The Last Reunion: Book No. 10 of the Wolde Family Saga

By Billie Conner

All of the previous 9 books I have written are about a family and their friends, who are scattered all around the country and Scotland. They seldom see each other except at the annual family reunion, Book 10 brings these people together for their final reunion in the territory of Wyoming the first week of October, 1959. Some come from Scotland by ship, join others in NYC, ride a train to Omaha, and a stagecoach to Wyoming. Others riding a train from western Virginia mountains, joined them in Pittsburg. Some came by wagon train from western Kentucky.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781796090222

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Copyright © 2020 by Billie Conner.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 02/25/2020

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CONTENTS

Cast of Characters

Dedication

Author’s Note

Prologue

Chapter One

The Journey Begins

Chapter Two

David’s Grave

Chapter Three

Thornton Kingsley

Chapter Four

Major William Lorne Campbell

Chapter Five

Susan Kingsley

Chapter Six

Penny Olsen

Chapter Seven

Wolf Moon

Chapter Eight

Brittany MacClellen

Chapter Nine

The Germans

Chapter Ten

Amy Kingsley

Chapter Eleven

Susan Kingsley

Chapter Twelve

James Edward Hylton

Chapter Thirteen

Ezkiel and Blossom

Chapter Fourteen

Wolf Moon

Chapter Fifteen

Oliver Returns

Chapter Sixteen

Enter Walter Moon

Chapter Seventeen

The Trail to Fort Riley, Kansas

Chapter Eighteen

Fairmont, Virginia

Chapter Nineteen

Cadiz, Kentucky

Chapter Twenty

The Army Comes to Cadiz

Chapter Twenty-One

Lucy Wolde and Calvin McLaren

Chapter Twenty-Two

David Sullivan and Michael O’Connor in NYC

Chapter Twenty-Three

Fairmont

Chapter Twenty-Four

The Armory

Chapter Twenty-Five

Departing Fairmont

Chapter Twenty-Six

Elk Lodge, Territory of Wyoming

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Oliver Olson Arrives

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Penny Olsen

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Roy’s Plans for the Newcomers

Chapter Thirty

Jack Wells and Jesse Gray

Chapter Thirty-One

A New Stage Line Between Cheyenne and Rawlins

Chapter Thirty-Two

Amos Rawlins

Chapter Thirty-Three

Oliver’s Wagon Train Arrives

Chapter Thirty-Four

Oliver Takes Charge

Chapter Thirty-Five

Captain Henry’s Speech

Chapter Thirty-Six

The End of the Beginning

Chapter Thirty-Seven

A Concordance of Many Events

Epilogue

CAST OF CHARACTERS

THE WOLDE FAMILY

Nathan Wolde Preacher, Statesman, NW Va

Mary Catherine Wolde nee Mactavish Baroness, Wife of Nathan

Roy Wolde Son, Head of Mactavish, LTD

Charles Raleigh Wolde (Riley) Son, Baronet, Dundee, Scotland

Martha Jane Wolde Daughter, Marries Michael OConnor

Sarah Wolde (deceased)

Lucy Wolde Daughter -Moves to Scotland

CLOSE FRIENDS AND OTHER NOTABLES

Patrick OConnor Nathan closest friend and partner.

Lucy OConnor Wife of Patrick

Sean OConnor Son, Works for B&O Railroad

Michael OConnor Son, Financial Whiz, NYC

Megan OConnor Daughter, Marries Roy Wolde

Albert Sawyer (deceased) Nathan and Patrick’s good friend

Martha Sawyer Very wealthy widow -Mary Catherine’s best friend

John Wilson Sr. Wealthy banker and mine owner

Elizabeth Wilson nee DuPont Heiress wife of John

John Wilson Jr. Son - Land Developer – Partner of David Sullivan

Lyllith Wilson nee Smythe Wife of Wilson Jr.

Lawrence Rothchild Solicitor, NYC, Family Atty.

Anna Rothchild Wife of Lawrence, Advisor to John Jr., and David Sullivan

David Sullivan Good friend of Wolde Family Wealthy Investor in Land

George Gray Owns Feed and Seed Store

Roger Shelton Mgr. Marion City Real Estate Co

THE BARONY - DUNDEE, SCOTLAND

Charles Raleigh Wolde (Riley) Baron Mactavish

Celia May Wolde nee Fitzgerald Wife of Riley

Katherine Marie Wolde (Meggie) Daughter

Hans Wilhelm Long time Family retainer

Inga Wilhelm Long time Family retainer

Geoffrey Gordon (Geoff) Estate Manager

Mary Gordon Wife of Geoffrey

Sean Culbertson Manager of Shipyard

Esther Culbertson nee Rabinawitz Wife of Sean

NOTABLES IN SCOTLAND

James Tarrington First Minister

Edwin Holmes Banker

Alan Thornton Attorney

Ward MacVicars Doctor

Esther Culbertson nee Rabinawitz Bank Manager

MACTAVISH SHIPPING AND TRADING

Miguel Cardosa Div. Manager

Rachel Cardosa nee Rabinawitz Keeper of Accounts

Baron Ian Mactavish Ret. Advisor

Ruth Mactavish Wife of Ian

HORSE COUNTRY FARM

Steven Olsen Veterinarian

Alicia Olsen nee Fleming Wife of Steven

Belinda Olsen Daughter

Lucinda Olsen Daughter

Roddy Spenser Overseer of Farm

Lydia Spenser nee Greeshon Wife of Rodd

CADIZ, KENTUCKY

Oliver Olsen Div. Manager

Kristina Olsen Wife of Oliver

Gilbert Wells (Gil) Purchasing Mgr.

Sally Wells Store Mgr.

Mary Campbell nee Buchanan Office Mgr.

Sam Jensen Atty. Land Agent

Liam OCasey Bank Mgr.

Boyd MacClellen Constr. Supt.

Trey Smythe Carpenter

Bennie Smythe Carpenter

Allan Gailbreath Framer

Wesley Grainger Wagon Trans.

Harold Stone Runs Livery

ASSOCIATES AND PERSONS WORTHY OF NOTE

Hans Stottelmeyer Maker of Bricks

Giles Lee Stedman Doctor

Shannon MacClellen Nurse

Jessie MacClellen Wife of Boyd

Donald Buchanan Preacher

Herman Blevins Mayor of Cadiz

Henrietta Blevins Wife of Herman

Walter Clemmons (Ozzie) Oliver’s Friend

Monique Chamberlain Indian lady

Kristina’s cook

Alietta OCasey nee Chamberlain, Wife of Liam Store clerk

Guy Rorick OCasey Liam’s son

Buck Daniels Sheriff, Trigg

County, Ky.

Elmer Dickerson Owner of Sawmill, Ashland City., Tennessee

FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

Lieutenant Lorne Campbell Squad Commander

Sergeant Grant MacDougall NCO in Charge

Trooper Craig Buchanan

Trooper Bruce Clark

Trooper Calvin Anderson

Trooper Blair Underwood (bugler)

FORT RILEY, MANHATTAN, KANSAS

Captain William Hightower Commanding Officer

Kathleen Shannon Hightower Daughter

Bernice Wingate Wealthy Widower Owner of Department Store

MACTAVISH LTD –- NYC

Roy Wolde Head of all Mactavish Enterprises -World Wide

Anna Rothchild Financial Advisor

Thomas Patrick Vice President - American Operations

Charles Raleigh Wolde Vice President - Scotland Operations

Michael O’Connor Treasurer

Donald Keene Warehouse Manager - Customs

Edna Farrell Office Manager

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Roy Wolde, Chairman

David Sullivan

Thomas Patrick

Charles Raleigh Wolde

Martha Jane O’Connor

Anna Rothchild

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book, The Last Reunion, to the memory of my son, Michael Curtis Conner, who departed this earth at age sixteen in a tragic auto accident. It was thirty-eight years ago and I still feel the pain. I wrote a song about my son; I called it, The Boy with the Golden Smile. Mike, I believe your brother and sisters will agree with my dedication so I have added their names with mine.

Bill Conner

Phillip, Billie Carol, Phyllis, Melanie, and Tammy

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AUTHOR’S NOTE

I have taken some liberties with the dates of certain happenings in order for them to fit the flow of a completely fictitious tale, but no changes were made to the event or occurrence itself. The character’s names were made up by the author and any resemblance to that of an actual person is purely coincidental and unintentional. I have treated my characters with the same love, kindness, respect, and honor, as I do my real family which, in a sense, they are. I have also taken special care not to write anything I feel would embarrass a reader. I hope you enjoy my book.

Bill Conner

PROLOGUE

The first day’s travel by the wagon train proved to be much as Moon had expected it would be; very slow. He and Thornton had decided from the start, they would halt every hour and give the horses a break. It was also a welcome respite for all the people, particularly the women, who used the time to take care of their personal needs. Oliver, had made a point of telling both Moon and Thornton, that there was no schedule to be met each day; they would progress whatever distance they could, while giving attention to the care of the horses, safety of the people, and maintenance of the wagons.

Oliver gave Moon the map Michael O’Connor had mailed to him from New York; it was the same map his son, David, had used, and had been drawn by the Pinkerton’s almost three years earlier. He and Jack Strickland had done some measuring and comparisons between David’s map, and the one he, Oliver, he got in Lexington, and decided one inch on the Pinkerton map would equal forty miles. Moon smiled and told the two men he appreciated their efforts, and said after they had traveled a few days, he would tell them if their figures were accurate.

************

The first night, the wagon train made camp in a field near the little community called Hopsen. They had managed to cross the Little Muddy creek without any mishaps, but it was an experience none of them would soon forget. Thornton was pleased with the picket line for the horses, and the pegs Bennie and Trey had nailed to the side of each wagon were a real help and kept the harness from getting entangled. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits but were obviously tired and soon ready for sleep. With the exception of the four-hour night watch, they all slept in the wagons; Susan walked up to spend the night with her sister, Amy, and Liam spent the night with Oliver. It was a routine they would follow for many nights.

The second night found the wagon train camped just outside Eddyville. The next morning, they took a little longer at breakfast; a bit apprehensive about ferrying across the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. Moon did nothing to lift their spirits when he commented it would be good experience for them all, since the Ohio was at least twice as wide as either of these two rivers. It took them three days to reach the Ohio, and they crossed it on the morning of the fourth day. Three days later, they arrived at Lake Wappapello; Moon had promised them they would spend a week at the beautiful lake before heading northwest.

************

You men all gather in close, Moon exclaimed. "I want to tell you what’s up the road ahead of us. Help me spread this map on the tail gate of Oliver’s wagon. I know you’ve all seen it before, but I want to tell you a few things you can look for along the way.

"I don’t have to tell you there are a lot of trees north of us because you can see them; and there’s three times as many to the west of us. However, the wagon road we’re following, goes northwest of the heavily wooded area. Oh, I’m not worrying about an ambush here, fellows; we’ll have to travel three or four more days before you’ll need to watch out for trouble. Here’s the place I’m aiming for; way on up here north of Springfield. It’s a town about the size of Cadiz, called Stockton, and it’s close to a good-sized lake.

************

How long do you reckon it’ll take us to get there, Moon? Thornton asked.

Moon grinned. Thorn, according to Oliver and Jack’s figuring, I measure it to be a hundred and fifty miles, so let’s call it a week. All the country between here and there, Moon said, pointing, "is mostly farm land and full of little towns; I found these folks to be friendly. Not so, in the country around Springfield; especially going north along the border with Kansas.

We’ll move a short distance north from Stockton to El Dorado Springs and, Oliver, the wagons will wait there while me and you go have a look at David’s grave. When we leave El Dorado, we’ll by-pass the town of Nevada, and cross into Kansas at old Fort Scott. Most folks I spoke with said Nevada was full of bushwhackers and the whole area had been raided several times by Kansas Jayhawkers. We don’t need to get caught between them buggers.

************

Moon, Oliver said, I’m sure the women would like to buy any kind of fresh food these folks will sell, and you’ll be the first one to see and talk to them when we come to a farm house. What I’m trying to say, Moon, is that you or Jim will have to stop the wagons. By the way, I appreciate you explaining all this to us. Right now, I’m fixing to find out how cold that water is over yonder in the lake. I’m sure Susan would appreciate me taking a long over-due bath.

************

The trip from Lake Wappapello to Stockton seemed to take forever, but in reality, they had spent only nine days and nights on the trail. The extra time was spent buying meat and vegetables from the farmers along the way. Most of the meat they bought was hams and side-meat, and even though it was cured, they ate it in a day or two. Thornton and Jack bought a crate full of chickens at one farm, and the thought of Mary Bell frying chicken in her big black skillet when they reached Stockton, caused Oliver’s stomach to make some funny noises. So far, he had not seen a rabbit. It was at Stockton that Moon got the first hint of trouble lying somewhere ahead.

************

Moon and Junior left Jim and Timmy to keep watch over the wagons and walked about half a mile to a ramshackle old wooden building they believed to be a store of some sort. Sure enough, as they approached the building, they saw the words, General Store; somebody had burned the words into a plank on the side facing the road. They also saw three men sitting on the ground in the shade of a big oak tree on the upper side of the building, near the door.

Moon grunted, touched the brim of his hat, as he stepped inside; Junior followed close behind him. They found two more rough-looking gents sitting on wooden crates beside an old cast iron stove, and a big fellow, wearing a greasy apron, standing behind a make-shift counter. Moon did not consider him a threat because his face was lop-sided; the man had a big wad of tobacco in his mouth.

************

Howdy, the man said, spitting toward the floor behind the counter, causing Moon and Junior to glance at each other. "Just call me Mister Big; everybody else does. Darn fool kids called me that name a long time ago and I reckon it sorta’ stuck to me.

Rufus Wood and Charlie Gathercole are the men sitting there behind you. Rufus came in a bit earlier and said he’d seen two fellers walking up this way from where all them wagons were parked. You be part a them folks down there? he asked.

Yes sir, we are. Folks call me Moon, and he’s Junior cause he’s got the same name as his Pa. Me and him needed to stretch our legs so we walked up here to see if you had anything to chew.

Ain’t got nothing but them homemade twists you see hanging over yonder. Folks around here grow a lot of tobacco and not much else. I buy them for a dime and sell ‘em for a quarter; only way I got to make a little change. I’ll let you have five for a hard dollar.

Seems fair enough to me, Mister Big; we’ll take ten of them apiece, Moon said, and handed the man a five-dollar gold piece. You can keep that extra dollar if you don’t mind talking to me about how things stand in this part of the country.

************

Rufus Wool stood up. You men know anything about a wagon train that went through these parts two, maybe three years ago?

Moon felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. "Yes sir, those folks were friends of ours from Kentucky. They traveled way up north to the territory of Wyoming, and we’re on our way up there to join them. What made you ask me, Mister Wood; did they come this way too?

I didn’t have no special reason to ask you, Moon. I reckon I just thought it a mite strange. Man don’t often see one big wagon train in these parts; let alone, two. I’ll answer your question but I don’t know much to tell. Way I heard it was, that bunch of wagons was following an old river bed that went straight towards the little town of Nevada. They were over on the other side of a tall ridge a good bit north of where we are now. That’s some mighty bad country but I ain’t been over there for quite a spell. You been over that way lately, Charlie?

Nope, and I got no plans to go either, Rufus. I used to go hunt pigs on occasion, till one time that crazy Luther Gillies took a shot at me. That man’s plumb out of his head when he’s sober, which ain’t often, but when he’s drinking, Luther’s not safe to be around.

************

Charlie’s telling you the truth, Moon, Mister Big said. One of his boys walks over here once in a while to get his Pa some tobacco, and he seems like a pretty decent kid. Luther claims somebody in that first wagon train killed his two oldest boys and his nephew, and burned their bodies till there weren’t nothing left to bury. The man’s crazy with hatred; claims his boys killed one man in the wagon train ‘cause he found the place where they buried him. Says somebody will come looking for that grave one day and he plans to be on top of the ridge waiting.

Say, wasn’t that boy in here a week ago when the pig hunters told us they’d seen a wagon train coming up the trail our way? You reckon the boy heard what they said and told his Pa? Mister Moon, it grieves me to tell you this, but you’d best keep your eyes wide open when you leave here. Luther Gillies will hunt you down like he does them wild boars, and the only way you’ll stop the man is to put him down. No telling what them two boys might do if that happens, Charlie added.

I do appreciate what you fellers have told me and Junior, Moon said. "We plan to stay down by the lake a few more days, and then move on up to El Dorado Springs to fill up all the water barrels. When we leave the Springs, we’ll go due west, pass north of Nevada, and cross into Kansas at Fort Scott.

We’re not looking for trouble, fellers, but if any comes our way, we’ve got fifteen men with repeating rifles, and six more with double-barrel shotguns loaded with buckshot, ready to fight. If that’s not enough guns to handle things, every man on the train wears two pistols just like me and Junior.

************

Junior, you heard what them men said, same as I did, but don’t tell anybody when we get back to the wagons; no need to get everybody all riled up yet. I need some time to think about what’s best for us to do; in other words, make a plan. First thing I’ve got to do is talk to Oliver. Let’s get on back and hand out the tobacco.

************

Oliver could tell something was bothering Wolf Moon by the way he looked when he said, Let’s me and you walk down yonder and have a look at the horses.

Moon, I was just down there with Thornton and Jack a while ago, and the horses seemed pretty contented; they were eating the hay we bought from the man at the livery stable.

That’s good to hear, Oliver, but come along anyhow; I want to get your opinion on something.

All right, Moon, you sound awful determined. Let me tell Susan, and we’ll go.

Well, there are the horses, and they still look happy to me. What’s bothering you, Moon? If I had to guess, I’d say you found out something bad up at the store; am I right?

That’s about the size of it, Moon responded, and told Oliver what he and Junior had learned from the men at the store.

************

Oliver was clearly shaken by the news, but realized he had to make a decision. Moon, Thornton told me earlier this morning that he wanted to leave here day after tomorrow. I’d like to think about this some more and give you my answer when we get to El Dorado. Would you consider giving me the benefit of your advice; I’m sure you have something in mind. Tell me how you found David’s grave two months ago.

"Oliver, I hid my ponies in a thicket just outside of El Dorado and set out to look for David’s grave. I found out I could have ridden my horse to the foot of a ridge, even though it meant crossing a field all grown up with bushes tall as the horse. I climbed about a hundred yards to the top of the ridge and discovered I was standing on the top of a cliff close to fifty feet high.

The face of the cliff was a series of ledges; some of them as much as six feet wide. Anyhow, I was able to climb down to the ground without much difficulty. The amazing thing was, when I looked to the south, I saw the granite rock sticking up only a stone’s throw away and knew I had found David’s grave.

Oliver was excited now. "How far did you walk, Moon; care to make a guess?

At least three miles, Oliver, but you can ride a horse two of them.

That doesn’t sound too bad, Moon. I bet you know what my next question is going to be.

Yeah I do, Moon said, grinning. I think we will have to shoot our way in, or, shoot our way out, depending on where this feller Gillies is camped. I think we can count on somebody getting word to him soon as we arrive in El Dorado, so he’ll be watching. I don’t believe Mister Big, Rufus or Charlie will rat us out, but there were some other fellers sitting on the ground outside the store who looked like they’d skin their grandmother for a dollar.

************

All right, Moon, I appreciate your honesty; now I have to decide whether or not to jeopardize the safety of the train for the sake of seeing my son’s grave. I believe we can do this, but if we have to do any shooting, Moon, neither of us has any idea what kind of trouble we might stir up. It could involve the entire wagon train and I don’t want to take that chance. You and me will talk when we get to El Dorado Springs. Are you going to tell Thornton and Jack?

No, at least not now. The people already know me and you plan to go find the grave soon as we get to the Springs, and it wouldn’t be no use to get everybody excited now if you decide not to go. I am going to tell them to expect trouble any time, day or night, and ask Thornton to double the night guard. We better get on back before Susan comes looking for you, Moon said, and laughed.

************

Two days later, Wolf Moon led the wagon train off the road and onto a field. It was a good place to camp; lots of green grass already up, and the Springs were just over a slight rise. The little town of about twenty-five houses lay just beyond the Springs and slightly to the east. It was less than fifteen miles to the Kansas border.

Well Oliver Moon began, we’re here. Have you decided what to do?

Moon, if you believe we have a chance to go over there and get back alive, I’d like to go. This is probably the only chance I’ll have to see my boy’s grave, and we’re so close to it, I either go or regret it the rest of my cowardly life.

"Oliver, I can’t guarantee that, but we have a thing or two going for us that make me believe the odds are in our favor. Get it in your head that somebody is sitting on the top of that ridge waiting for you and I’m sure he’ll see you before you see him. Try not to let that bother you, I’m sure he’ll let you find the grave; because that’s where Mister Gillies wants to kill you.

When we get to the top of the ridge, I’ll show you which way to go, and that’s what I want you to do; go quickly to the grave and don’t look left or right. While Gillies is busy watching you, I’ll crawl down to a narrow ledge where I can see you if I stand up. If I’m guessing right, Gillies will be between you and me. One thing for sure, Oliver, he’ll have to stand up to shoot; that’s when I’ll take him out.

You didn’t say anything about the boys, Moon, Oliver said.

No Oliver, I didn’t. I don’t want to be shooting any boys; I’ll figure out something by the time we get to the top of the ridge.

One more question, Moon, when do you want to leave here?

In ten minutes, Oliver, but I know we can’t do that; let’s make it thirty minutes. Moon said sternly. Make it as light as you can; leave your saddle bags, bed roll, and rifle, wear one pistol and bring an extra cartridge belt. Oh, put on dark clothes too. I’ve got some paint for your hands and face. Now get cracking; I’ll round up the others.

************

Thirty minutes later, the men stood in a circle around Wolf Moon, each one held onto his horse’s reins, and listened intently to what the man had to say.

"Every one of you is a good friend of mine, so I’ll apologize now for the strict orders I’m fixing to give you. It’s important you do exactly as I say or we could wind up shooting at each other. You’ll understand better when I finish.

"We’ll all ride together to the base of the ridge, where me and Oliver will dismount and head toward the top on foot. Now, pay attention to this; Oliver will be carrying a pistol, and I will have a Winchester. If you hear a shot from my rifle, it could mean I have solved our problem, but if you hear a pistol shot, it’s Oliver and he’s in trouble.

"Jack, I see you have a watch, so you and Frank wait fifteen minutes, then follow us to the top of the ridge. I have a white rag in my pocket I’m going to tie on a tree limb, and that’s where I want you two to take up position. I asked you boys to bring the ten-gauge shotguns because if things go downhill, you’re going to be shooting into the bushes.

"John, you and Timmy find a place where you can tie up the horses and stay right here unless Jack or Frank holler for you to come up. Now listen to me, all of you, it’s important you stay where you belong; I don’t want you men shooting each other.

Timmy, if you hear Oliver’s pistol, or the shotguns go off, jump on Joe and high-tail it back to the wagons. Tell Thornton to put the wagon train on alert, but don’t send any more men over here. Don’t waste time trying to explain why; just go find Junior and tell him something’s gone wrong; he’ll know what to do. Pay attention to him, Tim. I don’t have time to explain it now, but it’ll make sense when he tells you what he wants you to do. Our folks will ask you a lot of questions about what’s happened, but don’t try to answer them because you won’t know either and must not guess.

************

Frank, Jack spoke in a low voice, me and you got up here in ten minutes. Look, there’s Moon’s white rag right over yonder; you see it? Why don’t you go stand over there next to it, beside that big oak; we’d be about ten feet apart, and straight across from each other. Ain’t it odd Frank, the sun’s been up almost two hours and it’s still dark as pitch in these woods.

Yeah it is strange, Jack. Old Moon was real smart, wasn’t he, making us all have different guns so we’d know who was doing the shooting. Jack, I don’t know about shooting no kids; I don’t hold that as being right.

Frank, I don’t want to shoot anybody at all unless I have to, especially not using a ten-gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot. We better be quiet before somebody shoots us.

************

When they reached the top of the ridge, Moon took hold of Oliver’s arm and pulled him close to his side. Don’t talk, Oliver; just nod your head, he whispered, and turned him to face the other side of the ridge. "Walk slowly straight ahead till you see a big tree with a lot of roots showing above ground. Go past the tree on the right side and continue to walk slowly until you see no trees or brush in front of you. That’s the edge of the cliff, Oliver, and if you lay down on your belly and look over it, you’ll find a ledge about four feet down and six feet wide.

After the first one, you’ll sorta’ switch back and forth one way or the other, till you get on the ground. It’s almost like stair steps, Oliver, but they’re not directly under each other; you’ll see. Once you’re down, look to your left, and you’ll see the tall granite spire; David’s grave is right in front of it. When you walk to his grave, I want you to keep your pistol in your hand all the time, cocked, and ready to fire; you understand why, don’t you? If something happens, you must be able to get off that one shot.

************

Moon, you make this sound awful easy; are you sure this man, Gillies, won’t simply shoot me on sight? Oliver replied in a nervous whisper.

Oliver, nothing’s for sure, but I’m betting the farm he wants to kill you after you’ve seen the grave. Moon said, giving Oliver’s arm a shake.

Oh, I understand that all right, Moon, but it’s my farm your gambling with, Oliver said, and chuckled softly. I understand why you want me to hold the pistol too, but dammit Moon, understanding and not being scared are two different things. You going to shake my hand before I go?

Well, seeing as how I don’t plan to kiss you, Oliver, I reckon I will, he said and they shook hands. Then he whispered, Great White Father watch over you; Injun know.

************

Moon looked at his watch, put it back in his shirt pocket where he could get to it without difficulty, then lay down on his belly to wait. It had taken him fifteen minutes to descend the cliff; he would allow Oliver twenty. He could not see Oliver; had no plans to look for him. Moon was waiting for a human form to take shape in front of him. If it was Gillies, he would be back-lit, and Wolf Moon, only sixty feet away, would not miss.

Suddenly, he heard a rustling in the bushes to his right, maybe fifteen feet away. Could be a wild boar, Moon thought, but quickly pushed that thought from his mind. It bothered him, because he was convinced Luther Gillies was in front of him; it had to be one or more of the boys doing the same thing for their father that he was doing for Oliver; watching his back.

This was very much on Wolf Moon’s mind when a dark silhouette suddenly arose directly in front of him and shuffled to the edge of the cliff. Moon fired instantly, very troubled. He’d clearly heard two gunshots, meaning the shadow-man had pulled the trigger before Moon’s bullet toppled him over the cliff. Who fired first, he wondered; must see about Oliver, he mumbled to himself.

Moon stood up, and immediately heard a pistol shot, followed by the sound of wet bushes being pushed aside. Elijah Gillies, a tall skinny lad of fourteen, stepped from the bushes holding a Kentucky long rifle pointed at Wolf Moon’s chest. He stopped about ten feet away, close enough for Wolf to see his mouth quivering; scared to death. Micah Gillies, the younger brother whom Luther would not claim, and called Boy, along with their cousin Jonah, were still in the bushes, pushing leaves aside so they could see. Neither boy had a weapon of any kind.

Moon knew he had two choices; he had a Winchester in his hands with the hammer cocked. It would take only the blink of an eye for him to pull the trigger; but he couldn’t. All he could see was himself holding Joe in his arms as his son lay dying, one arm blown completely off. No, he would not kill this boy. Moon dove head first, hoping he would be below the muzzle of the old Hawkins before the frightened boy could pull the trigger. He heard the sound of the shot just before his head hit the big boulder and rendered him unconscious.

Oliver heard both the shots, as well as the sound of a bullet passing nearby, and threw himself face down on the rocky ground. Suddenly, something came bouncing down the face of the cliff, and Luther Gillies’ body landed on top of him, breaking a bone in his left leg. The pain was intense, but just before he passed out, Oliver pulled the trigger.

BOOK TEN

CHAPTER ONE

The Journey Begins

They had just forded the Little Muddy river when Oliver pointed toward the front of the train and spoke.

Well Susan, we didn’t get our feet wet, did we? he said, laughing. Look up yonder; I believe Moon and Jim are leading the wagons off the road into a field over on the right. I can see some smoke that looks like it might be coming out of chimneys, so there must be some houses a little further ahead of us. You look tired and I expect you’ll be glad to get off this wagon seat; I sure am.

Yeah, Oliver, I am tired and my butt is numb, Susan replied, laughing too, "It’s not been a really bad day though; I’ve seen a lot of country that’s new to me. Momma said Uncle Moon wants us to get down and walk a while every day; he claims it’ll keep us from being so tired.

You haven’t said much all day, Oliver, and every time I’ve glanced at you, it seemed to me you had a lot on your mind, so I didn’t bother you. Are you sorry we left Cadiz?

"I reckon I am, Susan, more than I care to admit, but there wasn’t much else left to do if I wanted to see Penny and my grandsons. I promise you, I’ll do better once we’re across all these rivers. Moon’s right about the walking, as long as it’s not uphill; we can take turns and you can run ahead and walk with Amy.

"All things considered, I believe we’ve had a good first day; it’s certainly a better one than last year when we were forced to turn back because of the flu. Every time I count my blessings, I immediately think of Doctor Kennedy and how lucky we were to have him; Monnie too. Look at Lady lying back there on the blankets; I wonder a lot about what goes through her mind, but she’s a good traveler.

How do we line up the wagons tonight, Oliver; do you know? Susan asked.

"I’m not sure, but I would think we’d only have two lines with a lot of space between them. Know what I mean, Susan; leave room for cooking and eating. That way we can gather around and talk about the day. It wouldn’t surprise me if some of the men slept outdoors tonight; how about you?

Ugh, she grunted, shivering. Not me, Oliver, I’d be scared to death a snake would crawl right under the covers with me. Uncle Moon’s always told me and Amy that snakes are cold-natured and the reason they crawl around is because they are looking for a place to get warm.

I think he was just teasing you girls, but I’m not overly fond of snakes myself. Me and Jack slept outside the wagon several times when we made the trip from Virginia, but that was before the weather turned cold. Never saw a snake the whole way; maybe they just like pretty girls. Oliver teased and chuckled.

Look Oliver, there’s Amy leaning out of their wagon and motioning for us to follow her and Liam. You were right; we’re only going to have two lines of wagons.

************

That evening, after supper was over, and the clean-up done, Thornton spread the word that Moon would like to speak to everyone for a few minutes. It didn’t take long for the word to get around and they were soon seated in a big circle, waiting anxiously to see what he had to say.

Folks, Wolf Moon began, I won’t keep you long because I know you’re all tired. First of all, I want to say you did a good job today, and I’m proud of that. Now here’s what I wanted to talk to you about; anybody care to make a guess; I heard a lot of mumbling while we were eating supper.

His niece, Susan, never afraid to speak her mind, said, Uncle Moon, I don’t know how everybody else feels, but I’m scared to death of crossing all them rivers; I’ve never been on a ferry and I guess that’s why I’m frightened.

"Susan, I doubt you’re the only one who feels that way; let me ask the folks. How many of you are feeling skittish about riding the ferries; raise your hands. Don’t be shy, it’s only natural you’d feel that way if you’ve never done it before. A lot of you men have crossed the ocean on a ship, but let me tell you something, a ferry is much more up close and personal.

"When you’re standing on the deck of a ship, the water is way down below you; not so if you’re riding a ferry. The water will be maybe two feet below where you’re standing and splashing all over your shoes. But folks, even if you think so, the ferry won’t sink; that is not the problem.

"It’s the horses, you see; you’ve got to calm yourselves so you’ll be able to take care of your animals. Horses are smart; if you’re scared, the horses will smell your fear, and it’ll upset them. A team that becomes terrified might crash through the railing and pull your wagon right into the river.

"Some fellers say to blindfold your horses, but to be honest, I don’t hold with that; somebody puts a blindfold on me, you bet I’m going to be frightened ten times over. We’ll cross the Cumberland about a mile above where it forms Lake Barkley; it’s not very wide at that point, but it’s very, very, deep.

When we get there, I’ll speak to the ferry operator about the blindfolds, but I’d rather not to use them. He can only take six wagons across at a time, and Liam, the fee is forty dollars a trip. I’m sorry, folks, but we simply have to cross the Cumberland; there’s no way to by-pass it without going several miles out of our way. All right, let’s hear it; does anyone have a team they believe might cause trouble? Oliver, you’ve raised a lot of horses; you have anything to add?

No Moon, I don’t. Me and Jack crossed several rivers on a ferry with Molly and Sam pulling our wagon. I believe Thornton and all the men who matched up the teams and drove them around, are the ones to give you an opinion. You are right, of course, about the difference between riding a ship and a ferry. The ferries in Scotland were like riding a piece of board on the North Sea.

Following two hours of back and forth talk, the men agreed there were only two wagons that might have a problem and both were pulled by four horse teams. Thornton said they would unhook the two questionable animals from the wagons and take them across separately.

************

The Cumberland was crossed without incident, and the people congratulated each other when they reached the other side. They stayed calm until they got to the Tennessee River and found they could barely see the other side. However, when they saw the ferry, it gave them confidence and restored their calm. This ferry was both longer and wider and the builder had made it from timbers that looked as big as railroad cross ties. Also, this one had iron railings, six feet high, on each side of the deck.

The ferry operator told Thornton he could only load eight wagons at a time, and it would cost him ten dollars per wagon. The remaining eight wagons had to wait an hour and a half for the ferry to return and take them across. Two days later, they crossed the Mississippi River a few miles below the confluence of the Ohio; near Wickliffe, and made camp at the outskirts of Charleston, Missouri. Moon said they should be at Lake Wappapello late the next day, where they would spend five days resting, and catching up on their laundry,

************

Thornton believed first things ought to come first, and that meant seeing to the needs of the horses. There was a lot of new grass around the upper side of the lake, and he decided that’s where they would put the horses. Ross Burgess parked his wagon over there so him and John could look after them.

The lake was about a half a mile north of the trail, and Thornton had them park the wagons in a semicircle from the south side westward and up around the west end of the lake. No one expected any kind of trouble, but Wolf Moon insisted one man on a horse would circle the lake day and night. This duty was shared by Jim, Junior, Timmy, Jack Strickland, and the Smythe twins, Benny and Trey, all of whom rode a four-hour shift.

************

Thornton announced at breakfast that all the men would go to the lake and bathe that morning. Afterwards, they would put on clean clothes, and toss their dirty things in the laundry pile. Tomorrow, he said, will be the ladies turn at the lake. The next day, he said, we’ll wash clothes. "Some of you men will have to pitch in and help the women with the laundry.

"Somebody will be needed to carry water and empty tubs, as well as keep a hot fire under the big kettle. I think four men would do it; oh, you’ll have rig up a rope line for them to hang the clothes on to dry. Anybody wants to volunteer, go talk to Monnie.

"Gilbert, pick yourself a crew, and check every wagon for damage. I’m sure all the hubs need grease; hell fire, Gil, you know what to look for better than I do. Jack, me and you, and whoever else that’s left over, will see to the horses.

When I told Monnie about the ladies bathing, she smiled and said she would be sitting on that big rock over by the end of the lake holding a shotgun loaded with bird shot in case any of us men decided to sneak a look. I don’t think that’s necessary but consider yourselves warned.

Hold on a minute, Thorn, Moon exclaimed. I’ve just thought of something. On my way home, I rode through a town about fifteen miles from here and happened to sea blacksmith’s shop. The building was a short distance off the road and almost hidden by some big cottonwood trees. A smithy could be a lot of help if you find any horses that need new shoes.

Thank you Moon, that’s good to know, Thornton replied. I was afraid we might have to do it ourselves. Anybody else have something to say?

************

You bet your breeches, I do, shouted Sally, "and I believe I speak for the rest of the ladies too. There’s no way we can get all the laundry done in one day, and even if we did, I don’t think we could get it all dried in two days. We need to stay here by the lake at least one extra day.

Gil, is it hard to take the covers off the wagons, and put them back on? I’m not talking about the wagons loaded with feed, water, and other supplies, just the ones we sleep in. They need to be aired out and let dry in the sunshine. I doubt we have time enough to wash and dry all the quilts and blankets, but a day in the sun would help. What do you say to that, Wolf Moon?

Injun say squaw hit nail on head. Him offer peace pipe. We smoke and talk deal. Needless to say, Moon got them all laughing.

All right, Moon, I’ll pass on the peace pipe, so let’s cut straight to the deal.

************

"Sally, you’re absolutely right about not being able to dry all the clothes quickly, and if you look around you, and up, you’ll see why. We’re surrounded by tall, tall, trees with a lot of big leaves and not much sunshine or wind gets past them; there’s your problem, and there’s not much we can do about it.

"We are at least a week away from Stockton, and there is a larger lake just before you come to the town. I got the glimpse of a smile, but, Sally, we dare not spend any more time there beyond what’s necessary, so don’t get your hopes up; this is dangerous country. I’ll see how things stand when we get there, but I’m guessing you’ll only have time to laundry a few clothes.

"We’ll move up to El Dorado Springs, and the wagon train will wait there long enough for me and Oliver make a trip across the ridge to his son’s grave. Now here’s some good news. When we cross into Kansas at Fort Scott, we’ll only be a day’s travel from the city of Iola, Kansas, and the Neosha River. That’s where we will finally be able to take care of all the laundry.

Doctor Cannady, it might interest you to know there is a small hospital in Iola, and it’s run by some Spanish Nuns from Mexico. These ladies are very generous and caring; they’ll give help to anyone who needs it. I’m sorry, Sally, I’m sure Thornton will forego frolicking on our last day here and we’ll all jump in and give you ladies a hand with the laundry.

************

Nine Days later, Moon led the wagon train off the road and into a field close to a large lake, and about half a mile from the town of Stockton, Missouri. Thornton promised Sally the train would remain there for at least three days and said he would see to it the women had plenty of help with the laundry.

************

Thornton, Moon said, "I see an old building up the road a piece that looks like it might be a store of some sort. I’m going to take Junior with me and walk up there and see if we can find out how things stand around here. Place run-down as that is bound to have a few scalawags laying around drinking warm beer for a nickel and eating loose crackers out of a barrel.

All right, Moon, Thornton replied, we do need to know what’s going on; that’s for sure. Hell, Moon, look around you; do you hear anything? he asked and Moon shook his head. Well neither do I and I don’t like it. Is he still dead-set on finding that grave?

Yeah, he is, or at least I think so; I haven’t talked to the man this morning. Wouldn’t you want to go, Thorn? This might be his only chance to see his boy’s grave, and I remember too well how I felt about leaving where I buried my boy, Joe.

I reckon so, Moon, but I got a bad feeling running up and down my backbone. Go and see what you and Junior can find out, but I ain’t inclined to listen to any bad news today. I’ll be over towards the lake helping the ladies. Some of the boys took fishing lines over there with them a while ago; maybe they’ll catch enough fish for us to have a mess for supper. Talk to you later, he said and left.

************

Susan walked back to the wagon she shared with Oliver during the day and found him sitting on the tail gate talking to Liam; she could tell by the look on his face, that something was bothering him.

"Good morning, Oliver; you too, Liam, Amy’s waiting for you. Momma said we could all come eat with her and Emmie; Josie’s up front too. Timmy was on watch from two till daylight, and he’s already asleep in one of the wagons.

What’s bothering you, Oliver? Susan asked, soon as Liam headed for the front of the train.

Aw, I’m all right, Susan, he responded, forcing a smile. I’m trying to decide whether it’s worth the risk to go see my son’s grave.

Oliver, I’ve heard you tell several people you wanted to do this. Has something happened that’s made you change your mind? Uncle Moon told daddy you and him ought to be able to go there and get back to the wagon train in four hours. I don’t like for you to go off and leave me by myself, but I know this is important to you.

Susan, I am not going off and leaving you by yourself; there’s thirty-one people and a dog on this wagon train, and you know every one of them; including the dog.

Poof! I know that, silly, and I know most of the horses too; but you know what I’m talking about. I want to look after you, Oliver, you know, take care of you; I don’t want nothing to happen to you.

Susan, Oliver began, throwing up his hands in exasperation, you want to help me, I’ll tell you how to do it. Walk around the wagon again and when you come back, let’s see if we can get the day started in a different direction.

************

Meanwhile, Moon and Junior were approaching the old shack. Junior, by golly I was right; it is a store. Look yonder on the side of the building; somebody took a hot poker, or something, and burned General Store, on one of the boards. Moon exclaimed.

There’s some more men laying over there in the shade of that big tree; a bunch of scallywag good for nothing loafers. I bet we’ll find some sitting around inside too; let’s go see.

************

Morning gents, you fellers from the wagons down by the lake? a big man standing behind the counter asked. Rufus came in earlier; Rufus Wood, that’s him sitting behind you. Ah, I was fixing to say, he come in a little while ago and said he’d seen two men walking up the road from down that way. He’s Charlie Gathercole, he added, nodding toward the other man. Folks call me Mister Big; some kids gave me that name a long time ago and it’s sorta’ stuck to me.

Moon chuckled a bit and said, Well Mister Big, the name sure fits you; you can call me Moon, and him, he continued, pointing with his thumb, "he’s just Junior; got the same name as his pappy; understand?

Yeah, we belong to the wagons down yonder. Me and Junior are in need of some tobacco and decided we’d walk up here. I been sitting a saddle so long it’s give me a pain in the ass. That’s what soldiers call their Sergeants, Moon said and chuckled. you got anything to chew, Mister Big?

************

Don’t have nothing but them twists strung up over there in the corner. Most everybody round here raises a patch of tobacco and I believe they make them twists out of scraps they rake up off the barn floor. I pay ten cents apiece for the twists, and generally sell them for a quarter, but I reckon I could let you have five for a dollar. I ain’t talking paper money here, Moon, no sireee. You can take that paper money to the johnny-house with ye; I’m talking hard money.

Moon and Junior looked at each other; both men trying hard not to laugh. Mister Big, that’s a mighty generous offer you’ve made to a couple of strangers; me and Junior will take ten apiece, Moon said, handing the man a five-dollar gold piece. You can keep that other dollar if we can talk some about how things stand around here; know what I mean?

************

Rufus Wood stood up, walked over and shook Moon’s hand; nodded to Junior, and said, You in the Army, was you?

Yes, I guess you could say I was; I signed on to scout for a troop of cavalry during the Indian wars and spent most of my time in western Kentucky and Tennessee.

I see, Rufus replied. You men know anything about a wagon train that went through these parts two, maybe three, years ago?

************

Moon felt a chill race up his spine; felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Yes sir, he replied, those folks were friends of ours from Kentucky. They traveled all the way to the Territory of Wyoming, and we’re on our way up there to join them. Why did you ask me, Mister Wood: did they come this way too? Where do you live, sir; did you see the train?

"I didn’t have no special reason for asking you, Moon, I reckon I just thought it a bit strange; man don’t often see big wagon trains in these parts. I’ll try to answer your questions, but there’s not much I know to tell. That first wagon train was on a road that followed an old river bed, and it went straight to the town of Nevada; I don’t live nowhere.

That road and this one you’re following run pretty much the same direction except there’s a big, high, ridge between the two. Your road ends at El Dorado Springs, where you’ll have to turn west and follow the Osage River to the town of Nevada. If you plan to enter Kansas at old Fort Scott, you’ll come to the same road your friends were on just before you get to the town. Used to be a lot of trouble over that way. You been there lately, Charlie?

************

Nope, got no plans to go either. I used to hunt wild boars up and down that old river bed, till I got scared that crazy Luther Gillies was going to kill me; he did shoot at me once. Man’s off in his head when he’s sober, which ain’t too often, but when he’s drinking, you don’t want to be anywhere near the man.

Charlie’s telling you the truth, Moon, Mister Big added. One of his boys walks over here once in a while to get his Pa some tobacco and he seems like a good young-un to me; I reckon he took after his maw. Luther claims somebody in that first wagon train killed his two oldest sons and a nephew and burnt their bodies. The man is crazy with hate; said there weren’t nothing left for him to bury.

************

There’s a bit more to it, Moon, and I reckon it’s something you need to hear, Rufus said. "I shy away from Luther much as I can; the whole lot of them Gillies was mean and crazy. His grandpappy was probably the worst of the bunch. Saddest part is, Luther Gillies married my sister, Eula Faye, and she bore him four sons afore escaping his clutches. Poor thing; she took up with a crooked gambler who treated her tit for tat, just like old Luther did; damn his soul.

You’ll have to excuse me, Moon, I tend to get carried away when I think about what that man did to my sister; she’s two years gone now, God rest her soul. Here’s what I wanted to tell you. I don’t know how he knows this, but Luther claims his boys killed a man on the other wagon train. He says he knows where they buried the man’s body and believes one day somebody will come looking for the grave. When they do, he says he will be up on top of the cliff waiting.

************

I hadn’t heard that, Charlie said, it’s bad news for sure. Wasn’t that boy in here last week when the pig hunters were telling us they’d seen a wagon train coming this way? You reckon the boy heard it, and told his Pa when he got home?

Charlie, you’re thinking if he did, this Gillies man is likely to be camped out somewhere over on the ridge, watching the grave and waiting for somebody to show up. Moon commented.

That’s it exactly, Moon, Charlie stated, why do I feel like you know somebody who wants to see that grave; do you? he asked.

Moon saw no reason not to tell the truth, so he did. Yeah I do; it’s his father, Moon admitted, and then told the men how David Olsen had died. However, he did not tell them he had already found the grave.

Let me ask you men something, is there any way to get a wagon across the ridge to the other road? Moon asked and noticed the strange glances the men quickly gave each other.

************

A sudden change came over Mister Big; he straightened his shoulders, took off the greasy apron he’d been wearing, and cleared his throat.

Mister Moon, my name is Walter Weatherford, and I came here close to two years ago. Rufus and Charlie came from someplace else too; so did the fellers you saw outside. We have tried very hard to blend in with the countryside so I’m asking for your word, and Junior’s too, that you’ll not give us away. If you agree, perhaps we can help each other.

************

Moon smiled; suddenly things were beginning to make sense. He stuck the end of his little finger in his left ear and twisted it around a time or too, smiled at Mister Big, looked at Junior and said; I’ll be doggone, Junior, I don’t know what’s happened to me, but all of a sudden I can’t seem to hear a thing out of my left ear. Did he say something to me?

Naw; I don’t think so, Moon, Junior drawled, If he did, I didn’t hear nothing. I heard you ask about getting a wagon over to the other side of the ridge but I don’t know why you’d want to do that.

Moon had to laugh; Junior was laying it on pretty thick, but before he could say anything, Rufus spoke up.

I bet I can answer that for Junior; do ye mind, Moon?

No, not at all, Moon replied, "Maybe you’ll answer my question while you’re at it.

************

"I don’t know exactly when all this came about, but it was close to a month or month and a half ago. Anyhow, one of our people happened to observe an Indian in the area around that time. Seeing an Indian is not so unusual, since there are a hundred or so living a few miles east of here close to the Osage River. However, this particular Indian was doing clever things to avoid being