Page 50 of Wagon Train Honor
Steps silent, Robert circled the camp, stopping often to listen and to look into the distance. Some might say he was hoping for trouble, but that wasn’t it at all. He’d not relax until these horses were delivered. And those traveling with him were out of danger.
He continued to check his surroundings, pausing twice to speak to Joe in hushed tones as the man circled the camp.
A figure slipped from the wagons, and Robert watched, waiting to make sure the person got back safely. A smile crept over his face as he recognized Ruby. She stilled as if listening and looking, then headed in his direction.
“Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” Had he managed to keep the welcome out of the words that burst forth?
“I’m not tired. Thought I’d keep you company.” She faced him, her features barely visible under the night sky. “If you don’t object.”
Both of them whispered, giving him a reason to lean closer. “No objection.” She smelled of sweetgrass. Her hair hung loose, the faint moonlight glistening off it. He could almost forget?—
He must never be distracted from his duties. Straightening, he lifted a hand to indicate the direction they needed to go.
She moved quietly and didn’t speak as they passed the wagons and began to circle the horses.
Pausing, he scanned the marshy area and the bushes close at hand. Then lifting his gaze, he studied the distance. Nothing stirred except for the grass swaying in the wind.
Beside him, Ruby also looked toward the horizon. “You were gone a long time yesterday.”
Ignoring the accusation in her voice, he chose instead to hear the longing. “Missed me, did you?”
“I didn’t say that, did I?” No doubt she meant to sound dismissive, but he could have told her she hadn’t succeeded.
“Maybe not in so many words, but that’s fine. I missed you too. I saw red flowers I thought you’d be interested in and brought one back for you.”
“Really? Where is it?”
He let humor and pleasure mingle in his voice. “Alas, it did not fare well in my pocket.”
“Oh.” Her disappointment reverberated in his chest, and he dropped his arm across her shoulders.
“I’m sorry.” He was about to suggest they might walk together during the day when one of the horses whinnied, and several shuffled their feet. “Sounds like trouble.” Not wanting her to be alone in the dark, he caught her hand and hurried to the pen. “Settle down. Settle down.” He murmured the words over and over as he circled looking for the cause.
There it was. He drew to a halt and pointed to the coyote slinking by. Seeing humans, it trotted away and disappeared into the gloom.
Joe met them, coming from the other side. “Just a lone coyote.”
“Yeah.”
“Morning coming.” Joe faced the lightening eastern sky.
From the campsite came the sounds of people yawning.
Bertie called, “Where Limpy?” The dog barked. “He here.”
Gabe trotted out to join Joe and Robert. His eyes widened when he saw Ruby.
“I’ll go help Ma.” She hurried away without a backward look.
Robert watched her departure for a short time, but not long enough to cause Gabe concern. The three of them went to the livestock, preparing for departure.
“Breakfast!” Ruby called.
The men joined the others. The smell of coffee had Robert grabbing a cup and hurrying toward the fire.
As he drank the hot brew and ate the savory food, he tried to think how to suggest Ruby walk with him. Before he got a chance, they prepared to leave, and his hands were full getting the horses ready. Then he held the lead ropes while the wagons rolled out, and the horses followed.
The wheels covered mile after endless mile with the horses keeping pace. At times, dust hid the scene around Robert. He would then stop the horses and wait for it to settle so he could scan the horizon.
