Although Abner wanted a way to keep Lauralee in Mattoon, he sure as hell didn’t want to see Dancing Cloud jailed, which would, indeed, keep Lauralee with him and Nancy for some time to come. Abner knew that if an Indian was accused of anything and jailed, there was hardly a chance in hell of him getting off without being hanged.
Especially a gray-coat Indian.
“Wes, the evidence is way too weak to make the arrest, and you know it,” Abner said, placing his fists on his hips. “And you know as well as I that Kevin’s word isn’t worth spit.”
“I’ve got a witness,” Kevin said, his eyes gleaming as Abner looked quickly his way. “If I have to I’ll go and get him now. It’s Jason Pratt. The little boy that lives yonder? He told me that he saw the Indian lurking around the stables after dark. Ain’t that enough proof of the Indian’s guilt?”
Abner scratched his brow idly as he thought back to the previous night. He couldn’t account for all of Dancing Cloud’s time. The Cherokee had excused himself after dark so that he could go into the woods and commune with his Great Spirit.
Did Dancing Cloud, instead, go to The Stables and steal the stallion? Abner wondered.
Abner had been too intent on searching through law books to help him with his decisions in court to notice much of anything, especially when Dancing Cloud came into the house. The law books had been studied way into the night after Lauralee had come to him, to ask his assistance in purchasing the stallion.
He narrowed angry eyes at Kevin. “You’d better be telling the truth and that young man who you said was a witness to the crime had better be able to testify in court that he saw Dancing Cloud take the horse, or by God, Kevin, I’ll throw the book at you. You’ll wish you never messed with Judge Abner Peterson.”
Worrying about Lauralee’s reaction to Dancing Cloud’s arrest, yet knowing that for now there was nothing more he could do to stop it, Abner climbed back into his buggy. With the sheriff and his deputy riding on each side of the buggy, they made their way through the town, down Broadway, then swung into Abner’s circular drive.
Lauralee was placing her last satchel in her buggy when she heard the clatter and commotion of approaching horses. Dancing Cloud came from the house and down the steps of the back porch when he also heard the horses. He moved to Lauralee’s side and watched the approach of Abner and the two lawmen.
“What could they want?” Lauralee asked, giving Dancing Cloud a quick glance. “What are the lawmen doing with my uncle?”
Dancing Cloud did not respond. He stiffened, his eyes looking suspiciously from one lawman to the other.
Then his gaze shifted to Abner. Dancing Cloud’s insides froze when he saw the look on Lauralee’s uncle’s face. He was solemn. His eyes were filled with a strange sort of apology as he stared back at Dancing Cloud.
Abner drew his horse and buggy to a stop. He dropped the reins into the seat and stepped to the ground, the sheriff and his deputy dismounting at the same time.
“Uncle Abner, what’s the matter?” Lauralee asked weakly. Her heart thumped wildly over the strange behavior of her uncle and the two lawmen as they walked toward her and Dancing Cloud.
“Step aside, miss,” Sheriff Decker said, slipping a pair of handcuffs from his rear pocket. “I’ve my duties to perform.”
Lauralee’s eyes widened and she became dizzy with fear as she watched the sheriff reach out for Dancing Cloud with his free hand.
“Hold your wrists together, Cherokee,” Sheriff Decker said thickly, his eyes never leaving Dancing Cloud’s face. “Don’t give me no fight. You wouldn’t have a chance in hell of escaping.”
“Why are you doing this?” Lauralee cried, going to grab the sheriff’s arm. “What are you arresting Dancing Cloud for? It’s a mistake. It has to be a mistake!”
“Horse stealin’ is a serious crime, miss,” the sheriff said, frowning down at Lauralee.
“The horse I borrowed has been returned to its rightful owner,” Dancing Cloud finally said after somewhat getting over the initial shock of what was happening.
“Don’t play dumb with me,” Sheriff Decker grumbled. “There’s a witness that said you stole Kevin Bank’s white stallion last night. I’d
say that calls for an arrest, wouldn’t you?”
“I did not take the white stallion,” Dancing Cloud said, his jaw tight, his throat dry.
Sheriff Decker nodded toward his deputy. Deputy Dobbs came in a rush to the sheriff’s side.
“Watch him,” the sheriff growled. “Draw your gun on him if he even looks like he’s going to resist arrest.”
Knowing that he had no other choice but to do as he was ordered, yet knowing himself who had framed him, Dancing Cloud held out his hands, his wrists quickly in the handcuffs.
“Get his horse, Dobbs,” Sheriff Decker said. “Bring the horse to the Indian.” He narrowed his eyes at Dancing Cloud. “I’m helpin’ you onto your horse. Don’t try any funny business, do you hear? Handcuffed, you can’t get far.”
Lauralee ran to Abner. She clutched his arms frantically. “Do something,” she cried. “Tell them they are arresting the wrong man. Dancing Cloud didn’t steal that horse. You and I both know it. They are arresting an innocent man.”
“Honey, I’ll see that justice is done,” Abner said, easing Lauralee’s fingers away.