Wagon Train Melody

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

A t Alice’s call, Rudy brought the giggling girls back to the wagon. He’d had a lot of fun playing with them.

Alice chewed her bottom lip and looked nervous.

“Bo?” Had her brother taken a turn for the worse? He should have stayed closer in case she needed help.

“He’s resting.” A pause. “In the wagon.” A waiting pause as if she expected him to know something.

“We sleepin’ with Bo?” Kitty asked.

Ah. Now he understood. Alice and the girls had been sleeping in the wagon, but with Bo there and unconscious, they’d have to find something else. “I don’t have a tent, but I have a groundsheet and can fashion you some protection.”

“You don’t have to—” She sputtered then swallowed her words. “Thank you.”

He put his saddle and saddlebags on the ground and untied the bedroll, removing the groundsheet. “Under the wagon or in the trees?”

“Under the wagon.”

He secured the groundsheet to one side. “If you have a quilt to spare, I can close in the other side.”

She brought him one and, in a few minutes, he’d created a cozy little shelter for them.

She got a second quilt. “The wind will blow through.”

He grinned, knowing it wasn’t the wind she was as concerned about but being exposed. He fixed the quilt in place. “Do you want one on the other end?”

She considered it. “Would you think me crazy if I did?”

“Nope.” He couldn’t really blame her. He hung another quilt.

The girls watched with interest.

“It’s a little hideout.” Sissy sounded pleased. “Can we sleep there?”

“Of course.” Alice prepared them for bed and gave them each a quilt. They were soon curled up inside the shelter, giggling. The sounds didn’t last long.

“It’s been a long day for them,” Alice explained as she and Rudy sat at the fire.

“Did I see the hint of tears a few times?” he asked.

“No. Yes. Maybe.” She heaved her breath out. “So many memories. Evelyn was more than my sister. She was my best friend from the time I could walk. She was four years older. It’s only been four months since she passed. I miss her more than words can say.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.” The words were frail and inadequate but all he had to offer.

“She was my comfort and strength when our parents died.” She stared at the flames. “Seeing you play with the girls makes it so real that they’ve lost parents who loved them dearly.” She shook her head as if shaking off her memories. “But then, you lost your parents too, so you know what I’m talking about.”

“I can’t say as I do.”

Her look demanded an explanation.

“I didn’t have the kind of home you did. I wandered far and wide from the time I was little. Pa was seldom home, and Ma never noticed if I was home or not. I got most of my meals from neighbors.”

He felt her shock clear across the fire.

“You had your Uncle Zeke.”

“Yup. I guess I did.” How could she understand how vastly different their families had been?

“What aren’t you saying?”

“I’m not complaining, but Uncle Zeke expected me to be a man, do a man’s work and I did.” Zeke saw no sense in coddling anyone…especially Rudy. Not that Rudy expected it. He’d pretty much raised himself to that point and saw no reason for things to change. Though he’d many times felt he had to prove himself to others. “I recall a time the cowboys were breaking horses. One after another they got thrown from this one horse. I watched and figured I could see what they were doing wrong. The horse kept tossing to the right and then hi-stepping to the left, catching the cowboys off balance. I figured I could ride the horse and insisted on being given a chance. Well, guess what? I landed face down in the dirt with the air knocked out of me and a bunch of wranglers hooting and hollering. Uncle Zeke dragged me from the corral. I remember him checking me over for injuries. He declared that maybe it would knock some of the cockiness out of me.” He shook his head in self-mockery. “I don’t suppose it did.”

“Your memories are a lot different than mine. Looking at that shelter you built, and hearing Sissy’s excitement reminds me of the playhouse my father built for Evelyn and me. We spent hours playing together. Sometimes we’d be teachers. Other times, missionary ladies. But most of the time, we played house.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“It was. And now I get to play house for real with those two little ones.”

The sun had lowered in the west. He got up. “I’ll make sure the horses are secure for the night.” He tied the team close to the wagon but tied King in the trees in the hopes he’d be less visible.

He was aware of Alice watching him. Saw the narrowing of her eyes and knew she understood he was hiding the horse as best he could. But she didn’t ask any questions, and he didn’t provide any information. She knew he was on the run. There was no need for her to know the reason why. It would only serve to make her more nervous.

She slipped away to check on her brother but returned to the fire. Bo hadn’t called out or thrashed about in a little while. He hoped that was good news.

“Nice horse,” she observed when she returned.

“Yeah, but hard to hide with his bright coat.”

“Rudy, who is after you?”

He hadn’t expected such a direct question. Resigned to telling her the truth, he sat down again, closer to her so the smoke wouldn’t drift to his eyes.

“I saw a man murdered in Fort Benton.”

“Why didn’t you report it?”

“I didn’t have a chance. The man knew I’d seen him and came after me to kill me. Besides, he was a friend of the sheriff’s no-good brother that he let get away with murder. When he realized I’d seen, he laughed. ‘You’re next big man. And ain’t no one going to stop me.’ I knew there was no point in going to the sheriff even if I had the chance, so I did what any man with a brain in his head would do. I headed out with the man hot on my tail.”

“That explains why you’re traveling so light.”

“You noticed.”

She chuckled. “Of course, I did.” She shifted to look closely at him. “How long are you going to keep running?”

“I figure if I can get to Fort Macleod and tell my story to the Mounties they’ll watch for the man. If he crosses the border, they’ll arrest him and take him back to face trial.” He knew there were holes in his plan. For one thing, the murderer could slip by the Mounties. But he hadn’t been able to come up with anything better.

“If not for your horse, riding with us might be a good way for you to hide. But as you say that horse is hard to miss.”

“I thought of that. Can’t hide King even in a dark night.” He looked toward the horse, almost hidden in the shadows. But all he had to do was shift a little and the moonlight reflected off his coat.

The fire had died down. Alice got to her feet. “I’ll bid you goodnight.”

“How is Bo?”

“He seems to be resting.”

“Goodnight then. Call if you need anything.” He waited for her to check on Bo again then crawl in with the little girls.

He lay down on his bedroll and stared at the starry sky. Sissy and Kitty were fortunate to have an aunt like Alice.

Lord, I don’t pray much. Kind of figure You got things under control even when I don’t understand. Such as me running from a murderer. Seems he should be the one running. But then, if I wasn’t on the run, I wouldn’t have come upon Alice. I doubt she could manage on her own. It reminds me of something that old preacher said back in Skunk Hollow. You know the end from the beginning. He also said we could ask for things we know You’d approve of and You’d answer in the way that is best even if it isn’t what we had in mind. So, Lord, I’m asking for Bo to regain consciousness and for me to be able to help Alice get safely to the fort. Guess You know that means Big Al can’t catch up to me while I’m helping her.

He shifted about, getting more comfortable and fell asleep.

Sometime later, he was jerked awake by voices nearby.

Alice heard Bo move even before he hollered. She crawled from under the wagon and hurried into the back, her way lit by the moon.

Bo yelled something, but she couldn’t make out his words. He pawed at the splint.

She knew she couldn’t pin his arms down unless he calmed and began to sing.

He yelled again as if angry with her.

“Bo, it’s me. You’re in the wagon. You banged your head.” He settled a moment then sat upright and mumbled something. Then he shouted.

“Bo!” He was going to hurt himself and maybe her as well.

“Alice, can I do anything?” Rudy called from the darkness.

“I don’t know. He won’t settle. He’s very restless.”

“Did you try singing?”

“It didn’t help.”

“Try again. I’ll help you.” He appeared at the tailgate and began to sing Amazing Grace .

She already knew he had a fine, deep voice. Hearing him calmed her fears. At least she wasn’t dealing with this alone. She joined him in singing and Bo lay back.

“Sounds nice,” her brother mumbled.

The music died on her tongue. “Bo? Are you awake?”

Rudy stopped singing to listen for the answer. But there was nothing.

She shook Bo’s shoulder. “Bo, wake up. Please wake up.” Nothing. “Did I imagine he spoke?”

“No, you didn’t.”

“It’s a good sign, isn’t it?” Please let it be.

“I would guess it is.”

Neither of them moved. She couldn’t say what kept Rudy there, but she didn’t want to leave Bo, anxious to see him wake up and, at the same time, fearful he’d fling his arms around and injure himself worse.

“Alice, you should get some sleep.” Rudy’s soft words provided a degree of comfort.

She edged to the end of the wagon and took his hand to help her down. Rather than hurry away, she remained close to him. “Thank you for being here,” she whispered.

“I’m glad I can help. Now go to sleep.” He stepped back but waited while she ducked under the wagon. Thankfully the girls had slept through the disturbance. Between concern over Bo and a shift in her feelings about Rudy, Alice knew she wouldn’t sleep again.

“Auntie, you awake?” Someone pried up her eyelid. She blinked and pushed away the fingers.

“I am now. Good morning, Kitty.” She sat up so suddenly she banged her head. “Ouch. Where’s Sissy?”

“Her gone to help Mr. Rudy.”

“My goodness, what time is it?” She grabbed the bedding and dragged it out. “Bo! I can’t believe I didn’t hear him.” She talked to herself as much as anyone else.

“He didn’t seem to need anything in the night,” Rudy spoke from where he sat by the fire, Sissy at his side. The child watched him with big adoring eyes.

She needed to address that matter but first things first. “Is he…did he…?” She could think of two reasons why Bo hadn’t stirred in the night. One was good. The other dreadful. Not waiting for an answer, she climbed into the back. “Bo?” His chest rose and fell.

She released her tension on an exhalation.

“Bo?” Oh, please wake up .

His eyes opened.

She held her breath as he looked around as if trying to discover where he was. “Bo, you’re awake.” The words bubbled out on joy.

He turned toward her and stared. No recognition in his eyes.

“It’s me. Alice.”

Bo turned away. “Where am I?”

“In the wagon. We’re going to Fort Macleod to join Clint. Remember?”

He lifted his arm. Saw the splints and wrappings. “Who did this?” He clawed at them.

“Bo, leave them be. Your arm is broken.” She tried to pull his hand away, but he pushed her aside.

Rudy appeared at the end of the wagon. “Bo, nice to see you awake.”

Bo forgot the bandages and stared at Rudy. “Who are you?”

“Rudy. Are you hungry? Why don’t you come out for breakfast?”

As Alice held her breath, Bo scrambled over the tailgate and got to his feet. He swayed and pressed his hands to his temples. “Head hurts.”

Rudy draped an arm across Bo’s shoulders and guided him toward the fire. “You can sit on that log while Alice makes breakfast.”

Bo sat and rocked back and forth.

Sissy stared at him.

Kitty stood in front of him. “You sleeped a long time.”

Bo moaned.

Alice stood poised to intervene if Bo got aggressive.

“What the matter with you?” the child demanded.

“My head hurts.”

Kitty patted the top of his head. “You sleeped too long.”

Wasn’t that the truth?

Keeping one eye on Bo and the girls, Alice prepared pancakes for breakfast. Bo toyed with the food and ate little but drank several cups of water.

As she cleaned up from breakfast, Rudy took care of the horses.

They were ready to roll out and Bo still sat staring at the ashes of the fire.

“Bo, it’s time to go. Get in the wagon.”

He jerked as if her words startled him. But he didn’t move toward getting in the back.

“Come on, Bo.” She took his hand and led him to the wagon. He crawled into the back, curled up on the mattress and closed his eyes.

She moved to the side of the wagon and closed her eyes, stifling sobs.

Rudy joined her.

“This isn’t my brother,” She jerked the words out.

“He’s awake. That’s a good sign.”

She rocked her head back and forth.

“Alice, God answers prayer.”

His words surprised her.

He must have noticed her startled expression for he chuckled. “I told you I know how to pray.” He took her hands, and she didn’t protest. She might even have welcomed the strength of his grasp.

“Lord, thank You that Bo is awake. Please restore his mind completely. Guard us and guide us. Amen.”

The simple words flowed through Alice, calming her, giving her peace. “Thank you,” she whispered. Then, realizing she still held his hands, she dropped them and moved aside.

“Auntie,” Sissy called. “Can we ride in the back? We won’t bother Uncle Bo. Promise. Pleeeeease.”

Alice considered her answer. The girls were tired of riding on the bench. She was tired of being cooped up in the back. The idea of having another adult to talk to was appealing. If Bo grew restless, she’d get Rudy to stop the wagon and she’d go to him.

“I think that would be fine.”

The girls climbed over the back of the seat and Rudy helped Alice up then sat beside her and they were on their way.

She settled back. “Do you think he’ll be all right?”

“We’ll have to trust God for the outcome.”

“Sometimes I don’t like the outcomes.”

He patted her hand. “Life hasn’t been easy for you.”

“Nor for you.”

“It feels more normal for me though.”

“You mean because of the way you grew up?” She wouldn’t even call it being raised.

He chuckled. “I didn’t know any different.” He glanced over his shoulder, but rather than look for someone following him, he watched the girls. They had dollies Evelyn had made them and were engrossed in playing. “They’re a happy lot despite their losses.”

“I hope it’s because they know they’re loved. And will always be loved.” She swallowed the sorrow that threatened to overwhelm her when she thought of Evelyn being dead. “I’ll do my best to take Evelyn and John’s place.” Even as she spoke the words, she knew how empty they were. “I know that’s impossible, but I’ll do what I can.”

“It looks to me like you’re doing a good job with them.”

“Thank you. You don’t know how much it means to hear someone acknowledge it.” She hoped he wouldn’t hear the catch in her voice. Rather than give him a chance to comment further she turned the conversation to him.

“Rudy, were you loved as a child?” For her, love meant caring and providing. Seems he’d had little of that.

“Ma loved me in her own way.” Before she could ask for an explanation as to what he meant, he continued. “She was never harsh or unkind. It was like she couldn’t rouse herself to do anything. Sometimes I would come home after being gone all day and she’d still be in the same spot as when I left, staring out the window. The only sign that she’d moved was the cup of tea on the table beside her. I don’t suppose it helped that Pa was so seldom around. I barely remember him.”

She pressed a hand over her heart. “Rudy, I can’t imagine.”

“Like I told you, it was normal for me.”

“Didn’t you see other families and compare yourself to them?”

“Many folks took me in and fed me a meal then sent me home. I remember one time…” He grew thoughtful. Shook his head.

“One time?” she prompted.

“I’d almost forgotten about it. It was a cold winter day, and I had gone to see the animals at a nearby farm. I wanted to make sure they were taken care of and not suffering from the cold.”

It sounded sweet to think he was that concerned with animals that weren’t his. “How old were you?”

“Maybe six. Don’t rightly recall.” He gave her a crooked smile before he continued. “The farmer told me to get on home. There was a storm coming.”

She gasped. “You weren’t any older than Sissy.”

“I wasn’t known for hurrying.” His chuckle was self-derisive. “The storm caught me before I got home. It was vicious. Almost blew me off my feet. I couldn’t see more than three feet in front of me.”

“Rudy! What happened? Obviously, you survived.”

He laughed. “I did. I stumbled onward until I ran into something solid. It was my own door.” He slanted a look at her. “I was guided home. Maybe because I had gone that way so many times.”

He paused as if giving her a chance to say something.

“I think it was God protecting you.”

“I agree, though I didn’t know much about God at the time.”

“I was raised in a God-fearing home.” Her heart twisted with missing her parents and sister and brother-in-law. “Ma said it wasn’t always that way. Pa was never a heavy drinker but spent far too much time with his buddies. Then my parents went to a tent meeting and joined God’s family. Pa stopped drinking altogether and was home more. And we liked having him home. He helped Ma and played with us. It was a good way to grow up. Clint remembers Pa before he changed but the rest of us don’t.”

“I learned about God on a cattle drive if you can believe it.”

She shrugged. “Why not? I’m sure that God is there too.”

A chuckle rumbled from his lips. “You would wonder at times. But anyway, there was a Bible-totin’ cowboy on one of the cattle drives I was on. I admired that he didn’t care that he was ribbed for reading the Bible. In fact, he would read it out loud. I liked that. For some reason it made me feel…” He shrugged. “I don’t even know.”

“Maybe it made you feel safe. Loved?”

“Maybe.” He leaned close. “I’ll tell you a secret. I bought myself a little Bible after that and carry it with me. I read it from time to time. But it’s hard to understand.”

“Some parts are.”

“Then one winter Zeke and I stayed in a small town south of Fort Benton. We lived in a little house and found work enough to keep us fed. Every Sunday we would march down the street and go to church. There was something about that I liked. It made me feel warm inside no matter what the weather was outside. That’s where I joined God’s family.”

Alice squeezed his hand. “How wonderful.”

He smiled at her then looked at her hand over his.

Self-conscious at her boldness, she clasped her fingers together in her lap.

It was soon time to stop for the noon break. Alice and Rudy worked together easily, each doing their own task.

Bo wandered around the area as if looking for something he’d lost.

Alice wished he’d find his lost mind.

Before they were ready to leave again, Bo climbed into the back of the wagon, curled up, and fell asleep. At least, Alice hoped, it was sleep that claimed him.

The girls wanted to ride in the back again. Alice was happy enough to ride on the bench.

Why wouldn’t she be grateful for someone to talk to? Even if he was vastly different. A wanderer from childhood. Running from a man who didn’t hesitate to commit murder. She shuddered. Rudy had lived on the wild side especially compared to her sheltered and safe upbringing.

Not that it mattered. All that mattered was getting to the fort.

They climbed a small rise.

Dust rose in the distance.

She gasped. Had the murderer backtracked? How long before he overtook them?