The Wagon Train Trek

by Jesse Wiley

  You and Ma follow Ow-hi’s instructions to carefully navigate through the stony river, around fallen logs and rougher undercurrents that can tip your raft.

  Herded alongside you on the riverbank are the oxen, your cow, Trixie, and the rest of the wagontrain stock. Even your two beloved dogs remain on land, helping Pa and the other men keep the animals close together. You wish you had at least one of your dogs with you on the raft to make you feel a bit better.

  Just when you thought you couldn’t get any more anxious, thunder booms overhead and rain pours. You can hardly see two feet in front of you. At least Ow-hi knows the river. He helps your raft avoid small rapids and rocky patches.

  Even so, your raft catches on the side of a sharp rock and dips down. You let out a shout as you stumble toward the water. Holding on to the raft, you catch your breath but your foot slips into the water. The current catches your shoe and carries it away.

  “Are you all right?” Ma grabs your shoulder.

  You nod, your fingers are numb from gripping the raft so tightly. You see socks, a tablecloth, and Ma’s favorite milk jug bobbing past you down the river. When you hear a sorrowful cry from Mrs. O’Neil, you know that you’re not the only raft to have lost important supplies.

  You’ve never been so happy to step on land when you reach the portage. There are men there already helping other pioneers carry their cargo and haul canoes and rafts across land. After they help you cross a slippery, narrow stretch of terrain, you’re able to get back on a more manageable section of the river, with the Cascades behind you. You lose sight of Pa and the others on land from time to time, but you’re relieved when you hear King George and George Washington’s cheerful barks echoing nearby.

  Finally, you emerge from the Columbia River Gorge, and you and the other raft dock by the riverbank to take a short break on land. Pa and the others catch up to you. Everyone shares a quick meal of coffee and johnnycakes. You have to borrow some cornmeal from the Whittakers. Yours spilled into the river.

  “I know everyone lost something in the river.” Ma stokes the fire. “Fort Vancouver is a little ways downriver. What if we stop there to restock before reaching Oregon City?”

  At this point, everyone is too exhausted and too uncertain to know which would be a better decision. While you want nothing more than to reach Oregon City, you’d really like a new pair of shoes, and a decent meal to keep up your strength for the final leg of the journey. What should you do?

  If you keep going directly to Oregon City, turn to page 76

  If you stop at Fort Vancouver, turn to page 160

  Return to page 45

  We can still try to make it with just three oxen, Pa,” you say. “But we can’t make it without food.”

  “You’re absolutely right.” Ma folds an empty sack of flour. “I don’t like the idea of having fewer oxen, but we do need to make sure that we have an ample supply of food.”

  Pa nods. “You’re right. But I wouldn’t be surprised if their supplies are more expensive here than back at Fort Boise. We’re in the middle of the mountains.”

  “Let’s hope not too expensive.” Ma shakes out a towel.

  Unfortunately, Pa is right. One pound of flour is three times the price of what it was in Fort Boise. Not only do you have to sell off two oxen, but you also have to sell your cow, Trixie. You’re upset to give up your wandering dairy cow—and the luxury of fresh milk every morning—but you need food staples more than anything else. Pa, already irritated at the increased toll fee, is furious at the station’s prices and argues with the store owner for hours. But there’s nothing you can do.

  When you’re finally ready to leave, Annie and Matthew come up to you.

  “We had to sell our horse.” Annie frowns. “And even then, it wasn’t enough.”

  “What do you mean?” You tilt your head.

  Matthew kicks at a pebble. “We don’t have enough money to buy more food. Pa says we have to stay here and pay back what we owe for the food we did buy. He has to work here at the station for a couple months to settle our debt.”

  You’re shocked. But you know that you’ve barely been able to afford the tollgate. “So . . . you’re not coming with us.”

  They both shake their heads.

  You and the Masons continue on past the tollgate, but attempting to descend down the incredibly steep Laurel Hill costs you another ox. Short on money and oxen, you decide to turn around to go back to the Barlow Gate. Pa can try to be a physician to the passing pioneers until you can save up money for new oxen. You can try again for Oregon City next year.

   THE END

  Return to page 53

  You’re not sure if the other two wagons have gone on without you, but with the clap of thunder overhead and the river rushing by, you think it might be better to wait until the weather clears up.

  You and the Whittakers set up camp near the riverbank, eager to eat and rest. You, Matthew, and Annie skip rocks in the river, but Pa warns you not to get too close. The river is rising quickly. You have to move your wagons to higher ground later that day as the weather worsens. You’ve never been so cold or miserable in your life as you huddle in your tent that night.

  In the morning, you wake up to a horrified shout. You hurry outside, bleary-eyed. The river is rushing past you only feet away—and both your wagon and the Whittakers’ have disappeared.

  “Carried off by the river,” Pa says grimly. “We were in too much of a hurry to set up camp. We were too close to the riverside.”

  At this point, it’ll be impossible to make it to Oregon City without wagons and supplies.

   THE END

  Return to page 127

  It’s your job to lead the wagon train to Oregon City. If you split up now, you’ll be abandoning those families who don’t want to go to California, and Pa will be giving up the practice waiting for him in Oregon City.

  On the other hand, you’ve heard good things about California. The climate is pleasant all year round; the opportunities are plentiful . . . Maybe it’s a good idea, after all.

  “Why don’t we try it, Pa? Maybe that way we can avoid the Blue Mountains and the Columbia River.”

  Ma nods. “You have a point. And I’m sure you can open up your own practice wherever we settle down. I like the thought of warmer weather.”

  Pa adjusts his spectacles. “Well . . . I’m not sure I like the idea of changing our course so suddenly, but if it’s what you want . . . let’s do it.”

  In the end, the Whittakers and the O’Neils decide to go with you to California. The Masons and the Joneses are adamant about continuing on the Oregon Trail.

  “You were our wagon captain.” Mr. Mason puts his hands on his hips. “You promised to lead us to Oregon City. What will we do now if something happens to one of us?”

  Pa shakes his head guiltily. “I’m sorry, Mr. Mason. I’ve done my best.”

  As you’re about to leave, another issue arises. Not everyone wants to head straight out on the California Trail. The O’Neils want to stop in Salt Lake City to make sure they have enough supplies for the desert road ahead.

  “But Salt Lake City is backtracking,” Ma argues. “We’d be much better off just continuing on the California Trail from here. I’m sure we can find another fort along the way.”

  Mrs. O’Neil shakes her head. “Salt Lake City is the last major stopping point. We have to make sure we’re fully prepared. So far we’ve been fortunate, but who knows what we’ll encounter going south?”

  She has a point. Maybe you should stop at Salt Lake City, even though it is out of your way. You’ll have to go much farther south and backtrack slightly east. If you decide to start out on the California Trail straight from here, you’ll have to split up what’s left of your wagon train again. You may be striking out on the Trail alone, and that’s never a good thing.

  Should you stop in Salt Lake City first, or split up the wagon train to start out on the California Trail?

  If you stop in Salt Lake Cit
y, turn to page 59

  If you start out on the California Trail, turn to page 27

  Return to page 78

  We should keep moving.” Your palms sweat. Pa has told you and Ma how incredibly contagious cholera is. The last thing your family needs is to contract the deadly disease.

  Pa chews on his lip. “Well . . . I suppose it’s for the best. I’m sure there are other doctors nearby who can help.”

  Ma nods. “You’re right. We should keep moving if we want to make it to California before the summer sun heats up the desert and dries up our water sources.”

  Before you leave, Ma gives you a little bit of spending money to use at the fort. You’re so hungry, and a snack sounds perfect before you head back on the Trail. You see a haggard-looking woman rotating a chicken over a fire pit. You wonder if you should just move on, but you haven’t had chicken in so long. You buy half a chicken and eagerly dig in. It tastes a little funny, but you keep eating.

  Several miles out on the California Trail, you have stomach cramps. Before you know it, you’re really sick. You shouldn’t have eaten that chicken.

   THE END

  Return to page 59

  That river looks pretty dangerous, Pa. We should wait a bit until it gets lower, don’t you think?”

  Pa nods. “It would be a mistake to cross it right now.” He turns back to Mr. Whittaker and Mr. Mason. “If you need any supplies or food, Mr. Mason, I’m sure we can all pitch in to help out. But we must wait at least a day before crossing the river, until it calms down some.”

  Mr. Whittaker’s face softens. “I agree. I can help with any repairs needed.”

  Mr. Mason throws up his hands.

  You return to camp and salvage what you can of the flour. You wait a day and see the river getting lower, but it’s still too high to cross. After the third day, the river has finally quieted to a level of about three feet. You could try to ford it with the wagons as they are, but you remember reading what the trail guide said about the riverbed being especially thick and muddy.

  You help Pa caulk the wagon with tar and keep the oxen calm. Then you lead the wagon train across the river, down one steep riverbank and back up the other. Pa and Mr. Whittaker have already crossed the river and tie ropes to strong trees to tow the wagons up the limestone incline. It’s a long, slow process. Two of the wagons still lose some supplies to the river, but everyone makes it to the other side safely.

  “We did it!” You jump up and down as the Georges race up the riverbank, barking loudly.

  Annie and Matthew follow close by.

  “Are we almost there?” Matthew asks hopefully.

  Annie laughs. “We just started, silly.”

  Matthew frowns.

  It’s only about six miles to Hogback Ridge, but the next day you notice the pleasantly flat prairie growing hillier. Soon, you find yourselves going up and down rolling hills dotted with thick trees and golden-white stone.

  “Limestone.” Pa points to the trail. “Looks like this area is covered with it.”

  The oxen begin to struggle going up the rocky slopes. One is particularly difficult. Just beyond this incline, an enormous, never-ending hill rises above all the others.

  “Hogback Ridge.” Pa looks into the distance. “It’s also called Devil’s Backbone.”

  Matthew gallops up next to you. It’s his turn to ride their horse. “Race you to the top?”

  You grin. “After you!”

  Your wagon train pauses for a brief midday respite. As George Washington and King George play with little William Whittaker, you help Ma get some water from a nearby stream and boil it for coffee.

  Mr. Mason, his wife, and one other wagon-train family come up to your wagon.

  “Dr. Howard, we’d like a word.” Mr. Mason tips his hat.

  You resist rolling your eyes. Mr. Mason has something to say every single time you stop.

  Pa turns from milking Trixie. “Yes?”

  “We’ve been checking the map, and we’re thinking that we should avoid going over Devil’s Backbone altogether. If we keep to lower ground, avoid the hill country, we can still get to Big Springs without having to cross that monstrous ridge. Look.” He places the map on the ground.

  You frown, studying the map. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea, Mr. Mason. We’ve already climbed high enough that once we cross over Hogback Ridge, we’ll be able to stay on top of the hills and avoid going up and down over and over.”

  “You might be right.” Pa then turns to the Masons. “Big Springs is still in hill country. You’ll wear the oxen out if you go back to low ground.”

  Mr. Mason and the others aren’t convinced.

  “We’ll wear the oxen out going over Devil’s Backbone,” Mrs. Mason interjects.

  She has a point. The oxen still haven’t fully recovered from their slog through the Wakarusa River. Should you convince the others that you should go over Devil’s Backbone, or take their suggested route downhill?

  If you go over Devil’s Backbone, turn to page 120

  If you go downhill toward Big Springs, turn to page 20

  Return to page 155

  Your parents’ fevers are running hotter, and it’s only a matter of hours before it’s too late. Even though you dread leaving your family, you can’t bear to wait and do nothing.

  You tell the Whittakers that you’re going to try to find a doctor in Big Springs. It’s a popular town for travelers on the Oregon Trail—they must have someone who can help.

  “We can’t let you go by yourself.” Mrs. Whittaker’s face glows by the campfire.

  “I’ll be fine.” You ignore the sudden queasy rolling in your stomach. “Can I borrow your horse? I promise I’ll return it.”

  Annie brings the horse around. “Be careful. You don’t look so good yourself.”

  You thank her but brush off her warning. You gallop off into the hills. But fever consumes you. You never make it to Big Springs.

   THE END

  Return to page 83

  I can try to help them,” you say bravely. “I think they have dysentery.” The food this morning wasn’t cooked enough. In such a hurry to leave, Pa and Ma weren’t paying attention to breakfast. You swallow, feeling suddenly queasy. You ate the same food. You thought it tasted funny. You can’t get sick too!

  Mrs. Whittaker steps back. “Dysentery? Can that be cured?”

  “Pa’s taught me some things.” You hurry to grab Pa’s doctor bag out of the back of the wagon. “If we wait too long, it might be too late.”

  “Let us know if we can do anything to help.” Mrs. Whittaker places a hand on your shoulder. You know the rest of the wagon train wants to keep moving, especially away from any disease and illness.

  Even though you try to give Pa and Ma medicine from his medical bag, nothing helps. They can’t keep it down. Their fevers get higher.

  Your own stomach gurgles after a few hours. You take medicine, but you know it’s already too late.

   THE END

  Return to page 83

  If we keep going and climb Devil’s Backbone now, we’ll stay on top of the hills. That way we won’t be going up and down and up and down.” You convince the Masons that going down into the valley would tire out the oxen more quickly.

  “You may be right.” Mrs. Mason mounts her wagon. “Let’s try it. The sooner we get to Big Springs, the better.”

  Pa and Ma smile at you. You can’t help but feel a little proud of yourself.

  The journey up Devil’s Backbone is a long, slow, and steady climb. Step by step, you rise higher. Your feet ache, and your head begins to pound. But the thought of reaching the next town pushes you forward. You can see more rolling hills stretch across the horizon and, in the very faint distance, smoke nestled in the countryside.

  The Georges trot alongside the wagon, their noses to the ground, sniffing for scents of antelope and prairie dogs. King George lies on the grass and rolls around, his long tongue hanging to one side.

  You
laugh. At least you’re not the only one who’s tired.

  Finally, you see the peak of Devil’s Backbone in sight. Your legs burn, but you know you still have a long way to go after this. Annie and Matthew hurry up to you.

  “C’mon.” Annie runs beside you. “Race both of you to the top!”

  You glance at Ma, who nods and smiles.

  “You don’t stand a chance!” You take off up the hill.

  In the end, it’s the Georges who sprint ahead and claim Kings of the Hill, barking and wagging their tails. You, Annie, and Matthew fall to the ground, out of breath.

  “I never want to see another hill again.” Annie catches her breath.

  “You’re telling me,” Matthew pants.

  “I just did, silly.”

  Your wagon train stops to rest for the night atop Devil’s Backbone. You, Annie, and Matthew scratch your names into a nearby limestone rock.

  “There.” You step back to view your work. “Now other travelers will know we’ve been here.”

  “We’ve conquered Devil’s Backbone!” Matthew jumps.

  “We still have to go back down,” Annie reminds him.