Page 23 of Wagon Train Hope
Further conversation was impossible and unnecessary.
Irene slowed and waited for the dust to settle, squinting into the distance. At first, she made out nothing but grass, rocks, and hills. Then a whisper of dust rose on the horizon. Straining to see better, she waited until she was certain, then rode forward. “Someone is coming,” she called.
Cecil waved to indicate he heard.
She rode to Walt and repeated her statement. “I’m going to ride ahead and warn the others,” she shouted. It meant trouble. Best they be prepared.
“Good idea. Go.”
She didn’t need his approval or encouragement, and yet it brought a smile to her face.
Good thing Hopper had a lot of heart because she asked him to gallop all the way back.
“Gabe! Gabe!” She was a distance away, but he turned at her call.
Seeing her pace, he grabbed his rifle and stepped out to wait for her. In a few words, she explained what happened. He didn’t ask for more details, which was good because she had none.
“Marnie,” he called. “Get Bertie and his pets in a wagon.”
Irene dropped to the ground. “Louise, Angela, get the kitchen things put away. Hazel, get Petey into your wagon.”
They rushed around to obey her shouted directions even though they didn’t know the reason.
“Ruby, help me with the oxen.”
While Gabe stood guard, Irene and Ruby hitched up one pair of oxen. They had the other team ready should they have time to replace the wheel. They probably wouldn’t if Cecil and Joe had even managed to get the repairs done.
Angela stared out toward the approaching wagon, her hands knotted at her waist. “We should make a run for it.”
“No!” Irene’s voice was firm. “We can’t outrun them. Besides, we have to wait for the others. We’ll stay right here and fight them together.”
“But who are they, and how many are there?” Ruby asked, patient but pointed.
“If they were enough to make Joe and Cecil run, we’ll have a fight on our hands.”
Gabe, watching and at the ready, agreed. “We’ll defend ourselves, but we depend on God. Let’s ask His protection right now.”
Ma reached for his hand.
Gabe removed his hat and bowed his head. “Father God, we are few and not very strong, but we put our small faith in You, our big God, to protect us. We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.”
A breath of holy silence engulfed them, and then they sprang into action. Louise and Irene had rifles and stood sheltered behind a wagon as they waited. The approaching oxen and wagon thundered toward them, a billow of dust in their wake.
Ruby sat with Bertie to keep him calm and quiet. It wasbest if intruders didn’t discover him. Not everyone was kind and accepting of a man with a childlike mind.
Angela climbed in beside Hazel to help with Petey.
Ma stood by Gabe even after he asked her to find shelter.
“My place is at your side. I’m not leaving.”
“They’re almost here,” Irene called. Still coming at a furious pace.
Fanned out behind the cloud of dust, five riders closed the distance.
Joe and Walt skidded the wagon into place, forming a triangle and a degree of protection.
Cecil was instantly on his feet. He rushed to the back and pulled out the wheel—thankfully repaired. “Help me get this on.”
