Page 25 of Wagon Train Song
Marnie had planted her hands on her hips and leaned forward, her jaw jutted out. “Takes a tiny person to pick on someone smaller and defenseless. You little boys run on home to your mamas.”
The boys had tried to stare her down, but glancing over their shoulders to where Norman and Gabe stood, they must’ve thought better of it and slunk away.
“Humph.” Marnie’s sound of disgust had carried up and down the street. She took two more steps, right into the puddle, and held out a hand to assist the woman to her feet. As soon as the woman was safe, Marnie returned to her husband.
Others had been watching, and someone muttered, “Should have left her there. In the dirt where she belongs.”
But rather than issuing judgmental words, she’d shaken the mud from her skirt, then smiled. “‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me.’” Then she’d taken Norman’s elbow and the four of them had gone—Gabe couldn’t remember where.
He’d seen the same look on her face he’d seen then. And just as Norman had done all those years ago, Gabe leaned back on his heels. This ought to be interesting.
CHAPTER 7
Marnie looked around the circle of eager young people, appreciating their enthusiasm but needing them to keep it under control.
“Girls, I am addressing my words to you, but it wouldn’t hurt the rest of you to listen. This morning’s travel was challenging, to say the least. There could have been accidents and injuries. Did you not see the remnants of a wagon at the bottom of the hill?”
“I did, Mama. Did somebody get hurt?”
“I don’t know, Bertie.” She hesitated to say what she wanted to say in front of her son. “Why don’t you take Alice for a drink? She might get thirsty before we reach more water.”
Bertie looked at her, no doubt guessing she had more to say. He wanted to hear it, but he obeyed her. How many times had she thanked God that he was compliant?
As soon as he was out of earshot, she turned back to the others, keeping her voice low. “I have no problem with any of you enjoying this trip, but I won’t tolerate making light of the dangers. That leads to carelessness which leads to accidents. Listen to Joe’s instructions and realize how quickly things can go wrong.” She gave each girl a demanding look and didn’tlook away until she had their nod. She met Cecil’s gaze, his amusement quenched. She looked at Walt too.
He saluted. “You don’t have to warn me, ma’am.”
“Good to know.”
Joe stood. “Good advice. We’ll stay here until the oxen are rested, then move on.”
The meal ended. Louise carried the box back to the wagon. Ruby sidled up to Marnie.
“Ma, I know we have to be cautious. I’m sorry if I caused you to think otherwise.”
Marnie pressed her fingers together, wanting to erase her words from the air. Not that she regretted them, only that she felt the need to speak. “I know, but I can’t help feeling responsible to see that we get there. We can’t afford to take chances.”
Ruby, suitably sobered, nodded and went to her wagon.
Irene led her horse to the water where Bertie tossed pebbles and laughed at the splashes. She spoke to her brother and patted his back before returning to Marnie. “Ma, I’ll be careful. I promise.”
“I know you will. Now go and rest.” The afternoon could prove as challenging as the morning had been.
“I’m not tired.” Irene wandered back to Bertie’s side to take turns throwing rocks. Silver light flashed from the stream and sprayed in an arc from the rocks hitting the water.
An unfamiliar restlessness made it impossible for Marnie to relax though she sat with her back to the nearest tree and rested her feet.
It wasn’t like her to be short-tempered, but she had to ensure they arrived safely at Fort Taylor. It was a heavy load though not a burden. She’d done harder things.
Her throat tightened. Her gaze rested on Bertie. Caring for him was more of a load with Norman gone. But never a burden or regret.
A sun-drenched quiet consumed the area, broken only by the splish-splash of rocks hitting water and the tearing of grass being eaten by the livestock.
An insect buzzed by her ear, and she swatted it away, then tipped her head back, and closed her eyes.
“Time to move out.” Joe’s call jerked Marnie awake. The oxen were already hitched to the wagons. How come she hadn’t heard them?
One by one, the wagons rolled out. None of the girls invited her to join them. Bertie walked behind the second wagon, his cats and dog riding in the back and Alice trotting at his side. Or more accurately—Marnie chuckled—skipping and hopping. Endless energy on four legs.
