Sign-Talker by JAMES ALEXANDER Thom Read Free Book Online Page B

smoked.
    Drouillard said: “The corporal you can count on, but he says he has a short enlistment left. One named Potts, not a complainer. The ones named Howard and Hall don’t tire easy. They might do you well if there’s not too much whiskey around. It’s the main thing they talk of.” He didn’t mention Reed’s fear of Indians.
    The captain nodded. “We have several already who are way too fond of whiskey. And all the bootleggers in the neighborhood have already found us.”
    “Corporal says one of the others is a carpenter, I don’t know which one. He might help you finish this camp, anyway. That is all I can say, Cap’n Clark. I’ve run out of good words about them.” He was not comfortable. This was like spying. But if that task had been his test, he had passed it.
    The captain leaned back. “Thankee, Drouillard. Cap’n Lewis was disappointed with ’em too. But maybe some will prove out.”
    “Don’t ask me to take back the castoffs, Cap’n. I’ve about had my fill of escorting.”
    Clark laughed. “No, we’ll just give ’em to Cap’n Bissell. We took some o’his. Now, you, Drouillard: Going with us?”
    “I’ll tell you what I told Cap’n Lewis yesterday: I can’t say yet. I need council time, without any soldiers around.” He needed something he did not want to have to explain. He had his own way of seeking answers. Talking to his uncle was a part of it, but only a part of it.
    “Well, if there is anything I can do that will help you decide, ask me.”
    Eh bien alors
, Drouillard thought, there won’t be a better time to ask this. “I have one need, sir. I need to get money before I cango away. Not just a little. For some needful relatives. To help them until I return.”
    Clark drew his fingers down his chin, and just a hint of a cautious look passed in his eyes. “What? Wages ahead? I’ll have to ask Cap’n Lewis whether he has authority to do that. He’s in charge of all the accounts. He has understandings with the government that I don’t. Maybe a loan? Would any of those St. Louis people take a signed note? Or how about your kin, Mr. Lorimier? Could you make a note with him?”
    Drouillard knew his uncle was strict against lending to relatives. He had done it too many times, and his policy now was an adamant no. He was profusely generous in other ways. He would rather give it than lend it. But not as much as he needed. “I will ask him,” Drouillard said.
    Clark said, “Cap’n Lewis visited your uncle. He was
very
favorably impressed. Talked on and on about him. About the whole family. Enchanted with the girls. He did carry on.”
    “Yes. I am blessed in my uncle and aunt, and my cousins.”
    “Well. Please keep thinking of us. I’ll ask Lewis about the pay in advance, or loan, or whatever can be done. Might just write him about it now. Sergeant Floyd carries so many messages back and forth he sometimes meets himself. Go ask Floyd where he wants you to berth.”
    “No need for that, Cap’n. I’ll sleep out. I’m not much for walls.”
    “Even in this weather? Are you serious?”
    “Hunting camp. I’ll bring meat.” And he had other plans once away from these soldiers.
    “Yes, meat. But I’m afraid this place is hunted out. Our boys bag a few turkeys and grouse, that’s about it. Good luck. Oh, and aren’t you due another month pay?”
    “Cap’n Lewis took care of that yesterday at Cahokia.”
    “Good. Well, I’m going for a look at those men from Tennessee y’ brought me. Rest here and warm up, if you like. York’ll get you some bread and preserves, or another dram, if y’ like.” He slung a cloak over his shoulders, put a black
chapeau
on overhis thick, copper-colored hair, and shook Drouillard’s hand with a warm, strong grip, then went out into the drizzle.
    Drouillard picked up his whiskey and drained the rest, head back, looking up at the peeled pole rafters and the canvas, which diffused the dim daylight into the smoky room and hissed with the