by Clay, Verna
The emigrants' retrospection, however, came to an end when they reached a division of the trail at the bottom of the mountains, with one path leading north in the direction of the Washington Territory and the other westward across Oregon's Columbia Plateau.
Chapter 31: Decisions…Again
Mrs. Martinique and her gals decided to end their travels in Pendleton, the first notable town below and west of the Blue Mountains. Gossip was that it abounded in bordellos and saloons.
After a heartfelt talk with Clarissa, even offering to share her wagon and home in the Willamette Valley with her, Hallie realized the young woman was dead set on continuing her profession.
Tearfully, Clarissa bid goodbye. "Hallie, you are the most sincere friend I've ever had and I know you want me to change my ways, but I don't have the inclination to do so." She laughed and whispered, "Except I might consider it if Cooper asked me to marry him."
With tears in her own eyes, Hallie laughed and hugged Clarissa. "I shall never forget you."
Clarissa placed her hands on Hallie's shoulders and held her at arm's length. "He loves you, Hallie, but for whatever reason, he's got ghosts that want to rob him of a happily-ever-after." Clarissa continued with conviction, "But you can change that."
Hallie glanced away from the intensity in her dear friend's eyes. "You're wrong, Clarissa."
Clarissa said, "You'll never know if you don't try."
A noise broke up their conversation and Hallie glanced behind her friend to see all the fancy ladies and Mrs. Martinique coming to say their goodbyes. Soon they were joined by Prudence Pittance and her flock and Hallie witnessed what she considered a miracle—folks so diverse in their beliefs that animosity would have been a natural byproduct—hugging and accepting one another unconditionally.
Hallie and Prudence cried together as they watched Mrs. Martinique's wagons and ladies depart.
After leaving Pendleton, travel again became grueling. The Columbia Plateau was similar to arid plains already crossed and spirits plummeted when water became scarce. A few pioneers talked of returning to fertile areas passed, but after an "Important Particulars" meeting wherein Captain Jones assured everyone that heaven itself lay ahead, they changed their minds, gritted their teeth, and forged onward.
After three weeks and more river crossings, including the Umatilla, John Day, and finally, the Deschutes, the weary emigrants arrived in a town with the unusual name of The Dalles. Elation was soon replaced with trepidation for continuing on meant either a trip down the mighty Columbia River on rafts or overland travel on the Barlow Road.
Captain Jones called another meeting and laid out the options. "Well, pioneers, the first thing I want to say is that I'm mighty proud of ya'll. You've done what most folks only dream of—traveled over two thousand miles to a new land and new beginnings. You've faced famine, drought, sickness, pestilence, mountain peaks, canyons, deserts, plains, rivers, and things too innumerable to mention. You are all heroes in my book and I'm proud that you allowed me to lead you this far. But now it's decision time, again."
He puffed air out his cheeks. "As you can see, we're up against the Columbia River with canyon walls so high they reach to God. There are rafts specially built to haul you, your wagons, and livestock, but they're expensive—and not always successful." He puffed air again. "Another option is to build your own raft, which some pioneers have done and reached their destinations safe and sound…but I wouldn't recommend it." He scratched his earlobe. "A third option is to make your home here. It's beautiful, game and fish are plentiful, and the area is pretty much civilized."
He grinned, paused for emphasis, and then said, "Or you can continue by land on the Barlow Road. I'll not pull any punches; the road is tough, maybe tougher than any we've crossed so far, and you may end up dumping more supplies. But at the end is Oregon City, otherwise known as The End Of The Trail. The toll price to walk the road is a pittance compared to rafting the river." Captain Jones lifted his hat, ran a hand through his thick gray hair and finished with, "This isn't a group vote. This is a decision that each family must decide for itself. Some of you may choose to raft the river, some may choose to remain here, and some may want to continue on the Barlow Road."
Glancing from face to face, the captain finished with, "For those of you continuing overland, we leave day after the morrow." With those words, their fierce leader tipped his hat, mounted Midnight, and rode out of camp.
Chapter 32: The Barlow Road: Conquer or Be Conquered
Cooper cussed at the rutted, rocky road, no doubt, the inspiration of many and varied profane words. The only thing it was good for was keeping his mind off leaving Hallie and Tim. As much as he'd tried to stay aloof these past months, they'd burned their way into his heart.
Holding the reins of Midnight and walking beside Cooper, Captain Jones said, "We need to keep up a good pace so we reach the White River before nightfall. That-a-way, the pioneers can cross when they're rested in the morning."
"Yes, sir," Cooper acknowledged.
The Captain continued, "We got twenty-five wagons, one cart, and several wagons converted to carts. We left Westport with forty-two wagons and one cart." Captain Jones's expression turned reflective. "Not bad in my estimation…not bad at all."
Cooper cussed at another tree root, followed by a rut that jarred the wagon unmercifully, and said, "I'm proud to have served with you in the war and I'm proud to have traveled on this train with you."
Captain Jones shrugged. "Thanks, Cooper. What are your plans after you get the Wells widow settled?"
Captain Jones asked the very thing Cooper didn't want to face at the moment so he avoided the question by asking one of his own. "Are you returning back east anytime soon?"
"Well, only so far as Pendleton." The captain grinned and winked. "Mrs. Martinique is an intelligent woman with whom I look forward to having many long discussions." They walked a little farther and the captain said, "So, by your question, I guess you're thinkin' of headin' back. You know the snows are comin'."
"I know. But I'm sure there are trappers I can hitch up with who know the mountains like the back of their hand."
"Why don't you just stay until spring?"
Cooper frowned. "Not a good idea."
Captain Jones laughed. "Not a good idea for a man fightin' his feelins' for a certain widow woman and her boy, you mean?"
"Not a good idea for a man who's a failure at relationships and living with his own demons."
"I always heard that love conquers everything. Maybe you should give it a try."
"And if it doesn't?"
Captain Jones shrugged. "Then you got a problem."
The train reached the banks of the White River as planned and after much discussion, the leaders decided on the particulars of the following morning’s crossing. The crossing proved difficult; two wagons were so badly damaged that the rest of the day was spent converting them into carts also. They couldn’t continue on until the next day.
* * *
The pioneers faced the final obstacle in their journey to reach Oregon City and the Willamette Valley—descent down Laurel Hill. Hallie looked to see Cooper's reaction. Lines at the corners of his mouth and eyes indicated he was not having a good one.
She asked, "How will we get to the bottom? It's so steep."
Cooper pointed to nearby pines. "See those marks? They're scars from ropes. We'll lash the wagons to the trees and slowly let them down."
Hallie's brows arched, concerned. The last time they lowered wagons, a man and four mules died. Whereas the former crevasse allowed wagons to be pulled partially downhill by animals, this one did not. When Hallie's courage began to fail, she forced herself once again to envision the ultimate end—a beautiful cabin and fertile fields in the Willamette Valley.
After a camp meeting with Captain Jones, it was decided that some of the animals and enough men would descend to move carts and wagons out of the way at the bottom, with the carts lowered first. Stubby again volunteered to le
ad the way. With much trepidation, Hallie watched his cart slowly being let down, praying the entire time. After a scare at about fifty feet, the cart was righted and made it the rest of the way without incident. The men adjusted their maneuvers to compensate for the quick drop at fifty feet and then successfully lowered the rest of the carts. Next, it was time for a wagon and the smallest one was chosen. It, too, was lowered without trouble.
One by one, the wagons reached the bottom of Laurel Hill. Four of the Pittance group's wagons made it safely and then it was time for Prudence's own wagon. All went smoothly, until one of the men yelled, "The rope's about to snap!" As soon as he shouted the words, the threads pulled apart. Their attempt to hold the wagon with the rope lashed to the second tree proved to be too much weight and it also snapped.
Amidst shrieks of horror, the schooner tumbled end-over-end to the bottom and shattered apart.
Whereas most of the emigrants—their faces reflecting the horror of the moment—shrieked or cried, Mrs. Pittance merely glanced at Hallie, shrugged, and said, "A minor inconvenience." Then she smiled.
Hallie gaped at Prudence. The woman had done a complete transformation from the mean-spirited person first encountered over four months previous.
Hallie's wagon, being one of the largest, was lowered last with extra caution, reaching the bottom without mishap.
After that, the pioneers began driving their animals forward and the sure-footed beasts reached the bottom safely. The emigrants, now "mountain men" in their own right, having traversed plains, mountains, canyons, and rivers, began their descent. Men with babies or toddlers strapped to their backs, women holding the hands of their children, young folks helping the elderly, everyone helping his neighbor, made it to the base of the hill without incident.
When Mrs. Pittance, the last person to step from Laurel Hill, lifted her hands in victory toward the heavens, a shout arose from the weary, rag-tag travelers. Only a few more miles and they would reach Oregon City.
Chapter 33: Beginning Again at the End
Hallie stood with Prudence gazing at Willamette Falls outside of Oregon City. Prudence sighed, "We've come a long way, my young friend."
Hallie glimpsed sideways at her, having the feeling Prudence was speaking of more than just physical travel. She agreed, "We certainly have."
Prudence asked, "So, what are your plans?"
"After I locate my land, I'm going to hire men to build a small one-room cabin to winter in. Come next spring I'll plow and plant and hopefully enlarge my cabin. What about you?"
"I've been giving that great consideration. I believe I shall turn my flock over to one of the local pastors—after I know his heart, of course."
Hallie turned a startled gaze on Prudence. "But then, what will you do? You know, you have the fortitude to withstand criticism to become a female leader of her own flock."
Prudence laughed. "That I do. But I have another dream." Lifting her eyes heavenward, she said, "I want to honor my daughters and my husband by founding an orphanage. I want…" her voice broke. "I want children and it doesn't matter if I birthed 'em or not."
Tears filled Hallie's eyes. "And you will be a wonderful mother."
After several minutes of wiping tears and viewing the valley they had given up everything to find, Prudence asked, "What about Cooper?"
Hallie swallowed the lump in her throat. "He's staying until my cabin is built and then returning to Missouri with trappers. I've tried to talk him into staying until spring…" her voice broke, "but he refuses."
Prudence placed an arm around Hallie's shoulders, offering comfort.
* * *
Cooper rode Sweet Pea a short distance from Hallie's log home. Dismounting, he sat on a fallen pine. Her land proved to be exceptional and hiring men to dig a well and erect a cabin and outbuilding suitable for wintering in had not been difficult. Her home, complete with cast iron stove, two windows, and an indoor hand-pump, already had the "woman's touch" he'd encountered when first visiting her in Missouri.
Cooper, who never cried, found himself swallowing back tears. He had accomplished what he'd been hired to do and now it was time to bid Hallie and Tim farewell.
* * *
Hallie tossed restlessly. Cooper was leaving. He hadn't said anything, but she knew with a sixth sense that it was so. Slipping from her bed, she threw on her cape and slippers and quietly left her cabin. A light still burned in the shed. Before her courage failed she knocked lightly on the door.
Cooper opened the door and without a word, stepped aside.
Hallie walked into the tiny room and asked, "You're leaving soon, aren't you?"
"Tomorrow."
She bit her bottom lip to stop its quiver. "You don't have to go. There's land still available. You could farm here. You could use the money you earned bringing me here to buy another farm. Any money you're short, I would gladly give you. You could–"
Cooper placed a finger against her lips. "It's not going to happen, Hallie. I can't stay." His mouth creased in a little smile. "And I can't accept any payment from you…so don't fight me on it. It's my way of atoning for wrongs I have committed. It's what I want."
"But you can stay!" she cried, tears streaking her cheeks.
With exquisite tenderness, Cooper wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his heart.
Hallie said, "I love you, Cooper. I would make you a good wife."
Cooper stroked her hair and whispered against her ear. "I know, sweetheart. But I would not make a good husband."
"You're wrong. You would make me very happy." Turning her mouth until it touched his, she kissed him with so much love she thought she might die from it, and he returned her kiss with the same love. "Let me stay with you all night, Cooper. I have dreamed of being with you. I tried not to, but like Clarissa said, the heart has its own will. If you won't stay, at least let me remember you in lovemaking."
Placing his hands on either side of Hallie's cheeks, Cooper tilted her face so he could gaze directly into her eyes. "Hallie, I want you more than you'll ever know, but I'll not take the chance of leaving you with my child."
"My heart's desire is to bear your child."
In the lamplight, Cooper smiled sadly and stepped away from her. "Goodnight, Hallie." He walked to the door and opened it.
Chapter 34: Sowing and Reaping
For Hallie, the long winter passed slowly and with many tears as she lay in bed every night remembering Cooper. Again and again, she relived special moments during their long journey. No longer did she feel that she was being disloyal to Thomas by loving another man. In fact, she knew Thomas would want her to love such an admirable and compassionate man as Cooper.
When spring finally arrived, she found upstanding men to hire in the preparation and sowing of her fields with the help of her new pastor and fellow worshippers. At first, her neighbors and the establishments where she purchased supplies expressed concern and doubt that a woman could handle the running of a farm. But—like she had assured Cooper—she knew how to farm. Soon, neighbors, both men and women, began asking her advice about their own farm layouts and planting practices.
Summer came and went and her corn and vegetable crops flourished. She became the topic of local conversation with her bumper harvests. Careful budgeting of her funds allowed for the addition of a bedroom to her cabin and a real barn, also a donation to her church, and more importantly, a substantial donation to the Pittance Orphanage, whose building had been donated by a local banker after he had been approached numerous times by a very persistent Prudence Pittance. The orphanage was now the loving home for twenty children, most of whom had lost their parents on the Oregon Trail.
On a beautiful fall day, as Hallie walked toward the orphanage, Stubby and Sharon called to her from the boardwalk. Pleasantly surprised to see them, she said teasingly, "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Newman."
Sharon said, "Hallie, hello! I heard you got a miracle of a crop this year."
"I don't know about it being a miracle
, what with it being grown in this fertile valley, but I am pleased with it."
"Well, Stubby and me, we just got hired by Mrs. Pittance to work at the orphanage. It comes with our own room. Stubby's gonna do all the repairs on the building and I'm gonna help with the cooking and cleaning. We've been working odd jobs since we got here, but now that we got something steady we can save for our own place."
Stubby turned from gazing fondly at his wife and said proudly, "I ain't had a drink in over a year now."
Sharon leaned over and kissed her husband's cheek. "And I ain't been with no other man 'ceptin' Stubby."
Hallie smiled at their honesty. "Why don't you come to supper this Sunday?"
Sharon glanced at Stubby, who nodded. "We'd be more'n happy to do that."
Hallie watched the couple continue down the boardwalk and mused that Stubby, someone she had once despised, was now her friend.
Chapter 35: Letter
Cooper walked to the post office next to Jebson's General Store. Rarely did he receive mail and if he did, it was usually from Captain Jones or an army buddy. When he was handed a letter postmarked from Oregon City, Oregon, his heart hammered.
Stepping quickly outside, he carefully opened the envelope.
Dear Mister Jerome,
I'm writin to let ya no how me an ma is doin. We're doin ok. That is I guess we're doin ok. Ma trys not to let me see but she crys lots. She sure misses you. I miss you to. Maybe you mite come see us. Maybe if you talked bout what bothers you it'd make you feel bettr. If you want we could be a real famly. I'd not be mad if you wanted to marry my ma. The way I see it we already missed out on a year we coulda been havin fun. Maybe you'll think bout it?
Tim
Cooper reread the letter several times before returning to Sweet Pea. Mounting and galloping back to his ranch, he knew what he must do.
