by Sadie Conall
He pushed aside the sheets and sat on the edge of the bed, running his hands over his face. How the hell did he get her wagon caulked, framed, and ready to go within the week? Including buying the oxen, employing a team and buying supplies. Although it had to be done, for he had to leave St Louis within seven days at the latest, otherwise he’d have to leave her behind. If he left it any later to get back to Independence, he’d risk losing his job as scout along with a place in the wagon train.
And he couldn’t do that. Nor could he let Artie down, not after all these years of planning.
He thought of his three wagons and his own team of twelve men waiting for him in Independence. Marrok hadn’t yet finished buying his own supplies, let alone sort out this girl.
He stood up and paced the room. But it could be done. He could buy his supplies at the same time as Ella and at least he’d have her wagon to transport them.
He thought of Homer. His old friend might be able be able to help, if his workload wasn’t too heavy.
Marrok moved to sit back on the bed, wondering why he’d done it. Why had he invited some strange girl to change her whole life and accompany him and Martha west?
Had it been Martha’s desperate words, shared with him just before Ella arrived home in that wedding dress? Was it because he’d felt sorry for the three of them? Or was it because he’d recognized in Jebediah and Milton the worst of men and knew that Ella didn’t have a hope in hell of winning against them.
Marrok moved to open the window above his bed, finding the small room claustrophobic. He rarely slept indoors, preferring the clean fresh smells of the night around a camp fire, to the feeling of having four walls crowding in on him.
He could hear Jasper snoring next door, for the man had his own window open to let in the cool spring night.
It struck Marrok then what a strange thing it was that he’d been sent to find one person and ended up with three. As for Ella, by inviting her to join them, for the first time in his life Marrok had allowed a woman to come between him and his plans. And everything he’d worked so hard for over the past ten years now threatened to collapse around him.
He thought suddenly of the two empty rooms he’d booked back in St Louis. One had been for Martha, the other for himself, although Willard had paid for them. But now that money was wasted, for the rooms sat empty tonight. And although Marrok was glad he’d booked them for three nights, he’d now have to negotiate extra nights while Ella’s wagon was fitted out. And his room would now go to Ella, but he didn’t care too much about that, for he’d be more than comfortable bunking down in Homer’s livery. He hoped Jasper didn’t mind joining him.
Meanwhile his own deadlines loomed, waiting for him in Independence, so instead of wasting time on sleeping, Marrok sat by the open window and began to make plans.
St Louis, Missouri
April 1846
1
They reached the crest of a slight rise and in the gathering dusk saw St Louis way in the distance, a towering place of wooden buildings. Wharves had been built some six miles below the town on the Mississippi River and Ella could see more than a dozen steamboats and paddle-streamers lying at berth there. And close by, either at anchor or pulled up onto the banks, lay dozens of pirogues, keelboats, flatboats and canoes.
To the east of St Louis lay open fields and woodlands, although Marrok remembered those woodlands as dense forest when he first came here all those years ago. But over the decades the trees had been felled to expand St Louis, including building more wharves to cope with the big boats now coming upriver daily. And what little remained of those forests was diminishing by the day, as settlers felled trees to use as firewood. And the evidence lay in the fields below, with the hundreds of small camp fires flickering in the gloom.
Ella had not expected to see so many settlers, yet the smells from their wood fires and cooking mingled with animal and human waste and unwashed bodies. And above it all lay the sooty smoke from two more paddle steamers coming into berth just below the town.
“Lord Almighty!” Martha said, looking down on the massive camp from the back of the wagon where she sat upon her mattress. “Why, there must be hundreds of people camped down there! Whatever are they waiting for?”
Marrok reined in his horse as Jasper brought the wagon to a stop, giving Billy and Bear a rest before their final run into town.
“They’re settlers, Martha. All aiming to head west. And waiting on supplies, or for wagons to be fitted out, or for boats to take them up the Missouri River to Independence or St Joseph.”
Marrok dismounted to look down on the camp, yet he was shocked by the numbers of people who had arrived here in the past two days. He reckoned there might be more people camped in that field below than all the folk he’d taken west by wagon train over the past three years. And he was suddenly reminded of a conversation he’d had with the captain of the steamboat which had brought him down from Independence last week.
“Four paddle-steamers came up from New Orleans yesterday with more than four hundred German immigrants aboard, with hardly a word of English between them,” the captain had said, as dismayed as everyone else at the speed with which this territory was expanding. “And there were another four ships behind them, full of people coming to settle in the west where they can buy up land for $1 an acre.”
And like everyone else, Marrok knew they would keep coming until the American government closed its western borders. Although there was little chance of that happening anytime soon.
“Let’s get moving,” he said and mounted his horse, kicking him on down the slope as the wagon followed behind him, lurching over the potholes towards St Louis. And as they passed more settlers, Marrok pointed out the disassembled wagons waiting to be carried aboard a steamboat, piece by piece, to travel upriver to either St Joseph or Independence where they’d be reassembled.
He wished Ella had the money to afford such luxury, for that journey would take just six days. But that expense was beyond her. She had no choice but walk her oxen and wagon to Independence, a distance of several hundred miles, which would take at least another two weeks. Although Marrok was hoping to persuade Martha to take passage on a boat and go upriver to Independence by herself, to meet her son.
He glanced across at Ella who was sitting beside Jasper on the buckboard and knew he’d have to do that slower journey with her. A black man with the use of one good hand and a young woman would be easy prey for the rogues and villains prowling around this territory these days.
Marrok went to turn away, but the glow of twilight was suddenly behind her and in that moment, Ella seemed framed by fire. The sight of her in that light unnerved Marrok, more so because he knew he was drawn to her, even if he wasn’t yet sure why. For he wasn’t a man who paid much attention to women, unless they were offering something he wanted.
“Look at the animals in the corrals over there!” Jasper exclaimed, pointing to the vast wooden pens which were holding hundreds of cattle, horses, donkeys, mules and oxen, all waiting to go west with their owners.
“Are we setting up camp down there?” Martha asked.
Marrok heard the fatigue and dismay in her voice and shook his head before nodding towards town. “I’ve rented two rooms in a boarding house for you and Ella. Jasper and I can sleep in a friend’s livery and keep an eye on the horses and wagon,” he glanced back at Jasper. “You happy with that?”
“Yessir,” Jasper said, smiling. “I don’t mind where I sleep just so long as its dry.”
“Come on then, let’s get moving. I’d like to get you all indoors before full dark and get these horses brushed down and watered.”
They passed more settlers camps and heard the different languages, the laughter, women scolding tired children and men loudly discussing something in a language that came from eastern Europe. On the far side of camp someone was playing a fiddle and way to the northern side of the camp, came the muted sound of a harmonica. It made Ella think of her father.
2<
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They pulled up outside a livery on the far side of town and a man in his mid-thirties stepped out of a log cabin next door. He laughed when he saw Marrok.
“Glad to see you, old friend! I was getting a big worried about you! I thought you’d be here yesterday!” he called, hurrying across to the wagon although he looked up in surprise at Jasper and Ella sitting on the buckboard. “No wonder you’re a day late! Looks like you got more than you bargained for!”
Marrok dismounted and turned to introduce everyone before turning back to the stocky built man standing beside him. “Homer Axton, a man I consider my brother and the man I’m hoping can sort out your wagon, Ella.”
Homer shook his head. “Not sure I like the sound of that,” before he reached out and hugged Marrok. “It’s good to see you back safe and sound, for we’ve got some real ruffians around town these days. And you’re lucky you booked those two rooms when you did because you wouldn’t get them now. The town’s filled to the rafters, even worse than last year,” he glanced up at Jasper and Ella, then turned back to Marrok. “Looks like you might need my loft. I’ll charge you the usual.”
“You know I’d be grateful for it.” Marrok said then nodded towards Ella. “Miss Torray and Jasper have both decided to join Martha’s family and go west.”
“In that wagon?” Homer asked, curious.
Marrok nodded. “But we need it caulked and framed. As soon as possible. I know your brother is booked ahead for weeks but we’ll pay him extra, for you know the deadlines I’ve got waiting for me in Independence.”
“Old friend, you ask too much! Did you not see the number of settlers camped on the outskirts of town? Every one of them wants the same thing and every blacksmith in St Louis is working around the clock to get folks up to St Joseph or Independence by end of May. There aren’t enough hours in the day to get it all done. I already heard talk that some folks will be leaving later this year. But it can’t be helped. Can only hope they get across the Rockies come winter, is all.” He scratched his beard and shook his head. “But we owe you more than we can ever repay so I’ll talk to Melvin tomorrow and see what we can do.”
“I’d appreciate it,” Marrok said, as Ella and Jasper climbed down off the buckboard.
Homer walked around the wagon, helping Martha climb down before he pushed aside belongings to test the strength of the wagon floor, banging hard on the sides before bending down to push and pull on the wheels.
“Well, it looks to be in pretty good shape. From the look of it I reckon it’s been under cover most of its life.” He kicked the wheels with the toe of his boot. “And someone’s been keeping the wheels and axles oiled. Can’t do more than that.”
“Yessir, that would be me,” Jasper said. “Me and Mr Quentin always put this wagon in the barn at night. Looked after it like a baby.”
Homer nodded. “Well, it shows. You got a good wagon here. Some folk go to the trouble and expense of strengthening the wheels with iron, but I don’t think it makes much difference. Not with a good wagon like this. Besides, the extra weight only makes it harder for your animals to pull.”
He nodded towards Billy and Bear, still in their harnesses. “You need at least four more of them. Unless you want to sell them to me and buy oxen. Aramis Stent’s got the best damn oxen in the territory. And you know it better than anyone Marrok, but make sure you get six of them. Some folk can only afford to buy four, but it ain’t enough. Oxen like to work in pairs so if one gets sick or dies off, it’s partner ain’t happy. And it’s always better to have two spares. Tell Stent I sent you and he’ll do you a good deal.” He moved to unlock the big double doors of the livery before turning back towards the wagon and horses, his hands gentle as he petted Bear.
“This here is an old fella. Not sure if I can give you a good price for him. And this other one’s been badly used. You won’t get much for them to be honest, not enough to buy oxen, so I reckon you should keep them. They’ll both handle the long walk across country well enough, as long as there’s enough feed and water out there. Although I heard there was a big buffalo run just inside Indian country last month. Some boys from Independence rode up and shot several hundred of the beasts before scattering the rest. Can’t have those big buffalo herds eating the prairie grass before the wagon trains get through. If there’s no feed, there’s no chance of your animals making it. Anyways, best get these horses inside so I can tend them. And there’s enough fresh straw in the loft for you to be comfy. Along with your ranch hand.”
He pulled Bear’s bridle and the horses followed him into the livery which was dark and hot and smelt of straw and animals. There were ten stalls, each one already occupied by a horse. A buggy sat up against a far wall and two wagons were at the rear of the building.
Jasper helped unharness Billy and Bear while Marrok removed the saddle and blanket off his own horse. Then Homer turned to Ella.
“You want to unpack the wagon now? Or wait till morning? By the time I get Melvin around here in the morning to look at it, it’ll be after 7am, so we can unpack it then. And I reckon he’ll do a good deal for you on white canvas for he’s just brought a boatload of it up from New Orleans, already waterproofed with linseed oil. And what he don’t use this year, he’ll use next year. Anyways, if we leave the wagon ‘till morning it’ll be safe enough in here.” He turned to Marrok and Jasper then nodded towards a side door. “I’ll lock these big doors behind me, but if you go out later, just bolt that door behind you.”
Marrok nodded. “Best we unpack the wagon in the morning. But if I can leave you and Jasper to tend the horses, I’ll get the women settled in their rooms before it gets too late.” He turned to Jasper. “You okay with that?”
Jasper nodded. “Yessir, I’ll be just fine. I’m happy tendin’ Bear and Billy.”
Homer nodded. “Well, I can get my wife to bring you a plate of beans and rice for supper along with some biscuits and hot coffee. There won’t be no charge for the food.”
While Jasper tended to the horses and left Ella and Martha to get their bags, Homer pulled Marrok aside. “If you’re planning on crossing the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers on one of the steamboats in the next week, get your name down on a list as soon as you can Marrok. Otherwise be prepared to pull some fancy strings, because I heard every boat was booked solid taking passengers upriver for a good two weeks or more. This boom on immigrants heading west is good business for men like me and my brother, but I guess you got to feel sorry for those folks who get left behind.”
Marrok nodded. “I appreciate the advice, but Ella’s finances won’t stretch that far. So it’ll be a flatboat for us, then a long walk to Independence.”
Homer nodded. “One more thing then old friend. Someone rode in yesterday and said its chaos over in Independence, for it’s got even busier in the nine days since you’ve been gone. Some smaller operators have moved in selling places on their wagon trains, so I reckon you’ll see plenty of smaller outfits heading out west after yours. Although I heard some folks over in St Joseph got impatient waiting on companies to get up and go, so they set off alone,” he shook his head, even as he saw the surprise on Marrok’s face.
“They don’t understand they got to let the prairie grass grow. And you know what it’s like out there. I don’t fancy their chances myself, but some folks just don’t think right. And you might hear talk of a high and mighty St Louis politician on a crusade to try and stop these big boats bringing all these settlers upriver, but I reckon he should be careful what he’s preaching. He’s just as likely to get his head blown off by such talk. There’s too much money floating around these days off the back of those settlers and once spring and early summer is done and everyone’s gone, things will quieten down for a little while before they all start coming again.”
He stepped back as Martha and Ella came towards them with their bags.
“Anyway, enough said. Best get the women settled for there’s enough freebooters and thieves around these days. Doesn’t pay to be carr
ying bags and the like around at this hour of the night. I’ll get my wife onto those beans and rice for you and Jasper.”
*
They passed saloon bars and bowling lanes, pool halls and upmarket French restaurants and the cheaper American eating houses, all of them packed, the laughter and shouts echoing out into the night.
Marrok walked ahead with Martha, carrying the heavier of the women’s bags while Ella trailed behind, glancing in the windows of restaurants and stores.
She envied the women who passed them by wearing fancy clothes, or those who sat in flash restaurants wearing jewellery and dresses of silk and brocade, for her parents had never had the money for such luxuries, nor had the two young men who courted her.
“Oh do stop dragging your feet Ella,” Martha scolded, turning around to hurry her along. “I’m bone tired and aching for a warm bed.”
Marrok glanced back to see what had caused Martha’s ill temper and saw the wistful look on Ella’s face as she stepped away from a window of one of the more expensive French restaurants. He found her curiosity intriguing, but said nothing.
They ended up on the other side of town, where a three-storey boarding house stood wedged between a general store and a barber shop. The stores were both closed, although light poured from the windows of the boarding house. Marrok knocked on the door and a stout woman in her fifties answered it. She glanced at the two women in bewilderment before looking at Marrok.
“I had your rooms ready yesterday, but you never showed. Let me tell you young man, I could have rented them out for ten times what you paid for them but I didn’t because I’m an honest woman and I run my business that way.” She nodded towards Martha and Ella.
“I understood one of the rooms was for your own use so unless you’ve got a wife here, you’re sleeping somewhere else, for I won’t have no hanky-panky in my house. I’ve got a good decent name in this town and if you want that sort of carry on, you’ll find a room to rent above one of the saloons.”
