“Just asking.”
Johanna’s heart almost missed a beat. She saw his questions for what they really were.
“Are you worried about what you will do?” she asked him quietly. When he didn’t answer, she prompted, “In Oregon.”
“I’ll find something. I can work on a farm. I did it before.”
“Almanzo, what happened to your parents?”
His eyes closed but not before she saw his pain. She moved closer to him.
“Tell me. Please.”
“They left.”
Johanna forced herself to stay quiet. It wasn’t the time to badger him with questions.
“They argued. Ma didn’t want to go but Pa made her. I was ill. Ma said I could travel in the wagon, but Pa said I would make them all sick. He left me with the others.”
“Others?”
“Most people who left with my pa got sick. We all drank the same water. I guess it was bad. Some died and we buried them but then more got sick. Every morning it was worse. Ma was ill but she got better. Pa wasn’t feeling too good either else he would have left earlier. But then he recovered so he said he was leaving. I tried telling him what he was doing wasn’t right. Some of the other men argued, too, but he wouldn’t listen. When I woke up in the morning, he was gone.”
Johanna couldn’t resist. She pulled the boy toward her. He stiffened at first before the dam burst and the tears came. Her own tears flooded her face, falling on his hair.
“My poor boy. Nothing like that will ever happen to you again. You will never be left alone.”
“But when we get to Oregon… your family have plans.”
“They will include you. I swear to you, Almanzo. If we find your parents and you want to go back to them, that will be your choice. But you will always have a home with me.”
He stared at her as if he didn’t believe her.
“She’s right, son, nobody will ever leave you to live alone again.”
Both of them jumped as Rick Hughes joined them at the fireside.
Almanzo rubbed his sleeve across his face, leaving Johanna wishing she could do the same. Rick gave her hand a squeeze.
“You are part of Captain Jones’ team and we all stick together, like glue,” Rick said. “You will have chores to do though.”
“I will work harder than anyone else, Mr.…” Almanzo faltered.
Johanna guessed he couldn’t remember Rick’s name.
“My name is Rick Hughes, lad. You don’t have to worry about working harder than anyone else. Just do your best. That’s all we can ask.”
Johanna hugged herself as Almanzo had moved away from her side once Rick arrived.
“Now, Almanzo, do you think you could go to bed? I have something I want to talk to Miss Thompson about.”
“Yes, sir. Goodnight.”
“Come back here, Almanzo.” Johanna stood up and gave the boy a hug. “I want you to be happy and remember you are safe with us.”
“Yes, Jo. I know.” He hugged her back before half walking half running back to the wagon to his bed.
“Thank you for coming to find us.”
“Was it as bad as you feared?” he asked her, taking her hand in his.
She lay her head on his shoulder. “Much worse,” she said softly.
He held her close as she cried not just for Almanzo, but for the other victims. They knew the trail would be hard but nobody had warned them of man’s potential cruelty to their fellow passengers.
They didn’t get a chance to talk in private as Becky arrived followed closely by Stephen.
“Evening, Mr. Hughes. How is Almanzo?” Becky asked as if having Rick at their fire was an everyday occurrence.
“He was tired so went to bed. Please thank Sarah again for the book.”
“I will. Goodnight, Miss Thompson. Stephen.”
Johanna watched as Rick walked away wondering what he had wanted to speak to her about. She caught Becky’s smile.
“Good job it was us and not Ma and Pa who came back early,” Becky teased.
Johanna didn’t reply. She didn’t have the energy. Between Rick’s presence and Almanzo’s revelations she felt emotionally drained and very, very tired.
“I am going to turn in. Goodnight, Stephen, Becky.”
She didn’t wait for their reply but hurried to the tent. In fairness, Becky gave her the space she needed. Her twin remained sitting at the fire for some time.
Chapter 36
The next few days, traveling was extremely frustrating for both animals and humans. The animals bellowed crossly as they could smell the water below but couldn’t reach it. The view from the mountain down to the water was amazing, as were the few waterfalls they came across, but not having access to the cool refreshment made traveling stressful. The dust was a problem and soon everyone—even those with the most cheerful dispositions—was miserable.
It was Johanna’s turn to drive the wagon. She didn’t usually mind but the mountain trail made her slightly nervous.
“I’m taking over.” Rick Hughes came riding up beside her.
“You can’t drive all the wagons over.”
“Jo, there is a very long and steep hill up ahead. It will be a challenge for even the most experienced driver.”
“I can do it,” she vowed, not sure if she was trying to convince him or herself. Captain Jones rode up to them.
“There is no way the wagon will make it down that hill alone. You need to lock both rear wagon wheels. Hughes and I will ride at the back to hold the wagon wheels.”
“You can’t mean her to drive?” Rick asked, an incredulous look on his face.
“I wouldn’t, usually, but with her pa and Clarke still weak from being ill, there is no one else. Becky, I mean Miss Thompson is driving the Long wagon as I need Jessie to help get us down.”
“I will be fine,” Jo insisted, trying to quell the knots in her stomach. “Look at it this way, the sooner we get to the valley the better. We will have fresh water and grass for the animals. Everyone will feel better.”
Captain Jones tipped his hat at her before riding away. She guessed he had gone to check on Becky. Rick Hughes stayed on his horse staring at her.
“What?” Jo asked, arching an eyebrow.
“I can’t make up my mind if you are brave or foolhardy. Have you any idea how dangerous this is?”
“Stop shouting. Do you want to cause a panic? I am not stupid, Mr. Hughes.” She was angry, he seemed to think she was foolhardy. “Of course I realize the danger, but the reality is there is no other choice.”
He stared at her as if he was going to answer but changed his mind. She knew he was worried but she was still angry he thought she might be taking a risk for the sake of it.
“Jo?”
“Yes,” she replied without looking up from the reins gripped so tight between her fingers, her knuckles had turned white.
“Be careful.”
She looked at him, seeing the concern in his eyes. “I will,” she said softly. “You take care too.”
He nodded before nudging his horse and riding slowly to the back of the wagon where Captain Jones was waiting.
Johanna looked down at the road in front of her. It was such a sheer drop, she wasn’t at all sure she would be able to control the wagon. But she had to give it her best shot. Ma and Pa were walking down with some of the other folk. It would be hard on them but slightly safer than riding in the wagon. Almanzo was still in the back where David Clark had helped her to build him a nest surrounded by feather beds. She hoped it would protect him a little from the jolting. There was no other way, he was too frail to walk that far.
She spoke to the oxen softly wondering if they were afraid too. She didn’t think so as they seemed content to nibble at some grass along the side of the trail. She promised them oats with molasses if they got her down in one piece.
“Let’s move out.”
That was the signal. Johanna was ready or at least she thought she was but the actual reality wa
s more difficult than she imagined. The pull on the wagon to move forward at a fast speed was so strong she had difficulty restraining the oxen even with the back wheels locked. She risked a glance over her shoulder but she couldn’t see the two men who strained to hold the wagon steady from behind. She brushed the sweat from her brow with her sleeve not wanting to release the reins even for one second. She wished her hat did more to protect her eyes. It kept the worst of the sun off her head but her eyes were sore. Still, they were moving and there was no going back. She had to succeed for everyone’s sake. If the wagon fell, not only would it drag her and Almanzo to almost certain death, but it would also place Rick and Captain Jones in jeopardy too.
In some places, she actually closed her eyes, not wanting to stare at the steep drop in front of her. Why couldn’t they have found a better route? Surely the people who had traveled before them would have carved out a safer road? But even as the thoughts ran through her mind she knew she was following in the exact trail of countless travelers before her. She kept her eyes on the road trying to block out the broken wagons and other signs of those emigrants who hadn’t been successful. She had to move forward. There was no other way.
Although it seemed to take forever, it was soon over. Everyone cheered as the wagon safely arrived. Relieved the trip was over, Johanna didn’t get much chance to celebrate as she realized Rick and Captain Jones had returned back up the mountain in order to help the next wagon down. It was a long and agonizing wait. Finally, all ten of the caravans left in their group had made their way down safely.
“Oh, Johanna, I never want to do that again. I don’t care if Oregon is the most horrid place on earth. I am never leaving. I don’t want to face this trip again—ever.”
Johanna held the tearful Milly until she regained her composure. Over her shoulder, she exchanged a look with Rick. In his eyes, she saw relief and also pride. He was proud of her. Maybe the trip down the mountain had been worth it after all.
Chapter 37
Johanna looked ahead at the steam rising from the pools of water. It was an amazing sight. The water boiled out right from the ground forming fountains in some places. There was a funny smell, not unpleasant but she wasn’t sure she liked it either. She hoped Captain Jones would let them stop and have a bath. The thoughts of having a warm bath had kept her going over the last few days when the traveling had been particularly hard and dusty.
“This is the famous soda springs? Is it true the water tastes like real soda?” Stephen came racing up to her, followed closely behind by Carrie.
“Don’t drink any yet, Stephen. Wait until I taste it first.”
“That’s not fair. Why do you get some?”
“Johanna is looking after you. She doesn’t want you to get sick.”
“I won’t, Ma. I am as strong as an ox.” Stephen ran off. Jo went to follow him but her ma put her hand on her arm to stop her.
“Let him go. Won’t do him any harm.”
“But what if he gets a bellyache?”
“Then he may listen to his older sister.” Her ma’s eyes twinkled.
Johanna gave her an impulsive hug pleased to see her ma’s spirit had returned.
“I am very proud of my three daughters. You girls saw us through the bad times back there. Your pa is too, although I am not sure he will ever put it into words.”
Tears pricked Johanna’s eyes as she thought of just how close she had come to losing her precious ma and pa. If this trail had taught them anything, it was family was more important than anything.
“Thanks, Ma. Don’t go overdoing it now though. You gave us all quite a scare,” she said in a husky voice.
“I won’t. Now go find that nice Mr. Hughes and ask him to help you get some water.”
“I can get that, Ma. Becky will help me.”
Her words led to her ma rolling her eyes.
“Johanna Thompson, go act like a maiden in distress and let that man you’ve set your heart on rescue you. After these past few days fending for yourself and being so strong, I imagine he is a little in awe of you.”
“Ma!” Johanna protested but at her ma’s fixed stare, she said, “Do you really think I should?”
“Yes, but fix your hair before you go. You look like a bee’s nest took root in it.”
Johanna decided she would seek out a bath before she looked for Rick. Her hair was thick with dust and she couldn’t wait to soap it all off. The other women had a similar plan and soon there was a group of them giggling like school girls as they sought out a private spot. The water was even more heavenly than she had imagined. The pains and aches in her bones soothed away as she lay in the relaxing waters.
“I could stay here forever,” Becky said as she soaped up her hair.
“You would end up looking like a prune,” Milly teased, sitting by the side of the pool. She didn’t want to risk getting in. Nobody knew if the water was safe for a pregnant woman so she’d decided not to take the chance. Johanna and Becky had washed her hair so at least that was clean.
“Look at the men. You would think they knew better.”
They looked into the distance to see the men trying to sit on top of one of the springs. The force of the water was throwing them off but they kept returning for another go.
“I can see why they call it steamboat springs. It sounds just like the steamboat that used to go up and down the river at home,” Mrs. Newland commented. “Never thought I would see grown men behave like children.” Although she tutted, Johanna got the merry glint in her eye. The older woman approved of the men forgetting their cares for a while.
“Looks like it’s true. They may grow older but they don’t grow up,” Eva said, smiling at their antics.
“They are just blowing off steam. After the events of the last few weeks who can blame them.” Gracie’s sad tone as she put her own thoughts into words made Johanna want to hug her. Her friend had put on a little of the weight she’d lost when ill but her love of life hadn’t returned. She wondered if it ever would.
“Life goes on Gracie. We have to believe there are good times waiting for us ahead.” Although Sheila’s tone was gruff, Johanna saw her squeezing Gracie’s hand in support.
“Almanzo looks like he is enjoying himself,” Becky said watching the group in the distance. The young boy was lying in the water laughing at the antics of the men. He hadn’t made any move to join them. Johanna wasn’t worried as she knew it would take time to build his strength back up after his ordeal.
“Jo, can you come, please?” Carrie shouted, running toward them.
“What’s the matter?”
“It’s Stephen. He says his belly is going to burst. Is it? It’s all round and he’s crying,” Carrie said miserably.
“He’s just drank too much of the soda water. Jo told him not to but looks like he didn’t listen,” Becky said, not moving from the water.
“Will he die?” Carrie’s big blue eyes seemed to take over her face.
“No, honey, he won’t but he is likely to have a bellyache for a while.” Johanna was quick to reassure her. The little girl had seen enough death for a lifetime.
Carrie’s expression changed as she stamped her foot. “You mean he knew he would be sick but he drank it anyway.”
Johanna had to try very hard not to laugh. “Yes, honey.”
“Wait till I get my hands on him,” Carrie shouted racing away.
The women all giggled. “The start of a beautiful new romance,” Milly suggested causing more laughter.
Johanna had a feeling her brother’s ears might soon hurt more than his belly but it was all he deserved. She wasn’t worried enough to stop bathing.
It was a long time before she followed her ma’s advice and went to find Rick. She couldn’t ask him to find water for her given they were surrounded by it. That would be too obvious. She was still thinking of an excuse when he interrupted her musings.
“Hello. You look lovely.”
His compliment and the look in his eyes g
ot her all flustered. Her heart was racing as her stomach twisted into knots. “Thank you,” she finally managed. “How are the girls? Did they enjoy the soda?”
“Not as much as your Stephen from what Carrie told me. She is quite cross with him.”
Johanna giggled making Rick smile. “It’s lovely to see you looking so happy.”
“I had a wonderful day.”
“It was nice of you to come check on the girls. Would you like some coffee?”
Tongue tied, Johanna could only nod. What could she ask him to do to help her? Racking her brains, she drew to a dead end. Then she spotted his wagon.
“Pa thought he might have damaged a wheel when we went over a hole a few miles back. Would you mind having a look at it?”
He looked surprised, as he should, given that her pa or David would have more expertise with wagon wheels than he did.
“Sure, I can take a look.” He stared at her. “Does your pa know you asked me?”
“No. But I am certain he’d appreciate the help.” She wasn’t at all sure but what could she say. Why didn’t she think of something different? Oh wait till she saw her ma. She’d have a thing or two to say about pretending to be a damsel in distress.
“Will we take a look now?”
She nodded, afraid to say anything as her stomach churned. What would her pa say if Rick suddenly wanted to inspect his wheels? He wasn’t known for his subtlety.
She walked back to the wagon in silence. Rick seemed to pick up on her discomfort as his initial burst of conversation waned. She looked around quickly but couldn’t see her pa. Maybe he had gone to visit Mr. Bradley or one of his other friends.
“See, it’s that wheel there. Does it look different to you?”
Rick studied the wheel for so long Johanna was fit to burst. Just how much longer would it take him to say there was nothing wrong with the wagon wheel. Pa would be back soon if she didn’t hurry him up.
“I guess it looks okay?” She prompted.
“I don’t rightly know. Seems a bit bent to me,” Rick replied, his voice sounding funny.
Oregon Dreams Page 11