Wagon Train Melody

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

I t was almost dark when Rudy stopped the wagon. He would have continued traveling if only to keep moving and discourage the two men that kept pace with the wagon. They often disappeared behind the rolling landscape but about the time he thought they’d ridden away, he’d catch a glimpse of them. Their presence set his teeth on edge. There was no good reason for them to be hanging around. And plenty of unsavory motives. He’d be keeping a sharp watch tonight.

Many times, he glanced back, studying the horizon on all sides, wishing Alice didn’t see it and know he was wondering if Big Al was also nearby. All they needed was to have three men seeking to cause trouble.

Lord, You know I’m not one to do much praying. As I said, I figure You know what needs to be done better’n I do but could I ask for Your protection over Alice and her family? Help me guide them to safety.

The spot he’d chosen for the night offered little protection. Below them, in a slight hollow, were a few bushes, but it would have been too easy for someone to sneak up on them, so they sat on a ridge. Visible for miles but then he’d also be able to see anyone approaching.

Bo did his best to help with the horses and setting up camp.

When Rudy was about to light a fire, Alice stopped him. “Won’t it let them know where we are?”

It would, but he seriously wondered if it made a difference. “I think we could all do with some hot food.” He waited for her to make up her mind.

She looked around, considering their position and studying her family. After several minutes, she nodded. “You’re right. The more normal we can make things seem, the better the children will feel.”

He built a fire, and she cooked a meal. At first, the girls were unusually quiet until an owl hooted nearby.

Kitty’s eyes got big. “What was that?”

Rudy told her.

“Oh. He sounds funny.”

Rudy chuckled. “That’s probably what he’s saying about us.”

“Is it a big bird?” Sissy asked.

“Well, owls come in all sizes. Some are very small.” He proceeded to tell them about burrowing owls with their long legs and curious nature. “And some are large.” He told them about the great horned owl. He soon had them laughing as he described the big eyes and pretended to be an owl silently swooping down on them.

Bo had been wandering restlessly, never going far from the fire. He stopped to listen to Rudy’s stories. “Pa once told me about an owl that lived in the barn.” He went to Alice and caught her arm. “Pa’s dead, isn’t he?”

Rudy stilled, wondering if Bo’s mind had cleared or if this signaled more confusion.

Alice put her hands on her brother’s shoulders. “Yes, Bo. Do you remember?”

Bo nodded. “And Mama too. I remember. I’m sad.”

Alice hugged Bo. “Me too, Bo. Me too.” She rubbed his back.

After a minute, Bo straightened. “And Evelyn and John?”

“Yes.”

The little girls had grown sober at this discussion. Rudy wished they hadn’t heard, but it couldn’t be changed any more than the facts could be.

Kitty rushed to Bo’s side. “I hug you?”

Bo lifted the little girl and they hugged.

“I’m sad too, but we goin’ to see Uncle Clint. Mr. Rudy goin’ with us. That make me happy.”

Sissy went to Alice to be hugged.

Kitty slipped from Bo’s arms and hurried to Rudy. “You hug me too.”

He could not refuse the child and pulled her into his arms. Seeing Bo alone he signaled the boy closer and drew him into a hug.

“Me too.” Sissy rushed over to join them and opened her arms to invite Alice.

Rudy wondered if Alice would refuse, but without hesitation that he detected, she slipped close, and they hugged the children between them. He kept one hand on Alice’s back, hoping she would take comfort and strength from his touch.

Kitty was the first to squirm away. The owl hooted again, and she imitated Rudy in pretending to be a silently swooping owl.

He swung her into the air.

“I really flyin’.” She giggled.

“Me too.” Sissy rocked back and forth waiting for a turn.

For a few minutes, he played with the pair as Alice cleaned up from the meal. Bo sat staring into the fire.

“Come on girls.” Alice signaled them forward. “It’s time for bed.” She helped them wash and change, then took them to the wagon where she listened to their prayers and sang to them.

Rudy watched Bo, wondering what was going on in his head.

With a weary sigh, he looked at Rudy. “Why don’t I remember you joining us? Or how we got here?”

“You had a knock on the head and got a bit of memory loss.”

Bo considered the words a moment. “Did I do dumb stuff?”

“No, you simply couldn’t remember where you were.”

“You sure? You wouldn’t josh me, would you?”

“I’m sure. You kept asking for your pa.”

“I kind of remember looking for him.”

Rudy waited as Bo seemed to need to think about that.

After a bit, Bo spoke again. “Do you think my pa would be pleased with me?”

Rudy considered his response, sensing that it was something that weighed heavily on the boy’s mind.

“Bo, I never met your father, but I see what kind of people you and your sister are, so that makes me think he was a good man.”

Bo nodded.

“As such, he would be kind and understanding of what both you and Alice are dealing with. And he’d be very proud of how you help your sister and are kind to your nieces. He would be proud of how you help with the work. Why, even with a broken arm, you do your share. That’s pretty impressive.”

“You really think so?”

Rudy clapped the boy on his back. “I know so.”

“That’s good.” Bo scrambled to his feet. “I think I’ll go to bed now. And thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Rudy had heard Alice get out of the wagon and knew she paused as he talked to Bo. Now she came forward.

“I thank you too. You calmed his worries.”

“I only said what was true. Both of you are doing a fine job.”

She sat beside him. “I willingly admit I couldn’t manage without your help.”

He let the words sing through his veins. It was nice to be appreciated. Even if it was temporary.

They sat in companionable silence. As if neither of them was ready to end this evening. Or perhaps she was as reluctant as he to close her eyes with those two cowboys lingering nearby.

“We should get some sleep,” he murmured after a time, getting to his feet and holding out a hand to help her up.

“You’re right.” She rose, her hand in his. “I wish...never mind.” And she hurried away.

What had she been about to say?

He couldn’t begin to guess.

He tossed his bedroll a distance from the wagon, close to where King was tethered, but he didn’t crawl between the blankets. Instead, he sat in the darkness, watchful.

If he didn’t miss his guess, it would only be a matter of time before that pair tried to gain access to the camp. And King was their most likely target.

He sat with his knees drawn up, his rifle cradled on his legs. For a time, he had no trouble staying awake as he mentally reviewed the day. He was surprised at how much it mattered to him that Alice and her charges got to the fort safely. Again, he prayed for God’s protection for the journey.

After a bit, he lowered his forehead to his knees. It had been a long day and he struggled to stay awake. He would have gotten up and moved around, but he wanted that pair to think he’d fallen asleep.

The wind picked up, carrying with it night sounds. The hoot of the owl. The murmur of grass waving. The distant trill of a bird disturbed.

Rudy cocked his head toward the sound. The rustle of grass was louder in that direction. One or both men approached the camp. Rudy waited. He could let them know he was aware of their approach. Or he could wait and teach them an unforgettable lesson. He lay on his side, facing King, and waited.

The sounds grew more distinct. One of them made a muffled sound, then two figures rose from the ground.

“Like takin’ candy from a baby.” Rudy recognized Otto’s voice.

Manny giggled.

“Quiet,” Otto growled. “Let’s get that hoss and vamoose.”

They edged toward King.

Rudy waited until they were reaching for his horse and then shouted, “Not today boys.” And fired his gun in the air. He held King’s tether so the horse didn’t bolt.

Otto cursed. Manny shrieked as the pair fell over each other, scrambling to get away.

Rudy fired another shot skyward for good measure. A few minutes later, he listened to hoof beats galloping away.

“Rudy?” Alice’s whisper carried on the breeze. “Are you alive?”

“Yup. And those two are long gone.”

She jumped from the wagon and hurried to his side. “Did you shoot them?”

“Only warning shots to scare them off.” He could have killed them both but couldn’t find it in his heart to do so. Besides, then he would have to deal with digging graves. And explaining to Bo and the girls what happened. Nope. Far easier to send them into flight.

“Alice, Rudy?” Bo’s frightened voice came from under the wagon.

“Everything’s all right,” Rudy soothed.

“Is it safe to come out?”

“Yes, join us. Did the girls wake?” Rudy asked of Alice.

“They didn’t even stir.”

Bo joined them and wanted to know exactly what happened. He laughed as Rudy described Otto and Manny’s frightened retreat. “Wish I could have watched it.”

“I hope we’ve seen the last of them.” Alice stood so close to Rudy that he felt her shudder.

“Are you cold?” He put an arm around her shoulders and drew her close, surprised and pleased when she didn’t resist. In fact, she might have pressed ever so slightly to his side.

“More frightened than cold, I think.”

Bo bounced on the balls of his feet. “I guess they won’t stop racing away all night.” His voice was thin with excitement. Or maybe it was nervousness. “Sure glad Rudy was here to scare them.” He rushed to Rudy’s side and patted his shoulder. “Rudy, you’re a good guy.”

“Thanks, Bo. But I was just doing what anyone would do in the situation.”

“Nah. You stayed with us. Not everyone would do that. Would they, Alice?”

“He’s right. You protected us, and I appreciate it.”

Their gratitude both pleased and embarrassed him. “It’s because of my horse that they followed us.” There were times he considered trading King for a less noticeable animal. Except he knew he never would.

Alice nudged him in the ribs. “You know that pair would have bothered us even without the horse and doubly so if there wasn’t a man accompanying us.”

He supposed that was true.

Bo yawned. “Guess I’ll go back to bed.” He crawled under the wagon.

Rudy expected Alice to leave too. But she stayed beside him. The clouds blew away and the moon cast a silvery light around them. He looked down into her upturned face. She smiled. And looked so kissable he began to lower his head.

Stopped himself just in time.

He knew she was simply reacting to the fright his gunshots had given her.

Just as he knew Big Al was still after him and presented a threat to her.

Alice wished him goodnight and slipped away, even though she longed to stay in the comfort and shelter of Rudy’s arm. It had been a long time since she’d felt so safe and protected. Probably since her parents died. After that, she’d helped take care of the little girls while Evelyn recovered her strength. And then Evelyn and John were gone, leaving Alice with so much responsibility. She hadn’t realized what a load she carried until she felt the burden shared by Rudy.

Only until they reached the fort. But then she would have Clint to help.

In the meantime, she was so grateful for Rudy’s presence that she could hardly force herself to leave his side.

For a few minutes, she’d even thought he meant to kiss her.

But they both knew this was temporary. He wasn’t the settling sort, and she was a woman with a load of cares. Not that she resented any of them. Her entire life she had wanted nothing more than to have a home such as her parents had given her. Though she’d pictured herself loved and loving a man. One who was content to stay. Not one who had never known a home such as she envisioned. Not even as a child.

She shifted beside the sleeping girls and told herself to relax and go to sleep. Tomorrow, in the light of day, she would be thinking more rationally.

Except in the morning, her eyes went immediately to Rudy.

“Good morning.” His cheerful words warmed her insides. “I hope you got a good rest.

She smiled at his kind greeting. Then scolded herself for feeling like the world was a better place because he was there with them. “I did. Thanks. I hope the same for you.”

“I slept well knowing those two were likely still riding away.” His chuckle sang along her arms and danced into her heart.

She jerked her attention away to tend to the girls and begin breakfast. It had been so late last night when they stopped that she hadn’t made anything for the noon meal. She mixed up an extra big bowl of pancakes and fried them knowing Bo and girls would be happy to have them spread with jam.

She looked at her provisions. She had no meat left. Somehow, she’d expected they would find wild game on the trail. But Bo was no hunter and now with a broken arm, he was even less so.

Rudy watched her. “Are you getting low on supplies?”

“How much longer will it take to get to the fort?”

He studied their surroundings. “I’m only guessing but surely we’ll get there in two or three days.” His gaze lingered on the horizon to the east, and she looked in that direction as well. No approaching rider as far as she could see. Helping her had put Rudy’s life in danger. He should have ridden like the wind until he reached Fort Macleod and the protection of the Mounties. Instead, he was risking his own skin to protect hers.

He must have noticed her concern for he slipped to her side. “What’s bothering you? Is it the food supplies? I can always go hunting.”

“We’ll get by until we reach the fort.” She faced him, knowing her expression revealed worry and concern. “But every day you stay with us increases the likelihood of that man catching you.” She touched his upper arm. “I couldn’t live with myself if he did and—” She shuddered.

He clamped a steadying hand to her shoulder. “Alice, I’m praying he won’t overtake us. I’ll see you to safety then…” He shrugged. “Guess I can’t be any safer than at the fort with dozens of Mounties in attendance.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Just as she supposed he’d hear the uncertainty in her tone.

Bo watched them. Seeing the concern in his face, Alice smiled at Rudy. “I’m grateful for your help.”

“It’s no hardship for me. I’m enjoying your family.” And, as if to prove it, he chased the little girls, caught them one by one, and swung them in the air. Their giggles were like music to Alice’s ears. She would not think how much they’d miss him when he left them.

Or would he? Where would he be safer than at the fort?

With that thought to cheer her, she finished food preparation. They sat down to eat breakfast, a happy bunch as they enjoyed each other’s company.

Bo burst with stories about Pa and Rudy listened intently.

The little girls waited patiently for their turn to tell Rudy what was on their minds, and he laughed at their jokes and nodded seriously at their sad stories of lost toys.

Alice would have stayed there half the day, watching Rudy with the others, and feeling blessed by his attention to them. But they had to travel, and she hurried to clean up the breakfast things while he and Bo took care of the horses.

She happily sat beside Rudy as they moved on. Bo walked beside the wagon, humming softly as the girls rode in the back.

Bo’s song caught at Alice’s full heart, and she sang aloud. Rudy smiled at her and added his voice. Behind them, the girls pressed to her back. Kitty didn’t know the words but made them up as she sang along. Sissy sang with sweet abandon.

Alice closed her eyes and lost herself in the moment.

Until Sam snorted.

Alarmed, she opened her eyes to see the horse fighting the harness and jumping about.

Sue read his fright and the pair galloped wildly.

Alice clung to the seat, hoping she wouldn’t be tossed to the ground and prayed they’d all survive.