Mystic Mountains

decently," Tiger insisted. He released the rope and let it fall around his feet, staring over the edge. He wasn 't about to mention it, but there were all sorts of wild creatures out there that would soon devour the remains. Ye gods, what if Dougal wasn't dead. Would he be able to live with the knowledge that he'd left a man to perish.
    "Jesus!"
    Tiger saw Isabella collapse to the ground. Rushing over he caught her before her head hit rock. "Bella. Get me a blanket, someone," he yelled as he lifted her limp body.
    Carrying her to a patch of moss, away from the steep drop, he took the blanket and covered her. Taking her hands in his he began to chafe them. She was so cold. How much more would she have to suffer?
    "I 'll go down and tell Thelma," Gillie said, gently touching Tiger's shoulder. "I'll tell them to carry on to the bottom." He looked about as if trying to decide what needed to be done. "I'd best take the tinder box so they can light a fire."
    "Aye, and take some tea and meat. This will take a while to clear up." Tiger glanced grimly from the wagon to Isabella. "Bella can make her way down as soon as she feels up to it."
    Tiger knelt at her side when Gillie walked off. Had he been a fool to start out on this trip? Heaven knew he'd never dreamed things would turn out like this.
    Rubbing her hands again he tried to bring some warmth back to her. She was so pale, looked as fragile a s fine glass. But that was an illusion; she was stronger than he in some ways. Thank the Lord for that. For she was going to need that strength of character to see her through this mess. He looked about, wondering what to do next. She began to mumble.
    "What?" He bent to hear the weak words. "What is it, Bella?"
    "Dougie? My baby?" she whispered as she tried to lift her head.
    Tiger stroked her cheek. She was obviously in a stupor, thinking it was the boy killed just now. As gently as he could he told her, "Dougie's gone, Bella. And so is Dougal."
    She began to weep, her sobs making her whole body shudder.
    Tiger wrapped his arms about her, rocking her and murmuring soft words of love and understanding. She didn't seem to hear, but kept moaning until the sobs subsided.
    Isabella suddenly came to he r senses. Tiger was holding her. What was she doing in his arms? With a push at his chest she sent him sprawling. "What do you think you're doing?" she demanded, straightening her skirt as she glanced about. The men were all watching her.
    Then she remembered. Covering her face with her hands she groaned.
    "Dougal?" Lowering her hands she gazed at Tiger. One glance told her it was all over. "I know."
    He nodded. "Do you think you can go down with Thelma now? We 'll get one wagon down as soon as possible." He looked to the darkening sky. "Looks like this mess and the rest will have to wait 'til morning. It will be night soon."
    Something compelled her to go and stand at the edge where Dougal had gone over. With head bowed she said a silent prayer for the man who 'd once been such a good friend to her.
    Poor Dougal; gone forever. With no son even to carry on his name and his likeness. Rubbing her eyes, she shuddered as a picture of Dougal leaning on the ship 's rail came to her. How eager he'd been to start out in this strange new land. All he'd really wanted was her love and his precious sheep.
    Turning, she saw a strange look in Tiger 's golden eyes; a look she might suspect was longing, if she didn't know him better.
    "I 'm sorry," he said quietly.
    "Aye, so am I."
    Drawing herself up straight she made her way down the slope, sliding and tripping, so that she landed on her bottom.
    "Let 's get this to one side, and let the wagon through," she heard Tiger order above her as she stumbled down the track.
    She ran into Thelma 's arms when she caught up with her near the bottom of the incline. Then, clutching Tim to her breast, she said shakily, "You're all I have now, son. Don't you leave me, will you?"
    Tim clung to her, his beloved warm little body giving Isabella comfort.

 
     
     
    Chapter Thirty
     
    When the first dray rumbled down at dawn, the noise along with the shouting of the men was dreadful. As well as the logs being dragged behind on chains others were placed beneath the wheels at intervals to stop them sliding and toppling the bullocks.
    The men were sick with fatigue when the last one came to a standstill. Their cheers were half-hearted, and despite their grumbling and complaining, Tiger allowed them only a short respite