Title: Trial By Fire
Authors: Lisa3, Gap, Miranda, Andie, Charlotte


<<<< DISCLAIMER >>>>
Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the
LeSourd family.  The fanfic authors are in no way seeking
profit or credit for Catherine Marshall's story. They are
continuing the story of Christy for their own amusement only. 
Any additions in story line and characters were invented by the
writers.

Trial By Fire
Chapter 1
by Lisa3, Gap, Miranda, Andie, Charlotte


Setting: This story takes place during the TV series, sometime
before the episodes "Echoes" and "The Lie".

<<<<< >>>>>

The minute I stepped off the train I knew something had gone
wrong.  David waited for me on the platform, a smile pasted on
his face.  His voice was cheerful, too cheerful, as he welcomed
me back.

"How was the trip?"

"Wonderful.  I couldn't wait to get back, though, I brought so
many things for the children....  David, what's wrong?"

"Wrong?  Why do you ask?"

"You always look like that when your mother calls."

David's smile became stiff.  "I haven't heard from Mother
recently."  He stooped to pick up my valise.  "Jeb let me
borrow his wagon.  I'll get your trunk, then I have to stop at
the General Store for supplies.  Dan Scott won't be back for at
least another week from Freedom...."

I interrupted him.  "David, I'm sorry.  That was a silly thing
to say.  But is there anything bothering you?"

"Nothing the matter with me.  What could be wrong?  Miss
Christy Huddleston has returned to Cutter Gap after a long
absence."

I smiled a little at his flattery.  "And she can't wait to get
back to work."

To my surprise, David looked uncomfortable.  "We'd better get
going if we want to be back by dark."

I usually had trouble keeping up with David's long strides. 
But now I had to run in order to keep up with him.

"There is something wrong."

"Nothing for you to worry about."

"It's sweet of you to want to protect me, but I'm a member of
the mission staff, too..."

"There's no need for you to get involved."  He climbed the
steps of the General Store two at a time.

"If it concerns the children... David!"

"What?" His voice broke with exasperation.  The bell chimed
violently as he flung the door open.

I nodded at the door he was about to charge into ahead of me.

"Sorry."  David held the door open and allowed me inside.

I paused, letting my eyes adjust to the dim light of the store.
El Pano General Store could never compare to the stores in
Asheville, but it was a godsend to the people of Cutter Gap.

"Afternoon, Reverend.  What can I get for you today?"

"I need a new shovel..."

While David talked to the proprietor, I wandered around the
room to ease my restlessness.  During my vacation home, I had
called the mission several times.  Whatever happened to upset
David must have happened recently; Ruby Mae wouldn't have kept
any secrets from me.

"Hello, Miss Huddleston.  I don't suppose you remember me." 
Mrs.Tatum's kind voice jolted me out of my uneasy thoughts.

"Of course I do, Mrs. Tatum.  How are you?"

"Fine." She wasn't interested in talking about herself.  "I
hear you've just come back from a trip home."

"Yes, that's right.  I can't wait to start teaching again," I
added.  Mrs. Tatum had warned me against teaching at the
mission.  And from the look on her face, she still felt the
same way.

"You're set on that place, aren't you?  We've heard a lot about
your work.  Folk in Cutter Gap think a lot of you.  But you
just be careful.  You've done a lot of good, but..."

"But?"  After a month in Asheville society, I was tired of
insinuations and polite hedging.

Mrs. Tatum hesitated, choosing her words carefully.  "You've
changed a lot of things up there.  But that don't mean you've
changed the people."  She nodded good day, and walked out of
the store with her companion.  I overheard their whispered
conversation.

"That her?"

"Yes."

"That little thing?"

An angry flush warmed my cheeks.  It seemed like I had lived
years since that day I first stepped off the train in El Pano. 
But I still had to prove myself.  Tears pricked my eyes.  I
loved seeing my father and mother again.  But the Asheville
world had continued without Christy Huddleston, and I felt
awkward and left out.  I couldn't wait to get back to the place
where I belonged.  But maybe I didn't belong to Cutter Gap
either.

"Ready to go, Christy?"

I nodded, pulling myself together.

The storekeeper, having no other customers, was inclined to
chat.  "You must be looking forward to the new school year,
Miss Huddleston."

I smiled.  "Yes, I am."  I took David's arm.

"It's a shame about those children though.  Ben Pentland told
me how fond you were of the little ones."

My grip on David's arm tightened.  "David?"

"Goodbye, Mr. Jones."  He walked me out of the store.

"David, which children?"

He must have realized that I wouldn't budge without an answer. 
"Nathan O'Teale is back home."

"Nathan O'Teale?  The man who's an ogre even by Cutter Gap
standards?"

David looked startled at my abruptness.  "He's thick with
Bird's Eye and those other moonshiners, so he's set against the
mission.  He won't be letting the children come back to school
any time soon."

"Has anyone talked to him?"

David was grim.  "Don't get involved, Christy.  He'll be gone
again.  The children will be back before you know it."  He
swung the shovel over his shoulder and marched off to the
wagon.

But what if he doesn't leave?   As I hurried after David, I
wondered if I would ever see the O'Teale children again.


Chapter 2
by Andie, Charlotte, Gap, Lisa3, Miranda

In Chapter 1:  Christy returned to Cutter Gap after a trip
home, and learned that Nathan O'Teale had appeared, and was
keeping his children out of school.

+++++++++
Chapter 2

As the wagon bounced along, I sat next to David, answering his
questions with the proper sense of interest in the
conversation, but my mind was already busy at work.  I had come
too far, for too long, to let the O'Teale children's work be in
vain.  I didn't care what David thought.  I couldn't just sit
back and wait for the children to return to school.  Swannie
O'Teale's voice echoed in my head.  "My man don't take no
fussin' over gals.  He wouldn't like it that ya're here.  No
sirree."

The children had made so much progress.  Orter Ball O'Teale had
the same love of literature that Rob Allen did, and Becky was
so bright and inquisitive, and Mountie...  Mountie had overcome
so much in such a short time.  Her voice was still weak and
timid, but she could speak. And as much as I hated to admit it
to myself, she held a special place in my heart.  Oh, I loved
all the children, but poor, sweet Mountie had tugged at my
heart in a way that none of the others did.  Was it her big
blue eyes that peered out at me with a worn down and hopeless
expression that made her seemed years older?  Or was it that
she lacked the love of her parents that so many of the others
were lucky enough to have?  Maybe it was the way she took my
hand that first day of school and held on tightly even after
she had reached her seat.  Whatever it was, I knew that the
O'Teale children needed someone to care about them, and no
matter what it took, I was determined to be that person, no
matter what David said.

Finally we reached the mission house.  Ruby Mae bounded out to
greet me, her red hair flying.  "Oh Lordy, Miss Christy! I
missed you somethin' powerful.  How're your ma and pa?  Did you
go to any fine parties?  Oh, look at your dress!  I ain't never
seen nothin' so perty!"

"Thank you, Ruby Mae.  How is everyone?" I asked.

"Oh, we're fine. Did you hear `bout Mr. O'Teale?  He's done
come back."

"Yes, Ruby Mae.  I did," I said, as David swung me down from
the wagon.  I reached inside, pulled out my bulging valise, and
gathered my skirts.

Ruby Mae's eyes widened.  "What on earth you got in there, Miss
Christy?"

"Just some presents for the children."

"Presents?  All the way from Asheville?  For us?"

I turned to look at the young girl following on my heels.  Her
mouth was drawn in a broad grin.  Her blue eyes danced and, if
it was possible, it looked like she had acquired a new crop of
freckles since I last saw her.  Suddenly I felt guilty for
focusing on my budding plan.  "Of course.  I missed you all
very much."

"Oh, Miss Christy, I missed you too," she said, wrapping her
arms around me in a tight hug.

"Ruby Mae, doesn't thee think Miss Huddleston would like some
help with her bag," Miss Alice called from the porch.

"Lordy!  I plum forgot.  Here let me get that for you."  She
took the valise from me and started up the stairs, one arm
straining under the bag's weight and the other held out for
balance.

"Ruby Mae?  What did we say about taking the Lord's name in
vain," Miss Alice asked, her arms crossed over her chest and a
very stern look on her face.

"Oops, I forgot again.  I'm sorry, Miss Alice.  I'll do better,
honest."  She continued to struggle with the bag as she made
her way toward my room.  "Lordy, this thing is sure heavy," she
said about midway up the stairs.

"Ruby Mae!" Miss Alice called after her.

I couldn't help but hold my hand up to my mouth to stifle a
giggle.  "I see you haven't had much more progress on that
topic than I did."

"The Lord knows I've tried."  She took my hands, spread them
apart and looked at me from arm's length. "Asheville's been
good to you, I can see."

I blushed.  "I told Mother not to get me such a fancy dress. 
In fact, I was going to wear the same one that I wore last
time, but she insisted."  I looked down at the detailed
braiding on the front of my dress.  "I don't know where on
earth she thinks I am going to wear this out here.  It's not
exactly appropriate for milking the cow, is it?"

"Buttercup would appreciate it, I am certain," the Quaker woman
said, a serious look on her face.

I chuckled.  "I'm so glad to be home, Miss Alice."

She gathered me in her arms and gave me a hug.  "We're glad
you're back too."

After all of my luggage was placed inside my room, I went
downstairs to talk with Miss Alice who was sitting on the
divan, reading her Bible.

"David told me about Nathan O'Teale," I said.

"I see."

"Is he really as terrible as everyone says?"

"He's worse, if that's possible."

"Do you think he'll allow the children to come back to school,"
I asked.

She removed her glasses and placed them in her lap. "I wish I
knew, Christy.  However, I don't believe that they will return
until he leaves."

"Will he?  Leave?"

She stared out the window for a few seconds and then met my
gaze.  "He always has before, but I must tell you, Christy,
he's never been back this long.  I'm afraid that all long as he
is involved with Bird's Eye Taylor and the others making
moonshine, he won't be leaving any time soon."

I turned my back to her and went to the window.  Off in the
distance, just beyond the grove of pine trees and the path that
led down past the mission house, was the O'Teale cabin.  It was
too far away for me to see, but I knew that it was there.  I
had gone there not long after I had arrived in the cove. 
Months later, I could still smell the fetid odors inside the
cabin and it was all I could do to keep down the sandwiches
Mother had packed for me.

"We must pray and wait," Miss Alice said, placing her hand
comfortingly on my shoulder.

I turned to face her, not afraid to show the tears that were
now forming in my eyes.  "I hope that's enough.  It's not fair.
 The children have worked so hard."  She nodded, gave my
shoulder a squeeze, and left me to stare out the window.

<<< >>>

An hour later, I made my way along the well-worn path. My new
navy blue dress was tucked neatly into my trunk, and I felt
much more comfortable in my old clothes as I scrambled over a
tree that had fallen across the trail.  I was ignoring
everyone's advice; I knew that, but I was still determined that
maybe I could get through to Mr. O'Teale and convince him how
important it was that the children continue their education.

Before I rounded the last corner, I steeled myself against the
powerful smells that always permeated the O'Teale's yard and
cabin.  Yet it was not the familiar smell of stewing game and
herbs, or the lack of proper sanitation and hygiene that met me
but the acrid smell of blood and flesh.  I swallowed hard and
focused on my reason for being there.  The children were worth
any personal discomfort I had to endure.  A pine branch brushed
my cheek, and I pushed it back, grateful for the clean sent
that filled my nose.

The ramshackle cabin loomed ahead, its sides covered in skins
and animal skeletons.  My foot slipped slightly as I headed up
the slope toward the yard.  I glanced down at the hillside
covered in thick, crimson blood and gasped.  I quickly picked
up my skirts and considered retreating, but continued on.

I edged my way up the path, my eyes scanning the surroundings. 
Hanging from a large oak tree near the center of the yard was a
fawn colored doe.  Her rear hooves were held apart by a yoke
and chain that held her several feet off the ground.  She was
split from her chest past her stomach, her crimson flesh
standing out from the white of her rib cage and sinewy
ligaments.  On a nearby stump lay her entrails, a jumbled pile
of pink, gray, dark brown and red masses.  I felt my stomach
twist and turn as I fought to keep from vomiting.  I took a
deep breath and entered the yard, trying desperately to ignore
the smells and sights.

"Is anyone home?" I called.

A branch snapped just slightly to my right.  I whirled around. 
A sandy-haired man in a pair of tattered overalls glared at me.
 His eyes were a light blue, so light that they were almost
white, and his scraggly beard was covered in tobacco stains. 
"What ya doin' here," he snarled, revealing several yellowed
teeth.

"You must be Mr. O'Teale," I said, hoping that my voice would
convey a sense of composure that my weak knees refused to
provide.

"Yeah, and what's it to ya," he said and spat a thick stream of
tobacco onto the ground.

I reached out my hand, trying to ignore the congealing blood
that covered his hands and forearms.  "I'm Christy Huddleston,
the schoolteacher at the mission. I'd like to talk to you about
the children."

"Ain't nothin' to talk about.  They don't need no schoolin'." 
He turned his back to me and went back to skinning the doe. 
His knife made quick, slicing noises as he peeled the skin away
from the dark red flesh.

I stepped closer, avoiding the rivulet of blood that ran down
the hill.  Once again the sharp smell of wild game met my nose
as flesh, excrement, and entrails mixed into a sickening
mélange.  "Mr. O'Teale, your children are very bright.  They do
very well at school.  Why, Mountie..."

He spun to face me, splattering pieces of skin, sinew, and
blood over the front of my white shirt.  He held his knife
firmly in his hand and wiped the other across his forehead,
leaving a smeared trail of blood just above his eyes.  His eyes
narrowed as he snarled at me.  "That gal's just plain stupid. 
Shoulda died when she was borned.  I told my woman that I don't
want no one makin' a fuss over her, ya hear me?"  He raised his
knife until it was level with my face.  My eyes quickly ran up
and down the full length of the blood-covered blade.  I
swallowed hard.  "But Mr. O'Teale, Mountie isn't stupid.  She
can talk now."

His eyes narrowed even further and he leaned closer in toward
me, the knife coming to rest on my cheek. "I don't want ya
comin' 'round here no more.  And I don't want ya teachin' none
of my children.  Understand?" He cocked his head slightly and I
could feel the blade rotate in his hand so that the sharpened
edge lay directly against my skin.

I nodded slightly and stepped to the opposite side pulling away
from him and the knife.  Wordlessly, I grabbed my skirts and
hurried off back down the path, jumping over the now coagulated
river of blood.  As soon as I was out of sight of the cabin, I
slowed down to a walk.  My knees were shaking from either fear,
or rage, or maybe both.  How could he have said that about
Mountie, I thought.  How could I have let him? What a coward I
was for not trying to see her!

They were right.  Nathan O'Teale was a hateful man. But I knew
I needed to find a way to convince him to allow the children to
return to school.  Their education was important enough to me
that I was willing to confront an ogre like their father to
make sure that they returned to school.  Obviously, Mr. O'Teale
was not a man to be reasoned with, but there had to be some way
of reaching him.  Neither David nor Miss Alice wanted to take
action, and they were sure to have disagreed with my plan, I
thought.  As I reached a fork in the path back to the mission
house, I stopped.  There was one person who might help me find
a way of convincing Nathan O'Teale to allow the children to
return to school.  It was a long shot, but the O'Teale children
were worth it.  I cut through the woods to the cabin, hopeful
that I was indeed right.

Trial by Fire
Chapter 3
by Miranda, Charlotte, Gap, Andie, Lisa3

In Chapter 2: Against the counsel of Miss Alice, Christy paid a visit
to the O'Teale cabin, where she had a frightening encounter with
Nathan O'Teale.


It was early October and the newly fallen leaves crunched under my
feet as I neared the small cabin.  A fine trickle of smoke was
spiraling out of the chimney in a welcoming way that calmed my frayed
nerves. As I neared the open door, I heard the creaking of a rocking
chair on the wooden floorboards.  I had no time to say a word of
greeting before I was beckoned inside.

"Miss Christy, how nice of you to stop by."  Miss Hattie turned in
her chair, placing her knitting in her lap as I stepped through the
doorway.  "Welcome home."

Home.  Yes.  These mountains were home to me, in a much deeper sense
that Asheville had ever been. This latest trip to visit my parents
had taught me that.

"Thank you, Miss Hattie, I'm very glad to be back." As I took her out
stretched hand in mine, I sent up a silent prayer to God at how lucky
I was to call this woman friend.

"Child, call me Aunt Hattie, please.  I reckon you've earned that
right by now."  Her hand clasped mine warmly as I gazed at her serene
smile.  "Pull  up that chair over by the table and sit a spell."

I did as she asked, placing the chair across from hers, with both of
us in front of the fire, its warmth keeping the sting of the autumn
air at bay.  "Aunt Hattie, that's a beautiful pattern," I commented,
taking in the intricate design of dark blue yarn.  The pattern looked
very complicated, and to think that a sightless person could
accomplish this moved me.  For some reason, this made me even more
determined to help the O'Teales, as if I too could do anything I set
my mind to.

"I'm knitting a sweater for Neil.  He keeps me supplied in wool.  I
dyed the yarn from the juice of blueberries growing yonder in the
yard.  Tell me, how do you like the color?"

"It reminds me of the sky over the mountains just after a storm,
almost a royal blue color.  I'm sure Doctor MacNeill will love it."  

At the mention of the doctor, a thought hit me that maybe he could
speak to Mr. O'Teale, man to man.  Or would the grizzled moonshiner
reject anyone trying to help his children?  Oh, what was I to do?  It
wasn't in me to wait, as David and Miss Alice were doing.  I had to
do something to help those children!

Aunt Hattie's soft voice drew me out of my thoughts. "Tell me,
Christy, what's on your mind.  I know somethin's troublin' you."

Expelling a deep breath, I told her of my visit to the O'Teale cabin
just an hour before.  Aunt Hattie didn't utter a word until I had
finished.

"That Nathan O'Teale is a hard man."

I leaned forward in my chair, "But what made him like that?  You grew
up on this mountain, didn't you?"  At Miss Hattie's nod, I asked,
"Has Mr. O'Teale always been this hard, so devoid of feelings? 
Anything you may know may help me understand.  I just can't bear to
see the O'Teale children treated this way, and they're missing
school..."  My voice ended in a choked sob that I could not suppress.

"Christy, you musn't work yourself up so."  She reached out and
grasped my hand.  "Now let me see.  I remember Nathan's parents kept
to themselves mostly.  His pa was a hard man, too, and his ma didn't
make a sound unless spoken to.  She was a right beauty afore she
married O'Teale, but 'twern't long after the marriage that she wern't
seen around the Cove much anymore.  I suspected O'Teale was beating
her, but I could never get her alone long enough to talk to her.  But
if I recollect, Nathan's granny, his mother's mother, held a soft
spot in his heart.  She died when he was but twelve or so.  Her word
was gospel to him, and she loved him and showed him her love, unlike
his parents.  She died in a fire.  And when she died, it was as if he
died too.  I remember, at the funeral, Nathan was so grieved he
started crying.  His pa was so outraged that a child of his, his
first born, would cry like a baby, that he raised his arm and would
have struck him if Uncle Bogg hadn't stepped in and reminded O'Teale
that this was a funeral.  I suspect the beating came later."

I was horrified.  How could parents treat their child like that? 
Besides Bird's Eye Taylor and Nathan O'Teale, I hadn't come across
any other of the Cove's parents that mistreated their children to
that extent.  Tears were still coursing down my face, but this time
they were for Nathan O'Teale.  

And yet I was still puzzled.

"But Aunt Hattie, how can Mr. O'Teale treat his family like that?
He's behaving just like his father.  Worse, in fact, with his
dealings with Bird's Eye  Taylor.  Can't he see that his children
just want to  be loved and get an education?"

Just then, the older woman looked towards the doorway, expectantly. 
"Maybe you should ask Neil.  Get his opinion on what can be done to
help  the children.  You don't want to be gettin' into a situation
that may bring you harm in doing something by yourself."

It was then that I heard the sound of a horse approaching the cabin. 
from where I sat, I could see out the only window in the cabin.  I
spotted Dr. MacNeill as he and Charlie made their way down the slope.
Once again, I was in awe of Aunt Hattie's abilities.

"Christy, could you take this sweater and place it yonder, under my
pillow?  I don't want Neil to see it before I finish."

"Of course," I said, and gently took the knitted bundle, my hands
tracing the pattern in wonder.  Quickly, I placed it under the
feather pillow, making sure it wasn't visible to the doctor's keen
eyes.

"Now, Christy, go on and talk to Neil."

I glanced out the window, watching for a moment as the doctor
dismounted.  Would he be sympathetic to my plight?  Since my arrival
in Cutter Gap, it seemed like the doctor and I disagreed more than we
agreed.  But one thing did give me courage -- it was the fact that we
both cared deeply for the children.

I turned and faced the woman still rocking calmly in her worn chair. 
"Thank you, Aunt Hattie," I said softly, "I'm  obliged to you for
your help and advice."

"Twas my pleasure, Christy. Come visitin' anytime."

Taking a deep breath to fortify myself, I walked out of the cabin to
face Dr. MacNeill.  He had just tethered Charlie on a low hanging
branch when he noticed me.

"Why, Christy, this is a surprise.  I heard you were due back today. 
It's good of you to look in on Hattie."

I smiled, saying nothing, noting as he drew closer how his eyes
narrowed onto my face.  For a brief moment, he looked concerned, then
the look was replaced with a professional, detached air.

"You've been crying.  What's wrong, Miss Huddleston?"




  Chapter 4
  by Charlotte, Lisa3, Miranda, Andie, Gap

  In Chapter 3:  Christy visited with Miss Hattie, and learned of
  Nathan O'Teale's sad childhood.  Christy was confused that he would
  treat his own children so harshly.  Neil had just arrived at
  Hattie's.
  --- --- ---

  "Are you hurt?" Neil asked.

  Shaking my head I folded my arms and turned away.  I was unsure how
  to broach the subject, and a deep silence enveloped us.  It was
  broken by his weary sigh, and, as on so many other occasions, I knew
  that Neil had read my thoughts.  He gently grasped me by the elbow
  and guided me into the woods.

  Although I could detect no path, Neil seemed to be deliberately
  picking his way through the forest.  It wasn't until I heard the
  pulsating rush of the river that I knew our destination.  Glancing up
  at Neil, I noticed for the first time that he was clad in his fishing
  clothes; his kreel waw slung over his shoulder and his fishing pole
  was in his other hand.

  As the river came into view, Neil released his grip on my elbow and
  gestured for me to sit on a fallen log. Removing his hat and running
  his fingers through his hair, he sat beside me.

  "This is where I come to think," he said, shrugging his shoulders
  bashfully, like a little boy with a secret.  "Nathan O'Teale," he
  said, the words leaden, "I didn't think you'd find out so quickly."

  "This is Cutter Gap, Doctor, I knew as soon as I stepped off the
  train."

  His expression grew serious, "Nathan is near my age.  I knew him
  slightly, but the O'Teale's have always kept themselves separate from
  the rest of the Cove.  In fact, I didn't even know that Mountie
  O'Teale existed until I stopped by their cabin by chance.  By then
  she was two months old.  I wanted to examine her, insisted on it, but
  Nathan refused, and, ah," he said clearing his throat, "escorted me
  off their land.  After that I made an effort to stop by their cabin
  whenever I knew Nathan was gone.  It's best to wait for Nathan to
  leave again.  He's a hard man to fathom, and can't be reasoned with.
  Steer clear of the O'Teale's, Christy.  Nathan never stays in the
  Cove more than a month or two..."

  Neil's voice cut off suddenly, and he caught my eye before I looked
  away, unable to hide the truth from his piercing eyes.

  "Did you hear me?" Neil asked, his voice deepening and brows
  furrowing.  He grasped me by the shoulders and looked at me squarely.
   "You've already been there haven't you?"  I nodded slightly and
  turned my face away.

  "Where did you get that cut?" he asked, tightening his grip on my
  shoulders. Instinctively I put my hand up and felt the small scratch,
  obviously left behind by the pressure of Nathan O'Teale's knife. But
  Neil's instincts were quicker than mine. Catching my hand in his, a
  professional air quickly settled about him as he examined the small
  cut with the skillful eyes and hands of a surgeon.

  "It's nothing, just a scratch."

  "Don't be evasive, Miss Huddleston, this is a fresh wound, and was
  inflicted by a knife.  Where did you get it?" he asked, already
  reaching into his coat pocket for a handkerchief and gently cleaning
  the wound.  I shivered slightly at the memory and Neil immediately
  removed his coat, placing it around my shoulders and buttoning the
  top button.  "Just tell me what happened," he said.

  As quickly as I could and in a quavering voice that grew stronger, I
  related what had happened.  Brushing over some of the details, my
  voice began to rise in indignation as I justified my visit to the
  O'Teale's, hoping to pre-empt some of Neil's anger.

  But by the time I had finished, Neil's face was pale, and it seemed I
  could I feel the anger radiating from him.  He still held my hand
  tightly clasped in his, and he was trembling with anger.

  Jumping to his feet he took several steps before turning around and
  throwing his hands into the air.  "How could you do something so
  foolish!" he shouted. "Do you realize what could have happened!"

  Equally enraged, I jumped to my feet. "I thought I could help."

  "You weren't bloody well thinking at all!"  I tried to reply, but he
  cut me off. "Talking and reasoning may work in the city, but it
  doesn't work against guns or the O'Teale's!"

  I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks and summoned all my strength to
  respond in kind.  "I thought you of all people would understand how
  important it is for all the children of Cutter Gap to get an
  education.  I refuse to let the likes of Nathan O'Teale or anyone
  else prevent Mountie or any child from attending school!  I thought
  you could help, but if you think I'm going to stand here for one more
  minute and be yelled at..."  I turned and ran.  I felt tears filling
  my eyes and streaking my cheeks.

  "Christy, wait..."

  Than it seemed as though the world left me, spinning me head over
  heels.

  "The ravine!" called Neil's distant voice.


Chapter 5
by Gap, Lisa3, Charlotte, Andie, Miranda

In Chapter 4:  Neil and Christy stroll down by the river (not in
moonlight).  They talk, they argue, Christy runs, trips, falls....

--- --- --- ---

Chapter 5

I lay motionless, waiting for the world to stop spinning.  I was
sore, but nothing seemed to be broken.  I blew wisps of hair out of
my eyes and struggled to sit up.

"Christy!" I heard Neil running and skidding down the slope.

"Are you hurt?"

Now that my scare was over, anger flooded my senses.  Why did I
always end up looking like a fool in front of this man?  I rushed to
get back on my feet.  Breathless from his hurry, Neil offered me his
hand.  I ignored it.

"Don't bother, Doctor."  I hoped my contempt for his help showed. "I
can manage on my own."

I tugged the wrinkles out of my skirt and stalked away.  Was he
laughing at me?  My cheeks burned at the idea.  But I wouldn't look
back.  I would not look back.

I glanced over my shoulder.  Neil was watching me, his shoulders
slumped in dejection.  For some reason, this hurried me on my way
even more.

     ~*~*~

After supper, I excused myself and escaped to the porch.  The
thoughts I had been avoiding all evening came surging back into my
mind.  I tried to summon the anger that had kept my head high
earlier, but all I could remember was Neil's hurt face.

The approaching footsteps warned me.  I turned away from the telltale
lamplight, grateful for the protecting dusk.  "Miss Huddleston?"

"Miss Alice.  It's a beautiful night, isn't it?"

"Is something troubling thee, Christy?"

Was my face an open book to everyone?  "How did you know?  I
thought..."

"That you hid it well?  You usually don't talk non-stop through
dinner.  I thought poor David's head would split from hearing all
your plans for the mission."  She looked at me and smiled.  "It made
a nice change, though.  Ruby Mae didn't have much to say for
herself."

I had steeled myself against any questions, but Miss Alice's
determination not to pry changed my mind.  "I had an argument with
Doctor MacNeill."

Her eyes crinkled with amusement.  "It wouldn't be the first time."

"About the O'Teales," I said.  Miss Alice's smile faded.  "Miss
Alice, do you know what happened?  When Neil first went to see
Mountie?"

A loud hiccup shattered the silence.  "Who is that?" asked Miss
Alice.

Ruby Mae stuck her head out the door.  "It's just me, Miss Alice. 
Just helping to clear the table is all."  She shifted from one foot
to another, avoiding our gaze.  "Lordy, it sure is a fine night ain't
it?"  She vanished inside before Miss Alice could comment.

"Seems to have found her tongue."  Miss Alice chuckled, then grew
serious.  "What did Neil tell you?"

"Only that Mr. O'Teale escorted him off his land.  Neil sounded
rather reserved about it, so I wondered..."

"Escorted is quite an understatement."  Miss Alice wiped her hands on
her apron.  "Neil was starting to set up his practice then, visiting
and reacquainting himself with everyone.  So full of knowledge,
convinced he could solve all the Cove's problems overnight.  Like
another person I know," she said with a twinkle in her eye.

"Being a man," she continued, "Neil wasn't welcome at childbirth, but
he made it a point to visit mother and child soon afterward.  So when
he heard about the latest O'Teale, Neil headed over to their place to
check on the little girl.

"No sooner had Neil made his intentions clear than he was ordered
away with a shotgun.  No one was going to interfere in Nathan
O'Teale's affairs, certainly no outlander, and definitely not to fuss
over some worthless girl child.  Neil, however, refused to leave.  He
wouldn't take no for an answer, convinced that he could help Mountie.
 So Nathan O'Teale shot him."

I couldn't breathe.  "Shot him?  For wanting to help?"

"Fortunately Nathan was a little unsteady on his feet at the time --
moonshine.  As it was, Neil took a bullet in his side.   He managed
to mount his horse and ride back home.  Margaret had no experience
nursing, so she had to come to me for help.  He drove me crazy, but I
was forced to know him better.  I could no longer take comfort in
seeing Neil simply as the man who stole my child."  Miss Alice
stopped as she heard another hiccup, this time from upstairs.  "Ruby
Mae?"

Red hair cascaded over the balcony railing.  "Sorry, ma'am.  Got the
hiccups somethin fierce."  She disappeared, and we heard the door
slam shut.

"I'd better go and check on her.  She didn't eat much supper."  Miss
Alice paused for a last word.  "Nathan O'Teale is an amoral man,
Christy.  Bird's Eye Taylor hates certain people, but he can at least
be reasoned with from time to time.  Nathan O'Teale, on the other
hand, will shoot you just because he feels like it.  You'd be wise
not to approach him."

As Miss Alice went into the house, I remained outside, thinking about
what she told me.  My hand strayed to my cheek.  I had been lucky. 
And I owed Neil an apology.

Hooves clattered over the packed dirt path.  The silhouette of a man
on horseback emerged from the darkness, the quarter moon behind the
rider obscuring his face even more, but I recognized him.

"Neil?"

He swung himself off the horse.  "I came to see how you were after
your tumble."  Neil looked at me, his face anxious.  "I'm sorry,
Christy, I never meant..."

"No, it wasn't your fault.  I should have looked where I was going."

"It was my fault." Neil said.  "I started yelling at you, and you
were so upset you didn't see the ravine."  He reached out to touch my
cheek timidly.  "You might have been killed."

"But I wasn't."  I came down the porch steps.

"But you could have been."

"Why do you always have to argue with me?"

A reluctant smile flickered across his face.  "You're not hurt?"

"I'm a lot tougher than I look, Doctor."

"I know.  I found that out a long time ago."  He frowned.  "Someone
have the hiccups?"

"It's Ruby Mae.  Neil, why didn't you--"

"Is that Doctor MacNeill with you, Christy?"  Miss Alice was framed
in the doorway.  I frowned at the interruption, but her quiet words
changed my feelings to alarm. "You'd better bring him upstairs."

Ruby Mae's room was small and cluttered with her few possessions. 
Her untouched plate of food sat on the bed.  Ruby Mae herself was
standing in the corner, her arm around Becky O'Teale.  Becky pushed
her glasses up her nose and hiccupped.  Ruby Mae glared defiantly at
Miss Alice, then at Doctor MacNeill.  Then her gaze settled on me and
become anxious.

"You won't send her away, will you Teacher?"


Chapter 6
by Charlotte, Gap, Miranda, Lisa3, Andie

In Chapter 5:  Christy was not hurt by her fall, but Neil's feelings
were.  Alice told Christy more about Nathan O'Teale's violent past. 
Becky O'Teale was discovered at the mission, hiding in Ruby Mae's
room.

---- ---- ---- ----

I started to speak, but Neil brushed past me to Becky's side.

"Are you alright, Becky?" he asked.  He pushed up the sleeves of her
old coat, pausing at the sickly greenish bruises that covered her
arms.  I saw his jaws clench, but he continued his examination.
"Anything hurt?  How are you feeling?"

"Fine, Doctor," she managed to say between hiccups that racked her
thin frame.

Slowly, I inched closer to Dr. MacNeill until I was at his elbow. The
young girl's eyes were wide with fear. Briars had scratched her arms,
and her tattered clothes were streaked with mud.  I reached out and
pulled an oak leaf from her long hair. "Hello, Becky."  I forced a
smile and tried to act as naturally as possible.

Ruby Mae repeated her question, this time her voice defiant.  "You
ain't gonna send her away, are you?"

I tried to speak, but Miss Alice's calm voice stopped me.  "Becky, do
your parents know that you are here?"

Becky pushed her glasses up, her gaze dropping to the floor.  "No
ma'am.  They don't know."

Miss Alice nodded.  "I see.  Are you hungry, Becky?"  Becky shook her
head sadly.  "Come now," Miss Alice continued, "we have one last
piece of apple pie downstairs.  If you finish the plate that Ruby Mae
brought for you, you may have it."

Becky raised her eyes.  "Thank you, ma'am."  Quietly, she picked up
the plate and sat down on the edge of the bed, draping a napkin
across her lap before placing the plate on top of it.

"Doctor MacNeill, Miss Huddleston, there's still that matter that we
were talking about earlier.  Would you care to discuss it downstairs
while Becky finishes her dinner?"

We filed out of Ruby Mae's room and made our way down the stairs to
the parlor.  Dr. MacNeill took a chair near the fire and drew it
close to the sofa where Miss Alice and I were sitting.  He pulled out
his pipe and proceeded to fill it.  "I don't like this, Alice," he
said, his voice almost a whisper.

"I don't either, Neil, but I'm not sure what choice we have."

A loud rattle in the kitchen made me nearly jump out of my seat.  We
all turned to find David coming in through the doorway.  He held a
plate in one hand and a fork in the other, and a broad grin spread
across his face as he made his way toward where we were sitting. 
"I'm afraid you're too late for the last piece of Christy's apple
pie, Doctor."

I quickly ran and snatched the plate from him, as he was about to cut
into the slice. "David, you can't have that."

"Christy!  What's gotten into you?"

I held the plate close to my chest and whispered, "It's Becky
O'Teale.  She's here."

"She's here?  Does Nathan O'Teale know?"

"Shush!  For God's sake, man!  Don't you know how to keep your voice
down?  You could raise the dead," Neil said.

"What is going on here?" David asked, handing me the fork.

I took the items back into the kitchen, and covered the plate with a
dishtowel.  As I returned to the parlor, I took a long glance up the
stairs and sighed.  I was glad that Becky was now here with us.
Obviously, there were things going on at the O'Teales' cabin that I
couldn't bear to imagine.  I touched my cheek and shuddered.  Nathan
O'Teale was certainly a hard man, all the more dangerous since
neither reason nor conscience seemed to guide his actions.  By the
same token, with Becky here in the mission, everyone was in danger. 
But we couldn't send her back.

Chapter 7
by Gap, Lisa3, Andie, Miranda, Charlotte

In Chapter 6: Becky O'Teale took refuge at the mission house
overnight, though they knew that her father hated them.

--------- --------

By some miracle, we were spared a visit from Nathan O'Teale that
night.  Ruby Mae and Becky fell asleep in Ruby Mae's bed.  It was a
touching scene, with Ruby Mae's arm protectively around the younger
girl.  David and Neil took turns standing watch throughout the night.

Now everyone was seated around the kitchen table for breakfast, but
it was too quiet and solemn.  I was thankful that it was Saturday.  I
couldn't have left the mission that morning to go to school and leave
Becky.  I smiled at the two serious-faced girls as David said grace.

"Dear Lord, we thank you for the bounty that is before us.  I also
thank you for the presence of Becky O'Teale at our table this
morning. Please watch over her and her family.  Amen."

Knowing that David couldn't say this out loud, I said a quick prayer
that Mr. O'Teale would leave the Cove very soon, so the O'Teales'
life would return to normal and the children could come back to
school.

After breakfast the girls helped me clear the table and wash the
dishes, while Miss Alice tended to the chickens.  David and Dr.
MacNeill were out on the porch and appeared to be in deep discussion.

Just as we were finishing, Orter Ball O'Teale burst into the kitchen
from the side breezeway.  He was out of breath and his clothes were
tattered and muddied.  I noticed a large bruise under his right eye. 
Miss Alice was right behind him.

"Reverend, Doctor, please come in here!" called Miss Alice.

"Orter Ball, are you all right?" I asked, my voice as shaky as the
hand I placed on his arm.

"I've come to warn ye," the boy said. 

David and Doctor MacNeill entered the kitchen.  I noticed Dr.
MacNeill's eyes sharpen as he took in the youth's swollen cheekbone. 
But before the doctor could make a move towards the boy, Orter Ball
went to his sister and put his arm around her.  

"Pa, he woke up in a fit at Becky bein' gone.  He's plum crazy and is
on his way here.  Ma's feared of what he'll do if'n he finds Becky
here."

I glared at the men, daring them to let either child leave.  Then I
glanced at Miss Alice.  Her eyes were closed and she grasped Becky's
hand in prayer, holding out her other hand to David.  Without
hesitation, he took it, grabbing onto Ruby Mae's hand, pulling her
into our growing circle.  Everyone's head was bowed in prayer.

Except mine.  

I was looking at Dr. MacNeill, my eyes begging for him to join us. 
For his own reasons, Neil was a non-believer.  But whatever those
reasons, at this moment they were not important.  This was for the
children!  

I held out my hand and waited, holding my breath.  Neil hesitated,
but after only a brief moment he joined us, his hands clasped with
Ruby Mae's and mine.  I gave him a small squeeze, then bowed my head
in prayer.

    
Chapter 8
By Miranda, Andie, Charlotte, Gap, Lisa3

In Chapter 7: The mission folk hadn't seen Nathan O'Teale yet, though
tension was high.  Orter Ball came running in with news that Nathan
was drunk and in a rage, and was on his way to the Mission.

--------- ---------


The waiting was unbearable.

Since the arrival of Orter Ball O'Teale early Saturday morning, and
his warning of his father's imminent visit, the mission house felt
like both refuge and prison.  David was keeping post outside on the
front porch, while Miss Alice was at the back door.  Ruby Mae, Becky,
and Orter Ball were playing on the piano in the front parlor. I could
hear the random plucking of the keys as I walked from room to room. 
The discordant notes only added to my uneasiness.

The heaviness of the situation was weighing down on me.  We were all
being held hostage to the violence and anger of one ignorant man. It
was all I could do to steady my nerves, but I was trying to keep a
smile on my face for the children's sake.

"Miss Huddleston," came a voice to my right, "you're going to wear
out the floor pacing like that."

I rolled my eyes in Dr. MacNeill's direction, folding my arms across
my chest.  I was not in a joking mood.  I moved over to the window,
gazing out to the mountains, trying to draw some strength from them.

Neil rose from his resting place in the parlor and came to stand
beside me.

"I know you're worried," he whispered near my ear, placing a
comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Of course I'm worried!"

Neil looked hurt by my reaction, and I immediately regretted lashing
out.  He was only trying to be supportive, and I was thankful for his
presence.

"I'm sorry, Neil.  It's just..."

"I know."

I gave him a small smile and was grateful for once that he knew me so
well.

"What happens when Nathan O'Teale gets here?" I whispered. "We can't
just send the children home with him."

"We can't keep them here either," Neil replied.  "You know that,
don't you?"

I turned my eyes away from him, glancing back out the window.  I knew
he was right, but all I could do was shake my head in protest.

"Teacher?" I heard a small voice behind us.

"What is it, Becky?" I asked.

"Teacher, I'm feared."

I moved to her side, putting an arm around her shoulders.

"It's all right, you're safe here," I told her as I directed her to a
chair nearby.

"That's right, Becky.  No one will hurt you here, I promise," came
Neil's voice a moment later as he knelt by the little girl.

I realized he meant what he said.  His soft voice didn't hide the
hard determination I saw in his eyes.  I knew at that moment if Neil
had the power, he would never let Nathan O'Teale hurt any of his
children again.

"No, it's not me I'm feared for," Becky protested. "It's Mountie. I
shouldn't of left her thar."

"Becky, it's all right. You were right to come here," I said. "Your
mother's at home with Mountie. She'll be just fine."

I dearly hoped I was right.  The thought of Swannie allowing Nathan
to touch any of those children, let alone little Mountie, turned my
stomach into knots, though I knew Swannie was just as much a victim
in all of this as anyone.  I was trying very hard not to blame the
poor woman, but the thought of any mother letting this happen to her
children made me angry.

"That's jest it.  Mountie ain't at home," Becky said suddenly.

"What do you mean?  Where is she?" I asked.

At that moment, Orter Ball came flying across the room and clamped a
firm hand over Becky's mouth.  She swatted his hand away from her.

"I wasn't gonna tell," she said.

"Orter Ball, where is Mountie?" I asked, fear rising in  me as I
looked at him.

I never received an answer to my question.

Loud voices came thundering from outside just as I saw Miss Alice's
rigid figure standing at the back door, her dark eyes wide and alert
with fear. That look made my heart stop in my chest as a loud
pounding suddenly came on the front door.

"Miz Christy!" Ruby Mae shrieked, pulling on my arm in panic.

My eyes turned to Neil as I held my breath.

For one horrible instant, all was silent.  It was as if the world had
suddenly stopped moving in a frozen moment of terror.


Chapter 9
by Gap, Miranda, Charlotte, Lisa3, Andie

In Chapter 8: They were on high alert at the mission house, and
tensions and fears were high as well, dreading the arrival of Nathan
O'Teale.  Christy and Neil learned that Mountie wasn't at home, but
before they could get Becky or Orter Ball to explain...

--------- ---------

The voices outside stopped shouting.  It was as if everyone was
taking a breath in anticipation of the chaos to come.  The door swung
open and I gasped as David stumbled inside.  Bleeding from his mouth
and nose, he gasped, "I think he's gone..."  He collapsed onto the
floor.  And then everything fell apart.

"Whar's my youn'uns!" roared a voice.  Nathan O'Teale's inebriated
visage loomed in the doorway.  His face was bleeding, but it didn't
seem to faze him.  He paused at the doorway until his eyes lit on the
two cowering forms of his children behind my skirts.  With surprising
speed he was across the room, hauling at Orter Ball's arm.  I
struggled to keep myself between them, but was quickly pushed aside
by Nathan. I managed to hold Becky's hand and felt the air rush out
of me as we fell against into the mission table and then to the
floor.  I heard the clatter of dishes and glass breaking all around
us as I pulled Becky under the table with me. 

Peering out from under the legs of the table, I saw that Neil had
sprung into action, but Nathan had spun around, anticipating his
challenge.  He flung Orter Ball towards the doorway and met Neil with
his fist. 

I heard it then: the soft click of a gun being cocked.

"Nathan O'Teale!" shouted a voice, filled with the very wrath of God.
 Nathan swung around to find the loaded muzzle of a shotgun pointed
squarely at him.  He gaped down its muzzle at Miss Alice and stumbled
backwards.

Miss Alice seized his stunned silence, "I am a God-fearing woman Mr.
O'Teale, but this is your choice.  I cannot allow you to take these
children from my mission."

"All's I want is what's mine," said Nathan.

"Children are not owned Mr. O'Teale, they are not property.  Being a
parent, being a father, is loving and providing for your family. Not
this..." she said, gesturing at Orter Ball's bruises.  Out of the
corner of my eye I saw Neil rise to his feet. He remained still,
watching as Nathan's face grew several shades darker.

"These here youn'uns is mine, and I aim to take what's mine," Nathan
said.  "And no woman is going to tell me otherwise."  The room
erupted again as Nathan lunged at the gun, sweeping it from Miss
Alice's hands and onto the floor.  Neil dove for the gun.

It was than that I smelled the acrid scent of kerosene and smoke.  I
looked wildly around the room.  A lantern, knocked from the table
during my fall, had smashed unnoticed and grown into a small inferno
that was spreading by the minute.  I dragged Becky across the room to
the door.  She struggled frantically, shouting something but her
words were drowned out by the room's confusion.

I heard Neil shouting and saw him pulling David through the doorway. 
Becky broke free suddenly and I chased her across the room.

"Mountie!" she screamed.  I shook my head and dragged Becky out the
door and down the porch steps.  "Mountie!  She's upstairs!"  I felt
the blood drain from my face.  Grabbing Becky by the shoulders, I
knelt before her.

"Where's Mountie?"

"Pa said he'd kill her," Becky said, quivering in my grasp.  "We was
afeard Pa'd come after her.  We didn't want you to know, didn't want
him to hurt you too."

"Becky," I said, "where is Mountie?"  Becky pointed towards the
second floor.  I turned and saw the mission house lit up against the
night sky, filled with a raging fire.  "Stay here," I said to Becky
in my best teacher's voice.  I ran toward the mission but was caught
by a firm hand.  I looked up, expecting to see Neil but was greeted
by Nathan O'Teale's scowling face.

"Can't be saved."

"Mountie's in there," I said, struggling to free myself.

"What?" he asked, holding me with an iron-like grip.

"Your daughter is inside the mission Mr. O'Teale," I shouted, and
fell to the ground when he suddenly let go of me.  I saw an
unfamiliar emotion cross his face and stared wide-eyed as he bounded
up the steps.  It was then that I realized that maybe for the first
time in a long time, Nathan O'Teale was afraid.

Chapter 10
by Charlotte, Andie, Gap, Lisa3, Miranda

In Chapter 9: Nathan O'Teale stormed into the mission house, fighting
with everyone.  In the melee, a fire was started, and Becky revealed
that Mountie was hidden somewhere inside the house.

---------- ----------

I struggled up off the ground as quickly as I could.  Becky once
again tightly clasped my skirts as we watched her father run inside
the mission house.  David had regained consciousness and staggered to
the school house, where he rang the bell to alert our neighbors of
the fire.  Miss Alice came running from the barn carrying three
wooden buckets.  When she reached the water pump, she dropped two at
her feet and attacked the handle of the pump.

Dr. MacNeill was at my side.  "Becky, just where was Mountie hiding?"

Becky was softly crying.  I placed my arm around her small shoulders
encouragingly. "Somewhars upstairs, Doc," she said.  "Last I seen
her, she was in Teacher's room."

Neil patted Becky's head. "Good girl." His eyes were bleak as they
locked with mine.  He took out a handkerchief and tied it around his
face.  I could see only his eyes, and they burned into mine with
purpose.  "We'll find her, Christy," he said, then turned at a run
towards the house.  He disappeared through the door, where billowing
puffs of black smoke was streaming out like Old Buncombe's smoke
stack.

I took one step towards the house, my mind a cacophony of images of
the past two days.  I knew Neil couldn't hear me, but I couldn't stop
myself from shouting, "Neil!  Be careful!"

David joined us.  We formed a line, Miss Alice at the pump, passing
the filled water buckets to Becky, then to me, to Orter Ball, and
finally to David, who opened the parlor doors to reach the flames. 
The children and I were running back and forth, trying not to spill
our precious cargo.

Then inhabitants of Cutter Gap came pouring out of the woods,
carrying their own buckets.  As if rehearsed, two lines formed. Men
were on one side, passing full buckets towards the mission and the
women on the other side, returning the empty buckets back to Miss
Alice at the pump.

Vaguely, I noticed that Becky had moved to stand with the other
O'Teale children a few feet away.  Swannie was hugging the girl, and
her dark brown eyes caught mine over the top of Becky's head.  In
that second, it was if I could see into her poor tortured soul.  I
let Mary Allen take over my spot and I went to Swannie.

"They say my Mountie's in thar."  Swannie's voice was weak and
hoarse.  I noticed bruises on her arms and jaw.

"Yes.  Mr. O'Teale and Doctor MacNeill are inside looking for her
now."  My heart clutched at the thought of those inside the fiery
blaze, and I sent up a prayer that the three of them would make it
out alive.  "We didn't know Mountie was at the mission until after
the fire started," I said.  She loved her children, I saw that, but
she was still worried about her husband.  "Your husband and Neil will
find her," I said.  I had to believe that.  I had to.

A shout from Jeb Spencer brought my head round.  David, at the front
of the line, had put out enough of the fire to advance inside the
mission.  He was quickly followed by Jeb, Bob Allen and Uncle Bogg. 
Slowly, they were making progress at putting the fire out.  Some of
the other men had blankets and were batting at smaller fires.  I was
more worried about the black smoke pouring out of the open doors. 
Mountie, Neil and Mr. O'Teale were breathing that smoke.  Closing my
eyes, I held my cross necklace and put my faith in God into one
single prayer.  

Swannie's sharp cry rang above the chaos.  Coming out from the
breeze-way in a haze of smoke were three people.  Mr. O'Teale carried
a slack Mountie in his arms, Dr. MacNeill's handkerchief over her
face, with the doctor following close behind.

Once they were close, I heard Neil say, "Nathan, put Mountie down
here."  Swannie fell to to the ground.  I knelt beside Neil, all the
while keeping my gaze locked on the pale face of Mountie O'Teale. 
The men were coughing harshly.

"Neil," my shaky voice was weak to my own ears, "Is she..." 

I heard Miss Alice gasp behind me as I held my breath for the
doctor's answer. "She's breathing," he said, placing a hand on my
arm.  He then looked at the O'Teale's.  "She needs fresh air for a
while, but she should be all right."

"Thank the Lord," Swannie said to herself, and then rose, her face to
her husband, a tentative smile on her face. "Ye saved our gal,
Nathan.  Ye saved our gal."

All at once, Mountie started coughing.  

"Mountie!"  I said, anxious to know if she really was all right.

"Christy, get some water," Neil asked, as he helped the young girl
sit up.

I jumped up and took a bucket of water out of Miss Alice's hands and
snatched up the gourd dipper by the pump.  Neil carefully raised the
dipper to Mountie's lips.

"Easy does it.  Take a wee bit at a time.  You've taken in some smoke
but you're going to be fine."

I smiled up at Miss Alice, and then at the O'Teales. "Your daughter
is going to be fine thanks to you, Mr. O'Teale.  That was a very
brave thing you did."

Mr. O'Teale didn't know how to respond.  He cleared his throat then
gruffly said, "Aw, 'twern't nothin.  She's my young'n, ain't she?"

"Pa..."

It was a weak, soft voice that caught all our attention. Mountie had
spoken directly to her father.  Miss Alice once told me that Mr.
O'Teale had never heard his daughter speak.  Now he had to know that
Mountie was smart, could speak, and could get an education.

Time was once again suspended as we waited for Mr. O'Teale's
reaction.  Would he reject his daughter again?  Or would he accept
the miracle God has given him, the one that was looking up at him
beseechingly with big blue eyes?

The miracle was Mountie.



   Chapter 11
   by Andie, Charlotte, Lisa3, Miranda, Gap

   In Chapter 10: David and the neighbors managed to put out the fire. 
   Nathan and Neil saved Mountie from the fire, and she spoke to her
   father for the first time in her life.

   ------ ------ ------

   Mr. O'Teale's face wore a stunned expression, which softened
   momentarily as he brushed his fingers lightly over Mountie's small
   hand.  But just as quickly, a scowl covered his face again like a
   well-worn mask, and he merely grunted in reply.  He folded her small
   form into his arms and stood up, and I saw that Mountie was holding
   his hand.

   Turning his smoke-streaked face towards the dying embers of the fire
   that had threatened the mission, Nathan looked back at us with a
   resolute face.

   Reaching out a free hand towards Neil, Nathan said, "I'm obleeged." 
   Nodding towards Miss Alice, "Ma'am."  For a man of few words, Nathan
   O'Teale had spoken volumes, and we all knew that something had
   changed.

   Nathan turned to go, with various O'Teale's in tow.  David called
   out, "Will we see you in church, Mr. O'Teale?"

   Nathan turned slowly.  Rubbing his grizzled chin he replied, "Reckon
   if the Lord saw fit to save my child... to let her speak... least I
   can do is spare a day for Him."

   I felt Miss Alice's arm around my shoulder. "Miss Huddleston I think
   we have witnessed a miracle," she said softly as we watched the
   O'Teales disappear into the fading light of dusk.

   "What's to stop Nathan O'Teale from hurting his family again?" I
   asked.

   "Change does take time Christy, but a small step forward is better
   than none at all.  Surely thee knows that."

   I nodded, remembering Mountie and her buttons.  As the rest of the
   Cove slowly dispersed into the growing darkness, I wearily turned
   back towards the mission.

   "It'll be too smoky to sleep in there, at least for tonight," said
   Neil.

   I turned.  "Is David..."

   "He'll be fine."

   "And how are you?" I asked.  Neil looked surprised, accustomed to
   asking that question, not receiving it.

   "Fine as well," he said.  I saw David approaching. "Are you strong
   enough to ride a horse, Grantland?" Neil asked David.  "The house
   will be too smoky for tonight.  If it's agreeable to you, Miss Alice,
   Christy, and Ruby Mae can take your bunkhouse and I'll keep you under
   care at my house."  David merely nodded, and turned towards the barn.

   Neil grinned at me. "If you get any rest at all that is..." he said,
   nodding towards Ruby Mae who was trailing after David, talking a mile
   a minute.  I returned his smile.

   "Christy," said Neil.  "Well done."

   "But I didn't do anything, not really." I said, struggling to keep
   from blushing.

   "Christy Huddleston, a miracle of no small size has been performed
   before my very eyes tonight," he said.  "And I don't believe in
   miracles.  Your presence in Cutter Gap affected that change somehow. 
   Well done," he repeated, holding out his hand.  I placed my hand in
   his, gripping his fingers tightly.  He slowly released me and walked
   away.

   "See you tomorrow," he called over his shoulder.

   "What?" I asked.

   "I wouldn't miss service tomorrow for the world, Miss Huddleston," he
   said grinning as he led David's horse into the night.



   Chapter 12
   by Miranda, Andie, Lisa3, Gap, Charlotte

   In Chapter 11: Both Nathan and Neil promised to be at the church
   service!!

   ----- ----- ----- -----

   The next morning when I awoke, I felt as though the wings of angels
   were lifting me toward the sky. I hadn't felt such joy and enthusiasm
   and wonder for God's miracles in a long time.  Nothing could hold me
   back from accepting those miracles for what they really were -- gifts
   from God.  All my doubts of yesterday were swept away with the
   sunrise, and I heard my father's voice in my mind, reminding me that
   the world was once more renewed and fresh and waiting for new
   discoveries.

   I bounded out of David's bunkhouse and up to the mission house,
   bursting with energy. Even upon viewing the evidence from the fire
   the night before, my spirits were not dampened. The smoke had cleared
   out in the long hours of the night, and I saw that the damage had
   been minimal.

   Once I was washed and changed, I flew back down the stairs and bumped
   right into a familiar face.

   "David!"  I jumped back.  "What are you doing here?"

   "I live here. Remember?"

   "I thought you stayed at Dr. MacNeill's last night."

   "I did," David replied. "I rode back this morning."

   I looked around expecting to see Neil as well, but the rest of the
   room was empty.

   "Didn't Dr. MacNeill come with you?"

   "No, why would he?"

   I shook my head absently, but couldn't help but notice David's eyes
   darkening a shade at my question. I turned away from him, trying not
   to be too concerned that Neil wasn't here yet.

   I looked back at David for a moment, all thoughts of Neil suddenly
   flying out of my head as I noticed how unwell he looked. David was
   rubbing his eyes and then his temples over and over in a circular
   motion.

   "David, are you alright?"

   His cheeks were pale and his eyes seemed to be focusing and
   unfocusing in an odd way.

   "I'm fine, Christy," David nodded. "Dr. MacNeill said I have a minor
   concussion and it may take a few days to restore all my strength.
   That's all. Really, I'm fine."

   "David, maybe you should just lie down and rest today. Are you sure
   you're up to preaching?"

   "I'm not missing today. Dr. MacNeill said it was fine that I go. And
   it won't be my usual sermon. I was up all night thinking about the
   O'Teales, and what I should say," David said softly, a far-off look
   on his face.

   There was something there in his eyes, despite the weariness -- a
   realization perhaps, the beginnings of some awareness.  Whatever
   David was going to preach today, I knew it was going to be important,
   not only for the O'Teales and the rest of the congregation, but for
   David himself.

   However, I was still concerned.  David's health should not be
   sacrificed.

   I once again tried to protest, but David wouldn't allow it. He took
   his leave of me after that and I didn't see him again until there was
   a huge crowd gathered in front of the church later that morning.

   Glancing around at all the familiar faces, I noticed many whom I'd
   never seen at church before. The news must have spread about Nathan
   O'Teale and his promise to be at church service today. I wondered if
   everyone was there just to see if he kept his word.

   Nathan O'Teale did indeed keep his word. He arrived with Swannie and
   all of the O'Teale children, carrying little Mountie in his arms. I
   believe everyone in the Cove greeted the O'Teales with warmth and
   kindness that day. For a blessed moment, the past was forgotten and I
   saw hope in the eyes of the mountain people. I wanted to cheer or cry
   or display some sort of great emotion. Instead, I looked at Miss
   Alice and saw the calm wisdom in her eyes, and then I smiled at the
   O'Teales and sent a silent prayer of thanks skyward that God's great
   benevolence had prevailed once more.

   Miss Alice and I had talked long into the night -- as much talking as
   Ruby Mae would allow us, that is. We concluded that the fire at the
   mission and Mountie's peril mirrored in Mr. O'Teale's mind, reminding
   him of when his grandmother died in a fire, too.  Maybe this was
   God's way of reminding Mr. O'Teale what it was to love someone and be
   loved in return.

   Only one thing was bothering me at that moment, itching at the back
   of my mind and refusing to go away. Even as I talked with my friends
   before Sunday service, greeted my schoolchildren, exchanged
   pleasantries with neighbors, I could not get the fact out of my mind
   that Neil hadn't arrived.

   "Miss Christy?"

   I turned to look at Fairlight.

   "Are ya comin' in?" she asked, eyebrows raised.

   I noticed then that nearly everyone was inside the church already.

   "I'll be there in just a minute."  I nodded at her to go without me,
   but she stood staring back at me without moving.

   I looked around at the empty meadow and the mountains beyond, then
   back at Fairlight who stood in front of the church with her arms
   folded across her chest.

   "He promised he'd come," I stated as flatly as I could manage.

   My tone of voice didn't matter. Fairlight saw right through me. I
   could see it in her eyes. However, she just sighed and shrugged.

   "Then he'll come."

   When I didn't move, she walked closer to me.

   "I hope ya don't think I'm over-steppin'," she said slowly.

   I shook my head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

   "I have a question ta ask ya 'n' I reckon ya should think real hard
   'bout the answer," she said, glancing away from me a moment for
   another small stretch of silence.

   I waited for her question and thought maybe she had changed her mind
   after what seemed like several minutes.

   Finally Fairlight looked at me straight on and said, "Why is it so
   important to you that Neil MacNeill be here today?"

   She didn't wait for an answer, but turned and walked away from me, up
   the stairs of the church and disappeared inside.

   I glanced once more across to the smoky mountain peaks in the
   distance, unable to answer that question.

Chapter 13
by Lisa3, Gap, Miranda, Charlotte, Andie

In Chapter 12: Nathan O'Teale did indeed come to church with the
whole family on Sunday, but the service was beginning and Neil hadn't
arrived yet.

------ ------ ------ ------

I stared out at the mountains.  They had always comforted me, but
today they held no answers.  I sighed and entered the church, taking
my seat between Miss Alice and Ruby Mae.

At the front of the church, David stood taller and more determined
than I had ever seen him.  However, no sooner had he begun the
service than I found myself thinking not about what he was saying,
but about what Fairlight had asked me.  I didn't know why it mattered
so much to me that Dr. MacNeill kept his word, but it did.  Somehow
it was the one thing that I had always been able to count on.  Now he
had let me down.

I tried to concentrate on the sermon, but David's words flowed
together like the river, blending into one another in little bubbles
and gurgles.  I glanced down at the lace handkerchief between my
fingers, torn to shreds, and quickly stuffed it in my coat pocket,
praying that no one had noticed.

We stood to sing a hymn and I thought that I heard the door open and
close.  My head snapped around, scanning the room for Neil, but I
couldn't see him as too many bodies blocked my view.  A light hand
touched me on the arm and I jumped.

"Is something troubling thee, Christy?"

"No, Miss Alice," I lied.  "I'm just worried about the O'Teales."

"Nathan O'Teale may be a hard man, but he won't try anything in
church," she said reassuringly.  "Even if he did, Jeb Spencer or
Uncle Bogg would surely stop him."

I nodded and tried to settle my nerves by singing along with the
others.

"Thank you very much," David said from the pulpit, his face beaming. 
"I hope to see you all here next Sunday."

The crowd slowly made their way outside and I found myself waiting by
the back doors.  Mr. O'Teale and his family made their way down the
aisle and past me.  "I wanna thank ya again, miss, for what ya done
fer my young'uns. I'm beholden to ye."

I took the gnarled hand he offered me and smiled. "No, Mr. O'Teale,
I'm the one who is obliged to you."

Mountie loosened her grip on her father's neck and leaned toward me
to place a kiss on my cheek.  "Thank ye, Teacher," she said softly,
her bright blue eyes shining more brightly than I'd ever seen them.

As the church emptied, I stood there, my eyes fixed on the slightly
charred wooden cross hanging behind the pulpit.  A thousand questions
ran through my mind, but I had no answers.  Would Nathan O'Teale
revert to his old ways, or was he a changed man because of the fire? 
Had I really made a difference in Cutter Gap?  Maybe Mrs. Tatum was
right. I had made changes, but weren't the people still the same? 
Bird's Eye Taylor still ran moonshine. Lundy was still a bully. 
Despite my best intentions, Little Burl still couldn't seem to
understand why he needed to scrub behind his ears. I sighed and
scuffed my boot against the floor. "Maybe Cutter Gap doesn't need me
after all," I said out loud.

"Didn't you learn anything last night, Christy Huddleston?"

I quickly turned around and faced Neil.  "Why were...? How long...?"
I wasn't sure what question I wanted to ask first, and even less sure
if I wanted to know the answers.

"Slow down now.  Why was I late?  I stopped by to check on a patient
before I came, and time got away from me.  What's that saying? 
Better late than never. Doesn't that apply to church too?"

"Yes, well, I guess it does."

"Good then.  As for how long I've been listening to your
conversation, just long enough to hear that you're doubting whether
you've done any good here in Cutter Gap."  In three strides, he
covered the distance between us.  "I've been hard on you, Christy. 
Harder than the people of the cove were on me when I returned from
medical school.  But I did it all for a reason.  I knew you wouldn't
give up on your duties here without a fight, so I thought I'd give
you one."  He smiled and his cheeks dimpled.

I cocked my head slightly, not sure of what I was hearing.  "Are you
telling me that you pushed me on purpose?"

"To an extent, I suppose," he said, running one hand through his
hair, sending his neatly combed curls in disarray about his forehead.

My voice rose, and I didn't care if he knew that I was irritated with
him.  "Do you have any idea how hard it was on me with so many people
thinking that I had no business being here?  I nearly left that first
day after I went to the O'Teale cabin.  As it was, I came home
and..."  I stopped, remembering my mother's instructions that a lady
never talked about bodily functions.

Neil smiled, and pulled out his pipe, tapping the tobacco tightly
into the bowl before striking a match and lighting it.  He took
several deep drags on it, and then leaned against the wall.  "You
told me about that, remember?  Alice was sure you'd leave.  I was
too, frankly.  But you didn't.  Why?"

I glanced around the room, the memory of that morning as fresh in my
mind as if it had just happened.  I smiled.  "Mountie.  I decided to
come back here, to the school, one more time.  I found her coat and
decided to sew some buttons on it.  She came in, saw me, and spoke.
'Buttons,' she said.  It was just one word, Neil, but I knew I had to
stay.  She needed me.  They all needed me, but more important, I
needed them."

"I wouldn't have expected any less from you, Christy."

"Do you mind if I ask you a question, Doctor?" I said, returning to a
more formal tone.  "Why did you come to church today?"



Chapter 14 (Final)
by Miranda, Andie, Lisa3, Gap, Charlotte

Congratulations to the authors, and thank you for a wonderful story. 
Thanks for letting me post it.

In Chapter 13: Christy didn't see Neil at the church service.  She
wasn't sure that Nathan's change was genuine, and felt discouraged. 
Neil had come late, and he challenged her faith once more.  Christy
asked him why he had decided to come to church.

---- ---- ---- ---- ----

"Why did I come to church today?"  Neil repeated, looking surprised
at my question.  Then he chuckled.  "I'm as curious as the next man,
Christy.  It's not every day Nathan O'Teale decides to attend Sunday
services."  

My heart sank.  So Neil came, like the others who couldn't be
bothered to appear any other week, but found it convenient today... 
My fingers gripped what remained of my handkerchief.

"Christy?  You're shaking..."

I evaded his outstretched hand and retreated to the open doors. I
stared at the distant mountains, trying to regain my composure.

"You're cold?"  Neil's hands came to rest on my shoulders.

"No, I'm not."  The lump in my throat made it difficult to speak.  I
took a calming breath and continued.  "Would you check on David while
you're here, Doctor MacNeill?  He says he's fine, but I think he's
still shaky from last night..."  Despite my best efforts, I couldn't
stop my voice from trembling.

"You're angry with me.  Why?"

Neil's simple question baffled me.  I sought for reasons, but could
only blurt out, "You said yourself it was a miracle."

"But it was.  A miracle of your doing."  Neil was quiet for a moment.
 "You didn't think my beliefs had changed, did you?"  I refused to
answer his question, and broke away from his grasp.

"Christy, these people trust you because you love their children and
don't expect anything in return.  O'Teale could no longer deny it
after last night."  Neil sighed.  "My concern was whether his change
of heart would last."

"So you don't think God had anything to do with it?"

"Why is this about me?  Nathan repented and you've proved us all
wrong once again.  I thought you would be happy.  Instead..."  Neil
caught my hand.  He opened my clenched fist gently, revealing shreds
of lace.  I avoided his intent gaze.

"What do you want from me, Christy Huddleston?"  Neil asked, as if to
himself.  "Why can't you accept me for who I am?"

"I do.  I wish you could believe that," I said, forgetting my hurt in
my eagerness to reassure him.  "I...  I only want you to be happy,
the way I am."

"And you think trusting in the motives of a God who allows hate and
suffering will do that?"  I could tell Neil wasn't angry or
contemptuous, but trying to understand my point of view.

"After last night..."

"Last night happened because a determined teacher refused to stop
caring about her students.  You got Mountie to talk, you fought for
Becky's sight, and you buried an age-old rumor, restoring the O'Teale
name.  It's all because of you, Christy."

It was what I needed to hear, but at the same time, I felt
uncomfortable accepting Neil's praise.  "I'm just one person, Neil,"
I said slowly.  "And I'm not perfect..." 

"I know."  His ready agreement annoyed me.  "You expect too much from
people, especially me."

"That's funny.  I was about to say the same thing about you,"  I
said, recognizing the teasing glint in his eye.  "At least I don't
consider it my duty to test you at every turn."

"I'm sorry.  I'm blaming you for doing exactly what I've done."  His
unexpected apology disarmed me.  "Truce?"

"Truce."  We stood in a comfortable silence for a while.

"I've never seen you in that dress before.  Is it new?"

I didn't think Neil ever noticed what I wore.  "Yes.  I know it's too
fancy for Cutter Gap, but I... I felt like wearing it today."  I was
suddenly shy.

"I should have dressed for the occasion."  Neil scrutinized his own
attire, a heavy royal blue sweater and his cordoroy slacks. "But Aunt
Hattie made this for me and gave it to me just last night."

"I thought it looked familiar!  It's a beautiful sweater and perfect
for Sunday.  But you must have had a cold ride.  I have your jacket!"
 I ran towards the house.  I'd never returned it after my tumble down
the ravine.

My search gave me the time to find the words that had escaped me
before.  How could I have stayed in Cutter Gap, let alone accomplish
so much, without God's guiding hand?  God had given me an endless
amount of love that I wanted so much to share with the children and
their families.

When I emerged from the house, Miss Alice was coming down the hill. 
"If you're looking for Doctor MacNeill, Christy, he's gone to the
bunkhouse to examine David."

"Oh."  I felt deflated, but soon brightened.  There would be other
days...

Miss Alice examined the coat draped over my arm.  "I assume you and
Neil have resolved thy differences?"

I smiled.  "Yes, I think we have."

   ~*~*~

David had a slight concussion, and needed several days of rest.  I
had to teach all the classes, but with Mountie smiling at me from the
front bench once again, I felt grateful for the extra time with my
students. 

There was a commotion in the back of the classroom.  Smith O'Teale
seemed to be in the center of it.  Unlike his brother and sisters,
Smith was a reluctant student, always glad for an excuse to play
hooky.  I waited to see if the boys would settle down to their work. 
When they didn't, I walked towards the culprits.  Smith tried to hide
something under his hat.  Wordlessly, I stretched out my hand.  Smith
sighed, and to my horror placed a grimy deck of playing cards into my
palm.

"Please stay in at recess."  I would talk to him later.

When the other children swept out into the yard, Smith shuffled down
the aisle to my desk.

"Smith, where did you get these?"

"Swapped for them from some boy in El Pano." he muttered.  "Was going
to run away and work the train if Pa hadn't got religion when he
did."

I shuddered.  I'd heard about professional card sharks who rode the
trains, cheating likely targets out of their money.  And this boy had
been planning to join them.

"Well, you're in school now, Smith.  With a good education, you'll be
able to get a better job, without turning to gambling."

"Yes'm."  He scuffed the floor with his boot.

"You know I don't like disruptions in class."

"Yes'm"

"It won't happen again?"

"No, Teacher."

I relented.  "Go outside and eat your lunch."  I pulled his hat
further down on his head.

Smith grinned.  "Yes ma'am."  He ran out the door, almost bumping
into Ruby Mae.

"Miz Christy!  Guess what?"  Ruby Mae was brimming over with news. 
"Mr. Scott called.  His ma's feeling better."

"That's wonderful news, Ruby Mae."  Esther Scott had fallen ill soon
after Dan's arrival in Cutter Gap, the stress of her husband's
illness having taken its toll.  Dan had gone back to Freedom,
promising to return once his mother recovered.

"Miz Alice said he's going to build himself a cabin.  Why don't he
stay here at the mission?"

"Mr. Scott's going to be spending most of his time working with
Doctor MacNeill.  With his own cabin, Dan can come and go as he
chooses. Besides, if everything works out, Dan will make his home in
Cutter Gap."

"Just like you, Miz Christy."
       
I looked at Ruby Mae, then nodded.  "Just like me."

                 <<<< THE END >>>>