Daniel and Amy moved away from the sleeping soldier and settled down to wait. By late afternoon, Matthew joined them as they watched the ranch. As dusk fell, the fires began to die down. Just before darkness took over the valley, they saw a movement in the trees between them and the ranch. Daniel murmured, “There’s someone on the road.”
They saw a lighter shadow and heard the sound of hooves pounding across stone. There was a sharp crack of a whip and they saw the desperate dash up the road. Matthew spoke heavily, “Another one made it out.”
Amy blinked at the tears in her eyes as she watched the rider’s dash for freedom. It was the despair in Matthew’s voice that reached her. For a moment the barrier between North and South was gone as Amy looked after the fleeing soldier. “Poor lad,” she murmured.
During the night Amy lay wide-eyed and bleak, listening to the sounds of movement on the road beneath them. As horses pounded up the hill while others passed down, Amy sensed Daniel’s sleeplessness too. She visualized those blue and gray uniforms, some moving slowly, while others galloped through the dark. Occasionally, she heard a song sung in a heavy monotone. The sounds continued throughout the night, and Amy guessed Matthew slept no better than she and Daniel.
In the morning they saw Matthew’s ravaged face, and Amy listened to Daniel’s terse comment. “It would have done them no good; you couldn’t lift a rifle.”
Under the shadow of his silence they packed up and prepared to leave. But when they rode out from under the sheltering trees, a rifle was pointed at them. “You’re under arrest. As an enlisted man of the United States Army, you are in my custody until I hand you over to my commanding officer. I am obligated to warn you, if you attempt to flee, I shall shoot.” The rifle wavered slightly as it pointed at Matthew.
“I am an elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church—”
“’Tis a good story, sir,” the youth said gruffly, moving the rifle Daniel’s direction. “But I’m not blind. I recognize a Confederate uniform when I see one. The lady can go, but you must come with me.”
Amy shook her head violently and said, “I’m staying with my husband.”
The soldier shrugged and motioned them forward. “Let’s get going. It’s a long ride.” Instead of turning down the canyon toward Las Vegas as they intended, the rifle nudged them forward, up the mountain toward the north.
Amy looked over Daniel’s shoulder and blinked at the tears in her eyes. “Never mind,” he murmured, “we’ll just trust God to work it all out according to His plan.” He squeezed her tight.
“Mother and Father?”
“We’re all in His hands. Amy, I guess I’ve never been in so tough a spot. One where I couldn’t do a thing to help out the Lord. Guess now’s as good a time to start as any.”
“Start?”
“Learning what it really means to trust. We’re powerless to do a thing for ourselves.” Amy nodded and pressed her fingers to her lips.
It was nearly noon when their guard waved them to a halt. When they turned to face him, there was a cocky grin on his face. “We’re now approaching the battle site. Because there are still personnel from the Confederate Army on the grounds, and I don’t want them to feel obligated to attempt a rescue, we’ll cut through the ravine to your right.”
“Confederate?” Daniel exploded. “Do you think we’re spies?”
The soldier waved his rifle. “One shout or quick movement and I will shoot you.” He nudged Matthew. “Lead out, cut around that hill, and drop down to the next canyon. You’ll see Pidgeon’s ranch just ahead. Turn in there and proceed to the house.”
Amy glanced at Daniel and he grinned down at her. “Don’t look so dismal; we’re on safe ground now! Hopefully Chivington will be there, and we’ll soon be free to go our way.”
Daniel faced the soldier. “You said battle site. What do you mean? We saw the battle at Johnson’s Ranch.”
The cocky grin was still on the youth’s face. “There was a confrontation between Confederate Colonel Scurry and his men of the Texas Volunteers and Colonel Slough, my commanding officer, of the United States Cavalry. Must admit, Scurry was doing just fine until he got word that Chivington had done him in. Wiped out the supply wagon. Heard there were eighty supply wagons and around thirty head of horses and mules. Took about seventeen prisoners. A couple got away.”
There was silence as they rode down the canyon, following the dry stream bed which led them out onto the wide plateau. “Strange contrast,” Daniel murmured in her ear. “Look at the cows grazing like there’s not even a fly to pester, but those horses—”
She looked. Bone weary, thin, they stood huddled in the pasture in a private group. “The poor things,” she whispered; “they aren’t even interested in grazing.”
As they rode up to the ranch house, Daniel murmured, “It’s obvious the barn has been turned into a hospital.” Amy’s glance shied away from the wagon loaded with long, blanket-wrapped objects. She saw Daniel’s sober face as he lifted her down.
The rifle nudged Matthew as he slowly slid off Amy’s horse. “Be careful!” Amy snapped. “He’s injured.”
Their guard leered at Amy. “Not many who ain’t.” He waved his rifle at them and jerked his head toward the door.
When they faced the uniformed man across the kitchen table, Amy’s heart sank. Daniel said, “Sir, may we speak to Major Chivington?”
The man’s tired face sharpened into a questioning frown. “I don’t know where you picked up the name, but he isn’t here.”
He turned to the grinning soldier. “Looks like you’ve done your duty for the day. Report to Weston.”
Facing Daniel he said, “I’m Colonel Slough, in charge of this offensive. I’m willing to listen to your story, but obviously your friend’s story won’t carry much weight since he’s wearing the uniform of a Confederate soldier. Why were you carrying a rifle? Be careful what you say. It’s a Perry, a breechloading carbine, just like the rest of the fellows from Texas are carrying.”
“Sir,” Matthew protested, “I was trying to steal his horse when he caught me.”
“You were holding him prisoner?”
“Well, actually, no,” Daniel said. “I couldn’t make up my mind to turn him over. It seems—”
“And yet you want to talk to Chivington.” The man’s eyes were cold. “Well, you’ll probably get the opportunity. Our detachment is leaving for Fort Union in the morning.”
Late that evening, locked in a tiny room at the farmhouse, Daniel comforted Amy. “Dear wife, there’s nothing to worry about. I’m certain we’ll be delayed, but as soon as we see John Chivington, we’ll be freed and ready to leave for Las Vegas.”
“I hope you’re right,” she murmured into his shoulder. “I’m sorry about Matthew. I guess being in his company has nearly made me feel different about the other side.”
“I know,” Daniel whispered, “but this is probably not the best place to discuss it.”
****
Flanked by the United States Army, two days later they rode into Fort Union. Looking at Daniel, seeing the concern on his face, Amy tried to smile. She murmured, “I can nearly feel important, being under guard like this. A dignitary. Daniel, do you suppose one of these days we’ll laugh about this?”
He turned from scanning the terrain and smiled. “Most likely. Right now I’m looking forward to a decent meal.”
“And water enough to bathe!” Amy straightened in the saddle and grinned up at him.
“Meanwhile, look at the strange shape of the land.”
The guard beside Daniel said, “Since you’re a prisoner, I might as well tell you; that’s the famous star fortification.” While Daniel winced, the guard continued. “They built an underground fort—well, they started anyway. Everything’s under ground.” He was silent for a moment before adding, “A good idea, but I understand it isn’t the most comfortable place to live. Fact is, look at the tents. I guess the fellows would rather camp outside.”
It was late when they were finally escorted up to the old log fort. Amy and Daniel watched Matthew being led away, and then they stumbled across the parade grounds with their guard leading the way. As he opened the door of the crude log cabin, the guard said, “Good thing you have your bedroll. Someone will be along with grub in a while. Don’t try any fancy footwork. We’re under orders to shoot first and ask questions later. These are war times.”
He started out the door and then turned. “In the morning you’ll be allowed out on the grounds, but under no circumstances are you to leave the fort. There’s a well on the far end of the parade grounds. One of the officers’ wives will tell you where to obtain supplies. Your case will come up for consideration at the convenience of Colonel Slough.”
****
The urgency in Daniel’s voice reached through Amy’s dreams. “Sweetheart, come see. Now I understand why they say the desert is beautiful.”
With the blanket wrapped around her, Amy came to blink sleepy eyes at the dawning world. “Daniel, it’s all pink, even the soil—and those strange rearing shapes. They must be rocks.”
“Sandstone, I think. It is colorful.” He turned to point southeast. “Except for that line of dark blue mountains. Look at the green to the west. Must be a river. I’ve been hearing children, so there must be families here.”
He squeezed her against him. “Good morning, Wife.” After a quick kiss, he added, “Do we have any cornmeal? I prefer your cooking to what we had last night.”
“We need water; I’ll dress.”
“I’ll bring water and wood for the stove.”
Amy had just pushed the last hairpin in place when the door opened. “Daniel—” she said as she turned. With a gasp she stared at the woman. “Mother!”
Crying and laughing, with their words tumbling over each other, Amy hugged her mother while Amelia explained. “We never did get to Las Vegas. Your father—”
“We were so worried!”
“Amy, I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Where is Father?”
Daniel pushed in between them. “Accident—he has a broken leg. I found her at the well and we came back for you. Let’s go.”
They cut across the parade grounds and headed for the little log cabin at the end of the road. “These cabins are all alike, just big enough to hold a bed and stove,” Amelia murmured, “but we have the distinction of having the one next door to the prison.”
Amy stopped abruptly. “Daniel, do you suppose that’s where they put Matthew?”
“Without a doubt.”
“I don’t suppose they’ve even dressed his wound.”
Amelia moved ahead to push open the door of the cabin. Amy flew past her, “Father, surprise!” She threw herself at the man in the bed, “Oh, you’re so pale.”
“He’s had a lot of pain,” Amelia said gently, as she took the pail of water and carried it to the stove.
“What happened?” Daniel asked as he pulled a bench close to the bed.
Eli, looking flustered and concerned, released Amy. “Daughter, dry your tears. I’m not dying. There, there,” he patted awkwardly.
“We’ve been worried,” Daniel began. “When we heard about the Colorado Volunteers moving into the territory, we decided we’d better come looking for you.”
Eli nodded gravely. “War talk. Heard about Chivington coming. Quite a switch in assignments, going from being a clergyman in the Methodist Episcopal Church to leading a volunteer army. Last night for the first time we heard about the battle at Glorieta Pass.”
“We’ve just come from there. Matter of fact—”
Amy broke in, “We’ve been trying to find you. First we went to Santa Fe. That didn’t seem to be the thing to do—” Her eyes were signaling Daniel and he frowned.
“Amy, I don’t think we need to worry about the letter anymore.”
“Maybe you should deliver it anyway. Then they’ll know we’re not spies.”
Eli pushed himself into a sitting position. “Spies!”
Amy studied his pale face and said, “Just mistaken identity. I’m certain it will all be taken care of as soon as Daniel has a chance to explain to Major Chivington.” Quickly Amy turned to Amelia. “What are you going to do now?”
“We can’t do anything until that leg heals enough for your father to travel.”
“Daughter, you’re uneasy,” Eli said. “Are you thinking I might be having some secessionist ideas since the family all came from Missouri? Well, rest easy. We’re solidly behind the Union.”
But Amy had closed her eyes. She was thinking of the events of the past two weeks. The faces of Dolores and Manuel were backed by those nameless figures in gray uniforms with rearing horses and blasting cannon. The parade of faces continued to move through her memory—Hal and Matt and then the stranger desperately lashing his horse as he flew down the road. Amy jumped to her feet and turned away from the bed.
Amelia moved to the stove, saying. “Amy, come help me. I’m going to make some breakfast for us. Seems a treat is in order. How about some fried cakes with maple sugar? Daniel, have you had a good cup of coffee since you burned your fingers grinding the beans for me?”
Suddenly Amelia was holding on to her, saying, “Amy, sweetie, what is it?” For a moment Amy relaxed against her mother, feeling Daniel’s hand firm on her back.
“She’s seen a lot of life since we left Colorado.”
The room finished its swaying. Amy straightened and squeezed Amelia. “Life? I didn’t expect to be dumped in the middle of war.” She gulped and added, “I guess I’ll—” She glanced at Daniel and remembered what he had said about trusting the Lord. She added, “I guess we will be fine now. I’m hungry and it’s good to see you all.”
For one more second Daniel’s eyes were filled with concern, and then he grinned.