Seasons of Life Chapter 1
Dawn was just beginning to break as Major Seth Adams made his way to the campfire to make himself a cup of coffee which he and others on the Wagon train affectionately called "mud!" They called it that just as a good - natured tease towards the designated cook of the Wagon Train Charlie Wooster. If there was one thing that everyone knew about ole Charlie, is that he enjoyed the sweet-natured teasing he would get often from those around him.
Charlie always said that he knew that if he were being teased then he was loved, and that he was very much loved, he was not trying to be overconfident, but he just felt that he was loved, and anyone that knew Charlie would tell you that "Yep Charlie sure is loved."
As the Major sat there drinking his coffee it suddenly occurred to him that he was the first one up for the day he had beaten, Charlie out of bed.
"Ha ha, well bless him Lord, oh Charlie deserves to have some rest sometimes."
Just then he felt as if someone had slugged him right in the middle of his chest. It was not the first time this had happened, but he had to admit this could have been the worst attack he had, had. When they were in the last town, they had been in the major had seen a doctor so he knew the cause of his chest pains, so after hearing the doctors report he had decided to wire ahead to the home office to see if they could find someone available to take over as Wagon Master!
Maj. Adams just had this feeling that his health problems would prevent him from performing his duties for very much longer, but then again, he did not know how long that would or would not be.
So, with the uncertainty of his health, he decided to keep all of this to himself until the time came that he would have to let it be known. Which he hoped would be a long time from now.
Just as he finished his second cup of coffee, he heard Charlie whistling one of his favorite tunes.
Maj. Adams could not help but smile, as much as Charlie could get on everyone's nerves from time to time it sure was good to know he was around to make even the harder times bearable with his quick wit, and since of humor.
"Well, Morning Major, I see you couldn't wait for me to fix your coffee for you, but now that I'm up and raring to get the day started, I'll fix your breakfast for you!"
"Ok Charlie, that will be fine just fine."
"Charlie, I'm going to take a walk by the stream shouldn't be gone long, but if breakfast is ready before I get back just let someone else eat first and I'll eat a bite when I get back."
"Yes, sir sure thing!" smiled Charlie as he started cooking breakfast for everyone.
Moments later Maj Adams found himself looking down at the water that was part of Little Parrot Creek. He could not help to wonder what life would be like for him if he had to give up the job he loves so much, and he worried about the people that were left to his charge in the event God forbid they were given a tyrant as a wagon master.
"Oh, well" he shrugged,
"it's all in the master's hands I can't do a thing about it!" He said to himself aloud.
Then it happened again that nagging pain his chest, but this time however he thought to take a pill that he had gotten from a doctor several months prior. However, his medicine was in his wagon. After this pain struck, he was not sure he could make it back to camp. The thought of him being out here alone truly frightened him, but at this very moment he was in no shape to do anything. So, he laid on the ground hoping the pain would subside so he could get back to camp without causing any alarm.
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"Morning' Charlie, boy that smells good for a change" Flint McCollough said with a teasing grin as he returned from his scouting duties.
"Have you seen the Major this morning?" Flint asked while spooning a little gravy over a biscuit.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I have, he was the first one up this morning!"
"That's odd he's usually up after you and me!" Flint said after taking a bite of his breakfast.
"Thanks Charlie, I'd better head back out got a lot of ground to cover before we head out in a few days!"
"Right, you be careful Flint you hear!"
"Yea I hear you, and thanks!"
"Hey Charlie!" Flint called back
Charlie looked at the cowboy noticing a sheepish grin on his face.
"Make sure you don't eat all the grub before Duke gets up, and the Major returns!"
Charlie reached for a rag to throw it in the direction of Flint, but Flint was too far ahead, and the rag would miss him.
"I'll get him you just wait his day is coming!" Charlie said to himself chuckling.
Then Flint rode off laughing loudly as he disappeared in the distance. As Charlie thought about the teasing from Flint, he could not help but wonder about his friend Bill Hawks who was away for a few days visiting with family there in Missouri.
"Hehe, if Bill were here, he would be relentless in teasing me, and since he's not a scout I would have to put up with it until he found something else to occupy is time, I sure miss him."
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"Hey Charlie, is the mud still hot?" Duke Shannon called to him as he was nearing the fire.
"Yep, help yourself, Duke!"
"Did you sleep well?" Charlie asked
"Yea Charlie I did; Well, I think I might have died!" Duke laughed,
"After dealing with all that rain and getting set up to camp last night I was just completely tuckered out."
Duke said after he started to eat his breakfast.
"Hmm Charlie, this food is good or I'm just hungry!" Duke said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"I thank you Duke, and I'm sure it's both ha-ha!"
"Say Charlie, have you seen Maj Adams?"
"Not since I got up, he was already drinking his first cup of coffee when I got up!"
"He said he was going to take a walk by the stream!"
"Charlie, you're slipping if you're going to let anyone else besides Flint wake up before you Ha-ha!"
"Well, it's not going to happen again you can count on it!" Charlie said with a matter of fact look on his face, and a grin.
Both men laughed then they both fell silent then Charlie seemed startled looking at Duke then said nervously.
"Land sakes Duke the Major has been gone a good while now, he should have been back by now." Charlie was worried.
"I'm sure he's alright from what I've seen of him he enjoys his alone time!"
Duke said kind of getting worried himself, but not wanting Charlie to know it.
"He does enjoy being alone, but he usually does that a few times a day, not all at one time!"
"Alright Charlie, I'll go look for him if it would make you feel better?"
"Would you Duke, I mean you're right I shouldn't be worried and mind my own business."
Charlie could not say anything for the knot in his throat.
"Sure Charlie, I'll be back with him in no time, oh you better keep the food warm, he'll probably want something to eat when we get back." Duke gave Charlie an easy slap on the back then went to look for the major.
Charlie nodded his head then wiped a tear that fell from his eye, watching Duke walk in the direction of the stream, he could not help but say a silent prayer for the major hoping that Duke would find him well.
The stream was not even a mile from the campsite, but Duke thought he would have seen the Major by now, then he spotted a lifeless body alongside.
"Dear God!" Duke exclaimed in shock and worry, then ran back to the camp as fast as he could to get help for the major.
Making it back to the camp completely out of breath Duke yelled "Someone get a doctor!"
Then Duke and a couple of men went to help get the major back to the camp. After getting the major back to camp, into his wagon everyone around knew that their Wagon master was extremely ill.
"Should we send someone to get Flint, Duke?" asked Charlie nervously
"I'm not sure what we should do Charlie, all I know is that the major is very sick."
Then Duke became lost in thought, I sure wish Bill were here he was always in control of these situations, or as in control as anyone could be without sinking under pressure. Then he came back to the present unsure if he said his thoughts aloud or not.
After what seemed like an eternity one of the men that was with the train came back with a doctor from the nearest town which thankfully was only a few miles away.
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By the time Flint arrived in the camp Maj. Adams was starting to come around unaware of his surroundings at first although after a few minutes he started to become more alert.
"Where am I?" Maj. Adams said just above a whisper.
"You're in your wagon sir, I found you unconscious by the stream a little while ago."
"We sent one of the men on the train to get a doctor." Duke said trying to stay calmer than he felt.
"I don't need a doctor; I know what's wrong with me!" Major Adams said trying to sound hateful, but he was too sick to do so."
Trying to take a deep breath that hurt Maj. Adams spoke.
"Duke, do you know where Flint and Charlie are?"
"Well sir," There was a hush when a rider came into the camp.
Duke looked out of the wagon. "Flint just rode in sir; he's talking to Charlie who's at the campfire."
"Duke, will you tell Charlie, and Flint I want to see them."
"Yes sir,"
"Oh, and Duke, I want you to hear what I have to say as well, you are part of the administration of this here Wagon Train." Duke nodded his head, and with that left the wagon.
"Fella's the Major wants to speak with us." The three of them looked at each other briefly then headed toward the wagon to have a talk with the Major.
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Upon entering the wagon Charlie and Flint were both in shock and disbelief at how sick the Wagon Master really was.
"Major, Charlie and I are both here!" Flint said
"Is Duke still here!" the Major asked trying to sound in command.
"Yes sir, I'm right here!" his voice and hands shaking.
"Ok," Major Adams began then started coughing,
"Here Major drink some water." Charlie handed the cup to Flint to help him drink a little.
"Thanks Fella's Major Adams said then slowly tried to say what was on his mind.
"Fella's, I know what's wrong with me I have a very serious heart condition. I found it out before we left Kentucky a few weeks ago."
There was an eerie hush in the sick wagon.
"Now don't go acting like I'm dying at this very moment. We have work to do, there is at least twenty to twenty-five families that are depending on us to get them as safe as we can to California, or wherever they plan to go. And I do not want to have them worrying about what's going on with me, Understood!"
Charlie, Flint, & Duke looked at each other having no words to say.
"Now something else or rather someone else I want to mention is Bill Hawks, and I know he's not with us right now, and If for some reason I do leave this world before he comes back, I want someone to relay this message to him, And the message is last week I sent a telegram to the Home office telling them about my health condition and that if a Wagon Master should come available to keep this train in mind."
The major had to rest from talking it was very uncomfortable on him to do so, he took another drink of water then continued.
"As for who could be Wagon Master until another one comes, I cannot in good faith pick just one man. All three of you are outstanding men either of you as well as Bill Hawks are more than capable of taking on such a huge responsibility."
All three men just stood there in silence hearing such high praise from a man who is not one to just throw that sort of praise to just anyone. They truly considered themselves honored at the major's words. And many around knew that the Major and Flint McCollough did not always have the best working relationship. However, there was mutual respect between the two men.
Clearing his throat and coughing again the major continued:
"Now if memory serves me correctly, Bill said he would try to be back sometime next week. I want him aware of this considering the rest of you know now. It would not be fair to him for the three of you to know about this and everyone else on the train, and Bill be left in the dark."
Then Maj. Adams could not help but laugh a little. I have been trying so hard to keep my illness to myself, and yes, I know that the choice I made is not fair to any of you. So now that my secret is out, we can go about life the best we possibly can.
"Major," Flint started to speak, "Will the new Wagon Master be on his way now or is the responsibility left up to us to let the home office know in the event of you being unable to execute the duties, or your passing?"
The Major tried to sit straight up but was too weak to do so, then he spoke.
"I am hoping that they will go ahead and send someone this way so there will not be much of a hold up or even a hold up at all to get these people to their destination, but like I said before I trust the three of you as well as Bill with everything there is to do.
Between the four of you the people in this train are in very good hands of this I'm very confident. I just pray that whomever the office sends will not be a tyrant if you know what I mean." And all three men knew just exactly what the major meant.
Just as soon as the three men exited the majors wagon the doctor had arrived so Duke took the doctor to the wagon so he could examine the major. Flint then noticed Ol' Charlie started pacing back and forth. And the more upset he was getting the faster he paced.
"Charlie try to take it easy, if you keep doing this you're going to dig a trench big enough to swallow all of us up."
Duke said trying to be light-hearted considering the situation.
"Well Duke what am I supposed to do, one of the best friends I have ever had could be dying!"
Charlie then stormed off he was so upset he did not want to say anything he would regret later.
After Charlie had walked out of sight Duke asked Flint if he thought they should try to find Bill to let him know about their current situation.
"Not just yet, I think we can wait a few days at least, unless the Major gets increasingly worse then, I think we should probably find him. Thankfully he left the address with the Major in case we need to get in touch with him.
Flint was already feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, and although he did not want Duke to detect that it was already too late.
As the day went by, they all tried their best to stay busy doing chores that needed to be done, and the children played as always, and so far, no one other than Charlie, Flint and Duke knew the extend of what was going on with the Major.
Later, that night Flint was doing some paperwork before he was going to turn in for the night when Duke came to sit next to him. Flint had been trying to figure out the best way to approach Duke about something that had been bearing on his mind since he came back to the camp after his morning routine.
"Duke what would you say if I asked you to do the scouting and let me take care of things here in the camp for a couple of days?"
"Well, I would say I'm honored, but I know I don't have the experience you have, and I'm sure I'll mess up!"
Flint rested his hands on Duke's shoulders
"Duke you can only do the best you can, and I have full confidence that you will do a great job, after all isn't being a scout what you are striving to be?"
"Well since you put it that way, I guess I can do it at least try!"
"Good, you just try to get a good night's rest, I have a feeling it's gonna be a tough few days."
"Yea I have a feelin' it will too,"
The Cowboys said goodnight to each other than both looked around for Charlie, but he was nowhere to be found since after talking to the Major about an hour or so earlier.
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Flint told Duke that if he wanted to go ahead and turn in that was ok, he would try to find Charlie. And not to worry about what was said that Charlie was just hurting.
"Yea, I know I just wish I would've kept my mouth shut." With that Duke went to lay down for the night.
As Duke made his way to lay down for the night Flint went looking for Charlie. After just a few minutes he found Charlie on his knees praying near the spot where Duke had found the major earlier that day.
When Charlie said Amen Flint repeated an Amen.
Charlie looked up at him a broken man.
"Flint is he—."
"No Charlie he's not gone yet, I was just concerned, came looking for you after Duke turned in."
"Ah Flint I'm not mad at Duke, just seeing my longtime friend lying there I feel so helpless." Charlie wiped the tears from his eyes yet again."
"We all do Charlie, believe me we all do, but I know from personal experience that praying is the best thing a body can do. And really, it is all we can do for him.
"Ya know Flint, I asked God to let Bill come back sooner rather than later, but I have to admit I feel like that was a selfish request."
"I don't see it as selfish Charlie, if Bill knew what we were facing he would be here as soon as he could. Duke and I talked about it earlier, and we decided to wait a few more days before we tried to contact Bill. That is unless something were to happen or unless Bill came back sooner than expected.
Both men walked back to camp then both men turned in for the night having asked a few of the men to stand guard that night. Flint assured them that he would stand guard the following night.
The next day nothing surprising happened and thankfully the Major was still with them although still very ill. And like Flint had promised he stood guard the next night and so did Charlie, along with one other man in the camp.
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The next morning Flint was awakened by what he thought at that moment was a stampede but turns out it was his friend Bill Hawks returning from visiting his family.
Bill Hawks was glad to be back with the train, but he was very alarmed when he saw his friend Flint coming towards him.
"Well, you're a sight for sore eyes Bill!"
Flint said to his friend as they shook hands.
"Flint I just had this gut feeling that I can't explain that I needed to come back it was a very strange feeling. Is everything alright? Hey, wait shouldn't you be scouting?
Flint took a deep breath and collected his thoughts he knew the situation wasn't good, but he still didn't want to cause Bill to panic or even be upset with them because they didn't send for him.
"For Pete's Sake Flint what's going on I know something isn't right I feel it."
Flint could not keep silent any longer taking another deep breath he started to explain to Bill their situation.
"Ok knowing the Major like I do I know he would not have wanted anyone to come and get me I get that. And I even figured that he would never tell us if he had a health issue, but I'm still bothered. Well, I guess bothered would be an understatement, oh well".
"Flint, is he allowed visitors or does the Doc want him left alone?"
"Um yea he's allowed visitors just as long as he doesn't get tired out too quickly."
"Gotcha, see ya in a bit gonna go see him."
Bill quietly knocked on the side of the sick wagon he almost walked off when he heard a very weak voice say, "Come on up!"
Slowly Bill made his way into the wagon, and he was so shocked to see his boss looking so frail.
"Hey Major, I just got back!" the cowboy was almost in tears at the sight he was seeing.
"Did Flint or Duke send for you? If they did, I'll tarn and feather them you wait and see!" The Major was trying his best to sound like his old authoritative self, but he sure didn't feel like it.
"Now calm down Major they didn't I just had a feeling I should get back here as soon as I could, and I'm glad I did!" He mustered a smile for his boss's benefit.
"Well alright, I am glad you are back though I must admit. Say Bill how is your family?"
"All is well, and they said to tell you they send their best, and that maybe next time we pass through you will stop by and see them with me."
"Bill, I'm afraid there won't be a next time! With the condition of my heart which I have known about for some time I just didn't want to cause an uproar among all of you. I told the others that I have contacted the home office to keep their eyes open for a new wagon master, but until then I know all will be well with the four of you in charge. Like I told the fella's a couple of days ago. I trust the four of you with everything. I know everyone will be in good hands with all of you in charge. I have been praying that the next Wagon Master will be good to everyone and be fair, just, and even firm if they need be.
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"Now Major enough talk about another Wagon Master, we can cross that bridge when we get to that point, and hopefully it won't be for a long time still, I'm gonna have the faith that you will pull out of this as good as new."
Bill Hawks tried to muster a smile so his boss couldn't tell he was worried.
"Right, Bill I know what you are saying, but I still hope, and pray for a good, no great Wagon Master when my time comes that I cannot do it any longer, You, understand don't you Bill?"
"Yea, Major I understand."
"Well, I'll go and see what Flint needs and let you rest, will check on you later ok!"
"Yea, Yea, just take care of the passengers will ya?" The Major was trying to act aggravated but couldn't fool his friend Bill Hawks.
"Yea, I hear ya Major you are not to worry you hear!"
Yea, I hear ya, now get going!" The Major said with a teasing grin.
"Hawks" as he was affectionately known then returned the teasing grin then left the wagon.
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Just as Hawks made his way toward the pot of coffee, he heard what sounded like a grizzly bear ready to attack. He turned to find Charlie Wooster holding a frying pan over his head. Bill didn't have time to really think, all he knew was he had to react, or he would have a bad headache soon. So as quickly as he could Hawks jumped out of the way which caused Charlie to hit the ground hard right smack on his face. When Flint heard the sound of Charlie's body hitting the ground and came to see what had happened. After turning Charlie over on his back, both men just stared at him for a few minutes then Charlie started to wake up.
Charlie looked at his surroundings, then met Bills eyes.
"Land sakes Bill, why don't you warn someone that you're back, I could have hit you with that frying pan." Charlie said his voice shaking after having the life scared out of him.
"Well, Charlie I'll try to do better next time." Bill shook his head then couldn't help but chuckle a little.
"Da burn it," what's so funny Charlie mused, then all three men had a good laugh.
Bill then reached out his hand to help Charlie off the ground.
"You alright now Charlie?"
"I reckon so, do you want some coffee?"
"Yea Charlie, a cup of your "mud" ahem I mean coffee sounds good right about now." Bill said with a smile.
"Coming right up Nice and Hot!" Charlie preceded to fix Bill some coffee. Then the three co-workers and friends sat together to get caught up on the events of the last few weeks.
The Next morning Bill, Flint, were eating their breakfast together while Duke went out scouting as he had done for the last few days.
Bill let out a deep breath afraid to ask Flint a question that had been burning in his mind since he came back to camp.
"Flint, when do you suppose, we should get going again?" And just as soon those words left his mouth, he regretted ever saying a thing."
"I'm sorry Flint, I know we can't leave until the Major is ready to travel, and that could be a long while yet. I know that."
"Ah Bill it's alright, I've been thinking about this day and night for days."
"I'm thinking that maybe we should divide the duties up. One pair can lead the train west, and the other stay behind until the Major is ready to travel or unless he passes away."
"I was afraid you'd say that Flint, I really was." Bill shrugged his shoulders then didn't say anything more about the matter.
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"Dukes back, Dukes back" Charlie kept yelling,
"We heard ya the first time Charlie," Hawks said trying to act annoyed at his friend. "Looks like the doctor is with him," quipped Flint.
Bill, Flint made their way toward the two riders, sure enough it was Duke, and the doctor.
"How's the Major?" asked Duke as both men dismounted their horses.
"Well, he's sitting up more, and eating better, he has wanted to get up and take walks, but we wouldn't let him until we had gotten ok from the Doc here."
"Gentlemen, I understand you were not aware of it, but taking small walks as long as he doesn't overdo it will help him tremendously."
The doctor said as he made his way to see his patient.
"Well, I'm gonna take a look at a map to see what our best route should be. Give me a yell when the doc comes out would ya?"
"Sure thing, Hawks said," as Flint took a seat by the head Wagon it was easy to see by the look on his face that the situation at hand was taking a toll on him mentally, and emotionally.
However, everyone on the train was very much affected by the events that had taken place in the last several days.
Some of the passengers were downright weary, some even angry, but truthfully, they didn't know what to be angry about, they all knew by this time what had happened to Maj. Adams was not his fault nor was it the fault of anyone else. All of them were very eager to get to where they were headed to make a new life for themselves, whether it was panning for Gold, or just starting a new life, one that they have hoped would be prosperous for them.
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Ten minutes after the doctor came to examine the major, he stepped off the wagon to speak with Flint, Bill & Duke to let them know the condition of their boss and friend.
As the doctor approached the three men sitting near the campfire spot. They noticed a big grin on his face.
"Gentlemen, is Maj. Adams usually cantankerous?" He said with a sheepish look in his eye.
"Well, doctor I would answer that, but I'm afraid if the major found out what I said he'd tear me in pieces." Flint said to the doctor who by now couldn't help but laugh out loud.
By that time the other men joined in laughing as well. And that's when they heard a boisterous voice.
"Hey what's going on out here, What's so funny?" The Major had heard the laughter from inside his wagon as he was getting dressed to join the others on the outside.
"Ok, now someone start talking and tell me what in the Sand hill is so dern funny."
Everyone tried their best to stop laughing, but the harder they tried, the harder they seemed to laugh.
Then Charlie appeared after going to get some water from the stream.
"Hey Charlie, hand me your frying pan would ya?"
"Frying pan, Sir what do you want it for, have you decided to cook?" Charlie was stunned at the request for the frying pan, but he still wanted to have a sarcastic answer.
"No Charlie, I'm gonna smack three ding-a-lings on the top of the head." The Major tried to act serious, but he couldn't help himself he started laughing as well."
After getting their composure the Major thanked the doctor for looking out for him.
"No need to thank me sir, just doing my job."
The doctor shook hands with the men around him, climbed on his horse then headed back to town.
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"So Major, did he say if you are well enough to travel?" asked Duke curiously not that he was itching to get going again.
"Yea, Duke the doc said we could probably leave in the next day or so if I felt like it, which of course I do, and I know a whole lot of people that are itching for us to be on our way as well."
"Ok, Major we'll start whenever you give the word!" Flint said,
"Alright then, how does tomorrow morning sound?"
"It will be up to you sir and how you feel!" Bill said trying to not seem so happy that they would finally be moving on.
"Well, we will plan to move out in the morning, I want to send a wire to the home office again to see if they have found a Wagon Master for you all. The hearts of the men around him just sank and he knew it.
"Now fella's none of us is gonna live forever, and we all know that. I just want to make sure everyone that has entrusted us will be in good hands. Of course, I know of a few Wagon Masters that I wouldn't wish on any human being or even an animal, but It's really up to the powers that be understand!" the others shook their heads in understanding.