“My Father Sent Me In My Sister’s Place,” She Said… “Get In The Wagon,” Was His Reply
Chapter 4
Eliza found Samuel standing in the yard before dawn.
“What happened?”
He handed her the letter.
She read it.
Her face went pale.
“They found me.”
Samuel nodded.
“I knew they would.”
“Then why did you bring me here?”
“Because you needed somewhere safe.”
“They’ll hurt you.”
“I know.”
She looked at him.
“You don’t have to protect me.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Samuel looked toward the hills.
“Because I already decided.”
Eliza’s voice softened.
“What did you decide?”
“You weren’t going to Blackwater Valley.”
She stared at him.
“What if they kill you?”
Samuel checked his rifle.
“Then they will have to work for it.”
Eliza almost smiled.
“You really are stubborn.”
“So my mother said.”
That surprised her.
“You had a mother?”
“Yes.”
“What happened?”
“She died when I was young.”
Eliza lowered her eyes.
“So did mine.”
Silence settled.
Then Samuel noticed something.
“Your father.”
“What about him?”
“Why would he send you instead of your sister?”
Eliza hesitated.
“My sister was promised to Whitlock because of a debt.”
“What debt?”
“I don’t know.”
“Your father owes him money?”
“He said he did.”
Samuel frowned.
“Your father owns three hundred acres.”
Eliza looked at him.
“You know my father?”
“Everyone knows Hart’s farm.”
She lowered her voice.
“He lost most of it.”
Samuel stared.
“When?”
“Last year.”
“How?”
Eliza shook her head.
“He signed papers.”
“What papers?”
“I don’t know.”
Samuel understood.
Whitlock wasn’t simply trying to marry her sister.
He was taking their land.
