Page 54 of Wagon Train Hope
“We’ll watch for trouble. And be cautious,” he said.
They rejoined the others and accompanied them as they trundled westward.
Late that afternoon, they reached the place where Walt had fallen. She glanced at him and met his steady gaze, full of promise. Or so she believed. He’d not declared himself, but there was no rush apart from her anxious heart.
Enough light remained for them to climb the hill and put the alkali flats behind them.
“I am glad to be over that valley,” Cecil said, looking back at where they’d been.
Louise stood at his side. “Praise God we made it across.”
Cecil smiled down at her. “Now we can relax for the evening.”
As they built their supper fire, Joe rode in.
Irene glanced at Walt. Had it been Joe they saw? Walt shook his head slightly, enough for her to understand he still didn’t believe it was Joe.
As they ate, they listened to Joe tell about returning the boy to his people. “They knew of his tribe, and they’ll dotheir best to get him back. But the boy was happy to have a home, food, and protection.” He stared at his plate. “He’ll not be trusting a white man in the future.”
Probably a good decision for the boy to make. Not everyone could be trusted. No matter the color of their skin.
Joe handed his empty plate to Ma. “Thanks for the food.” He shifted to look around the fire. “There is a town not far from here. You could drop off those boots we took from those fellas and restock your supplies.”
Ma and Gabe nodded. “That’s a good idea,” Gabe said. “We can mail letters too.”
It was decided. Tomorrow they’d travel for a few hours until they were closer to town and set up camp there. They’d go shopping and mail letters.
“But first,” Ma said. “I’m going to wash off all this dust in that stream over there.”
“Me too,” Irene said.
One by one, they ventured over to the river and, behind a stand of trees, got rid of the white dust that clung to every inch of exposed skin and worked its way under fabric.
That evening, they were busy writing to various friends and relatives.
Irene dashed off a note to send to the Steber family, where she’d worked for over a year, helping with their twelve children. That task done, restlessness filled her. She wandered about camp. Everyone was bent over paper, writing.
Everyone but Walt and Joe, and she went in search of them. Though she only cared to find Walt. She found him sitting on a hillock where he could see the animals and watch for anyone approaching.
He smiled as she climbed the hill. “Did you get all your correspondence finished?”
“Only one letter.” She explained how she’d worked for theStebers. “I enjoyed the children except for the noise. All of them screaming and yelling at the same time.” She shook her head. “Ma would never have allowed us to act that way.” She sat. The spot was narrow, forcing her to sit right against him. He slid his arm behind her so she was more comfortable. A smile crept over her face. She could have sat elsewhere, but being this close pleased her. And him, too?
“How are you feeling after your fall? Any bruises?”
He squeezed her shoulder. “I think your kiss might have healed them.”
“Oh my.” Her cheeks burned, and she pressed her palms to them. “You embarrass me.”
His chuckle rumbled against her side. “It’s the truth.”
One of the oxen meandered by, the aroma of animal carrying in its wake.
Joe padded by on the other side of the herd, silent in his moccasins.
“Did you tell Joe about us seeing someone earlier?” she asked.
“I did. He said there is a homestead not far away. The man who lives there has a family and is suspicious of strangers.”
