Seasons of Life Chapter 2
Then suddenly all eyes were in the direction of Duke it seemed as though he had been struck by lightning.
"I almost forgot, when I went into town for supplies the lady at the telegraph office remembered me and asked that I give this to you Flint.
"Thanks Duke,"
Flint opened the envelope that held the telegram. A small smile ran across his face.
"Well, fellas it looks we will have a temporary wagon master that's gonna meet up with us in about two maybe three weeks."
"Well, Glory be!" Major Adams said softly
"Did the telegram say who the new Wagon Master would be?" asked Hawks
"Yea it says here his name is Christopher Hale, that name does not sound familiar to me." Flint continued
"Well, Glory be again, Flint, Chris Hale is one of the best if not the best Wagon Masters this side of the Mississippi if not all over these here United States of America. I haven't seen Ol' Chris in many years."
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All went quiet as they noticed Bill Hawks walk away as if he had seen a ghost.
"What's going on with Bill, I've never seen him look so scared?" remarked Duke.
"I know what ya mean Duke I don't think I have either!" remarked Flint.
"Maybe he knows something about this Chris Hale that he doesn't like or is afraid of!"
"Yea well maybe, but if I know Bill everything will work out in its own time and all will be well, but for now let's just not say anything else about Mr. Hale agreed." Maj. Adams said,
The others shook their heads in agreement. They still had to have a meeting with passengers to prepare them of what will happen in the next few days and weeks. If there is one thing Major Seth Adams taught the men that worked for him is to Never keep anyone that is in your care in the dark about anything unless it is necessary.
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The next evening there was a meeting among all that were a part of the train. So, they would be informed of the changes that would be taken place soon, and that would give anyone the chance to decide to leave or stay on until they got to California or wherever each family had intended on going.
Flint was the moderator so to speak of the meeting that night cause Maj. Adams just wasn't able to conduct it as he usually did. Of course, he was glad to just be a spectator for a change and be able to take in the questions and concerns off all in attendance. Hoping he could understand everyone's concerns and worries. The Major's mind was intently on the proceedings then something turned his intention away from the meeting when he noticed his friend and close confidant Bill Hawks in the back of the crowd. When their eyes met Bill slowly turned and walked away from those in attendance.
Major Adams looked up to the sky and sent a prayer up toward Heaven, "Lord, you know I'm not one to let people know much of my business, and you know that I try to not interfere with another man's business, but Lord I'm worried about my friend Bill, can you guide my mouth and my actions to help my friend. Thanks Lord, Amen."
Major Adams walked slowly to the spot where his friend Bill was sitting on a rock. He just stood there watching his friend, he could have sworn he saw Bill wipe a tear from his eyes. He pulled a cigar out of his shirt pocket then handed it to his friend.
"Care to have a smoke?" Bill turned his head slightly staring at the cigar.
"Thanks,"
He took the cigar from his friend who lit it for them both and resumed staring into the night.
The silence was eerie for the major, actually it was eerie for Bill Hawks too he knew he needed to explain his feelings, but he just didn't feel as if anyone would understand him.
The truth of the matter is ten people are dead in an accident that happened twenty years ago, and Bill Hawks has carried the blame, and guilt of it all these years. And now the man that was the Wagon Master on that very train will be the Wagon Master for this one. How could he face Chris Hale again?
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Oh, sure Chris told him many times that absolutely no one was to blame even though Chris, Bill and the scout on that train did get blamed for that very incident, but they had also been blamed for other incidents that Bill didn't let bother him. This on the other hand was different. He had disagreed with the direction that the scout had said would've been the best route to travel. He knew the other route pretty good and mentioned it to Chris. Chris Hale agreed with Bill instead of the scout. Simply, because the route the scout wanted to travel was rocky and very steep upward. So, after the decision was made to travel the route that Chris Hale and Bill Hawks agreed upon, they started their journey westward once again. However just a short time after the decision was made to travel on that route the road broke off into an icy cold river below three wagons plunged straight into it. As for the scout on that trip he quit right after the accident feeling that Chris Hale didn't trust his judgement enough. Chris Hale tried to reason with him saying how would climbing up a mountainous terrain be better than a long winding road! Chris felt as much blame as Bill did, but he knew that what had been done was done and there wasn't anything that could be done about it now.
Bill Hawks has carried the blame for it all these years regardless of what Chris and others tried to tell him. Bills reasoning was that he was not the scout, and it was not his call to make. Yea he knew the route the scout had in mind was more dangerous but still he thought if he hadn't said anything those that perished might be alive today. In fact, that's why he quit being a part of that particular Wagon Train. Bill thought so much of Chris Hale, but every time he would look at the man or any of the others on that particular train, he just couldn't help but have a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach of guilt.
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As far as Chris Hale's story goes a few years after that incident happened, he had told his wife and children, that he would lead just one more Wagon train west then retire and spend the rest of his days with his family, then the unthinkable happened Chris Hale's entire family had been massacred by an Indian attack, and he vowed to Never lead a Wagon Train again.
After several months of taking to the bottle Chris finally got himself sober. And contacted the home office to see if anyone needed help with their Wagon trains, and he thought he made it perfectly clear he did not under any circumstances want to be Wagon master ever again, but he was willing to go along to help in any way he could just not be the leader.
If Christopher Hale knew what some of his confidants in the home office had conspired to do, why he just might up and quit before he even got back on the trails. They knew that he needed to be back doing what he had loved previously just as he knew it himself deep down in his soul.
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After clearing his throat Major Seth Adams began to speak.
"Bill, I know it is none of my business or is it the business of anyone else on this train why the very mention of Chris Hale bothers you, but I'll tell you this. You, Flint, Duke, Charlie, and I we are a team. So, if one of us don't like something we need to discuss it and come up with a plan to make it better for everyone. And a telegram can be sent to let Chris know not to meet us."
Silence fell between the two men again, then Bill stood to his feet pacing back and forth until he just started shaking and then he sat back down and slowly begin to tell the story of his connection with Christopher Hale
Bill Hawks, a man of few words who rarely showed emotion in anyway was visibly shaken at the very thought of seeing his old boss. A man he had considered his friend up until the accident that Bill felt sure was solely his fault despite hearing different.
As Bill slowly told the story to his boss, tears began to fill the eyes of both men. And even though it didn't take very long to tell the story, Bill was exhausted from all the emotions that had been on the inside of him now realizing that it was all out in the open.
"Well, Bill you said that Chris never once blamed you for it correct?"
"Yes sir, he said he was just as much to blame if not completely to blame, and of course I didn't agree with him."
"Major, he tried to tell me that since he was the Wagon Master that he was completely to blame, and that he would not accept me taking the blame for any of it whatsoever."
The Major then unfolded his arms then stood up with his back facing his friend. While pondering what to say next so he would not wound his friend, and assistant anymore.
"Bill, I have known Chris Hale for oh I'd say at least thirty-five or forty years, and if he said he didn't blame you then he didn't then, and I know he don't now."
"Major, that's not the point, the point is I'm the one solely to blame for the deaths of ten human beings four of them small children. I don't care how many times Chris told me I wasn't to blame I didn't believe him. I wasn't the scout I should have kept my mouth shut."
"Bill, you can't carry the weight of the whole world on your shoulders it's not for you and just one person to bear."
Seth Adams took in a deep breath, then tried to speak again.
"Do you not want him here; you say the word and we will send a telegram asking for another person to be Wagon master? And another question, do you not like him?"
"Major, it's just the opposite, I admire him. I always have, I just know what a failure I was to him. And I haven't been able to look him in the eye or even think of him without all the guilt I've been carrying inside of me. The two best Wagon masters I know is Chris and you sir."
"Bill, had you heard what happened to his family about twelve years ago?
Bill Hawks sat up straight being very attentive now to what the Major was about to tell him.
"No sir, I can't say that I have, when I hear his name, I try to turn and walk away because of what had happened when I was on the wagon train with him."
"Well," the major began slowly.
"Chris had been promising his wife for a long time that he would give up his job and stay at home with his family. His wife being so sickly for some time he knew he needed to be home to take care of his family to put them first. However, when this one last opportunity came up, he promised her then it would be his last trip." He had completed the journey he was so excited to spend the rest of his years with his lovely wife, and their wonderful children.
As he came closer to his home, he saw smoke in the air, he made his horse go in a gallop instead of walk. Upon arriving at his home, he found Apache's had burnt his home to the ground, and had killed his entire family.
"My God, I had no idea!" Bill was overcome with shock, and sadness for his former boss and friend. Bill couldn't help but be ashamed of his attitude when hearing his former boss was planning to come and help out.
"Major, If I knew about this, I would've tried my best to be right there in any way I possible could to help him out. I hope you know that."
"Of course, I know that Bill, that's the kind of man you are."
"And Chris Hale knows that too, I'm sure of it."
The major patted his assistant wagon master on the shoulder, and they both smiled at each other. And paused a long time before Bill finally, spoke.
"I am happy to have the chance to see him again, just don't like the idea of disappointing him again."
The major looking exasperated started to speak then Bill stopped him.
"I know what you are going to say. And I already know that Chris tried time and time again to tell me how wrong my feelings are."
"Bill, I know you can't help to feel how you feel believe me I know that, maybe someday it will become a far distant memory. And you can come to fully understand that it was not your fault at all. Things happen in life that we don't understand. Only the Good Lord, knows why things happen the way they do. And if I know Chris Hale like I do, he probably blames himself every day of his life over the deaths of his family, as well as every single thing that has ever went wrong while he was Wagon master. I'll let you in on a little secret Bill. "
"What's that Major."
I do the same thing as you I blame myself for every little or big thing that doesn't work out the way I had hoped. I guess that's why my heart is worn out. It's wore out from worrying so much. Take it from an old man, Bill don't let worrying send you to an early grave!"
Bill Hawks just smiled, while pondering what his boss, and friend had just told him.
"Ya know something Major, I'm kinda anxious to see Chris now, we did have some good times together after all!" For the first time in a good while Hawks smiled at the anticipation of seeing his ole friend again.
"Ha-ha," Major Seth Adams let out a hearty laugh, "I knew you would eventually Bill, I knew you would!"
The day finally came when the train had finally arrived just outside of Kansas City, Kansas. Flint made his way to the telegram office to wire to the home office to let them know where they were so he would know where Chris Hale's location was. He decided to stay inside the town for a little while just in case a telegram came back for him. While Flint was gone into town Major Adams felt another one of his chest pains that he hadn't experienced in several days but, man was it back with a vengeance. He felt in his pocket for his medicine then realizing it wasn't there tried to hurry to the lead wagon, where he was sure his medicine was, but as he climbed up to get inside the Wagon he fell backwards and was unconscious. Bill and Duke found him lying there and carefully lifted the Maj into his wagon then Duke went for the doctor as fast as he could get there. He met Flint on the way coming back, they spoke quickly then Duke headed on towards town to find a doctor.
Once back at the camp Flint went straight to the Major's wagon Charlie, and Bill were in there with him he started to come around, but he still wasn't very coherent.
"Hey is Flint back?" the major said struggling to speak.
"Yes, Major I'm here!" Flint tried to sound like himself and not sound to bothered by what was going on.
"Ok then, Flint did you hear back from the office?"
"Yes, sir I did Mr. Hale is in Kansas, but not here in Kansas City."
"That sure is wonderful news to my ears." The major tried to smile for Flint's benefit.
"Now don't fret none Flint, I'm not going anywhere unless the Good Lord calls my number, and that's up to him and no one else."
Flint couldn't help but smile a little bit. The Major sure was acting like himself, but sure didn't sound like himself.
"Yes, sir I know that sir."
"I'm too weak to look around much is Bill and Duke still around?"
"Major, it's me Bill I'm here, but Duke went to get a doctor."
Now, that riled up the major cause he knew that they already knew what the situation is, and nothing could be done about it unless the Good Lord chose differently.
"Ok I have something I need to say, and well I would rather Duke be here to hear this but since he isn't I'll need you fellas to relay this message to him."
"Wait a minute I hear riders coming in!" Charlie said as he quickly went to look and see who it was, hoping it was Duke, bringing a doctor along with him.
Sure, enough it was Duke, with the doctor.
"Sure, glad to see you Duke, the major wants to talk to you and Bill and Flint about something, but it'll have to wait of course until after the doc examines him.
"Thanks Charlie, right this way doc."
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A little while later the doctor appeared from the head Wagon, and the men came to meet with the doctor.
"Well doc how is he?" asked Duke honestly scared to death to hear the answer.
"Gentlemen, he's a very sick man. He did take some of his medicine, and I also gave him something to help him rest better. He didn't want to take that until he talked to you fellas about something, but I insisted."
"I'll be back tomorrow unless he needs me sooner."
"Thanks Doc," they said in unison
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"I wonder what the major wants to talk to us about?" Asked Duke even though he already knew.
"Well Duke, I'd say he is wanting us to take over until Mr. Hale gets here, and by the looks of things we may have too."
"Yea, that's what I was afraid of, but I just had to ask anyway." Duke said as he sighed
"Well, Fella's all we can do is our best, we have had to be in charge at times anyway, and hopefully, Mr. Hale will still be willing to help us out." Flint was starting to sound bewildered.
"Fella's, I know Chris Hale, I used to work for him on another Wagon Train, the home office couldn't have sent us anyone any better than Chris Hale."
The upbeat tone in Bill's voice sure made Duke and Flint fill a lot better about this very dire situation.
The next morning which was a Tuesday the doctor came back to check on his patient. And he had a telegram for them this time it was from Chris Hale himself.
Flint, Charlie, and Duke all looked at each other trying to figure out the change in Hawk's demeanor towards Chris Hale. Although they knew Bill well enough to know that he would tell them what he wanted them or anyone else to know. Just not to pressure him. And seeing his demeanor the last few weeks they were afraid to approach the subject.
"Mr. McCullough, this telegram came this morning, so I just brought it with me I hope that's alright with you?"
"It's more than alright it saves me an early morning trip to town Thanks Doc."
The doctor nodded then headed to see his patient.
Flint watched the doctor until he was inside the wagon then he opened the envelope having the telegram inside and was pleasantly surprised to read the words:
"Hope to meet up with you on Friday!
Kind regards, Christopher Hale."
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Flint for the first time in a long while was filled with mixed emotions, he was going to find Bill and Duke to let them know the news. After telling them the news he was headed toward the Major's wagon when the doctor stepped down with a somber look on his face.
"What's wrong?" Flint's feeling of elation and relief had come to a screeching halt.
"Well, I don't know how much longer he'll be able to live, he's very weak, and he doesn't stay awake very long, thankfully he doesn't seem to be in a lot of pain right now though.
"I'm sorry Mr. McCollough I wish I had better news."
"That's alright doc I understand you are doing what you know to do. The Major had even told us a few weeks ago that his heart was just worn out."
"Yes, it is, I know the Maj is probably in his 60's but from the sound of his heart, someone would think he's a lot older than that."
"Mr. McCollough," Flint held his hand up it's just Flint alright he managed to smile a little.
"Alright then Flint I'll try to come back tomorrow, and I think it would be best if you don't move him for a few days at least. Well, we have a man coming to help us out for a while the telegram said he should catch up to us on Friday. So, we should be here maybe a week or so longer. That sounds like a good plan as far as the welfare of the Major is concerned. Although I'm almost certain that many of the passengers are weary and wanting to get to their destination.
"That's for sure doc, but they have to either go on their own or wait for our orders." Flint said as he shook the doctor's hand and bid him good-bye. Then the doctor went back to town.
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"Hey Flint, do you want some coffee," Charlie said with a grin not knowing what the doctor had just told Flint.
"Yea sure Charlie, fix it for me and I'll get it when I come back from seeing the Major. "
"Sure, thing coming right up, oh and Charlie I'll see if the Major wants anything as well."
"Good, good, you do that Flint."
Slowly Flint made his way to see the Major, wondering what he should or should not say.
Once entering the wagon, he didn't need to wonder anymore he could tell that the Major had a lot on his mind.
"Well Major did the doc tell you to plant a garden or climb a mountain?" Flint tried to lighten the situation up some.
"Ha, no just the opposite I'm afraid. He didn't want to tell me, but I insisted." He doesn't think it's gonna be much longer now."
"Yea that's what the doc told me too as he was leaving."
"Say Flint have you heard anything about when Chris will be here."
"Yea the doc brought a telegram by this morning from Chris Hale himself say he would try to meet up with us on Friday."
A smile spread across the major's face.
"You'll like him Flint, I know you will, I'm anxious to see him too, I hope I am still on this side before he comes."
Flint smiled at his boss, but then the thought of Bill's first reaction about hearing who the new Wagon master was going to be concerned him.
The look on Flint's face didn't get past the Major one bit. The Major positioned himself to be more comfortable, and to choose his words wisely of course. He wanted to keep his talk with Bill just between the two of them unless Bill himself chose to talk about it. And that would come when and if Bill wanted it to. Not any sooner, nor would it be any later.
"You're thinking about Bill aren't you, Flint?"
Flint suddenly seemed lost in thought when the major got his attention.
"Yes, yes I am, I know there is something inside of him that's bothering him, and I don't know what we should do to help."
"Well, I think Bill will work through it it's just gonna take some time that's all. Not only take time for him, but for everyone."
"Flint, I wish things were different, I really do, I see the weight this has laid on your shoulders."
"Major, you can't help this I understand that. I admire someone with as much tenacity as you have even though we have not seen eye to eye many times throughout the years."
"Thanks Flint, I appreciate that."
Then both men heard Charlie, call to Flint.
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"Flint, Hey Flint there's a man here to see you."
"Comin' Charlie, well I guess I'd better see who's wanting me you rest now sir you hear!"
"Yea I hear ya now Get!"
Both men chuckled then Flint left the Major's wagon.
Charlie introduced Flint to the gentleman in front of him "Sir, this is Flint McCollough one of our assistant Wagon Masters!"
"Mr. McCollough, my name is Chris Hale, and please don't call me Mr. Hale."
"Yes, sir, but please call me Flint!"
"Alright then, Flint it is! I know this isn't Friday, but I was able to get here sooner than I thought."
"That's just fine believe me." Flint said smiling
"Say how is my old friend Seth Adams?" said Chris Hale.
"Not very well I'm afraid, but he's hanging on, he will be so happy to see you. Right this way I'll take you to him."
"Are you sure he's up for visitors?" Chris Hale looked concerned.
"Yes, I was just in there, then later I'll introduce you to the others."
Flint stopped abruptly then turned and faced Chris again.
"Hey Charlie!"
"Yea Flint!" Charlie said while wiping his hands so they would be clean to shake hands with Chris Hale.
"This is Chris Hale, he's gonna be the new Wagon Master."
"How do you do sir?" Charlie reached out his hand toward Chris Hale's hand.
"Chris, this is Charlie Wooster! He's our resident cook, and he keeps us all on our toes as well!" Flint said with a chuckle.
"Nice to meet you Charlie, and despite what Flint has said I don't intend on being a Wagon Master at least not yet anyway."
Shaking his head in agreement. "Understood sir, Welcome anyhow."
"Thank you, Charlie!"
"Shall we go see the Major?"
"Lead the way, Flint."
As they approached the major's wagon, they stopped just short of entering. "Let me knock on the wagon first". Chris nodded in agreement.
Flint then knocked on the side of the wagon.
"Yea come on up!" The major's voice was very weak, and Chris knew it as soon as he heard it his heart began to sink.
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As both men entered the wagon, they noticed the major trying to sit up in his bed.
"Here major let me help you." Flint let the major lean his body into his while Flint propped the pillows in a position to where the major would be siting straight up.
"There are you comfortable?"
"Yea thanks Flint, uh who was the visitor." The major then looked up into the face of his old friend Chris Hale.
"Goodness sakes Chris, I didn't think you would be here this soon." The Major couldn't help to have a big smile on his face. Which made both Chris and Flint very happy.
"Well, I'll leave you two alone to talk over old times. I'll catch up with you later ok Chris!"
"Fine That'll be fine. And thanks Flint"
The old friends shook hands then Chris, found a chair and sat it next to his old friend. They both fell silent so many emotions swelled up on the inside of both men. Then finally the Major began to speak.
"Chris, you are looking well my friend."
"Well, thanks friend, I'm doing good for an old man!" he said this with a twinkle in his eye
"Now wait a minute friend, I'm older than you if but for only a few years."
Both men starting laughing which was good for them both.
Then Chris took another long look at his friend then slowly asked him.
"How long have you been ill Seth?"
The major then scratched his head, he didn't want to answer that question, but he realized there was no longer needed to hide anymore.
"Several months, and I did a darn good job keeping it quite until about a month or so ago, another scout Duke Shannon found me lying out near a stream close by where we had made camp. So, after that there was no more hiding it, when it first happened, I just thought it would pass. Then the attacks kept getting more often so I told the fella's a harmless lie and went and seen a doctor."
Chris, stood to his feet and passed back and forth, then spoke again with a twinkle in his eye.
"So, Seth, I'm guessing that after Duke found you is when the home office was contacted correct?"
"Well no I had sent them a telegram about a week before Duke found me."
"Now Chris what about you, how have you been since?" he couldn't finish
"Oh, I've been trying to find my purpose in life, wondering if I even had a purpose anymore. I took to the bottle for a while then finally some fellas from the home office did their own version of an intervention you might say. However, I made them promise me they would not get me a Wagon Master job," He said grinning.
The Major then looked at his friend confused, shaking his head he asked him straight out.
"Then why did you respond?"
Chris Hale smiled again,
"I couldn't turn down a chance to help an old friend now, could I? Seth you would've done the same for me."
"Yes, yes I would have in a heartbeat!"
"So, Seth, tell me about your men & the passengers!"
Just as soon as he was asked the question his mind drifted back just a few nights before remembering his conversation with Bill Hawks.
"Chris it just so happens one of my men is an old employee of yours as well!"
"Well, who is it?" Chris didn't know whether to be happy or bothered by his friend's demeanor.
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"Bill Hawks," he said his assistant wagon masters name cautiously just in case Bill's fears were correct that Chris did not like him and if he indeed blamed him for that accident all those years ago.
"Did you say Bill Hawks?" Chris's beaming smile erased all the doubts the major had. And it also proved that what he had told his friend was correct.
To be honest Chris Hale was acting like a kid opening presents on Christmas morning!
"Well now it's turning out to be a family reunion of sorts now isn't it!"
The Major still wasn't sure how it would go once Bill and Chris would see each other, but he still was feeling better about the situation after his talk with Bill. After the two ole friends talked about the good ole days, and many other things in life Chris left the wagon and went to find Flint. And that is when he ran into his old friend Bill Hawks.
Both men shook hands and smiled at each other, Bill was even shocked that he was not nervous.
"Bill it's so good to see you, I had no idea that you were a part of this train until Seth just told me."
"Ah well Chris, the Major or Flint sends out most of the telegrams, but occasionally, I will send one! Most of the telegrams I send is to my family back in Missouri.
"I understand that completely, Friend. Bill, I cannot tell you how good it is to see you again it really is."
Bill Hawks smiled hearing his old boss and friend say that.
"It is great to see you again to Chris, Say Chris maybe I shouldn't bring this up, but the Major told me what happened to your family I'm very sorry friend. Wish there were something I could have done then, but I didn't know until just the other day.
Chris Hale lifted a hand, then smiled slowly then just stood there in complete silence. While trying to be able to talk about the worst thing to have ever happen to him.
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"No need to apologize Bill, I was on the trail when I came home, I found my home burned to the ground, and the bodies of my wife, children, and my brother and his wife. Apaches did it."
Chris Hale then wiped a tear from his eyes.
"I'm sorry Chris I shouldn't have said anything I really shouldn't have!"
"No Bill it is alright, I had to learn to live again, I spent a long time burying my sorrows in whiskey, then I finally came to myself realizing that I couldn't do anymore for them, but I have a life to live somehow. And that is when the home office contacted me asking me if I would be willing to help out wagon trains if need be. Reluctantly I said yes, but I told them I would under no circumstances be a Wagon Master again."
Bill chuckled, "Well Chris, it looks like they didn't listen to you because you are here to help us out."
Chris smiled, "Bill I might make an exception to be Wagon master again but only to help my friend Seth Adams. I had no idea he was this ill!"
"None of us did until a couple months ago he sure is good at keeping secrets."
"Ha-ha, that's Seth Adams for ya believe me Bill."
"Yea, I know that now, after all the years I have worked for him, and I even served under him in the army. I just figured it out just recently." Bill rolled his eyes then laughed. And it sure felt good to him to be able to laugh with his old boss, and friend.
"What do you say we talk some more while drinking a cup of coffee? That sounds like a good Idea to me." Bill said
"Oh, Chris incase no one has told you yet, we refer to Charlie's coffee as "mud." Just do not tell him I said this, but he makes excellent coffee." Bill winked
"Hey Bill," Charlie said, while he was looking at them from behind the lead wagon. "Mr. Chris don't have to tell me no such thing, because you just did Hehe!"
Charlie, and Chris could not help but laugh at the look of embarrassment on Bill's face.
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Saturday morning came, and the doctor came to check on his patient, who was about the same. However, the doctor did give him permission to get out of the wagon some and get some fresh air and mingle with those on his train.
"You have to promise me that you'll take it easy!" the doctor said
By the look on the major's face, he was not happy with what he was asked to promise.
"Yea, Yea, I promise. It sure will feel good to stir around a bit."
"Believe me sir I know it will." The doctor said with a smile.
"Well, look who decided to join us! How ya feelin' sir?" asked Duke
"Not sure yet Duke, give me a little bit, and I'm sure I'll feel just fine."
Smiles were all around then they bid the doctor goodbye.
Since the Major was up and about, he wanted to know everything that he missed, and he was not teasing them. After visiting with the other passengers, he decided to rest again.
"I wonder If the doctor told the major to take it easy?" Duke wondered with amusement in his voice.
"Why do you say that, Duke? They all wondered that, but Bill is the one that asked the question.
"Because if the doc did tell him that he's not obeying what he was ordered to do." Again, all the guys laughed, and they felt that they could because their boss was letting them think he was doing better.
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It had been a couple of hours since Major Adams went back to his wagon to rest again, he had been up and about for the first time in several days. So, he was naturally worn out from being up and about just being himself, just when he thought that he would not have to endure any of those nagging pains in his chest again, one came, and he let out a scream that could seemingly be heard throughout the entire camp.
Several of those in the camp ran as hard as they could to the major's wagon to help. Duke entered it first, and what he saw terrified him.
"FLINT!" Duke yelled with so much urgency in his voice.
Flint McCullough stepped inside the wagon so fast he was out of breath once inside the wagon.
Both men looked at the shell of a man that had been their boss and friend for several years.
They looked at each other both of course were visibly shaken and tears in their eyes.
When they exited the wagon, they saw everyone had gathered outside the major's wagon to know what was happening. However, when they all saw the look of the faces of Flint and Duke nothing really needed to be said Duke then mounted his horse and headed towards town to let the doctor know of the major's death.
"Folks, this is by far the hardest thing I have ever had so say since becoming a part of this wagon train, there is no easy way to say it Major Seth Adams has passed away."