Page 29 of Wagon Train Melody
“Can we come out?” Sissy asked.
Rudy looked to Alice to answer.
“Yes, all right.” Her attention remained on the contents of the wagon. “But try and stay dry.”
The girls emerged. Bo right behind them, dragging the quilt with him.
Bo looked around. “The horses are still here. I figured they’d run off.”
“Me too,” Rudy agreed.
Alice continued to stare at the wagon box. She’d made no move to deal with the mess.
When he touched her shoulder, she jerked and turned misery-filled eyes to him. “I’ve tried so hard,” she murmured. “Yet everything seems to go wrong. Why?”
“Alice, you’re crossing the prairie. You’re bound to encounter challenges. I’d say you’re handling things very well. Now, why don’t you and Bo unload the wagon, put things out to dry, while I look for the canvas? Girls, would you like to help your aunt?”
His words spurred them all into action, and by the time he had King ready to ride, they were taking things from the wagon. He headed east, reasoning the storm had moved that direction and hence the canvas would have also gone that way, although he understood the twisting wind could have driven it anywhere. He scanned his surroundings as he rode. After a few minutes, he saw some trees to the right and went in that direction. A flash of white promised he’d found the missing canvas. As he drew closer, he made it out, tangled in some bushes. If he’d approached at a different angle, he might have missed it as it washalf-hidden by leafy branches.Thank you, God.He tied King to a sturdy tree and began to free the canvas from the bushes. It was ripped in two places but would still provide a good deal of protection once he got it back on the wagon.
King whinnied and Rudy jerked upright from rolling the canvas.
He went to the horse. “Quiet.” Then edged forward until he could see the direction King watched.
On the horizon, a horse and rider moved to the north. From this distance, Rudy couldn’t see any details, but he stayed in the shadows. Had Big Al found him? Was the wagon visible from where the rider was? Was there a chance he wouldn’t see them?
Alice didher best to put on a happy face as she unloaded the wagon. She didn’t want the others to realize how upset she was about the storm. Yes, she knew they had come off better than they might have, but the journey that was supposed to be relatively easy was turning into anything but.
She paused from inspecting their belongings to look the direction Rudy had ridden. He’d been gone a long time. Maybe he’d had his fill of dealing with her problems. She squared her shoulders and shook herself. She hadn’t expected this to be easy. On the other hand, she hadn’t expected it to be so hard. She had to dig deep into her heart for strength to face this situation.
What was it Evelyn used to say when things weren’t going according to plan?Trust God when the way is dark.
She and Evelyn had learned a new song together, and the words rang through her soul. She opened her mouth and sang as she worked. “‘When peace like a river, attendeth my way. Whensorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.’”
The first few bars were tenuous, but she soon sang with complete assurance. Her words rang across the empty plains. God was with her and would always be with her. She would face her trials knowing He would never leave her nor forsake her.
She sang as she hung items to dry and checked that her food supply hadn’t been ruined. Praise God, it was fine. The tins she’d used had done their job. Singing continued as she gave the others some leftover cold cornbread. The music faltered slightly as she looked for Rudy to return. Not seeing him, she turned back to Bo, who was fussing with something on the wagon.
“What’s wrong, Bo?”
“This doesn’t look right.” He examined one of the hoops that served to hold the canvas in place.
Alice wasn’t sure what bothered her brother about the hoop but figured it was best to divert him. “Rudy will bring the canvas back and we’ll fix it.” Unless he couldn’t find it. In that case, they would have to make do. But if he wasn’t planning to return….
Well, she’d make the best of that too.
“Rudy?” Bo seemed confused.
“He’ll be back soon.” She watched the distance, hoping she was correct in her assumption. Yes, she could go on without him, but he’d proven to be a great help.
She saw nothing so turned back to her little family. She’d start supper but there was no dry wood. Not wanting to communicate her concerns to the others, she resisted constantly looking for Rudy.
“Here he comes,” Sissy shouted.
“I knowed he’d come back,” Kitty spoke with such conviction that Alice understood it had crossed her mind that he wouldn’t. These poor children understood loss far better than they should.They knew the feeling of having people they cared about disappear forever.
It crossed her mind that the girls were going to be hurt when Rudy left them. For a moment, she thought of telling him she didn’t need his help but decided it would be foolish. She couldn’t manage on her own at this time. Besides, once they reached the fort, there would be no need for him to stay with them. She’d enjoy his company until then. She shook her head. That wasn’t what she meant. Not at all. Until they reached the fort, she’d welcome his help. That was what she really meant.
She hugged her arms around her and insisted that was the truth. The whole truth. Except for the way his presence during the storm had bolstered her courage. And maybe a tiny bit the feel of his strength when he put his arm across her back. Hearing him sing of God’s care would have made anyone grateful for his company and tempted them to lean against him.
