Back on the Trail
Chapter 6: Not so Gentle Reminders.
Meanwhile out on the trail...
When the train made camp just before dark near a sheltered group of trees, Chris called everyone together for a meeting.
"Folks gather around, I've got some news I need to pass along," shouted Chris in his booming voice.
"As most of you know, we are nearing the end of our journey together. With luck and good weather, we should be in Sacramento in no more than a month. That said we have several folks down with fever and food supplies are running short. I had planned to camp here and rest for a day or two, but Coop tells me that there's been some unexpected trouble in these parts. I don't want you folks to worry, but let's just spend the night and push on in the morning. I want to post extra watches for tonight. Carver, Pope, Walker, I believe you're next up on rotation... And one more thing; I don't want anyone man, woman or child leaving camp until we pull out in the morning without my permission. I want folks going to the creek for water in groups of at least four. And all youngn's should stay with their wagons and inside the circle. Bill set up a couple necessary spots within the watch area. That's it. You all go about your business."
Chris turned and trudged toward the lead wagon and spread the map out on the tailboard. He was not surprised to look up and see all his lead men huddled around.
"Chris, what's up?" asked a nervous looking Bill.
"Sheriff's posse chasing six desperate men. Don't want to alarm folks, but I don't want to be delayed by a lot of trouble either. Men keep your eyes open and your keep it quiet," ordered Chris in little more than a whisper.
"Will do," said Bill. "Coop, Duke, let's get those 'necessary' spots dug. Barney fetch the shovels and give us a hand," he suggested turning to follow the men.
"Bill hold up a minute, I need you to do something for me," said Chris, then straightened the map before he continued. " I want you to take Coop and head over here to Dove's crossing and meet with Sheriff Keller. He agreed to let me know how many men they are looking for, and give us a description. I don't want to risk having him ride in here starting a panic," explained Chris, as he began folding the map.
"Sure thing, Chris. Should be able to make it there and back in just a couple of hours," replied Bill.
Chris folded the map and slapped Bill on the Back. "Right if you're not back in three hours, I'll send out a search party, so just get there and back no hanging about; you hear!"
oOo
"Hey Duke, where are Bill and Coop going?" asked Barney as he wiped the sweat from his brow with his kerchief.
"Chris sent them on an errand," answered Duke.
"Shucks! I wish I had known, I would have liked to go along," grumbled Barney, as the put the shovels back into the supply wagon.
"How about a game of checkers, Barn? It'll help pass the time," offered Charlie.
"Okay; I'll get the board," replied Barney cheerfully enough.
An hour and a half had passed and Barney had won two out of six games. He was getting bored with checkers and having to stick so close to the lead wagon. "Fellas, I gotta take care of business, if you know what I mean," said Barney stretching and heading off around the end of the wagon.
Charlie put away the checkers and broke out the cards. Giving not one more thought to Barney's whereabouts, until Chris' voice thundered across the quite campsite.
"Boy when I give you and order, I expect you to follow it. I thought we went over this following rules business with you last month. I see you have either forgotten my promise or did not believe me when I said I'd take a belt to you, the next time you disregarded my orders! let's go, Now!" bellowed the Trail Boss.
"But Chris . . . "
" Barney, I made you a promise, now move," ordered Chris propelling Barney along by his arm.
When they reached the back side of the wagon, Chris turned Barney loose and reached down unbuckling his belt. Pulling it through the loops and folding it in his hand he looked a Barney and demanded, "Turn around and grab the wagon wheel."
Barney, turned and leaned forward and reached for the wheel; resigned to his fate. He gave a loud hiss as the folded belt blazed a trail across his backside. He bit his lip not wanting to cry out as the next strike burned its path just below the first.
"Owe, Mr. Chris... Plee . . . ," the belt landed hard this time across the top of Barney's thighs. "Yee owe, Barney yelled out.
Chris turned Barney around to face him still holding the folded belt. "Now, Barnaby, when I give you and order, perhaps you will remember to follow it!" barked Chris shaking the belt toward Barney.
"Yes, sir, I'm sorry sir," answered Barney, as tears began to fall.
"Apology accepted. Now young man, I think as soon as you get yourself together it would be a good idea to spread your bedroll out and get on it," sighed Chris as he squeezed Barney's shoulder and headed off around the wagon.
"Here comes Bill and Coop," shouted Duke breaking the awkward silence that hung over the lead camp as they had listened to the chastisement. Chris walked toward Bill and Coop rethreading his belt.
Stepping down Bill nodded toward the belt Chris was buckling. "Disagreement with some youngn' sir?" said Bill knowing just which youngn' he was referring to.
"No, Bill just coming to an understanding and keeping a promise. What's the news?" asked Chris, moving onto the urgent matters at hand.
"Not too good sir. They got them all, but not before three innocent people lost their lives."
"Well as much as I hate to hear that, it will make your next assignment safer. I need you to take Charlie and go on down to Bear Creek and pick up Mr. Carter's wife and daughter. I don't want to delay the train longer by swinging the whole train around to get them. And Bill you might just take Barney with you, might just cure part of his wandering willy's," recommended Chris.
"Good idea; it'll give us some father and son time too. We'll leave right after breakfast," remarked Bill, giving a quick smile as he watched Barney ease gently onto his knees and stretched out on his stomach.
After spreading his bedroll, Bill reached down and removed first Barney's left boot then his right. "You okay, partner?" asked Bill, making sure Barney had not let the whipping cause bitter feelings.
"Yes, Sir, might be sore for a day or two," answered a slightly red faced Barney.
"That's too bad. I guess you won't be wanting to go along on a little errand with me an Charlie then," teased Bill.
"Can I really, Bill? I wouldn't pass up a chance to travel with you even if I had to ride draped across the saddle," answered an excited Barney.
Bill chuckled. "Good we leave right after breakfast, and Barn..."
"Yes Bill?" replied Barney.
"I'd think really hard before I disobeyed Mr. Chris again if I were you," admonished Bill giving Barney a stern look.
"You're not fooling, he sure can start a blaze," blushed Barney.
"Just a spark, to get you thinking son, just a spark. Night son," smiled Bill.
Meanwhile back at Beacher's Wood...
Luke woke to a cold drizzling rain, spraying against his face. His head hurt something awful. Reaching up he felt a nasty cut and pulled back a hand covered in fresh blood. Looking around he could see only tall trees in every direction. Struggling to his feet he stumbled and fell only a few feet away, scraping the bare skin of his back against the ruff bark of the tree as he landed. Feeling dizzy, he gave way once more to the black darkness of the pain.
Sometime later Luke woke again. Darkness surrounded him and fear filled his mind. He squinted his eyes tight again against the pain. Where was he? What had happened to him? Frightened he tried to remember. Luke struggled to his feet, this time clinging tightly to the tall tree. As his vision cleared, he looked around in the darkness. Nothing looked familiar. He could not remember where he was, or how he had gotten here. Panic again began to take over, as he suddenly realized he had bigger problems, he was lost an apparently alone, but worse... he did not know who he was.
Luke was wet and cold, wearing only a pair of boots and a ragged and torn pair of britches, which he was having to hold up, he stood up trying to figure his next move. With no way of knowing which way to go, he struck out looking for some kind of shelter from the rain. Tired and cold, he crawled under a rock ledge and pulled himself into a ball shivering as he tried to get warm. Miserable, cold and hungry; would he ever find a way back to wherever he belonged? Luke cried himself to sleep.
oOo
Meanwhile Flint Continues to Search...
Just as the sun peaked over the horizon, Flint dismounted. Something off to the side of the trail caught his eye. There snagged in the briers was a piece of torn saddle blanket. Stooping to pick it up, Flint notice faint hoof prints leading off into the bush. Instantly something told Flint they were Thunder's.
Stepping into the saddle, he growled.
"Come on Charger, I don't reckon that boy will ever learn to stay on the trail." Flint slowly picked his way along. He hadn't gone far before stopping and stepping down. He could see where something or someone had laid. Looking closer he could see traces of blood under the wet leaves and rocks. Just barely visible was also one small boot print leading deeper into the woods.
oOo
Meanwhile Back at the Ranch...
Mary had sent Matt to check at Steve's once more and to send the wire to Mr. Cartwright.
After leaving Steve's, and still no sign of Luke, Matt started for town and the telegraph office, all the while thinking to himself, just how hard that his dad had worked to get first pick of that breading stock. 'If he would just let me, I could go see Mr. Cartwright for him. Why he's so busy worrying about Luke, I could be there and back before he misses me. Matt kept mumbling to himself all the way into the telegraph office...
"Thanks Mr. I'll be sure to tell my dad you said hey," called Matt as he climbed back into the saddle and started for home, sure that what he had in mind was going to help.
oOo
It was around midnight when Flint lead Charger into the barn. Ty met him and took his horse not needing to ask the question that was on his mind. Wet and weary, Flint opened the back door knowing he would find Mary, bible open with a hot cup of coffee ready.
Jumping up, Mary ran to the fireplace and grabbed the robe she had placed there to warm when the rain had started. Flint began to peal himself from the dripping wet clothes, taking first the towel and then the robe Mary held, before wrapping his now warming arms around Mary.
"I think he has gone and gotten himself lost in Bleacher Wood about twenty miles north of town. I'll leave at first light," said Flint, knowing from that first look on her face that Luke had not returned, just as she had known the instant Flint opened the back door that Luke had not been found.
Mary began softly crying in his arms. Reaching out, Flint pushed the coffee pot to the back of the stove before scooping her up into his arms and carrying her to their bed. Once they were both in bed, Flint reached and pulled he to him. Holding her tightly to his chest. Neither spoke, nor barely slept; they each stared into the darkness praying for their son. Then just before sunup they rose and Mary cooked a hot breakfast and sat watching Flint eat.
"Now Mary, it's a two-day ride to Mineral Springs. I'll send you a wire from there. If I haven't found him, the wire will tell you when to expect to hear from me again. If you need anything send Matt for Tom or Robert and Ty will always be only a holler away," explained Flint.
"You just take care and bring Luke back as fast as you can. We will all be okay. I want to say we won't worry, and with the Lord's help we will hold on until the family is all together again," said Mary fighting not to cry.
Meanwhile In A Remote Cabin...
Luke opened his eyes, strangely he felt warm. He was no longer shivering. He turned his head to look around, and stared in confusion. He was in a small cabin, on a cot covered with a soft quilt. Then another thought came to him. His headache was gone. Reaching up he felt a bandage. Someone had cared for his cut; but who? Looking around again, he found the room to be cozy and clean, but he was indeed alone. As he became more awake the smell of chicken soup filled the air. All at once he was starving. Throwing back the covers, he sat up only to gasp and pull the covers back over him. He was naked, someone had undressed him and cleaned all his cuts and scrapes. He felt himself turn red form head to toe, then pulling himself up against the headboard, he tugged the cover tightly to him and closed his eyes tight searching for a memory; any memory.
"MOMMA, MOMMA, COME quick he's awake!"
Luke's eyes flew open. Standing in the open door was a wide-eyed little girl with blond curls.
"Laura stop shouting, and move on in so we can sit down and visit with our little guest," came a voice from outside the door.
Luke looked up from the little girl to see a large frame of a woman. She carried a load of firewood in her arms. She wore her hair coiled into a knot on top of her head. Her voice was loud, but she smiled softly, as she crossed the room and deposited her load before coming to sit in the rocker next to where he lay.
"My name's Mrs. Isabelle Carter, and this is my daughter Laura; she's five. How about you tell us your name little fella?" she asked with a smile.
Luke was not sure why, but he felt angry each time she called him little.
"Can you talk sweetheart? You were pretty banged up and very sick when I found you down by the crik tather day?"
"Yes ma'am," came the quiet whisper.
"Now that's a start. What is your name baby?" asked Isabelle.
A tear slid down Luke's cheek as he whispered, "I don't think I know."
"Oh poor baby, that's okay angel. Like I said; you were pretty banged up and you had a ragging fever," said Isabelle, as she reached and placed her hand on his forehead. "Do you think you could take some soup?"
As if in answer to the question, Luke's stomach growled, causing Laura to giggle."Mama, his tummy says yes," came Laura's sweet reply.
"Why don't you be a big helper, and get us some bowls and spoons, and then we will just see what we can do to fix that?" directed Isabelle.
Luke took a big gulp of the warm liquid form the mug he had been given.
"Easy baby, drink it slow, take small sips; give your tummy a chance to get use to it. We don't want it coming right back up, now do we?" Isabelle scolded gently.
Luke nodded and took another small sip. It tasted so good. He felt like he could drink at least a gallon. When he emptied the mug, Mrs. Isabelle agreed to let him have just a bit more, and rose to get a refill.
Taking the re-filled mug Luke shyly asked,
"Ma'am, where are my clothes?"
"Land sakes child, I ain't had a minute's time to wash and mend these britches you were a wearing" scoffed the large woman. "You'll be a staying in bed for at least another day or so, you will be just fine the way you are. I'll get to them tomorrow sweetheart. Don't you worry yourself," answered Isabelle with a wave of dismissal.
"But, spose, I gotta . . . ?" asked Luke, feeling the heat of embarrassment creep into his face.
"Mercy me little one, the chamber pot's right yonder under your bed anytime you feel the need. You're still a might weak. I don't want you a trying to make it outside. Now, I think it's time you lay back and rest for a bit. You need me to straighten the covers for ya sweety?" she asked, reaching out for the covers.
"NO MA'AM THANK YOU MA'AM I CAN MANAGE MA'AM!" rang Luke's reply loud and clear this time, as he clutched the quilt tightly.
"My, but you are modest for one so young," laughed Isabelle, releasing the quilt and returned to the kitchen to do the dishes.
Meanwhile Flint still Searches...
Flint was exhausted. He'd searched for day with not so much as a sign of the boy. Much as he hated to turn back without the boy, he needed more supplies. He should also check in with Tom and make sure he didn't have word. So with a heavy heart, Flint stepped up onto Charger and giving him a gentle kick said; "Home friend."
Two days later he could tell by the look on Tom's face that the news was not good.
"Howdy Flint, glad to see you back," shaking his head in answer to the question Flint need not ask. "Mary and the children are over to Robert and Susan's. They came in last night wanted to be near, when I got word about Matt," said Sheriff Tom as Flint stepped down.
"Matt? You mean Luke," came Flint's confused reply.
"Fraid not, come on in and I'll fill you in before you talk to Mary."
Following Tom inside Flint collapsed into the chair; dog tired. Accepting the steaming cup f coffee, he waited for Tom to settle before asking, "Now... What's this about Matt?" sighed Flint.
TBC
Chapter 7.