Stone Hand

CHAPTER 1

Jason Coles stepped down from the saddle and dropped Henry’s reins. He stood and watched for a few moments while the horse drank from the tiny stream, really just a trickle through the soft rock of the hill above him. It was a long way between water holes in this part of the territory and Jason let the horse drink his fill. He knew Henry would not take on more than he needed. He was an Indian pony.

Jason had traded for the horse with an Osage scout two years before. He had cost Jason a Henry rifle, so Jason thought it appropriate to name him Henry. It had been a good trade for both of them, the horse and Jason. Henry had turned out to be the stoutest horse Jason had ever ridden. The Osage hadn’t treated the horse well, so it turned out to be a better deal for Henry, too. Jason had another horse that wasn’t exactly a slouch either. A little mare named Birdie, she had black stockings on her forelegs and a little white patch in the middle of her chest that looked like a bird in flight. Both horses were unshod. In his business, it was safer to leave unshod hoofprints in case a war party happened upon his trail.

He stretched hard to pull some of the stiffness out of his muscles. He had been riding since sunup and he still had two days’ riding ahead of him before reaching Camp Supply, although the going would be easier once he hit the main trail. He didn’t ordinarily like to travel stage roads, but it had been four years since the Cheyennes moved onto the reservation at Camp Supply and there had been no real hostile activity in this part of the country. It was still considered hostile territory, however, because of a few scattered bands of renegades, so Jason was careful to maintain a sharp eye.

In the saddle again, he settled into Henry’s easy gait and let his mind rummage through the events of the past couple of days. The message he got from Colonel Holder, summoning him to Camp Supply, held an urgent connotation although it offered no details as to the employment the colonel had for him. Jason had worked for Holder before, in the summer of ’69 on a campaign that set out from Fort McPherson, Nebraska, headed for the Republican River. The expedition was accompanied by a whole battalion of Pawnee scouts but Holder had wanted Jason to go along as his own personal scout. Jason went but he didn’t have much to do with the Pawnees. He preferred to work alone. It wasn’t that he thought he was any better scout than the Pawnees. It was just his way. He had always relied on his own intuitions and intuition was as big a part of scouting as reading sign.

He was jolted from his thoughts by the sharp crack of a rifle, army carbine by the sound of it. It was followed by a series of shots, some of them from a muzzle loader. He figured it had to be an attack on a settler’s wagon because he was less than a mile from cutting the trail to Camp Supply. Somebody was in trouble. He prodded Henry gently and the pony immediately took up a canter. By the time he emerged from a treeless ravine and climbed to the top of a rise, the firing had subsided to an occasional shot from the rifles. Below him, in a stand of cottonwoods, he saw what the shooting was about.

It appeared to be an army ambulance, half hidden from his view by the trees, and three, maybe four, soldiers were shooting from under it. Their attackers, some dozen or more Indians, were shooting at them from two sides. Jason took a moment to assess the scene before he took any action. Evidently the Indians had ambushed the ambulance when it entered the trees. It was Jason’s guess that the raiders were after guns and ammunition because there was only one old musket between them and it was misfiring half the time. The rest of the raiding party were using bows. It didn’t look like much of a raiding party to Jason. He wondered why the troopers didn’t go out after them. They had rifles. It wouldn’t take much to discourage that bunch.

Hell, Henry, I reckon we’d better root ’em out of there or them poor soldier boys will lay under that wagon till they run out of ammunition.

Keeping low behind the rise of the hill, he circled around behind until he had a clear field of fire. Then he left his horse and crawled up to a point behind a fallen tree. From there it was a simple matter to bring his Winchester to bear on the attackers and he methodically began to pick off one after the other, taking out three of the party before they figured out what was going on. In a matter of five or ten minutes, the rest of the raiders were scrambling to get to their ponies and, taking their dead with them, quit the fight. Jason stood up and watched until they disappeared over the horizon.

They were a pretty sorry-looking lot, he muttered to himself. Renegade Cheyenne, I expect. They look like they’ve seen better days. Glancing back toward the trees, he saw a soldier crawl out from under the ambulance, looking first at the departing Indians, then back at Jason. Jason called out, I’m coming in. Hold your fire. He turned to retrieve his horse.

Well, sir, I’m mighty glad you come along when you did. The man who spoke wore the uniform of a sergeant, with the insignia of the medical service. Behind him, two privates crawled out from under the ambulance. They were followed by an officer dusting the sand from his uniform. By the insignia on his lapel, Jason saw that he was a doctor. In a glance, Jason summed up the situation, a doctor and his orderlies. What, he wondered, were they doing out here away from the post? It was lucky he came along. No doubt they would have laid under that wagon and shot up all their ammunition. Then the renegades would have walked in and scalped the lot.

Looks like you folks were in a tight spot, Jason said. What in hell were you… He stopped in midsentence, his thoughts interrupted by the appearance of a figure behind the wagon wheel. Crawling on her hands and knees until she cleared the wagon bed, she then stood up and began to vigorously brush the dirt from her riding skirt. Jason was stunned. She glanced up briefly and smiled at him, more interested in removing the dust from her skirt.

Jason watched, fascinated. It had been some time since he had seen a white woman. This alone, in a place like this, was enough to leave him speechless for a moment. Even allowing for that, this woman was as out of place as if she had come from the moon. It was not her outfit alone, attire more suited for a canter in the park in Philadelphia perhaps. It was more than that. Her face was alive with the sparkle of youth and her skin as fair as a spring morning. Jason hardly heard the surgeon’s words as he expressed his appreciation for Jason’s sudden appearance.

I want to thank you, sir, for coming to our aid. Jason nodded, and he continued. We were in a desperate situation. I’m Captain John Welch. I’m on my way to Camp Supply—temporary duty to set up a field clinic.

Jason shook the outstretched hand. Jason Coles, he replied, his gaze still fixed on the vision that had appeared from behind the wagon wheel. Her skirt now thoroughly dusted, she approached him.

We are certainly in your debt, sir. She smiled and extended her hand. Jason clutched it awkwardly. I’m Sarah Holder.

Jason Coles, he blurted. Her smile warmed him like sunlight. He had to lecture himself to wipe the foolish grin from his face before the lady marked him for an idiot. He didn’t know why he seemed struck dumb by the appearance of this splash of original beauty in this drab territory but he knew he’d better come back down to earth. I’m pleased to meet you, Miss Holder. Then he paused. Holder? You wouldn’t be kin to Colonel Holder, would you?

He’s my father. I’m on my way to visit him now.

Well, I’ll be… He didn’t finish, somewhat surprised that Lucien Holder would permit his daughter to come out to a desolate place like Camp Supply. It was hardly the kind of place a man would want his daughter, especially if she looked as genteel as Sarah Holder. Well, he decided, it wasn’t his business. Camp Supply, he stated. That’s where I’m heading. Your daddy sent word he wants to see me.

Good, the doctor chimed in, maybe you’ll ride along with us.

I reckon, Jason answered, noting the smile his reply brought to Sarah Holder’s face.

Jason was immediately taken by the young woman. There was something about her that struck a chord deep within him, a chord that had been mute for years. What was it about her that aroused long-forgotten feelings? It was more than the natural loneliness that was common baggage for life on the western frontier. Then it struck him. Sarah Holder bore a striking resemblance to a young girl of eighteen who would always occupy a small corner of his subconscious mind. Her name was Kathy and she had loved him and they were to be married when she returned from a visit with her grandmother in St. Louis. Only she had never returned to Kansas, where he had waited. He had long ago decided that she had been too perfect for this world and that was why she was taken from him. There had to be a reason for her to be taken at such a tender age. Her death was so sudden and unbelievable—a rock slide had caused the stage she traveled in to venture too close to the edge of a deep ravine. The driver escaped by leaping from the coach as it tumbled over the side. Kathy, her mother, and father, all three were killed.

He shook his head as if to clear the memories from his conscious mind. He had tried to make it a rule never to dwell on what might have been. Even though more than ten years had passed since that fateful day, he still found it painful to recall. Sarah Holder had brought back thoughts he had sought to forget. Things happen the way they’re supposed to, he told himself. Looking now at the smiling face of Sarah Holder, he thought, if I were a few years younger, I might give that dashing young doctor a ran for his money.

Once the party was under way, Jason pulled up alongside the doctor. Captain, what in hell are you people doing out here with no escort?

Captain Welch shrugged. He made no attempt to hide the sheepish expression on his face. It was my understanding that the Cheyennes were at peace and had been for several years. We were going to have to wait three more days at Ford Cobb before a military escort was provided. Miss Holder arrived at the fort and was anxious to see her father. So I figured it would be all right to escort her myself.

Didn’t anybody tell you there were still raiding parties out here? Jason found it difficult to believe they were permitted to set off across the territory with no more protection than one doctor and three orderlies, none of whom appeared to be the least bit familiar with the rifles they carried. It was the answer to a renegade Indian’s prayer.

We were warned, but I guess I underestimated the danger. He shrugged off the responsibility for his rash judgment. We are supposed to be at peace with the Indians. Anyway, it turned out all right. You showed up in the nick of time.

If I hadn’t, your scalps would be flying on a Cheyenne lance right now, except for the woman’s. She’d be on her way to a Cheyenne camp.

But you showed up, Welch insisted.

I reckon, Jason replied. The doctor was oblivious to the consequences that might have resulted from his naïveté, consequences that should have resulted from an action so stupid.

*   *   *

Mr. Coles.

Jason glanced up when he heard his name called. He was checking Henry’s right front hoof for sign of a stone bruise. He had crossed through a rocky region a few days before and he thought there might be the possibility that his horse had caught a sharp edge. Henry appeared to be all right. He dropped the horse’s hoof and straightened up. Miss Holder?

I wanted to tell you we have plenty of food and you’re welcome to join us. Captain Welch brought enough provisions for three more days and, since you say we’ll make Camp Supply by tomorrow afternoon, we have enough for a banquet. That is, if you can consider salt pork and biscuits proper fare for a banquet.

He returned her smile. Why, ma’am, that sounds like a real feast to me.

Good. There’s no sense in your sitting over here by yourself when we’re all traveling together.

Jason blushed a little as he fumbled for an explanation. Well, I didn’t want to impose myself on you folks. I know I don’t look too presentable after being in the hills for the past six months. I don’t reckon you see many half-wild men back East in… He hesitated.

Baltimore, she filled in the blank.

But, if you don’t mind my scruffy appearance, I’d be delighted to join your party. First I’m gonna take a little look-see around our camp to make sure we don’t have any guests without invitations.

After satisfying himself that the Cheyenne raiders were no longer in the area, Jason unsaddled Henry and joined Sarah and the doctor at their campfire. The three enlisted men sat off to one side, nursing their own campfire, a fact that amused Jason. There they were, six souls, out in the middle of the Oklahoma territory, and protocol dictated separate fires for the officer and the enlisted men when there wasn’t much firewood to be found in the first place.

If you don’t mind me asking, ma’am, does Colonel Holder know you’re coming to see him?

Well… She hesitated, a hint of a guilty smile parted her lips. It’s going to be a surprise.

Jason thought this over for a moment before replying. It sure is, he said.

Do I detect a hint of disapproval in your tone, Mr. Coles? Her voice held a touch of amusement. It was apparent that she was unconcerned with what others might think regarding her actions.

Oh, no, ma’am, not in the least. It sure ain’t my place to approve or disapprove of what anybody does. But you sure will surprise your daddy. I know that for a fact.

Oh? Is there some reason I shouldn’t be going to see him? Camp Supply is a military post. Is it not?

Well, I guess some folks might call it that, he allowed. Injuns, maybe. But I’m afraid you might find it offers rude accommodations for the fair sex. Camp Supply ain’t much more than a field camp and a Cheyenne reservation.

I’m sure my father will be happy to see me, she insisted. And I don’t need genteel accommodations, Mr. Coles. I’m not as fragile as you may think.

He had to smile at that. Yes, ma’am. I didn’t mean to be rude. I was just surprised you were going to Supply, that’s all. I’m sure you can handle it.

Sarah Holder was not a woman easily impressed by just any man she happened to meet. She suspected that there might be something more to this seemingly simple man than he openly displayed. Possibly, he was justified in questioning her judgment to journey unannounced to see her father but it didn’t worry her. Though young and only recently graduated from finishing school, she was none the less secure in her self-knowledge and confident that she was fully competent to make her own decisions. This was probably a result of having a father who was absent from home most of her life, stationed in some remote wilderness like Camp Supply. Constance Holder had been a loving, almost doting, mother until pneumonia claimed her life two weeks before Sarah’s seventeenth birthday. Her aunt, though a willing substitute for Sarah’s mother, was no match for her headstrong young niece. Consequently, Sarah did pretty much as she pleased. And at this point it pleased her to go to visit her father at this desolate outpost on the frontier. She was to begin her tenure as a teacher in Baltimore in the fall and thought this the best time for a visit with her father before she embarked on a career. Aside from a desire to visit her father, this would probably be her best opportunity to see the frontier. She and her friends had often wondered what it must be like to actually see wild Indians in their rugged homelands. The thought never failed to excite her and on a sudden whim she had decided to make the trip that summer while she had the time.

She had no thoughts regarding marriage at the moment. There had been opportunities but none that provoked even a spark of serious consideration. Though it may have frightened most girls her age, she was not concerned by the thought of facing her twenty-first year without any prospects of marriage. Marriage would come, she was reasonably certain. But when it did, it would be of her choosing and not from fear of becoming a spinster. Besides, there was a desire on her part to taste at least a small sample of life outside the protected womb of the classroom and her mother’s house.

Already her impulsive journey to Oklahoma Territory had provided adventure unimagined by her friends back East. Traveling alone with an army officer and three enlisted men would seem shocking to her girlfriends at school. Sarah saw nothing wrong with it. The three soldiers were distant and respectful and Captain Welch had behaved gallantly. The surgeon was obviously taken with her beauty and charm. Of that she had no doubt and she had to admit that she had a more than casual interest in the young surgeon. He did present a rather dashing figure in his captain’s uniform. But for now, she simply enjoyed his attention to her. She was not prospecting for romance.

And then there was this strange creature who had appeared out of nowhere to save them from the savages, this Jason Coles. What was she to make of him? A wilder-looking man she could not imagine…little more than the wild Indians he had driven off, judging by his appearance. She couldn’t resist wondering what he would look like without the face full of whiskers and the worn buckskins. He was obviously younger than she had thought at first glance. She felt a strong desire to peel away the rough bark to see what was beneath. She knew one thing for certain, she felt a great deal safer with Jason Coles along.

*   *   *

By midafternoon of the following day, the rough structures of Camp Supply came into view. The little party made its way directly toward the rows of tents some distance apart. The headquarters tent was easily identified by its size and the flagpole in front.

Sergeant Major Maxwell Kennedy emerged from the large tent, coffee cup in hand, and took a few steps in their direction as they approached. Hello, Jason. I see you still ain’t lost your scalp yet. He eyed the ambulance with open curiosity. What have you got there?

How ya doing, Max? Jason turned to follow the sergeant major’s glance as Captain Welch helped Sarah Holder from the wagon. A little surprise for Colonel Holder, he said. A pleasant surprise, I hope.

The sergeant major stood beside Jason, saying nothing more, waiting for the explanation that would account for the unexpected appearance of an attractive young lady in the midst of his raw military world. Maxwell Kennedy was a patient man who had lived the army life since he was a boy of eighteen. His was the patience that comes with twenty-four years of unexpected and unexplained events. He watched with some interest as Captain Welch graciously saw to the young lady’s comfort before concerning himself with reporting. Kennedy looked the young woman over, unabashed, obviously evaluating her qualities. Sarah, in return, stared back at him, favoring him with a warm smile.

Satisfied that Sarah was safely dismounted from the ambulance, Captain Welch stepped up before the sergeant major. Sergeant, I’m Captain Welch. I’m to report to Colonel Holder.

Yessir, Kennedy replied, unimpressed. He offered the captain a halfhearted salute, the coffee cup still in the hand he saluted with. You’re the sawbones we were told we were getting. We didn’t expect you till next week.

I know. I decided to come on earlier to escort Miss Holder.

This caused a spark of interest in the sergeant major, evidenced only by the slightest raising of one eyebrow. Miss Holder? I thought she must have been your wife.

Sarah stepped forward. I’m Sarah Holder, Colonel Holder’s daughter. She extended her hand. You must be Sergeant Major Kennedy. My father has mentioned you in his letters.

Yes, ma’am. Kennedy’s weathered features relaxed into a broad grin. Why, I’m right glad to meet you. He transferred the