Page 60 of Wagon Train Honor
“Sure.” They waited until the last of the horses passed and the dust settled. He signaled they should sit. A puff of grass pollen rose at their disturbance. She eased her sketchbook from her pocket, opened it to a blank page, and held her pencil.
He nudged her.
She nodded to signal she’d seen the head of one animal poke out. It ducked back down, but curiosity had it again peeking out. It eased out all the way, sniffed, studied them, and then stood upright. Soon three more popped out. While the first remained watchful, the others scurried away from their holes.
Ruby drew a line. The lead scratched the page. The gopher whistled, and the animals dove for their holes.
She grinned at Robert. When she turned back to watching the mounds, he relaxed. Seems they were going to wait until she could draw the little animals. As they sat motionless, two gophers and then a third poked their heads out and then moved out of their dens. She bent over the paper and began to draw.
His legs cramped at being so motionless before she closed the pages, sending the animals into escape.
“I got it.”
“You did good.” He’d watched her draw, saw how she touched the tip of her tongue to her upper lip in concentration and how steady her hand was, each line so clearly creating the gopher’s likeness. “Time to catch up.”
The wagons were a mile ahead. He held her hand as they hurried onward.
“You should show them the picture you drew.”
Her steps faltered, and she tugged his hand. “No. I prefer to let them think I’m writing about the trip. And I do. So, I’m not deceiving them. But my drawing is private.”
“I truly don’t understand. You’re good. Good enough to be invited to Banff. No one is going to say they’re crude.” For some reason, it felt underhanded for her not to tell them the truth.
“I can’t explain. Except I’ve always kept it to myself.”
“But won’t you have to tell them sooner or later if you mean to go to Banff?”
“I will.” She gave him a hard look. “Remember, you promised not to tell.”
“I haven’t forgotten. It’s your secret to reveal when you choose. I think you’ll be surprised they will be proud of what you’re doing.”
“I would like to think so.”
Uncertainty quavered in her tone, but he didn’t pursue it as they caught up to the wagons. She chewed on her bottom lip as if worried about something.
“Ruby, I won’t tell. I promise.”
“I believe you. It’s just…” She shook her head and didn’t finish.
“What?” He squeezed her hand to encourage her to share what bothered her.
“I don’t know if I can explain it. Maybe they’ll be cross because I didn’t say anything sooner. Maybe they’ll tell me I’m too young to go to Banff on my own. Or they might think I’ve been dishonest by hiding what I’ve been doing. I don’t know.” She ended on a wail.
“Or maybe they’ll believe you’re a good artist and deserve to be involved in this project.”
“Maybe.” But no assurance steadied the word.
“You’ll see.” He packed enough confidence for both of them in his words.
They reached the horses and slowed their pace. Their conversation centered on the fun of watching the gophers and the abundance of flowers.
Joe rode back. “We’ll stop for the day up ahead. Good water and grass.”
Ruby studied the sky. The sun dipped to the west, creating long shadows. “I didn’t realize it was getting so late.”
“Nor did I. I have to help with the horses.” Robert paused. “We’ll talk again?”
“I hope so.”
