.”

“Thank you. I didn’t realize our cattle got that far away from the ranch,” John said.

“Many mako hloke.” Bear said.

“Caves.” Gopher said.

“How would Cora’s father know about the caves in the hills? Hell, we’ve lived around here for four years and still don’t know where they all are.” John said.

“He must have someone helping him,” Sam said.

“We leave now.” Bear disappeared through the opening of the tipi.

John was frustrated, he had never felt more helpless. But, he couldn’t risk becoming lost in the twists and turns of the hills. Cora’s best hope for rescue lay with the Indians. He would have to curb his impatience, but it was hard with Cora’s life in the balance.

***

David warmed himself by the fire and sipped at his coffee while he watched Pierre fork the last of his beans from the metal plate.

“Are you sure no-one will find us here?” Pierre asked. He set the plate and fork on the ground beside him and picked up his mug of coffee.

“No, this cave is well hidden and large enough to hide the horses in. The entrance is covered. No-one will find us.”

“What about the fire?”

“The fire is far enough into the cave that the light can’t be seen outside and the smoke is disappearing into the high ceiling.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I’m right. You have nothing to worry about except for the fact your daughter still hasn’t moved.”

Pierre glanced at where David had settled Cora by the warmth of the fire. She lay on one blanket and was covered with another. For the whole of her life she had given him nothing but grief, ungrateful slut. “At least she can’t cause any damn trouble.”

“Maybe, but we can’t travel with her like that.”

“She’ll be better tomorrow. Well or not, we leave the day after.” Pierre settled himself on a blanket, closed his eyes and drifted off.

David went outside to relieve himself. The sun was disappearing into the hills. It was the last thing he saw before being plunged into darkness.

***

One of Gophers’ braves tied David up and set his unconscious body away from the cave entrance.

Bear signaled for four braves to surround the cave opening. Once in place, he crept forward.

Pierre snorted loudly before rolling over.

Bear allowed himself a satisfied smile as he scanned the cave. The woman’s face was barely visible above the blanket that covered her. Her breathing was raspy and loud in the silence.

He crept into the cave and crouched next to Pierre. “Wake up.” He shook Pierre’s shoulder.

Cora’s father woke with a start and stared straight into Bear’s angry black eyes. His eyes shifted to see a pistol aimed at his stomach. He didn’t move.

“What do you want?” Pierre asked.

“Woman’s man wants her back. You take what is not yours,” Bear growled.

Pierre sat up quickly and glared at the Indian. “She’s my daughter. She’s mine, and I’ll do as I wish with her. You mind your own damn business.”

Bear shook his head. “She is Man with Jagged Cheek’s woman. His wife.”

Pierre was stunned. “That whore married a savage? Well I have a man in the city who wants her. I’ll pay you money if you help.”

Bear shook his head. “Jagged wouldn’t like it. You cruel man. We take woman back.”

Pierre could see his future fast disappearing. He lunged for the gun.

Bear gave the man who lay dead at his feet a contemptuous kick. He whistled for his braves who’d been keeping watch. He instructed them to put out the fire, gather the horses and throw David over the saddle so they could take him back to the village. He gently wrapped Cora in the blanket that had been covering her and lifted her into his arms.

His two brothers joined him for the short trek back to the village.

***

A whistle pierced the silence of the night. John hadn’t been sleeping. He jumped to his feet and rushed from the tipi.

Bear was flanked by his brothers as he strode towards John. A lifeless bundle wrapped in a blanket was handed into his arms when they met.

“Is she….?” Tears streamed down John’s cheeks.

“Your woman is alive but she needs help. Take her to my mother. I will send Flashing Eyes to help too.”

John returned to the tipi where Gopher and Fawn waited. Gopher lifted the flap. With Cora secure in his arms, he bent over and stepped inside.

“Lay her here.” Fawn pointed to a pile of furs that had been placed close to the fire.

“Sam, Henry, come with me. Fawn and John will care for woman now.” The men allowed Flashing Eyes to enter before leaving.

The maiden placed the bowl of water she’d brought next to Cora before gathering cloths.

John unwrapped his wife from the blanket, gasped and cried out. An agonizing shout that rent the night.

Fawn placed a reassuring hand on his arm. “You must not grieve while she is alive.”

John nodded but couldn’t believe the battered mess which now lay in front of him was his beautiful wife. He held her hand while Fawn tended her wounds.

Fawn washed the blood from Cora’s face. One side showed a bruise in the shape of a handprint, she’d been slapped so hard. John’s temper bubbled. The other side of her face was swollen with bruising as black as the night sky. Even if she had been awake, she would have been unable to open the eye which was now swollen shut.

A large cut above her eyebrow bled heavily. Fawn mixed a poultice, spread it thickly over the cut and, covered it with a cloth.

John gazed down at the hand he was holding. Her wrist had been rubbed raw, dried blood marred her skin. Her other wrist was the same. She’d been tied up. His anger bubbled in his belly, threatening to burst free. His heart was breaking.

Fawn and Flashing Eyes bathed Cora’s body where pieces of the shredded nightgown were embedded in wounds covering her torso. They worked slowly, patiently until all scraps of fabric were removed. The tiny body was covered in bruising and cuts. Fawn covered the damage with a thick layer of poultice.

“You hold,” Fawn said as she held up strips of cloth and showed him, she wanted to wrap Cora’s ribs.

John sat Cora up and supported her while the two Indians wrapped her in tight bandages. “Broken,” Fawn said. It was her way of telling John, his wife had broken ribs. He nodded his understanding.

When the women finished, he gently lay her back on the furs. The women draped her naked body in more furs for warmth.

Fawn touched his arm. “She very sick.” There was sadness in her eyes indicating she was worried. He needed air. He kissed Cora’s temple and stumbled outside.

Sam and Henry immediately rushed at him.

“No need to tell us it’s bad. We heard you cry out and can see the pain in your eyes.” Sam clapped John on the shoulder.

“Come and sit down. I’d offer you a whiskey but you know Gopher doesn’t allow liquor in his village.”

John brushed away his tears. “Where is he? Cora’s father is gonna die for what he’s done. I’m gonna kill him – slowly and as painfully as I can.”

“He’s dead. He was shot when he tried to grab Bear’s gun.” Sam said.

John felt both disappointment and relief. Disappointment because he wanted to be the one to put a bullet in the bastard, and relief that he was finally dead and couldn’t harm Cora again. That was all that mattered.

They sat by the fire. Gopher joined them.

“How bad is your woman?” Gopher asked as he handed him a mug of coffee.

“She is almost unrecognizable and Fawn thinks some of her ribs are broken. I can’t begin to imagine what she’s suffered at the hands of that bastard. There’s hardly an inch on her that isn’t either cut or bruised.” He placed the mug on the ground, dropped his head into his hands and sobbed.

Gopher placed his hand on his friends back. When John finally looked up, he explained. “Seeing Cora like that breaks my heart. When she told me about her father, I promised her, I would never let him harm her again. I let her down. I didn’t protect her.” His voice shook with emotion.

Gopher spoke, “You didn’t know he would follow her, my friend. It’s not your fault.”

“I can’t bear the thought of losing her. I’m falling deeply in love with that little gal and I need to tell her how I feel.”

“You’ll get the chance to tell her. That little gal can be downright ornery and determined. She’ll get through this and never have to worry about her father again.” Sam assured him.

“I hope so.” John stood. “I’ll be with her if you need me.” He hurried back to his wife’s side, sending up a desperate prayer to God as he did so.

Chapter Twelve

Fawn was seated beside Cora when John stepped back into the tipi. A bundle of furs had been heaped up next to his wife. Fawn smiled at him and pointed, “for you.”

He nodded his understanding and sat on the pile. “Thank you. How is she?” he asked as he gathered Cora’s hand into his. Her breathing seemed quieter, easier.

“She sick. Need rest to get well,” Fawn said.

Gopher entered quietly. Fawn moved to his side. “How is woman?” he asked John.

“Her breathing seems easier. Your wife says she needs rest to get well.”

“You need rest too,” Gopher stated. “We go to brother’s home.”

“I can’t send you from your home. You are great Chief. What will you’re people think? First you give me coffee, now you are giving your home up to a white man.”

“My people understand. Times changing. We are friends. Friends help. You help my people.”

“Thank you.”

Gopher and Fawn left John and Cora alone. John placed a kiss on Cora’s forehead.

“Please wake up now, darlin’. Everything will be better now. No-one will ever harm you again.” A tear dripped from his chin.

He pulled off his boots, removed his coat and stretched out on his side. He lay close so he could clasp Cora’s hand. He pulled a fur over himself to stay warm. Winter was arriving, snows would come soon. He was grateful for the furs and the warm fire. He was exhausted. Worry, the search for his missing wife and lack of sleep, finally caught up with him. Within minutes he’d dozed off.

***

John heard low voices outside the entry to the tipi. He had no idea how long he’d slept. He checked and found no change in Cora. He needed to relieve himself so he pulled on his boots and his coat before stepping outside.

Sam and Henry were talking with Gopher. When they noticed John, they moved towards him.

“How is she?” Sam asked.

John scrubbed his face with his hands, his chin and cheeks were scratchy with stubble. “The same. I wish she’d wake up.”

“She’ll wake when she’s good and ready. She’ll heal while she’s sleeping.” Henry said.

“I guess. I just hope it’s soon. I need to know she’ll be okay. Is everything alright with you two?”

“We were telling the Chief, we’re gonna head back to the ranch. We’re worried about leaving Frank alone for too long after that bump on the head.” Sam said.

“We need to get the chores done too,” Henry added.

Frank. He’d forgotten the man was hurt. “I hope he did okay overnight. If ya think he needs it, ride into town and ask Doc to pay a visit. There’ll be hell to pay with Frank but he’ll get over it. I’ll be back as soon as Cora’s well enough to travel.” John studied his friend’s faces. “You look tired. Get what needs doing out of the way and get some rest.”

“I don’t think any of us have slept more’n a few minutes since yesterday. Take care of our gal and we’ll see ya in a few days.” Henry patted John’s shoulder.

Two young men came towards them leading the horses. Sam and Henry thanked Gopher and his sons before mounting up and riding out.

John took care of his business and washed up using a bowl of water a young maiden brought to him. When he was done, another maiden brought him a plate of beans and a mug of steaming hot coffee. Gopher invited John to join him by the fire as he ate.

“You look worried, my friend.” John noticed the lines of worry around the Chief’s eyes and the lines etched in his forehead.

“I worry Big Foot’s braves and the Army will see war in a few moons.”

John nodded as he swallowed a mouthful of beans. “I heard in town, the Army is recruiting Indians to help track those that are hiding in the hills. The Army Generals are convinced there will be war if they don’t capture Big Foot and his braves. I’ve heard Sitting Bull is angry with white man too.”

“I fear, many deaths on both sides if they go on warpath.”

“I do too, my friend. I’m glad you and your village are safe.

“I am too. We must learn to live in peace.” Gopher was pensive and John knew he was thinking about the destruction of war and its ramifications on his people.

“I’ll be with Cora if you need my help for anything.” John stood and handed his plate and mug to a maiden who had been standing nearby.

Gopher stood also. “I will send Magic Crow to heal woman’s wounds. He returned this morning from a hunt. My woman makes good medicine but Magic Crow more powerful. He will make well.”

John hoped Magic Crow could help Cora to get well quickly. He hadn’t met the village Sharman but, if Gopher had faith in him, then he would too.

***

Cora moaned when John entered the tipi and he rushed to her side. She pushed the furs away. He reached out to lay them back over her naked body. Her body radiated heat, sweat beaded on her upper lip and her face was hot to the touch. He lay the furs back in place. Cora pushed them away. She was naked to the waist.

John was shocked at how much blacker the bruising had become. The numerous cuts and grazes appeared angry and red.

As he reached for the furs to cover her again, his attention was caught by the young man who entered the tipi.

John seethed when he noted the Indian’s eyes scanning Cora’s naked body. He quickly dropped the furs back into place. His jealous anger was obvious when he spoke.

“Who are you? Why are you in here?”

“I’m Magic Crow.” He held up a roll of canvas fabric. “I have medicine to make woman well.”

John hesitated. This man was only a few years older than him. The village Sharman was supposed to be an old man. He didn’t want this man treating his wife and seeing her naked.

Magic Crow sensed John’s hesitation. “I am like white man’s doctor. I make woman well.”

Cora threw the furs from her body again. The movement snagged both men’s attention.

“She’s hot,” John explained.

“Fever.” Magic Crow held his arm towards Cora. It was his way of asking for permission to approach her.

John nodded and both men moved to crouch beside her. One on each side of her fever racked body.

Crow set his bundle on the floor and unwrapped it. A young woman stepped inside. The Sharman spoke several words and she disappeared. “I send for water and cloths. You will need to keep woman cool,” he explained.

John gripped Cora’s hand as the Sharman examined her wounds. He applied a poultice he told John was made from herbs. It took every ounce of John’s control not to slap away Magic Crow’s hand every time he touched his beautiful wife’s body.

The young girl returned with the bowl of water, a bundle of cloths and long strips of fabric.

“We remove bandages. I check ribs now.”

John lifted Cora forward. Magic Crow unwrapped the bindings and asked John to lay her back on the furs.

The Sharman pressed on Cora’s bruised ribs eliciting groans of pain. She pushed at the man’s hands.

The moans and groans broke John’s heart. Even unconscious, she must have felt the excruciating pain.

“Broken. Four. We bandage again.”

John held his wife tenderly while her ribs were re-bandaged. He settled her back and was thankful when Magic Crow wrapped up his bundle and stood to leave.

“You keep cool.” Magic Crow instructed. “I’ll be back again before sun goes down.”

“Thank you.” John said as the medicine man departed.

He soaked a cloth in the cool water and bathed Cora’s face. He repeated the process before folding it onto her forehead. He left her shoulders and arms so as not to wash off the poultice covering her wounds.

John placed a kiss on her bruised cheek.
She’s strong. The fever will break,
he reassured himself.

For the remainder of the day, John remained by his wife’s side. The cloth was changed frequently and when Magic Crow returned, he announced, the fever was breaking. He placed more poultice on the wounds before leaving.

Gopher and Fawn arrived just after dark. Fawn carried a plate of meat and bread with another mug of steaming hot coffee. John had no idea how he would repay these kind people but he vowed to do something.

He accepted the meal and thanked them both. “She’s doing better. Magic Crow has powerful medicine. It stopped the fever.”

“Good news, my friend. Magic Crow is good man. He learns medicine from his father. Father go to medicine man in sky and son take place. He say you not like him touching your woman.”

John felt his face heat with embarrassment but before he could respond Gopher said. “I understand. Rest. We talk tomorrow.”

John wished his friends goodnight. After devouring his supper, he stepped outside to relieve himself, washed and settled back onto the furs. He replaced the cloth on her face, moistened her dry lips and kissed her. “Please get well quickly,” he begged before he settled down and slept.

***

“John.”

It was barely a whisper but he heard it and sat up. He leaned over Cora. Her eye was open and she attempted to smile.

“I knew you’d come,” she murmured.

“I’m so glad you’re finally awake. How is your pain?”

She moved slightly and cried out. “My chest hurts. It hurts when I breathe. I feel like a wagon ran over me.”

“Sweetheart, according to Magic Crow, you have four broken ribs. You’re bruised, cut, grazed and your eye is swollen shut.”

“Apart from that, I’m fine.”

John laughed at her humorous comment.

Cora scanned the area without moving her head. “Where are we? Who’s Magic Crow?”

“We’re at Gopher’s village. In his tipi. Sam, Henry and I searched for you for hours but we couldn’t find you. I came here for help. Gopher’s sons found you and brought you back to me.” John’s voice shook with emotion. “Magic Crow is the Sharman, um, Medicine man, who cared for you.”

“My father?”

“He tried to grab the gun Gopher’s son was holding. Sweetheart, he’s dead.”

Cora breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m not sorry. He killed Peter and Mary. He was evil, John.” Tears for her slain brother and his girlfriend, gathered in her eye.

“I want to hold you darlin’ but I’m afraid I’ll hurt you and cause you more pain.”

“I don’t care. Please hold me.”

  He slid his arms under her back and lifted her onto his lap, covering her naked body with his coat.

Cora snuggled her face against his chest. She finally felt safe.

“I love you,” she whispered before lapsing back into sleep.

She didn’t hear him or feel the kiss he placed to the top of her head.

***

Three days later, Cora insisted she was well enough to travel home. She pleaded with John to take her back promising to rest in bed for at least another two weeks.

Once she’d dressed in Indian breeches, a cotton shirt and moccasins, John led her from the tipi. Gopher, his family, Magic Crow and other villagers waited to farewell her. Cora thanked them for everything they’d done for her and wished them well.