Wagon Train Melody

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

T he next morning, Bo helped Rudy take care of the horses, though his broken arm hindered him a bit. He seemed to remember how to do that. Maybe out of habit. Much like Rudy had found his way home in a storm when he was six. But other things befuddled the boy. He constantly asked where they were going. Asked about his pa again and again. Rudy wasn’t sure if he should tell Bo that his parents were dead. Would that knowledge upset him? Or would he even understand?

“I sure like your horse,” Bo commented for the tenth time. “Could I ride him?”

Afraid Bo would forget to come back to the wagon, Rudy looked to Alice for guidance.

Her eyes were wide with protest.

Rudy agreed without any need for words. But would denying Bo’s request upset him? He tried to silently communicate his concerns to Alice though it was foolish to think she could read his mind.

“Bo, have you forgotten your broken arm. It will make it hard for you to control a horse. Maybe you could take the girls for a short walk before we leave,” Alice suggested.

Maybe she could read his mind. Or else she had her own concerns. Of course, she did. Why would he think it was because she understood what he didn’t say?

Bo hesitated.

Sissy held out a hand to him and with a laugh, they walked away, Kitty skipping beside them.

“The girls will make sure he doesn’t go too far.” Alice rubbed her neck as if she wasn’t as certain as she tried to make him believe.

“They can go a long way without getting out of sight,” Rudy pointed out. That might be to his advantage. He scanned the horizon. In the distance, he saw another bull train, but no sign of a lone rider.

Alice came to his side and followed the direction of his gaze. “Maybe he decided to forget about finding you.”

“Maybe.” He didn’t admit that he doubted Big Al would let it go. Big Al was not known for his forgiving nature.

For a moment, they stood side by side watching Bo and the girls. Kitty bent over and picked up something and showed it to Bo. He nodded and they glanced toward the wagon and then started back.

“Look what we found.” Bo, his voice full of excitement, nodded to Kitty. Sissy hovered at her sister’s side.

Kitty lifted up a tiny, feather-lined bird nest. “What happened to the birdies?”

“They grew up and left the nest.” Alice looked toward the sky.

“Oh.” Kitty sounded half disappointed.

Rudy chuckled. “Aren’t you happy about that?”

Kitty shrugged. “Course I am. But I wanted to see them.”

Rudy looked around. Sure enough, little birds flitted above the grass. He pointed them out to the girls. “Maybe that’s them.”

“I think it is.” Kitty seemed satisfied with the thought.

A few minutes later, they were on their way with the girls playing behind the seat. Bo again rode in the back where he lay curled up and slept.

“He shouldn’t be so tired.” Alice’s voice was thin with concern. “Should he?”

“I wish I knew.” He’d love to be able to reassure her that sleep was the best thing. But he didn’t know.

The sun beat down on them. Mercilessly. The sky tinny ,the air motionless. Rudy was soon wet with sweat. Inside the wagon would be just as bad. It didn’t surprise him when Kitty began to fuss.

Bo sat up and moaned. “It’s so hot.”

There was little they could do to relieve the suffering for any of them except to keep moving and hope for a cloud or two in the sky.

They labored on, soaked in misery. They stopped for the noon break. Everyone ate a little and tried to find relief in the skinny bar of shade cast by the wagon before they moved on.

“Storm coming.” As they traveled, huge black clouds billowed from the west, twisting and writhing. He did not care for the look of it but kept his worries to himself. Instead, he concentrated on appreciating the cooling breeze.

Bo poked his head out over their shoulders. “Wow, look at that.”

Rudy knew what the boy meant. He’d watched the cloud form an advancing bank, circular in formation. He looked around hoping to find a place to shelter, but there was nothing but grass and hills.

“Rudy!” Alice grabbed his hand.

“I see it.” A black twist formed and headed for the ground. A tornado.

“Can we outrun it?” Her voice was barely audible against the increasing wind.

“I don’t know.”

The tornado growled like some angry beast. Sam snorted but didn’t bolt.

Behind him, Bo alternately moaned and squealed, and the two girls cried.

The black twisting formation grew larger and moved in their direction.

Rudy stopped the wagon and jumped down. “Everyone out.” He helped Alice and lifted the girls as Bo hurried out. He quickly unhitched the horses and tethered them, hoping they wouldn’t end up miles away. “We’ll huddle under the wagon.”

Rain fell in a cold, driving blast as they crawled under the only shelter available. It did little to protect them from the wind and rain. The horses snorted and pawed but didn’t bolt. Not yet at any rate. King whinnied his protest. Rudy had snagged a quilt as he took the girls down and draped it over Alice’s shoulders as the girls huddled in her lap.

Bo pressed close to Alice on one side and Rudy sat close on the opposite side. They were in this together. Come what may.

The roar of the wind increased. Sissy covered her ears, closed her eyes, and moaned though, in the deafening sounds around them, he felt it as much as heard it. Kitty stared beyond the wagon, her eyes big. The wagon rocked and creaked. At times, the wheels on the windward side lifted from the ground.

Dust blasted at them, peppered with bits of grass and gravel.

“Lord God, keep us safe.” He practically shouted the words. Then, remembering a song, he sang at the top of his voice, hoping to provide courage for the others. And himself.

“‘Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.’”

Unless God covered them with His strong hand, they would be swept away in the wind. Perhaps to their death.

He continued singing, though his words were snatched away by the wind.

A white sheet skittered across their view.

“The canvas!” Bo half scrambled from their protection until Alice caught his sleeve.

“Leave it be.”

Bo settled back, his eyes wide.

Rudy put his arm around Alice and squeezed Bo’s shoulder. He could feel the tension cording the boy’s muscles. Rudy wished there was more he could do to protect this family.

The wagon tilted as if the wind had it in its grip, then it dropped with a crash that echoed through both Bo and Alice’s bodies.

The little girls buried their faces against their aunt. He couldn’t hear their crying, but from the way their shoulders shook, he knew they were.

A swirl of grass and dust passed, accompanied by shrieking wind that made the skin on his arms twitch. And then the rain came down in buckets. Water ran past them in rivulets, creeping very close to where they were sitting. He should have sought higher ground. But then wouldn’t that have made them a better target for the tornado?

Then the rain settled to a gentle patter. A few minutes later it stopped, and the sun broke through, illuminating sparkling diamonds on every blade of grass. The water that had threatened them a few minutes ago, soaked into the ground.

The world around them grew quiet until birdsong broke into the silence.

The girls sat up and looked at the scene.

“Pretty drops.” Kitty beamed with pleasure.

Alice shrugged from the quilt and away from Rudy’s arm. She eased the girls back and crawled from under the wagon.

“The rest of you stay here until we’re sure it’s safe.” Rudy hurried after Alice.

He turned full circle, taking in the damage. The storm had passed over them. It rained to the east.

Alice looked into the wagon. “Everything is soaked.”

“You packed in crates and trunks. Most things will be all right.” They needed the canvas though.

“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 was half-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 did her 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. When sorrows 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.

Having talked herself into calm acceptance of needing his help and wanting nothing more, she stood with the others and watched him approach. He waved. She saw his wide smile and something inside her turned sunward at the sight.

Of course, she was relieved he’d come back. That’s all it was.

“Howdy,” he called as he closed the distance.

The girls waved madly.

“Pa came back.” Bo sounded so pleased and so certain that Alice was half tempted to let him believe it.

“Bo, it’s Rudy.”

“Not Pa?” Pain and uncertainty colored his words.

“No, I’m sorry.”

“Pa would like Rudy, wouldn’t he?”

She’d expected confusion, not this pleased response. “Yes, I think he would.”

“Found the canvas,” Rudy called. “And brought some wood. Bo, come and help. Careful not to bang your arm.”

Bo rushed to do his bidding and cautiously set the wood on the tailgate so it wouldn’t get wet.

Rudy dismounted and lifted the heavy canvas and put it beside the wood. “How are things?” he asked.

“Nothing ruined, though some things are wet.” Alice indicated the quilts hanging over the sides of the wagon. The mattress dripped water. It might never be usable again, but for some reason, it no longer mattered that the bedding was wet. She knew Rudy would help her take care of everything.

While he built a fire, she opened a jar of bottled meat she’d brought and added carrots and potatoes from her supplies. Needing food for the next day, she fried biscuits in a skillet over the fire.

A little while later, seated in the back of the wagon, they enjoyed a warm, delicious meal.

“It’s like a picnic.” Sissy’s tone informed them all of her pleasure.

“I likes picnics.” Kitty beamed at those around her.

A peace beyond understanding filled Alice’s heart. Her little family was safe. Rudy had rejoined them. They had survived a prairie storm. Life was good. Thanks be to God.

The canvas had dried in the warm wind and as she cleaned up from the meal, Rudy and Bo put the canvas back on. Bo followed Rudy’s instructions easily. Rudy was careful to ask her brother to do only things that didn’t require both hands.

Alice hoped and prayed her brother was back in his right mind. She was very grateful for Rudy’s help and patience. She’d find an opportunity to tell him so.

The sun dipped toward the west. The sky blazoned banners of pink and purple and gold. The canvas was back in place, the trunks and crates reloaded. By then, two little girls were ready for bed. She checked the quilts, relieved to find them dry. The mattress was not. They’d have to sleep on the floor of the wagon. “We’ve slept on worse,” she assured the girls. “There’s no prickles or rocks like on the ground.” Not that sleeping under the wagon would be an undue hardship. They were all safe. That was the only thing that mattered.

She settled the girls, listened to their sweet prayers, and sang them a lullaby. The same one that Mama had sung to Alice and Evelyn and that she and Evelyn has sung to the girls from the time they were babies.

The girls breathed deeply, and Alice went back to the fire where Rudy sat. “Where’s Bo?”

“Gone to bed.” Rudy pointed under the wagon.

Even though Alice had no reason to linger, she couldn’t have slept. Not wanting to disturb those already asleep, she murmured, “I think I’ll take a little walk.”

“Do you mind if I accompany you?”

“I’d welcome it.”

They fell into step as they wandered along the grassy plain. The dampness from the afternoon rain had already dried thanks to the never-ending wind that tugged at her skirts and pulled her bonnet off her head. She’d taken to wearing her hair in a braid to keep it tidy. But the wind pulled strands from the braid and across her face.

“Thank you for everything.” Her words were softly spoken.

“Everything?”

“Helping us during the storm, finding the canvas and putting it back on, getting dry wood, singing a song to comfort and encourage us…” She could go on and on but stopped there. “I know it is costing you, making it more probable that man might overtake you.” Alarmed at the risk he took to help them, she pressed her hand to his forearm. “Rudy, I don’t want to be responsible for putting you in danger. Feel free to ride away.”

“I prefer to be free to get you to safety.” His gaze caught and held hers.

She read something in them that confused her. It sounded as if he wanted to be with them. And she welcomed his help. But what did it mean? She had no room in her life for complications or distractions. Rudy was definitely both.

“Don’t look so worried.” His voice broke into her thoughts.

“How do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Read my mind.” Evelyn had had the ability but no one else.

“I told you. Your eyes give you away.”

“So you said.” She turned her attention to the sunset so he couldn’t see and read her eyes. Somehow, knowing he was similar to Evelyn in this way made her heart open like a flower to the sun. She shook her head. Evelyn would say she was getting fanciful. “You were gone a long time.” She hoped to turn the conversation and her feelings back to ordinary things, though her chest tightened as she remembered how she thought he might not return.

“I found the canvas in some bushes. King warned me that there was a rider nearby.”

She gasped. “He found you?” She didn’t dare ask what happened.

“I thought so at first, but I watched three other riders join him and they rode north without even pausing.”

She released a gust of air from her worried lungs. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

“Me too.”

She’d said what she wanted to say, but still, neither of them made any move toward returning to the wagon. Until…

“Auntie!” At Sissy’s shrill, panic-laced voice Alice lifted her skirt and raced back.