Read Online Rose's Pledge by Dianna Crawford, Sally Laity - Free Book Online Page A

the blowing and clop-clop of the horses, the straining of leather, and an occasional birdcall or tree toad, her panic eased. Ahead of her, Mr. Smith continued on as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred, while she still trembled from head to foot—and this journey into the notorious unknown had only just begun.
    A familiar phrase popped into her mind. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death …”
    That’s where I’m going, dear Lord . As she felt herself losing the last shred of control, she recalled the rest of the verse: “I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.”
    Are You with me, Father? Will You come with me into this dark, mysterious land? Please don’t forsake me, Lord. I’m so alone .

Chapter 5

    T he woodland trail made a gradual ascent to higher ground as the afternoon slipped away. Now and then an occasional break in the dense forest growth provided Rose with a brief glimpse of a nearby stream paralleling the trail. Occasionally she heard disturbing and unfamiliar wild cries emanating from deep in the forest on either side. Determined not to let them affect her, she governed her emotions and watched Mr. Smith for his reaction. Nothing seemed to disturb him.
    His horse whinnied then, as did the others. The trader reined his animal to a stop and pulled a pistol out of his belt.
    Rose’s horse came automatically to a stop behind Mr. Smith’s, its ears perked and flicking from side to side. Rose tensed, wishing she had a firearm of her own for protection. She detected the sound of hooves coming toward them from the opposite direction and turned to glance at the Indian in back of her.
    He, too, had drawn a weapon. A big, long musket.
    From around a curve rode two bearded, scraggly, lean men attired in the fringed garb Rose had become used to seeing since her arrival in the backcountry. They also held weapons at the ready.
    “That you, Smith?” the lead rider hollered. “Thought fer sure the buzzards had picked them bones o’ yers clean by now.”
    “It’s me, all right. An’ still in the flesh, to boot.” He tucked away his pistol. “You boys headed in to spend yer money?”
    The man in front grinned, drawing up alongside Mr. Smith. “That’s the plan. Gonna have me a high ol’ time with—” Catching sight of Rose, his mouth gaped open. “Horsefeathers, Eustice. You got yerself a young white woman there!”
    He straightened in the saddle and lifted his bearded chin. “No. What I got me is a cook there. An’ don’t none of you yahoos forget it.”
    Dragging his eyes off Rose, the man swung around to the rider in back of him. “You see that? Smith’s got hisself a—a cook!” Turning again to the trader, his mouth went into a slack grin. “If ‘n you say so.”
    “I do.” His tone took on a defensive edge, and no smile softened his demeanor. “The gal’s me bondservant, bought an’ paid for with hard cash.”
    “Well, I’ll be dogged.” The newcomer’s eyes raked over Rose in a slow survey. “Where ‘bouts could a body find a cook like that, I’d like ta know.”
    “On the docks in Baltimore. That’s where.” The trader nudged his mount into motion and maneuvered it around the first rider. “Don’t have no time to chew the fat with you boys. We’re losin’ daylight. See y’all later.”
    Rose’s horse started dutifully behind him. As she passed the riders, she was extremely conscious of the way they filled their eyes with her as if they hadn’t seen a female in years. But then, all she’d seen for the past several days was men. The sight of another woman would be just as welcome to her. She’d be glad to reach Mr. Smith’s store and meet his wife. She was in dire need of feminine companionship herself at this point.

    In the waning daylight, Mr. Smith guided his mount off the path and into a small, level clearing, where he came to a stop. He swung down and approached Rose. “We’ll make camp here fer the night. My stomach’s