Marco and the Devil's Bargain Read Online Free PDF Page A

any indios who approach Santa Maria ….” His voice trailed away, and he again appeared suddenly young and uncertain.
    â€œ That would not make Governor de Anza happy, since he has told me to send out peace feelers to the east among the Kwahadi,” Marco reminded him. “Just how bad is this particular smallpox?”
    â€œ Reports say it is the kind that leaves dark blood spots under the skin and kills before the pustules actually erupt. No one who has not been inoculated survives this pestilence.”
    Marco stood up again and walked to the window. “Lieutenant, I would advise you to draft a letter to be read during each Mass for the next month. Warn about gatherings and any wanderers from the east.” He couldn’t face the lieutenant because he suddenly felt so discouraged. “Of course, with ten days before any symptoms set in—if I remember correctly—this will turn us into most suspicious and unkind hosts, if we kill random Indians. I can’t advise that.”
    â€œ I am composing just such a message for your priest right now.”
    â€œ Very well. How much time do we have before this unwelcome guest arrives?”
    The lieutenant shrugged. “It may never come.”
    â€œ And it may be here tomorrow.” Marco drained the rest of his glass and started for the door. “I have work to do. Good day, Lieutenant Roybal. Remember me to the governor, when next you see him.”
    After a few more pleasantries neither man had the heart for, he left, summoning Toshua, which probably relieved the entire garrison. Marco must have been wearing his unease all over his face, because the Comanche wasted not a moment as they rode from Santa Maria to ask what the problem was. Marco’s answer didn’t so much as alter his expression.
    â€œ From the East, you say?”
    â€œ Your territory, Toshua. Your home.”
    â€œ They threw me out, remember?”
    â€œ Yes, but your people ….”
    Toshua’s answering stare reminded the juez all over again that this man was Kwahadi, and no mere Indian. “Ask your woman if she would lift a hand to help her horrible aunt and uncle in Santa Fe! She will understand if I seem not properly concerned about my own people.”
    Marco was silent for the remainder of the ride to the Double Cross. As they approached his fortress of a hacienda, he could not help the little lift the first view always gave his heart, no matter what his mood. His pleasure passed quickly this time, as the old, gnawing worry came back, the one he was so certain Paloma had banished forever. It was dreadful enough when Felicia and their twins were dead of el cólera and buried before he returned from a brand inspection trip. Now there was Paloma, and she was not here to hold out her arms in welcome. He barely restrained himself from wheeling Buciro about to ride through the darkness to Hacienda Gutierrez, just to see Paloma’s lovely face.
    He didn’t try to hide the groan of anguish that escaped him. Startled and then amazed, Marco bowed his head when Toshua leaned over and placed his hands firmly on Marco’s. The Comanche gave them a little shake.
    â€œ Do not fear, señor,” he said. “You are too seasoned here on the edge of Comanchería to borrow trouble from tomorrow.”
    â€œ But Paloma is not with me.” Marco couldn’t help it.
    â€œ She is safe at your sister’s hacienda.” Toshua patted Marco’s hand as though he were a child, and not a man grown, a landowner and officer of the crown.
    â€œ I will ride there tomorrow and bring her back,” Marco said, knowing he sounded stubborn and childish.
    Toshua laughed then, a low rumble that commanded Marco’s attention because the Comanche never laughed. “While it is true my three wives kicked me from the lodge, I do remember other days when they merely frowned and pouted if I tried to change their plans! Take my advice: