Read Online Eyes of Eagles by William W. Johnstone - Free Book Online Page A

one.” He added a most disgusting phrase concerning Jamie’s mother.
    Jamie left the porch like a mainspring that had been wound too tight. His moccasins hit Abel flush in the face and Reverend Callaway winced as the sound of Abel’s nose breaking crunched its way to him. Jamie whirled and kicked out, his foot striking Jubal behind one knee and bringing the boy down in the dirt. Then Jamie was all over him and had drawn first blood before Sam and Abe could rush out of the store and separate the boys. From the look on Jubal’s face, the older and bigger boy was mightily relieved that somebody had broken up the fight.
    Reverend Callaway stepped out. “Jamie didn’t start this, Sam, Abe. And the Jefferson boy didn’t have anything to do with it.” He told the merchant and the farmer what had happened just about the time Sheriff Marwick came puffing up.
    â€œYou again!” he shouted to Jamie. “Damn little half Injun troublemaker.” He started toward Jamie and Sam stepped in front of him.
    â€œI’d suggest you hear what Reverend Callaway has to say about it, Sheriff. And don’t you ever call Jamie that again. Or I’ll call you out and we’ll settle this with pistols or blade. Your choice.”
    Marwick sputtered for a few seconds, but he really wanted no trouble with Sam Montgomery. Sam was rich — to Marwick’s mind — and wielded considerable power in the community. Besides that, after he’d witnessed the beating Sam had administered to Hart Olmstead, he was more than a little afraid of him.
    The sheriff listened to the preacher and shook his head. “Them boy’s daddies ain’t gonna like this none, Reverend. They’s gonna be trouble and it’s gonna be bad. One boy’s nose is busted and the other got kicked in the privates and can’t even get up. Lord God, where’d that kid learn to fight?”
    Sam looked at Jamie. The boy stood expressionless, his arms folded across his chest. There did not appear to be a mark on him. Sam looked at Reverend Callaway, who was also staring at Jamie. The preacher lifted one eyebrow in silent questioning.
    Marwick helped Jubal to his feet. The boy stood half bent over, both hands holding his aching groin and tears of pain and rage streaming down his face. “I’ll kill you!” he shouted to Jamie.
    Jamie shrugged his shoulders in reply.
    â€œYou boys get on home,” Marwick told the two agitators. “Move!” He looked at Robert Jefferson, still sitting on the edge of the trough. “What’s your part in all this, boy?”
    â€œNothing, Sheriff. I didn’t do nothin’.”
    â€œHe’s telling the truth,” Jamie spoke. He walked over to the boy and stuck out his hand.
    Robert looked at the hand for a few seconds, then stood up with a grin and shook the hand.
    Sheriff Marwick snorted in disgust and stalked off. Sam and Abe walked back into the store, Reverend Callaway with them. Jamie sat down on the edge of the watering trough with his new friend. He hesitated for a second, then gave Robert his last piece of peppermint candy.
    â€œHey, thanks! Where’d you learn to fight like that?”
    â€œAt the Shawnee town — warrior training.”
    â€œYou really took Injun warrior training?”
    â€œSince I was nine. I think,” he added. “I’m not really sure how old I am.”
    â€œYou look like you’re about fifteen.”
    Jamie shook his head. “Eleven or twelve. One or the other. I’m sure of that. You going to be at the to-do this Saturday?”
    â€œPlan to be. Pa says it’s gonna be a whing-ding of an affair. Ma’s got her party dress from the trunk and letting the wrinkles fall out. Pa’s gonna cut my hair this week.” He looked at Jamie’s long blond, shoulder-length hair, with all the berry dye washed out. “I wish I could grow my hair that way. You gonna cut it