Mutual recognition prompted Eliana to scoot through the side door and follow her acquaintance into the back alley. “Mr. Crawford, whatever are you doing here in Silverton?” Cornelius Crawford eyed her up and down, perusing her male attire. “I could ask you the same thing”—he snickered—“Miss Van Horn.”
Eliana’s face heated. “Oh please, Mr. Crawford, promise me you will not give my identity away,” she whispered. “It’s a matter of safety.”
“Promise? Like you promised to take my photograph back in Del Norte?” Cornelius chided.
“I do apologize, but I never saw you again, nor did you come see us.”
“Suppose you have a point there. Tell me, little missy, what are you doing dressed like a feller? Ya almost had me fooled, ’cept for those pretty eyes of yours.”
A deep voice penetrated the still air. “I’d like to know the answer to that myself.” Eliana’s eyes widened. It was Grover, one of those evil men who put Yiska in jail.
“Out of the way, old man. I have a little unfinished business with the lady.” Grover pointed his revolver at Cornelius and slithered toward Eliana, hunger in his eyes. Cornelius scurried down the boardwalk away from the gun.
Eliana inched backward but found herself against a wall. Grover leaned in against her. Her stomach lurched, and she pushed uselessly against his chest.
Thwack! Yiska’s hatchet pinned Eliana’s attacker to the building by the sleeve of his duster. She ducked out of the way as Yiska jumped the brute and thrust his gun into the man’s back.
As he retrieved his hatchet, the man’s coat ripped.
“Easy there, that’s new,” the brute growled.
Yiska grabbed him by the collar. “Put your hands on your head and turn around. Slowly.”
Grover. One of the thugs from Del Norte. “Had a feelin’ I’d see you again.”
Cornelius Crawford reappeared with the law in tow.
“I’ll be glad to take him off your hands.”
Yiska looked around to find the deputy sheriff behind him, eyeing them suspiciously.
Eliana stepped forward. “Mr. Crawford. This man in the duster is the one who attacked me, is it not?”
“Yes, miss…mister,” Crawford said.
Eliana smiled. The man had redeemed himself at last. She heaved a deep sigh and pulled her hat lower as the deputy hauled Grover away.
“Thank you, Mr. Crawford. You’ve done a good thing.”
“I may be down on my own luck, but you can count on me.”
Eliana opened her mouth as if to speak.
A chorus of “Amens” arose from inside the saloon. Yiska stepped between the pair and ushered them back inside the saloon. He squeezed Eliana’s arm. “We’ve a sermon to finish hearing.”
The crowd inside the Last Call seemed even more attentive than before. Reverend Darley did have a convincing way about him.
The preacher continued his discourse. “The wealth hidden in the earth cannot be obtained easily. Men must work to contrive ways to get the hidden treasure into their hands.”
“He’s got that right,” Crawford whispered.
Yiska elbowed him and then caught Eliana’s gaze. She immediately lowered her lashes. Despite her attire, she looked every bit as pleasing as he remembered. His heart raced.
“Consider the miners then. Let their courage, diligence, and constancy in seeking the wealth that perishes urge us to seek true riches. The great King Solomon said it is far better to get wisdom than silver or gold. Yet these minerals are sought and grace neglected. Should not the certain prospect of heavenly riches compel us more? Come, your heavenly Father beckons you, His gift of grace waiting to bestow.”
Tears streamed down Crawford’s cheeks. “Lord, have mercy on this sinner,” he whispered.
A chorus of men began to sing a hymn, and others joined in. Yiska watched as Cornelius Crawford and several other contrite souls stepped forward and met Reverend Darley in front of the faro table. Yiska bowed his head in respect as Darley ended the meeting in prayer. When he looked up, Eliana was gone.
Eliana hurried to the hotel and up the stairs to the Van Horns’ suite. Once inside, she leaned against the closed door to catch her breath. She flung her hat onto the settee and scrubbed her face at the washstand. In the mirror, she studied her disheveled reflection. How could she make herself presentable? Surely Yiska would come to find her.
Eliana brushed her hair in haste and secured it in a celluloid headband, allowing her locks to hang onto her shoulders. In her private room, she pulled off her boots and rummaged for the one dress she had packed, a light brown gingham. Her lace-up boots were nowhere to be had. Slippers would have to do. She passed through the heavily draped doorway to the parlor, where she plucked a few petals from a fresh bouquet sitting on the center table. She crushed the petals in her palm and rubbed the scent against her wrists and the back of her neck, hoping she wouldn’t smell like…a man.
No sooner had she plopped down on the settee and shoved her hat behind it, than a knock sounded at the door. She stood, smoothing her dress, and went to greet her company. She opened the door a crack. Piercing brown eyes stared back at her.
“Yiska, please come in. Papa will be here soon.” She opened the door and beckoned him into the room as if nothing were out of the ordinary. “I was hoping to see you.”
“Were you? Why did you leave the saloon?”
Eliana could feel the warmth creep up her neck. Hand to her chest she said, “You must be having a delusion. Or perhaps you have me confused with someone else.”
His eyes narrowed beneath the brim of his hat. “They say everyone has a twin.”
“Do they?” she asked nonchalantly. “Let me take your hat. Is this new?”
Yiska took it from his head and deposited it on hers. “Yup. That’s about right.” He rubbed his jaw with his thumb, indicating with the angle of his mouth that there must be a remnant of charcoal grease still on her face. Instant recollection of the first time they met, when she had newsprint all over her chin, made her face color again.
“Don’t do that,” Yiska said.
“What?” she asked.
“Blush.”
“I’m sorry.” Eliana’s cheeks flamed even more.
He tossed the hat on a chair. “You know, you are irresistible…even dressed like a cowhand.”
She swatted the air. “Cowhand?”
Yiska laughed.
“It’s embarrassing to have you see me like that.” Eliana winced in shame.
A slight curve appeared at corner of his mouth.
“Thank you for protecting me from Grover. I only wish he could have heard Reverend Darley’s message. It might have had a positive impact on him.”
Yiska shrugged. “Let’s hope a little jail time will have a similar effect.”
“I’m surprised that you were at the saloon,” she said. “As I recall, you haven’t a fondness for them.”
“The preacher invited me. How could I say no?” Yiska’s brow wrinkled. “He’s a very convincing man.”
“That he is.” Eliana walked to the window and fingered the lace curtain as she looked into the street. Hoping for some cool air, she attempted to open the window.
Yiska came up behind her. “Here, let me do that.”
As the gentle breeze entered the room she turned to him. “How did you know I was there and in trouble?”
He hesitated. “I prayed for you. Then I heard a sneeze and when I turned around, I saw you in the back. I went to find you, but you’d disappeared. Figured you might have seen me and left out the back.”
“I never saw you, though I did see Cornelius. I followed him to the alley to ask him to keep my identity secret. That’s when Grover showed up.” Eliana cocked her head and grinned. “Did you say you prayed for me?”
Yiska nodded. “I did.”
A flood of reassurance washed over her.
“You’ll have to get used to the fact that I’ll see you in your disguise,” Yiska said.
“You’re going on the survey!” Eliana’s mouth blossomed into a smile.
“I am. Mr.—I mean, Reverend Darley found me at Rose’s Cabin and gave me the good news. I hoped I’d find you here and not have to wait until the rendezvous at Animas City.”
“I’m glad you found me,” Eliana said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Yiska stepped closer. “Like a hidden treasure.” He lifted a hand and toyed with her hair. Then he brushed the back of his fingers over her cheek and lower lip with a featherlight touch.
Her stomach tightened and she tried to remain calm. Was he going to kiss her again?
“Look who I found in the restaur—” Papa burst through the doorway holding a tray of dishes with their evening meal. Reverend Darley, behind him, carried another.
Yiska stepped back from Eliana and rushed toward the door to assist Papa. “Mr. Van Horn. Reverend Darley. How good to see you. Let me take that.” He took the tray and set it on the table then retrieved the other from the minister.
Eliana faced the window for a moment, hoping the fresh air would cool her cheeks. Then she turned to greet them. What must he and Papa have thought when they opened the door?
“It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Van Horn,” Reverend Darley said. “Though your father warned me I might find you in different attire. You look lovely.”
“That you do, daughter.” Papa kissed her on the cheek. He couldn’t be too upset.
As she approached the table, the aroma of rosemary and thyme greeted her senses. Generous servings of beef, new potatoes, and a medley of vegetables filled four plates.
“There’s enough for four. Are we expecting company?” Eliana asked Papa.
Papa look at Yiska. “I believe he is already here. You’re welcome to join us, Yiska. In fact, this plate is for you. George told me you were in town, and I had a suspicion that we’d see you sooner rather than later.”
Yiska looked at the mountain of food. “Much obliged. I can’t recall the last time I saw such a feast.”
“Let’s sit then,” Eliana said. “Reverend Darley, we’d be honored if you would ask the blessing on the meal.”
Following the prayer they ate quietly, enjoying the food. After Papa took his last bite, he removed the cloth napkin tucked in his vest and wiped his mouth. “Yiska, we were concerned that you wouldn’t get the word in time to go on the expedition. You must be thrilled to be going on the survey. And, by the way, we’re right proud of you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Van Horn.”
Fearful her emotions would betray her, Eliana lowered her gaze. She retired to the settee and listened as the men continued the conversation.
“God has a way of making divine appointments,” Darley said. “Isn’t that right, Yiska?”
“It was good timing meeting up with Reverend Darley. He’s been entertaining me with his tall tales all the way down from Rose’s Cabin,” Yiska said.
Darley placed his hand on Yiska’s shoulder. “This young man has a tale of his own to tell. Something about a little meeting with a family of bears.”
Yiska recounted his adventure in his humble way. “It means a lot to know that folks were praying for me. Guess that’s what spared my life.” When his gaze met Eliana’s, his eyes glowed with appreciation for her prayers. A quiet understanding grew between them, and a restful peace came over Eliana, inducing her sleepy eyes to close.
“Papa.” Eliana awoke as her father covered her with an afghan. She lay reclined on the settee, the room dark except for the faint light of a gasolier. Both Reverend Darley and Yiska had left. When had she dozed off?
“You might want to get up and sleep in your bed. It might be your last time sleeping in comfort for a while. I’m going to turn in now, too. Good night, Sunshine.” He kissed her on the cheek.
“I will. Good night, Papa.”
He walked toward the bedchambers then stopped and turned back. “God bless you.”
“What’s that for?” she asked.
“When you sneezed during Reverend Darley’s sermon today.”