“My Father Sent Me In My Sister’s Place,” She Said… “Get In The Wagon,” Was His Reply
Chapter 3
Eliza noticed the change in his face.
“What is it?”
Samuel stepped closer.
“May I see that?”
She removed the pendant.
He turned it over.
On the back were three letters.
H.H.
His father’s initials.
“How did your mother get this?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did she ever tell you?”
“She said it belonged to someone who saved her life.”
Samuel looked at the pendant again.
“When?”
“Before I was born.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know.”
Samuel handed it back.
His mind raced.
His father had died when Samuel was nineteen.
He had never spoken about a woman named Hart.
But there had always been one mystery.
A year before Samuel was born, his father disappeared for nearly six months.
He returned with no explanation.
His mother never asked questions.
Samuel had never understood why.
Until now.
Eliza saw his expression.
“You know something.”
“I know my father owned a pendant like this.”
She looked surprised.
“Are you saying my mother knew him?”
“I don’t know.”
“Then why are you helping me?”
Samuel looked at her.
“I haven’t figured that out either.”
That night, Eliza slept in the cabin.
Samuel sat outside.
He could not stop thinking about the pendant.
Just before midnight, he heard a horse.
He stood.
A rider approached the ranch.
Samuel reached for his rifle.
The rider stopped.
It was a boy.
No more than seventeen.
He carried a letter.
“Mr. Hayes?”
“Yes.”
“This came from Hart’s farm.”
Samuel opened it.
Only six words were written.
Give us Eliza or die.
Samuel folded the letter.
The boy looked frightened.
“Mr. Whitlock’s men are coming.”
Samuel looked toward the dark horizon.
“How many?”
“Enough.”
