Read Online Mud Creek by Cheryl Holt - Free Book Online

period. The Indians had been contained, so there were no marauding bands to swoop in and steal them away. But there were plenty of other hazards. Snakes or wild animals. Male travelers who were far from civilization and the restraints that law and order imposed.
    James had been following them for four days, but Albert hadn’t noticed. There was no one else in the vicinity—James had made sure of it—but Albert never glanced beyond the tip of his nose. Anything could have happened, and James never ceased to be amazed at Albert’s lack of common sense.
    He often tried to predict when the entire family would pack up and move to safer environs. Then again, Walt and Albert Jones were the two most stubborn individuals he’d ever met. They were too proud to admit that they were in over their heads. They’d likely keep on until they keeled over from the strain.
    Footsteps sounded out in the shadows, approaching them, but James didn’t flinch. From the heavy strides, it had to be Albert.
    As he stepped into the light from the dying fire, he saw James with Helen. He wasn’t quick enough to mask his disdain. He’d never liked James, but the feeling was mutual, so James could hardly complain.
    “Blaylock,” Albert snapped, “what are you doing here? I told you that I didn’t need you tagging along after me.”
    “I wasn’t,” James lied. “We take the same route. You know that.”
    “Violet stumbled on him while she was walking.” Helen ignored Albert’s obvious displeasure. “He was camped nearby. She invited him over.”
    “Where is Violet?” Albert asked.
    “Still strolling in the grass,” Helen said.
    “The crazy girl will get herself killed,” Albert grumbled.
    James couldn’t argue the fact, so he had no comment.
    “Mr. Blaylock has a salve for my poor, burned face,” Helen mentioned, struggling for amiability in an encounter that was patently disagreeable. “It will protect my skin from the sun and the wind.”
    Helen had intended the remark as cordial conversation, so she wasn’t prepared for Albert’s hostility toward James.
    “Your Indian woman’s hocus-pocus medicine isn’t welcome at our place. Don’t be offering it to Helen.”
    “Albert, what is wrong with you?” Helen chided. “He was being neighborly.”
    “He’s butting in where he doesn’t belong,” Albert retorted.
    James sighed, wondering why he bothered with the man.
    Albert was surly and obnoxious and ungrateful, but they lived in a tough world. There was no point in harboring ill feelings. Why be rude? Why be churlish?
    Albert was holding a towel and a bar of soap. He whipped away and went over to the wagon to stuff them under the seat.
    When he spun around, James was standing.
    “I’d best be going,” James said.
    “So soon?” Helen’s voice quavered, and it was clear she would lament his departure.
    “I’m riding out early in the morning, so I better bunk down.”
    She would have pushed herself to her feet to give him a proper goodbye, but he waved her down. He could sense her fatigue.
    “No need to get up,” he insisted. He made a slight bow to her, when he’d actually like to squeeze her hand as he had when he’d arrived.
    “It was marvelous to see you again,” she told him.
    “I appreciate the hospitality,” he responded, and he left.
    He should have continued on to his campsite, but once he was hidden by the darkness, he paused, stupidly curious as to how they carried on.
    There was an awkward silence, then Helen said, “He seems friendly.”
    “He’s a braggart and a blowhard,” Albert fumed.
    “Well, I found him to be very pleasant.”
    “He’s not, and I won’t listen to you extolling his virtues.”
    Helen sucked in a shocked breath. “Honestly, Albert, you’re being ridiculous.”
    They might have quarreled, but Violet took that moment to return.
    “Where have you been?” Albert demanded.
    “Walking. Where do you think?”
    “It’s time for bed,” he advised. “Don’t let me