by Janette Oke
"Oh, Clark!" cried Marty again. "Let's pray." Once again they knelt beside the bed.
189
Chapter Twenty-seven
Christmas Day
In spite of anxiety over Jedd, Christmas Day was a time of thanksgiving and joy. With two small boys in the house, it was impossible not to feel excitement and pleasure concerning Christmas. Even though they had retired late the evening before and had had difficulty getting to sleep, Clark and Marty were up early and over in the big house. Nathan and Josiah, already up and filling the house with cries of happiness as they looked at the gifts which had arrived sometime during the night, were not very interested in their breakfast that day.
Nathan was thrilled with the sled that Clark had made and begged to go out and try it even before he had eaten. Clark laughed and promised the boys he would take them out on the sled just as soon as their mother approved. Missie, smiling, shrugged her shoulders helplessly.
Nathan's favorite gift from his parents was a new halter for Spider, his pony. Willie finally gave into his pleadings and told him they would go to the barn and be sure that the halter fit. Nathan soon reappeared, bundled to his eyebrows with
190
Marty's gift of socks, mittens and carelessly-looped scarf. Willie laughed at the sight that the boy made.
"Ya shore enough look well cared fer weather-wise, 'ceptin' fer yer feet. Ain't ya plannin' to wear any boots?"
"They won't go over my big socks," replied Nathan, which brought more laughs.
Josiah soon rounded the corner too. He was still in his nightclothes and over them he too had looped his long scarf. One eye was hidden and he peeked out from the other one, his head tipped to give him better vision. His mittens had been pulled on the wrong hands, and the empty thumbs stuck out to the side like two misplaced horns. The socks, partly on but mostly off, gave Josiah the appearance of having duck feet. He waddled forward, pleased with himself and ready to join his brother and pa for the trip to the barn. Now Willie really howled. He led the two boys back to their room, properly dressed Josiah and helped Nathan to find socks and boots that worked together. Then, with the small Josiah on his shoulders and Nathan trudging along at his side with the cherished new halter, Clark joined them and they all started out for the barn.
"They do make some sight, don't they?" said Missie at the window, a lump in her throat.
"Don't know how many times I've stood at my window an' watched yer pa an' his sons crossin' the yard," Marty responded. "Iffen I had no other reason to love yer pa than thet single one--the seem' of his carin' fer his young'uns--thet one would be enough to make me love him as long as God grants me breath," she continued softly.
They turned back to the preparations for the day. There was much to be done, for Christmas dinner for all of the hands had become a tradition on the LaHaye ranch. Though busy and going many different directions, on Christmas Day they took the time to all eat together and share the Christmas story.
That morning around the breakfast table the discussion often had been directed to the wonder of Jedd Larson turning up on the LaHaye spread. They had not heard of Jedd since he had left his farm back home and headed west so many years
191
ago. Marty wished there was some way she could share with Clae and Nandry the exciting news, and then she sobered. If Jedd did not make it through this Christmas Day, the news they would have to share with their girls would be bad news, not good news. Again and again through the day Marty prayed.
After the trip to the barn, as promised, Clark took the bundled-up boys for a sled ride.
At first it was difficult for him to pull the sled with the two small passengers up the nearby slope, but eventually he found that his crutch, jammed into the snow, made a good replacement for the limb he did not have.
The boys squealed with delight as Clark shoved them off and they made the short, swift trip down the hill. This time, Nathan pulled the sled back up the hill, but it was hard for little Josiah to make the climb on his own. Clark went to meet him and carried him up the hill piggyback. Again and again they sped down the hill and made their slow and awkward climb back up. At last, exhausted but happy, they agreed to head back to the house and get warmed up.
"We'll have to do this ag'in, huh, Grandpa?" said Nathan. " 'G'in," echoed his little brother.
"Shore will," said Clark, who had enjoyed it almost as much as the boys.
"After dinner?" asked Nathan.
"Well, I dunno 'bout thet. I think thet yer pa an' ma might have some of their own plans fer after dinner."
"After thet then?"
"We'll see," laughed Clark. "We'll see."
About one o'clock the cowboys began to arrive, kicking the snow from their boots and slapping their wide-brimmed hats against their sides. They laughed and joked as they filed in. Marty stood back in amazement as they stopped in the large entry and removed their boots and lined them up neatly against the wall, not wishing to damage Missie's fine rugs. Marty had been west only for a short while, but already she understood how important boots were to the ranch hands, how important it was not to be caught with your boots off. They
192
looked embarrassed and ill at ease as they stood looking down at their stockinged feet. Marty noticed that some of the socks had holes in them and wondered if she would dare offer to darn them. She said nothing now but went to the kitchen to find a worn towel. One by one she picked up the boots and carefully wiped away all traces of water or dirt. Then she handed them, pair by pair, back to the owners. The cowboys slipped back into the boots with warm grins and eloquent nods of thanks. They were now all ready for the meal filling the air with delightful aromas as Wong carried dish after dish to the large dining room.
Before the meal, Willie, as the head of the home and the owner of the ranch, read to them the story of the birth of the Christ Child. He then asked Clark to lead them in prayer. Some throats were self-consciously cleared and many gazes were fastened on the tops of boots or the big leathery hands in their laps, but everyone listened carefully.
The meal began in comparative silence, but it wasn't long until hearty laughter and good-natured teasing took over. Nathan and Josiah joined in merrily, describing in detail to the ranch hands their gifts of the morning, the trip to the barn with the new halter that "Spider liked real good," and their ride on Grandpa's sled.
After they all had eaten as much as they possibly could, the guests moved to the living room where a friendly fire welcomed them. Henry was not there to lead them with his guitar, having decided to follow the LaHaye tradition and have a family Christmas dinner for his own hands. But, in spite of the absence of Henry, they sang the Christmas carols under Willie's direction. Those who did not sing seemed to enjoy listening.
Scottie was the first who had to leave. He always took responsibility for the Christmas shift with the cattle. Usually one or two of the other hands joined him voluntarily out of respect for their boss. Today it was Jake and Charlie. Lane announced that he planned to ride over to the doctor's to see how Jedd was doing. Clark said that he would like to go with him. The cowboys left, calling their thanks as they flipped their
193
stetsons back onto their heads. The two little boys were tucked in for a much-needed nap. Missie and Marty went to help Wong and Cookie clear the dishes, and the house again fell into silence.
The ride through the crisp afternoon was cold for Clark and Lane. Clark especially noticed it in the stump of his missing leg. He had not thought to provide extra protection for the area and found that it was very sensitive to the cold. Lane, without saying anything, swung down from his horse and pulled a blanket from behind his saddle. Speaking of other things, he crossed to Clark's horse and tucked the blanket around the stump, making sure that it was fastened securely in place and would not slip with the movement of horse and rider. Still making no reference to the missing leg or the blanket, he remounted and they moved on. Clark was much more comfortable on the remainder of th
e ride.
They found Jedd in much the same condition as he had been the night before. Senora De la Rosa sat with him. Jedd had been bathed and his beard and hair had been neatly trimmed. His feet and hands bore large bandages, and Clark was reminded of the doctor's concern for the fingers and toes that had been frozen. When they found that Jedd was not conscious, they did not stay long. The doctor promised that if the man roused, he would send one of his ranch hands with the message. The doctor seemed encouraged that Jedd had held his own throughout the day. His pulse rate had improved somewhat, and this gave Juan some hope.
Lane and Clark left for home after sharing a cup of hot coffee and some of Maria's special Christmas baking.
As they mounted, Clark tucked Lane's blanket around himself.
"Never knowed," he said simply, "jest how much the cold would bother a leg like mine. Here I was a pridin' myself thet I wouldn't be sufferin' with any cold toes on this here side."
Lane smiled but only said, "It'll toughen."
194
Chapter Twenty-eight
From Death to Life
It was three days before a rider came from the De la Rosas' and said that Jedd Larson was now awake. Clark immediately saddled a horse and prepared to go to him. He tucked his well- worn Bible inside his jacket and asked Marty for an extra blanket.
"It's a trick I learned from Lane," explained Clark in answer to her unasked question. "This here short leg gets awful cold. A blanket keeps it more livable."
Marty spent the day knitting and praying. It seemed that Clark was gone forever, but at last Marty heard the sound of a horse approaching the barn. In the clear, crisp winter air, the sounds of the hoofbeats rang out clearly. Max left the yard on the run, always the first to welcome a rider.
Marty watched from the window until Clark came in sight, and then she grabbed her shawl and ran to meet him.
"Come to Missie's," she called. "She'll want to hear all 'bout it, too."
Clark changed direction and headed for the big house as
195
Marty ran down the rutted, snowpacked path to meet him there.
"Oh, I was hopin' thet you'd come right on over here," Missie called to them from the doorway. "I jest couldn't wait to hear all 'bout it."
Missie led the way to the open fire. "We're near bustin'," she spoke for both of them. "Tell us 'bout it quick." "Did Jedd know ya this time?" interposed Marty.
"Oh, he knew me all right. Was 'most as surprised to see
me as I was to see him the other night."
"What did he say?"
"He asked first thing 'bout the girls."
Marty's eyes misted. "I'm so glad thet he cares somethin' fer 'em," she said.
"He seemed right concerned. Said thet he had made up his mind to go on home. He was tryin' to reach town an' the train station when he got lost in the snow an' stranded out on the range."
"Did he mention Tina again?"
"We talked 'bout Tina quite a piece."
Marty could wait no longer. "Clark," she said, "were ya able to talk to 'im 'bout his need fer God?"
"I was. We went through the Bible 'most from cover to cover."
"Did he understand?"
"Seemed to."
"Did he . . . did he. . . ?"
Clark put his arm around his wife and pulled her close. His eyes blurred and his throat sounded hoarse. "Those girls of ours are gonna be happy to know thet their pa joined their ma today."
"Ya mean--?"
"Jedd Larson made his peace with his Savior."
"Oh, thank Ya, Father," prayed Marty, the tears spilling down her cheeks.
Clark cleared his throat.
"But he joined Tina in another way, too."
Marty and Missie waited, eyes wide.
196
"Jedd didn't make it," Clark said quietly. "Juan had to do surgery. Jedd wasn't strong enough to stand it. The frozen fingers and toes had turned bad; there wasn't any way thet Juan could save 'im. He's been stayin' with him day an' night, fightin' to bring 'im through this but--"
"But he did, Clark. He did!" exclaimed Marty. "Because of Juan's fight to save 'im, Jedd not only has life--but everlastin' life."
"I'm afraid thet a doctor doesn't look at things thet way," said Clark soberly.
"But it's true. And, oh, Clark, iffen you hadn't been here, Jedd maybe wouldn't have decided to make his peace with God 'fore he died." Marty's eyes fell to Clark's pant leg, pinned up securely just below the knee. "Iffen it wouldn't have been fer the accident, ya wouldn't have been here, Clark. We would have been gone home long ago."
Clark pulled her closer to him and kissed her hair.
197
Chapter Twenty-nine
Happenings
During the long winter days, Marty spent her time in the little soddy doing knitting, mending, or hand sewing for Missie and her family. She also had a basketful of socks to mend for the ranch hands, having made discreet inquiries after the Christmas sock-viewing. Clark used his hours to make things with his hands and his limited tools. In the long evenings, he spent hours with his Bible, studying for the Sunday lessons with the little congregation.
Each Sunday after the worshipers gathered together for their service, there were discussions concerning the materials and the progress of the church building. As the building committee continued planning and ordering supplies, the building was taking shape on paper and in the minds of the people, even though not a stake had been pounded or a nail driven. However, the materials were all being stockpiled at the Newtons' as they arrived by train, and a building bee was planned as soon as the weather would permit. Folks hoped for an early spring so that work might be started.
198
As the weather improved, so did the Sunday attendance. Once again, the folks from the town ventured forth. It was a long drive, but they seemed anxious to be a part of the fellowship and to keep informed about progress on the church building. Besides, they reported, though they enjoyed the Bible studies at home and it had been a good idea, it was not the same as meeting with the group and hearing Clark's insights on the truths from the scripture portion.
During the week, when Marty felt too confined, she would toss her shawl about her shoulders and hurry down the snow- crusted path to Missie's house. On a few occasions, Missie came to visit her while the children slept. Missie loved to sit in the quiet, snug little soddy, sipping tea with her mother. She realized that the days would quickly pass and Marty would all too soon return back home.
As the winter days lengthened, their visits turned to garden plans and spring setting hens. It was hard to stay in the house with the drifts of snow shrinking daily.
Clark, too, had been planning ahead, only his thoughts had taken a different turn. He thought often about the small congregation. He had enjoyed the opportunity to lead them over the winter months. He knew that they were not likely to soon find a minister for the group. What would happen when he had to leave for home? Clark decided to ride over and see Henry. And so it was that Clark began to have study sessions with Henry to prepare him to take over leadership of the church. The people must know that when Clark left there would still be worship and Bible study. The building was only a small part of the requirements for a congregation.
At long last, spring did arrive. This time it did not come slowly as spring so often does. One day it was still winter, and the next day spring was unmistakably in the air.
The spring birds appeared, little flowers colored the hillsides, green grass carpeted the area by the flowing spring, and Nathan ran capless and nursed a runny nose.
Missie's mind quickly switched to her planting. She pulled out all of her seeds, giving special attention to the ones that Clark and Marty had brought with them on the train. Scattering
199
the little packages all across her table, she and her father began to sort and plan. Nathan and Josiah wished to get in on the activity, and soon her carefully sorted seeds were all mixed up again. Marty shep
herded the boys to the kitchen for milk and cookies, and Clark and Missie continued their garden plans.
In spite of his crutch, it was Clark who cared for the plowing of the soil. He arranged little pots for planting inside seedlings and advised Missie as to what would grow best, where and when to plant it. Marty smiled as she watched father and daughter working together.
After the garden was started, it was time for Missie to turn to her chickens. She had spotted six hens with a desire to nest, and Missie carefully selected a setting of eggs for each one of them. Clark helped her with the coops, and the hens were housed in fine style. Missie placed her settings under the mothers-to-be and marked her calendar for the coming event.
The date for the church building bee was set. Wagons loaded with excited families, food and tools headed for the Newton's ranch. Cookie had to be available at home to feed the hands who were on duty with the cattle. Wong did not go either. He was not a builder and did not feel comfortable about sharing the cooking duties with several neighborhood women, so he stayed in his own kitchen and sent a big bucket of his special doughnuts to go with the morning coffee.
Juan had discovered two experienced carpenters from town who took charge of the actual construction. The neighborhood men offered their hands wherever they were needed.
Within the week, the church building was lifting its spire proudly toward the sky, the barren prairie and wide horizon making a dramatic silhouette. Senora De la Rosa wept the first time she heard the bell peal, reaching across the miles without even echoing from the distant hills.
The first service in the new church was announced. Many new faces appeared in the congregation that day. Clark wondered, as he looked over the crowd, how many were there for social reasons or idle curiosity and how many were true worshipers "in spirit and in truth." Regardless of their purpose,