JACOB BARRINGER MOANED softly as he rolled to his side. Opening his eyes in the fading light, he watched the trees swirl in circles overhead. Whoever or whatever had hit him on the head had done a real good job. Struggling to keep his eyes open, Jacob thought he heard the muffled barking of dogs. Maybe someone could help him. Maybe there was a chance they’d hear his call for help.
Pushing up on his side, Jacob cried out in pain and collapsed against the bank of the river. An icy cold washed over him, and all at once Jacob realized he was partially submerged in water.
By nothing more than sheer will, Jacob struggled to inch himself out of the water. He would freeze to death if he stayed there, and only God knew how long he’d already been there. He touched his aching head and noted that his hand was sticky with blood. Jacob’s stomach gave a lurch at the sight.
The sound of the dogs seemed to fade and grow muffled. Jacob strained again to take in his surroundings. Tall spruce stood guardian around him, and jagged rocks lined the river on the opposite shore.
“Where am I?” he wondered aloud. He couldn’t remember a thing. He couldn’t imagine why he was here at the edge of this river. What river was it?
He heard the dogs again and called out, “Help me!” His voice sounded weak and unnatural. Straining to sit up against the trunk of a nearby tree, Jacob tried again. “Help!” He closed his eyes and thought to pray, but blackness surrounded him and there was nothing more.
When Jacob opened his eyes again, he was surprised to find himself warm and comfortable and inside a room he didn’t recognize. He tried to remember what had happened, but his memory failed him. Then after a moment he remembered traveling on the river with a group of companions. He had worked to earn his keep. Yes! He thought for a minute, closing his eyes. I was headed to Dawson for gold. But what happened?
“So you’re awake.”
Jacob looked up to find a grizzled old man staring at him from a doorway. “Where am I?”
“Back room of the Mud Dog Saloon,” the man said, then spit on the dirt floor. “Found you on the side of the river.”
Jacob nodded with a brief recollection of the icy water. “I don’t know how I got there.”
“Well, I figure you were either coming through the rapids and got thrown overboard, or someone jumped you and left you for dead. Either way, you weren’t in good shape.”
Jacob reached his hand up to his forehead and felt the knot that seemed to throb with every beat of his heart. “I don’t remember what happened, but I thank you for your help.” He looked to the old man who seemed no bigger than his own five-foot-six-inch frame. Jacob’s father might have called the man wiry. He was skinny but muscled in a way that left Jacob little doubt he could fend for himself.
“So what town is this?” Jacob asked.
“Whitehorse.”
Jacob remembered the name. He had been headed to Whitehorse—that much he could remember. But why couldn’t he remember what had happened?
“I know I was coming this way,” he told the man, “but . . . well . . .” He shrugged. “Guess I’ll never know.”
The old man shook his head. “Don’t see as it much matters. It’s done happened, and you can’t very well take it back.”
Jacob nodded. “Did I have anything with me? My pack?”
“Nah, you barely had the clothes on your back.”
Jacob eased back against the pillow. “Well, I thank you for what you did, mister. I’m beholden.”
The man started to leave, then turned back around. “The name is Cec Blackabee. When you get to feeling better, we can talk about you working to pay me back.”
————
Karen put aside her happiness over Adrik in order to concentrate on Leah and Grace. Neither one looked well. “Adrik says we’re stopping in Whitehorse. He wants you both to see the doctor.”
“Nonsense,” Grace replied. “I’m fine. A decent meal or two and I’ll be back on my feet.”
Leah gave her a solemn nod. “Me too. I don’t want to stop now. We’ll never get to Dawson before the snow if we don’t keep moving. I have to find Jacob.” She fell into a fit of coughing that ended with the teen gasping for breath.
“Yes, I can see that you’re just fine,” Karen replied. “Nevertheless, I promised Adrik I’d heed his wishes.”
“Well, that’s a first,” Grace said, moving to sit beside Miranda.
Karen thought her pallor rather green as they floated down the river on their way to Whitehorse. “Well, now that I’ve agreed to marry him, he thinks I owe it to him.”
Miranda smiled. “I’m so happy that you’ve found each other. I sometimes despair of ever finding true love.”
Grace patted her hand gently. “You will. Never fear. God has a special man out there for you—somewhere.”
“That’s right,” Leah said softly. “Who knows, maybe he’ll own a big old gold mine, too.”
“It couldn’t hurt,” Miranda said with a laugh.
“Maybe he’ll be European royalty,” Grace said, nudging Miranda good-naturedly. The younger woman blushed but said nothing.
Karen smiled. “Well, either way, we’re tying up in Whitehorse, and I’m to see you two to the doctor.”
“It’ll just cost more money,” Grace protested. “We’ve already spent so much of what we started with. The taxes, extra supplies, the boat, and the tramline—it’s all taken far more than we’d ever dreamed.”
“I know exactly how much it’s cost us,” Karen answered, “but we’re stopping and that’s final.”
Whitehorse was already a booming town with businesses and riverboats lining her shores. Ferry service was for hire to take you all the way up to Dawson, if you were of a mind to part with your cash. Tents were staked in every conceivable nook and cranny, and saloons and gambling halls abounded.
Karen was almost disappointed to be set again in such civilization. She’d rather come to enjoy the isolated ruggedness of the life they’d been leading.
“Miranda, if you don’t mind staying here with Crispin,” Adrik said as he came ashore with the others, “I’ll escort these ladies to the doctor. We can all go exploring later, but I’d just as soon have someone keeping an eye on the boat. We don’t really know much about this territory, and I wouldn’t want to see us lose everything now.”
“I’d be glad to stay,” Miranda replied with a glance toward Crispin. “I’ll have Mr. Thibault entertain me with stories of his youth.”
Crispin bowed low. “Always a pleasure, ma’am.”
Karen grinned and looked at Adrik. “I don’t think either one will be too put out with the arrangement.”
Grace turned to Adrik, as well. “I really don’t need a doctor, but I do think we should have one look at Leah.”
Adrik put his arm around Grace’s shoulder. “There’s no sense in taking any chances. You haven’t been feeling well. You might as well see if there’s something wrong.”
Grace shook her head and looked from Adrik to Karen. “I know what’s wrong, and the doctor can’t help me. At least not for several months.”
Karen eyed her friend curiously. “What are you saying?”
Grace’s face reddened. “I’m going to have a baby.”
“What!” Karen exclaimed. “Why didn’t you say so sooner? How long have you known?”
Adrik looked positively stricken, but Grace reached out to touch his forearm. “I’m sorry for not telling you, but I knew you’d leave me in Dyea, and I couldn’t let that happen.”
“You mean to tell me you’ve known about this since then?” Adrik questioned. “You climbed the Chilkoot carrying a child?”
Obviously uncomfortable with the personal nature of the conversation, she could only nod. Karen, scarcely able to comprehend this information, stepped forward to embrace her friend. The news left her completely speechless, as it did the others.
Karen looked past Grace to Adrik’s accusing expression. Shaking her head, she whispered, “I swear I didn’t know.”
Grace pulled away. “Look, I know this is a shock, but there’s only a couple of weeks left at most and then we’ll be to Dawson City.”
“But that’s just the start of it,” Adrik replied. He brushed back his dark hair and looked to the sky.
“I can’t believe Peter just ran off and left you there, knowing you were going to have his child.”
“He didn’t know,” Grace replied, tears coming to her eyes. “I barely knew the truth of it myself. I fully intended to tell him, but he never came back.”
At this, Miranda rushed forward to take Grace in her arms. “Oh, poor dear. Never worry. We’ll make a way. I’ll be there to help you through this.”
Karen felt a twinge of jealousy at the way Miranda seemed to cut in on her friendship. She had been like a mother to Grace for over ten years. If anyone would see Grace through this, Karen intended for it to be her own duty.
“We will all help you, Grace. But more importantly, we need to find Peter. He must be told about his coming child.”
Leah began to cough. She’d said nothing up until that time, but the fitful spell brought all attention to her. Adrik put his hand on Karen’s shoulder. “I’d suggest we get Leah to a doctor and discuss this matter with Grace upon our return.”
Grace nodded. “Yes, please. Get Leah some medicine and then come back and we’ll talk. I’ll stay here with Miranda. You’ll see, I’ll be just fine.”
Karen hesitated. She didn’t like being dismissed from her friend’s side. Nevertheless, as Leah’s guardian, she had to see to her responsibilities. Looking to Adrik, she saw the deep concern in his expression.
“Come along, then.” She reached out to pull Leah to her side. “We’ll be back as soon as we can.”
————
Adrik couldn’t believe the turn his life had taken. He would never have seen himself playing escort to a boatload of women. Only Crispin’s presence kept him from being completely befuddled. And now . . . now he had to face the responsibility of a pregnant woman being among their group. What more would he endure before the trip was finished?
God, he prayed as he wandered the street outside the doctor’s tent, I don’t know what you have planned, but it sure looks like quite a confusing load. I find a woman to marry, even though I never figured to be marrying. I find myself taking on the care of not only a wife, but a young girl—and her brother—if we ever find him.
He paused and looked back toward the river. It wasn’t what I planned on. The turmoil settled sourly in his stomach. And now this. Grace Colton is going to have a baby. What more can be heaped upon us?
The real fear in his soul, however, had to do with their rapidly depleting finances. He was almost afraid to check the ledgers and see what exactly they had left. They’d all been good to pool their money and supplies, but there was only so much to go around. He’d hate to have to ask Crispin for help—or anyone else, for that matter.
“Oh, there you are!” Karen called as she came from the tent with Leah. “The doctor said her lungs sounded clear, so it isn’t pneumonia.” The petite girl’s blue eyes were as big as saucers against her milk-white face.
“Well, that’s good news,” he said, forcing a smile for Leah’s benefit. “I guess it’s sheer orneriness that’s making you cough.”
Leah smiled, as he’d hoped she would. She leaned toward Adrik, rather embarrassed. “The doctor said I had to drink whiskey.”
“What!” Adrik roared without thinking. “What in the world . . .” He saw Karen shaking her head as if to show her disapproval at his reaction. “What is she talking about?” he asked, calming considerably.
“He doesn’t have any medicine. At least nothing that isn’t laced with opium. I won’t have her taking that. It’s addictive,” Karen answered. “The doctor suggested we give her whiskey instead. Just small amounts to help the cough dissipate.”
Adrik calmed. Of course, he thought. That made sense. “I’ll have to scout out some.” He leaned toward Leah and nudged her gently. “You’ll be the scandal of us all.” She laughed, but this sent her into a fit of coughing once again.
Adrik straightened. “Look, I’ll walk you two back to the boat and then go after a bottle.”
“We could use some other things, as well.”
“Make me a list, then. I’ll get whatever I can find.”
Adrik left the women safely in Crispin’s care before heading back to the main part of town. Crispin and Miranda had already begun to set up camp not far from where the scow was docked. Adrik was glad they’d have a few days to rest and make repairs. The boat was holding up well, but there were places that had been damaged by the journey through Miles Canyon, and this would give him a chance to strengthen and improve their lot before heading back toward the Yukon.
Of course, there was still the matter of dealing with Grace’s news, as well as seeing to his own change of matrimonial state. Karen wanted to marry as soon as possible, and it wouldn’t surprise him at all if she suggested they wed right there in Whitehorse. Perhaps he should scout out a preacher as well as a bottle.
He tried not to have misgivings. It wasn’t for a lack of loving Karen that he felt apprehensive. Facts being what they were, it was probably because of his love that he worried about rushing into marriage. After all, he was already facing the responsibility of one pregnant woman. What if he married Karen right away and she found herself in a similar fashion?
Listen to yourself, he chided. You’ve lived in this wilderness all your life. You’ve gone from plenty to poverty and back again. This is a good land with a heap of opportunities. There’s no reason to fear raising a family here any more than anywhere else.
But in his heart, Adrik realized it wasn’t his own inabilities, but rather Karen’s that worried him. She was city born and raised. Sure, she’d endured an Alaskan winter, but there had always been a harbor and a ship that could take her back to Seattle. There wouldn’t be a ship up here. At least not one that could escape the frozen north on a year-round basis. What if she found herself hopelessly unhappy? What if they married and after a time she couldn’t bear living in the wilds? Adrik certainly couldn’t envision living in a city down south. What would they do then?
There was no time to consider the matter further. The crooked sign of the Mud Dog Saloon caught Adrik’s attention. This would be as good a place to start as any. He walked through the open door of the poorly built log cabin and waited a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dark.
“What can I do for you, stranger?”
Adrik looked in the direction of the voice and squinted at the old man. “I came for whiskey. I need a bottle.”
“Well, it’s not going to come cheap,” the man said, reaching down behind the counter. “I only sell the best here.” He slammed a small bottle up on the counter.
“It’d better be the best,” Adrik said, stalking toward the bar. “I have a sick child who needs it.”
The man shrugged. “Don’t much matter to me one way or the other. It’ll cost you ten dollars for a pint.”
Adrik knew the man could probably name any price and get it. Without the promise of regular supplies, they were definitely at the mercy of whoever had the goods this far north. Still, there were other saloons in the town. Maybe he should check them out instead. He glanced at the door.
“Maybe I’ll try elsewhere,” Adrik said, looking back to see how his words had affected the clerk. Bartering was nothing new to the north, and Adrik was better at it than most. Problem was, he really had no desire to spend the rest of his day looking for a good deal.
The man spit again and scratched his chest. Adrik could see the ragged state of his long underwear beneath his thin flannel shirt. Apparently his profits didn’t extend toward replenishing his wardrobe. Figuring the old man wouldn’t budge on his price, Adrik started for the door.
The older man muttered under his breath, then said, “Well, seein’s how this is for medicinal purposes and all, maybe I could give you my special rate. Eight dollars.”
The negotiations were open. Adrik smiled. Perhaps they could reach a compromise. Reluctantly he pulled out the money and put it on the bar.
“Six,” Adrik said firmly. “I still have food to buy.”
The old man looked at the money, then back to Adrik. “Well . . . I suppose . . .” He reached for the money and quickly shoved it in his pocket.
Adrik took the bottle and pocketed it in turn. He’d just tipped his hat when he heard a familiar voice ask, “Where you want these, Cec?”
Adrik turned on his heel, unable to believe his eyes. “Jacob?”
The boy’s eyes positively lit up. He put the tray of glasses on the counter and ran to Adrik. “I can’t believe it’s you!”
The two men embraced and pounded each other’s backs as though they’d been parted for years instead of months.
“You’re as thin as a rail,” Adrik said as Jacob stepped back.
“Oh, it’s been bad. Had the typhoid in Bennett. Then I finally got started for Dawson again and met with a bad end. Cec here found me half dead.”
“More like three-quarters dead,” the old man said, spitting to one side.
“What happened?” Adrik asked.
“Well, as best as Cec can figure out, the men I was traveling with did me in. They took my gear and left me for dead. Either that or I fell out of the boat when we came through the rapids, but if that were the case, I would’ve had my watch and money in my pocket. It was all gone when Cec found me.”
Adrik eyed the codger suspiciously. “I can well imagine.”
“Weren’t my doin’, mister, so stop lookin’ at me like I sunk the Maine.”
Adrik nodded. “Well, I’m grateful you found him. His guardian is going to be mighty glad to know he’s safe.” He turned back to Jacob. “Get your gear—or whatever you have coming to you. We’re docked on the north side.”
“Whoa, now,” Cec called out. “You can’t just up and take the boy. He owes me.”
Adrik forced his temper to remain under control. He nudged Jacob in the direction he’d just come. “Get your things.” Jacob nodded and disappeared while Adrik walked back to the counter where Cec stood. “Just how much do you figure the boy owes you?”
“Well, I did save his life. And I’ve been feedin’ him all this time. Oh, and I gave him a change of clothes.”
“How much?”
He could see the old man nervously trying to figure out how much he could wheedle out of Adrik. Finally, Adrik had more than he was going to take. He reached into his pocket and pulled out several bills. “Here. I don’t imagine it was more than this, and if it was, we can take it up with the law.”
The old man shook his head and snatched the money. “No, this’ll be just fine.”
“I thought it might.”
Jacob came back carrying a rolled-up knot of clothes. “I’m ready. Who’d you travel with, Adrik?”
Adrik waited until they were outside and headed back to the boat before answering. “You’re going to find this hard to believe, son—after all, I find it hard to believe myself. I’ve come here with Karen and your sister, as well as Grace Colton and her sister-in-law. Oh, and my friend Crispin Thibault joined us along the way.”
“Leah’s here?” Jacob asked as if he’d not heard anything else. He stopped and turned in disbelief. Dark half-moons under his eyes were more apparent in the sunlight.
The wind picked at the boy’s sandy brown hair, pushing it around just enough to reveal a rather nasty cut at the hairline. Adrik reached out and pushed Jacob’s hair back. “Yes, Leah’s here, and I think that old man was right. You probably were three-quarters dead with a gash this size.”
Jacob pulled away and kept walking. “Don’t worry about me none, Adrik. I had a headache for a few days and I bled like all get-out, but I feel fine now. Is Leah all right?”
“She’s a bit under the weather, but not too bad off. I came to the saloon for some whiskey. Doc figured it would do her good, help with her cough.”
“But she’s going to be all right?”
Adrik could read the worry in the boy’s eyes. “Why don’t you ask her yourself? We’re setting up camp just over there. But, Jacob, there’s just one thing.”
The boy looked to him and stopped in his tracks. “What?”
“I think it might be best if we leave out the part about you being three-quarters dead when we tell Karen about this. She’s been worried enough about losing you, and it was all I could do to keep her from coming for you the day after you disappeared. She’s here because of you, and it wouldn’t do her any good to add more guilt to how she’s feeling.”
“She’s up here because of me?” Jacob asked in disbelief.
Adrik could see it impressed the younger man. So many folks he’d cared about had left him behind, he was probably amazed to learn that someone would actually chase him down. “Yes, she’s here because of you. Leah too. There didn’t seem to be any reason to stay in Dyea when they were worried over how you were doing.”
Jacob bit his lip and looked away. “I won’t say a word about the accident.”
“Believe me, things will go better for both of us if you don’t.” Adrik put his arm around the boy and laughed. “You know how Karen can be.”
Jacob looked up, wiping a tear from his eye. “She’s a real lady, Miss Karen. She’s got a good heart.”
“That she does, but I feel I should tell you,” Adrik said, laughing, “we’re going to get married. So don’t be getting any ideas about her.”
“Married! That’s great!”
They were nearly back to the camp by now, and Adrik could see the women helping Crispin set up the second tent. Leah was nowhere in sight, and Adrik figured she was snuggly tucked inside the erected tent.
Karen was busy helping to secure the tent pegs. She worked silently with a small wooden mallet as Crispin adjusted the guy lines. Adrik marveled at her efficiency. She never complained, yet Adrik knew many a time she was spent of strength and hope. Now that she’d managed to regain her faith, Adrik saw her anger fading with each passing day. And as the bitterness left her, a new, stronger woman seemed to emerge. How could he not marry her? He couldn’t imagine life without her. He’d become so attached to her these past few months that to let her get away was simply unthinkable.
“Karen,” Adrik called. “I have what you’ve been looking for!”
Karen looked up, and for a moment her face registered nothing but a blank, rather stunned expression. Then realizing the identity of Adrik’s traveling companion, she squealed with delight and came running across the short distance.
“Oh, Jacob!” She wrapped herself around the boy, who was nearly as tall as she was. “Oh, you’re here. You’re safe.”
Adrik exchanged a smile with Jacob over Karen’s shoulder. “I thought you might want me to bring him back rather than the other things you sent me for. Oh, but I did bring the whiskey.” “Oh, I’m so happy to see you!” Karen exclaimed. She stepped back and held him at arm’s length. “Oh, you’re so skinny. You must be starving.”
“I’m doing all right, Miss Karen. How’s Leah?” Jacob asked softly.
“Go see for yourself. She’s in the big tent,” Karen replied. “Oh, she’ll be so happy to see you. This will do wonders for her—much better than any medicine or whiskey.”
Jacob took off running, forgetting all about the pack of clothes he’d dropped on the ground.
“Come on,” Karen said. She picked up the clothes, then pulled Adrik along. “I want to be there.”
Adrik wrapped his arm around Karen’s waist and together they walked past Grace, Miranda, and Crispin. Pausing at the open flap, Adrik could see Jacob kneeling beside his sister. He held Leah in his arms as she cried.
Adrik reached for Karen’s hand. “Let’s give them some time alone.”
Karen seemed reluctant but finally picked up her steps. When they were back near the boat, she threw her arms around Adrik and hugged him tightly. “You are the most incredible man in the world,” she declared. “I simply love you more and more every day.”
Adrik held her tight. “There wasn’t much to this one, Miss Pierce. The boy just sort of came to me. I think God had more to do with this one than I did.”
Karen pulled back and frowned. “Well, if He sends Mr. Colton your way, let me know. We’ve got one problem solved, but there’s that new one to deal with. Grace’s baby is due shortly after the New Year, as best we can tell.”
Remembering their situation, Adrik felt the weight of his responsibilities falling heavily on his shoulders. “We ought to find a way to get her back to Dyea or Skagway. She could take a boat out and at least return to San Francisco.”
“By your own admission, it’s too late to turn back. She’d not make it before the snows got heavy and the rivers froze over.”
“I know. It was more wishful thinking than anything.”
“We’ll just figure this out as we go,” Karen said softly. “You keep reminding me that God has a plan.”
“Yeah, but He doesn’t seem exactly eager to share it with me.”