“Katie, I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Mama pulled the iron skillet out of storage under the back of the wagon and carried it to the blazing fire. “I’m not much good at building fires.”
Katie smiled at her mother. “In that case, I’ll build the fires, and you can cook. You’re much better at cooking than I am.”
Mama poured cornbread batter in the skillet. “You wouldn’t be flattering me so I’ll agree to that, would you?”
“Of course not.” Katie laughed. “Well, maybe a little, except it’s the truth, too.”
“Just a few more days and we should be at the Kansas River.” Mama sighed. “I feel as if I’ve already been traveling a year.”
Until then, Katie hadn’t seen the signs of fatigue that shouldn’t have been on Mama’s face. The only thing she could do was take as much of the load on herself as possible. “Mama, why don’t you go sit down? I can finish this.”
Mama looked at Katie. “What happened to me doing all the cooking?”
“You know I was only joking. I can do this.” Katie took the skillet from her mother, adjusted the lid on it, and set it over some hot coals she had scraped to the side earlier. Satisfied it sat level and the cornbread would bake, she stepped back.
Mama watched her. “We’ll be crossing the river, you know.”
Katie looked up at the strain in her mother’s voice. It wasn’t like her to worry about anything.
“Your dad said there will be a ferry to take us across and the animals will have to swim.”
Katie smiled. “Good. I sure don’t want to swim.”
The hint of a smile touched Mama’s lips. “No, I would think not.”
~*~
Sometime during the night, another rain began and continued without stopping until the day before they were to cross the Kansas River. Katie had never realized how miserable a gentle rain could make her life until then. So many chores had to be done outside, and the damp bedding needed to be aired.
Her spirits lifted the morning she stepped out of the wagon into sunshine streaming out from behind rapidly disappearing clouds. Maybe now they could dry out. As soon as they stopped for the night, she pulled the straw mattresses and the bedding out and laid them on a bush to air. Then, as had become her job, she started a fire for cooking.
Restlessness stirred within Katie. They’d been on the trail a week already in a company of well over two hundred people, and she’d met about as many people as she could count on one hand. The rain was mostly to blame for that. Not that knowing why made her feel any better. With all the work to be done, there was almost no time for socializing. After a full day of travel they were so exhausted by evening when they finally sat down to eat no one felt like visiting with a neighbor.
She selected some potatoes and a knife then glanced toward the camp next to theirs. It would be nice to encourage a friendship with Rachel, but if the week she’d just gone through was any indication of what the rest of the journey would be like, she’d spend the next six months with no one but Suzy for company.
“Hi.”
Katie almost dropped her paring knife as she looked into Rachel’s smiling face. She gripped the half-peeled potato in her other hand. “I didn’t hear anyone coming. Sit down.”
Rachel laughed.
Katie groaned. “I’m sorry. I guess we don’t have a parlor here, do we?”
“Don’t worry, Katie. I can’t stay long anyway, and I’ve been sitting in the wagon for days what with all this rain. I just wanted to come over and speak to you. Maybe we can walk together again once we’re across the Kansas River if the weather clears.”
“I’m certainly ready for the rain to stop.”
“Me, too.” Rachel smiled. “I’ll see you later. The rain won’t last forever. Let’s take a walk tonight before dinner. Can you get away?”
“I’ll make sure I do.”
Katie’s mood lifted from the brief contact with Rachel. That’s all she needed. Friends who could help her forget the drudgery on this journey. Before long, they started across the rough ground laughing and talking. “Thanks for suggesting this walk, Rachel. I needed to get away without Suzy.”
At Rachel’s quick glance, she amended her comment. “I don’t mean anything against my little sister. I love her dearly, but it’s nice to be with someone my own age after being cooped up with a five-year-old for so long.”
“I understand.” Rachel smiled. “I’ve been around my little brother long enough the last few days. Do you want to take a look at the river?”
Katie shuddered, but shrugged off her fear of the water. “We might as well. We’ll be crossing it tomorrow.”
~*~
That evening as her family sat on the ground or leaned against the wagon eating rabbit stew, Katie felt more optimistic and content than she had thought possible.
Katie’s younger brother, Karl, wolfed down his stew. He spoke around his last bite. “Tommy and me are going to swim the cows across the river tomorrow.”
Mama’s head jerked up, and her mending dropped into her lap while her brows drew together. “You’ll do no such thing, Karl. It’s too dangerous.”
“Sure, we are, Mama.” Karl puffed out his chest. “How do you think those cows will get across? We got to go with ‘em so’s they won’t go off downstream.”
“No,” Mary shook her head. “You’re too young.”
“Mama!” The freckles on Karl’s face stood out in the firelight. “I ain’t too young. I’m twelve, almost thirteen.”
“Karl, you aren’t going in that river and that’s final.”
Katie had rarely heard her mother raise her voice to any of her children. She shrank from the sound and watched an angry flush cross Karl’s face. He started to speak again, but their dad stopped him.
“That’s enough, son. You’ll obey your mother without another word.” His voice softened then. “There’ll be enough danger and excitement on the ferry.”
Karl gave his father a long stare, his green eyes snapping. Then he swung on his heel and stomped away into the grayness of the evening. Mama started to call after him, but Dad stopped her. “Let him be, Mary. He’ll be all right. He’s got to learn to take no for an answer.”
Katie watched the confrontation with her little brother in silence. Sounds of rushing water told her how close the river was. The spring rains that had made the past several days a trial for the wagon train had filled the river to overflowing.
When she and Rachel walked earlier, they’d gotten within sight of the water. The churning, rushing river frightened her. Why anyone would want to ride a horse into such a turbulent river was more than she could understand. But Karl was young and probably didn’t understand the dangers involved. This entire journey was nothing more than an exciting adventure to him.
~*~
“Tomorrow won’t be easy.”
Jason looked up at Pa Taylor’s comment. “No, I don’t imagine it will. I’ve been wondering what I might do. I mean where I’d be of the most use.”
“The wagons will ride the ferry, so I plan to handle ours.” The older man looked out across the company, some still eating, others settling for the night. In the middle of the long ring of white-topped wagons, horses, oxen, and cattle milled about, grazing. He nodded toward them. “There’s the big job, right there.”
Jason followed his gaze. The animals would have to swim across. He’d seen the river and didn’t like the thought. The spring rains they’d been putting up with weren’t finished with them yet. Now instead of falling from the sky, soaking them and their bedding, the rushing water in the river would be an obstacle on their journey.
He nodded. “I’d offer my services, but I’d need a horse.”
“Jason.” The young voice demanded attention as Karl Donovan ran into their camp. “Hey, Jason, what’re you gonna do tomorrow?”
The boy’s face was flushed as if he’d run a lap around the wagons. Jason chuckled. “Pa Taylor and I were just discussing that. I’m not
sure what I can do, but I plan to help where there’s need. It’ll be a big day.”
“Yeah.” Karl plopped to the ground and crossed his arms over his bent knees. “Mama won’t let me help take the cattle across.”
Jason shared a smile with Pa Taylor. “Don’t you think you’re a little young to be doing a job like that?”
The boy’s dark red eyebrows drew together. “That’s what she said, and Dad agreed with her. Told me I have to ride in the wagon on the ferry with the girls.”
“Give it time, Karl.” Jason remembered the frustration of being too young. “You’ll grow up soon enough. Enjoy the life God’s given you now.”
Karl’s shoulders rose and fell with his sigh. “I guess.”
He looked out at the moving mass of animals for a moment then straightened. “Hey, I know. Why don’t you go in my place? You’re old enough.”
Jason grinned. “Yeah, I’m old enough, but I don’t have a horse, Karl. A fellow swimming in that river wouldn’t be much use. Probably wouldn’t even make it across.”
“No, I mean really take my place. I have a horse.” Karl’s face split into a huge grin. “You can ride Star.”
A stirring of excitement brought Jason’s head up as he looked into Karl’s face. Maybe he could. If Mr. Donovan didn’t mind. “Are you sure no one else will need your horse?”
“Who else is there? Katie’s a girl and Tommy’ll ride Midnight.” Karl jumped to his feet. “Come on, let’s go ask Dad. If you want to, I mean.”
Jason turned to Pa Taylor. “What do you think?”
The older man rubbed his chin. “Won’t be easy in that river. You’re young and strong, and it’s a needed job, but I’d sure hate it if you got hurt. Still, I see the eager light in your eyes. I guess it’s your call.”
“Thanks, Pa.” Jason clapped a hand on Pa Taylor’s shoulder. “I’ll see what Mr. Donovan says and go from there. I promise to be careful.”
Jason draped an arm around Karl’s shoulders as they left.
~*~
Katie looked up when Karl swaggered back into camp with a big grin on his face. She shifted her gaze to his side where Mr. Barnett stood. She set her empty bowl aside as her stomach took an unexpected flip.
“Mama, can Jason have some supper? He wants to talk to Dad.”
Katie covered her mouth to keep from laughing at Mr. Barnett’s obvious discomfort at Karl’s question. A flush crept up his neck where his shirt lay open.
“Mrs. Donovan, please, I had no intention of barging in on you folks right when you’re eating. I’ve already—”
“Nonsense.” Mama ladled stew into two bowls and handed one to him and the other to Karl. “You’re completely welcome. Go on over with the men folk and eat until you’re full. There’s plenty. Tommy got us some rabbits for stew.”
Karl didn’t wait for Jason, but sat on the ground in front of Dad and Tommy to eat his second bowl of stew that night. He didn’t act as if he’d only minutes before left in a huff. He leaned toward Dad. “Jason wants to ride Star in the river tomorrow instead of me.”
Tommy laughed and tousled Karl’s red hair. “Reckon he thinks you’re not big enough to carry him across?”
Karl jerked away. “That ain’t what I meant, and you know it.”
“Mr. Donovan, maybe I’d better explain.” Jason settled on the ground beside Karl. “I work for Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and usually drive their wagon. I’ve talked to Mr. Taylor. With the river out of its banks the way it is, there will be a need for men on horseback guiding the livestock across. He wants to drive his own wagon so that leaves me free. Except, I don’t have a horse.”
Dad nodded. “Sounds like a good plan to me. Star doesn’t have a rider. It might as well be you as another.”
“Thank you, sir. I really appreciate this.”
Dad looked at Jason. “You may not be thanking me after tomorrow. That won’t be any picnic out there.”
He jerked his head toward his oldest son. “Tommy will be riding Midnight. Both of you just remember to keep your heads about you. After all this rain there’s bound to be whirlpools and rapids that’ll suck you under before you know what’s hit you.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll remember.”
Jason visited a short while before leaving. As he rose to go, he turned to Mama. “Mrs. Donovan, thank you for a delicious meal.”
She smiled. “You’re welcome. I hope you’ll join us again soon.”
“Can I go show Star to Jason?” Karl pushed in beside him.
“Might be a good idea.” Dad nodded. “Get acquainted with her before you get in the water.”
Katie followed Jason’s every move as he told her parents good-bye and left with Karl, but he never spared her a glance. She’d been so sure he was married, but now she didn’t think so. He said he worked for Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. Probably as a hired hand. One thing about Jason really rankled, though. Most young, unmarried men noticed her, some even going out of their way to attract her attention. Jason seemed more interested in Karl.
Tommy stood. “Guess I’ll head out for a while, too.”
Mama watched Tommy walk away whistling. A frown creased lines between her eyes. “He must have a girl. Do you know, Katie?”
“Oh, don’t worry, Mama. I saw him talking to a dainty, little thing with long, blond curls today. Amanda’s her name. From what I saw, she’s so silly. I don’t see how he could get serious about her.”
Chapter 5
Katie braced herself as the wagon bounced aboard the ferry. Rachel sat beside her while Daniel guided the oxen. Susanna snuggled close when she was thrown against Katie.
“I’m glad you decided to ride with us.” Rachel smoothed her skirt over her bent knees. “Crossing the river is a little scary, isn’t it?”
“More than a little.” From her position behind the seat, Katie peered out at what she could see of the overcast sky and the river lapping against the ferry.
“I know, but we’ll be all right. Daniel’s a good driver. As soon as they get us secured, we only have to hang on while we float across.”
“Where’s Mama?” Susanna’s small voice trembled.
Katie patted her arm. “You’re fine. Mama, Dad, and Karl went on ahead of us. We can’t see them right now, but they’re already across the river. We’ll be with them soon.”
Susanna’s lower lip stuck out, but only her large, blue eyes showed her fear.
Katie agreed with her. If she had her way, she’d be hiding under the covers until they arrived safely on the opposite bank.
Rachel leaned forward and looked out. “There are still some cattle in the water. I don’t see Tommy or Jason. Weren’t they going to ride your horses across with your cows?”
“Yes, but they went earlier, too. Maybe they’re already across.” Katie shivered. “I hope so.”
She wrapped her hands around her upper arms and rubbed, trying to warm herself as an unreasonable fear seemed to grip her soul. This was their first big crossing. That had to be the reason she felt so uneasy. Maybe she and Susannah should have ridden with their parents. When Rachel asked her to ride with her and Daniel, she’d thought it sounded like fun. But it wasn’t. Not much on this journey had been, and they’d scarcely gotten started on the long trail to Oregon.
Another jolt and the ferry reached the bank. Katie held Susanna close as Daniel shook the reins and called for the oxen to move out. “Get on there. Haw!”
With a jerk and shudder, the wagon creaked and bumped its way off the ferry.
“Where’s my mama?” Susanna scowled at Katie. “I want my mama.”
“I should’ve left you with her.” Katie sniffed as the wagon came to a halt. “Come on, we’ll go find Mama right away.”
Rachel climbed from the wagon first. “There’s a crowd gathering down by the bank. Maybe your folks are with them. I wonder what’s going on.”
Katie crawled out and helped Susanna down. She looked where Rachel pointed. Everyone seemed to be standing in a circle several yards
downstream from where they were. She clasped her hands together and shivered from the breeze blowing off the river. Or from nerves. She wasn’t sure which. “I hope nothing’s happened. Maybe we should go see.”
Katie took one of Susanna’s hands while Rachel took the other, and they headed toward the group. Without warning the crowd parted, and Katie’s parents appeared. Dad had his arm around Mama as if he were supporting her. Her head was bowed, and she stumbled.
Katie’s heart wrenched within. “She’s crying. Rachel, something’s wrong.”
Her feet wouldn’t move. Rachel stopped, too, and looked back at her. Susanna looked up at Katie. Tears swam in her eyes. She jerked away. “I want my mama.”
When Susanna’s hand slipped from hers, Katie barely felt it. She watched through a haze as her little sister ran to their parents. Where was Tommy? And Karl? Maybe it was someone else. Even as the thought ran through her mind, she knew it was selfish, but she didn’t care. She had to know. To quiet this fear that one of her brothers was hurt.
She broke into a run. Dad reached for her. “No, Katie, don’t go there.”
She avoided his hand and pushed her way through those still standing in loose groups whispering or silent. Jason looked up from where he knelt on the ground. He stood and grabbed her shoulders. “No, Katie. I’m sorry.”
She struggled against his restraining hands as she saw her little brother lying on the ground.
“Karl.”
She called, but he didn’t move. “Let me go, Jason. He’s hurt. He needs help.”
“He’s gone, Katie.” His voice choked. “Karl’s gone.”
“No-o-o.” The word became a wail. She jerked from Jason, but her father caught her.
“It’s too late, Katie. There’s nothing we can do now.” His strong arms imprisoned her with a gentle hug. “He wanted to help with the cows. I couldn’t stop him. He jumped from the ferry when Calamity got caught in a whirlpool.”
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