At first, they grumbled among themselves and tried to ignore the rantings and ravings of James Market, who seemed to enjoy spreading rumors and misinformation. But as the days passed, and it was whispered that the Indian’s wounds were beginning to heal, their fears became panic. What if the boy lying in the Market wagon really was a demented soul whose only intention was to massacre them in their sleep? Convinced that he was a menace to their safety, they sent a delegation to Mordecai to protest. In order to calm their fears, Mordecai invited the group to the Market wagon, hoping that by facing the object of their fear, they would overcome it. “Miss Violet. Miss Abby,” Mordecai said, removing his hat. “I’ve asked Reverend Coulter and the others to see for themselves that Two Shadows means them no harm.” “Reverend Coulter?” Violet looked up from her mending and frowned. “I’m surprised that a man of the Lord would object to our desire to tend to one of God’s creatures.”
