The Titans (20 page)

The Titans275 Oh, the sun can never dip so law A4own affection's cloudless sky." From the settee in the window bay, Fan said: "Please forgive the noise, Mr. Booth. My son's happy because his visit to Richmond was such a success." The caller smiled. "I'm glad, Mrs. Lamont And there's nothing to forgive. Your son has a fine voice." The caller's chair faced that of her husband. Edward's left foot rested on a stooLike A gutta-percha cane leaned against his thigh. He'd recovered rapidly, though a pulled muscle still made him limp a little. That was the reason he'd bought the cane. The limp and the cane drew sympathetic glances in the hotel dining room. Perhaps Edward really had no need of the cane, but Fan didn't raise the issue. She'd long ago accustomed herself to his harmless vanities. And he had risked his life- The mantel clock chimed half after seven. Young Mr. Wilkes Booth rose and tucked his own cane under the sleeve of his elegant fawn coat. "I really should be leaving so you can go downstairs for dinner." "The dining room serves until eight-thirty," Fan said. "Still, I must be on my way." "I'm delighted you called," Edward said. "Since I had to ride over from Bel Air on business, I couldn't pass up the opportunity." "It's certainly a privilege to meet another member of your distinguished family. When I toured with your brother Junius, he told me you might well emerge as the brightest star of the lot." "Oh, I think my brother Edwin has his eye fixed on that position," Fan detected an undertone of jealousy in the remark. She had to admit Edward's guest was exceedingly handsome. She guessed him to be in his early twenties. Though he wasn't tall, he had dash and an air of wiry 276AccusNot strength. He was much more carefully groomed than many actors she'd met Wilkes Booth picked up his fawn top hat and settled it on his dark hair. Both his hair and his mustache glistened with pomade. Fan could discern only one flaw in his appearance. He was bow-legged. But his loosely cut trousers tended to conceal it. No doubt he bought oversized trousers for that express purpose. "I'm content to let Edwin shine on the stage," the young man went on. "That buffoon in the executive mansion has given us a more important arena in which to perform. Before the curtain rings down on his contemptible reign, every man with courage will rise to the challenge. One way or another." Fan was bothered by a peculiar look in the actor's eyes. It disappeared as he extended his hand. Edward labored from his chair with an exaggerated grimace. He clasped the younger man's hand. "You've already done so," Booth went on. "I'm certain posterity will take note of it." He smiled. "That's the disease of our profession, isn't it? Endless fretting about posterity. What we do on the stage is gone so quickly-was "Too quickly," Edward agreed. "Believe me, your boldness is an inspiration. You've given all of us who support the cause a mark to emulate. Somehow I shall, I promise you. Again, sir-it's been an honor." He bowed to Fan. "Mrs. Lamont-a pleasure." "For me as well, Mr. Booth," Fan murmured. In the bedroom, Gideon and Jeremiah were arguing good- naturedly. Edward picked up his cane and hobbled to the door with his visitor: "Seriously, Booth-you've a first-class reputation. You should think about playing Washington. You haven't thus far, have you?" "No. But I'd rather make a debut when Washington's The Titans277 a Confederate town. Perhaps I'll be able to do it soon. The city's sure to be invaded." "There's every indication," Edward nodded. "Then both of us have cause for rejoicing." Booth opened the door. "I wish your son success in his military venture, Mrs. Lamont. You did say he'd enlisted in a volunteer unit-?" "That's right. He hasn't been back long enough to give us the details, though." Gaslight put pale pinpoints in Booth's eyes. He posed in the doorway like a performer reluctant for the curtain calls to end. "I admire your son-just as I admire your husband." Edward waved with false modesty. "I'm only sorry my injuries and the cowardice of the management led to my being removed from the bill after my first-and last-appearance." "One eternally memorable performance is better than a thousand forgotten ones, Mr. Lamont." He touched the brim of his hat "Good evening." ii After the door closed, Fan said, "My, he's certainly good-looking. And glib. An immense ego, though. He seems to have an obsession about posterity." "Oh, come," Edward chided as he made his way slowly back to his chair. "It's a passion with every actor. You should know that by now. We all wonder whether anyone will remember our names ten minutes after we die-was Leaning on the chair, he added, "I suppose we should think about dinner." "m see whether Gideon's ready." Before she could reach the bedroom, the door burst open. Jeremiah came running into the parlor-backward: "Gideon's got a girl! Gideon's got a girl!" 278AccusNot Gideon Kent chased his brother across the room and made a feint with his fist: "Be quiet or I'll box your ears!" To Fan: "Mama, do you realize you've raised a blabbing brat?" But he said it with a grin. "He told me, Ma! He met a girl in Richmond. That's why he was bellering that silly love song." "Nonsense!" Gideon retorted. But his cheeks were flushed. How handsome he is! Fan thought Gideon Kent was a tall young man-hVd be eighteen in June-with a lean, supple body, powerful shoulders and merry blue eyes. He'd razored the stubble from his tanned cheeks. Droplets of water glistened in freshly combed hair the color of a lion's mane. He'd replaced his travel clothing with spotless trousers of white linen duck and a clean shirt dyed nut- brown. His leather boots still gave off little puffs of dust as he moved to the center of the room. There was a touch of swagger in his walk; a hint of the Virginia temperament that had come down to him from his paternal great-grandmother. Fan had seldom seen him in such good spirits. Though war was hardly the gentleman's sport he imagined it to be, she was grateful he'd finally found something to which he could give himself with enthusiasm. All her past attempts to get him to study had been futile, even though he showed an aptitude for becoming expert at whatever he chose to do. Unfortunately the only things he liked were horseback riding and outdoor work. Physical work. He'd helped her father for months at a time while the rest of the family traveled with Edward. His one term at Washington College in Lexington had been a disaster. He'd failed every subject-though not for lack of intelligence, his letter of dismissal reported. He just had no interest in sedentary activities. He rubbed his hands together. "Lord, I'm starved. Everyone ready to-his Oh." He turned to Fan. "The letter The Titans279 from Matt. Will you bring it along to the dining room, Mama?" Edward waved his cane. "We have plenty of time to get to the dining room. At least give us a hint of what happened in Richmond." Fan smiled. "I also want to hear about this young lady." Gideon turned scarlet again. "There's nothing to tell." His denial said just the opposite. "She's just a girl who works part time in her aunt's dressmaking shop and part time in a store where I went to buy a book." "My heavens," Fan feigned awe. "You bought a book? To read?" "What is it?" Edward asked. Gideon plopped himself down on the footstool, realizing he'd have to go hungry a little while longer. "The Trooper's Manual by Colonel Lucius Davis. The captain in charge of our volunteer company said every recruit needs a copy as much as he needs a horse. The book's all about cavalry operations. It's adapted from the Pointsett Tactics, the book the Federals use." "Ma, he's changing the subject," Jeremiah complained. "He's supposed to tell us about the girl. Make him!" "All right, I'll tell you-but you keep quiet, Jeremiah Kent, or I'll dump you upside down in the jakes." "Gideon!" Fan exclaimed. Jeremiah stuck out his tongue. "Dare you!" Edward laughed. "The girl-the girl!" Gideon looked embarrassed. "Well, she's pretty and lively and her name's Margaret. She's lived in Richmond at least ten years, though I'm not sure she's a hundred percent behind the South. We got into quite a hot discussion about whether a state has the right to secede. Of course I said yes. But she said-was "I'm surprised you'd fancy a girl with Union sympathies," Edward interrupted. 280AccusNot "I don't fancy her, sir. I just found her-well-pert and pretty and-was "She sounds like a damned submissionist to me! Ready to give in to Lincoln's threats." "Let him finish, Edward," Fan said softly. "If she is a submissionist, I'd like to change her thinking. But-was Flustered, he exclaimed, "Oh, hell." "Gideon!" "I'm sorry, Mama. But you're all making more of it than you should." His blue eyes looked angry. How typical his reaction was, Fan thought with mixed chagrin and pride. That rebellious streak had drawn him to someone who challenged his beliefs. If the young lady had agreed with everything he'd said, no doubt he wouldn't have shown the slightest interest. And despite his protests, Gideon's pink face revealed that the wondrous, unfathomable chemistry of romance had affected him at last. She mustn't be too harsh. Nor permit Edward to be. She remembered how deliciously giddy she'd felt when she was young and being wooed by Jephtha. A touch, a glance became sublime experiences. The special feelings between a boy and a girl could never be rationally explained, nor should they be openly tampered with by prying parents. Gideon seemed to feel a further explanation was required, though: "Actually, I don't expect IT! have much chance to see Margaret. As soon as the Virginia state forces get organized, my troop will probably leave Richmond for training somewhere else. They say Colonel Lee will be in charge of the disposition of the volunteers." "But he's in the Federal army!" Fan said. Edward shook his head. "I heard in the bar that he was closeted yesterday with that power-crazy Francis Blair. Then he went to see General Scott. I'll wager he'll resign if he hasn't already." Jeremiah sat cross-legged at his brother's feet. "This The Titans281 love stuff isn't as interesting as I thought. Tell us about your horse troop." Gideon looked relieved. Edward, however, wasn't ready to drop the first subject: "This young woman's submissionist leanings raise a question. Is there still any support for the Union in Richmond?" "Some. The secession vote was nowhere near unanimous. Of course, ever since Sumter surrendered, there've been parades-thousands of people tramping the streets with torches and illuminated boxes with pictures of Jeff Davis all over them. There's an orator on practically every corner. A few of them argue against secession. That's how I got into the fight with-was Abruptly, he stopped. "The fight?" Fan repeated. "Don't sound so shocked, Mama. It was nothing serious. I punched a loud-mouth cheering for a submissionist speaker. If I hadn't done it, someone else would have. The man on the box said the South couldn't possibly match the North in terms of factories or numbers of people and that we'd all be destroyed. I spoke up and said one Virginian could whip ten abolitionist soldiers. The fellow next to me-uh-disagreed. We settled the question, that's all." "Settled it how?" Edward asked. Gideon's eyes sparkled. "In my favor." Edward whacked his chair with the cane. "Capital!" Fan wasn't so pleased: "You shouldn't let that temper of yours get the best of you, Gideon." "Mama, it's temper-spirit-that's going to help us win. Believe me, I didn't get a scratch. Can we go eat?" "As soon as we hear about your unit," Edward said. "I could tell you in the dining room-was "The dining room's too public. Too many strangers 282AccusNot listening. You're not volunteering to serve the local government, after all. How did you find your troop?" Gideon sighed. "Through the Examiner. The papers are full of advertisements from units trying to fill their last vacancies. The ads make it sound as if you might not get in. 'Only a few qualified applicants will be accepted." What they really mean is, do you own a gun or a horse, or both? I'll be damned-uh-I refuse to go dragging around in the infantry, so I answered the notice published by Captain Macomb." Fan said, "Captain who?" "Macomb. The gentleman organizing Macomb's Hussars." "What's a hussar?" Jeremiah wanted to know. "A mounted soldier, you ninny!" Gideon drove a soft punch against his younger brother's head. "Then why don't they call it Macomb's cavalry?" "Too dull. All the horse troops in Richmond are hussars or lancers or rangers-something fancy. The infantry doesn't go in for plain names either. There are tiger companies, wildcat companies. Hornets. Raccoon Roughs-was Jeremiah leaned forward. "Have you got a uniform?" "I will have." "What's it look like?" "Haven't seen it. You can bet it'll be magnificent, though. Hussars always wear impressive uniforms." "Do you have to buy the uniform?" Fan asked. Gideon shook his head. "Captain Macomb's furnishing them." Jeremiah whistled. "Sounds like you're Sn a rich man's outfit." "No, Macomb said the others are mostly farmer boys. Not from the plantations. From smaller places, like Grandpa Virgil's." Edward said, "Does this Macomb know anything about soldiering?" The Titans283 "Yes, he's a former Federal officer. After the Mexican war, he opened a wholesale yard goods business in Richmond. He knows where to get material for the uniforms at very favorable prices." "Then you're in with a bunch of poor boys," Jeremiah said. "Will you stop? Macomb's Hussars are good, solid Virginians. We won't be like some of the high-toned horse troops, with every man bringing his own nigra to look after him. But we'll have fine horses-we'll be a great unit!" Somehow, his ebullience touched a chord of dread in Fan. How gay he made it sound! Obviously he was caught up in the pervading mood of Richmond. But one day, the romance and zest might disappear, replaced by the harsh reality of men fighting and killing each other. She was proud of his enthusiasm. She prayed reality wouldn't be too disillusioning. Or lead to injury. To dea- Don't think about that. Gideon spoke to her: "Grandpa Virgil win let me have one of his stallions, won't he? If he doesn't, Ma- comb won't take me." With a heavy feeling in her breast, Fan replied, "I'm sure Papa will give you one of his finest. Proudly." "Then I'm in!" Gideon jumped up. "Now can we get some food? I'm damn near as hungry as the poor nag I turned in at the stable." Fan was disturbed by the profanity that had slipped into his vocabulary while he was away. Another sign of his manhood, she thought; a saddening reminder that he was growing up. Growing away from her- She decided to say nothing. Another, more delicate subject remained to be broached: "We'll go in just a moment First, I have one more bit of news to convey." "What's that?"
284AccusNot "As you know, your-was She glanced at Edward. His look seemed to encourage her. "comyour father is here in Washington." Gideon's face clouded. He was clearly uncertain about what his response should be. She went on: "He was at the theater Tuesday night when Edward spoke to the crowd." "Sang Dixie's Land," Gideon grinned. "Jeremiah told me. That was a brave thing to do, sir." Edward responded with a preening smile. "I want to tell you everything that happened," Fan said. She described how Jephtha had helped Edward escape from a Union sympathizer who had been trying to punish him for proclaiming his political sympathies. "Your father acted in a brave and humane way, Gideon. He endangered himself to aid Edward. We owe him a debt for that He very much wants to see you-you and Jeremiah." Gideon's eyes remained troubled. Fan knew he must be churning inside. As the eldest, he would remember the bitter scenes in Lexington more vividly than the other boys. Hesitantly, he said: "I've never thought highly of my father, you know-was "I realize. Much of that's my fault." "And mine," Edward murmured. "Even though he's on the other side and always wfll be, he's an flbnorable man. I think you should see him." She glanced at Jeremiah. "Both of you." The younger boy seemed agreeable. To help persuade Gideon, she added: "Edward doesn't object" "No, no, not at all!" "Well-was Gideon shrugged. "I suppose it's all right Sometimes I am curious about him-was "He's mellowed a good deal since he left Lexington," Fan said. "I mean personally, not politically. He doesn't The Titans285 conceal his feelings about Fort Sumter or secession. If he comes here, I wouldn't want you to lose your temper over some chance remark." Again Gideon shrugged. I'll do my best. I'll try to remember he's my father, not just one of those damned-those abolitionists." With a relieved sigh, Fan squeezed his shoulder. "Good. I promised to send him a note as soon as you arrived." "He might be a long time answering it," Edward mused. Puzzled, Fan asked, "What do you mean?" "Oh-was A quick bob of the head; a charming smile. "comonly that reporters are busy folk these days. And we should leave Washington City soon-he warned us about that. General Scott's liable to close the bridges at any time." "I'll write the note as soon as we finish dinner. Shall we go?" "Yes, before I pass out." Gideon put his arm around her. They started at the sound of a fist hammering on the hall door. Concerned, Edward struggled to his feet. "Another caller? I'm not expecting anyone-was Fan hurried to answer. The instant she opened the door, she went rigid: "Jephtha?" "How the devil-?" Fan and the boys didn't see the color drain from Edward's cheeks. They were staring at the wild-eyed man in the doorway. He pushed Fan aside and stormed into the room. What in God's name had happened to him? Fan thought as she closed the door. His black suit was filthy and torn. And his face-His face was terrifying. Scowling, Gideon jumped up. Jeremiah stepped behind his brother. Jephtha looked at his youngest son, 286AccusNot then at Gideon, who was nearly a match for his own height Fan thought she saw his stark eyes soften a moment: "Gideon-Jeremiah-I'm sorry to meet you again under such circumstances. I think it would be better if you both went into the next room." Confused and red-faced, Gideon shot back, "Why?" "Because I ask you!" "See here, Kent!" Edward said. "This is the damnedest, most insulting performance I've ever-was Jephtha whirled on him. "Is it, now? I don't doubt you're surprised I'm here at all." "You have no right to speak to him that way!" Gideon shouted. Jephtha blinked twice, stung by his son's rage. But his voice remained stern: "I have things to say to your mother and stepfather which I'd prefer you didn't hear." Fighting for control, Gideon gave Jephtha a scornful look: "I'll thank you not to treat me like some three-day foal. You forget how old I am. Old enough to join a mounted company in Richmond. I think I can bear whatever it is you have to say." The contempt made Jephtha hesitate: "Yes, I-I realize you're grown. Nevertheless, I see no point in your staying. My remarks to your mother and Mr. Lamont won't be pleasant." "Jephtha-was Fan rushed toward him. "What's wrong? Why are you so furious with-V "'Don't tell me you don't know, Fan. Don't lie to me one more timel" He looked at her with such fury and loathing, she wanted to hide her face. The Titans287 For several seconds, no one moved. Jephtha's eyes shifted to Edward, accusing. Gideon's scowl deepened. Of them all, only Jeremiah had the good sense to get out of the way. Slowly and soundlessly, he inched toward the settee, his frightened gaze fixed on his father. All of them understood something ugly was loose in the gas lit parlor. Finally, Jephtha spoke again, this time more quietly, but still with scathing bitterness: "Fan, I must compliment you on your remarkable performance Tuesday evening. You've become almost as good at acting as this charlatan you married." "Damn you!" Gideon shouted. "Don't say such things about-was Edward cut him short with a slashing motion of the gutta-percha cane: "Be still. Let him rave till we discover what this is all about." "It's about my trip to Baltimore today." Jephtha paused. The tick of the mantel clock sounded thunderous. "Baltimore, Mr. Lamont. Where the Sixth Massachusetts infantry was attacked by a hostile mob. In the mob I saw a clerk who worked at the War Department until yesterday. A clerk named Josiah Cheever." Edward's frozen expression never changed. "You're still not making sense." "Is that so? Then follow me a little further. To the point where I saw Cheever on President Street in Baltimore comj as I saw him in the audience at Canterbury Hall Tuesday. Cheever had a red-bearded roughneck with him today. They were watching me." Edward sighed; said to Fan: 288AccusNot "My dear, I think your former husband is suffering some sort of persecution mania." Jephtha whipped the four-barrel pepperbox from his pocket. "Shut your mouth and listen?"' The actor's face whitened. Gideon threw his mother a desperate glance: a plea for an explanation; for a hint of what he should do. But Fan's eyes were focused on the gun aimed at Edward. "When-was Jephtha used his free hand to wipe his perspiring upper lip. "comwhen the crowd turned on the troops, the red-bearded man sneaked up behind me. Tried to put a knife in my back. Tried to murder me, Lamont. Now do you begin to understand?" Edward shook his head. "Not at all." His voice was calm. But he too watched the pepperbox in Jephtha's unsteady hand. Jephtha sneered. "You're going to force me to explain in front of the boys? Very well-was He touched the rip in his coat. "This is where the man's knife hit me first. Luckily, he didn't get a second chance. I got away from him. On the train coming back here, certain things became clear-principally that I was an imbecile to accept thanks for what I did Tuesday night I was completely taken in by your professions of gratitude, Lamont. You're good at your craft. You very ably concealed your hatred of me." He swung to Fan. "Both of you did." "Jephtha, you've gone insane!" she protested. "To the contrary. My only moment of insanity was the moment I began to believe your pretty words about forgiveness. Your explanations of how you'd changed. You haven't changed. You're even more vicious and devious than you were when you drove me out of my own house and turned my sons against me." Gideon took a step forward. "I've had enough of this. Put that gun down." "Please, Gideon," Jephtha said. "Don't involve The Titans289 yourself. I'm sure you had no part in their scheming. I don't want to hurt you accidentally-was "Then stop making crazy accusations!" Jephtha shook his head. Tin afraid that's impossible. Your stepfather is a very clever fellow. I discovered conclusive proof tonight, after I saw a contact at the War Department. He informed me that among those with whom Josiah Cheever was seen in public this week was Mr. Lamont here. My contact observed them twice in the Bar of this very hotel. Cheever's presence at Canterbury Hall was no accident. He and your father are friends. Or should I say conspirators?" Losing a little of his aplomb, Edward waved his cane: "Of course I know Cheever! I know a great number of local people who share my political views!" "How many do you know who were also in Baltimore this noon? Just one, I think." Fan listened to Jephtha's venomous words, her mouth dry, her stomach hurting. She'd never seen such rage in a man's eyes. "Where I was foolish-was His voice dropped to a whisper as he faced her. "comwhere I was monumentally foolish was to be taken in by your little performance. Your husband coached you, I don't doubt. I was also a fool to swallow the note you wrote, Lamont. A note pouring out your thanks. A note that included a little token of your deep, deep gratitude!-the suggestion that I might find it worthwhile to go to Baltimore when the troops came through. I might witness an important news event! I took the bait. Cheever then went to Baltimore comperh he even followed me. Boarded the same tram I did. I was paying no attention. But I'm sure he was on President Street for a double purpose. To help stir up the crowd. And to hire a man to kill me." Now Edward looked genuinely shaken. Still eyeing the pepperbox, he said to Fan: 290AccusNot "Of course I wrote him a note. I did want to express my thanks. But the rest is a complete fabrication!" "Goddamn you for a Karl" Jephtha shouted. "Stop it-stopl" Fan cried, lunging at him. Edward dragged her back: "Stay away from him! He's deranged-n "For a time, I thought so myself," Jephtha nodded. Then it fell together. Cheever. The note. The motive-was "Edward-was Fan's eyes blurred as she looked at him. "You never showed me the note." "I'd show it to you if I could," Jephtha snarled. Quietly, Edward asked, "You mean to say you don't have it with you?" "I left it on my desk at the Star. The sweep disposes of anything that falls on the floor. Evidently that happened to the note. But I don't need it. I remember every word. Especially your suggestion about Baltimore." Fan gripped her husband's arm. "He can't be telling the truth-was "Spare me the play-acting-to " Jephtha began. Edward interrupted: "He isn't." He brushed at his dark hair. "I sent the note to his office by a nigger boy. In the note I thanked him. Sincerely. The rest is invented-for Christ knows what malicious purpose. I said nothing about Baltimore. Absolutely nothing." "He's lying again," Jephtha said. "But then-was A ragged gulp of air. "You both know that." "No, I don't-was dorita Fan burst into tears. "Dear God, I can't comprehend what's caused all this-to " "Your hate," Jephtha whispered. "Your hate and the money." Fan's head jerked up. "W-what?" "The money," Jephtha repeated. "The California mining money Gideon and Matt and Jeremiah will inherit after my death. The money you've always been so concerned about, Fan. Surely you haven't forgotten The Titans291 Lexington so soon? Surely you remember saying I'd defrauded my own sons by letting Amanda manage the income? You remembered it Tuesday night-was His sarcasm made her cringe. "I also told you I regretted every word!" "You were lying. Acting." "Jephtha, I swear to heaven-was "You also told me your precious husband was worried about the money. That was a little slip, I suppose. But it shed light on why you'd try to have me killed. To make sure I don't change-my mind about giving the boys their inheritance. Or perhaps you and Lamont want the money yourselves. Well, that's of no consequence. The motive is clear. And it explains everything. Even why you both came to Washington. The Canterbury Hall speech was secondary. I was the real target. You went to a great deal of unnecessary trouble. The boys will still get the money when I die-of natural causes, I trust. I assume there'll be no more little plots now that this one's been dragged into the open. It's you who disappoints me the most, Fan. I-was His shoulders slumped. "I just wouldn't have thought you could sneak so low." "Kent, Kent-to " Edward sounded like a weary father pleading with a hysterical child. "comdon't say such things to her. Every word is false and you know it. I never plotted with Cheever. I never urged you to go to Baltimore--" Fan tried to steady herself by planting her feet wide apart beneath her skirts. She wiped her tear-reddened cheeks. Tried to talk to Jephtha rationally: "What's done this to you? What's put all this into your head? If Edward says he's never meant you any harm, believe him! I do." Silence. Heavy, hideous silence. Fan glanced at Gideon, alarmed anew by the wrath 292AccusNot in his blue eyes. She hoped her glance would communicate her plea. Hold your temper. Don't make things worse than they are. And they were terrible indeed. Somehow Jephtha had been warped by his fears, his political biases, his long- buried animosity-and his derangement had come spilling out in the dreadful, distorted tale of a scheme to murder him. "So you believe him, do you?" Jephtha's long black hair shone in the gaslight. His pale eyes glared. He took one swift step and slapped her face. "You deceiving slutf Gideon leaped for his father's throat. iv Afterward, she remembered only isolated bits of the rest of it: Jeremiah wailing in fright. Jephtha's startled cry as Gideon caught him by the neck: "A crazy man, that's what you are! A crazy goddamned Yankee fanatic-was Staggered by Jephtha's blow, she'd sprawled on the floor. From there, she saw Gideon let go of his father, snatch Edward's cane, whip it down on Jephtha's gun wrist The pepperbox thudded on the carpet. Edward kicked it away. Gideon tried to strike his father a second time. Dodging the cane, Jephtha stumbled. Fell to one knee. She remembered the anguish on his face as his tall, blue- eyed son came at him again, cane flailing- The cane struck Jephtha's neck with a whipping sound. The Titans293 "Just as crazy-mean as I always heard you were-to " Whip. "You can't call my mother filthy names!" Whip. Jephtha raised his hands: "Gideon, I only want to protect what's yours, I-was" Whip. Jephtha cried aloud, his cheek laid open. Gideon's next blow broke the cane over Jephtha's head. He sprawled face first on the carpet, groaning. Dizzy and sick at her stomach, Fan tried to get to her feet. Edward caught her as she fell and gasped: "Don't, Gideon!" But Gideon had his fist tangled in his father's hair. He dragged Jephtha's head up. "Boy-listen to your mother!" Edward stepped toward him speaking loudly. "You've done enough. Just- get him out of here!" Then darkness blurred Fan's sight. She felt herself falling again; felt Edward's arms supporting her- When she awoke, she was in her bed. Edward knelt in the glow of a bedside lamp, mopping her brow with a moistened cloth. Then he pressed a goblet to her lips;