Chapter 11
Travis rode east to find Cassie. He couldn’t believe her aunt could be so cruel. Then again, he’d seen his share of hard people in California looking for gold. Envy, jealousy, and greed hardened many a heart. A lesson he’d taken as a warning not to fall into the trap.
The sun slipped beyond the hills, signaling it was time to stop. His horse was tired, and so was he. Travis rode to a small piece of high ground, dismounted, and unsaddled the horse. Patting the big sorrel, he tied the horse to a nearby scrubby bush. Tired, he took his saddlebag and bedroll and stretched out.
In the distance, Travis saw another line of wagons on the horizon and figured he was still two or three days away from the town. After a meal of hardtack and jerky, he thought of Cassie. It was some time since he’d seen her now, but he missed her so much it hurt.
If he closed his eyes and concentrated, he could picture her angelic smile and the light in her eyes. The way she’d come alive when she saw him. But the best was remembering her in his arms as they danced under the moonlight.
Travis looked up and saw stars in between scattered clouds. “Cassie. I hope you’re looking at the stars. Soon, we’ll be together.” Travis closed his eyes and dreamed of her.
Loud crashes of thunder woke him.
Travis grabbed his slicker as a slash of lightning lit up the sky followed by a loud boom. He was in for a wet night. There was no place for shelter. Not that he’d want to be under a tree the way the lightning stabbed at the ground.
The wind swirled and changed, coming from the north and bringing colder weather. Then the heavens opened, and the rain stormed down upon him. Hard drops pelted him, and then sheets of water soaked him. All he could do was wait until morning to find the horse and ride on.
After a long, cold, and wet night of little sleep, he figured the gray skies were as light enough to get going. He stood and looked, but there was no sign of his horse. The rain had erased all the hoofprints leaving him no choice but to walk up to the next hill and look. Still no horse. Nothing.
Travis wrapped the slicker about him as more rain poured down upon him. The temperature kept falling, and he was chilled to the bone. There’d be no chance of a fire. He needed to find the horse so, he walked on driven by his desire to find Cassie.
After a time, Travis realized his best action would be to go back to the trail and find the wagons in the train behind him. His eyes burned as he looked about him, but he couldn’t tell if he was near the trail or not. He didn’t see any wagons.
Not only that, but he didn’t see any trail. In the rain and in his desire to keep moving, he’d left the trail. Finally, the rain stopped, and the wind came from the north along with a blast of colder weather.
Travis had his rifle and gun but no provisions. They’d floated away in the mini river that had washed over his camp. Tired, he set the saddle down and looked around him and saw nothing and no one.
He wrapped his slicker around him and prayed for some relief. Too cold to sleep, he thought of Cassie and the life they’d have together in Oregon. The fine horses they would raise. The children they’d have. He just hoped the sun would come out sometime today.
The dark day turned into a darker night. Travis shivered and sat down for fitful sleep. He awoke as the sun shone on him. He basked in the warmth and hoped it would heat up the day, but the wind was still cold. Today, he was going to have to find the trail.
Travis walked maybe a mile, coughed, and set his saddle down. He climbed up a small hill to look for the wagon trains. Shielding his eyes, he saw them maybe five miles to the north. How had he gotten so far off course?
He started walking and hoped he could make it to them, but his cough was getting worse. Tired and sick, Travis kept going, hoping he was going the right direction. He stopped to get his bearings, but his blurry eyes had trouble focusing.
Finally, Travis managed to see the wagons and groaned. He’d been going the wrong direction. The wagons were now to his right. He turned, walked a few steps, and fell to his knees. He was so tired and needed to rest. He stretched out and was soon sleeping.
He came to and saw that the moon had replaced the sun. How long he’d been out he didn’t know, but his eyes burned, and chills shook him. Travis struggled to rise. He wanted to go on, but he was too tired.
***
“Hey, wake up.”
Travis opened his eyes to see a stranger standing over him.
Kneeling beside him, the stranger put a blanket over him. “Thought you were dead at first. You’ve got a fever.”
Travis stared at the man while trying to come out of the fog he’d been in. Near him, there was a campfire that warmed him, and something was cooking. It smelled good and helped him awake.
The man moved to the fire and stirred a pot. “I’m Doug. I was bringing some mules to my livery. Rest a little, and we’ll start back. You need a doctor. My town doesn’t have one, but I can offer you a dry hotel and some good food.”
“Thanks. I lost my horse in the storm.” Travis put a hand to his aching head. Then he thought of Cassie. He had to find her. He struggled to sit.
“Whoa, you better lay back down. It’s too late to go on today. We’ll start out first thing tomorrow morning.”
Travis nodded and fell asleep.
***
Cassie woke and grabbed her satchel. She prayed that Dawson wasn’t waiting for her downstairs, but more than likely, he’d spent a late night in the saloon and wasn’t likely to be up early.
She ran down the stairs and into the kitchen, putting her bag by the back door.
Sam was already up and had bacon cooking. “I thought I’d help you out this morning. I’m going to miss you. But you’ll be a big help to the Russells. They’re about as green as they come.”
Cassie laughed. “I tend to agree with you, but they are very determined to get to Oregon and start a new life.”
Sam smiled at her. “I hope you find your man.”
She wiped tears from her eyes. “You take care of Ellie. She likes you.”
“Think so?” He straightened.
Cassie grinned. “Yes. When you two are in the same room, anyone can see that you belong together. And I know you’re going to make a success out of this town. We had more wagons come in last night.”
“I saw. And I’m happy because you can follow them back to the trail.”
Lila entered the diner. “Oh, it smells lovely. Thank you so much. Staying here has been a treat.”
Cassie put the plate of bacon and eggs in front of her. “It’s going to be hard to get used to being on the trail. Walking, sleeping on the ground. You sure you’re up to it?”
Frowning, Lila nodded. “I know it will be difficult, and we don’t know much about the hardships of travel. Tom can barely harness the horses. I am so relieved to have someone who can help us. But our hearts are set on getting to Oregon”
“How did you decide to go to Oregon?”
Lila held her coffee cup in her hands. “Oh, that’s a long story. To make it short, Tom’s father owned a bank. It went bankrupt, and his father died, leaving him with nothing. We left St. Louis in disgrace. Tom sold everything to get enough money for the wagon and supplies.”
“Why, Oregon?”
Lila laughed. “Pure coincidence. We were having a bad day, and a man came along and told us of a place filled with such beauty that opportunity grew on trees. We decided why not.”
Cassie poured her a cup of coffee. “Drink up, you’ll find that coffee is the one thing that will help you wake up and keep going. I hope you find everything you ever wanted. I can tell Tom is a very smart man. He’ll be needed in Oregon. You too.”
Lila blushed. “I’m afraid there isn’t much I can do. I can sew. I’m an avid reader. Nothing that is needed on the frontier.”
“Have you thought about teaching?” Cassie poured more coffee in her cup.
“No, I hadn’t.”
“I’m sure you’ll find something. Whatever town
you live in, it will need good people like you and Tom. Everything will work out.”
Lila nodded. “I hope so.”
Tom entered the diner and sat down. “I think I’ve got things packed.”
Cassie ran to get his breakfast and set the plate in front of him
Tom frowned. “One of those mules doesn’t want to get harnessed.”
Cassie poured his coffee. “I can help with that. I’ll give him a good talking to.”
Tom chuckled. “Well, I’m sure that stubborn mule needs some talking to. I tried, but he didn’t like what I had to say.”
Soon, they were finished eating, and Cassie helped Tom harness the ornery mule. She patted the stubborn beast, whispered to him, and walked him to his place in front of the wagon. Once the mule, she’d named him Irish because of his red coat and stubbornness, was buckled in the traces, Cassie nodded at Tom.
Sam hugged her. “Write to us when you can. I’d feel better if you rode in the wagon in case Dawson makes any trouble.”
Cassie nodded and climbed into the back of the wagon.
They rolled out of town without incident and were soon following the other three wagons that had stopped in town. Cassie gave Tom pointers on driving the mules. They made good time, and the other men figured they’d catch up with the wagon train by noon.
Tom had talked to one of the men, and he didn’t think it would be any trouble linking with their wagon train.
Cassie looked west and wondered how far up the trail Travis would be. Did he make it back to Watkins’s train and find out she was missing? Did he care? She hoped so. She also missed Abbie.
After driving on the muddy road, they stopped for lunch. In the distance, she could see the next wagon train maybe a mile ahead. Lila had a blanket in her arms but had a perplexed look on her face. “Mud is everywhere.”
“Then, we’ll stand around the back of the wagon.” Cassie showed them how the tailgate came down as a makeshift table.
Cassie passed out some pemmican, hardtack, and jerky. She wanted Tom and Lila to know what was in store for them. They could turn back if they wanted to, but the couple were good troopers and ate what she gave them.
After lunch, she and Lila walked alongside the wagon. Cassie tightened her shoes and suggested Lila do the same, but she said something about wanting them to look nice on her feet. They’d walked about a mile when Lila stopped and tightened her shoes.
“You were right. My feet hurt so bad that I had to tighten my boots. They still hurt, but I think that will be the way it is until we reach Oregon.” Lila attempted a laugh, but it fell short.
Cassie wondered if Lila and Tom would make it to Oregon. Yet, they seemed determined. And so was she. Travis was somewhere to the west.
Chapter 12
Travis vaguely remembered riding a horse into town. Even foggier was how he got into the room and dry clothes. He felt better. The sun streamed into the window, warming and brightening the room. He stretched and drank some water from the glass on the bedside table.
He was just about to fall back asleep when the door opened, and a woman brought him a tray. “Good, you’re awake. We were worried about you. Sam didn’t give you much of a chance of making it when he brought you up here.”
Travis nodded and quickly regretted moving as pain shot through his head. “How long have I been here?”
“Four days.” She handed him more water. “Drink up. My name is Ellie.”
“Thanks.” Slowly, he sat up.
Ellie put a pillow behind him. “Are you hungry? I’ve got some broth.”
“Yes.” Travis coughed, and his lungs hurt.
“I’ve got some honey tea I can make for that cough. I’ll get you some after you eat the broth.” She put a spoonful of broth to his lips.
Travis took it in and welcomed the warmth and sustenance. Every minute, he was becoming more aware. Finally, he took the broth from her. “I can drink it now. Thanks.”
“I’ll get that tea.”
Travis smiled, then grimaced as he was wracked with a fit of coughing.
Ellie rushed out of the room, and minutes later came back with a steaming cup. “Here you go. My special honey tea. It will help stop that cough and taste good while doing it.” She handed him the cup.
Travis breathed in the steam and the aroma of some kind of mint. After taking a sip, he grinned. “That’s sweet.”
“Guaranteed to work. My granny always made it for me whenever I had a cough.” Ellie sat in the chair by the window. “Feeling better?”
“Much better.” Travis set the empty cup down. “Where am I?”
“Doug brought you in. He found you out on the prairie. He wouldn’t have seen you, but you had the slicker on. He brought you in. You’re in a small town named Calder.”
Travis sat up. “Calder. I’m looking for a young woman. She’s supposed to be here. Cassie Taylor.”
Ellie’s face lit up. “Cassie, yes, she was here.”
“Was?”
“She left maybe five days ago with a couple in a wagon bound for Oregon. Are you the Travis she is looking for?”
He nodded, feeling sick that he’d missed her.
“Oh, she loves you. I hope you find her.” Ellie picked up the dishes and put them on the tray. “Later, I’ll bring you some dinner.”
Travis swung his legs over the side of the bed. “I’ve got to find her.”
Catching him before he could fall, Ellie helped him back in bed. “Whoa. You’re not ready to leave yet. I’m sure in a few days you can get a horse and leave. You’ll catch up to her.”
“Is she all right? She wasn’t hurt or anything.”
“She was fine. Cassie is a wonderful woman. She brought life into this town and changed it. You just ask Sam. Changed me, too.” Ellie twirled the ends of her hair. “I was a nobody, and she made me see myself as someone who mattered. Me and Sam are getting married at the end of the month when the preacher comes around.”
Travis smiled. “I’m happy for you. I do love, Cassie, and you’re right, I will find her.”
“You get some rest. I’ll wake you up for dinner. You need your strength if you plan to ride out of here.” Ellie left him and closed the door.
Travis laid back on the bed and thought of Cassie. He’d been so close but missed her. Chills made him shiver, and he pulled up the covers. He tried to think of her, but soon everything was a blur, and he slipped into a fitful sleep.
A knock woke him. Opening his eyes, he smiled at the bright sunlight streaming in through the curtains. Another knock on the door made Travis sit up. “Come in.”
A man, maybe in his thirties, entered his room. “You feeling better?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“I’m Sam Calder. Ellie said you came looking for Cassie. She talked a lot about you.”
Travis grinned and then frowned. “I can’t believe I missed her.” He swung his feet off the bed. “I need to find her.”
Sam nodded. “You will. But for now, you need to get your strength. You had a fever last night and are weak as a kitten. After a few days, then you’ll be ready to go.”
Travis wanted to stand, but Sam was right, he was too weak. He’d rest for a day or two, then he’d get himself a horse and ride after her. The one comfort he took was that she was all right. Ellie had said she was fine, and the couple in the wagon were good people. Cassie would be all right.
***
Cassie didn’t mind walking alongside the wagon with Ellie. They got along like old friends. The first wagon train they met wouldn’t take them in. The people weren’t friendly and urged them to go along ahead of them.
Today, they were waiting for the train to stop and then making a dash up the road to get ahead of them. The leader assured them that there was another train not too far ahead. They would stop for the night, and the next morning push on to find the next train.
The wagon ruts left scars in the earth that a blind man could follow. Although some wagons veered off the trail in se
arch of an easier way or fresher water. Cassie was glad Tom didn’t want to do that. She hoped that they’d find the wagons ahead of them soon.
Tom had four healthy mules, and they were fresh. She didn’t think it would take them but a day or two from what the leader said. She had no idea how far ahead her aunt and uncle’s wagon train would be.
But she would get to Oregon. To Travis. She pictured him. His smile and kind eyes. The way he looked at her and treated her with such tenderness.
“Tom and I have been married for two years.” Lila smiled at Cassie. “The first year was like a dream, and then trouble came. We’ve struggled the last year. Don’t get me wrong, I still love him as much as I did when we got married. But we’ve gone through some hard times. I’m hoping this trip and a new life in Oregon will restore our joy with one another.”
Cassie gazed at her, feeling sympathetic. “I’ve only known Travis for such a short time, but I love him with all my heart.”
“What if you don’t find him.” Lila stepped over a rock.
“I will find him again. I will.” Tears threatened. The idea had haunted Cassie, but she’d decided not to give it place in her mind.
Tom pulled the wagon to a stop. “I think we’ll stop here and give the mules a rest. The wagon train should stop soon and pull off the trail.”
Cassie tossed her head to keep her hair from her face and glanced behind them. In the far distance, she saw a lone rider on a dark horse. A chill traced up her spine, but she shook it off and faced west. That’s where Travis was. She would concentrate on him. Every day she traveled, brought her closer to him.
She went to the wagon and helped Tom with the mules. Cassie liked Murphy, the lead mule the best. He was a dark brown with light brown muzzle and knees and socks. And his eyes had light brown circles around them. Irish was the mule next to him and he seemed to have settled down.
Murphy nuzzled her.
“Ready for a little rest?” She rubbed his chin and helped Tom unharness them.
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