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Over the next hill, they came upon a man camped beside a wagon. The man brewed a pot of coffee as the smell of bacon lingered in the air.
“Do you think he’s friendly?” Tension rose in Sally’s shoulders. She’d not met many friendly folks on this trail.
Rob grimaced at the gaudily painted wagon. “With that getup, he’s probably too friendly.”
As they rode closer, the man raised a hand in greeting then smoothed his hair back. His bulbous nose dominated his meaty features. His black and white striped suit did little to slim his rounded figure. He looked a bit like the zebra Sally once saw in a picture book.
“Morning, folks. Royal J. Huckabee is the name.”
“Mornin’.” Moss nodded to him. “Ken ye spare some coffee?”
“Yes, sir.” His fat face melted into a buttery smile. “I have plenty of that and more. You’re welcome to join me for some morning nourishment.”
Mr. Huckabee bowed low and a part of his white hair drifted forward over his forehead. He stood and smoothed it back.
Rob dismounted, still wearing his frown. He didn’t care for the man despite his warm welcome.
After tying the horses to a tree, they washed their hands and faces in the barrel Huckabee pointed out.
The man had everything imaginable tied to his wagon. Bells and signs hung around all sides. Another sign across the top read Royal J. Huckabee’s Fantastic Elixir of Spirits.
Rob sat just as Huckabee dished out thick slabs of bacon and biscuits. Once they’d all been served, he joined them.
“What brings you folks down the trail so early this fine morning?”
“We had trouble a ways back.” Moss would volunteer more information than this man needed to know.
Rob interrupted. “We thought it best to keep moving.”
“That’s the best way. Always move away from trouble, I say. Before it finds you.” Huckabee smoothed his shiny, silver satin vest and removed his gold pocket watch. He clicked it open, glanced at it and closed it again. “Well, now, I do believe I shall be moving on very soon. I hope to make it to town before evening.”
“Thankee for them good vittles.” Moss patted his stomach.
“Friend, I see you have need of medicinal care.” Huckabee fingered one side of his mustache.
“Oh, I been doctored.”
“Might I ask what medicine the good doctor has provided you with?” Huckabee linked his thumbs into his vest pockets and assumed an official air, rocking back on his heels.
“Well, he done give me whiskey at first, but I don’t know as I’d call him a good doctor. ’Course he ain’t killed me like them others. He’s the sawinest doctor I ever heard tell of. An’ Rob here went and got me medicine, but I done used it up.”
“Friend, whiskey won’t cure you. It only helps the pain.”
“That it do.”
“Now my elixir here, it cures many ills. Not a pain medicine but a cure. Why if you were to try this elixir it would change your life. It’ll make you feel young again. No more morning pains, no more aches upon rising. My elixir will grow hair on a bald head and will quiet a colicky baby.” He hardly seemed to pause for breath once he’d gotten started. “This elixir will ease the pains of childbirth—” he nodded wisely to Sally, “—as well as take the toothache away.”
Sally looked at Rob, who only rolled his eyes and snorted before walking off to stand near the horses.
“This elixir will mend your wound quicker than anything a doctor could give you.” Huckabee held out a bottle that seemed to appear from nowhere. “My elixir has no bad taste and no bad smell. Here, take a whiff.”
He waved it under Moss’s nose to demonstrate.
Moss sniffed it and opened his mouth to speak but Huckabee interrupted.
“Unlike most medicines, this one is a pleasure to take.” He handed Moss the bottle. “Now, friend, you just try a taste of this elixir and no charge to you for the first dose.”
Moss took the bottle and drank a swig.
“Now, doesn’t that go down smooth?”
Moss nodded, unable to get a word in.
“Unlike other medicinal potions, my elixir will even clean your pipes as it goes through.”
Rob shook his head.
Carolyn watched Mr. Huckabee with her mouth open. He had her completely mesmerized. And Sally was fascinated as well.
Rob couldn’t stand much more of this nonsense.
“I’d wager you feel better already. Tell me, what do you think of it, friend?” Huckabee draped his arm around Moss’s shoulder.
“Well, I cain’t say as I feel no worse, nor no better.”
Rob snorted again.
“Give it time, friend,” Huckabee patted Moss’s shoulder. “Let the elixir work. I guarantee this will have you mended in no time at all.”
Enough of this foolishness.
Rob spoke up. “We don’t have any money. He can’t afford your elixir.”
Huckabee hooked his thumbs into his vest pockets again and rocked back on his heels as if he were thinking. “Perhaps we can make a suitable arrangement to both parties.”
“That so?” Moss seemed eager to get some of the special potion for himself.
“You come with me to the next town and help me sell some of my elixir, and I’ll give it to you for helping.”
“That sounds fair.”
Rob rolled his eyes. Royal J. Huckabee was a smooth-talking snake. Couldn’t Moss see that? “We’re headed south, and we’re not backtracking.”
“Why, that’s just the direction I’m headed. We can travel together, and I’ll share my meals with you.”
“That’s mighty kind of ye.” Moss shook the man’s hand.
Rob grunted. So much for Moss understanding that Rob was in charge. The old fool. Huckabee’s food tasted good, but Rob never put himself in a position to owe anyone.
Men like Huckabee would always make a deal. He didn’t trust the man, but Moss had made an agreement.
Carolyn skipped around to the back of the wagon and peered through the black cloth that hung down.
Huckabee hurried over to her and pushed her away saying, “Time to pack up.” He patted her back. “Go help your mother.”
Rob watched with amusement.
He doesn’t want her to see what he’s got back there. I wonder what it is.
He wasn’t sure it was a good idea to be in this man’s company when they entered a town. They’d best part on the outskirts of town before the man got them into trouble.
Rob had heard of old Indian remedies, old folk remedies and old African remedies, but he’d never heard of Huckabee’s Fantastic Elixir. He wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out to be creek water, molasses and whiskey.
Soon they’d packed and were moving again.
Huckabee never seemed to quit talking. He was telling Carolyn stories and once he finished he lit into a song. She giggled and clapped, entranced by the man.
Sally smiled when Rob rode up beside her. “Mr. Huckabee certainly keeps her entertained doesn’t he?”
“That man could charm a rattle off a snake,” Rob replied.
Since he’s familiar with their ways, being a snake himself.
Rob’s brows drew downward in a frown. He didn’t like Carolyn spending time with the man. “He wants something. Mark my words. And don’t let her out of your sight.”
Sally gave him a considering glance, but said nothing.
He wished he knew what she was thinking. Especially as that look of sadness came over her.
Rob watched Sally and wondered what went through her mind. What made a woman stick with a man who was no good? It would shock her to hear Luke was robbing banks. How would she take the news? Would she panic in worry over her son and confront Luke? She’d likely do something foolish and get herself shot.
She needed a good man to take care of her. He wished he could be that man.
Huckabee started talking to Sally, and Rob watched as her features became more animated. What was it about that stuffed suit that fascinated everyone so? He’d never heard so much blather in his life as what came out of that man’s mouth. Huckabee talked more than a woman.
Moss muttered to his horse as he rode along behind. “That gal is in love and it ain’t with Luke. I ain’t never seen a pair like them two. Her lit up like a house afire, and him flyin’ like a bee to the flame.”
What was he saying? That Sally and Huckabee were falling for each other? Surely not.
He watched them and his mood darkened. Perhaps Moss was right about Sally. “House afire” indeed. Well, Rob was no bee, and he sure as shooting wasn’t flying into any flame. He’d keep control of himself with Sally. But he’d best throw water on her
“house afire”, before Huckabee got any ideas.
He motioned Moss closer. “How’s that elixir working?”
“Not so good.”
“Maybe you ought to tell him.”
Moss rode up to Huckabee’s wagon. “I done took that elixir agin’ an’ I ain’t noticed no change a’tall.”
“It takes time for my elixir to work,” Huckabee reassured him. “And sometimes an extra dose helps to get things started.”
“I wished I never packed that whiskey away,” Moss muttered to his horse. “I’ll swipe me a quick swallow when we stop. Them pains is bad, Coal Miner.”
The horse’s ear twitched.
They reached the outskirts of town as evening approached. They rolled into town and Huckabee took his wagon to the blacksmith shop to have one of his horses re-shod.
Soon, a heavy-bodied sheriff walked toward them as they tied their horses. He was out of breath. “We don’t want any flim-flam shows here in this town.”
Huckabee straightened and solemnly said, “Oh no, sir. Of course you don’t. I’m having my horse shod and we’ll rest here tonight, then tomorrow we’ll be on our way.”
“You do that.” The sheriff walked away.
Huckabee watched him quietly for a moment, then smoothed his vest as if wiping away any worries and began to hum.
“But, Mr. Huckabee,” Sally said, “why didn’t you tell him about your elixir? And how can you sell it if you can’t stay in town?”
Huckabee smiled an oily smile. “I’ll camp on the edge of town, in the middle of the road. Then I’ll walk into town and ask the people to come out and visit before we leave.”
Rob frowned with distaste. It was a sneaky plan. The man wouldn’t be selling inside the town, a mere technicality, but he’d be selling. And then he would move on. By the time the townsfolk figured out the potion was no good he’d be gone, taking their money with him.
Rob knew he was right about the elixir. It had done nothing for Moss. He’d seen the old man take sips of whiskey when he’d thought no one was looking.
Though every time he mentioned the elixir, Moss said, “It’s workin’ on me insides,” and pretended he was fine.
Rob waited until Sally took Carolyn to the general store and Huckabee went into the blacksmith’s to pull Moss aside.
“Listen, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to help him sell his elixir. You heard what the sheriff said.”
“I give my word on it. An’ I done drank that whole bottle of elixir too.”
Rob looked at Moss with a frown. “You can’t believe it’s done you any good.”
“Well, now it’s takin’ some time.”
“That’s why you’ve been sipping whiskey when you thought no one was looking.”
“Now he said it don’t kill pain. I’m jus’ takin’ it ’til it do work.”
“It’s never going to work. That’s why he moves on right after he sells it.”
Moss shook his head. “Now you ain’t a doctor. “
“And that’s nothing but creek water. Tell me, what did it taste like?”
Moss considered. “Well, it didn’t have no taste, or no scent, but he done told me that.”
“Like creek water, no taste, no smell, no color and no cure.”
Moss grew quiet and a muscle in his face twitched.
“You don’t want to go to jail for working a flim-flam.”
“I done give my word. More’s the pity.”
Moss looked sad and Rob felt sorry for him. “Sell it if you feel you have to, but once you’re done we ride away, fast. Else he’ll have you selling in every town between here and Mexico. If you don’t end up in jail first.”
“I din’t say I’d do it ferever.”
“No.”
“He only give me one bottle.”
“That’s right.”
“Well, have them horses saddled and ready. Soon as he’s done we’ll ride off.”
“That’s all I’m asking.” It was all he could hope for, since Moss was intent on honoring his word.
“I don’t s’pose we ought to eat no more of his vittles.”
“That’s the bargain he made. See that he holds up his end of it.”
Moss nodded. “I reckon if he done fed me creek water I ought to get more out of it than that if’n I’m gonna hep him.”
Rob clapped him on the back. “Let’s go have breakfast.”
They found Huckabee in the blacksmith shop talking excitedly about his elixir.
The blacksmith had streams of sweat rolling down his face. He grimaced as he worked.
Rob suspected the grimace was as much from having to listen to Huckabee as the hammering of the anvil. He watched as Huckabee pushed his sale, barely taking a breath before winding up again.
The blacksmith pounded harder on the horseshoe to flatten it as if he could drown out Huckabee.
Moss winked at Rob then interrupted. “Say, Royal, the little gal is hungry. Ye reckon we might set up camp soon an’ rustle up some grub?”
Huckabbe turned and smiled. “Why, certainly. I’ll be along as soon as I’m finished here.”
The blacksmith spoke. “I’ll send a boy to fetch you when I’m done.”
He clearly was glad to be rid of the salesman.
“No need,” Rob said, “I’ll wait here. You two go on ahead.”
Huckabee nodded to Rob. “Why, thank you, sir.” He grabbed Moss’s arm and whispered in his ear as they went out the door.
Rob watched them go. “That man never stops talking.”
“Never complain about a paying customer, my Pa always said.” The blacksmith wiped the sweat from his brow. He looked as if he would’ve said more but held back.
Rob chuckled. “But that one would wear a man’s ears out.”
“That’s right and I was hoping I’d lose my hearing what with all the pounding. But I couldn’t be so lucky.”
They both laughed as he went back to work.
Once he’d finished Rob said, “I’m looking for a man named Luke Wheeler, might’ve come through here a few months back.”
The blacksmith grew solemn. “Why are you looking for him?”
Rob explained about Sally.
The blacksmith shook his head. “He’s bad news. Cleaned out a few men at poker and robbed a poor widow woman, skipped out without paying room and board and left her daughter brokenhearted. The daughter tried to follow him and ended up working at a saloon the next town over. She’s with child. Says it’s his. You sure your Sally wants to find him?”
“She’s determined. Was he traveling with anyone or was he waiting for anyone?”
“I got the feeling he was a loner. I heard he had a young boy with him, but I never saw the boy. I don’t know if he met up with anyone or not.”
“Thank you for your help. Do me a favor though and keep the information about Sally quiet.”
“I won’t mention it.”
Rob strode off toward the campsite. He smelled chicken and biscuits as he neared. He was glad he’d had time to walk and consider what Luke was up to.
Carolyn danced out to greet him and his heart gave a lurch.
She skipped along singing and took his free hand in her slight one.
“Mr. Rob, can you play the guitar? Mr. Huckabee gots one.”
“It’s been a while, but I’ve played some.”
“Oh!” She gave a high skip and a bounce as she squeezed his hand then went running off toward the fire, pulling him behind her. “Mama! Will you sing, Mama?”
“After dinner.”
Rob fed the horses then they ate.
Huckabee lectured about what he expected of each of them tomorrow at the show. He’d thought up something for everyone.
Annoyance crossed Rob’s face. “Absolutely not. Carolyn will have no part in this.”
“But I assure you, she will enjoy helping and no harm will come to her.”
“Carolyn will be with me. We have other details to see to,” Rob said firmly.
Huckabee settled his hands on his hips. “What?”
“We’ll be looking for people who’ve seen her papa.”
It was the first thing he could think of to shut Huckabee up. But he’d spoken without thinking. And as soon as the words were out of his mouth he realized he’d made a mistake.
Sally gasped and put her hand to her brooch. She came toward him and placed her hand on his arm. “You’ve had word of Luke and Matthew?”
He nodded. “He stayed at a boarding house near here.”
“Then we’ll go directly and ask.”
“We’ll go in the morning after breakfast. The proprietor is an old widow and can’t be disturbed this late.”
“Oh.” Sally sagged, but her eyes were lit up like candles. “Does the widow know where they headed? Has she seen Matthew? Is he all right?”
“We can ask those questions tomorrow. Get Carolyn to bed. Tomorrow will be a busy day.” He stepped into the shadows.
“Mama, sing.”
Sally looked toward the shadows of the tree where Rob stood. “Sweetheart, not tonight. We have a big day tomorrow and we need our rest. Go to sleep now.”
Rob leaned against the tree watching her smooth Carolyn’s face. He’d made a mistake telling Sally. Now he’d have to follow through. But maybe this could be useful. The proprietor might take pity on a woman and child who’d been deserted. They might learn more than if he went alone.
He’d gotten himself into this particular mess out of concern for Carolyn. But he didn’t want her selling the elixir and he couldn’t understand why Sally would allow her to help Huckabee. She’d even asked him to give Moss another bottle of elixir.
But Moss had patted his pocket where the bottle lay and said he’d aplenty and was doin’ fine.
Rob closed his eyes to think. Tomorrow would be a busy. Huckabee would stir things up and in the commotion, they would all slip away.
Away from one mess and into another.
He’d stop in the saloon the blacksmith had mentioned, but Sally had no business in such a place. He’d never felt such a combination of responsibility and lack of control. And he didn’t like the way Huckabee stared at Sally. If she were Rob’s woman and the child his, he’d have plenty to say about what Huckabee had in mind for them.
If he couldn’t have her, Huckabee damned sure wasn’t going to have the honor.