“Again, it’s none of your concern, but don’t hurt her. I have plans for her.”
“I just don’t understand why. It makes no sense.”
“Are you going to follow my orders, or should I seek out someone else? You know what happened to Pritchard when I lost confidence in him. I’d hate for the same thing to happen to you.”
He saw fear wash over Gerome. It gave him a sense of strength he’d not felt in some time.
“I’m glad we understand each other.”
“I still can’t believe they kicked you out of school with graduation just weeks away,” Nancy said at breakfast the next day. Everyone at the table shook their heads in agreement. “And all because of your charity work. That hardly seems right.”
Faith tried to smile. “I must admit, I’m still in shock. I was so close to getting my certificate and seeing all of my hard work pay off.”
“Well, I’m glad your father is helping you.” Nancy passed a bowl of oatmeal to Faith. “If anyone can get this straightened out, he can.”
Faith hadn’t told Nancy the details of the dismissal. Had she done so, she was pretty sure Nancy would change her tune.
Mrs. Weaver shook her head. “This world is just falling to pieces. So much hatred. But don’t despair, Faith, dear. You will overcome. I just feel certain of this.”
“We must pray that God will let wiser thinking prevail,” Bedelia declared. “After all, you were working for His glory and in His name. He won’t leave you orphaned now.”
Faith appreciated all the encouragement but knew they were unaware of the real reason she’d been dismissed. “How is Alma?” she asked, trying to change the subject.
“All but healed,” Mrs. Weaver said. “She was impressed by how quickly the illness faded after your healing touch. See there? You don’t even need a certificate. God has given you a natural ability.”
Again, the topic had been brought back to Faith’s situation. She supposed there was no hope of getting the women onto another topic. This was understandably a concern to each of them. They cared about her and wanted good things for her. She had spent many a night in study only to have one of the ladies slip into her room with a cup of hot tea and cookies. They always asked how her classes were progressing—especially Clementine and Mimi. They were all so good to her, and she couldn’t blame them for wanting to figure out a way to help. However, she just didn’t feel up to the conversation.
“You have all been so kind, but I need to be alone.” Faith pushed back from the table and stood. “I appreciate you all more than I can say.”
With that, she left for the solitude of her room. She couldn’t bear to discuss her lost dreams. She wasn’t even sure she could pray.
Andrew gave his men the order to secure the load before making his way from the ship with Major Wells.
“My men removed all of the firing pins, as you clearly saw,” Major Wells said, “with exception to those rifles on top. That way if someone insists on checking the quality and firing ability of the weapons, they won’t be disappointed.”
“I feel better knowing the pins are missing. I’d hate to think of a real war breaking out.” His grandfather had told him many times of the terrible wars of days gone by. Andrew knew war took its toll on both sides, but inevitably it would be the Indians who lost the most.
“We’ve got all the information we need from you. We’ll wire ahead to have the boat under observation via various ports and checkpoints. Don’t fear, you’ll be under constant monitoring.”
“I understand.”
Wells paused when they reached the end of the dock and extended his hand. “Good sailing, Captain. Our prayers and best thoughts go with you.”
Andrew nodded. “Thank you. I’m hopeful we can put an end to the threat of an uprising.”
Wells looked grave. “As am I. Many of the soldiers under my command are just boys. They aren’t old enough to have seen the Rogue River Wars. Some were even too young for the Nez Perce Wars.” He shook his head. “They’re all fired up and anxious to confront what might come, but they don’t understand what they’re facing. I’d rather they never know.”
Andrew couldn’t agree more. Grandfather always said there was nothing like war to alter the heart of a young man.
He left the major and signaled for his men to cast off.