Orphan Train Tragedy

by Rachel Wesson

  Chapter 26

  Tired the next morning, Kathleen rubbed her aching back. The children were fretful, having slept badly on the train.

  “Morning Miss Kathleen, you don’t look as if you slept well. Anything I can help with?”

  “George, you don’t look so rested yourself. Are you saying I look dreadful?” Kathleen pretended to be insulted, causing the older man to blush. She smiled to show she was joking. “Do you think we will stop soon to take on water? The children could do with a runabout.”

  “Yes, Miss Kathleen in about an hour. We have to pick up coal and a large shipment for one cattle baron. Can’t afford to get on their bad side, you know.”

  “What did he mean by that?” one child asked as George went off about his business.

  Kathleen hastened to reassure the anxious little boy.

  “He was just teasing, Billy. In the old days there was a lot of trouble with ranchers in Wyoming.”

  The boy’s eyes widened. “Like gun trouble with cowboys and all sorts? Do you think I could be a cowboy Miss Kathleen?”

  “You ain’t never been on a horse have ya?” Cindy responded. Mia was asleep on her lap.

  Kathleen glared at the girl before she turned her attention back to Billy, now sitting crestfallen back on his seat.

  “I think you would make the best cowboy Billy. You are good with animals. I heard from Father Nelson you were superb with the cats and dogs.”

  “Yes, Miss Kathleen I love all animals. I hope to get adopted by a farmer. Then I can see animals every day,” Billy said.

  “There will be plenty of farmers at the center in Green River. They are used to us stopping there and make us welcome these days. I will keep in mind your wish to live on a farm.”

  Billy gave her a hug. She hugged him back, a little part of her feeling slightly jealous of the people who would become this little boy’s parents. He was shy and nervous around other children but patient with animals. Father Nelson didn’t know much about him. Billy had been found curled up asleep in a coal bunker at Father Nelson’s house. All inquiries had led nowhere with Billy himself not able to tell anyone where he came from. He had spent two years in the New York orphanage in the hope someone would come forward. Billy had been well cared for, not the usual half-starved child wearing rags that usually was abandoned. But nobody came. Kathleen knew Father Nelson had been upset saying goodbye to the sweet lad.

  “Cindy, when the train stops, could you look after the younger girls and I will watch the boys?”

  “I’ll take the boys and Mia. They run faster and you won’t be able to catch them. Not dressed like that. You should have worn something more suitable.”

  Amused at being given fashion advice by the younger girl, Kathleen didn’t disagree with her.

  “Wyoming is a good state for you to live in Cindy.”

  “Why?”

  “They are more forward thinking than most on women’s rights,” Kathleen said. “A woman can vote in Wyoming, for example.”

  “You mean they think boys and girls are the same?” Cindy asked, her tone suggesting she didn’t believe Kathleen.

  Again, Kathleen was struck by the keen intelligence of the young girl. If she had been born into a family with a little money, the girl could have excelled at school.

  “Not exactly, but there are more chances for women to do different jobs here.”

  Confusion dulled Cindy’s eyes so Kathleen let the matter drop. If Lily were there, she would tease her for trying to teach a child about the suffragette movement. The children were eager to get outside. Kathleen decided to let the topic slide for now.

  “Girls, don’t go too far. Boys, do what Cindy says. A whistle will sound when the train is going to leave. We don’t want anyone left behind.”

  Chapter 27

  Kathleen counted the children to make sure there were all present. She didn’t think anyone had stayed on board the train, but she wasn’t taking any chances.

  George passed her a small basket when she left the train.

  “Miss Lily said I was to surprise you with this when I thought you needed a pick me up.”

  Tears sprung into her eyes at the man’s kindness. “God bless Lily and yourself, George.”

  “Miss Lily is a fine woman, just like yourself. Now go on, you don’t want to be wasting your time chattering away. I got a job to do.”

  Kathleen took the basket, and the rug she had been carrying, over to an area of fresh green grass. Mia sat beside her, obviously not in the mood for playing. One child ran up to her.

  “Look Miss Kathleen, they have flowers. Can I pick some?”

  “You can, just be careful not to wander far. I have a surprise for all of you.” Kathleen showed the basket.

  The children ran around, playing games and running races. Kathleen sat on the blanket watching them. Pieter didn’t join in the games but sat by himself a little ways off. Kathleen beckoned to him to come and join her and Mia.

  “What is wrong Pieter, why don’t you play with the others?”

  “I listened to what you told Billy. Will I get home with farmer?”

  She didn’t correct his English, wanting instead to find out why he was asking. “Is that what you want?”

  Pieter shook his head, his expression making it difficult for Kathleen not to give him a hug. But he was distant, and she didn’t want to overwhelm him with signs of affection.

  “Can I ask why?”

  “Animals make my eyes cry. And make me do this.” Pieter forced a sneeze. “My skin–I have to do this a lot.” He scratched his arms. Afraid he would hurt himself, she took his hands.

  “Pieter, it sounds like a farm would be the worst place for you to live. I will try to find you something in Green River. It is our last stop.” It wasn’t, Riverside Springs was, but what could the boy do in the small town? There were farmers who would take on orphans, but she couldn’t think of someone in the town who could afford to take on the child. He could live with Bridget and Carl in the orphanage perhaps, but surely his chances of finding a German family were better in Green River.

  “Green River,” he said. “Why the water is green?”

  “It’s just a name of the town, that’s all. Are you hungry?” she tried to distract him. When he nodded, she suggested he call the rest of the children.

  “Eat time. It’s eat time.”

  “Lunch time, Pieter.”

  “Oops. Sorry.” Pieter called again. “Lunch time. Come quick or I will eat yours.”

  Kathleen smiled at the boy who once more took a seat. She had to find him something to suit him. A family with the financial ability to let him continue his schooling. There were some German families in Green River. Maybe they would be more likely to take in a child from their own country. Cindy moved closer.

  “What’s in the basket?”

  “I don’t know, Cindy. It was a surprise from Miss Lily. I thought I’d wait until everyone was ready before I opened it.”

  “I love surprises Miss Kathleen.” Billy looked up at her, his innocent sweet smile making her want to grab him and run away.

  “I do too, Billy.” She opened the basket, and the children cheered. Lily had packed some cookies and some candies Cook used to make at Christmas. The old dear must have been working all night.

  “Everyone take a cookie and a piece of candy and then pass it on to the next child. You don’t need to take two pieces.” She admonished one child, gently watching him as he put the second piece back in the box.

  Kathleen took some apples out of the box as well and then she found a note address to her. She opened it and quietly read the contents.

  “’Dear Kathleen, always remember their lives will be better than the ones left behind. XX.’”

  She recognized Lily’s handwriting. Her friend was right. Since the sanctuary had gotten involved, they had encountered very few problems. The trials Bella had been through all those years before were enough to make sure everyone involved did their jobs properly. Eve
n now, the thoughts of what could have happened to Meg and Eileen if Bella hadn’t fought so hard to protect them made Kathleen shudder.

  She chased those thoughts away. It was pointless dwelling on the what ifs. Bella had not only rescued the twins but also the other children those horrible brothers had been abusing. Someone had sent them to new homes. Kathleen wondered if anyone checked up on those children in the last ten years. They hadn’t come through the sanctuary so she didn’t have access to those records.

  Chapter 28

  The train arrived at the next town. Again, Kathleen and the children disembarked but this time it wasn’t just to stretch their legs. Kathleen hoped to find families for at least five of her orphans, maybe more. They had placed children there before and the families had spread the news about the work done by Father Nelson and the sanctuary. Two local families had written asking to adopt young boys.

  She thought about getting the children changed into new clothes but this stop didn’t give them enough time to have a bath. She decided it was best to just leave them be. She walked with the group toward the church where the would be parents were waiting.

  “Why do they have signs up, Miss Kathleen? Are they planning a party?”

  “Of sorts Pieter. The signs are to welcome you and the rest of the children. This town has taken orphans from the train before. They always welcome us with a small gathering, cakes and nice cold drinks. It is a lovely place.”

  Pieter’s face fell and he looked at his feet.

  “I will miss the party in Little Germany. Our pastor was taking us in River boat. We were going to have lots to eat. I was going with my new friend Hans and his sister, Frieda. At least they were hoping to go. They didn’t have tickets. But Papi did. Papi said we would have wonderful time but then… I don’t know what happened to the tickets. Maybe I could have given them to Hans and Frieda?” Pieter brushed his eye. Kathleen pretended not to see the tears.

  “It sounds like it would have been a good party. Maybe we can have a small party when we get to Green River.”

  “You not find me home here?”

  Kathleen looked around the small gathering. She knew a few of the faces.

  “I don’t think so Pieter. I think this town would be too small. But we will see.”

  He nodded, his facial expression so trusting she had a lump in her throat. She swallowed hard before turning her attention to the task in hand.

  “Pastor John, another warm welcome. You truly spoil us.”

  “Miss Kathleen, you and your friends deserve this small gesture of appreciation. The children you give to us have brought so much joy to their families and to this community. People come together now from all over to meet in our little town. We owe you a lot.”

  Blushing Kathleen looked away from the warm admiration in his eyes. Bridget had told her how this man had asked after her a few years ago.

  “My husband and I are very glad everything is working out so well. We hope our latest group of children will be very happy.”

  “Your husband is still working in New York? He should move out here and see what a wonderful life you could have. Plenty of space and no noise.” Pastor John shuddered making Kathleen smile.

  “Richard likes the noise but he should come out here for a vacation. Maybe he will come with me next time. Now, where are the parents you want me to meet?”

  It didn’t take long to match up the two boys with their prospective parents. Another couple were interested in adopting and soon Mary-Beth had found herself a family.

  Chapter 29

  Kathleen was about to go and eat with Pastor John and the others she knew when a couple came forward. She saw them looking at Rebecca. She sent up a quick prayer they would be interested in adopting Rachel too as she didn’t want the sisters to be separated if she could avoid it.

  The girls, with their dark solemn eyes, had seen enough sadness to last them a life time.

  “Rachel and Rebecca,” said the women with interest, “what lovely names. Straight from the bible.”

  Rachel put her arm around Rebecca. “We are Jewish, and we wish to remain in our faith.” The girl spoke confidently, but not in a disrespectful way. Kathleen was proud of the child.

  The woman who’d come forward looked at Rachel approvingly.

  “Yes, this is good as we are of the same faith. Your parents would be proud.”

  “Our mother died because of our religion. Papa,” Rachel paused as her voice quivered, “he made me promise to keep the faith. As a testament to him.”

  “Your mother was killed in New York? In America?” The man looked to Kathleen who immediately felt guilty even though that was silly. She didn’t know of anyone killed for their religious beliefs in New York. For their wallet or their jewelry or because they walked into the wrong street, but not for their place of worship. She looked to Rachel hoping she would answer.

  “No, in Russia. My father brought us from Russia to live with his brother in New York. But then he died in an accident on a building site. Our aunt, she brought us to live in the orphanage one year later.”

  The woman’s eyes thinned. “How cruel. What type of evil woman would do that? To forsake her own family.” The woman looked ready to string up the offending aunt. Kathleen hoped that was a good sign and she would offer the sisters a home.

  “No, please don’t think like that,” Rachel said. “She was crying. She said they tried, but they didn’t have the money to keep us. She asked for our forgiveness.”

  Kathleen bit her lip as she watched the horror on the other woman’s face.

  “Oh, child forgive me for jumping to conclusions. I am wicked, not your aunt. You are a very brave young girl to speak up for your family.” The woman stopped, her voice breaking. Her husband put his arm around the woman’s shoulders.

  “What my wife is trying to say, is that we would love to welcome you to our home. We have five sons.”

  Kathleen looked into his eyes. Could they afford two extra mouths? The man must have sensed her next question.

  “Yes, it is a lot and God is good. But my wife, she would love a daughter. And what better than a daughter but to have two?” The man smiled at Rachel and Rebecca. “I cannot take the place of your father, but I would like to be as close to you as your uncle. Would you give us a chance? We own a store. My wife is a wonderful cook. She bakes the best pastries as you can see.” The man patted his expansive stomach making Rebecca laugh. Even the solemn Rachel cracked a smile. “We sell what I do not eat. Even with my size, the store is successful. God has been good to us.”

  What a nice kind man, joking and making the children laugh as he gave them time to process his offer. Kathleen warmed to the couple. She waited to hear what Rachel would say but the child didn’t speak. She motioned her to come closer. “Is something wrong, Rachel?”

  “Will they let their sons be mean to us? The boys weren’t always nice in the orphanage.”

  Kathleen rushed to explain. “I’m afraid some of the children at the orphanage were unkind to the girls. They didn’t understand their customs and got offended when the girls wouldn’t eat with them at special occasions like Christmas. We explained it was due to religious reasons and most children were fine. But there are always one or two who will pick on someone different.”

  The man replied, looking at Rachel. “Yes, always. Sometimes adults too, but we must treat these people with kindness. We must pray for them for only then will they come to see we Jews are not evil or wicked or Christ killers.”

  The woman gave her husband a dig in the arm as if to tell him to shush. “My boys will not be unkind and if they are, I will make their backsides as red as a tomato. I bring my boys up to respect women. Isn’t that right Joseph Stern?”

  “Hannah, please, the girl is frightened. You do not need to scare her more.”

  “Oh, my little petals. I do not want to scare you. I want to feed you and dress you and hug you. Please say you will come home with us.”

  Rebecca made the decisi
on. She moved toward the lady and held her arms out. “Mama.”

  The couple stared at her, but not for the same reason as Rachel and Kathleen.

  “That is the first time she has spoken since our father died. I thought she had forgotten how.” Rachel rubbed a tear from her face. “Please, can we go home with you?”

  “Is it allowed? We are not church people, although the pastor, he is a kind man. He said we were good parents.”

  “Yes Mr. Stern, you seem to make very good parents. Pastor John has vetted almost everyone here. If you fill out the necessary papers, the girls are free to go with you. Rachel would like to continue to keep in touch with her aunt.”

  “Why yes, of course. Perhaps we can send her some of my wife’s pastries. Maybe on the train?”

  Rachel’s eyes lit up. Kathleen gave the girls a hug, shook Mr. Stern’s hand, and was about to shake Mrs. Stern’s when she was gathered into the biggest hug ever. The woman smelled of spices and baking and perhaps a little too much garlic.

  “You are a special lady. God will grant you your deepest wishes. Thank you for coming to our town and bringing our girls.”

  Kathleen nodded, not able to speak. Lord above, but please let this day end soon. She didn’t know how much longer she would be able to keep the tears at bay.

  Chapter 30

  She sat on the picnic rug watching as the children who had been matched with new families got to know them. The children returning to the train with her were eating their fill and playing with the local children as if they didn’t have a care in the world.