The Key of Skeleton Peak by Brad McLelland

Author:Brad McLelland
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Pages ripped from the journal of Red Jeffreys, dated 17 July 1833:

This morning dawned harsh, with storms upon the plains. We continued our push on to the Rocky Mountains, our destination. We skirted Fort Calhoun, deciding on a northwestern direction toward the Platte River, at which point the winds turned exceedingly cruel. A large tornado formed to the west, and the Reverend commanded that we go to ground at the nearest settlement.

Whiskey Nelson returned from scouting with news of a large homestead nestled inside a nearby valley. We descended upon the ranch house to find it occupied by one person—a woman, no older than eighteen years of age. Having buried her kin a few weeks prior, she lives alone in the wilderness, tending seven head of cattle, three horses, and numerous acres.

The Reverend ordered that we seize the house. The young woman put up a furious fight, but Sagebrush and The Gambler subdued her and we took shelter in the homestead. Black Wood expressed trepidation that we should be so cruel to a mourning woman, but the Reverend commanded the woman be bound and one of her cows slaughtered for ration.

I find my soul dismayed over our actions but lack the courage to speak. The only one among us to offer kindness to our captive is Black Wood, who offered her food. He spoke his Osage name.

I overheard the whisper of her own name. Erin Hart.

Tomorrow we continue our journey to the Rockies, where the Enforcers will explore the mountain known as Skeleton Peak. I go in fear.

—R.J.

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