The Mockingbird's Ballad

As he was about to get away, a voice called from his back, "Major!" It was Lt. Muskgrove. "Sir, sorry I missed the meeting. Some trouble with captured supplies. Some of the Texas and Alabama boys didn't see eye to eye about the division of goods.

Took a little strong persuasion but I got it worked out for now. Sir, those Texans are the meanest bunch of outlaws I've ever come across." Lt. Muskgrove offered more than the major wanted to know.

"Lieutenant, we move out at five in the morning. You see to getting headquarters broken down and ready by four-thirty. Now, get some rest out of this heat and I'll see you at dinner," Major Stevenson instructed the aide. Turning away to let Muskgrove go about his business he thought, "Boy has lost some of his starch. He might make a decent officer if he can just lighten up and calm down a bit."

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The creek, over a half-mile from camp, was some twenty-five feet across, mostly shallow and full-running. Lou walked along it a little ways and found a big overhanging willow with some exposed roots out in the creek. She thought the creek looked deep at that place. Testing it with a broken long branch as she leaned down over the willow roots, it seemed like the place was four or five feet deep. It would do for her purposes. The roots and willow provided some screen and the hole was deep enough to get a good bath. She looked around and listened for a bit. Nothing. No sounds or activity were detected. Nice. She listened again - nothing but woods' sounds.

After she'd taken off her brogans, socks and trousers, she sat in her drawers and shirt washing her stained feet. Checking again, she eased into the creek by way of the willow roots. The rocks were sharp on her bare feet but she shifted her weight and found a soft bottom space. Her dirty wash was in one hand and the strong lye soap in the other. It had a harsh, greasy acid smell and her clothes smelled mighty sour. Wetting the clothes she then laid them on the root. Taking a piece at a time, she stood waist high in the creek and started scrubbing her wash. Her soul was in a better place than it had occupied in months but a little confused when she thought about it. She'd killed and there was a shallow grief but a deep peace of mind. The place and the quiet with rays of sun coming through the trees were surely a comfort. With her obligation accomplished, her mind at rest and soul soft, she went about her task with a peaceful spirit. After lathering, scrubbing, rinsing and repeating the process, she worked through her washing and laid each completed piece of clothing on some of the branches of the willow. There was a slight breeze coming through the trees and a patch of sunshine warmed the place where she laid her washed clothing.