Free Dorothy Garlock - [Wabash River] by Yesteryear Page A

where they would come out of the water. Although her feet were cut and bleeding and her face and arms scratched from going through the brush, she followed for miles and miles. Finally, when Efant and his party left the water and took off cross-country, Tennessee ran back to the settlement.
    “By that time my father had discovered the women were missing. Tennessee was able to tell him where the captors had come out of the river, saving them hours of searching the riverbanks. Having been trained by John Spotted Elk, his stepfather, my father was able to follow. Both women were rescued the day after they were taken, thanks to Tennessee’s quick thinking. My mother and father were married, right there in Davidsonville.”
    “What happened to the mean man?” Jane Ann asked.
    “My father killed him.”
    “I’m glad!”
    “He’s mean like old Renshaw!” This, from Dillon.
    Addie looked at her son in surprise. It occurred to her that he must be more aware of what was going on than she realized.
    “And Tennessee?” Addie couldn’t help but ask. “Did your mother see her again?”
    “Oh, yes. Later she came to Quill’s Station with Eleanor and Gavin McCourtney, the lady who had been captured with my mother. Tennessee married Mike Hartman, a friend of my father’s. They still live in Quill’s Station. I saw her only a month ago.”
    During the meal Trisha said not a word, but while John was telling the story, she kept her magnificent eyes on his face, judging him, he knew, for some reason of her own.
    “Thanks for another really good meal, Mrs. Hyde. I’ll be leaving, but first I’d like to have a word with you alone.” John got up from the table. “Miss Trisha can keep an eye on me from the porch,” he added with a half-smile.
    Colin stood behind his chair, his eyes on John’s face.
    “ ’Bye, Mr. Tallman. I liked the story,” Jane Ann said.
    “He’ll not be leaving for a few minutes,” Addie said. “You’ll have time to say goodbye.” She followed John to the door, which he opened for her, then he followed her out. Addie went to the well, where she turned. “What’s on your mind, Mr. Tallman?”
    “The trouble you’re having here.”
    “That’s no concern of yours. I’m truly embarrassed that you witnessed . . . what you did this morning.”
    “The preacher wants to put Colin and Jane Ann in another home,” he said flatly, leaving no room for denial.
    “You’ve been talking to Colin.”
    “Yes. I’ll help if I can.”
    “Why?”
    “Because that boy is being torn apart.”
    “I know that. Trisha and I will take care of it.”
    “Have you talked to the magistrate?” he asked.
    “No.”
    “For God’s sake! Why not?”
    “Because he won’t turn the children over to me—a woman alone who at times can scarcely feed her own child! He’ll be duty-bound to . . . do what Preacher Sikes wants.”
    “You’re not going to fight to keep that boy out of the hands of a man like Renshaw?”
    “You’re damn right I’m going to fight!” Addie’s temper flared.
    “Then you have an idea of what kind of man he is?”
    “Yes, I know.” Tears filled her eyes, but she denied them and lifted her chin.
    “I’ll talk to the magistrate,” John offered.
    “Why would you do that?”
    “For Colin.”
    “We don’t know you, Mr. Tallman. We’ve gotten along quite well here on our own. We don’t need your interference, well intentioned as it may be, in our affairs.”
    “You don’t want to accept my help because you don’t know me? That’s the dumbest reason I ever heard. Lady, when you’re in trouble you take help where you can get it.”
    “Don’t get any ideas about taking Colin away with you.”
    “Christ!”
    “When I was growing up, I dreamed of having a brother or sister. I never did. I intend to keep this brother and sister together until they’re old enough to make plans for themselves.” Addie’s voice quivered, and her jaws snapped shut when she finished speaking.
    For a