American Challenge

by Susan Martins Miller

  “And I might ask you the same thing, young lady!” There at the door stood the Widow Robbins.

  Grace froze. Where was Drew? Why hadn’t he rapped on the door?

  Widow Robbins snapped her parasol shut and tucked it beneath her arm. With a scowl on her thin face, she walked slowly up the aisle. Her long, black silk dress made little swishing noises as she picked up bits and pieces of chewed hymnals along the way.

  “Just wait until I talk to your parents about this,” she said sternly, her eyes narrowing. “Not only have you broken the rules about not touching my piano, but you have allowed this mangy animal inside the house of God.”

  Grace stood to her full height. “Annabelle isn’t mangy. And she didn’t mean any harm. I didn’t bring her in, she …” Grace stopped. She’d better not say that she’d left Drew to guard the door. Where could he be? She knelt down to take the hymnal from Annabelle and placed it on a pew. The edges were a mess. Annabelle bleated and gave Grace a gentle butt on the arm.

  The widow stepped to the piano, took out her lace hankie, carefully wiped down the keys, and then quietly closed the lid. “You are never to touch this piano. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Grace twisted the ends of Annabelle’s dangling rope.

  “Now take that creature and leave the premises. I’ll discuss this with the Reverend Danforth, and then we’ll pay a visit to your parents and discuss your actions.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Grace said again. She tugged at the rope and started down the aisle, then stopped. “I’m very sorry about the damage Annabelle caused. But I think more people should be allowed to use the piano,” she said boldly. “After all, the church belongs to everyone.”

  Widow Robbins pressed the hankie to her forehead, then made scooting motions with her hand. “Go. Leave, before my anger takes over.”

  Out in the hot sunshine, Grace looked up and down the street for Drew. Nothing. Something had to have happened. But what?

  All she knew to do was to head toward home. No sooner had she left Walnut to turn onto Second Street than Drew came running toward her from a side street.

  “Hey, Grace! I almost caught him!” he called out.

  “Drew Ramsey. How could you? I left you to guard the door, and you deserted your post.” She stopped and waited for him to catch up. Perspiration dripped from his beet-red face. His hat was scrunched in his hand, and he was heaving great breaths. Suddenly his words registered. “Almost caught who?” Grace wanted to know.

  “Why, Raggy. Who else?”

  “You were chasing Raggy Langler?”

  Drew beamed a wide smile. “I was.”

  “Why? What did he do?”

  “He tried to come at me and grab Annabelle’s rope. So I stood up to him and gave him a hard shove.”

  Grace could barely believe her ears. “Then what?”

  “He tried to fight back, but I tripped him. When he started to run, I tied Annabelle to the doorknob and chased him. Almost caught him, too.”

  Grace shook her head. This was almost worth getting caught by Widow Robbins. She had touched the piano, and Drew had chased Raggy. Two splendid victories!

  When she told Drew about Annabelle getting loose and what happened to the hymnals and about the widow coming in, he was crestfallen. “I’m sorry. Your papa will be angry with you. What do you think will happen?”

  “If Raggy tried to steal Annabelle, you did the right thing. Whatever happens will happen.”

  Mama was embarrassed and quite distraught following the visit from the Reverend Danforth. Papa didn’t seem quite as upset as Mama, but Grace was duly scolded by both and sent to bed early that night. Mama and Papa agreed that somehow Grace would have to pay for the hymnals, no matter how long it took.

  “Perhaps I can find people who will pay cash for Annabelle’s milk,” Grace said solemnly. “Then I’ll be able to pay the debt.” But the thought made Grace feel bad since she’d hoped to use the milk to help Mama and Papa.

  Sitting on the edge of her small rope bed, she gazed out the window, wishing she were outside playing because it was cooler. Only a slight breeze ruffled the treetops, and it was stuffy and hot in her bedroom.

  The thought of Drew chasing Raggy through the streets amazed Grace. When she had asked him what he would have done if he’d caught Raggy, Drew had said he didn’t know. With Raggy’s larger size, he could whip Drew. But Drew had saved Annabelle. If Raggy had stolen the nanny, he’d probably be having her for supper right about now.

  Grace was sorry the hymnals had been chewed up, because she loved the fine songbooks their church owned. But she’d never be sorry she touched those lovely ivory keys. Closing her eyes, she made herself remember how they felt beneath her fingers. “Let patience have her perfect work.” Waiting was so hard, how could it be a “perfect” work?

  CHAPTER 11

  The Storm

  Because of Annabelle’s size, Grace had a hard time leading her around. When Drew wasn’t with Grace, Annabelle nearly dragged Grace by the tether. But when left in her enclosure, the goat made such a racket that the neighbors complained. Grace lived on a crowded street where the houses were close together. The offer of goat’s milk did nothing to appease the disgruntled neighbors.

  “We need our sleep,” said Mr. McClarren, who lived directly behind them. Mrs. McClarren had five little ones to take care of, and she heartily agreed.

  There was nothing to do but let Drew take Annabelle to his house. In the clearing near the banks of Deer Creek, there were fewer houses nearby. Drew dismantled the enclosure and used the rough planks of lumber to construct a new one behind the Ramsey home.

  Even though she knew it was for the best, Grace was sad to have to part with Annabelle. Of course, she’d see the goat often, but it wasn’t the same as having her right outside the back door.

  Both Matthew and Adah were delighted to have Annabelle at their house and squealed with delight when she licked their hands.

  Being nearer the woods turned out to be much better for Annabelle. She could be tethered among the trees far from the house, where she could eat grass and weeds to her heart’s content.

  It was a muggy, still day in late August when Drew and Grace decided to go for a trek up past the bluff and take Annabelle with them. The city was hot and depressing. Grace had never seen Papa so sad. He’d had some work to do in the country helping farmers with building projects, but not enough to support their family. The drought had ruined the gardens and fields of most farms in the area.

  Although Carter continued hunting, he often came home empty-handed. The drought had driven the small game deeper into the dense forests and up into the hills, where spring water sustained them.

  When Grace and Drew took Annabelle up into the woods, Grace could forget the awful problems. On this day as they started out, little Matthew put up a terrible squall to go along. Usually Deanna distracted him or talked him out of it. But for once, Deanna seemed unable to cope.

  “Perhaps this one time,” she said, looking at Grace and Drew with tired, pleading eyes.

  Grace knew that short-legged Matthew would slow them down and keeping an eye on him would be a worry. Taking Annabelle was problem enough. But how could they say no?

  “All right,” Drew said. Grace was glad he was the first to answer. “Come along.” He reached out his hand, and Matthew ran to grab it.

  Down through the dry creek bed they went, Annabelle bleating with joy at every step. Since following the creek bed was easier than walking through dry, prickly underbrush, they followed it awhile, then made their way up the other side to higher ground.

  Usually the woods were much cooler, but today the heat penetrated through the green canopy of tall trees.

  Grace sang songs as they walked along. Matthew loved the boatmen songs and asked for them over and over. Usually Grace could sing them all and never get tired, but today the air was so heavy, it was as though she couldn’t get her breath. After an hour or so, they came to a clearing, and she
suggested they tether Annabelle and sit down.

  “Annabelle sure is producing milk,” Drew said. “How long do you think it will last?” He pulled out the canteen he’d filled with well water and handed it to Grace.

  “I’m not sure. I’ll have to ask Samantha.” She took a swallow of the warm water and let it trickle down her dry throat. Matthew was fascinated with the way Annabelle cropped the grass. He sat close by the goat, watching her every move.

  Drew took back the canteen and offered it to Matt. “Just a few swallows, Matt,” he said. “We need it to last till we get back.”

  Matt nodded and tipped the canteen carefully.

  Grace loosened the strings of her bonnet. “I believe this has been the longest summer of my life.” Sprawled out on the grass, she was painfully aware of how short her dress was becoming. She’d grown a few inches during the summer just as Drew had. But there’d be no new dresses for school.

  Matt looked up from watching Annabelle. “What’s that noise?”

  Grace sat very still for a moment. “It’s rumbling.”

  “Could it be …?” Drew asked.

  “Thunder?” Grace queried, jumping to her feet.

  They couldn’t see the horizon through the dense trees. The sky above them was still sunny and hazy blue.

  “Let’s go look!” Grace pulled up the tether stick and pulled on Annabelle, who wasn’t ready to leave this lush pasture.

  Drew came from behind and gave the goat a shove just as another rumble sounded. “It is, Grace! It’s thunder! I bet it’s going to rain. And when it rains, the river will be up—”

  “Hurry!” Grace interrupted with panic growing in her voice. “We’ve got to get home!”

  “Why? It’s just rain. I want to be in the rain.”

  “I should have known from the heavy, still air,” Grace said, pulling on the goat’s rope as hard as she could and heading quickly back the way they came. “It gets still like that before a bad storm. Papa’s warned me, but I forgot. It hasn’t rained for so long.”

  “I’m scared,” Matt said.

  “Maybe we could find a cave,” Drew suggested, taking hold of the younger boy’s hand and hurrying his step. “Carter says there’re lots of caves out here.”

  “If we happen upon a cave, we’ll sure crawl inside, but it’s foolish to try to hunt for one.”

  Just then the crashing sound of thunder echoed above their heads and a cool wind swished through the tops of the trees. Annabelle bolted, and Grace nearly tumbled as she tried to follow.

  “It’s almost on us!” Grace called out.

  Matthew began to cry, so Drew stopped to take him up piggyback. This slowed him some, while Annabelle dragged Grace on ahead. They were about halfway back to Deer Creek when they could see greenish-gray clouds boiling up in the west. Grace felt two fat raindrops hit her face. So long they’d prayed for rain, and now it had arrived in a furious storm. It just didn’t seem fair.

  “See that big tree?” Drew called out. Rain was falling in gray sheets. “Let’s get under there and stay!”

  “Let’s do!” Grace answered. She pulled and tugged on the rope as Annabelle kicked up her heels and bleated out her misery and fright. The sunlight was gone, and even though it was early afternoon, it was dim as dusk.

  “I want my mama!” Matthew cried as Drew set him down beneath the tree.

  Grace wished Matt were back with his mama, but she didn’t say so. After all, her own mama would be worried, as well. Thunder crashed about them like giant cymbals from the marching band. It felt good to have the hard, pelting rain out of their faces. Grace’s petticoats clung to her ankles. She put her arms about Annabelle’s neck and tried to calm the frightened goat.

  “I just remembered, Drew,” Grace said. “Papa said never to stay under a tree in a thunderstorm.”

  “Carter said something like that to me, too,” Drew agreed. “But it’s so bad right now we have no choice. We need to watch out for Matt.”

  “Take me home,” Matthew whined as he rubbed his eyes with his fists.

  Just then a clap of thunder caused Annabelle to leap in the air, and the wet rope slipped from Grace’s grasp.

  “Oh no!” she cried. “Annabelle, come back! Drew, help!”

  Quickly Drew heaved Matthew up on his back. “Follow her, Grace! We’re right behind you!”

  Sliding on the wet leaves, Grace sped out in the direction Annabelle had taken. Thankfully, it was toward home.

  The three had not gone more than a few yards when a blinding flash of light filled the air around them and a crash sounded so loud it made Grace’s ears ache. She turned to look and was aghast to see that the fierce lightning had sent the massive tree they had just been sitting under crashing to the ground.

  Drew stopped, as well. They were numb with shock.

  “Drew,” Grace said, “I think Annabelle just saved our lives.”

  “She did that, all right.” He adjusted the weight of the whimpering Matthew. “Hush now, Matt. It’s all right. We’re headed home.” Then he laughed out loud. “Home,” he repeated, “where Annabelle will probably be waiting for us as if nothing had happened.”

  Grace joined in the laughter, but her voice was all quivery. She couldn’t wait to hug Annabelle’s neck. The rain had lessened some and the wind had calmed. By the time they reached Deer Creek, water was rushing freely down the creek bed. No more walking in the dry bed. They made their way to the rickety old bridge and crossed there.

  The sight of flowing water thrilled Grace. Maybe this meant there’d be river traffic soon.

  Annabelle was indeed waiting in the dooryard of the Ramseys’. Deanna’s look of relief when she met the three drenched children at the door told them how worried she’d been. She stoked up the cookstove and made them stand by it until they stopped shivering. Cups of hot cider helped take the chill off.

  “Earlier today, I never thought I’d be cool again,” Grace said between chattering teeth. “Now look at me.”

  Deanna offered to let Grace put on one of her old dresses, but Grace insisted that she go on home so Mama wouldn’t worry. But first they told Deanna the story of how Annabelle saved their lives. Even Matt helped add a few vivid details.

  “Boom!” he said, flinging his hands in the air. “The big old tree went boom and fell down.”

  “If you hadn’t chased after the goat …” Deanna shook her head and bit her lower lip. “God watches after His own,” she said. Her voice trembled as she spoke.

  The welcome rains fell off and on for a number of days, until finally one morning Grace heard the most beautiful sound. The melodious tones of a keeler blowing his tin horn echoed through the valley. She was eating breakfast when she first heard it.

  She gobbled down her food and told Mama she was going to Drew’s to help with Annabelle. By the time she reached Drew’s house, Annabelle had been fed and was tethered at the edge of the clearing.

  “Drew,” Grace said, “did you hear the horn?”

  He nodded. “I did. At least the barges and keelboats can get through.”

  “Let’s go see.”

  “See what?”

  “The boats come in, silly.”

  “From the bluff?”

  Grace shook her head. “From the landing.”

  “But your mama won’t like that. We can watch from the bluff.”

  “From the bluff we can see them come downriver, but only on the landing can we see them unload.” She started out as though she expected him to follow. “It’s been forever since a boat unloaded, and I don’t want to miss it.”

  She could tell he was thinking about it, but in a moment he was by her side. “I hope we don’t get into trouble,” he said.

  “We’ll watch the boats from the landing just for a little while. Then we’ll come back and help Deanna with her chores.”

  Sure enough, three keelboats were at the landing. One was larger than the rest, with space for eight rowers for traveling upstream. This keelboat had a large, box
y cabin in the center where passengers could get shelter from the weather.

  Grace led Drew to an opening between a warehouse and the saddlery where they could see but not be seen. She made sure they stayed on the other side of the landing from the boatworks just in case Papa and Luke might be around. However, since work had come to a complete standstill, the men seldom came to the landing anymore.

  From the talk on the landing, Grace and Drew learned that these boats had come up from St. Louis just as soon as the rains began.

  Suddenly Grace gave a gasp. Emerging from the cabin of the larger boat was a lovely lady dressed in a fine traveling frock the color of moss in the woods. Her bonnet was lined with ruffles, and the bow was tied smartly beneath her proud chin. Long gloves graced her slender arms up to her elbows. She looked as though she’d stepped out of a fashion catalog from Yost’s Mercantile rather than from the cabin of a boat. Grace could only stare, her mouth gaping.

  CHAPTER 12

  Sadie Rose

  Drew, do you see that lady?” Grace asked in a whisper. She looked over at Drew, who was bug-eyed, as well. “I’m not blind,” he said. “What do you suppose she’s doing coming here? There’s nothing in Cincinnati.”

  They waited a minute to see if a gentleman came to her side. A small crowd was gathering on the landing. The news had traveled that a trickle of river traffic had begun. Perhaps someone would soon come down to meet the well-dressed lady. “Do you suppose she’s traveling alone?” Grace whispered. Drew shook his head. “Impossible.”

  But the lady, with her head erect, proceeded to lift the skirt of her empire dress and walk across the running board of the boat to the gangplank.

  “Maybe it’s not so impossible,” Grace said. “She may have a good deal of money and she may need help with her bags.” Pulling Drew’s sleeve, she said, “Follow me. Hurry.”

  “Grace, we can’t….”

  “Then I’m going alone, and I’ll have all the coins to myself.” Pushing through the crowd, she sensed Drew was on her heels. Boldly Grace walked right up to the lady. Up close she was even lovelier, with cheeks as smooth and rosy as a fresh peach. Grace could see she wore “paint” on her lips, making them redder than they really were. She’d heard stories about painted ladies. A little shiver ran up her spine.