Heaven and Hell

by Trish

When several people who travelled regularly to Four Corners reported unusual activity in the farming territory east of town, Vin Tanner was glad of the excuse to get out of town and ride out to the area in question. He hadn't been that way for a while, because east led to Texas and he had no immediate interest in heading that way. When he crested a hill and looked down on several wooden and sod structures built in a large circle around a central courtyard area, he was startled because they had seemingly appeared almost overnight. From the top of the hill he could see cattle, sheep, chickens, pigs and horses. He saw a number of people - working in the fields, working around the animals, and in the courtyard. It looked like a community that had been in existence for some time, but he knew that was not the case.

Vin spurred his horse down the hill and as he rode into the courtyard area, everyone who could see him stopped what they were doing to watch him. But none of them came forward or spoke. A young girl about ten years of age ran into one of the buildings and almost immediately a woman came out. She looked to be in her mid-to-late twenties; she was a tall and thin, an attractive woman with dark eyes and long black hair tied back into an unruly braid; she had a long white apron over her clothes. She walked to where Vin was dismounting and spoke to him in a heavy accent that he did not recognize.

"Do you require assistance, sir?"

"I'm from Four Corners, down the road aways. I... work for the town. Folks there heard there was somethin' goin' on out here, so I came to check it out."

"We own this land. I can show you the papers."

"That's alright. I don't need that. Where'd you folks come from?"

"Russia."

"Pardon me, ma'am?"

"You do not know Russia?"

"Sorry."

"Russia is a country, very far from America. We travelled for nearly a year until we arrived here. We came here to farm."

"You all come together?"

"We are from the same village. We came together."

"They speak English in Russia?"

"Most do not. My father taught me to speak English, and some people here speak some English, but not all do. So I speak for them."

"When did y'all get here? Seems like you put these buildings up pretty fast."

"We arrived three weeks ago. We worked quickly because we have young children and we need shelter. We have no time to relax."

"Well, looks like you done a good job so far. What's your name ma'am?"

"I am Magda Singer."

"Vin Tanner. Pleased to meet you ma'am. You been to Four Corners yet?"

"No. We will come when we need supplies and when we want to sell what we have. You do not look like a soldier, Mr. Tanner."

"I ain't no soldier, ma'am. I was hired to... look after the town. Me and some other fellers. Ain't no law there, so we take care of things."

"Do you take care of things here as well?"

"No, ma'am. Some folks said they saw things goin' on out here and I came out to see what it was, to make sure it wasn't a problem the town had to worry about."

"We are not a threat to your town, Mr. Tanner. We are farmers. We grow grain, we raise animals to slaughter. We hope the town will buy our grain and our animals."

"How many folks you got here?"

"We are thirty-three adults, and some children."

"This is pretty impressive, what you got done so far."

"It is our livelihood, Mr. Tanner. We do not have time to ponder, we must work to feed ourselves."

"Your husband a farmer too?"

"My husband is dead."

"Sorry. He die here?"

"He died in Russia. Would you like to see what we do, Mr. Tanner? So you can make a report to your town?"

"Alright."

"Please, come this way."

The woman said a few words to a young man in a language Vin had never heard before. The boy took the reins for Vin's horse and led the animal to a nearby corral. Magda pointed towards a nearby enclosure where three women were feeding the chickens and pigs. Vin followed her to the fence.

"You didn't bring these animals with you."

"We bought them from farmers near Carterville."

"You each got a special job?"

"Mostly. It is most efficient if each person has a duty."

"I guess. What's your job?"

"When you arrived I was baking bread, but my main duty is to teach the children. It will be necessary for them to speak English and to know about America so they will be able to live in the society and be good citizens."

"Were you a teacher in Russia?"

"Before I was married, I was a teacher. My husband was a rabbi and it is not proper for the rabbi's wife to have a job."

"Sorry, ma'am, a rabbi?"

"A rabbi is like a preacher. He is a religious leader and also a teacher."

They walked around the courtyard and Magda explained what each of the people or groups of people was doing. They did not go out to the field, but she explained what crops they hoped to grow and what they would do with it at harvest. They spent nearly an hour in the courtyard and watching everyone at their tasks. They ended up back where they had started.

"We will be having our mid-day meal soon, Mr. Tanner, would you care to join us?"

Vin knew he should get back to town, but he was interested in these people and he was reluctant to leave. And he felt an unexpected attraction to the woman, Magda Singer, that surprised him. He wanted to spend more time with her and he had no excuse to stay, other than her invitation to lunch.

"Thank you ma'am. If it's not too much trouble."

"It is no trouble, Mr. Tanner. We can feed forty-five people as well as forty-four."

Tables were set up in the courtyard and food was brought out from the building Magda had been in when Vin arrived. Without being called everyone converged at the same time and took their places around the tables. Magda introduced Vin and the people who could speak and understand some English sat closest to him and questioned him about the country and about the people living nearby. They were all very interested in their new country and Vin talked more than he was used to, without hesitation, about the American south west and about the people in Four Corners and the surrounding farming and ranching areas.

The people practised their English on him, which he found a little amusing since he was not the best educated or most well spoken person, but their enthusiasm was contagious and the meal passed quickly. When it was over, Vin started to help with the cleaning up, but Magda led him away from the tables.

"You are our guest, Mr. Tanner. It is not necessary for you to work."

"Thank you, ma'am. That was the best meal I've had in a long time. I guess I should be gettin' back to town. They'll be wondering what happened to me."

"Feel free to come again, Mr. Tanner. We want to be good neighbors and we want to do business with the town. We do not want them to fear us."

"I'll make sure they know that, ma'am. Thank you for your hospitality. I'm sure I'll come again."

Vin rode back up the hill and then he stopped and turned around to look at the settlement. Everyone was back at their duties and Magda Singer was not in sight. His attraction to the woman unsettled him but he felt himself looking forward to seeing her again. He rode back to town and tied his horse up outside the saloon.

Inside, Chris, Ezra and Josiah were listening to JD explain some predicament he had gotten himself into. Chris looked a little relieved when Vin arrived to change the subject.

"What'd you find?"

"There's a whole settlement out there. Forty-four people. They got buildings up already and they're farmin' and raisin' all kinds of animals."

"Where'd they come from?"

"Russia."

"The country?"

"You heard of it?"

"A little."

"I never did, 'til today. Took 'em a year to get here, but they're all settled in out there. They slaughter the animals and harvest the crops and they want to sell to the town, when they're ready. Looks like a little community, all on its own."

"They speak English?"

"Some do a little. There's one woman there who speaks real good English. Name's Magda Singer. She's a teacher. She's teachin' the kids to speak English, and it sounds like a little bit about the country. They seem pretty keen to get on with everyone here."

"They plannin' on comin' in to town."

"I guess when they got reason to come in, when the animals are slaughtered and the crops are ready. They ain't gonna come in just to visit. They got lots of work out there. They seem real organized, everybody's got a job, even the kids. Everybody works."

"You learned a lot. You were there for a while."

"It's pretty interestin' the way they got things workin'. I stayed for lunch."

"Will they let us go out, if we want to?"

"Magda said we were welcome. They're real anxious to fit in with folks around here."

"If this Magda is their leader, where are the men?"

"They got men there but I don't know if they got a leader. She speaks English better'n the rest, so she talks for 'em, but they don't seem to have a leader."

"They need any help?"

"Didn't look like it, but I didn't ask. They got a lot done by themselves pretty fast."

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to take a ride out in a couple of days and find out."

Josiah was interested in the group's origin.

"They say anything about where they come from?"

"Magda just said Russia. You ever heard of a rabbi?"

"The rabbi's the religious leader in the community. They got a rabbi there?"

"Magda said her husband was a rabbi. He died in Russia, 'fore they came here."

"Jews. Probably left 'cause of the religious persecution. Jews been persecuted all over the world and they keep movin' and tryin' to find a place to live in peace, but folks always got to cause them trouble. Reckon they came here to find some peace."

Chris wanted to know more.

"What kind of people persecute them?"

"People who don't believe in their religion. Who don't like anybody who's different. Jews don't believe in God and Jesus the same as us, and some folks don't like that."

"But they're just people", JD said. "Why does anybody care about that?"

"Don't know, JD. But for the past 2000 years, Jews and Christians been battlin' over who's right. There's fewer Jews, and they seem to lose out more often than not."

"Well..." Vin wasn't sure how he felt about religion, but he knew he was interested in Magda Singer and the other people in her community. "...seems like they're just hard workin' folks tryin' to look after themselves and their kids. 'bout the same as everyone else around here."

Chris was thinking about the potential trouble that could arise.

"Let's hope none of those persecutors decide to stir things up."

Three days later, Chris decided it was time to ride out and meet the new community east of town. Ezra was not interested in visiting a farm so he stayed behind, as did Buck, who had to look after a drunk from the night before who was waiting for the stage to leave town.

Vin led the way out the to settlement and when they got to the top of the hill and could see the buildings and the farmyard, he was surprised at how excited he was to be there. He hoped none of the others noticed. As had been the case the first time he'd been there, everyone was busy at their jobs and they all stopped again when he and the others rode into the courtyard. The young man who had taken care of Vin's horse told them in halting English that Magda was busy with the children but would be out as soon as possible.

While they waited, Vin showed the other four all the things Magda had shown him during his first visit. The men were impressed by everything they saw. After about twenty minutes, Magda came out one of the buildings, followed by several young children who dispersed to play games or to help with chores.

"Hello, again, Mr. Tanner."

"Ma'am. Nice to see you again. These are some of my friends from Four Corners that I told you about. Chris Larabee, JD Dunne, Josiah Sanchez, Nathan Jackson. This here is Magda Singer."

"Welcome to our community. There is no trouble, I hope."

Chris stepped forward.

"No trouble, ma'am. We just wanted to introduce ourselves and find out if there's anything we can do for you. But seeing what you've done here, I'm not sure there's anything we could do."

"There is always work to do, Mr. Larabee, but I do not think you came to work in our fields."

"I was thinkin' more like helpin' build some corrals or a barn or somethin'."

"Well, we must do some more building, but we do not have the proper supplies. We must slaughter some animals to sell in the town, to trade for the supplies we need."

"Well, I could speak for you, I'm sure you could get some credit, until your animals are ready for slaughter. Don't want to take them before they're ready."

"You are a farmer also, Mr. Larabee?"

"Used to be a rancher."

"I will discuss it with the others. We will decide if we want to take some credit. We do not want to have a debt to others."

"It's the way folks do business in this part of the country. They don't always have the money to pay for somethin' when they got the need. So folks help each other out."

Magda looked at Josiah, and at the cross around his neck.

"You are a religious man?"

"Used to be ma'am. Not so much anymore."

"We have no crosses here."

"I know that, ma'am. Didn't expect any. I ain't interested in makin' you change. I expect you came here to get away from that."

"You know about the problems in Russia, Mr. Sanchez?"

"A little. I know about the problems the Jews got."

"Well, we heard that America is a land of freedom, so we hope that means freedom for Jews as well."

"We got people who cause trouble same as everywhere else, but in this part of the country, most folks are more concerned about gettin' by from day to day."

"I am happy to hear that, Mr. Sanchez. We travelled a very long distance, for a very long time, to get here. I would not want to have to leave so soon."

"Hopefully that won't happen. You speak very good English, if I may say."

"My father was a rabbi. He did not have any sons, so he taught me English. I teach the others here."

"I heard your husband was a rabbi too?"

"He was. He is dead also. Can I show you around, or did Mr. Tanner do it already?"

"I showed 'em a little. Don't want to interrupt when everybody's workin' so hard."

"It is a very hot day. I can at least offer you all a cold drink. Please come here in the shade and I will get something."

Magda went into the building where the meals were prepared and a few minutes later, she came back out with a large pitcher of lemonade and several glasses. She poured the drinks and everyone sat down on benches outside the cook house. JD got fidgety and went to watch two young women tending to the chickens and pigs.

Chris was still trying to size up the community and potential for any trouble.

"Is everyone married to everyone else here?"

"Some are married. Some are not. Our village had over 200 people in it. We were not rich, but we had what we needed, and enough to trade for what we did not make ourselves. About five years ago, the government decided Jews had too much and started to take some of our property away from us, all over the country. Russia is a very big country, bigger than America, and many more people. It was worse for Jews in the cities, but finally the soldiers came to the countryside as well, and started taking our land and our livestock. Governments everywhere have always tried to keep the Jews under control, sometimes like slaves, and the Russian government is the same. Some of our people just gave the soldiers what they wanted, because it happens so many times, it is not worth fighting. But many people in our village were young, not used to the tyranny, and they resisted. The soldiers killed many people and took what they wanted anyway. The people who are here are all that is left of our village. You understand, Mr. Tanner, when you came the other day, and today as well, we thought the soldiers were coming again."

"Didn't mean to upset anybody, ma'am. I hope it's alright now."

"They met you, they know you are not a soldier. They are happy to see you again because they know you are a friend now."

Nathan had been watching the children play in the courtyard.

"These younguns look pretty healthy, ma'am. You got any health problems?"

"Are you a doctor, Mr. Jackson?"

"Not a doctor. I got a little experience and a little knowledge. I try to help folks in town, if I can. Thought if you had any problems out here, maybe I could help."

"One of my other jobs, Mr. Jackson, is to be a mid-wife. I also have a little knowledge. I am able to take care of most things. We have been lucky so far. No-one has been sick and we have had no accidents. If we have trouble in the future, we will ask for your assistance."

"Glad to help, ma'am."

Chris stood up then.

"Why don't you show us what you're plannin' to build, and when we get back to town, I'll look into you gettin' the supplies you need."

Magda lead the way to the farthest edge of the compound.

"We want to build a barn here, so when the weather gets cold, we can shelter our animals. We will need one corral for the cattle, one for the sheep, and one for the horses. The chickens and pigs will go in a pen. We will also need a building for our meals when the weather gets cold."

"Are you planning on getting more animals, or is this about it?"

"For now, this will do. We will see how we go."

"Alright, I got a pretty good idea what you need. Leave it with me. I'll see what I can do for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Larabee. Do you need something here that we can repay you for your assistance?"

"Well, I live in town now ma'am. Got no need for food. I don't expect to get paid. We're glad to help."

The men retrieved their horses and took their leave. As they rode back up the hill, Vin turned around and saw Magda standing in the courtyard, talking to three men who had come in from the fields. She was pointing in the direction of where their barn would be built and he guessed she was telling them about Chris's offer of assistance. He found himself wishing he had some legitimate reason to come out more often because he wanted to get to know Magda Singer better. Chris dropped back to ride beside him.

"Mighty fine lookin' woman."

Vin didn't reply but he cast a small smile towards his friend.

When they got back to town, Chris spoke to the shop keepers who would order the supplies the Russians would need. Based on Chris's personal recommendation, they agreed to extend credit to the community, as long as they could meet someone from the group.

The next morning, Chris was getting ready to ride out to the farm when Vin appeared.

"You ridin' out to the settlement?"

"I'm going to tell them they have to send somebody in, so they can get their supplies."

"Mind if I come along?"

"No, come if you want to. You've taken an interest in those folks."

"They're pretty interestin'".

"Or have you just taken an interest in Magda?"

"Never met anybody from Russia before. She's probably got some interestin' stories to tell."

"Is that all it is? Her stories?"

"I only met her a few days ago."

"That's all it takes!"

"Ain't nothin' else to it."

"If you say so."

When they got to the settlement, Magda did not come out to meet them. Instead, one of the men from the fields greeted them. Chris explained the arrangements he had made in town. The man spoke English well enough to understand and to explain why Magda was not present.

"Magda goes to the river. It is private, she will return later."

Vin was disappointed.

"She shouldn't be wanderin' out in the woods by herself."

"She goes every day for a short period of time. There is no trouble."

"You mind if I go and check?"

"As you wish."

Chris chuckled.

"I assume you'd rather go by yourself! I'll meet you back in town."

Vin headed in the direction of the nearby river and Chris stayed for a few more minutes to talk to the farmer about the supplies he had ordered. When Vin got to the river, he dismounted and lead his horse along the edge of the water. He stopped in a small clearing near a large pond, to get his bearings and try to figure out where Magda might be, when he heard a voice call to him from the pond.

"Mr. Tanner, you must turn away, so I can come out of the water."

Vin realized Magda was swimming and understood suddenly that she was probably naked. He turned around in embarrassment, so his back was towards the water. He could hear rustling in the nearby bushes and after about ten minutes, Magda called to him again.

"You can turn now, Mr. Tanner. I am decent."

He turned around and Magda walked towards him. She was drying her hair and she smiled broadly at him.

"You have discovered my secret, Mr. Tanner. I come here to bathe, and to spend some time alone."

"I didn't know, ma'am, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to butt in. I thought there might be some trouble out here."

"No trouble. It is a peaceful spot that I discovered, and I enjoy coming here."

"And I spoiled it for you."

"Not unless you intend to bring all your friends here."

"I won't. I promise."

"You are embarrassed, Mr. Tanner. Have you never seen a woman bathing before?"

"I just wasn't expectin' it."

"I am sorry I make you feel uncomfortable."

"I'm alright. I thought you liked being with your folks. How come you gotta get away from them?"

"I like to keep my own company. I suspect you are also like that."

"Well, I do like to get away now and then. I ain't used to being around a lot of folks all the time."

"Why is that?"

"Always pretty much lived by myself. Got used to it."

"Well, I have never had the opportunity to live by myself. There is always someone nearby. I have no relations, but the people who are left now are my family. This country is so large, I finally am able to spend some time alone."

"Sorry I ruined it for ya."

"It is not ruined. I am ready to return now."

"How'd you get here?"

"I walked. I am used to walking long distances."

"Well, you can ride back with me, if you want."

He pulled her up behind him on his horse and they rode back to the settlement. Magda had her hands on his hips, very lightly, but he was surprised to find himself aroused by her touch. As they rode, he told her about the arrangements Chris had made with the merchants in Four Corners regarding their supplies.

When they got back to the courtyard, Magda slid off the back of the horse and invited Vin to stay for lunch. He wanted to stay but his heart was beating harder than it should have been, and he felt he would be safer to just go back to town.

"I best get back, ma'am. I'll probably see you tomorrow if you come in to meet the town folk."

"I will be there. I look forward to seeing you again, Mr. Tanner. Thank you for the ride."

The next morning, Vin was sitting outside the hotel with Ezra and Buck, drinking coffee, when Magda arrived with two men from the settlement. They were in a wagon, which the driver stopped in the alley near the General Store. Vin walked over and helped Magda down from the wagon.

"Mornin', ma'am. Nice to see ya again."

"Good morning, Mr. Tanner. Is Mr. Larabee able to help us?"

"He's around somewhere. He'll be here shortly, I reckon. These are the other two fellers I told you about, Buck Wilmington and Ezra Standish. They work for the town too."

"Mr. Standish, you do not look like your friends."

"Thank you, ma'am. I am not like these gentlemen, but I am engaged in the same line of work at the moment."

Buck tried, not too subtly, to push Vin away from Magda.

"Ma'am, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I hope you like livin' in this part of the country. And if there's anything I can do for you, please let me know."

"Thank you, Mr. Wilmington. I do not expect we will need your assistance. We are able to look after ourselves."

Buck was surprised by the rebuke, and Vin almost laughed out loud. He had never competed with Buck for a woman's attention and he was pleased that Magda was seemingly not interested in the advance.

"You want some coffee or somethin' while you're waitin', ma'am?"

"Thank you, Mr. Tanner."

Vin got a cup of coffee and he and Magda sat down, along with Buck. Ezra was standing beside the bench and Magda looked up at him. The men who had come in with her were still by the wagon.

"Mr. Standish, my friends would be interested in seeing your drinking establishment. We work very hard and we do not have time for much relaxation. They also would like to see the gambling that is done here."

Ezra's face lit up.

"Ma'am, it would be my pleasure. Do your friends speak English?"

"They speak well enough."

Ezra turned to the two men. "Gentlemen, if I may, please allow me to guide you."

Ezra led the two men towards the saloon, with thoughts of conquest in mind. Magda chuckled as the three men walked away.

"I hope your friend Mr. Standish is a good loser."

"Why?" Vin asked. "Ezra's about the best gambler in these parts."

"He has not played with these two. If I had money, I would not bet against them."

"Well, we'll see. Ezra don't like to lose."

"Does he cheat?"

"He ain't above it."

"Well, that will be too bad for him."

Chris arrived just then from across the street.

"Good morning, Mr. Larabee. We are here to meet your merchants."

"We?"

"Two men from our farm came also, but they are busy with Mr. Standish at the moment. Should they come also, or will I do?"

"I think you'll do. The shop keepers just want to know who they're ordering the supplies for. Let's go over to the hardware."

Buck was trying to think of something he could do for Magda that neither Chris nor Vin could do, but he saw that she wasn't paying attention to him and didn't seem interested in him. He was not used to such disinterest, and he stayed seated on the bench, looking a little chagrined. Vin and Chris took Magda across the street to the hardware, where she met the shop owner. She explained to the man what her community needed and they reviewed what Chris had suggested. They agreed on a final order and the merchant told Magda he would send her order that day, for delivery in a couple of weeks.

Next, the trio went to the General Store. Magda was particularly interested in making a deal to sell wool once the sheep had been sheared. She and Mrs. Potter, the shop keeper, talked for a few minutes and Magda made a list of provisions the settlement needed. Mrs. Potter had some items in stock, and promised to order the others. Chris and Vin helped Magda load the wagon and then they wandered back in the direction of the saloon.

Just inside the doorway, they saw Ezra at a table with Magda's two compatriots. He did not look happy. They were in the middle of a hand of poker, and the money on the table was not piled near him. He saw the three enter, and when he lost the hand, he ended the game and looked at Magda.

"Ma'am, you didn't tell me your friends had played this game before."

"You did not ask me, Mr. Standish. Did you not ask them?"

"Alas, I did not. I will know better in the future."

"Well, thank you for not shooting them, Mr. Standish. I believe that is how disputes are settled here?"

"We have not had a dispute. They beat me fair and square."

"That is a relief. We do not want to make enemies on our first visit to your town."

"It was a lesson for me, ma'am. We are not enemies."

"Thank you, Mr. Standish."

Chris glanced quickly at Vin and knew he would probably like to have at least a few minutes alone with Magda. He addressed himself to the two men from the settlement.

"Let me tell you what I ordered, so you know what's coming."

Vin looked relieved when Chris sat down at the table. He turned to Magda.

"There ain't much to see here, but I can show you the rest of the town."

They went outside but only got as far as the General Store before Magda stopped.

"We can see the town in a while, Mr. Tanner. I brought something for you."

She went to the wagon and took something out from under the seat. Then she went back to where Vin was standing.

"You seem interested in our people, Mr. Tanner. When we first arrived in America, I found this book, in English, which explains the Jews. Perhaps you would like to read it."

Vin put his hand out, but Magda sensed his hesitance and understood it.

"Are you able to read, Mr. Tanner?"

"A little. Enough to get by. Ain't never read a whole book before."

"Well, perhaps I can read it to you. Not all at once, but perhaps if you have time, you can come to our settlement and I will read some to you each time. Then you will understand us better."

"I'd like that ma'am. Thank you. I ain't never met anybody like your folks before."

"Since we are going to be friends, perhaps you can call me Magda?"

"I'd like that."

He was afraid his knees were going to buckle, so he turned slightly and gestured down the street.

"I'll show you around now."

He was glad to be moving, but he had trouble concentrating on what he was saying to her as they made their way around the main street. He hoped desperately that Magda couldn't tell how flustered he was. He had never had this kind of a reaction to a woman before and he felt a little foolish. He had been with women during his life, but none of them had come even remotely close to how Magda was affecting him. He wanted to touch her, even to just put his hand on her arm, but he fought the impulse and tucked his hands under his gun belt to resist the urge to reach out to her.

By the time they had made their way around the town and back to the wagon, Chris, Ezra and the two Russian men were outside. Ezra was uncharacteristically charitable to the two men who had beat him at poker. He had been challenged by them, which didn't happen often to him in Four Corners, and he invited them to come and play against him again.

Before Magda climbed up to the wagon seat, she turned to Vin.

"Will you come tomorrow?"

"If I can. If it's alright with you."

"Come in the morning. I will be at the river. We can read there."

"You gonna be swimmin' again?"

"I will bathe before you arrive. I will not embarrass you again."

As the wagon pulled away Chris looked at Vin.

"What was that all about?"

"Nothin'. She's gonna tell me about the Jews."

"Is that what you call it?"

"She's got a book. She's gonna read it to me."

Chris smiled and walked away, towards the saloon. Vin watched the wagon until it was out of town and then walked up the boardwalk to the sheriff's office. He didn't feel like listening to Chris's teasing, so he sat down outside and started playing his mouth organ.

The next morning, Vin woke up earlier than usual. He lay in bed for a while, thinking about Magda and why he felt so impacted by her. He didn't really know anything about her, but he was drawn almost desperately to her, and he didn't feel the urge he usually had to pull away. Especially in recent years, he had made a point of not getting attached to anyone, male or female, because he always knew he'd have to move on. But he didn't feel that way now, and he realized it was not the wisest thing he could do, to get involved with this woman. He felt strongly that he didn't want to step back from her. He wanted to know more about her and to spend time with her. Just being close to her made him feel like he had never felt in his life. He didn't understand it, but he knew he liked it, and he liked her.

By the time Vin got to the clearing near the river, Magda was dressed and sitting under a tree. She smiled at him.

"Good morning."

He looked at her and thought, "You have beautiful hair." When she put her hand up to her hair, he suddenly realized he'd spoken aloud and he was mortified. He turned away from her and fought the urge to get on his horse and ride away. He was waiting for her to laugh at him but instead, she got up and walked over to him, and put her hand on his arm.

"What is wrong?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that. I mean, I didn't mean to say it out loud."

"It was, what do you say, a compliment?"

"I guess. I didn't mean for you to hear it."

"How can you make a compliment if you do not say it?"

"I was just thinkin' you got beautiful hair. I didn't mean for you to hear it."

"Why? It is a very nice thing to say."

"I don't want you to think I'm like Buck."

"Mr. Wilmington? He likes to compliment ladies?"

"Yeah, he does, and he's good at it. Don't mean nothin' to him, 'cept he just likes ladies. I don't want you to think I'm like that."

"I do not think you are like him. Please, do not be embarrassed. I seem always to embarrass you."

"You ain't doin' nothin'. I'm doin' it to myself. I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me."

"Please, you came so I can tell you about my people. I would like to read to you. Come and sit down. You have no reason to be embarrassed."

She took his hand and led him back to the tree, where they sat down. She picked up her book, but before she started reading, she told him about why Jews and Christians were different, that Christians thought Jews were godless because they didn't believe Jesus Christ was the son of God, or the saviour of mankind. Vin had never had any formal religious training but he knew enough to understand why the Jews had always had trouble finding a place to live in peace.

Magda's book had been written by a rabbi in New York. It was a translation from Hebrew of stories of journeys Jews had made throughout history, searching for a place to settle. Magda read for a while and then she told Vin about the trip she and the people remaining from her village had made, across Russia and the rest of Europe, to a port in France where they got onto a boat loaded with immigrants from all over the continent. It was a long, hard journey and several people died on the ship. Fortunately, all of the people from Magda's village survived and they landed in New York eight months after they had started out from Russia. They had declared themselves to be farmers and were given a choice of three places to settle. Two of them had been in the mid-west and one in the south west. The third choice had appealed to everyone because there seemed to be more opportunity for them to settle and make the kind of life they hoped to have. And the adults all thought there would be less likelihood of religious problems in a new part of the country, where everyone had come recently from somewhere else.

After nearly two hours, Vin leaned back against the tree and closed his eyes for a few seconds, trying to picture Magda and the other Russians travelling so far just to find a place to live. His own life had not been easy, but he'd always been able to find a place to live every time he felt he had to move on. He couldn't comprehend having to travel to the other side of the world to find a home.

"A pretty hard life you've had so far."

"We do not think it is hard. It is what we must do. There is no other way for us, so why should we complain? It will not change anything and it will only make us bitter. Life for Jews has a great deal of sadness and misery. We try to find some happiness to make it bearable."

"Do you have to marry one of your own people? I mean, if you want to be a Jew, do you have to marry another Jew?"

"It is preferred, but when we left Russia, we knew it would be hard for us to find other people like us, to become part of our community, or to become part of their's. So if we do not find a Jew to marry, we will marry someone else, or we will not marry."

"What about you? There's fellas in your community you could marry."

"There is no-one I am interested in. They will not try, because I was the rabbi's wife, and to them, that makes me untouchable. It is unthinkable for them to want to marry the rabbi's widow."

"That ain't fair to you."

"It is alright. I do not want to marry any of them. They are all hard working men, and I have known most of them my whole life, because we always lived in the same village, but I do not want to marry any of them. When we have settled more and they go to the community to sell our grain and our animals, they will meet many people and if they are lucky, they will find women they want to marry. It will happen or it will not."

"If I promise not to do anything stupid, can I come again?"

"I hope you will come often. I hope you are interested in the book."

"It's very interestin'. I never heard about people like the Jews before. I never learned much about religion and I never heard about Jews 'til I met you. If you don't mind readin' to me, I'd like to hear more."

"Good. I would like to read more to you. And I enjoy your company. You are not making judgements about what I am telling you. Many people would argue and try to make me see we are wrong."

"I don't know enough about God or religion to say anybody's right or wrong. It's just somethin' new to me, and it's interestin'."

"When will you come again?"

"Can't come tomorrow. I got things I gotta do in town. Maybe the next day?"

"Good. I will be here. I am glad you came today."

"So am I. And I'm real sorry about what happened before."

"Please, there is no reason to apologize. I am sorry I am doing something that makes you act in a way that upsets you."

"You ain't doin' nothin'. I just like spendin' time with you."

"And I feel the same. I am going to walk back to the settlement. I have been sitting for a long time and I need to exercise."

"You mind if I walk with you?"

"Of course not. I am happy for your company."

Over the next two weeks, Vin went to see Magda almost every other day. She read to him and they talked. He told her about his life and about the bounty on his head. She came to understand, although he didn't actually come out and say so, why he was nervous about getting too close to her. He was always ready to move on at a moment's notice and the more time he spent with her, the less ready he was to leave if it became necessary. He didn't admit it to her, or even to himself, but he was less concerned about leaving, almost resigned to staying, even if it caused him trouble, because he was drawn in an increasingly stronger way to Magda.

On the day the building supplies arrived in Four Corners, several people from the settlement took three wagons into town. They loaded the supplies and Chris promised that all seven of the town's defenders would be present after the settlement's Sabbath Saturday in three days, to help with the construction. Two wagons headed back right away, but Magda and the two men who had been to town with her before stayed behind. The men went to the saloon with Ezra, and Magda and Vin sat on a bench outside the hotel, just enjoying each other's company and the warm, sunny day.

Sooner than expected, the Russians came out of the saloon and one of them said to Magda, in Hebrew, "It's time to go. Come now."

"What happened?"

Before he could reply, a man came out of the saloon and walked towards the wagon. He staggered and was obviously drunk.

"Hey, Jew. Why don't you get the hell out of this town. Your kind don't belong here."

Magda stood up and moved towards the wagon. The two men with her were waiting for her. Vin stood up behind her, with his hand on his gun. Ezra came out of the saloon and Chris was not far behind him. They were also ready to draw their guns. The drunk continued his tirade.

"Go back where you belong. You're nothin' but trouble and we don't want your kind here. You're a buncha lyin' heathens."

Vin moved beside Magda and took his gun out of the holster. She didn't look at him but she spoke very quietly.

"Please, put your gun away. We do not want trouble. We will leave now and go back to the farm."

"You can't let him chase you away."

"Please, Vin. We will leave. It will be alright."

"He can't keep you outta the town."

"It is too much trouble for the town. We will leave."

"It's just him. The whole town don't feel that way."

"We will leave. If we have to come to town for something, we will come, but it is too much trouble for us to be here."

She got up on the wagon bench and the Russians left. Vin went out into the street where the drunk was swaying back and forth and punched him, hard, in the face. The man crumpled to the ground and Vin turned around and left him lying in the street. He went to the livery, saddled his horse, and rode out of town, towards the Mexican border. He rode for over an hour and finally stopped to allow his horse to rest. He couldn't remember ever being so angry, and he was scared by how mad and frightened he was.

Magda had reacted like the incident was common place to her and that made Vin even angrier, to think that she had to live her life with people like the drunk always threatening her, with words and actions. He felt an overwhelming desire to protect her, to find some place where she could live in peace and to take her there.

When Vin got back to town, it was after dark. He went into the saloon and found Chris and Josiah sitting in a corner. He sat down and Chris poured him a glass of whiskey.

"You alright?"

"No."

"It was just one man. We threw him in jail."

"Don't change the way he thinks."

"Nobody else in town has said anything about them."

"Just 'cause they don't say it, don't mean they ain't thinkin' it."

"People here don't want trouble. They're happy to do business with the settlement, and they don't care what they believe in. Nobody out there is preachin' to anybody here, so everyone is happy."

"Are they?"

"Vin, Magda's been tellin' you about her people. You shouldn't be surprised that somebody said somethin'."

"She didn't even look scared. She just looked like it happens to her all the time and that's just the way her life is. That ain't right."

"It ain't right," Josiah said, "but it's been happenin' for two thousand years. It is just the way their lives are. Whether you believe in God or not, Vin, somebody has decided that's the way things are for the Jews. You gotta have a lot of respect for them for stickin' to their beliefs when so many people are against them. It'd be easy to just turn into what others think they should be, but they stick to their beliefs, in spite of what happens to them."

"How can they just let that happen?"

"What other choice do they have? Fightin' back? They've tried that too. It don't work."

"What're you gonna do with the son of a bitch that started the trouble?"

"He's gonna spend a couple of days in jail," Chris said, "to think about what happened, and then we'll send him home. He belongs on a farm out west. He won't be welcome back here."

Vin started getting angry again, thinking about the man in jail and about Magda. He had another drink and then he stood up. Chris stood up too.

"What're you gonna do."

"I don't know. I'm so mad I could kill the bastard."

"You're not gonna do that. Sit down and get drunk. You won't feel better, but it'll keep you out of trouble."

After a few seconds, Vin sat down and did what Chris suggested. A couple of hours later, he was drunk enough to be able to pass out and sleep for the night, and Chris helped him back to his room. When he woke up the next morning, his head was pounding and he felt sick, not totally because of the alcohol he'd consumed the night before. He couldn't face food, and just the thought of getting on his horse made him feel even worse, but he wanted to see Magda, to settle things in his own mind about what had happened the day before.

By the time he was able to get up and ride out to the settlement, it was early afternoon. The settlement was like it had been every other time he'd been there. Magda was in the building that was used as the school, and Vin sat down outside, to wait until she was finished. He sat for nearly an hour before the children came outside. Finally, Magda came out as well and looked startled to see Vin.

"Why are you here?"

"I had to see ya. To make sure you're alright."

"Why would I not be alright? What happened yesterday was a minor thing. It was an ignorant man who was drunk. If that is the worst that happens to us, we will be very lucky."

"How can you live like that, knowin' somebody could take after you without warnin'?"

"It is the way we live, Vin. I thought you understood that."

"So did I, but I never actually saw it 'til yesterday. I didn't understand what it's like for you."

"That is what it is like. It has always been that way, and it will always be that way. We cannot change people."

"It ain't right."

"Maybe not, but people who do not understand something do not react in a nice way. They are mean and sometimes they are violent. That is what we live with."

"I hate it."

"So do I. But we left yesterday and it was over."

"You can't spend your whole life just walkin' away from people like that."

"Vin, I have spent my whole life walking away from that. I will spend the rest of my life walking away. If we do not walk away, we have to stand and fight. The last time we fought, most of our village was murdered. So we will walk away. It is the only way we will survive. If you cannot understand that, or you cannot accept it, you have not learned anything from what I have told you. Perhaps you should not come here anymore if it is too hard for you."

"Magda, I do understand, I've done my share of walkin' away in my life. I didn't like it but it kept me alive. It's just... when I saw you yesterday, I wanted to kill that bastard for doin' that to ya."

"You cannot protect me from it. You cannot protect any of us. I know it is your instinct, but you must let us deal with it ourselves. We will do it better than you."

"I don't wanna stop comin' here."

"I am glad. I enjoy the time we spend together. You are not like anyone I have known before and I learn from you."

"What can you learn from me?"

"I learn about kindness and patience. About how to survive in the wild west, how to make the most with only a little. There are many things you can teach."

He suddenly felt sick to his stomach and he sat down and took a deep breath.

"You look ill."

"I'm worse than that. I had a lot to drink last night."

"Do you want to lie down?"

"I don't think I'm gonna make it back to town."

"Come with me. You can lie down and I will give you some medicine."

She took him into one of the sod huts, where there were two beds, a long table and a cupboard.

"What's this room?"

"Our sick room. It is cool and quiet here. Drink some of this medicine. It will help."

She gave him a glass with a small amount of light green liquid. It was bitter and he made a face when he swallowed it, and then he sat down on one of the beds. He undid his gun belt and took off his jacket and hat while she pulled off his boots. Then he lay down and she put a blanket over him.

Vin closed his eyes and felt for a few seconds that he was spinning out of control. Then he felt calm and warm and he opened his eyes. Magda was gone and a small space under the door was the only source of light. He suddenly felt very tired and closed his eyes again.

When he opened his eyes again, there was no light under the door. He stretched and turned onto his side and drifted off again. The next time he woke up, Magda had come back into the room and put a lantern on the table.

"How do you feel?"

"Better, I think. How long have I been sleepin'?"

"A few hours. You were sleeping when we ate so I brought you some food."

"Thanks. I'm starvin'. I ain't had anything to eat since yesterday. What've you been doin?"

"Because tomorrow is our Sabbath, today we made the meals for tomorrow. We do only the work that must be done on the Sabbath."

"Like what?"

"The animals must be fed, the cows must be milked. Actually, according to ancient teachings, even the cows should not be milked, but we do not have anyone to do it for us, so we must do it. The children must be tended to. Otherwise, it is a day of rest. Since we do not have a rabbi, there can be no religious teachings, but many people study on their own."

"But not you?"

"I am not sure how I feel about God these days. It is blasphemous, a rabbi's daughter and a rabbi's wife, but so much has happened that makes me not so sure. I try to be a good Jew, but God is a stranger to me right now."

"What was your husband like?"

"He was a good man. Older than me, but he treated me well and he was a good husband. I was chosen for him, but it was not a bad match. He was quiet and patient, which was difficult with a wife who was not so quiet. I tried very hard to be a good rabbi's wife, but it was not always easy."

"You miss him?"

"I miss him a lot. Especially when I want to talk to someone at night and he is not here. In the day there are people around and work to do but at night, when I am alone, I miss him"

"How did he die?"

"When the soldiers came to our village, they went first to the temple, where the people worship, and destroyed the religious symbols. My husband tried to stop them and he was killed. The soldiers put his body in the middle of the village, for everyone to see, and they would not let me go to him."

Magda stood up. "I must finish my preparation for tomorrow. You may keep the lantern."

Before Vin could say anything, she was gone. He wanted to go after her, to comfort her, but he knew there was nothing he could say that would ease her pain and he might only make it worse. He sat for a while and thought about what she'd said, and about the things she'd told him over the past few weeks about the struggles she and the people from her village had had to deal with. He wished he was back in Four Corners, so he could at least go to the saloon and get a drink. Instead he stood outside the door of the small hut. The settlement was in darkness. He thought about going back to town but his horse was corralled with the others and he would make too much noise finding it and getting it saddled. He knew he'd probably just end up scaring the settlers.

He didn't even know where Magda slept, but he realized it was better that way. If he went to her, even just to talk, he might damage their friendship. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't understand the pain and sorrow that was so much a part of her life. He just hoped she knew he wanted to help her, if she thought there was a way he could do that. He went back inside and lay down again. He lay awake for what seemed to him a long time before he finally fell asleep.

When he woke up the next time, there was light under the door and he could hear people outside. He pulled his boots on and rearranged his clothing to look less like he'd slept in it. He picked up his gun belt and then put it back on the table. He knew where he was going and he knew he wouldn't need his gun. He left his jacket, hat and gun belt in the sick room when he went outside. When he got into the courtyard, breakfast was almost finished, but one of the women made a spot for him and brought him some food. A couple of men sat with him while he ate and discussed the work that would begin the next day.

*******Summary of this section: Vin goes to find Magda at the pond and while he is there with her, they talk some more about her husband and about Vin's need to clear his name before he can settle down and marry. After their conversation, they return to the settlement.*******

When they arrived, preparations were just starting for the Sabbath meal and Vin and Magda helped the others who were getting ready. While they were working, Chris and Josiah rode into the compound. Vin stopped working when they entered the courtyard.

"You fellas just out for a ride?"

"We got a little worried about you," Chris told him. "You disappeared yesterday and we wanted to make sure you weren't causing any trouble."

"I'm alright. I'm still mad about what happened, but I calmed down. I ain't gonna cause any trouble."

"That's good to hear. Is this a party goin' on here?"

Magda walked over to the trio.

"We are preparing for our Sabbath meal. Will you stay and celebrate with us?"

"We don't wanna interfere with your meal."

"Please, you are our friends now and we would like you to join us. We have plenty of food, and you may observe our ceremony. It is simple, but it has a great deal of meaning for us. Because of our circumstances now, we have made some adjustments, but it is mainly how we have always observed the Sabbath."

When the meal was ready, everyone sat down around the tables. Magda explained the rule against lighting fires, and asked Josiah to light the candles in front of her. She acted as the female head of the makeshift family and made the traditional intonements. Vin, Chris and Josiah sat together and listened as Magda recited the ancient Hebrew prayers. Although it was a simple Jewish ceremony, the visitors were in awe as they watched Magda perform the act of giving thanks and asking for God's blessing. Then the food was passed around and it became a meal for family and friends, the same kind that occurred all over the country. There was laughter and conversation and when the food had been consumed, the children sang songs and put on a skit for the adults. It was something the settlers did every week, but it was special to the visitors because they were not used to being part of such a big family that enjoyed celebrating the simple fact that they were all together for yet another week.

After the dishes had been cleared away and the tables moved out of the way, Magda and the few other settlers who did not have families sat down with the three visitors to discuss the work that would begin the next day, and to pass around a bottle of sweet homemade liquor one of the women had made. Finally, as the day ended, Chris stood up.

"Thank you for supper. You have an interesting way to enjoy your meals."

"It is our tradition, not just as Jews, but as Russians. Our families are very important to us and now that we are so few, it is even more important to preserve our traditions and culture. Our children will not remember Russia or the trouble. But we want them to remember their heritage."

"We'll be back tomorrow. All of us. We should be able to get the work done pretty quick."

"We appreciate everything you have done for us, including your concern about our safety."

Vin collected his jacket, hat and gun belt from the sick room and lingered briefly when Chris and Josiah mounted their horses. He put his hand on Magda's arm and squeezed it.

"Thank you for today."

"I must also thank you. Perhaps we will have another opportunity for such a day."

"I hope so. I'll see ya tomorrow."

"Good night, Vin. Ride safely."

As they made their way up the hill, Chris looked back at the settlement, and then at Vin.

"You're gettin' kind of close aren't you?"

"Somethin' wrong with that?"

"I guess not, as long as she knows you might not be able to stay."

"She knows. We're just enjoyin' each other's company. Nothin' more than that."

"I think there's a lot more to it than that."

"Ain't nothin' you gotta worry about."

"Yes I do, if a friend of mine is putting himself in danger."

"What danger?"

"If you get so close to her that you stop lookin' out for yourself."

"I ain't stopped lookin' out for myself. Being such a good friend, I figured you'd be happy for me."

"I'm not tellin' you not to see her. I'm just sayin' you gotta be careful you don't let her distract you so much you forget what you have to look out for."

"Ain't gonna happen."

"I hope you're right."

"Been any more trouble in town?"

"Nobody's said anything. People got enough of their own problems, they don't need to go looking for somebody else's too. Mary said she's gonna write a story about the settlement, but she's not gonna say anything about their religion. Just where they came from."

"Well, I hope that feller was the only trouble maker, but I ain't sure we'll be that lucky."

Josiah joined the conversation at that point.

"I'll tell you what could cause more trouble. Havin' sheep on that farm. If they start tryin' to sell the meat, the cattle ranchers might get up in arms. Wool is one thing, but the meat is competition for beef and the ranchers ain't gonna like that."

Chris looked at Josiah, then at Vin, and raised his eyebrows.

"You had to bring that up!"

"Best we're prepared for trouble. Seems like we've made a commitment to the people in the settlement, even if they ain't part of the town. If we're out here makin' friends with them, and helpin' 'em out, we have an obligation to help protect them if there's trouble. They're pretty independent, but that don't mean we can turn our backs on them if somebody decides to make trouble."

"Will they let us help them?"

"They'll let us," Vin said. "Long as we don't tell 'em what to do, if we're just backin' 'em up. They ain't stupid. They know they can't make do without some help from the folks around here. They wanna be part of the community. They still got lots to learn about how things work around here, but they know they gotta learn, and they wanna do it. They'll ask for help when they need it."

The seven men arrived at the settlement early the next morning. The Russians had already been up for some time, and the men were in the process of moving the building supplies to the appropriate area when the seven rode in. The women were busy doing their own chores, or were covering the tasks usually performed by the men, so the men would be free to work on the construction of the barn. Magda helped the younger children feed the chickens and pigs, and then she took them to the farthest field from the construction, so they would be able to take their lessons without the distraction of the unusual noise and activity. After a brief meeting to discuss the plan for the day, the men got to work.

Ezra stood on the edge of the group and when they all turned to their tasks, he managed to back out of the activity. He had spotted Magda and the children as they made their way across the fields, and he followed them. When he arrived at their location, the children were taking turns reading out of an English language primer. Magda was surprised to see him.

"Mr. Standish, you are not assisting with the labor?"

"No, ma'am, labor is something I do not engage in, if I can avoid it. I did, however, think I might lend my services to you and your young charges. I understand you have been teaching them about American history. Rather than reading about it, perhaps I may assist you. I have lived through some of the most recent history, and I would be happy to enlighten you."

Magda looked at the children and asked them, in English, "Do you want Mr. Standish to tell you about American history?"

The children were unanimous in their agreement, and Ezra sat down on the ground beside Magda and began talking about the American civil war. He was a talented story teller and the children were fascinated by his tales. They had all learned to speak and understand English quickly, during the trip across the country and since they had settled, and they had no trouble understanding what Ezra was telling them. The time passed quickly and Magda finally had to cut him off, so the children could go to their mid-day meal.

The children ran ahead and Magda and Ezra walked back together.

"Do you have children, Mr. Standish?"

"None that I am aware of."

"You are very good with children. I think you would be a good parent."

"Well, that would presumably require me to have a wife and to be settled. At this point in my life, I am not prepared to make that sacrifice."

"You would consider it a sacrifice to have a wife and children?"

"Right now, yes, I would. I am relatively satisfied with my life and I'm not finished exploring all opportunities and alternatives. At some point in the future, perhaps I will make the sacrifice. What about you, Miz Singer? Are any of these children yours?"

"My husband and I were not able to have children. It was a great sadness for him. He wanted a family, to raise children and guide and teach them. But perhaps it is best that we did not have children. Fortunately, all of the children who are here with us have both of their parents. It would be very difficult to raise children alone."

"Well, perhaps that is something for your future as well."

"Perhaps you are right. Thank you for your assistance this morning. I think sometimes the children get bored listening to me read to them about a history I know nothing about."

"Anytime you want some first hand knowledge, I would be pleased to lend a hand."

"Do you know anything beside history?"

"I know a little about many things. What are you interested in?"

"The American political system is very confusing to me. Would you provide us with some information about your presidents?"

"It would be my pleasure."

"Your friends will not want your assistance with their work?"

"I promise you, they will be happy not to have me there. Physical labor is not something I am fond of and consequently, I am not good at it. I tend to get in the way."

"Well, it is good then that you have other talents."

"Yes, indeed, it is very good!"

About half an hour before the men broke for lunch, the women started bringing out the food they had prepared. They had also put out wash basins for the men to clean up before the meal. After he washed his hands and face, Vin stood and looked around the courtyard. He had seen Magda across the field when he first arrived, and he was watching for her now. When he saw her arrive with Ezra, he felt a knot in his stomach. Although he was not a blatant as Buck, Ezra also had a way of charming a woman when he wanted to. It was a skill Vin did not possess and he knew he would not be able to compete with the gambler if he decided to turn his attentions to Magda. It didn't help that she and Ezra were laughing as they made their way into the courtyard.

Vin sat down at the end of one of the tables, by himself. Just like the unfamiliar feelings he'd had when he'd been getting acquainted with Magda, the feelings of jealousy and desperation he felt now were also new, and the adrenalin started pumping through him. He hoped to be able to eat his lunch and get back to work without embarrassing himself in front of everyone. For someone so used to being in control of his emotions, he didn't like feeling so much out of control about Magda. While he was waiting for the food to be passed around, he sat and looked out at the grain fields. Someone sat down beside him but he didn't look around.

"Are you still not well today?"

His stomach lurched when he realized the person beside him was Magda.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't know it was you. I was day dreamin'"

"About something good, I hope."

"Actually, it wasn't."

"Maybe we will have an opportunity to talk later."

"Maybe."

"How is your progress so far?"

"We're doin' pretty good. It'll take us a few days, but the work is goin' alright. What were you and Ezra doin'?"

"Mr. Standish has been telling the children about American history. He is a good teacher. This afternoon he will tell them about American presidents."

"He's a good talker, that's for sure."

Magda looked at him, and then down at her hands in her lap.

"I am sorry."

"About what?"

"I have upset you again."

"What? You haven't done nothin'."

Other people started sitting down around them, so their private conversation ended. Magda realized that Vin was upset about Ezra spending time with her, even though he hadn't really been just with her. She was confused about how she was supposed to respond to Vin's jealousy, so she ate her lunch in silence. As soon as she was finished eating, she got up from the table and went to where the children were eating. She stayed with them until they were all done, and made sure they cleaned up their dishes and delivered them to the cookhouse.

She made the children wash their hands and faces, and visit the outhouse, and then she headed them back to their makeshift classroom across the field. They spent some time talking about Hebrew traditions until Ezra returned. He gave them a simplified explanation about American politics and talked about the men who had been president. Magda tried to concentrate on what he was saying, because she knew the children would have questions in the future, but her mind kept wandering back to her brief conversation with Vin.

Finally, the day drew to a close and everyone returned to the courtyard. Vin didn't want to leave without talking to Magda, but he wasn't sure what he was going to say to her, and he wasn't sure she wanted to talk to him. She had read his mood and was upset by it. He had the impression she thought she had caused it. The seven men stayed for supper and the time went by agonizingly slowly.

When the meal was done, Magda and the other women cleaned up. Vin cleared some of the dishes off the table and took them into the cookhouse. When Magda saw him, she blushed.

"It is not necessary for you to help."

"I want to."

"Are you in a hurry to leave?"

"Not especially."

"Well, perhaps you can wait outside. When I am done we can talk."

Vin reluctantly went outside and joined his six friends, who were sharing a bottle of homemade liquor with some of the Russian men. Finally, the women finished their work and Magda appeared in the doorway of the cookhouse. Buck and JD had already left for town, and the others, except Vin, were getting their horses ready for the trip. Chris saw Magda and then he looked at Vin.

"You want me to get your horse ready?"

"Leave it, I'll look after it."

Magda walked across the courtyard to the school room, and went inside. After a few seconds, Vin followed her. When he got inside, she was not in the classroom, but he saw a light from a room in the back, and he went to it. The room had a bed, a table and chair, and a wardrobe. It was obviously where Magda slept and where she kept her personal belongings. When Vin got to the doorway, she was tidying some things on the table. When he spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper.

"Maggie..."

He didn't realized he had used such a familiar appellation. She heard it but she didn't say anything. She turned around and looked at him for a few seconds without speaking. She pulled the chair out and set it so he could sit down. She sat on the end of the bed.

"I apologize Vin... whatever I do that upsets you..."

"No, you ain't doin' nothin'. I got no hold on you. If you're interested in somebody else, that's your business. I ain't good with words, like Ezra. He knows all the fancy words and he knows what a woman wants to hear. I don't blame ya if you'd rather be with him."

"He is a nice man and friendly. He was able to tell the children information I do not know. You were correct this afternoon. He likes to talk and he likes to hear his own voice. He offered to talk to the children because he did not want to work. It was interesting for them to hear him. It is difficult for me to keep their interest when I can only read out of a book. They learn faster if they hear the information from someone who knows it better. But I have no interest in him."

Vin closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"So I'm just makin' a fool of myself again."

"Vin, I do not know what I do that makes you upset. It is not intentional. You are a kind, gentle man. Yesterday, when you came to the river, it was something that I hoped would happen. Since my husband died, no man in our village would consider me that way and I thought I would spend my life as a lonely woman, by myself. But you made me feel special, that a man could want me still. Today, I have upset you again, and now I am afraid that you will not want to be with me again."

"It ain't you. It's my fault. I feel like a little kid when I'm around you. I never felt like this about anybody before and I'm not sure what I'm s'posed to do, or what I'm s'posed to say. I like bein' with ya. I never spent so much time with a woman, just talkin'. I ain't never been much of a talker 'cause I always spent so much time by myself, but I like talkin' to you. It makes me feel special too, that a beautiful woman like you wants to be with me, without makin' me pay for it. Around here, the only way for a lotta fellas to be able to spend time with a woman is to pay. And it don't mean nothin' to 'em. It's just their job. Sometimes I think they don't even look at a fella's face. It's just another body, a few more dollars."

"How do we fix this problem we have, upsetting each other?"

"I don't know. I know I don't wanna stop seein' ya."

"And I do not want to stop seeing you. It is one of the few pleasures I have now. Will you always remember that I am not interested in your friend, Mr. Standish, or Mr. Wilmington? Your friends have been very generous with us, but I have no interest in them in any other way."

"Jealousy's an ugly thing."

"Yes, it is, but there is no reason for you to be jealous of anyone. I think, to be jealous, you must care about someone, and I am happy that you have those feelings for me, but there is nothing for you to be jealous of."

"I'll try to remember that. So much has happened between us in a short amount of time, and I'm just tryin' to keep up with it."

"I knew my husband for one week before we were married."

"Well, I ain't like that. It takes me a while to warm up to new things, and this thing with you and me, it's goin' a little faster than I'm comfortable with."

"Well, then we must not go so fast."

"I always feel like I'm intrudin' when I come out here. Like I'm takin' you away from things you should be doin'."

"You must not feel that way. Before you came, I went every morning to the river. I perform all of my duties and no one has to do them for me. As long as that continues, no one here will be angry if I spend time with you. And please understand why I cannot come to your town more. I am afraid there will be trouble if we are there."

"There was only one fella who caused a fuss. Nobody else has said anything, and folks seem interested in what you're doin' out here. I understand that you're scared about it, but I don't think you gotta worry.

"There is somethin' else that you folks should know, that we haven't told you about. It's somethin' that everybody here should know about, maybe we can talk about it tomorrow. Some cattle ranchers don't like folks who raise sheep, and you should all know it could be a problem."

"So we travelled all this way, to settle in a country where we can have religious freedom, and now we must worry about our sheep?"

"Could be. We'll talk about it tomorrow. I don't think it's a real big problem, but you should know about it."

"Would you like to stay here tonight?"

"I'd like that a lot, but I think I need to get a ways away, to clear my head. Bein' close to you so much, I start not thinkin' straight, and that's when I say stupid things. And then I have to keep apologizin' to you. I best go back to town, and I'll see ya in the mornin'."

"Alright. I am glad we talked, to clarify this between us."

They both stood up and Vin kissed her on the cheek.

"See ya tomorrow."

"Good night, Vin."

When Vin got back to town, he put his horse in the livery and walked down the street to the saloon. Chris was sitting at a table by himself; Buck was at the bar. Vin sat down with Chris and poured himself a drink. Chris was surprised to see him.

"I didn't expect you back tonight."

"I'll tell ya somethin', as long as you don't say I told ya so."

"It's too much for you to handle."

"No, it ain't that. But she's on my mind all the time and I'm gettin' so I can't think straight."

"Did you tell her?"

"We talked about it. I don't wanna stop seein' her, but she's scared to come into town. So I'm gonna keep goin' out there. Maybe not as much, but I ain't gonna quit."

"There's no reason for her not to come to town."

"I told her that. Maybe in time it'll be alright, but they gotta get to know the people around here. I don't know what it's like, havin' folks hate ya just 'cause of the way you believe in God. I never saw that before, but her people get killed for it all the time, so I guess I understand. They came a long way to get away from that, and if they think it's gonna happen here, they'll hunker down and stop havin' anything to do with anybody but themselves. And she's not gonna leave her people. It's the only family she's got now, and the only people around here like her."

"It's tough, gettin' involved with a woman."

"I hope it's worth it, in the end."

"That depends on you. You're the only one who knows if she's worth it. It's a lot of work."

"Sure has been so far, and I hardly know her! I told her there might be a problem with the cattle ranchers. Tomorrow we gotta tell 'em all about it. It's only fair they know what could happen, so they can be prepared."

"You're right. If they get themselves into trouble and don't understand why, we're not gonna be much good comin' in after the fact to try and help them."

Chris watched Vin for a couple of seconds before he spoke again.

"You in love with her?"

"Don't know. I never been in love with anybody before."

"You'd know. I never would've figured you to get involved with somebody like that, so tied to her people and tied to the land. I figured you'd be more attracted to somebody who liked to wander."

"Yeah, well, I guess we're both surprised. Her too, probably. I ain't exactly like the men she's known her whole life."

"Maybe that's the attraction for her."

"Maybe, but does that mean I'm just a passin' thing for her?"

"I can't tell you that. Only she can. And my guess is, she doesn't know herself. Seems like her life has always been pretty much organized by other people, and she's trying to deal with having to make her own decisions now, on top of everything they're trying to do on that farm. It's hard enough looking after yourself without having to worry about a bunch of other people too. She probably feels like she's responsible for them, because of her position, and because she has to speak for them so much."

"Must be pretty scary for her. Especially bein' so far away from everything she knows."

"She seems to be handling it pretty well."

"She's good at makin' people think she's handlin' it alright. I ain't sure that's true. But her people expect her to help them, 'cause her husband was their leader, so she figures she's gotta do it, no matter what personal things she's gotta worry about."

"There's nobody around here without some kind of problem."

"Shouldn't that make things easier?"

"I think folks get caught up in their own problems and don't realize somebody else has problems too. I'm one of the worst for that."

"Or you don't ask about them 'cause they'll ask about you?"

"That too."

When the seven men from the town arrived at the settlement the next morning, there were half a dozen wagons lined up near the construction site, and several people who didn't belong on the farm were in the courtyard. When the seven rode into the courtyard, one of the Russian men came to meet them.

"We have more workers today."

"I see that", Chris said. "Who are all these people?"

"Farmers from nearby."

One of the strangers came over.

"I'm Tom McNally. I own the farm next to this one. We heard the folks here were doin' some work, so we got our neighbors and came over to help. It's good to know your neighbors."

"Any of you folks cattle ranchers?"

"Some of us got some cattle, but we ain't like them big time ranchers."

"Good." Chris addressed himself to the Russian.

"We need to talk to everybody from your settlement. There's some things you need to know."

It took a while to get all of the Russians out of their houses and away from their chores. When they were finally all together, Chris told them about the cattle ranchers in the area who had an ongoing dispute with sheep farmers. There hadn't been trouble in the area for a while, but it was always a potential problem. The Russians had some questions, but they didn't seem worried. They talked amongst themselves for a while and finally, Magda spoke to Chris.

"We will not sell the meat. We will keep the meat for ourselves and sell the wool. We do not want trouble from anyone."

"You still might have to deal with the ranchers."

"We will do that if it becomes necessary."

"They don't fight fair. They don't want to talk to you, they'll come and warn you and if they don't think you're doing what they want, they'll come in with their guns drawn."

"We will also deal with that. We know how to defend ourselves."

"These people mean business, Magda. They're not polite."

"We understand that. We will defend ourselves if it becomes necessary. As bad as these ranchers might be, we have already faced men more fierce."

"Seems like you didn't fare real well that time either."

"The circumstances were not the same. I only meant we are not afraid. We will do what we have to do. Thank you for the warning."

"You don't have to deal with them by yourselves. If you need help, you let us know."

"Thank you for the offer."

She turned her back on the group and went into the school room, where the children were waiting for her. Chris looked at Vin and shook his head. Vin shrugged and went towards the classroom. He waited until the children came out and headed across the field, and then he went inside, where Magda was gathering some books to take with her for the day's lessons.

"You understand how serious this could be with the ranchers?"

"I understand, Vin. After you left last night, I mentioned this to the others. We are not prepared to leave our land again. We will stay here and if that means we have to deal with the ranchers, we will do that. They will be the ones who decide how it goes. We do not want to fight with anyone, but if it becomes necessary, we will do it."

"They shoot to kill."

"If it becomes necessary for us to shoot, we will kill also."

Vin was surprised at how cold-blooded and matter of fact she was.

"You don't wanna kill nobody. And what happened to walkin' away from a fight?"

"No, we do not want to kill anybody. But we have decided this is worth fighting for. We will always have people trying to drive us away because of our religion, but we may not have another opportunity to make a home like this for ourselves."

"Just promise me if you have any trouble, you'll tell us. You can handle it any way you want, but at least let us help you."

"If we need help, we will ask for it."

"And you don't have to be so damned independent."

"Yes, we do. We have to be able to look after ourselves. We will never survive if we cannot to that. We will not allow anyone to hurt us if you can help, but we must be able to defend ourselves."

"Please just be careful. I don't want nothin' to happen to you, just 'cause you get stubborn."

"We are always careful. Our people have not survived for 2000 years without being careful."

"I ain't talkin' about your people. I'm talkin' about you."

"Sometimes there is no difference. I promise we will not act rashly. If we need help we will ask for it. I think you are needed outside. Even with the extra help, there is still much to be done."

"I'll see ya at lunchtime. Ezra goin' out to help you again?"

"I do not know what Mr. Standish is going to do. He seems to be someone who does whatever he wants. If we are the only way he can avoid hard work, I am sure he will join us. The children like him and he is a good teacher, whatever your opinion of him might be."

"I ain't gonna get upset like yesterday. That's over."

"Good. I must go now, before the children think I have forgotten about them."

Ezra was already with the children by the time Magda arrived. They were asking him questions about the things he'd told them the day before, and Magda was happy to let him handle the lesson. She wasn't sure how much of what he was saying was actually true, but it was interesting and the children were enjoying his stories.

Near the end of the morning, one of the young children complained about not feeling well, so Magda took her back to the sick room. Halfway across the field, the child fell, so Magda picked her up and carried her the rest of the way. As she got to the courtyard, Nathan noticed her and met her near the sick room.

"What's wrong here?"

"Anna does not feel well. I do not know the cause yet, Mr. Jackson."

"You need some help?"

"Thank you, Mr. Jackson. This is our sick room in here."

Nathan retrieved his medical bag and joined Magda and the girl inside. The child had a fever and was starting to shiver. Magda covered her up and Nathan did a cursory examination and asked the girl some questions.

"Seems like she's just got a bug of some kind, ma'am. Or maybe she ate somethin' that ain't agreein' with her. You got somethin' for upset stomachs?"

"Yes, I have some medicine for that."

Magda poured some of the liquid she had given Vin when he was sick, and she helped the girl sit up while she drank her medicine. The child whined a little about the bad taste, but she drank it all and then lay back down. After a couple of minutes, she drifted off to sleep. Magda and Nathan went outside.

"That's some powerful medicine you got there, ma'am. What is it?"

"It is just some herbs and flowers mixed together. It is a traditional potion. I can mix some for you, if you like."

"Thank you ma'am. I'd appreciate that. Well, seems like things are under control here. I best get back to work."

"Thank you, Mr. Jackson."

Magda went back inside and sat with Anna. When lunch started, she closed the door to keep the room as quiet as possible. After a while, there was a knock on the door and Anna's mother came in to stay with her daughter.

Magda went outside where some people were close to finishing their lunch, and others were just starting. Vin was partway through his meal, and she sat down beside him.

"Everything alright?"

"One of our children is not feeling well. She will be alright. Her mother is with her now."

"You give her some of that green stuff you gave me?"

"Did it not help you to feel better?"

"It did, but it sure did taste bad."

"The worse it tastes, the better it is for you."

"Is that true, or did you just make it up?"

"It is what I say when someone is not well. If they believe me, it is true!"

"That's an interestin' way of lookin' at it!"

"When we were talking before - I do not want you to think we are foolhardy. We know there is a danger if we confront these ranchers. But this is a dangerous country, is it not? We must face the dangers."

"Just so's you know, you don't have to face 'em alone."

"We know that. You and your friends have been very gracious, considering you do not know us well. It is something we are not used to. There are many things in your country we still must get used to."

"It's your country now, too."

"Yes, it is. It is difficult to think of that. To me, and to most of the others, Russia is still our home, even though we were driven out. It will take some time to think of America as our home. Many things are so different. It will take time for us."

The farm construction lasted a week. Every day the neighboring farmers came to help and they gradually became acquainted with the newcomers. A couple of weeks after the work was completed, Tom McNally arrived at the Russian settlement in the middle of the day, and Magda came out of the school room to talk to him.

"Just came out to let you folks know, I was in town today, and there's some fellas in the saloon, from a ranch about an hour's ride away, talkin' about payin' ya'll a visit."

"About what, Mr. McNally?"

"Your sheep. They were drinkin' pretty heavy, but they said they weren't gonna put up with no sheep farmers in these parts."

"Do you think they are likely to come here?"

"Wouldn't surprise me. When they get liquored up like that, they get pretty brave."

"Thank you for coming, Mr. McNally. We will take precautions."

"You want me to stay?"

"That will not be necessary. We are able to do what is required here."

"Alright. If you change your mind, you know where I am."

"Yes, thank you, Mr. McNally."

McNally headed out and Magda told Aaron, the young man in charge of the horses, to call the men in from the field. Magda called the women from their chores and within a few minutes, the adults from the settlement were gathered together in the barn. Magda repeated what Tom McNally had told her, and they talked about what they would do.

About an hour later, while they were still in the barn, they saw three riders at the top of the hill. The women went to the school room, got the children and took them into the cook house. The men got their shotguns and ammunition and went outside to the courtyard. Magda went out with them, to meet the visitors.

The three men were drunk, but they had their guns drawn and were obviously looking for a fight. Magda spoke to them.

"Is there something we can do for you, gentlemen?"

The bravest of the three spoke in a slur.

"You got sheep out here?"

"We have sheep, yes."

"Well, this is cattle country and we don't want no sheep here. You know what's good for ya, you'll get ridda them sheep."

"There is no need for that. We do not intend to sell the meat. We will sell the wool to the general store in Four Corners, but we will keep the meat for ourselves."

"You say that now, but 'fore long, you'll be bringin' the meat in too. You best get ridda them sheep, or we'll do it for ya."

"I do not think so."

"What'd you say?"

"I said, you cannot tell us what to do with our animals. They belong to us, not to you."

"You got a lot of nerve, for somebody who ain't even American. What right you think you got bringin' sheep into cattle country?"

"We have the same right as anyone else. It is a free country, is it not?"

"You need to learn some things about this country, lady. The majority decides how things work."

"Well, the majority here right now seems to be against you. It would be best for you to leave, before the majority decides how things will work."

"You threatenin' us?"

"I am telling you this is not your property, and you have no business here."

"Well, we'll see about that."

The man got down off his horse, but his coordination wasn't very good and it took him a while to dismount. One of his companions aimed his gun at Magda. Once the first man had his feet on the ground, he staggered towards her.

"I'm tellin' ya, we're gonna get ridda them sheep, and if you get in our way, we'll get ridda you too."

"You are a foolish man who has to get his courage out of a bottle. You should get back on your horse and leave our property."

The man was close enough to Magda to grab her by the arm and he spun her around in front of him, holding her like a shield in front of the Russian men who had their shotguns aimed at him. The two men on their horses aimed their guns at the farmers, who turned their own guns towards the men on the horses. Magda's heart was beating very hard, but she fought to remain calm.

"There appears to be a stand-off here, sir. I really think you should just leave."

"You ain't tellin' me what to do. Let's go find them sheep."

He pushed her towards the field, where the sheep were visible, grazing. He aimed his gun at them, but he was too drunk to focus properly and when he fired, the shot was well away from any danger. It did spook the animals, and they scattered farther into the fields, which made the drunk angrier. He fired and missed again, and at the same time, one of his friends shot at one of the Russian men. His shot found its mark in the man's thigh. One of the other Russians fired and the man fell off his horse. The third man waved his gun around, but wasn't sure who to aim at. He started panicking and ended up only firing into the air.

Suddenly, from the top of the hill, four of the protectors from Four Corners rode into sight. Vin arrived first and he fired at the man still on his horse, hitting him and causing him to also fall to the ground. Magda and the first man were out of sight of the men in the courtyard, and when the shooting started, Magda tried to pull away. She and the man grappled for a few seconds and in their struggle, his gun went off. Magda felt a deep stinging sensation in her right shoulder, but she continued to pull away from the man, and she fell to the ground. He raised his gun, intending to hit her over the head with it, but just in time, Vin came around the corner and fired, killing the man instantly.

"Maggie! You alright?"

Magda managed to raised herself to her knees; she put her left hand to her right shoulder and brought it down, revealing the blood from her wound. Vin pulled her hand away and saw that the bullet appeared to have gone deeply into her shoulder. He screamed Nathan's name, and almost instantly the healer, as well as Chris and Buck and the others from the courtyard were around the corner. Nathan kneeled down beside Magda and Vin and looked at her wound.

"We need to get that bullet out right away before it works in deeper. Can you stand up?"

"I think so."

She tried to stand but she lost her balance and Vin picked her up. Nathan led the way towards the sick room. The Russian man who had been shot was already inside. Two of the other farmers were with him. One of them spoke to Magda in Hebrew. She replied in kind and it was obvious to everyone who didn't understand them that they were arguing.

"You shouldn't have incited them."

"What else could I do? Let them kill the sheep and maybe worse?"

"There were more of us."

"They were drunk. You don't know what they might have done."

Before things got out of hand, Chris intervened.

"There some kind of problem here?"

Vin had put Magda down on one of the beds.

"My friend thinks I am responsible for this problem."

"Are you?"

"I did not start it, but I did not back down."

Vin sat down beside her.

"You mean you got stubborn and made him mad."

"He threatened us."

"You coulda talked to 'em."

"I did talk to them. They did not want to talk. They wanted to kill our sheep. How is he?" She nodded her head towards the man with the wounded leg.

"He's not too bad," Nathan said. "It's pretty much a flesh wound. You're worse off than him."

While Nathan bandaged the injured man and prepared to remove the bullet from Magda's shoulder, she spoke to Vin.

"How did you know to come here?"

"Tom McNally came and got us. You're lucky he did. You could be dead now."

"It did not happen."

"It almost did, damn it. You can't stand up to people like that."

"I was angry."

"That ain't no excuse."

"Apparently not."

Nathan stood up and looked inside the cupboard. He found some disinfectant and then turned to the people in the room.

"Alright, y'all gotta leave now, so's I can take this bullet out. This fella can stay. I don't want his bandage comin' loose, but the resta ya gotta go."

Vin stayed where he was

"I ain't goin' Nathan. I'm stayin' here."

Nathan looked at him and knew there was no point in arguing.

"Alright. It'll be easier for me if she's sittin' up a bit, so maybe you can sit behind her here, and let her lean on ya."

Magda was starting to feel very weak and sick to her stomach and she let Nathan and Vin move her the way they wanted her. She leaned back against Vin and turned her head to give Nathan room to work. Vin put his arms around her to hold her steady.

"I will get blood on you."

"Don't matter. I've had blood on me before."

"I am sorry to cause so much trouble."

"I'm just glad you're alright."

"I hope I am not sick on you as well."

"We could give ya some of that green stuff."

"I do not think it would work this time."

Nathan sat down in front of them and opened Magda's shirt, to better reveal the wound.

"Alright, Vin, hang on to her real tight. This is gonna hurt like hell."

"Thank you for the warning Mr. Jackson."

Vin tightened his grip and Magda closed her eyes. Nathan dipped the blade of his knife in the disinfectant and then put it into the wound. The pain was so excruciating that Magda couldn't even cry out because she couldn't breath. She arched away from Nathan's hand, but Vin held her tightly. Nathan had to dig a bit for the bullet and Magda almost lost consciousness before he finally dug it out and dropped it into a pan on the floor beside him. Magda started to shake and Vin wrapped his arms around her as tightly as he could, and buried his face in her hair. Her distress was upsetting him but he hoped she wasn't picking up on his emotions.

"It's over now. You're gonna be alright."

"I am not so sure."

"The pain'll go away soon."

"I'm gonna sew you up now," Nathan told Magda. "This is gonna hurt, too."

She took hold of one of Vin's hands and squeezed it as tightly as she could while Nathan stitched the wound closed. When he was done, he washed his hands and then pulled a bottle out of his medicine bag.

"I want you to take some of this. It ain't like your fancy magic potions, but it'll make the pain a little more bearable."

Magda swallowed some laudanum and in a relatively short time, she felt the pain ease noticeably, until it was only a dull ache to her. She relaxed against Vin and her breathing, which had been short and sharp, also became slower and easier. At the same time, the Russian man who had been shot asked Nathan for permission to return to his family.

"I will heal better in my home. Magda can recover here."

Nathan checked the man's bandages again and helped him to his home.

"I'll be right back. Keep her quiet, Vin."

After the two men left, Magda spoke to Vin in a voice barely above a whisper.

"Have you been shot before?"

"Once or twice."

"Does it always hurt so bad?"

"Don't matter how many times you get shot. It always hurts. That's nature's way of tellin' you to be more careful."

"I will remember that in the future."

"You plannin' on doin' this again?"

"It is not my plan, but my temper seems to act without my control."

"You need to do somethin' about that!"

"Yes, I do. I am not enjoying this experience."

"Good. Just remember how you feel now."

"I have caused so much trouble."

"You were doin' what you thought you needed to do. I know you feel like you're responsible for the people here, but I don't think they expect you to get shot tryin' to protect them."

"I do not know what my role is here. When my husband was alive, it was more clear. Now, it is not clear. Nobody is sure what I should be doing here."

"Maybe you need to worry more about yourself and not so much what the others expect from you."

"As long as I live here, I must consider what they want, but they do not know how to deal with me. They think of me still as the rabbi's wife and until we get a new rabbi I must fill that role for them, but that is not what I think I am now. I cannot be their leader. I do not have the temperament for it."

"Not if you're gonna be runnin' around, gettin' shot!"

"I feel very tired. I would like to sleep now."

"Nathan'll be back right away. I don't know if he wants you to stay sittin' up or if you can lay down."

"It does not matter to me. I just want to sleep."

Vin shifted their positions so Magda was leaning sideways against him, and she put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. Almost instantly, she was asleep. Vin pushed the hair out of her face and stroked her arm. A few minutes later, Nathan returned.

"She asleep?"

"Yeah, for a couple of minutes now."

"Good. She'll heal better is she ain't fightin' it. You can lay her down, and I'll put somethin' under her shoulder, so she don't roll over on that wound. I'm gonna stay with her tonight. I'm guessin' you wanna stay too."

"I ain't goin' anywhere, Nathan."

"That's alright. Folks are gettin' supper ready. We can spell each other off to eat and watch her. She'll appreciate you bein' here, I think. I know she's pretty important to you."

"I didn't know how much 'til I saw her on the ground out there."

Nathan and Vin settled Magda on the bed, with a support under her right shoulder. Vin sat on the edge of the bed for a while, holding her hand, and then he moved a chair to the side of the bed and sat on it. Nathan went out and had supper and then came back in to relieve Vin.

Vin was reluctant to leave, but Nathan convinced him to eat and take a break from the dark room. Chris and Buck and some of the local men had loaded the three bodies into a wagon and taken them back into town. The Russians were quiet during their evening meal, the gun fight in their settlement obviously bringing back many unpleasant memories of their recent battle in their homeland. Some of them wanted to talk to Vin about what had happened, mostly to reassure themselves that the incident was not likely to repeat itself. He ate his supper and sat outside for as long as the settlers wanted to talk to him. He was anxious to go back inside to Magda, but he understood the need the Russians had to come to terms with what happened.

When he finally went back inside, Nathan had lit a lamp and was sitting at the table, ripping a sheet he'd received from one of the women into long strips, and then into smaller ones, to make bandages. Vin sat down beside Magda's bed and watched her sleep. Her skin was normally pale, but the loss of blood made her look even paler and weaker. She worked hard to keep her thoughts and feelings hidden from everyone, but her vulnerability now made him ache for her. He wanted to protect her, and he knew he would never be able to do so completely, partly because she wouldn't let him and partly because he understood her need to be able to make her own decisions for probably the first time in her life. He recalled his conversation with Chris and thought if he wasn't in love with this woman, he was as close as he ever would be with anyone.

During the night, Nathan and Vin took turns sitting with Magda and sleeping on the other bed. Shortly after Vin woke up and relieved Nathan, Magda started stirring in her sleep, obviously dreaming about something that was causing her some distress. Vin leaned over and whispered in her ear.

"Maggie. You're alright, Maggie. You're safe."

She moaned and then suddenly jerked awake and sat up as far as she could before the pain in her shoulder forced her back. Vin sat on the edge of the bed and pushed the hair out of her face.

"You're alright. You were just dreamin'. You're alright now."

It took her a few seconds to come to full consciousness and to recall where she was and why. She was covered in sweat, but she was shivering. Vin pulled the blanket around her and pulled her up beside him.

"Is the pain bad? Do you need Nathan?"

"It is not as bad as before. I will be alright for a while."

"You don't hafta pretend."

"I am not pretending. I am alright for now."

"Were you dreamin' about what happened?"

"I was dreaming about when the soldiers came to our village."

"Did they shoot people?"

"They shot some. They used their swords on others. The ones who died were the lucky ones."

Vin blanched.

"What'd they do to you?"

"All of the women in our village were raped. Some of them were raped many times in front of their husbands or their fathers, and then the men were killed. Some of the women died because their bodies were so badly torn up."

"Why didn't you tell me this before?"

Vin clenched his fists unconsciously. Magda noticed and put her hand over one of his.

"I did not tell you because there is nothing you can do. I knew you would be angry and your anger will not help me or you. What happened cannot be undone. You cannot go to Russia and kill the soldiers. It happened, and now it is finished."

He put his arms around her and held her as close as he could without hurting her. He didn't try to hide the tears he felt running down his cheeks.

"I'm so sorry. I wish I could take all this pain away from you. I wish I could take you someplace where all the pain would be gone and you could just be happy. When I think about what you've been through, I get so damn mad, and it's worse 'cause I know there's nothin' I can do for you."

She let him hold her, and she was comforted by his touch, in spite of the pain that was growing in her shoulder.

"The only true happiness I have had since we arrived here has been because of you. That is a gift I never thought I would have. You are a blessing to me, Vin. It is not something I can touch, but you are with me always, and the thought of you makes me happy."

"But I can't take your pain away."

"And I cannot take away your pain. That is part of what makes us the people we are. We deal with the pain and go on with our lives."

She sat up as much as she could and pulled away from him.

"I think you need to wake Mr. Jackson. The pain is worse now."

Vin woke Nathan, who took the bandage off Magda's shoulder and checked the wound.

"This looks alright. It's gonna be painful for a few days while you heal."

He put on a new bandage and gave her some more laudanum. He helped her settle back in the bed and then waited until she went back to sleep. He put his hand on Vin's shoulder.

"She's gonna be alright, Vin. It'll take her a few days to heal, but she'll be alright."

Vin nodded, but he didn't say anything. Nathan soaked a cloth in some cool water and handed it to Vin, who wiped Magda's face and neck. Nathan lay back down on the other bed and Vin sat beside Magda, holding her hand.

Before he fell asleep, Nathan said, "Lotsa folks got troubles, Vin. How they deal with it makes 'em the people they are."

The rest of the night was uneventful. Vin fell asleep in the chair and when he woke up, it was daylight. Nathan was already up and gone, and the Russians were busy with their chores. He got up and stretched his cramped muscles and then sat back down and put his hand on Magda's forehead. She had cooled off from the night before and her breathing was soft and unlabored. He got up and went outside to the courtyard. The people who were working nearby came over to ask about Magda. One of the women insisted on getting Vin some food and he went with her into the cook house, where Nathan was also sitting at a table, eating breakfast.

"How's she doin'?"

"Still sleepin'."

"Soon as I finish here I'll go stay with her a while. Last night was probably the worst it'll be for her."

"I hope so. She's been through a lot."

"I know she has, Vin. She's a brave lady."

"I reckon she is, but she wouldn't think of it like that."

"Most brave folks don't think of themselves that way. They just do what needs to be done."

Nathan finished eating and stood up.

"I'll go check on Magda. You don't need to hurry back."

While Vin was eating his breakfast, Tom McNally and his wife arrived. Aaron brought them in to the cook house to see Vin.

"We came to see how things worked out yesterday."

"Them fellers are all dead. One of the farmers here got shot in the leg, nothin' serious. Magda got shot in the shoulder. She's in a bad way right now, but she'll be alright in a few days. Good thing you came back and got us."

"I checked around town. Doesn't seem like there's any others in the same frame of mind. Just those three who had to get liquored up before they could get brave enough to come out here."

"Well, they won't be doin' that anymore."

"That'll probably send a message to folks too."

"I hope you're right. I don't know if these folks'll be able to stand up to trouble makers too many more times."

"Is Mrs. Singer awake?"

"She's sleepin' right now."

"Well, tell her we were by, askin' about her. And if there's anythin' we can do for the folks here, they can let us know."

"I'll be sure to tell 'em. You're a good neighbor, McNally."

"Never know when I might need their help."

Vin went back to finish his meal and then he went back to the sick room. Magda was sitting up, on the side of the bed, and Nathan was looking at her damaged shoulder. She looked haggard, but better than she had when she was first shot, or when she woke up during the night.

"Good morning. According to Mr. Jackson, I slept better than you."

"I just got a little cramped. Nothin' to complain about. You look like you're feelin' better."

"I do not have so much pain. Mr. Jackson has taken very good care of me."

"Well, this wound looks alright. I don't expect you to be doin' anything strenuous for a while, though."

"I am a teacher, Mr. Jackson. It is not a strenuous occupation."

"I know you do more than that. Just take it easy."

"I promise I will follow your direction."

"I'm gonna check on your friend, and then I think I can go back to town. I'll come back tomorrow and check on ya again."

"Thank you for your care, Mr. Jackson. Even though you do not have the education, you are a very good doctor."

"Thank you, ma'am. I'm glad I could help."

Nathan gathered up his things and when he was gone, Vin sat down beside Magda on the side of the bed.

"You sure you're feelin' alright?"

"I am still weak, but I am better than before. As Mr. Jackson said, I need a few days to recover. Thank you for staying with me."

"I'll stay as long as you want me to."

"You should be careful when you offer. I might ask you to stay forever."

"I'll do it, if that's what you want."

"I think what I want is to wash myself and change my clothes."

"I'll get someone to come help you. Are you alright by yourself for a minute?"

"Yes, I will survive for a minute by myself."

Vin went outside and told one of the women what Magda wanted. The woman went into Magda's room and got some clean clothes, which she gave to Vin. She got a bucket of hot water and took it into the sick room. Vin went back outside and sat outside the sick room door. After about half an hour, the Russian woman emerged, with Magda's dirty clothes under her arm. Inside, Magda had moved from the bed to a chair beside the table. Vin pulled the other chair over and sat in front of her.

"You alright?"

"I think so. I am hungry."

"I'll get ya somethin' to eat."

"I do not want to eat here. I would like to get some fresh air, and some food."

"Can you walk alright?"

"I think so, if you help me."

Vin helped her stand up, and he stood on her left side, with his arm around her waist, to support her. They walked slowly from the sick room, across the courtyard, to the cook house. Inside, several women were preparing the evening meal, but one of them gave Magda a bowl of beet soup and a piece of bread. It was as much as she could eat, and it took her a while. Vin sat with her, but the women conversed in Hebrew, and Magda told them about her experience with the gunmen.

When she was finished her meal, Magda went to the outhouse and then she allowed Vin to steer her back to the sick room. She sat down by the table and sighed heavily.

"I am tired, but I do not want to sleep."

"You're just worn out 'cause you lost so much blood."

"I think so. You are very good to stay with me. I am sure there is something better for you to do in your town."

"Nothin' I can think of. I wanna be here."

"Good. It is good for me that you are here. I think perhaps I will lie down for a while."

She moved over to the bed and Vin helped her get comfortable. After a few minutes, she fell asleep. Vin sat beside her bed and watched her sleep. She did not rest comfortably and before long, she started thrashing around and crying. To prevent her from tearing open her wound, Vin shook her gently and woke her up.

"You're alright, Maggie. Everything's alright now."

She lay for a few minutes, looking at the ceiling, until her breathing calmed. Finally, with Vin's help, she sat up beside him.

"Was Jacob your husband?"

Magda realized she had been reliving the attack on the village in Russia.

"Yes. When the soldiers came, my husband tried to talk to them. He was one of the people who thought we should give them something, and hope they would be happy and leave. But they came to destroy us. They had no other motive. When they went into the synagogue, he tried to stop them, but he was killed. They dragged his body out to the center of the village and left him there, for everyone to see, so they would not fight so much. But it just made everyone mad and they fought even more. There was so much noise, and so much blood, and when they started looking for the women, it was like everyone went mad. It is still difficult to comprehend someone doing that to another human being. And it is difficult for me to understand a god who would allow that to happen."

"I wish there was somethin' I could do or say that would help you feel better."

"Unfortunately, that is not possible. And the events yesterday brought that terrible time back for everyone here. We did not think we would have trouble because of the animals we raise here."

"Well, I figure there's trouble everywhere you go. You just gotta hope you're ready to deal with it."

"That is why you do not stay long in one place?"

"That's just the way I've lived most of my life. Movin' around means you're never totally ready, 'cause you don't always know the people around and things are happenin' that you don't know about. I move around partly to protect myself, and partly because that's all I know."

"Would it be so hard for you to return to this place in Texas and clear your name, as you say?"

"Well, Texas is a big place. I gotta get there first, without gettin' killed. The bounty is dead or alive, so it don't matter if somebody just takes my body back. They still get paid. And I ain't got any witnesses to back me up. It's just my word, and I don't know if that counts for much."

"Are you not afraid?"

"I'm scared all the time, but only enough to keep me alert. Bein' too scared ain't good either."

"I was never afraid, until we came to America. Even when we left our village and started our journey, I was not afraid. But when we came to this country and so much was different, I did not know if we would be able to survive, and I felt vulnerable because for the first time in my life, I did not have my father or my husband to guide me. I am afraid every day that perhaps I am not doing what my people expect me to do, that I am not of service to them. I could not live by myself and I am always afraid they will decide they do not need me."

"Well, I ain't asked any of 'em, but I don't think you gotta worry about being sent away. You're part of them. The ones who are here, they're all that's left of your history. They need you as much as you need them."

"The day you came to my room, when you thought I had an interest in Mr. Standish, you called me Maggie. And you have used that name since. Is that what you call a nickname?"

Vin looked surprised.

"Did I call you that? I didn't even realize it. I'm sorry."

"I am not complaining. It is something I have not been called before. A nickname is for someone you care for?"

"Yes, it is. Or for a friend."

"So I am your friend?"

"You're more than a friend."

"Good. My feelings for you are more than friendship. I loved my husband, but the feelings I have for you seem different. More emotional, I think. I knew I would be married to my husband forever, so I had to stay with him whether I liked him or not, but he was a good man, so I came to love him in a short time. And we had a relationship that was very passionate sometimes. I feel more emotion with you and you are also my friend. I did not have that with my husband."

"I'm in love with you, Maggie. I'd die for you and I'll do whatever I can to protect you and keep you safe. But if somethin' happens that I can't stay here, I won't take you with me. I won't ask you to live that way, on the run. You've had enough trouble in your life. I couldn't ask you to take on more."

"What would make you leave?"

"If somebody came lookin' for me. $500 is a lot of money, worth some people's while to come lookin'."

"And the work you do for your town?"

"We're s'posed to make sure the town and the folks are safe. Sometimes trouble comes to town and we gotta deal with it, sometimes things happen and we gotta go after the trouble."

"It is dangerous?"

"It's dangerous just livin' in this part of the country. You know that. It wouldn't be so dangerous if we just stayed put, but that's not how things work around here."

"I do not know if I am in love with you, Vin, but I know that the happiest time I have is when you are here. It is when I feel safe. When we came to America I did not imagine that I would ever meet someone like you. You are so different from anyone I have ever known. You have helped me to view the world in a different way, and you have helped me appreciate being alive. Life to me, since we left our village, has been something to endure, but the time I have spent with you has helped me to see it is more than that. I hope you will be able to stay here for a long time, but I will understand if it is not possible. I will enjoy each day we are able to be together, and cherish it. You are a blessing to me."

"I always expected to be movin' on all the time. I never had any reason to stay in one place. I feel like I got a reason now. Maybe, some day, things will work out so we can make some kind of permanent life together, but even if that don't happen, being with you is somethin' I never thought I'd have. I'm not real religious, but what I've got from you is as close to being from God as I can imagine."

He put his arm around her and she put her head on his shoulder. They sat for a long time, not speaking, enjoying each other's company. After a while, Vin felt that something physical had happened to him. He suddenly realized a knot that had been in his stomach for so long he didn't consciously notice it anymore, was gone. He couldn't remember ever feeling as good about himself and his future as he did at this time. It was because of the remarkable woman sitting beside him, who needed him and wanted him more than any woman ever had. He felt comfortable with the thought of spending his life with her, even if he had to ride out to her settlement every day to be with her for a few hours, even if they never got another chance for a morning like the one they'd had in her private spot by the river. He felt at peace for the first time in his life, and he cherished the special, unexpected gift he had been given. It made all the troubles he'd had in his life seem unimportant, even if it was only for a while. He finally understood what Chris had told him, about how hard it was to have this kind of relationship, but that the hard work was worth the reward. He pushed the hair off Magda's face and kissed her.

"I love you, Maggie. Whatever happens in the future, I love you, and that'll never change. Everything that's ever happened to me has been pushing me here, to be with you. If somethin' happens to me, I'll die a happy man 'cause of you."

"Please do not die."

"I ain't plannin' on it. I still wanna spend a long time with you. I finally realized what fate means. You're my fate."

"Is that alright?"

"There ain't nothin' better that could happen to me. I can't think that heaven could be better than this. I always thought I was headed straight to hell, but if something like this can happen to me, maybe my life ain't been so bad after all!"

The End