by Al Lacy
There was a flush to McClain’s face. “I’m telling you to stay away from Rya. She and I are getting married shortly after we arrive in Sacramento, and you’re not invited to the wedding.”
Chet Place stepped up and set cold eyes on Lynch. “I’m the wagon master, and I’m telling you to get away from this train and stay away. If you ever show up again, you’ll be tied to a tree and left for the wild animals to feed on. Do you understand?”
Jason turned to Rya with a hurt look as he wiped more blood from his mouth. Then he stabbed McClain with a hateful look as he walked unsteadily toward his horse. Without looking back, he mounted up and rode away, heading east.
“All right, folks,” spoke up the wagon master, “show’s over. Let’s eat supper!”
McClain touched Rya’s arm to walk her into the circle. Suddenly she buckled, putting a hand to her midsection.
Grasping her to keep her from falling, McClain said, “Honey, what is it?”
Betty Hilmes rushed up as Rya said through clenched teeth, “It’s just a problem I have now and then when I get upset. I’ll be all right.”
Dorothy Keegan was there instantly. “McClain, let’s take her to the wagon.”
McClain picked Rya up, cradling her in his arms. “We’ll make you comfortable, honey. Then if you feel like eating, I’ll bring supper to you.”
“It will help if I can lie down,” said Rya. “The pain will subside in a few minutes. I’ll be fine.”
17
TWO DAYS PASSED. AT MIDMORNING, as the wagons were moving along at their usual pace, Rya Garrett was on the seat of the Keegan wagon next to Dorothy.
Rya had her Bible in hand, and with Dorothy looking on, was reading Matthew chapter 27 aloud. When Rya read of how the Roman soldiers made a crown of thorns and put it on Jesus’ head, and called Him King of the Jews while spitting on Him and hitting Him on the head with a reed, Dorothy began weeping. “Oh, Rya! How terribly they treated Him!”
“Yes,” said Rya, her own voice choked with tears. “The Lord Jesus had only shown them love and compassion, but they hated Him and rejected Him. It’s the same today, Dorothy. When people hear the gospel and learn that Jesus suffered, bled, and died to provide salvation for them, but they still reject Him, it’s like mocking Him and spitting on Him, even as the Roman soldiers did.”
Burt kept his eyes straight ahead as if he had not heard her words.
At that moment, McClain Reardon came riding up on Rya’s side of the wagon aboard Dick Jensens black gelding. “Chet wants me to ride point with him for a while,” he said, smiling. “I just wanted to see how you’re feeling.”
Rya put a hand to her abdomen. “It’s better than it was at breakfast. I’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure praying that you will,” said McClain. He pointed northwestward. “See that town just coming into view?”
“That’s Rawlins, isn’t it?” said Burt.
“Sure is. We’ll come within about two miles of it when we pass it.”
“I guess we’re about on schedule as Chet planned it,” said Burt.
“Pretty close, I think,” said McClain.
“Look!” said Rya, pointing straight ahead. “It’s Chet. And he’s riding hard.”
“Uh-oh,” said McClain. “There may be trouble.” With that, he put the gelding to a gallop and soon intercepted the wagon master just as he was pulling rein at the lead wagon.
“Cheyenne!” Chet said. “I was about half a mile ahead of the train when I saw a small band of them on top of a hill about five hundred yards to the north. I watched them closely, but they wheeled and rode away behind the hill. They may be going after more warriors so they can attack us. I need to let the people know so they’ll be prepared. How about you taking the back half of the train?”
“Sure.”
“Tell them to keep a sharp eye. No telling which direction they’ll attack from. Every man needs to have his rifle handy.”
McClain turned the horse around and trotted back along the line of wagons. People were calling out to him, asking what was going on. He called back that Chet would be along shortly to tell them.
When he reached the Keegan wagon, which was in the front half of the train, he paused long enough to tell Rya and the Keegans what Chet had told him.
“Keep your eyes peeled, ladies,” Burt said after McClain rode on.
While both women were scanning the land in every direction, Dorothy said, “Rya, I’m still frightened at the thought of an Indian attack, but I have peace now, knowing that if I should be killed, I would go to heaven.”
Rya patted her hand. “That’s peace that only a child of God can have. Paul said in Philippians 4:7, ‘And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ There’s nothing wrong with being afraid of an attack I’m frightened of it, too. It’s only natural. But thank God for the peace He gives to His own about facing eternity.”
Moments later, with everybody alerted, Chet and McClain rode past the Keegan wagon to ride point together. When they were about half a mile ahead of the train, both men glanced northward at Rawlins, basking in the late morning sun.
“Things look quiet over there,” said McClain.
Chet nodded. “And I hope they stay quiet, too. You soldier boys may enjoy fighting Indians, but us wagon train boys don’t cotton to it.”
“It isn’t something we enjoy, Chet, but—”
McClain’s words were cut off at the sight of a covered wagon pulling away from a patch of trees off to the right and angling toward them.
“What’s this?”
“I dunno,” said Chet, “but we’re about to find out.”
As the wagon came to a halt, both riders drew up to the driver’s side. Two men who looked to be in their thirties sat on the seat.
“Hello, gentlemen,” said the driver. “We figure you’re riding point for that wagon train back there.”
“That we are,” said Chet. “My name’s Chet Place. I’m the wagon master. This here is McClain Reardon.”
The driver smiled, nodded, and said, “I’m Ted Yoder, and this is my brother, Colin. We’re from the St. Louis, Missouri, area. We were in a wagon train passing through here about ten days ago on our way to Oregon when Colin took sick. I had to take him into Rawlins so a doctor could take care of him.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Chet said.
“Colin hasn’t felt like traveling until a couple of days ago. We’ve been waiting for another wagon train to come along in hopes of joining it. We spotted yours from Rawlins a little while ago and hurried out here to meet up with you. With the Cheyenne on the warpath, it’s too dangerous to travel alone.”
“That’s for sure,” said Chet. “A couple fellas alone wouldn’t have a chance. I assume there’s no one else in the wagon.”
“No, sir. It’s just us.”
Chet nodded. “I’ve got a family in the wagon train who are from somewhere around St. Louis. Now, this train is going to California, but you can join us till we reach the point in Idaho where the California Trail veers off from the Oregon Trail. No doubt you can join an Oregon-bound wagon train there.”
Smiling broadly, Ted said, “We really appreciate this, Mr. Place. How much will it cost us to travel with you that far?”
Chet rubbed his chin, calculating the distance. “Be forty dollars.”
“Fine,” said Colin, standing up in the box and pulling his wallet out of his hip pocket. He handed Chet the money. “We really do thank you for taking us in.”
Chet stuffed the bills in his shirt pocket. “Glad to help. You boys are wearing sidearms, I see. Do you have rifles?”
“Sure do,” said Colin. “We know how to use them, too.”
“Good. I saw a small band of Cheyenne warriors off to the north a while ago. They rode away, but they might be coming back with more of their pals. You’d best keep your eyes peeled and your guns ready. I’ll put you right behind the lead wagon, which my son, Ken,
drives. If I give signal to form a circle, just follow Ken.”
The wagon train was drawing close. Chet trotted toward the lead wagon and Ken pulled rein as his father drew up. Chet explained about the new wagon joining the train, and that he had instructed the driver to pull in behind Ken.
Moments later, the Yoder brothers’ wagon was in place. Ken led out, and as the wagons were rolling, Chet trotted to the rear of the train, turned around, and rode along the line, telling the people that he had taken on a new wagon.
When Chet drew up alongside the Hyland wagon he said, “Brodie, Jane, that new wagon we just took into the train is a couple of brothers from the St. Louis area.”
“Oh, really?” said Brodie. “What’s their names?”
“Ted and Colin Yoder.”
Jane gasped, her eyes bulging, and Brodie’s face darkened.
“What’s the matter?” asked Chet.
“I don’t want the Yoder brothers in this train, Chet,” Brodie said.
“Why’s that?”
Brodie’s eyes flashed fire. “Because the Hylands and the Yoders have been feuding for three generations.”
Chet adjusted himself in the saddle. “Look, I can’t turn them away. I’ve already accepted their money. Besides, if they go on alone, they’ll be vulnerable to the Cheyenne. They wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“How come they’re alone?”
“They were in a wagon train but had to pull out because Colin was sick. Ted had to take him into Rawlins to a doctor. They’ve been waiting in Rawlins for another wagon train to come along.”
“Then they can wait till the next one comes along,” Brodie said.
Chet studied him for a moment. “I’ll be right back.” Even as he spoke, he nudged the horse into a trot and headed toward the front of the line.
Pulling alongside the Yoder wagon, Chet said, “Do you fellas recall I mentioned that I have a family in the train who are from somewhere around St. Louis?”
“Yes. I meant to ask you their name in case we might know them,” said Ted, “but it slipped my mind with all that was going on.”
“Well, their name is Hyland. Brodie and Jane Hyland.”
Ted visibly paled. Colin’s eyes turned cold.
“The Hylands just told me about the longtime feud between your families. They want me to put you out of the train. Will you go back there with me so we can talk?”
The Yoder brothers looked at each other.
“What do you think?” Ted asked Colin.
The younger brother shrugged. “Guess we can try.”
Ted set his eyes on Chet. “Okay, Mr. Place, we’ll go with you.”
Chet nodded. “Be right back. I’ll tell Ken we’re stopping the train for a few minutes.”
The wagon master hurried his horse up to the lead wagon, told his son that he was stopping the train while he had a discussion with the new men and the Hylands. He gave the signal for the drivers to stop, then told Ken to hurry down the line and tell everyone it was only for a short time.
Brodie pulled rein when he saw Chet’s signal. “Honey, he’s gonna bring those no-good Yoders back here.”
Jane moaned and shook her head. “I thought we’d escaped the Yoders when we left Missouri.”
“You stay in the seat,” said Brodie, climbing down. He planted his feet beside the wagon and felt his blood heat up as Chet walked toward them with the Yoder brothers flanking him.
As they drew up, Chet said, “I think we need to have a little talk.”
“Nothing to talk about!” Brodie said. “I don’t want anything to do with these low-down skunks! Jane and I won’t tolerate them in the same wagon train with us!”
Chet stiffened. “I told you I already accepted payment from them.”
“Then give it back! They can wait till the next wagon train comes along.”
Colin drew a deep breath. His words came out slowly and controlled. “Brodie, we’ve already lost better than a week because I got sick. Our brother, Cecil, is in Medford, Oregon, waiting for us to come and take over his lumber business. Cecil is dying of stomach cancer. He needs us desperately, as do Louisa and their four children.”
There was a moment of silence while Brodie tried to think of something to say.
“Look, Brodie,” said Chet, “certainly you and Jane can put the feud aside in a case like this.”
Brodie looked up at Jane, who sat on the seat like a statue, her hands clasped tightly. “What do you say, honey?”
Jane shrugged. “All right, Chet, but they’d better keep their distance from us.”
Ted’s said, “Jane, Brodie, I promise. We won’t cause any trouble. Thank you both for not keeping us out of the wagon train.”
Fixing them with a hard look, Brodie nodded, pulling his lips into a thin line.
“All right,” said Chet. “Let’s get this train moving.”
The wagon train pulled out, with Chet riding point.
When the train stopped for the night and everyone was around the central fire after supper, Chet Place introduced the Yoder brothers. He explained about their having to pull out of their previous wagon train and about their brother Cecil in Oregon, who was dying of stomach cancer, and their need to get there as soon as possible.
Rya and McClain were sitting on the ground by the fire, their arms touching. At the mention of stomach cancer, Rya’s blood ran cold. She was having the familiar pain in her abdomen at that very moment. It had subsided for most of the day, but had come back during supper.
McClain felt Rya’s body tense up and turned to look at her with questioning eyes. She smiled at him, forcing her body to relax.
When McClain put his attention back on Chet, Rya prayed silently, Oh please, dear Lord, don’t let these pains in my stomach be cancer.
McClain looked at her again. She gave him another smile, promising herself that she would see a doctor soon after they arrived in Sacramento.
A week passed without any more Indians being sighted.
When they made camp just outside the town of Green River, Chet Place called everyone together around the fire after supper. “I know you are all relieved that no Indian attack has come. I am, too. But we must all keep a sharp eye. Sometimes the hostiles will follow a wagon train for days, keeping out of sight, then they’ll attack when they think the train is most vulnerable.”
There were fearful glances between family members at Chet’s words.
He went on. “Now, in the morning, most of us will be going into town to beef up our supplies. I want you to go in small groups of no more than three or four families. That way, those who are still here with the wagons can watch for any sign of approaching hostiles. The Indians never attack a town, but they might come after the wagon train, even though it’s close to Green River. So let’s all be alert.”
The next morning, all kept a close watch as the small groups alternated going into town.
The Hylands waited until they knew the Yoder brothers had gone and returned. Rya and McClain went in with the Keegans, the McCrums, and Betty Hilmes. When they reached Main Street, the group stopped and looked up and down the dusty thoroughfare.
“We need to go to the general store,” said Archie.
“I guess that’s where all of us are headed,” said Dorothy.
“I need to go to that boot shop up there,” McClain said, pointing with his chin. “The heel on my left boot is coming loose. Rya, do you want to go with me, or would you rather stay with the group?”
“I need to mail this letter to my parents. How about I just meet you at the general store, darling?”
“Okay,” said McClain, heading up the street. “It shouldn’t take long.”
As Rya drew near the post office, she noted a physician’s shingle hanging in front of a small white clapboard building.
I wonder if I should slip in there and talk to the doctor about my stomach pains. I could probably get it done while McClain is getting his boot fixed. I just can’t let him know how much pain I’m havi
ng.
Rya was about to move toward the doctor’s office when she saw the door open, and two men came out. One was obviously a farmer or a rancher. The other was dressed in a dark suit and tie and carried a black medical bag. The doctor hurriedly climbed into a buggy that stood at the boardwalk, and the other man mounted his horse at the nearby hitch rail. Both put their horses to a gallop and headed out of town.
Guess that takes care of that idea, Rya thought. I’ll just wait till we get to Sacramento.
Thinking of her new home brought a sweet peace to her heart, and she hurried on to the post office.
That night after supper, Brodie and Jane Hyland were standing at the tailgate of their wagon, going through the goods they had purchased in town that day. They heard footsteps approaching, and turned to see the Yoder brothers drawing up by the light of a nearby fire.
Brodie took hold of Jane’s hand as both of them gave the Yoders icy stares.
“Brodie, Jane,” said Ted, “can we talk to you?”
“About what?” snapped Brodie.
“Well, it’s about the age-old feud. It started long before the four of us were born. Colin and I have come to ask if we can’t—well, you know … just bury the hatchet.”
Brodie scowled, his features hard. “I’d like to bury the hatchet … in both of your heads! Get out of here!”
Ted and Colin looked at each other, then walked away.
At the close of the next day, Chet Place gathered the people around the fire. “Well, folks, we’re now within three days of Fort Bridger. I know that some of you weren’t able to get things you needed in Green River because the general store was a bit low on some items. If you need more supplies, there’s a well-stocked general store in Fort Bridger. I usually stop my trains for a couple days there just to let everybody get a little rest. With the army right there, we don’t have to be concerned about Indians attacking.”
When it was time to pull out the next morning, the wagon train was abuzz with excitement about the upcoming stopover at Fort Bridger.
At the Jensen wagon, Dick had harnessed the team, and was hooking them onto the doubletree when he saw Chet Place coming his way. He smiled as Chet drew up. “I know what you want, Chet. You want to borrow Blackie so McClain can ride point with you again.”
