Cassie's Surprise

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  Tom pointed to a lush patch of grass. “I figure they can have a snack, too.”

  “They’ve done well.” She checked the other mules and felt their legs. “They all seem to be in good shape. I’m glad you didn’t carry a lot of heavy furniture. That will make a big difference.”

  Tom laughed. “We didn’t have any furniture. So, we’re traveling light.”

  “From what I’ve heard, everyone will be traveling light by the end of the trail.” Cassie led Murphy to the patch of grass and hobbled him.

  She turned to Tom. “Be sure to hobble them. On the trail with the wagon train, men watch the stock, and we won’t have to. But for now, we sure don’t want to be left on foot.”

  Tom frowned. “I’m glad you’re here to help. I’ve never handled horses before. This has all been a learning experience for Lila and me.” He looked back. “She’s making us a snack. Pemmican whatever that is.”

  Cassie laughed. “It’s good. Different but very healthy to eat. Early trappers got the recipe from the Indians.”

  After eating lunch, Cassie put things back in the wagon and suggested they rest. The ground was still wet from all the rain, and she didn’t want to get the wagon stuck if they got off the trail.

  She sat on the back of the wagon and thought about Travis. Cassie enjoyed thinking about the look she’d see on Aunt Ethel’s face when she showed up, and Travis saw her. She reached for her neck where her locket used to be, and sadness pricked her heart.

  How could Annette have stolen the only thing Cassie had to remind her of her parents? Cassie was sure it was Annette who had taken it. Her cousin had always admired it and frequently asked to wear it.

  Cassie had done everything she knew to do to fit in with her aunt and uncle, but her cousins resented her from the first day. Aunt Ethel always took the girls’ side even when Annette forcibly tried to get Cassie in trouble.

  When Cassie saw them again, she would retrieve her locket and never acknowledge them as a part of her family again. She didn’t need them. She had Travis.

  Chapter 13

  Travis got out of bed, found his clothes, and dressed. He had to leave. Cassie needed to know he loved her. Still shaky, he left his room and walked down the stairs. He glanced at the clock over the hotel counter and frowned. It was already ten o’clock.

  He’d wanted to get an early start, but that was out. He needed to eat breakfast and then figure out how he could buy a horse. Hungry, he went inside the diner and sat at a table. He dug in his pocket and figured he might have enough for breakfast and a horse.

  Sam came from the kitchen and grinned. “I see you’re up. You’re looking much better.”

  Travis set his hat on the chair next to him. “I’m going to leave today. Does the livery have any horses?”

  “I think so. But first, you need a hearty breakfast. On the house, courtesy of all the hard work Cassie did to turn this town around.” Sam poured coffee in Travis’s cup. “I’ll be back with the eggs and bacon and biscuits.”

  Travis was proud of Cassie. She’d apparently done a good job here in Calder. When Sam brought him a plate of food, Travis made quick work of it. “Really good, Sam. Thanks for taking care of me. How much do I owe you?” The little money he had wasn’t going to be enough, but he wanted to pay his debts.

  Sam grinned. “Think nothing of it.” He pulled up a chair and sat down. “Cassie gave me my life back. All of us here in this town. I want to do all I can to make her happy, and helping you find her is the best thing.”

  “Thanks.” Travis sipped the last of his coffee. “I better see if I can buy a horse. Thanks, Sam.”

  Raising his coffee cup, Sam nodded. “Happy to help. Tell Cassie hello when you see her. Take good care of her, Travis.”

  Travis raised a hand. “I can promise you that. You don’t have to worry.” He left the diner and went down the street to the livery.

  Doug saw him coming and waved. “I’m glad to see you up and around. I wasn’t sure if I wasn’t bringing back a dead man. Looks like Ellie and Sam took good care of you.”

  “That they did. I’m ready to go now and need a horse. I have about forty dollars and need to see if you have one that might make it to Oregon.” Travis went to the corral and looked at the horses.

  Doug nodded. “I have just the one for you. Follow me.” He went inside the barn and to a stall in the back. “I got this one the other day. He’s a find horse. Strong, young, and ready to take you to your girl and on to Oregon.”

  Travis smiled. “I guess everyone knows about me and Cassie.”

  “You talked about her when you were out of your head with the fever. The horse is yours for ten dollars to cover the cost of the saddle. It’s the least I can do for Cassie.”

  “She sure made an impact on this town.”

  Doug laughed. “She got here, and Calder was nothing but dust and a few buildings. Yes, sir, Cassie got us all moving and made a living town out of us. I hope you take good care of that little gal.”

  “You can count on it.” Travis took the horse out of the barn and saddled him. “This is a fine horse. You sure you don’t want me to pay? I can send some money after we get settled in Oregon.”

  Doug shook his head. “No, I want you to spend it on Cassie. Without her, we’d have all died like bums.”

  Travis thanked him again and mounted the dark gelding and rode down the street.

  Sam came out and stopped him. “Watch out for a man named Dawson. He’s supposed to join a wagon train as a scout, but he’s a mean man. Good with a gun. And I’m afraid he had his eye on Cassie. Watch for him. You won’t miss him. Black hat, jacket, and white handle pistol. Not to mention a nasty scowl.”

  “I’ll watch for him.” Travis tipped his hat and rode to the store. After getting some supplies of hardtack, jerky, and pemmican, and buying a canteen, he rode west, setting his sights on finding Cassie.

  ***

  Cassie grinned as Tom snapped the whip, and the mules ran, passing the wagons. Soon, they’d finally be passed this train and then closer to Travis. The leader of the wagon train had told them there was a wait to cross a river.

  She only hoped that Travis would stop at Fort Laramie and get the letter she’d sent for him. “Wait for me, Travis.”

  Lila patted her hand. “He will. We’re getting closer.”

  “I just miss him. Even if I’m not quite sure what I’ll find when I do catch up to him.” Cassie sighed.

  “If he’s half the man you say he his, he’ll grab you in his arms and hold you tight. I can see it in your eyes how much you love him.”

  Finally, they reached the first wagon and the wagon master. He was a tall man, thin and wiry with striking blue eyes. He nodded at them. “I’m Zack Sanders, leader of this train. My scout just returned and told me there are troubles ahead. Heavy rains washed away the ferry. I told you that you couldn’t join my group, but I don’t mind if you camp with us while we wait for a new ferry to be built.”

  Tom nodded. “Is there any other way to get across the river?”

  He shook his head. “No, a few have tried. You can drive upriver, but it’s running fast. I’d hate to see you try and not make it. I recommend you wait here with us.” Zak looked north. “More clouds are coming, and I’m afraid there will be more rain. I’m taking my wagons south and east where the ground is higher. I recommend you come with me.”

  Tom looked at Lila. “What do you think?”

  Lila took his hand in hers. “I trust him. He knows what he’s doing.”

  Cassie nodded. “I agree. Better to wait until it’s safe than lose the wagon and mules or worse.”

  “All right, Mr. Sanders. We’ll follow along with you.” He pointed at a man on a dark horse. “Follow Dawson. He’ll take you to the grounds.”

  Cassie stiffened and looked. It was him. The man from Calder.

  Dawson grinned in a leering way but didn’t say a word. He kicked his horse and rode out at a gallop.

  Lila grabbed Cassie�
�s arm. “Wasn’t he in Calder? A rather rude man.”

  Cassie nodded. “Let’s wait until the other wagons are going. I don’t want to be there alone with Dawson. He’s a dangerous man.”

  Tom stepped down and checked the wheels. He looked up at them and nodded. “I’ll make sure the wagon is ready to go up that trail. It looks rough.” He pulled the grease pail out and greased the wheels.

  By the time Tom finished with the wheels, Sanders was rousing his wagons and calling them to go to the higher ground. Some of the people fussed, but as the angry clouds drew closer, the travelers got ready to move.

  Tom drove the wagon in line after the first three wagons followed Dawson. The wind switched and now came out of the north and brought with it colder temperatures.

  Lila shivered. “I’m going to have to get my shawl.”

  Cassie agreed.

  After an hour, they reached the high ground and selected a place high on the hill next to Sander’s wagon. Tom stopped the mules. “I hope this is a good place to stay. I sure don’t like the look of those clouds.” He looked at Lila and Cassie. “We better make room in the wagon to stay tonight. I hope you don’t mind, Cassie.”

  “I don’t see that we have a choice. I’m thankful for a warm, dry place for the night.” Cassie rubbed her arms.

  Tom began to unharness the mules. “Should I put the shackles on them?”

  Cassie looked at Sander’s wagon. “Ask Sanders. I’m not sure.”

  Tom went to the leader’s wagon.

  Cassie went in the back of the wagon and began moving things so they’d have room to sleep. She pulled the cord to close the canvas on the back.

  A hand reached in and grabbed her arm. “I thought I might see you again.”

  “Dawson. Let me go.” Cassie yanked her arm from him. “Get away from us.”

  He grinned. “I like you, Cassie.”

  She slapped his hand and moved away.

  Lila came inside the wagon with the rifle. She cocked it. “Leave us be Mr. Dawson. I have a rifle.”

  Dawson sneered but shrugged and left them.

  Cassie shook her head. “I’m sorry. I hope he doesn’t cause you trouble.”

  “Tom can handle him. My husband isn’t afraid of a fight.” Lila grinned. “Losing the business made him get strong and fight back. Made me proud of him. Before, he would let others run over him.”

  Cassie folded a blanket and handed it to Lila. “Adversity can make one stronger. I surprised myself in Calder, and I can’t help but think the hardship of living with my aunt’s family made me strong.”

  Lila nodded. “Me, too. I wouldn’t wish bad things on anyone, but I know that for Tom and me, our marriage grew stronger. After the hard times, we came out them for the better.”

  “I’m going to believe that Travis and I will also grow because of this. Even though it was so unfair and unnecessary, I’ve already determined I’m not going to seek revenge on my aunt or cousins. They’ll have to live with what they’ve done. Once I am back with Travis, that’s all I want.”

  Tom came back to the wagon. “It’s starting to rain. Hand me my slicker. It’s right behind the seat. Sanders said they were rounding the wagons and to just put the animals in the center.”

  Cassie started to get up when Tom stopped her.

  “I can do it. You stay here and make us a warm spot we can be comfortable in. We’re better off than a lot of folks who have the wagons loaded with furniture. I’ll be back as soon as the mules are turned out.”

  “Your husband is such a gentleman.” Cassie found her satchel and pulled out her shawl. “It’s going to be chilly tonight.”

  “I brought blankets. I dislike being cold, so I made sure I had plenty.” Lila handed two blankets to Cassie.

  Thunder rumbled and rain splatted against the canvas.

  Lila shivered. “Tom made sure to apply plenty of linseed oil to the canvas. We shouldn’t have any leaks.”

  Cassie passed out food. “We can have the hardtack and pemmican. Save the jerky for tomorrow. I hope this rain doesn’t last very long.”

  “Sanders said he thought we’d be in for it for a few days.”

  Lila groaned. “How are we ever going to make it to Oregon?”

  “One day at a time.” Tom took her in her arms. “Lean on me. We’ll get there.” He looked at Cassie. “And you’ll find Travis.”

  Cassie wrapped a blanket around her and pretended Travis was holding her. She had to believe that it wouldn’t be long before they were together.

  The rain didn’t last but the night and the next morning started with a bright sun. Although the rain had stopped, the ground was saturated. Sander’s told them they’d stay here another day to let the ground dry out and not bog the wagons down.

  Cassie was worried about running into Dawson, but Tom told her that Sanders had sent the scout out early in the morning. Relieved, Cassie tried to occupy her thoughts with hope.

  Finally, they were moving out after Sander’s said the ferry was ready. Tom waited and let Sanders go on the ferry first. The barge didn’t look that safe, but soon the wagon was on the other side of the river.

  Tom drove the wagon onto the barge. They all sat on the seat and waited to be towed across the river. Thankfully, the river had gone down, and they crossed without incident.

  Sander’s pointed the way they needed to go.

  Tom drove the team of mules along the Platte River until they came to California Hill. Lila and Cassie walked while the mules strained to pull the wagon up the steep hill.

  Cassie was thrilled to be moving on, and the land was different from the lowland where they’d been. She looked back and could see the long winding line of wagons waiting for their turn on the ferry.

  In the far distance behind the wagons, she saw a lone rider and wondered who he could be. Why would he be riding all alone in the wilderness?

  Tom called to her, and they moved on for the rest of the day across the high plateau. He looked at the map he had and pointed. “We go down there at Windlass Hill, where we’ll be in the North Platte River Valley.”

  Cassie looked down the trail. “That’s a steep descent.”

  Tom nodded. “I want you and Lila to walk down behind the wagon. Sander’s said it could be a dangerous ride. I’ll have to sit on the brake.”

  Lila shook her head and wrapped her shawl around her. “Tom, should you wait for the others?”

  “No, we need to get away from them. Sander’s warned me about Dawson. Said I better get you women away from him.”

  Cassie frowned. “Why doesn’t Sanders do something about him?”

  “He’s their scout. Sanders needs him.” Tom smiled. “We’ll be all right and closer to the wagon train and Travis.”

  Cassie looked back and wondered about that lone rider. For some reason, his presence had intrigued her. She helped Lila make a campfire, and soon they had a real dinner cooking. Cassie set the table while Lila baked a pot of cornbread to go with the jerky stew.

  Lila had put a large pot with rocks in the bottom and placed a smaller pot with the cornbread inside of it. Lila said she’d learned the trick from her grandmother, who had to cook for most of her life with a stove.

  Dinner was warm, nourishing, and wonderful. After dinner and the camp was cleaned up, Cassie made her bed on a soft pile of leaves and grass and was soon asleep.

  Chapter 14

  Travis was making good time as the horse was fast and eager. He’d finally made it to a wagon train that snaked along the river, waiting to ride the ferry. Impatient to move on, Travis had thought about crossing but didn’t like the looks of the swift river. He’d wait for the ferry.

  Impatient, he helped load wagons and livestock. About halfway through with the wagons, they put some cattle on the barge, and the owner said there was room for Travis and his horse.

  Once on the other side, Travis helped herd the cattle up the trail where wagons were setting up camp. One of the pioneers asked him to stay for dinner, so T
ravis camped with them for the night.

  The night was clear, and he sat back against his saddle, he looked at the moon and thought of Cassie. He had to be getting closer to her. It was almost as if he could feel her near, and when the wind drifted just right, he could smell the sweet smell of her.

  “Cassie. I’m coming.”

  ***

  Cassie woke the next morning full of hope. The sun was bright and warm. She quickly had breakfast going before Lila came out of the wagon.

  Lila laughed. “I can see you’re anxious to get to Travis. Tom is harnessing the mules.”

  “I am ready. I almost feel as if I can sense that Travis is near. Such a strange feeling. I guess because I miss him so.” Cassie looked around her. Soon, she portioned the food onto the three plates and had the coffee poured.

  Tom finished eating. “I found some logs to jam through the wheels to keep from rolling over the mules.” He looked at Lila. “Let’s go, but you stay behind the wagon.”

  “Tom, should we wait?”

  “We’ll be fine.”

  Cassie and Lila followed the wagon as it made its descent down the hill. At the steepest, the wagon slid almost running into the mules, but gradually they made it down to the bottom of the hill.

  At the bottom of the hill, it was called Ash Hollow. Cassie looked around at such different land. Instead of bare ground, it had trees. It had been some time since they’d seen trees, so they were a welcome sight. The grass was lush, and the place would make the perfect place to camp.

  Tom looked at the map and pointed. “We head that way. I see the trail. I guess there have been so many wagons go this way that the ground is scarred. At least we shouldn’t get lost.”

  They started on the way when Cassie looked up the hill. There was a lone rider sliding down the steep hill on his horse. It had to be the same man she’d seen the other day. She remarked to Lila about the rider.

  “Is it Dawson.”

  Cassie shook her head. “No. I don’t know why, but I know it’s not him.”

  “He’ll catch up to us soon.”