Page 66 of Wagon Train Promises
“Hi, Dobie. How old are you?”
“Six. Almost.”
Cecil grinned at the boy’s answer.
“Good. Now tell me about your mama.”
“Her sick.” The rocking motion had stopped but now returned.
“Where is she?”
Dobie jabbed his thumb in the general direction of the place Cecil and Joe rode yesterday.
“Very well. You’ll have to show me where to go. But first, I need my bag.”
Dobie looked ready to take flight.
Louise held up her hand. “Don’t run away. My bag has medicine in it that I might need.” She stepped away and stopped. “Do you want to come with me?”
“I wait here.”
Water splashed from the buckets as Cecil trotted after Louise.
“I’m going with you.”
She waved his offer away. “No need.”
“I’m going.” Wild dogs wouldn’t prevent it.
They reached camp and she announced, “A young boy has come for help.” She reached into the back of the wagon for her bag and trotted away.
“Hang on a minute,” Cecil called.
“Time is of the essence.”
“I’m coming.”
“Suit yourself.” She hurried onward.
“Well, shoot,” he muttered and started to follow her.
“Like I say, white man not have good sense.”
Cecil ground to a halt at Joe’s words.
“Could be that place we saw last night.” Joe studied Cecil with dark eyes. “Long way to walk. Maybe take horse.”
Cecil paused. It would take minutes to saddle Chief. But then if it was the same place, he’d have no trouble overtaking them, and it would save a whole lot of time in the long run. He changed direction.
Joe followed. “We’ll wait some, then move out. You can catch up easy on horseback.”
“Sounds fine.” Poor Chief had never been saddled in such a hurry. He gave Cecil a look rife with protest. “Sorry, old pal, we need to hurry.” They rode after Louise and the boy.
The pounding of his horse’s hooves drew her attention. She flicked a gaze at him, then continued on her way.
Dobie skittered into nearby bushes and hid as Cecil caught up.
“I’m giving you both a ride.” In his mind, there was no alternative but to accept his offer.
