Chapter 21

For the next two months, Hillinger and Wellman used every free moment they had to watch the O'Hara farm and the occupants there. One day, conditions seemed perfect. They saw the older man, Walter and the young red haired boy head off together towards Samuelle's construction site and the two older women left in the buggy towards St. Cecile. That meant that Nikita was at the O'Hara farm all alone. They thought they had lost their chance when they saw the blond mount a black mare and ride sidesaddle towards the building site as well. Shortly before dusk, their luck seemed to take a turn for the better when they saw her return on her own. Now they could set their plan in motion.

From their vantage point in the bushes near the O'Hara barn, the two Englishmen watched the blond beauty walked up the hill to the barn with a milk pail. They realized that she was going to do the evening milking and saw this as their chance to act. Once she was inside, they waited for a while, and then quietly barricaded the door from the outside. Then they freed a huge rat they'd caged at the Lapierre farm and set it loose near an opening in the barn wall. The creature pushed inside, and they sat back to wait for what they hoped would happen next.

After a while they heard the door being rattled, and knew that the girl was trying to escape with the results of the night's milking. Suddenly, they heard the first scream--the rat was making himself known. In their minds, the girl would get upset enough to faint, and then they'd be able to open the barn door, scoop her up into the wagon they'd brought with them, tie her up and set off for Jacques' cabin. There would be no fight and no struggle. It didn't quite turn out that way.

The two men waited until Nikita's screams had subsided. Then just as they were about to open the door to fetch their prize' , they heard a metallic squeaking noise above them. In amazement, they looked up to see a rope suspended from a pulley dangling out of the upper loft window. The blond had her arms, legs and her twisted petticoats wrapped tightly around the rope. The milk pail was hanging over her left arm as well. She had obviously made her way to the loft of the barn to avoid the rat and was using this rope and pulley as an escape from the locked barn. Hillinger signaled Wellman to hide behind the bushes next to the barn and wait for their intended victim to descend.

****************************************************

That morning, Seymour and Walter had been helping Michel to shingle the roof to the new house. Amazingly, the outside of the house was done. Now all that had to be done was the inside. The craftsmen who were working on the furniture were half done as well. Michel estimated that wouldn't take long now, maybe another month and then he and Nikita could be married. He was very pleased. It had been well worth hiring the large work crew.

Nikita had come over to the site that morning after all her chores were done. Simone and Belinda had gone into St. Cecile to buy some fancy buttons for her wedding dress and to get a few household items as well. They'd been working so hard to prepare everything for her and Michel and now that she had a little free time, she wanted to see how their house was progressing. She and her mother and aunt had been very busy as well in the last two months, sewing household items for her and Michel. They had also made her trousseau and her wedding dress. Everything was almost done, and she was very excited. As impossible as it seemed, she would soon be Madame Samuelle!! Michel had listened to her happy recitation of what had been accomplished, smiling at her obvious excitement. When she paused in her narration, he took a deep breath and began to speak.

"I have a surprise for you Nikita," he said softly, as he looked into her bright eyes, and smiled.

"A surprise?" she said. "What is it Michel?"

"I asked the carpenter who is making our furniture to make a baby cradle as well," Michel said, studying her face closely for a reaction.

"I want us to have many children, my sweet Nikita. I hope they all look as beautiful as you are,' he said, as he moved closer to her and kissed her gently.

Nikita gasped softly and blushed, and lowered her head shyly. When she didn't reply, Michel started to feel a little panicked.

Surely she knows that marriage means babies! Has she changed her mind? Oh God, no!'

Trying to show a calm he wasn't sure he felt, Michel tipped her head upwards with one finger and gazed into her sky blue eyes and then softly said,

"I thought you loved children, ma petit . You do want babies, don't you?"

Michel was very relieved when she smiled shyly and said,

"Of course, I do my darling Michel. I know marriage means babies. I want you and your babiesour babiesvery much, but I really do hope the boys look like you."

Oh Nikita,' he thought as he grinned in relief, How I wish we could start making those babies right this minute!'

Chapter 22

Nikita walked up the barn hill with the milk mail slung over her arm.

'Seymour's being such a nice brother helping Michel with roofing the house.' She thought.

No one knew better than she how afraid Seymour was of heights. And yet he gladly did this for her. It only seemed fair then that she milk the cows for him.

Nikita was so happy she couldn't believe it. Their house was almost done! Michel had told her that the inside of the house would only take another month and by then their furniture would all be made as well.

It was so exciting! Michel had promised her that when the house was done, and all the furniture in place, that she, Belinda and Simone could bring all their linens and household items that they'd made over and put them away so that everything would be ready for them to just move in right after the wedding!

Just two weeks ago Sunday, Michel had approached Father Dupree and asked that he begin reading the banns at Mass. They only had to be read six times before the wedding could take place. They'd been read once, and would be once again this Sunday. That only left four more times! That meant in a little more than a month, she and Michel could be married!

Nikita blushed as she remembered that Michel had told her that he had instructed the workmen to make a baby cradle as well. She remembered she had gasped in surprise when he'd told her.

I want us to have many children, my sweet Nikita. I hope they all look as beautiful as you are.' He'd said, kissing her gently.

When she didn't reply, Michel had gazed expectantly into her eyes and softly said, 'I thought you loved children, ma petit. You do want babies, don't you?'

She remembered that she'd smiled shyly before replying.

Of course, I do my darling Michel. I know marriage means babies. I want you and your babiesour babiesvery much, but I really do hope the boys look like you.'

The smile he'd graced her with had melted her heart completely. If she hadn't loved him yet, that smile alone would have made her his forever.

***********************************************

Nikita was lost in these pleasant thoughts as she milked the few dairy cows that Uncle Walter kept. Her daydreaming prevented her from hearing the scraping noises outside of the barn as a devious plan was set in motion.

There!' Nikita finally thought a while later. I'm all finished with the milking. Now I can go strain this milk and put it away in the cold pantry, wash the pail and I'm done with this chore.'

Nikita approached the barn door, and tried to push it open. Curiously, it held fast.

This is so odd. Why won't the door open?' Nikita thought, setting the pail of milk down on the floor as she turned back to see what might be bothering the cows and the horses.

She became aware that the animals were restless and wondered what was bothering them. She gradually became aware that the skin on the back of her neck was feeling rather strange.

I need to turn aroundbut slowly,' she thought. Something's over by the doorI just know it.'

Slowly, Nikita turned around only to find herself staring at the largest and most vicious looking rat she'd ever seen. The creature stood on its' hind feet between her and the barn door snarling at her.

Nikita thought she'd faint, but she didn't. Instead she involuntarily screamed.

Calm down,' she commanded herself. I'm here all by myself and getting upset isn't going to help. I have to fight this thing, or at least scare it off. What I need is a weapon of some kind.'

Glancing to her left she saw Uncle Walter's pitchfork, where Seymour must have left it last, tines down in the hay. Grabbing it, she flung it with all her might towards the huge rodent, only to have the tool arc towards the floor, missing the rat entirely. The action only inflamed the rat further, and the beast snarled louder at her.

Oh my, it might attack me!' she thought. I'd better get out of its' way as quickly as I can.'

The hayloft!' she thought in a panic. I'll be safe up there.'

Grabbing the full milk pail, Nikita make her way up the stairs to the barn's hayloft just as quickly as she could and pushed the ladder down so that the beast couldn't climb up as well.

There's a window in the front of the building,' she remembered. Perhaps Seymour left a rope on the pulley that he used to lift bales of hay into the barn loft. Maybe I can use it to escape!

Chapter 23

Nikita gradually lowered herself to the ground, and then with shaking hands, set the milk pail down. What a huge rat that was!' She thought, shivering in fear, remembering how the beast came between her and the door, challenging her with bared teeth.

That rat was unbelievable!! It didn't show any fear. not even when I threw the pitchfork at it! Climbing into the loft and escaping using the rope and pulley was very clever!' she congratulated herself. I still have all the milk too! I didn't even spill a drop. Won't Michel be proud of me! I can't wait to tell everyone about my little adventure! It's really odd why I couldn't open the barn door, though. I wonder why I couldn't?'

Before Nikita had a chance to stand up straight or even brush off her dark blue cotton work dress, the two men attacked from behind. After the initial shock of being accosted wore off, Nikita started squirming and tried to fight back. It was no use though. Both men were too strong for her. Wellman grabbed her arms, quelling her fists with one strong hand and Hillinger slipped a cloth bag that had a few air holes punched in it, over her head. Wellman tied her hands and even though she kicked viciously, Hillinger managed to tie her ankles together. Then the kidnappers picked her up and bundled her into the wagon they'd arrived in and covered her with lots of loose hay.

The full pail of milk was left standing on the barn hill along with a few hair ribbons and a fancy broach that belonged to Elena. The Englishmen had stolen these items from the Lapierre house, and deliberately planted them there. They were determined that Elena would share in the blame for this act.

The kidnappers headed for the safety of the woods, and then pulled Nikita out from under the hay and untied her ankles so that they could make her walk the rest of the way to Jacques' cabin. Neither man spoke, but pushed Nikita along in between them. They couldn't be totally sure the girl had not seen them and they did not want to be identified should she escape.

Finally, they arrived at the cabin and took her inside, where they proceeded to tie her to the central post of the cabin with strong ropes, just like Elena had instructed. Then, they left. They had to get back to the Lapierre farm before Jacques noticed that they had been gone long.

*******************************************

Walter and Seymour arrived back at the farm after helping Michel at the construction site. Walter went into the house while Seymour decided to go up to the barn to see if Nikita had finished the milking yet. Seymour felt bad that she was voluntarily doing his chores as well as her own right now, but it was for a good cause.

Halfway up the barn hill, Seymour spotted the milk pail. Thinking that Nikita might have been left it there accidentally, he went to get it, and discovered that it was full of milk. Looking up at the barn he thought it rather odd that the door seemed to be barricaded from the outside and there was no sign of his sister!

Wait a minute! Why would Nikita leave the milk here on the barn hill and walk away from it? She wouldn't. Why would the barn door be barricaded from the outside like that? That's not how the barn door is usually left when chores are done for the day! It doesn't make any sense. This is very strange. It isn't like Nikita to leave a chore half done like this either. She would have taken the milk into the house, filtered it into a clean jar and then put it away in the cold pantry, washing the pail up as well. Something's not right here.'

Seymour noticed the hair ribbons on the ground and automatically picked them up. That's odd,' he thought distractedly. These ribbons are yellow. I don't remember Nikita wearing that color--ever. Oh well, I'm probably wrong. I'll see that Nikita gets them. She's the only one here that would wear hair ribbons.'

Seymour decided to open the barn and see if he could find his sister inside. Maybe she was in there.asleepor hurt. He had to know. Carefully, he removed the plank that bridged the two doors, locking them shut. As he opened the door, he saw a huge rat scurry out and head for the woods at the rear of Walter's property .

Seymour looked inside the barn and saw the pitchfork in the ground just three feet inside, directly in front of him.

That's strange! If I didn't know better, it would be easy to think that someone tossed that here deliberately--like they'd used it as a weapon! Uncle Walter always keeps tools like that hung up on the wall.'

Seymour looked around in dismay. Nikita didn't seem to be inside the barn and he was beginning to worry.

Where is she?'

Seymour exited the barn again and looked all around the area again with great care. That's when he spotted the broach lying next to the pail.

What's this? How did I miss that earlier? Now, this I know does not belong to my sister,' he thought. She doesn't own anything like this. I wonder who it DOES belongs to.'

Seymour went back into the barn again and searched frantically. He noticed that the ladder to the hayloft was lying on the floor, and he put it back. After that, he climbed into the loft, but Nikita not to be found up here either.

Making his way back outside of the barn, Seymour looked around perplexed. He decided to search the perimeter more carefully. He began by checking under the bushes next to the barn for clues to his sister's disappearance.

Could she have wandered off somewhere else on the property? Seymour wondered. No, she wouldn't.'

Then Seymour noticed a strip of dark blue cotton snagged on one of the bushes near the barn.

Nikita's work dress is dark blue! Is this piece of cloth from her dress?'

Suddenly Seymour was very afraid.

If this material is from her dress, that means it ripped off during some kind of a struggle. Who had been here and where is Nikita now? More importantly, was she all right?

At that moment, Walter joined Seymour on the barn hill.

"Nikita's not in the house and Belinda and Simone are back from their shopping and asking where she is. Is she up here?" Walter asked.

"No, I don't think so, Uncle Walter. Look at this. The barn door was barricaded from outside, and yet the pail was here outside the barn and it's full of milk." Seymour said.

Walter looked at Seymour and then at the full pail of milk. He scratched his head and considered the situation.

"What do you think happened here Seymour?" Walter enquired. He'd come to respect this copper haired lad as a very insightful observer.

"Let's consider what we know, Uncle Walter. Nikita came back to do the milking, and here's the milk, yet the barn was locked from the outside. That is certainly odd." Seymour said.

"We also know Nikita. She wouldn't leave the milk sitting here. She might lock the barn door, but she certainly wouldn't barricade the door after she was done. If Nikita had been inside the barn when the door was barricaded, who did it? Better yet, why would they do this, and if they did, how did she get out?" Walter mused.

Chapter 24

"There's only one other way other than the door that she could have got out." Seymour said looking up at the loft window. Sure enough there was a rope hanging outside the window from a pulley swaying gently in the breeze."

"If she got out of the barn when the other people were here, did they take her or would she leave voluntarily? When I opened the barn door, a huge rat scurried out, and I found the pitchfork here," Seymour said, indicating a spot on the barn floor, "as if someone had thrown it like a weapon. Also, I found these hair ribbons on the ground in front of the barn door." Seymour said showing the hair ornaments to his Uncle Walter. "It's strange, but it bothers me that the ribbons are yellow. For some reason, I'm pretty sure that Nikita doesn't own anything yellow at all, not even ribbons."

"And this broach doesn't belong to Nikita either, Uncle Walter. She doesn't own any jewellery, except for her crucifix and the ring Mr. Samuelle gave her. I also found this strip of dark blue cotton, which is the same cloth and color as her work dress! Uncle Walter, I'm afraid!! I think someone's taken Nikita! We have to find her before something awful happens to her! We have to go back to Mr. Samuelle-I mean Michel--and let him know what has happened." Seymour concluded.

Walter listened to his nephew intently and his wide blue eyes took in all the evidence that was presented to him in horror. The boy was right. It did look like someone had kidnapped Nikita. Michel would know what to do. In any event, if they kept this from him he would be very upset.

"Look, Uncle Walter! This broach opens up and there's engraving inside." Seymour said excitedly. "Maybe the writing will tell us something about the owner."

"What does it say lad?" Walter said leaning over Seymour's shoulder, eager to see for himself.

"It's just initialslet's see J. L. All my love to. A. L' . Who would that be?" Seymour said worriedly.

"Let me think" Walter thought, trying to see in his mind someone living.or dead?who had those initials and lived in this area. All he could come up with was Jacques Lapierreto. Adrienne Lapierre'. Adrienne had been Elena's mother's name. That meant this broach belonged to Elena Lapierre!! Of course! Elena!! She was the only one who would do something this horrible to Nikita. She probably thought that getting rid of Nikita would "make" Michel "hers"!! They had to get to Michel and get his help. There was no telling what Nikita was going through right now!!'

"I think I know who is responsible for this Seymour. I'll tell you my theory on the way. Let's go and tell Michel and find our Sugar," Walter said. "Get the horses and I'll give this milk to Simone to look after. We need to hurry, it will soon be dark."

Belinda and Simone met Walter at the house. He briefly told them his and Seymour's suspicions, and even though the women became frantic, they could see the merit of going to get Michel's help.

"God speed," Belinda breathed softly as she clutched Simone and both women bade Walter and Seymour adieu .

"We'll both pray that you find our Nikita and that she's not hurt."

Walter and Seymour looked at each other with sad eyes and nodded cautiously at both women. This place wouldn't be the same without Nikita. Michel too would be devastated if their Sugar was hurtor worse.

With racing hearts, they both remounted the horses and rode out together.

********************************* ********

In the meantimedeep in the neighboring woodsthree Huron braves made their way through the underbrush.

Running Deer trudged along in the woods closely followed by Whitehawk and Little Bear.

The evening is warm, but not as warm as the day had been. These furs are beginning to become heavy and it has been a long time since we've eaten,' Running Deer thought.

It won't be long until the sun was finished its daily journey through the sky.' Whitehawk thought . As soon as we find a clearing we should make camp.'

There's a clearing just ahead,' thought Running Deer . That's if I remember this area correctly. We can make camp there. I'm sure that we're near our destination. It will be good to see our old friend White Wolf again.'

The furs were a present for White Wolf and his woman. The message of the drums had reached their village, and they had been surprised to learn that their old friend had found a woman that he would marry. He had never seemed too interested in any one woman for very long when they had known him and it surprised them that he suddenly had. The three braves had discussed this on their journey and decided that their friend had been sent a woman from The Great Spirit. It would be interesting to see what this woman was like.

Suddenly, the three men became aware that they weren't alone in the forest and they inched ahead quietly to see if the noises they sensed were from friend or foe. To their surprise the noises were coming from two white men who were struggling to carry a captive-a white woman!!

What were these white men doing here? What sort of evil were they up to?' Little Bear wondered.

The men had put some sort of covering over the woman's face and her hands were tied behind her back. Running Deer quietly signaled Little Bear and Whitehawk to fan out and follow the two men.

What are their intentions towards this woman?' Running Deer was incensed. No woman should be treated in this manner.'

His people treated their woman with respect. He knew he shouldn't be surprised by white men's actions. It was difficult to understand many of their ways. He noted that the woman was struggling to get loose and he wanted to help her get away.

Shortly, it became obvious that the two noisy white men were leading them towards a clearing that was deeper in the bush than the one White Deer had thought they would go to. There was a deserted cabin in this clearing and the men entered with their captive, shutting the door behind them.

Running Deer and his friends silently communicated with each other to wait and see what would happen next. Minutes later, the white men exited the cabin only without their captive.

What manner of behavior was this?' Whitehawk wondered.

The two men started back the way they had come, until Running Deer signaled his friends to grab them. Instantly, Whitehawk and Little Bear burst out of the woods and captured the two very startled white men. They didn't even try to escape, but shouted out in surprise. They looked terrified at the braves' sudden appearance and silently allowed themselves to be led into the woods. Running Deer signaled his friends that they were to hold onto these men while he went inside the cabin to see the woman and determine if she was all right.

Chapter 25

Nikita felt two strong pairs of arms grab her and then blackness descended over her eyes. She felt herself being picked up and tossed in a wagon. A bumpy ride later, the arms grabbed her again and then she was forced to walk. Finally she was sat down on a hard, cold surface and she felt her hands being tied up behind her. She could hear the movement her captors made, but they didn't say a word. Then she heard a door shut, and then there was a shout; and then silence.

A few minutes later she heard the door open again and she felt someone gently lifted the covering from her head. She blinked at the change in light and then found her gaze focused on a usual looking rescuer.

The man crouched in front of her was did not resemble anyone she had ever met before. His skin was much darker than hers and his hair was very long and black. He had streaks of black and something red smeared on his face. There were feathers jutting out of his hair in different spots and he wore some sort of soft looking brown leather trousers and jacket. Nikita focused on his dark brown eyes and found that they seemed to be regarding her with a curiousness that she knew was reflected in her own. Then he started to speak and to her amazement he spoke to her in French.

"Miss? Are you all right? My friends and I saw the men who carried you here. We caught them. Where are you from? Can we escort you home?"

Nikita was thankful once more that she had learned French in school. This must be one of the people that she'd heard was called "an Indian". She didn't know that they spoke French too, but at this moment she was very glad that this one did. She tried not to stare at the strangeness of this person's appearance and told herself to be thankful that he seemed to be a gentleman.

"Yes," she responded in French, "I'm all right. And yes, I want to go home if you'd be so kind as to escort me there. I'm from the area near St. Cecile. My name is Nikita O'Hara. Who are you, sir?"

The man squatting in front of her smiled slightly. "Sir?" No white woman had ever called him that.'

"My name is Running Deer and my friends and I are of the Huron nation. We are going to that place you spoke of to visit a friend of ours. A white man named Michel Samuelle. We call him White Wolf. He is going to be married and we're bringing him a gift. Do you know him?"

Nikita's mouth curved into a brilliant smile. White Wolf? Now how in the world had Michel received that name from these menand how did he know them? Oh yes; now I remember. Michel had mentioned that he'd been a fur trapper. Perhaps that is when he had met these men.'

"Oh yes, I know him. I'm the woman he's going to marry. Please take me to him." Nikita responded.

Running Deer helped the young white woman to her feet and looked at her in appreciation.

"Please?" So this was the woman that the drums spoke of.' Most white women he'd been this close to hadn't treated him so respectfully. Most of them wouldn't have politely asked to be taken home either; they would have ordered him as if he were a dog.

Running Deer inspected the woman in front of him, and found that he approved of what he saw. Truly, The Great Spirit has sent my friend a beautiful mate. She has a kind and beautiful face and her hair shines like the light of the full moon. Her eyes are as brilliant as mountain waters.' He decided that he would call her that. Mountain Waters' .

"I will call you Mountain Waters because your eyes remind me of the deep blue waters of mountain streams," Running Deer said.

Nikita blushed. She instinctively knew that she had been granted a great honor. "Thank you. It is a beautiful name; I am honored."

She's brave too.' He thought . She's not afraid of me.' He knew his appearance was strange to her and yet she didn't flinch or back away from him in fear.

White Wolf is a good man. Surely it is the will of The Great Spirit that he should have such a beautiful and brave mate. He has never cheated my people like the other courreur des bois and last winter he rescued my sister, Little Dove from being mauled by a bear,' thought Running Deer.

Now he would return Mountain Waters to White Wolf. He was happy to be able to do this favor for his friend.

We should hurry.' The brave thought . It won't be long until it is dark and my good friend must be very worried. As for the two men we've capturedWhite Wolf will decide their fate.'

Running Deer escorted Nikita out of the cabin and signaled her to wait for a minute. She quietly obeyed, watching him curiously.

Running Deer was impressed again. An obedient white woman?'

Most white women he'd been around were demanding and disobedient. The Great Spirit had indeed smiled on White Wolf. Running Deer signaled his friends to come to the clearing with the white men they'd captured. As they emerged from the woods, he watched Mountain Waters closely. Her eyes widened in wonder as she saw two other men who were attired like him and the white men they had captured.

The three braves paused to partake in a conversation in a language Nikita couldn't comprehend. She watched them closely to see if something they did might reveal their next move, and she wasn't disappointed. After their conference, they guided the white men into the cabin, and tied them to the same post she'd been tied to.

The men then conferred again, and Nikita patiently waited to see what would come next. What she couldn't know was that they were discussing her at this point.

"This is White Wolf's woman." Running Deer said to his compatriots. "I don't know why these men brought her here, but he will not be pleased. I am happy to be able to return her to him after what he did for Little Dove last year. She is a truly beautiful woman and she shows no fear towards us. I signaled her to wait a minute ago, and look; she is still doing that, with no complaints. She also treated me with respect and was very polite. This is not how white women usually treat us. Because of that, and the respect I have for White Wolf, I have given her a new name. I have named her Mountain Waters because of her water blue eyes. You both speak French. Speak with her, look into her eyes; you will see no hatred, only kindness. White Wolf has truly been given a gift by The Great Spirit."

Whitehawk and Little Bear listened to their friend Running Deer and nodded their approval. White Wolf was their brother and they were pleased to hear what Running Deer had to say. They would gladly escort White Wolf's woman home to him.

"Now I'm going to speak to those white men and see if I can find out why they did this." Running Deer said. He entered the cabin and spoke to the two men in French, but to no avail. They obviously did not speak French, and Running Deer realized that they were Anglais.

Nikita had turned to watch Running Deer through the open cabin door as he tried to speak to the two men in French, but Wellman and Hillinger couldn't understand them.

Wellman and Hillinger shook their heads. "We don't speak French," they chorused in dismay. Surely, their fate wasn't going to be dependant on their lack of ability! They spotted Nikita outside and Wellman spoke up. "Miss? We don't speak French. We know you speak English. Please tell them that."

Nikita said nothing. She wondered if she should leave this up to the Indians, and later to Michel.

"C'est Anglais." Running Deer said in disdain as he emerged from the cabin. His people fought the English and their allies the Iroquois. Then he turned to Nikita. "Do you speak this English? I've never bothered to learn it."

"Oh yes," Nikita responded. "Did you want me to speak to these men?"

"Yes. Tell them their fate will be in White Wolf's hands. They will wait here until he comes for them." Running Deer replied.

Nikita smiled and turned to comply. I like this Running Deer,' she thought. Michel certainly has some interesting friends.'

Chapter 26

Back at the construction site, Michel was helping the men pack the tools away. Walter and Seymour had left for the day and it had been a long one. He was pleased with the day's work. Today they had finished the roof, and the rest of the house was coming along nicely as well.

He heard a horse approach him from behind and looked up to see Jacques Lapierre smiling down at him.

"It's going well, Michel. At this rate you'll have your house built for you and your lovely lady before another two months are done. Let's seeit's June now. Perhaps by the beginning or the end of September you will be married to the lovely Nikita and living here. That would be good."

Michel looked up at Jacques Lapierre speculatively, and said nothing. His emotions must have shown clearly on his face because Jacques continued to speak.

"Michel, I don't hold recent events against you and I hope you won't hold them against me either. We've always been friendly, you and I. You were right. My daughter needs to grow up and I regret that I had anything to do with her attitude." Jacques stated quietly.

Michel considered Jacques words for a moment, and then decided that his neighbor was being sincere.

"I was wrong about you that day Jacques, and I hope you won't hold it against me." Michel said, holding his hand out to Jacques to shake. The two men shook hands warmly. "You are not totally responsible for Elena's behavior. You encourage it, but she freely chooses to act the way she does." Michel continued. "I hope for her sake that she changes and finds happiness. I've found my happiness with Nikita and I hope we can be married soon. That's what I'm working for here. Our future. Ma belle is an incredible lady and my life has changed for the better since she's come into it. I love her more and more every day."

At that moment, Michel heard the thundering of horses and looked around to see two riders quickly approaching him. He frowned and he and Jacques turned around to see who was coming. With a feeling of dread, Michel realized who was approaching and he waited until both riders came to a stop beside him.

"Walter. Seymourwhat is wrong? You both look very upset. Is it Nikita? Is she hurt? What's wrong?" Michel queried.

"Mr. Samuelle" Seymour began.

Michel interrupted. "Seymourwe've been through this. call me Michel. You're going to be my brother-in-law after all."

At least, he hoped that would be the case. If something had happened to Nikita, he didn't know what he'd do.

"No, Michel .I mean I don't know.." Walter sputtered.

Michel frowned and shook his head in confusion. "What do you do you mean, don't know? What don't you know?"

"We don't know how Nikita is Michel." Seymour said bluntly. "We don't even know where she is, but we suspect someone has kidnapped her."

Michel's eyes widened. "Why do you suspect kidnapping? Could it be that she just wandered off for a walk?"

"No, Michel," Walter replied. "Seymour and I have investigated this and we have come to believe that she was taken by force. We've found evidence to back this up too."

"Evidence?" Michel said. "What evidence?"

Seymour quickly outlined the series of events and clues he had discovered.

Michel's face paled. "Do you know WHO you suspect of doing this?"

Michel's heart was pounding erratically. In his mind there was only one person who would dare to do something this awful to his angel. Elena. He could feel his temper starting to build, but he didn't want to say anything yet, because Jacques was still sitting right next to him on his horse.

"Well, Michel," Seymour started to speak. and then realized who was sitting there listening.

No,' Seymour decided. I'm not going to let Jacques Lapierre's presence intimidate me. This is my sister I'm talking about here. I'm going to present the evidence and let it speak for itself.'

"We found these things back at Walter's barn, where it appears her kidnappers took her." Seymour stated very clearly, looking at Jacques with sober intent. "We also found a piece of dark blue cotton that I'm sure was torn from her work dress in her struggle against who ever did this."

Let him draw his own conclusions as to the meaning of the broach," he thought. He will recognize it immediately if Uncle Walter's correct about the identity of "JL and AL" '.

"What things did you find lad," Jacques asked. "Let me see. I want to help."

Seymour looked questioningly at Michel and saw him nod his head imperceptibly. He handed the items over to Jacques and watched as the older man's eyes widened and his face darkened in anger.

No, not this. she wouldn't sink to something this low, would she?'

"Where would she put Nikita, Jacques? Is there some building or other place we might find her?" Walter asked gently.

He felt really bad for the other man. Elena had struck a very low blow this time. He could tell that both Michel and Jacques were reeling from the impact of this latest stunt.

"My cabin. It's where I stay when I go hunting and fishing," Jacques said. He couldn't believe this was happening.

"Is it far from here?" Michel demanded. "Tell me how to get there. I swear if one hair on Nikita's head has been harmed, I will kill whoever is responsible for this. Even if she is all right, I want answers."

Revenge could come later. Right now, he had to find his angel and bring her back so that she'd be safe once again.

Please God; don't let me lose her now. Keep her safe-bring her back to me. I need herI love her!' Michel prayed silently, as he ran to get his gun from the wagon.

"We're coming with you Michel," Walter informed him when he returned.

"No. Jacques and I will go. You go back and tell Belinda and Simone and keep them calm. I know my way around the woods rather well from being le courreur des bois" Michel commanded.

The three men continued to discuss the situation while Seymour stared into the woods behind them.

How far away from here was Nikita? Was she afraid? Was she hurt?' Seymour worried.

"Look!" Seymour said excitedly, as he spotted movement at the edge of the forest. "It's her!! It's Nikita!!"

The men all stopped speaking and whirled around in a rush. There indeed was Nikita, with mussed up hair and a sleeve torn on her gown, and she was walking slowly towards them. Her beautiful face was smudged with dirt and she had burrs stuck on her clothing. She wasn't alone, either. Walking along with her strode three of the scariest looking individuals that Seymour had ever seen. They were talking together as if they were the best of friends. Seymour was amazed! It seemed that Nikita could find friends anywhere!

As soon as she saw Michel, Nikita said something to the men with her and started to run towards him, holding her dirty skirt up so that her legs had no obstructions.

"Indians!" Walter said, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Mon Dieu!" said Jacques. "How did she meet these Huron?"

Seymour's eyes widened as he stared at the strange looking men.

Huron?'

Jacques didn't seem to be worried about these men, so maybe they weren't dangerous. They sure looked different though. Their skin was darker than Michel's, and he had tanned from many hours out in the sun working! Their hair was very long. like Nikita's, but it was very black-like coal. They wore feathers in their hair and they had black and red stuff smeared on their faces, too. Their clothes seemed to be made out of some soft brown leather, and they wore shoes made out of the same leather. Each of them carried fur pelts on their backs and each had a rifle.

Michel stared at the scene before him, but didn't say a word. He quickly handed his gun to Walter and raced across the field to meet his beloved and scooped her up in his arms, hugging her fiercely.

"Nikitachere. I'm so glad you're safe. You are the most precious thing in the world to me. I was so frightened." He whispered to her. "You aren't hurt are you? They didn't." Michel's heart clenched. He couldn't bring himself to ask. What had she suffered? Mon Dieu!! What if she has been raped? I can't bear the thought! If they've hurt her at allI swear I'll kill whoever did this to her with my bare hands!' He resolved, hugging her tightly again.

"No, my darling. My kidnappers didn't touch me at all, except when they grabbed me and carried me into the cabin." Nikita whispered. "They tied me up and then left right away. A few minutes later, these men rescued me. Nothing happened, my love."

He hugged her tightly again and sighed in relief.

The only thing that matters is that she was not hurt. Nothing anyone could do to her would ever lessen her in my eyes.'

"Mon couer, you must be tired. Sit down and rest. Please forgive me, but I have to speak to these men. I have to thank them."

"I understand, Michel. These men have been very kind. They even captured the men who kidnapped me, and tied them up in the same place they were going to leave me. They said they'd let you deal with them." Nikita responded and turned to sit down in the shade on the cool grass.

Walter and Jacques sat down next to her and waited to see what would happen next. Seymour ran towards the construction chuck wagon to see if he could get his sister a drink of cool water. He came back shortly and gave it to her, settling quietly at her feet.

Michel turned to the three Indians to thank them, and then realized that he knew all of them. He smiled at them and motioned that he would be right over. Then, he turned back to check on Nikita as she sat under the tree, leaning down to kiss her tenderly on the forehead. After that, he stood up again and turned back towards the small group of natives. The three braves stood quietly by watching all this and Michel walked over to where they stood. This would be a private conversation between the four of them.

Chapter 27

White Wolf loves Mountain Waters a great deal.' Running Deer decided, as he watched Michel and Nikita embrace. I remember how the young women in the tribe all tried to get his attention last winter and he ignored them. The few pretty ones that did get his attention didn't keep it for very long. The Great Spirit had this woman in mind for him even then.'

Michel approached the braves and raised his hand in the traditional greeting that he had been taught by them.

"Greetings Running Deer, Little Bear, Whitehawk. It is good to see all of you again, my brothers. I just learned that my woman was missing and I was heading out to rescue her. Thank you for bringing her back to me safely. I am in your debt." Michel said solemnly.

Running Deer spoke for all of them. "No White Wolf, it is a debt repaidfor Little Dove. You are a good friend to the Huron people, my brother. We were on our way here to bring you a gift for your wedding when we saw Mountain Waters being carried into a cabin. She had a hood over her head and her hands tied behind her back. We do not like to see women treated this way, so we stayed to see if we could help. We caught the men who did this and we left them in the cabin just where they were going to leave her. It is your right to deal with them."

"Mountain Waters?" Michel said in confusion. Then his eyes widened in comprehension as he realized that they had given Nikita a new name. This was a great honor usually reserved for men that they "adopted" into their nation. This was a great sign of respect for Nikita. and for him too.

"Thank you, I will deal with them." Michel said. "Little Dove is well, I hope?"

"Yes, she became the wife of Whitehawk here this spring. They are expecting their first child soon." Running Deer said.

Michel smiled and turned to Whitehawk. "Congratulations my friend. I am very happy for you both."

Whitehawk appraised his white friend. They had laid trap lines together last winter and he felt he knew White Wolf quite well. He was a quiet man-and a good man, who had always respected his people and his ways. White Wolf had never tried to entice any of his people with the firewater and he'd always been fair with all of them in all their dealings.

Whitehawk returned his attention to White Wolf.

"Our happiness is thanks to you, White Wolf. If you had not saved Little Dove from being mauled by that bear, I would not be waiting to be a father right now. I'm glad that we could return Mountain Waters to you today." Whitehawk replied. "Say the word and the enemy who did this will be our enemy as well."

Michel smiled. "Thank you, Whitehawk. If that is necessary, I will let you know. I hope it won't be."

He looks happy,' Whitehawk decided. I'm happy for him.' He was also happy for another reason.

I remember how Little Fawn acted when she found out that White Wolf had found a mate. When we left the village, she was beginning to realize that she was wasting her time waiting for the white man to return.'

Little Fawn was a young woman in their tribe who had tried, more than any of the others, to pursue this white man. His brother, Little Bear loved her so much, but she kept ignoring him.

White Wolf never noticed Little Fawn anyway, but now maybe now she will accept Little Bear. He loves her so much.'

"As you wish, White Wolf." Whitehawk said.

Then he had another thought. I doubt that we'll see White Wolf in our village again. He'll be too busy making babies with Mountain Waters to go trapping.'

Somehow, the thought made him feel sad. He would miss this white man.

Whitehawk glanced over at Little Bear. He noticed that his little brother had paid close attention to the display of affection between White Wolf and Mountain Waters. This is good. Now he will have hope that he can win Little Fawn's love.'

Little Bear spoke up then. "It is good to see you once again, my friend. I am happy for you. The Great Spirit has blessed you with this woman. She treated us all as if we were French gentlemen. not 'savages' as most white women do. She asked us questions about life in our village and she never complained once on the way back here either. Mountain Waters is unlike any other white woman I have ever met."

Michel smiled. "Oh yes, Little Bear, I know. The Great Spirit has smiled on me."

Little Bear studied Michel intently. Yes, you're happy, White Wolf. I'm happy for you my friend, but I'm also happy for me. Mountain Waters will keep you here, working on the land and giving her babies. Good. Now Little Fawn will forget you and I'll make her mine.'

Then Running Deer's other words registered with Michel. His eyes widened as he turned back to speak to the brave again.

"A gift? How did you know I was getting married? Who told you?" Michel said in confusion.

"Do you think there is anything that happens here in our lands that we do not know about White Wolf? The drums sent us the good news that White Wolf, the man who could not be captured by any woman, had been tamed." Running Deer said with a smile. "We came to give you these furs," he said motioning to the bundles he and his friends carried, "and to see for ourselves what manner of woman the Great Spirit had sent you. Mountain Waters is a brave and beautiful woman. You have been given a sacred gift."

Michel smiled broadly. "Thank you. all of you. You are very right Running Deer. Thank you as well for your gift. It is wonderful."

I can't believe this these are the finest muskrat and beaver pelts I've ever seen. They could get a lot of money for these at a trading post; money they could use to buy them many things. And they're giving them to Nikita and me? Somehow I must find something to give to Whitehawk as a wedding present too. Hmmperhaps some horses? I'll ask Jacques to talk to Papa on his way home in my behalf. Tomorrow, I'll arrange some sort of payment with him.'

"You are all very kind. You must stay here tonight and eat with me. The food will be different than what you're used to, but there is a lot of it and you are most welcome. Tomorrow morning we will go and get these men you captured and determine what to do with them. I have a feeling that they were just doing the bidding of someone else and if that's the case, I will not hurt them."

Chapter 28

Nikita watched the exchange between her beloved and the three men who had rescued her. The walk back to Michel's property had been interesting. The three braves had told her a great deal about their lives and that of their village. The Jesuits had lived among them for a time, but most of them continued to worship what they called "The Great Spirit". Nikita found that fascinating. The Great Spirit, they told her, lived in the water, the trees and in the animals, too. She wasn't sure she understood that, and so she decided to ask about their everyday life.

She now knew that their women did a little farming for corn, and that some of that corn was used to make flour, but that all their other food came from the forest. The men hunted, deer, moose, rabbit and wild boar. They also fished the rivers for several different kinds of fish. Their clothing was made of the leather that they fashioned from the deer's skins. Entire families lived in large birch bark longhouses-several generations in each one. They'd even pointed out the tree that the bark came from. She had wondered about the trees with the white, paper-thin bark, and now she knew that these trees were essential to the Huron tribes' shelter. Their canoesthat's what they called their boats.were also made of this bark. It was all very interesting.

What had really interested her though is how Michel came to be called White Wolf. She supposed she'd have to ask him but decided to leave that for another day. Right now, she was very tired and just wanted to go home.

Seymour, Walter and Nikita left shortly after this. Michel wanted to escort her home, but Nikita had smiled sweetly and kissed him gently, finally convincing him that she was fine, just tired. She climbed up on Seymour's horse with her brother and insisted that Michel stay there and provide dinner for her rescuers.

Jacques Lapierre left too, promising to stop at Paul and Madeleine's to tell them what happened and request some horses for Whitehawk and Little Dove. After that, he made his way home for what he knew would be the most unpleasant confrontation of his life.

****************************************************

Jacques finally arrived home to find Elena in the barn, currycombing her own horse. He hadn't seen her do that since she was seven years old. He decided to pretend he didn't know what was going on.

"Hello daughter, what are you doing? Where are the Anglais ?" Jacques enquired.

"I have no idea Papa, perhaps they've run off. " Elena said sweetly. "I'm sure they'll be back. They can't go far, now can they? In any case, my poor horse needs to be groomed, so I guess I'll have to do the chore myself."

"No, they can't go far, especially since they're tied up in my hunting cabin right now." Jacques said watching for her reaction closely.

Elena looked up in surprise. "Now why would they be there, Papa? And why would they be tied up?"

"Three Huron braves left them there right after they rescued Nikita O'Hara from a similar fate." Jacques replied, still not taking his eyes off of his daughter.

"Pardon me?" Elena said. "I don't understand. Nikita was kidnapped? How awful for her. I can't imagine what would make those crazy Anglais do such a thing."

"Oh, I think you do, daughter. The two of them abducted her from her uncle's farm and these items were found there."

He presented her with the hair ribbons and the broach. He knew she could shrug off the ribbons, but he waited to see what she would say about the broach.

"There it is!" exclaimed Elena. "Maman's broach!! I was looking for that earlier. The two of them must have stolen it."

"Why? What possible use could it have been to them in the woods?" Jacques questioned.

"They probably took it thinking to sell it later for passage to English territory or for food," said Elena quickly.

Jacques just looked at her quietly. "Tell the truth for once daughter, if you still recognize what truth is."

"What do you mean? Tell the truth about what?" Elena replied.

"I won't know for certain until after Michel gets back with the two Anglais , but I can just imagine what happened. You threatened those men with something and told them to kidnap Nikita and leave her in the cabin. You probably hoped that the Iroquois would come and take her.or were you just hoping she'd die of lack of food and water?" Jacques replied.

"Papa!! That's horrible!! You really think I'd do that?" Elena said looking at Jacques with wide innocent looking eyes.

"It doesn't matter what I think. Michel will find out the truth tomorrow. It's a good thing that it was Michel's friends, the Huron braves who found her, or her fate might have been as awful as I think you wanted it to be. Did you really think that Michel wouldn't go looking for her? Did you really think that his love for her is so shallow that he'd just forget her and come looking for you? My girl, you don't have any idea what love is if that is what you think." Jacques said.

"PapaI don't know what you're talking about," Elena said. She was terrified and it showed on her face.

I thought my plan was so clever. It would have worked if Michel hadn't been friends with those Indians. It doesn't matter. No one will believe the stupid Anglais. I have nothing to worry about.'

"All right." Jacques continued. "Keep lying. Michel and the three Huron braves are going to the cabin tomorrow to free the two Anglais . He will get the truth out of them, never fear. I wouldn't want to be the person responsible for his fiancee's abduction after he's done. He was absolutely furious when he heard she'd been kidnapped. She wasn't hurt, thank goodness. It seems that the three Huron braves saw the Anglais take Nikita inside the cabin, and captured them as they left. Then they brought her home to Michel. They are old friends of Michel and they were very impressed with Nikita's bravery. So much so, that they gave her an Indian name; something I understand rarely happens with white men and almost never with white women."

"They were on their way here to bring Michel a wedding present. I heard one of the Huron braves tell Michel that he only had to say the word and his enemy would become theirs. Amazing! They'd go to war-or attack his enemies at his word. They must respect him a great deal."

Elena stared at her father in disbelief.

I set out to rid myself of one Irlandais, and now an entire Indian tribe might be my enemy? This is beyond belief!'

Jacques continued. "I plan to free the two Anglais from their obligation to me and send them to France with enough money in their pockets to pay their passage to England in full. You used them Elena. Don't bother to deny it. You cannot force people to love you. Michel will marry Nikita and I will be at their wedding, if they allow me to."

"You are going to a convent until you learn to treat others with respect. If that takes the rest of your life, so be it. I am not going to put up with this behavior of yours any longer. I am not going to be made a fool of any more and be pitied by my neighbors because my daughter is a wicked person."

"Papa! No! You can't be serious! " Elena cried out in horror.

Chapter 29

Early the next morning, Paul arrived at Michel's construction site with two beautiful Canadien horses in tow. One was a stallion, and the other a mare. Michel introduced his Papa to his Huron friends and then turned to Whitehawk.

"These two horses are for you and Little Dove. A wedding present. I know that you will be able to use them and I hope they serve you well," said Michel.

Whitehawk was pleased. His friend and his father were very generous. He would be the envy of all the braves in their village.

Paul had also brought other gifts for Michel's friends. He and Madeleine had been horrified at Jacques' rendition of what had happened to their son's fiancee. They were so grateful that nothing had happened to the beautiful blond that he had brought Michel's Huron friends several of Madeleine's handmade blankets. The wool that the blankets were made from had come from sheep that they had raised. He had shorn the sheep, and Madeleine had cleaned, carded and spun the wool herself. Then Madeleine had woven the blankets on the family's handloom. The blankets represented many hours of work from both of them.

Michel was truly touched at his Papa's generosity. He knew how long it had taken to make each of these blankets and he silently vowed to make these sacrifices up to his parents. Perhaps after he and Nikita were married they would make a trip to Montreal and bring back presents for all the family, but especially Maman and Papa.

Walter arrived minutes later with Seymour. They too had brought many beautiful blankets as presents.

"Where's Nikita?" Michel asked. "Is she all right this morning?" As he spoke, he saw a black speck on the nearby country lane. Soon it was close enough to see that it was his beloved driving their buggy. Bridget stopped as soon as she reached Michel and he stroked her gentle face.

Immediately, Michel moved to assist his beloved's descent from the buggy. Nikita gently squeezed Michel's hand and kissed his cheek. Then she turned around, only to be met with a disapproving stare from her Uncle Walter.

"Sugar, I thought we told you last night to sleep in and rest today. You had a lot of excitement yesterday and we're all concerned that you need to recover," Walter said sternly.

Nikita just smiled at her uncle and gently patted his arm. "I'm fine, Uncle Walter. Truly, I am."

Nikita turned then and saw Paul and quietly greeted him, "Bonjour, Papa Samuelle."

Paul hugged her and said, "Bonjour , Nikita. Ma fille, your mother and I are very happy that you're all right."

Nikita knew he meant himself and Madeleine and hugged him back while tears sprang to her eyes.

"Thank you Papa Samuelle, I'm fine. Please tell Maman Samuelle that I send her my love." Nikita said choking on her tears.

I am so blessed,' she thought. There are so many here who love me.'

Hastily she wiped her eyes on the handkerchief she had tucked up her sleeve, and then Nikita shyly approached the three Huron braves.

"I want to thank all of you again for rescuing me yesterday and bring me back to Michel. I will never forget any of you. You will always be welcome here in what will be our home when we are married." Nikita softly stated.

Michel had come behind her to listen to what she would say to his Huron friends and he nodded his approval.

"Yes," Michel stated, placing his hands on her arms and drawing her backwards to his work hardened body. "My Huron brothers will always be welcome in our home. If we can ever help any of you or your families, you only need to ask."

Whitehawk and Little Bear looked at Running Deer and indicated with a nod that he should speak for all of them.

"White Wolf and Mountain Waters are good people. We see the love you have for each other and we see you give it freely to others. The Great Spirit has blessed you both. We are honored to have both of you as our friends. We will remember your words."

"You are right, Running Deer. The Great Spirit has blessed us with love, but also with good friends like you and Whitehawk and Little Bear. We will remember your deeds, my brothers." Michel said.

"Now," Nikita said, "if you gentlemen will all excuse us, I wanted to speak to Michel before he leaves to go and get those men. Chere . may I speak with you privately?"

"Of course, mon amour . Gentlemen, would you excuse us for a minute, please?" Michel said politely.

Hand in hand the two lovers walked towards what would soon be their new barn. The framework was in place, but that was all.

"Michel?" she started softly, as they came to a halt before the half finished building.

"Oui, ma chere?" he responded just as softly.

"Please do not be too harsh with those men. I already told them I forgive them. They didn't hurt me and everything turned out all right."

Michel groaned and closed his eyes. She was ever forgiving, this one. How would he ever be worthy of such an angel?

"Michel? What is wrong, my love?" Nikita said, looking at her beloved's agonized face.

Without a word, Michel pulled her close to his chest and hugged her fiercely. He buried his face in her soft, bright hair and just stood there for a minute inhaling the delicate lilac scent that enveloped her sweet form. Then he slowly lifted his head and gazed lovingly into her eyes, while holding her soft face tenderly in both of his hands.

"Nikita, I could have lost you yesterday, forever. You could have been raped, mutilated or murdered. If the Iroquois had come along instead of my friends the Huron, you could be a concubine right now to an Iroquois brave. I love you so much that the thought of you in that kind of danger-any kind of danger-- makes me feel sick. The minute I heard that you'd been kidnapped, that and a million other horrible thoughts raced through my mind. I've seen first hand what the Iroquois are capable of. They're ruthless. I was terrifiedangry and very, very worried. You. you were scared, weren't you?" Michel asked.

Nikita's face paled when she heard all that Michel had been thinking she might have suffered.

My poor love! You suffered more yesterday than I did!' Nikita thought with a sigh of compassion as she began to lovingly stroke his handsome face.

"Yes, but."

"No, my love-I need to do this. I am furious that anyone would do this to you. I don't believe for one moment that those two Anglais that work for Jacques would do this on their own." Michel said softly, stroking her bright hair lovingly with one hand.

"What do you mean, you don't think they'd do this on their own? You think someone hired them to kidnap me? Who? Who would do such a thing? Who could possibly hate me so much?" Nikita said in amazement.

"Elena. I think she forced them to do this somehow. Either she blackmailed them or she threatened them with something awful. I just want them to confess, and then I will deal with her myself." Michel said grimly. "Jacques was by here earlier and told me that he's sure she's involved. He intends to free these men from their obligation of working for him and see that they get back to England safely. Then, he plans to send Elena to a convent until she learns respect for others."

"As for those mendon't worry, ma petit . I'm not going to hurt them. I'm just going to talk to them and maybe scare them a little." Michel said, grinning mysteriously. He suddenly knew just how to do that.

"Jacques would really put his daughter in a convent?" Nikita asked incredulously.

"Yes. He feels it is the only solution she's left him with. So do I, unfortunately." Michel replied.

Nikita looked horrified. "Michel, that is not how to deal with Elena. I know you don't love her, but have a little compassion, please? If it was Elena behind all of this, it's not difficult to understand her motive. She only did what she did because she sees me as an obstacle to getting the person she loves. You. I really think that she does love you in her own strange way. Don't you see? That's the solution. Elena needs someone to love her Michel. Think about it. What good will it do to lock her away in a convent? All that will be accomplished by doing that is that she'll be lonely and miserable and she'll have lots of time to grow to hate both of us even more. Would Jacques have any relatives in France that would take her in? At least there, she would far away from us and she'd have the chance of finding someone to love her."

Michel was stunned. This was an excellent solution. As soon as he could, he would explain this idea to Jacques. Michel was certain that Jacques would see that this was a better solution than locking Elena away in a convent. This way, Elena could have a life and he and Nikita would have their lives.

Michel smiled and kissed her until she was breathless. "Ma belle , you are a wise, compassionate angel. I will tell Jacques what you said. I am certain that he does have relatives in France. I have to go now and talk to your kidnappers. Please Chere, go home and rest like Walter asked you to. Promise me you will?"

"Oui, Michel." Nikita stated softly as she grasped the curls at the back of his neck and drew him down for another passionate kiss.

Michel gasped as the kiss broke . My angel,' he thought , I'll never be able to tell you how much I adore you. I'm so glad it won't be much longer now until you're my wife. When you do things like that, I can't wait to love you in every way!'

Finally, Michel found his voice once more. "I'll come to see you when everything is settled, probably tomorrow. I promise."

Nikita giggled and said, "Maybe then you'll tell me how you got the name 'White Wolf'."

"That's a long story. And you ma Chere 'Mountain Waters'?" Michel grinned.

"It's really very simple. Running Deer said the color of my eyes reminding him of the blue waters found in the mountains." Nikita said with a chuckle.

"Oui ," they do look that way. Running Deer is a clever man. He knows beauty when he sees it no matter what form it is in." Michel stated softy as Nikita blushed. Laughing, he hugged and kissed her again.

"Now go home and rest, ma belle . Remember, you promised!"

"Oui Michel" Nikita said sweetly and allowed him to escort her back to where Bridget waited patiently with their buggy.

While they had been talking, the Huron braves had been preparing for their departure. The blankets were all packed together tightly and secured to both of Whitehawk's new horses. The three braves planned to accompany White Wolf and Jacques to Jacques' cabin before returning home to their village.

Chapter 30

Wellman and Hillinger had not spent a very pleasant night. There was no comfort to be found in the straight wooden support post that they'd both been tied to all night.

Nikita had come back into the cabin after the two Indians had left them tied up to deliver a message from the third brave. He had come into the cabin, but he only spoke French and the two Englishmen had never mastered that tongue. The Lapierre's had always spoken to them in English.

The Irish girl had looked down on them and shyly gave them the Indian's message.

"Running Deer said to tell you that you would stay here until White Wolf comes. That's what he called my Michel." The blond had said to them.

White Wolf? Why did the Indians call Samuelle that? Wellman wondered in some trepidation.

"When will that be, do you think?" Hillinger had the nerve to ask.

"I can't speak for Michel, but probably within a day or two. I will tell him that you didn't hurt me." The blond had promised.

"We never intended to." Wellman stated. "If it means anything, I'm sorry."

"So I guess that makes what you did all right?" She queried ignoring his apology. "You did scare me, a lot. Why? Why would you do this?"

Neither man answered, but both had the grace to look ashamed and hang their heads. When they looked up at her again, she was still looking at them with that question in her crystal blue eyes.

"We had no choice miss, we're really very sorry." Hillinger said. "If we hadn't done this to you, we would have been beaten or worse."

"Is that true?" Nikita asked Wellman in surprise.

"Yes. I don't expect you'll believe me and it is a long story, but yes, it's true. We didn't have a choice in any of this." Wellman replied, hanging his head in defeat. "We were threatened if we did not kidnap you. I hope your Michel will give us a chance to explain. Or believe us, for that matter."

"I forgive you, then. I'm not sure what Michel will dobut I will talk to him and tell him you didn't harm me," the blond softly said. "Goodbye, now."

And with that she turned, and left the cabin.

She forgives us?' Hillinger thought in stunned surprise. I heard she was kind, but this goes beyond kind. She's as beautiful inside as she is outside. Samuelle knows this too, and if I were him and she were my woman, I'd want blood.'

Wellman was also very surprised at Nikita's attitude, but he was past being afraid. He was a very practical person. At this point, he was resigned to his fate . There's no sense in being afraid now. The deed has been done and it serves no purpose to worry. We'll just have to take whatever we can get in the way of mercy. If Samuelle shows us any, that is.'

The night had been a cool one and the entire experience had been unpleasant. Gradually the night turned to day. Being inside the cabin hadn't helped much either. Neither man spoke to the other but just waited to see what would befall them next. They both were determined that Elena would be revealed as their tormenter and the cause of the entire situation, but neither of them were sure that they would be believed.

The two men could hear different creatures outside and they nervously waited to see what would happen to them next. Daylight appeared and still they were alone. The sun rose higher in the sky and still they waited but nothing happened.

Suddenly, the door of the cabin burst open with a crash. Before them stood a very quiet Michel. He didn't look like the young man they'd seen several times at a distance, though. His hair was wild and he was unshaven but it was the look in his eyes that inspired fear. It was the look of a crazed wild man. He wore unusual clothes too; doeskin breeches, moccasins and his broad muscular chest was bare. Across his face and his chest were streaks of black and red in various patterns. Around his neck was a necklace of animal teeth. The doeskin jacket he wore was open and was decorated like the Indian braves clothing had been but it was also trimmed in some gray and black fur. Wellman realized that the fur was wolf fur and it didn't take much of an imagination to conclude that the teeth were probably from a wolf as well. A wolf's tail hung from his waistband at his right hip. A very large sheathed knife was strapped to his left hip. There was nothing civilized looking about the man. His appearance and the wildness in Samuelle's eyes gave Wellman a fairly good idea of why the Indians called him White Wolf. He noticed that Samuelle had slung a rifle over his right shoulder along with an animal horn suspended from a leather strap that probably contained gunpowder.

Michel was an impressive sight as he strode into the cabin. Immediately after he entered, the three Indian braves from yesterday entered the cabin as well. All three picked a corner to go to and squatted there focusing on the two captives. It appeared that they were going to be witnesses to whatever would happen next.

Hoping that his appearance was intimidating enough, Michel wasted no time on polite preliminaries.

"Why did you kidnap my Nikita? Was it your idea? What did you hope to gain?" he growled, his voice low and menacing.

Hillinger was speechless with fright. All he could do was stammer."We didn't hurt her, honestly."

"Yes, she told me that." He growled as he unsheathed his knife, moving deliberately towards the still bound men.

You're lucky you didn't hurt her or that no one else did either or I wouldn't be talking to you now. I'd carve your heart out." Michel stated with soft menace. "That's what happened to this wolf", he said, disdainfully flicking the wolf tail at his belt. This one jumped me and two minutes later I had him gutted and sprawled at my feet."

Turning to Running Deer, Michel said, "Cela n'est pas si? -- Isn't that so?" Then he proceeded to ask Running Deer in French if he remembered when the wolf had attacked him.

Running Deer nodded. He remembered it well. That was how this white man had received his new name. He had been with the white man when the wolf had jumped at him as he was tending his trap line. Michel had gutted its belly as it flew through the air towards him. White Wolf's reflexes were astoundingly quick.

Michel's glare returned to the men before him and he snarled. Hillinger was whimpering quietly and Wellman began to feel fear wash over him. Michel looked like a wolf and Wellman expected him to howl like one any minute. His eyes widened in fright and he felt the hair on his neck stand up on end.

Michel continued with his speech, snarling and growling to punctuate his role. "Maybe if I gut one of you, the other one will talk more quickly. Sounds like a good idea to me." Then he grinned wickedly.

To Michel's disgust, he found that he was enjoying himself in a perverse way. He poured all his sexual frustrationall his frustration of having to wait to make Nikita his. all the fear he'd felt when he had heard she'd been kidnapped. into this little performance.

"Now," he growled again moving slowly and menacingly towards them, "Tell me why you did this to her and I just might let you live."

Wellman heard Hillinger gasp, but being the more intelligent of the two, he finally saw that this "act" and Michel's attire was a ploy to frighten them. It was obvious that the Frenchman was angry and in all honesty, Wellman couldn't blame Michel for feeling that way. If that lovely Irish girl were his, he knew he'd be angry too after what he and Hillinger had done.

However, while he was quite sure that Michel was very angry with them, he somehow didn't believe that this Frenchman would actually hurt them. Wellman knew how highly the man was thought of by everyone in St. Cecile and why. He was a man of honor and principles and everyone knew it. Keeping that in mind, Wellman swallowed briefly before calmly replying with the truth.

"We wouldn't have taken your lady, but we had no choice. Mademoiselle Lapierre hates her and seemed to think that if your lady were out of the way that you'd go running to her. She threatened both of us if we didn't kidnap her."

Michel saw that his flamboyant scare tactics were wasted on this Englishman, and so he crouched inches from Wellman's face and slowly brandished his knife in the captive man's face instead, twisting and turning it slowly to reflect the light and display it to it's full advantage.

Then, holding the point of his knife to Wellman's throat, Michel lips curled in a snarl and he replied with softly spoken, deliberate menace; "So you admit that you kidnapped and terrorized my fiancee. Don't you think I should have the right to punish you? Why shouldn't I just slit your throat right now? Elena's only a woman after all. Both of you together surely would be stronger than her. What could she possibly do to you?"

Wellman looked Michel in the eyes and quietly stated, "I can't think of a single reason why you shouldn't slit my throat. Most men would want that sort of revenge. I know if I were you, I'd want that satisfaction. What we did was terrible, and we're really sorry. You have to understand that Hillinger and I are like slaves here. We have no friends, no rights and no resources. We expect no one to believe anything we say."

"Mademoiselle Lapierre couldn't hurt us physically, no. However, she did say that if we didn't kidnap your fiancee that she'd tell her Papa that we had raped her; or at least tried to. We were terrified! We were sure that if she told her lies to her Papa that he would believe her and beat us-or worse. Mademoiselle Lapierre certainly hinted that a beating would be the minimum fate we could expect if we failed to comply with her wishes. She told us to leave your fiancee here until she either died of lack of food and water, or until the Indians found her. She said she didn't care which happened or what became of her. She thought that either way she'd get you back. We fully intended to let you know where your fiancee was as soon as we could. We had no desire to see her hurt, but as you know, we didn't get the chance to do that."

Michel looked at Hillinger and growled menacingly, "Is what he's saying the truth?"

Hillinger nodded, sobbing. He was sure he was going to die.

"Yes, it's true. Every word of it."

Chapter 31

Michel's eyes blazed in anger again. This time it was Elena he was furious with.

'Nikita was so kind to her that day after Mass even after Elena had been so insulting, and this is how Elena repays her? How dare she put Nikita's life in danger! Does Elena honestly think that if Nikita were taken from me that I'd run to her right away like a stupid dog? Her of all people! What a disgusting, selfish, self-centered little witch she is!! How dare she think she could manipulate my feelings this way!'

These thoughts crashed through his head and disgusted Michel.

Enough-calm down!' Michel decided, as he suddenly stood up and retired to the cabin wall. The truth was finally revealed and there was nothing more he could do at the moment. He closed his eyes and leaned up against the cabin wall; mentally reviewing the exchange he'd just been through with the Englishman.

Now I know the truth. It isn't pleasant, but then again I never expected that it would be. I'm just glad that Nikita didn't see this little "performance" of mine. I'm not sure if this is something I want her to know about. What would she think of me? Would she still want me?'

Knowing that this had just been a performance, Michel did his best not to smile. He had a grudging respect for the Englishman named Wellman. I'm sure I look-and acted--like an insane man. This Wellman is very brave to stand up to me. He isn't afraid of my 'best' menacing manner.'

Michel looked at Running Deer, Whitehawk and Little Bear. Although the entire exchange had occurred in English and none of them had understood it, Michel could see that they were impressed with Wellman too.

Michel remembered once when a similar crazy "act" had frightened off the Iroquois when he had been on his trap lines. Whitehawk had been with him that day and later confessed to him that he'd been sure that Michel had been battling with an evil spirit. The Iroquois had been afraid to offend that spirit lest it attack them next.

Quietly, Michel explained in French what had just occurred to his Huron friends.

"What will you do with these men, White Wolf?" Running Deer asked in return. He was curious to see if White Wolf had been searching for revenge or for justice. The elders said that knowing the difference and when to seek them was the true measure of a man.

"I just wanted to know the truth, Running Deer. I think they have given that to me. I will do what my heart tells me is right. I will forgive them. Punishing men who were forced to do something awful will only make me as bad as the person who forced them to do this."

"Jacques is outside, and I'm sure he heard all of this. He plans to send them back to England. His daughter Elena is the real evil behind all of this. She thought that if she got rid of my Nikita that I would want her. Nothing could be further from the truth. I've never liked her, but now she disgusts me. I will now go with Jacques and confront her. He will decide her punishment. I am just happy that my Nikita was not harmed." Michel explained.

The three Huron braves looked at each other and nodded. White Wolf had chosen justice. This day had shown them again what a wise and good person their white friend was. Whitehawk in particular, was impressed.

If someone did this to my woman. would I be like this? Or would I want to kill them?'

Examining this thought further, Whitehawk discovered that he probably would have killed, not forgiven. The Jesuits had spoken of their god and forgiveness, but it wasn't often that they saw white men show it. He would have to think about this some more.

"We will go now, White Wolf. May The Great Spirit smile on you and Mountain Waters," Little Bear said.

"Farewell my brothers," Michel said. "And thank you. I hope we will all meet again."

And with that, the three braves all filed out the door and disappeared into the forest.

Michel walked around the cabin restlessly, as he continued to review what had just happened. All his anger towards the Englishmen had fled and now all he felt was a surge of compassion towards them. In fact, his little "performance" today made him feel ashamed. Yes, he'd accomplished his goal, which had been to get information out of these two. However, Michel felt that what he'd really done was bully men that had already been tormented and taken advantage of at every turn!

I'm no better than Elena! I can't imagine being in the position these poor men had been in!'

"Jacques, entre ici! -- Jacques come in here!" Michel called out loudly in French so that the two men wouldn't understand. Then he slumped against the cabin wall once more.

Michel felt really bad for what Jacques had heard here today. No doubt he was very upset with Elena right now. At the moment, aside from his angst at the results of his "performance", all Michel felt was relief! Nikita hadn't been harmed and he had proof of what had happened and who had planned it.

Sighing, Michel stood up slowly from where he'd been leaning against the wall, and walked towards the two Englishmen. He crouched before them, and carefully began cutting their bonds with his knife. The two men had watched the exchange between Michel and the Huron braves, and had wondered what would happen next. When Michel cut their bonds, they looked at him with suspicious eyes.

Their suspicious looks changed to ones of surprise when he calmly said in a kind voice, "I am sorry I've treated you in this awful way, but your reactions had to be real. I will not harm you, and neither will Jacques, I promise you."

"That's right," Jacques said as he finally entered the cabin. The two Englishmen seemed astonished to see him. He'd been lurking outside listening to Michel's performance and enjoying parts of it immensely. "You're in no danger, but you had to believe you were so that we'd know if you were being truthful."

Then Michel saw joy light up their faces as they heard Jacques continue, "You've just confirmed what I've suspected from the beginning. I realize that you were both used as innocent pawns in all this, so I plan to set you both free and give you the money to return you to England. Come with us. I'm sure you're both tired and hungry. Michel and I will confront Elena and then I will deal with her after that."