Page 28 of Wagon Train Dreams
She caught his fingers. “We’re all safe. We’ll sort out everything else.”
He squeezed her hand before he broke free and dedicated his time and thoughts to his duties.
The men tended the oxen, so Joe strode along the valley floor, crossed to the far side, and scrambled up the rough bank to study their surroundings. Bits of orange flared to the east and then disappeared. The wind had mercifully died down. To the south lay blackened ground, visible in the growing darkness. To the north…he squinted into the distance. Did he make out a light? He watched for several minutes. But it didn’t move closer nor dance as flames would.
Satisfied, he returned to the others. “We’re in a little coulee.” So small he could have ridden within a dozen yards and not seen it. “At some distant time, snowmelt must’ve run this way. It’s six to ten feet deep.” The only reason the wagons weren’t in a hundred pieces. “It’s maybe twenty feet wide.” If the wind hadn’t stopped, the flames could have jumped across. “The fire has halted.” Men, women, and children stood close, needing reassurance. “I made out a light in the distance. I’d guess we’re far enough north to be near a town.”
Sighs of relief whispered from them.
“It’s safe to start a fire.” Not only would they be able to cook a meal but also the light would allow him to better assess the damage. No one complained about the added heat.
Soon, everyone was busy with camp chores. He, Gabe, Walt, and Cecil examined the wagons. Spokes in two wheels of one wagon and one on the other were cracked. Other damages were minor. Nothing that would make either wagon unusable for the time being. But they’d have to make repairs before long.
Cecil gave his opinion on the damage. “They might stay together for a few miles. How far to this town?”
“Hard to judge on the flat prairie. Maybe five miles.”
Gabe led them to the oxen. Four of them had bad cuts on their legs from the wagons almost running over them.
“These will all heal, but the poor beasts are exhausted. We need to find them good feed and let them rest.”
Joe stood back, letting the Millers discuss what they should do.
It didn’t take long for them to come to an agreement.
“We’ll rest here tomorrow and decide how the animals are the next day. If they’re up to it, we’ll make our way to town. If not, we’ll hole up here until they are. Joe?” Gabe turned to him. “Are you all right with that?”
“I am.”
Marnie’s voice came to them. “Supper.”
He followed the men to the campfire. Smoke lingered in the air, but the aroma of stew was stronger. As Gabe prayed, Joe stood back and silently echoed his words of gratitude. For them to find this refuge in the vast prairie meant God had guided them.
At the amen, he glanced toward Hazel, needing to make sure she was indeed in one piece. Her gaze held his. He knotted his fists against the urge to cross to her and hold her tight. Keep her safe.
Irene handed him a plate of food, and he brought his attention to the meal. Although everyone had to be exhausted, they lingered after the meal was over. He forced himself to stayacross the fire from Hazel, but as Gabe got his guitar, she picked up Petey and came to Joe’s side.
Little Warrior parked himself on Joe’s knees. Hazel adjusted the boy’s shirt, her arm brushing Joe’s. Sparks filled his chest.
He brought in a steady breath, released it slowly, as carefully as if he watched a fawn tiptoe by.
Gabe and Marnie began as usual with “Home Sweet Home.”
The words roused a longing. Home had been a sweet place when both his parents were alive. That was gone. Dare he hope he’d find home again?
Or was he only dreaming?
They sang song after song, mostly hymns. Many of them were familiar from the church at Fort Qu’Appelle. Someday, he’d like to tell Hazel about that. But for now, he joined in, his voice low and soft.
Hazel pressed her elbow to his and smiled from under the curtain of her lashes.
He rolled his shoulders and leaned back on one arm, the one closest to Hazel, and somehow it ended up behind her back. Of course, it was no accident. If they’d been alone, he would pull her into his arms. Hold her tight. Keep her safe forever.
All too soon, Gabe set his guitar aside. “We are indeed grateful tonight for God’s mercy in saving us from the flames. I’d like to read a passage that I’ve been thinking of. It’s a verse in Isaiah chapter forty-two.” He opened his Bible to the page and tipped the book toward the fire to get enough light to read. “‘When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.’ We would have been glad to find water this afternoon, but thanks to God’s mercies, we weren’t consumed by the fire.”
Murmurs of agreement came from the others, including Joe.
Then, the travelers parted ways. Some to their wagons. Some to spread their bedroll on the ground. Joe and Hazel didn’t move.
