upon your pretty little--er--rump within the wagon, and one of my men
will drive.'
'You wouldn't dare! I'll tell your superiors' -- 'You tell them anything
you want. Want to test me?'
She gritted her teeth and stared into his eyes.
'I need that press, Lieutenant.'
He stood still, hard, cold, immobile. 'Lieutenant, please! I need that
printing press! It would only take your men a few minutes. Please!'
For a moment he continued to stare at her. Then he turned around,
calling to Sergeant Monahan. The men were ordered to move the press into
one of the wagons that could still roll.' Private Harper!' Slater
called.
'Hitch your horse to the rear and drive the extra wagon.'
'Yes, sir!'
Tess exhaled slowly. Lieutenant Slater east her a hard glare, then
turned around. He strode away, calling for his men to see to the last of
the fires, then mount up. When he had gone, Tess realized that the
handsome Indian with the striking eyes was silently watching her. He
saluted with a smile, as if she had managed very well. Then he, too,
turned away.
Tess was certain it was a long day for the cavalry. The men were
accustomed. to moving quickly--now they were burdened down by the
wagons. The landscape was beautiful-- and monotonous. The land was a
constant pale, dusty brown, the little bit of color against it the dull
green of sage and cactus.
She was determined not to complain, but the dust soon covered her, and
after endless hours of driving the six mules that pulled her wagon, she
was exhausted. Her arms hurt in places where she hadn't realized she had
muscles. She could have said something, she was certain. The majority of
the young cavalry men were kind and solicitous, riding by her whenever
they could, asking her if she needed anything. But each time a man drove
by, she saw Lieutenant Slater in the distance beyond him, and so she
smiled sweetly and said that she was doing very well.
He had to stop. He had to stop sometime.
He finally called a halt when the sun began to fall into the horizon and
the whole world went pink again. He stayed away from her, but she knew
he was watching her. Was he judging her?
Trying to decide if she was crazy or if she was having female whimsies?
She had to keep a tight lid on her temper. No matter what he did or
said, she had to keep quiet. When she reached his fort she would speak
calmly and rationally with the commander, and she would make him
understand.
'Miss. Stuart!' Sergeant Monahah rode over to her, then dismounted from
his horse.
'Let me help me you down, miss. I'll see to your mules and the wagon.'
'Thank you, Sergeant. I can really' -- She broke off, nearly falling as
he helped her from the wagon. He held her steady as her feet touched the
ground, and she smiled for him.
'Thank you again. I guess I do need some help.'
'At your service.'
