“Is it Eliza? Is she all right?” Dad’s eyes were filled with concern.
Devin shook his head. “I don’t know. I hope so. But it’s not from her. It’s from the sheriff.”
TUESDAY, AUGUST8, 1916•ADAMSFARM
Eliza bounded down the stairs. She wassoclose to retrieving the first fossil out of the rock bed on the ranch! It was always an exhilarating feeling, and she couldn’t wait for Deborah to experience it.
“This came for you.” Louise stiffly handed her an envelope. The girl hadn’t smiled at her since Devin left.
Eliza put on her biggest smile, determined not to let the young woman get to her. “Thank you.”
Once she was outside and loaded up her horse, she took the moment to open the envelope and read.
Everyone has to evolve? Is that what kind of “Scriptural truth” you are spreading with your work? Haven’t you caused enough trouble in this town? Go home, Miss Mills. Before something worse happens.
Eliza wadded up the paper and shoved it into the saddle bag with a grunt. Obviously, the judgmental church ladies weren’t going to give up until she left.
Well, it wouldn’t be too long before she was gone. Let them spew their hate. She wasn’t hurting anyone by digging up fossils. She was helping to educate people. Bringing history to life.
She shook off the nasty way the letter made her feel and mounted her horse.
Today was going to be a wonderful day.
But as she rode, her mood kept turning foul.
Everyone has to evolve...
When had she said that? And to whom?
Lord, why can’t I get that letter out of my thoughts? Why do people hateme so much?
It made her want to lash out and call them all ugly names—
Oh dear. This would not do.
“God, sometimes I wonder why You put up with me. But I’m grateful You do. I’m angry and upset about that letter. Goodness, I know You probably are too since this has to do with You. But You’re God and I’m not. I’m facing a mighty big giant. I know You’re on my side. I know that. But I need You—I’m asking You—to banish this fear. Help me to have clear answers for whoever might venture out and have questions today. Help me to be gracious and to show Your love—especially when I don’t want to. I need Your words. Your peace. Your strength. And the power to shut my mouth if I need to. Lord ... help.”
She reined the horse to a stop and just waited. Listening.
Not much stirred the silence. But within her, peace stirred and grew. She drew in the Lord’s presence.
“Okay then. Let’s face whatever happens. Even if they call me an evolutionist and a God hater. I can do this. Through Him Who gives me strength.” She rode to the path leading to the top of the bluff where she had her tent set up.
Today could either be a huge victory or massive disaster. Either way...
She wasn’t alone.
eighteen
“The country is beautiful now as everything except the exposed rocks is covered with verdue. There are many flowers in bloom. I wish I knew the names of them, but I know but few.”
~Earl Douglass
THURSDAY, AUGUST10, 1916•CARNEGIEINSTITUTE
He had often wondered what utter victory tasted like. Today, it tasted like the rare whiskey at his club, rich and smooth on his tongue. The amber liquid warmed him from the inside out.
Had he ever felt so happy? Not that he could recall.
