Forever by Your Side (Willamette Brides #3) - Tracie Peterson Page 0,91

people at every reservation to help us get weapons into the hands of the Indians, as well as whiskey and anything else that won them over to our side. Samuel told me that Mr. Smith had seen great success doing things this way.”

“Who is Mr. Smith?” Wells asked.

“It’s an alias used by Senator Singleton’s son, Clint Singleton. He went by the name Mr. Smith so that no one could tie them together. His father helped finance everything, and since Smith—Singleton—was an Indian agent at Grand Ronde, he was the perfect man to work with us. He helped us connect to the other reservations.

“The plan was that the Indians would rise up with faulty weapons. Most wouldn’t have firing pins, but some would. We knew the Indians would kill some settlers, but it was necessary to force the government’s hand. The Indians would be shot down by soldiers or by white men who had been let in on the scheme. The hope was that all of the Indians would be killed, and if not, then they would be rounded up from the various reservations and sent together to another location. We knew the public outcry would be enough to force the government to do as we demanded and get rid of the Indians once and for all. Then the reservation land would be available to us to purchase.”

The poor secretary could hardly keep up.

“I never wanted to be a part of the scheme, but Samuel Lakewood threatened to destroy my business and see me bankrupt. I have a family to care for and could hardly ignore the threat.”

“We understand that, Mr. Carter,” Major Wells replied. “That’s why we’re offering you a deal. You tell us everything you know and agree to testify against Singleton, and we will protect you and your family.”

Carter took out a handkerchief and mopped his perspiring brow. “I’m just so worried that we won’t be in time. The attack is set for tomorrow.”

Chapter 21

Realizing how long it would take to reach Grand Ronde with the supply detail, Connie changed her plans and chose instead to take the train to Sheridan. From there she could rent a horse and ride the twelve remaining miles to Grand Ronde. This would allow her to sneak back to her house without being seen.

It wasn’t an ideal choice. There would be no moonlight to see by, but thankfully Connie knew the area quite well and figured that once her eyes adjusted, she’d get by fine. If only the government had carried through on one of their many proposals for spur-line connections, but it seemed that plan after plan either failed to materialize or went bankrupt trying. There was always river travel, but that required finding a boat headed the right direction and would let others know what she was up to.

On the train ride down, Connie thought about Tom. Why hadn’t she allowed herself to see how ideal he was? There was, of course, his lack of belief in God. She knew it was wrong to be unequally yoked, but even so, she knew in her foolish heart she probably would have overlooked that had she realized the depth of her feelings for Tom. Maybe it was God’s way of protecting her. She knew her parents would never have approved, and she would have had to defy them. Seven years ago, Connie could see herself going against everyone who said she couldn’t marry the man she loved. The thought made her sad. Would she truly have ignored the Bible’s warning and her own beliefs? Caught up in a moment of emotion, Connie feared she would have done just that.

“But now he believes in God—or at least he’s starting to,” she murmured to herself.

As the train neared Sheridan, Connie began questioning her plan. This was a very dangerous situation, and yet she’d thrown caution aside. She could have sent a telegram to Tom.

But a telegram would have been intercepted by Clint. He always had a favorite Indian runner bring him any and all telegrams before they were delivered. Even Father Croquet had his messages looked over. Clint said it was the right of the Indian agent. The way Connie saw it, it was just Clint’s way of keeping track of what was going on.

In Sheridan, Connie managed to rent a horse only after the current livery operator brought his father over to the livery to confirm who she was. The old man remembered her after Connie reminded him of a few stories related