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Page 143
as though she was delighted at his interest. Still, she hesitated, as though formulating what to say next.
''I was a healer," she finally said. "Where most women of my time were content to care for their families, I poked my nose into other people's illnesses, learning matters that many thought did not concern me."
"Such as?"
"Such as cures for all sorts of ailments, mostly gleaned from old wives' tales, and traditional use of herbs and liniments. Our wagon train trip was a giant schoolroom for me, especially thanks to our Indian guide Hunwet, who taught me many healing secrets of his people and other tribes."
Mike leaned back, linking his fingers behind his head. Why on earth was she spinning this yarn? Was it some kind of practical joke on him? Or had she something more sinister in mind?
Since leaving the office, he hadn't been able to shake the suspicion that she was in league with whoever had rigged the elevator. How else could she have known?
And now the nervous way she avoided looking him straight in the eye did nothing to make him think she was serious.
Still, he decided to keep playing along. "Fascinating," he said. "Tell me more."
And so she didand her capacity for detail was phenomenal, from reaching the "jumping-off place" in Independence, Missouri, in 1858, to buying supplies, packing the wagon, and joining other travelers.

 
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