Deep in the wilderness, Elam led the way through a mountain pass. Above them a full moon lit the sky providing light for their early morning travel. “Well, I always wondered whar the words ‘Honeymoon’ came from and now I know. That are one big moon up thar!” he said. Getting no response, he lapsed back into silence. For a long time they rode both tired and in need of rest.
Tillie groaned from the anticipation of miles and miles of riding before they would intercept the train. “You sure are willing to go through a lot just to learn to read,” she joked.
Elam smiled. “Now that’s better. I’m a-figurin’ I come out real good besides learnin’ to read and write, I’m a-gittin’ them two fine kids for my own,” he said.
“Is that all?” she asked, drilling a hole in his heart with her blue eyes.
Elam turned and looked at Tillie and said with a smile, “No, ma’am! I git to rescue the pretty girl from the wild Injuns, marry her, and now we are a-ridin’ off into the wilderness to live happy ever after.” Suddenly tears began to flow and she sighed deeply. Elam pulled his horse to a stop and reached out to touch her arm.
“I’m okay. I’m just tired of this and want it to end. I want my children,” Tillie said.
Elam responded gently, “I can understand that. This shore has been a tryin’ time for the both of us. But so far we have come back pretty strong seein’ what we’ve been through. Now that stream over thar is mighty pretty. Why don’t we make an early camp and rest up a bit? We shorely got a good start this mornin’.” They both set out to get their camp set up. Elam set up a windbreak of pine branches and saw to the stock while Tillie gathered broken and dead branches for the campfire. After hobbling the horses, he walked down to the stream where a waterfall provided a small place to bathe. The water was beginning to take on the winter cold and a bath was an effort. Just as his razor took the last of the stubble from his chin, he noticed in the mirror Tillie’s face behind him.
Tillie ran her hand across the jagged scar on his back and shook her head. “I hope we never have to go through anything like that again,” she said. Turning, he was breathless as she stood before him. Letting the blanket slide away from her, she stepped down into the cold water.
“Life will always be full of hardships, but moments like this make it all worthwhile,” Elam said. That night the winds began to build as darkness fell. Again, old man winter sent his frosty fingers to speak of his impending arrival. Under the windbreak Elam pulled her close to him, their faces illuminated by the campfire. Never had he loved anyone so deeply. He held her close to him and the silence was intoxicating.
First light found the two rested and reluctant to get out of the warm bedroll as neither wanted the night to end. “It’s been a wonderful Honeymoon, Elam. Let’s make it a God-honoring marriage. The best it can possibly be,” she said.
“I’m a blessed man, Tillie. I am a-willin’ to do whatever it takes to make this marriage God-honorin’. I will ask God for the wisdom to be all He can make me to be for you. Now one of us has to roll out from under these here warm covers and put the coffee pot next to the coals,” Elam said.
“I know who that will be. I’m not about to move until I have some coffee and am fully dressed!” Tillie said with a smile.
“Looks like I’m the one!” Elam said, throwing the covers back and standing as she shuddered and fought to regain the covers. In the predawn campfire light, he watched her face glow and knew his life was now complete. A few minutes later, he returned to the bedroll carrying a cup of steaming coffee. “Now, all we need to make our marriage perfect is a couple of kids that are ahead somewhar. Git up, Mrs. Franklin! It’s time we go about a-gatherin’ them up!” Elam exclaimed.
For days they rode the wild country making early camp and eagerly learning each other. A week later, they crossed a mountain ridge and Elam pulled up and sat watching the valley below. Tillie sat looking in the same direction, wanting to know what held his attention. Below them and far away, a shiny ribbon of steel wove its way across the valley floor and disappeared around a mountainside.
“If I be a-understandin’ what the old mountain man told me a-fore we left Nichols, thar be a place called Mountain Junction on the other side of that mountain. That be whar we wait for the train,” Elam said.
ααααααα
Nolan made his way through each train car. His scratched face and head along with a torn and mangled coat drew stares from passengers along the way. His heart jumped with joy when he reached the car and saw Nora’s pillowed head leaning against the window sound asleep. Easing in beside her, Nolan sat watching her breathe for a long time before he took her small hand in his. The contact brought her eyes open and for a moment she focused at him in unbelief. A cry of joy and a look of astonishment was all she could offer.
“Don’t be so surprised, Nora. It is a real thing you are a-seein’. The wicked grandmother had me thrown off the train and I had to wait fer the next train to come along. I may look the worst for wear and full of holes, but you should see the fellers what chunked me off the train!” Nolan said with a grin.
“Nolan Tolivar, just look at you! I guess I should be grateful you are here and in one piece. It doesn’t look like that badge brought you much respect from the Pinkerton men,” Nora said.
“No, but they are in for a good dose of law when I catch up with them,” Nolan chuckled.
A conductor came through the car and announced that the train would be pulling into the Bald Ridge station in a few minutes. Before he could ask, Nolan pulled out a limp and tattered but otherwise whole ticket and gave it to the conductor.
Looking at the ticket the conductor said, “This is for the train which came through here four days ago, mister!”
“That be a true statement,” Nolan said. “But you see, my ticket wuz never punched because I wuz thrown from the train by some villains what did not like me bein’ a Peace Officer.” Pulling back his ragged coat to show his badge he said, “I’m a-just gittin’ my money’s worth.”
Punching his ticket and eyeing his torn and ragged clothing the conductor said, “Well, I guess that is okay.”
“Nora, I will be leavin’ the train at Bald Ridge,” Nolan said. “Now a-fore you go gittin’ all riled up, you need to know that Elam and Tillie is headed that way and Elam will have to face the Pinkerton thugs and the wicked grandmother all alone if I don’t cross the mountains and be thar when the other train gits to Mountain Junction.”
Nora pulled her shawl up tight around her shoulders and sighed, “You need to be there then. But I’m telling you Nolan Tolivar when I get to the end of the line you better not be in any worse shape than you are now.”
The train began to slow and Nolan took her hand in his and said, “Woman, I had rather take a beatin’ than leave you again--but the children--”
Nora put a finger over his mouth and said, “I know how you feel and I feel the same way. You must do what you can to help Tillie and the children. The train will be stopping here for a few hours, but remember, I will be following behind. We will take up our life when I get there.” Nolan kissed her and they left the train and walked along the platform arm and arm.
Standing next to the station, Bull and Jericho waited with the packs. Bull was an engaging man and spoke to almost anyone who passed by. “Bull, you plannin’ on crossin’ that thar mountain with us?” Nolan asked.
“Unless you say otherwise, I would like to ride along with you. My gear is ready and just as soon as my horse is offloaded, I will be ready to go. I was talking to the yardman and he said he unloaded three horses for Pinkerton men here a few days back,” Bull said.
“That will put them in Mountain Junction today late,” Jericho said.
“Jericho, go find us some mounts and a pack mule while I buy me a shirt and coat,” Nolan said.
“Pastor Curry, you take care of my man and I will be along in a few days,” Nora said.
“With the Lord's help, that is what I plan to do, Miss Nora,” Bull said. Within an hour, the three were ready to travel and Nora watched them leave town from the station platform.