Answered Prayers (in a Unique Way)
Part I
Chapter 1
It was a clear, cool, late fall afternoon in Seattle, Washington Territory. The nip in the air promised a rapid cooling before the onset of winter.
Several campfires were lit in and around both the Stempel lumber mill and the Bolt logging camp. Aaron Stempel, Jason, Joshua, and Jeremy Bolt, owners of the aforementioned Mill and Camp, had taught their workers about the safety of starting and maintaining said campfires. Since it was the early 1870s, campfires were relied upon for cooking, heating, and - most importantly - keeping the pot of coffee hot!
Near the center of town, children were being released from school for a Fall break, laughing and shouting as they ran out of the schoolhouse and into the town square. They did not know that a small group of women - mainly their mothers - had lit a large campfire in the middle of the town square and were roasting marshmallows on sticks over the flames. They then placed the hot marshmallows in-between 2 cookies made out of graham flour for a sugary delight invented in both France and New England not too many years before.
As the children approached their mothers hovering around the campfire, they immediately became quiet and proclaimed many "Oohs" and "Aahs" while they watched, transfixed, as the marshmallows turned from white to golden brown before being pressed between the two cookies.
One child, Johnnie Withers, age 7, begged his mother if he could try his hand at roasting one of the marshmallows. All the other children followed his lead in choruses of "Me too! Me too!"
Finally, reaching a point of exasperation over her child's whining, Mrs. Withers gave in to Johnnie's demands. She carefully placed a marshmallow on a stick, showed him how to hold it over the campfire, and monitored him carefully.
Suddenly, a rider came barreling into town, and his horse reared up at the sight of the fire. Johnnie was distracted just long enough that his arm reached the flames and his sleeve immediately caught fire.
There was much loud screaming and shrieking when Dr. Allyn Wright, who had just emerged from Ben's Mercantile store, heard the alarming sounds and ran towards the campfire. She quickly reached in and grabbed Johnnie's arm, wrestled with his flailing appendage for a few moments, wrapped it in her cloak, and smothered out the flames.
Dr. Allyn immediately looked at Johnnie's affected arm, which had sustained only first-degree burns, thanks to his heavy jacket sleeves. She immediately sighed in relief and told Mrs. Withers that she had some treatments for his burns in her office.
Johnnie's mother then exclaimed, "But Dr. Wright, what about your burns?" Only then did Allyn look at her badly scarred hands, suffering second-to-third-degree burns. Her adrenaline was running so high that she did not even feel the burns until Mrs. Withers pointed them out.
She tried not to yell out in pain. She only stood up and told Mrs. Withers to follow her to her office to treat Johnnie. All the women who were gathered around the campfire watched as she bravely walked the few blocks to her office without fainting.
Biddie, who also happened to be walking by as the accident occurred, watched Dr. Allyn and immediately ran into Lottie's Saloon for help.
"Lottie, oh Lottie!" screamed Biddie, until the older woman who owned the saloon came out of the back room. "Biddie, what is it?" she asked worriedly,
"There's been a fire in the town square! Oh, a little boy was injured when his arm fell in some flames, and Dr. Wright has horrible burns on her hands after rescuing him!"
Lottie immediately grabbed her shawl and followed Biddie to the doctor's office.
When they arrived, Dr. Wright and Mrs. Withers were just finishing Johnnie's bandage. Allyn needed her help because she found that her hands were two useless lumps of coal. After they left, Allyn fainted dead away.
Chapter 2
Biddie and Lottie scooped up Allyn and laid her on an examining table. "Should I get Rachel?" asked Biddie, who knew Rachel had some nursing experience.
"Yes, run to her house and tell her what happened. I hope there are enough appropriate supplies here to treat Dr. Wright."
Biddie ran like the wind and procured Rachel in record time. Rachel gasped when she saw the state of Allyn's charred hands. She immediately dipped two small cloths in the washroom basin, wrung them out, then gently wrapped Allyn's hands in them. Then she gently raised Allyn's arms and positioned them on either side of her head, knowing that they needed to be resting above her heart.
Lottie remarked, "Oh, Rachel, I'm so grateful you were close by!" When Rachel asked about the reason for the burns, Biddie told her about the campfire incident with both Johnnie and Allyn.
Rachel then stated, "I better go check on Johnnie and bring some balms with me. Please stay here with the doctor until I return."She then grabbed some balms and raced out of the office.
Lottie said, "Well, Biddie, I need to get back to the saloon. Do you want me to swing by the dorm and see if Candy can keep you company?"
"Oh, that would be oh-so-nice," exclaimed Biddie. "Thank you!"
Lottie walked briskly over to the dorm and walked in without knocking. She immediately spied Candy working on some food prep in the kitchen. "Candy, could I talk to you, please?" she asked, trying to mask any alarm in her voice.
Candy immediately came over and smiled, asking, "Certainly, Lottie! What can I do for you?"
Lottie dragged her outside and lowered her voice before telling her of the campfire incident.
"Oh, my!" Candy exclaimed. "So that was what all the screaming and shrieking was about - not just the horse rearing! I heard it from our kitchen! Yes, I'd be happy to keep Biddie company."
She immediately asked Fran to finish the food prep because of an urgent errand, and Fran gladly complied.
Candy walked with Lottie back to the Saloon to press for more information.
"It looks bad, Candy - real bad," Lottie remarked, dejectedly. "I don't know if we have the materials or personnel to treat these deep burns. We may have to call in a specialist or send her to Tacoma or Olympia for treatment."
"Oh, dear, I'll see what we can do." They parted ways and Candy raced to Allyn's office.
Rachel had also arrived at the same time. The two women hugged each other before entering the patient's room.
Biddie was sitting in a chair next to Allyn, her hands folded in prayer. She tried to hold back her tears, for she knew just how serious this condition was. She stood up when the two friends arrived.
Candy and Rachel both hugged Biddie, then joined her in a vigil that would last all night.
Chapter 3
After the loggers had finished their work that day, they all went to Lottie's for a beer or a drink - all except Jeremy Bolt. He wanted to see his fiancée Candy Pruitt at the dorm first. He firmly knocked on the front door of the dorm. Fran opened it and said, "Well, hello, Jeremy! I think I know why you're here, but I haven't seen Candy all afternoon. She said something about an "urgent errand" before she and Lottie left together."
"Uh - OK, thank you, F-Fran." He turned and hurried to Lottie's to find out where Candy was.
When he entered the saloon, Lottie was unusually busy. The cooler weather seemed to have stirred up the loggers' thirst, so she had a harder time filling orders quickly.
Jeremy threaded his way through a small crowd to find Lottie. " Hi, Lottie. I was t-t-told you knew where Candy might be."
Lottie put down the drink order in front of the group of men at a table, then turned to Jeremy.
"Oh, Jeremy, there's been a terrible campfire accident that burned Dr. Wright's hands real bad. I was hoping you could ask Jason what we should do. I don't think Seattle has the medications or doctors that Allyn needs right now."
Jeremy simply nodded, his brow furrowed with worry. "Thanks, Lottie. I'll go find him."
Looking around the Saloon and not seeing his oldest brother, Jeremy went outside and found Jason talking to sawmill owner Aaron Stempel. He walked right up to the pair and said, "I'm sorry to interrupt this d-d-discussion, but I need to find out what we can do for Dr. Wright, who seriously b-b-burned her hands today."
Both of the businessmen looked at each other with growing alarm on their faces. "When did this happen?" asked Aaron.
"I don't know," replied Jeremy. "Candy, Biddie, and Rachel are over at her office right now, w-w-wondering what to do."
All three men raced over to Allyn's office, and Jason quickly spotted Allyn in the examination room, on the table.
"Oh, my!" all three men seemed to state in unison. "Tell us what happened and when it occurred," asked Aaron.
Biddie then informed them of the campfire details, ending with "We don't know if there are enough supplies here to treat such deep wounds, or if we need to send her to a hospital somewhere, somehow."
"Let me send a telegram to a Doctor I know in Tacoma," said Aaron, who then strode out of the office to the Telegraph station at Ben's Mercantile Store.
Jason peered at Allyn before quietly saying "She doesn't look very good, does she? Has she regained consciousness at all?"
"No, I'm afraid not," replied Rachel.
Jeremy went up and put his arm around Candy's waist. "I'm sure all your prayers are helping her, ladies. We'll join you until we can find out what to do." They all proceeded to sit and pray.
Aaron walked back into Dr. Wright's office after he sent his telegram. "Well, we'll just have to wait until an answer arrives. I told Ben to come over here as soon as he receives it. " Everyone just nodded and kept the vigil going.
Chapter 4
After about an hour, Ben came running over waving a telegram. "Here it is, Aaron!" he said breathlessly.
Aaron procured the paper from Ben and scanned it before sighing heavily. "Well, my physician friend doesn't sound too hopeful about Allyn's current situation. He agreed that she needs to be seen in a hospital setting, preferably one specializing in burns and wound care. Unfortunately, the only hospital outside of San Francisco that specializes in burn care is in Portland, Oregon. He said that the Olympia hospital might employ one or two burn specialists. That certainly doesn't help us much, does it?"
"Did the doctor say if the Olympia hospital could at least take a look and see what they can do for her?" Jason queried.
"Well, he finished his telegram by stating that she should not be moved very far, especially to another town, in her present condition."
"I have an idea!" said Rachel quickly. "Can we get the name of a burn specialist in Olympia or Portland, and send that doctor a telegram requesting step-by-step instructions on what we could and should be doing outside of a specialty hospital? I'm quite willing to team up with anyone who can relay the telegraphed information to and from all of us here."
"I think that's probably the best suggestion so far, Rachel," replied Aaron. "That way we can have some expert guidance, instead of floundering around with what to do and how to do it. Let me return to Ben's and get the contact information for at least one doctor at both Hospitals."
Candy had a thought, and said to everyone in the room, "Let me go back to the dorm and fix everyone some supper, at least. It looks like we won't be going anywhere else tonight."
Jeremy replied, "Thank you, Candy. That would be very nice." She smiled at him and hurried back to the dorm.
Chapter 5
Time seemed to stand still, waiting for a reply from a doctor whom Aaron had just telegrammed about relaying instructions to Rachel, and those staying at the doctor's office. Candy returned with some wonderful-smelling pot roast, and everyone dug in immediately.
Even Dr. Wright seemed to smell the enticing dinner. Her eyes fluttered open and she weakly said, "Hello. Where am I? What happened?"
Jason quickly closed the distance between them and told her "Allyn, you sustained some significant burns from the campfire, in your haste to get Johnnie's hands covered. We're waiting for a burn specialist to telegram us so we can start treating these burns correctly."
"Oh, I know how to treat my…" as she started to sit up, she quickly laid her head down again. "Oh, my. This is quite a lot of pain."
"I'm not sure you want to eat or drink anything, Dr. Allyn, but I made a pot roast for all of us while we're waiting for the first telegram to arrive from Portland."
"As much as I appreciate the delicious aroma, the thought of eating anything right now would not be advisable. I would like some water, though."
Both Biddie and Candy reached for the pitcher of water. Candy gave her a half-filled glass.
After drinking most of it, Allyn sighed, "Ahh; that hit the spot. And that will do until these poor stubs called hands are treated and wrapped up." She laid back down and closed her eyes.
Candy remembered something; "Dr. Allyn, we do have some laudanum here, which you certainly deserve and probably need right now."
Dr. Wright shook her head. "Let me see what they've got up their sleeves first before I commit to taking anything."
Just then, Rachel came hurrying back into the clinic. "We do have some preliminary suggestions, but since the Portland hospital is now closed for the day, we can only do so much until the doctor advises us in the morning about the next step to take. I'm afraid the only burn specialist in Olympia is out of town."
"What about the patients who are already in those hospitals? What do they do if there's an emergency during the night?" Dr. Wright asked groggily.
"The triage nurse tends to them until they can contact a doctor or wait for one to arrive in the morning."
"Some medical care, huh?" whispered Jason. "Let's hope morning comes quickly."
Rachel proceeded to get additional bandages and some liniment from the shelves, then unwrapped Allyn's hands before applying more moist washcloths and liniment, then re-wrapping the hands with new bandages. The skin on her hands was red and raw, discolored even more in some areas. It was difficult even to look at them.
"I think I'll take that laudanum now," Dr. Wright whispered.
Jason helped Rachel administer it to her. "Now," continued Dr. Wright, "If everyone will go home and get some sleep, I'll be fine until morning…. unless I'm not."
Biddie started giggling at that remark but was shushed by the other girls.
"Well, ladies," interjected Jason, "I'll let you decide who will stay and who will return home to get some rest. Jeremy, you and I need to get to bed; we have a work deadline to meet this week."
"Sure thing, Jason. I'll be right behind you." Jeremy then went up to Candy and held her close. "I want you to come and get me if anything, anything at all changes, and you need some additional help, OK?"
"I will," Candy promised. They kissed sweetly before Jeremy took his leave.
Aaron then stated, "Well, I suppose I should get some sleep myself, ladies. I'm the one who is demanding the deadline from the Bolt Brothers!"
The women chuckled slightly at that remark, and Aaron took his leave.
The three ladies - Rachel, Candy, and Biddie, looked at each other and positioned themselves as comfortably as they could before carrying out the all-night vigil. All three hoped that a new telegram would arrive early in the morning with more instructions on what to do for their patient.
Chapter 6
Early in the morning, before everyone headed to camp for the grueling day ahead, Jeremy slipped out of the Bolt brothers' cabin and saddled up his horse. He had an important errand to run, and hoped he could return by noon.
Jason was worried when he awoke and found that Jeremy was not in the cabin, but he found a hastily written note on the kitchen table. "Ahh… good idea," was all he said.
Josh was dressing for work when he heard Jason's voice and said "What's up?"
"Well," replied Jason," remember when Jeremy almost lost his foot to a bear trap last year?"
"Oh, yeah, I remember that," replied Josh. "Their Medicine Man - uh - Woman ended up saving it - oh, and saving his sight when a snake bit him, didn't she?"
"Yes, she did," answered Jason. "His note said that he is going to the Salish Camp to see if she can help us here, too."
"That's going to put Jeremy out of the workload this morning, at least," worried Josh. "Do you still think we can meet that deadline without him today?"
"It's possible," replied Jason, "but not probable. We'll just have to wait and see. Come on, we're starting late as it is."
Both brothers saddled up their horses and rode up to camp.
ssssssss
Jeremy rode quickly to the Salish Camp and spotted a few warriors he had gotten to know. He hailed them in their language. They smiled as they recognized him, too, and approached him on his horse.
"Is Running Fox near?" Jeremy asked, still in their native tongue.
"Yes, she is in her tent," they answered, and led him and his horse there.
Jeremy looked around and saw the fruits of the gifts that he and Aaron had given to the tribe to thank them for saving his sight. The pots, pans, utensils, containers, and linens were being well used.
After he found Running Fox, he explained the situation to her, and simply asked if she had experience with severe burns and could help them figure out what to do. She replied that she did have some experience and would be happy to help out in any way.
Running Fox saddled up her horse, took some supplies, and rode to Seattle with Jeremy.
ssssssss
As soon as Jeremy and Running Fox entered the town in late afternoon, they both went straight to Dr. Wright's office. They found her still asleep, but calmer. She seemed in less pain, too.
Rachel and Biddie looked up and stared at Running Fox with curiosity. Candy simply got up and hugged her.
Jeremy introduced Running Fox to the new ladies. Once introduced, he said, "I need to get up to camp to help complete this deadline." He gave Candy a quick hug and kiss before leaving the office.
Rachel told Running Fox, "She has responded well to the laudanum and the bandage changes. We did not receive a telegram this morning. I just hope we receive one soon. I'm afraid inaction on our part might permanently damage her hands."
They stood there quietly for a long moment.
Suddenly, Ben hurried into Dr. Wright's office. He said, "I just got another telegram! It has more instructions, but I think Rachel needs to come to the store to communicate directly about the situation."
"Certainly. I understand. Let me read this telegram first. Then I'll meet you at your store."
Rachel scanned the telegram, showing it to Running Fox. Rachel tried to find some helpful information, but was disappointed that the recommendations included many liniments and creams that they did not have in Seattle.
Running Fox shook her head, also. "I did not bring any of these medicines; my people cannot pay this much for medicines."
"Well, you'll have to excuse me," said Rachel. "I do need to follow Ben to exchange more telegrams. It appears that we are woefully lacking the correct supplies for this medical situation." She and Running Fox hurried out of the office to Ben's Mercantile Store.
Chapter 7
By the time several telegrams had been exchanged between Rachel, Running Fox, and the Portland Hospital, it was dark outside. Rachel and Running Fox looked at all of the pages of telegrams and just sighed. Rachel had asked the Portland doctors what could be substituted for the creams and balms they did not have, but the answers they gave made her more confused than ever.
Rachel and Running Fox slowly walked back to Dr. Wright's room at the Clinic. Candy and Biddie were still there. Rachel just sat between them and tried not to let the tears fall down her face. Candy said softly, "It's not very good news, is it?" Rachel simply replied "No, it isn't. There just isn't time to make a trip for these supplies we don't have here. We have to start the healing process immediately, or she may never regain the use of her hands."
Running Fox was deep in thought. She suddenly exclaimed "Wait! The medicines that the doctor told us DO have substitutes. In fact, most of these medicines can be copied with simple plants, flowers, and herbs in our area."
Dr. Wright stirred and moaned. She opened her eyes.
Rachel quickly went up to her: Dr. Wright, are you in much pain right now?"
"No, not really," replied Dr. Wright, a bit groggy from the laudanum. She then fell unconscious once again.
Running Fox stated, "We will have to wait for the morning light to continue this task. People cannot see wildflowers in the dark. Let us keep your Medicine woman comfortable for the night, then we will go immediately after sunrise to seek out these plants and herbs. Are there some children or others who can come with us to the places where these flowers and herbs grow? They could help us gather the necessary plants, so I may create the substitutions as soon as possible."
Candy quickly cited, "Oh, I know that the children would absolutely love to help! I'm sure that a lot of the brides can help, too! We'll round them all up tomorrow morning."
The next morning, the Seattle sky was bright and clear. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Susan came over from the dorm and volunteered to stay with Dr. Wright, while Candy went to Miss Essie to see if the children could at least have part of the day off from school to help them with their project. Miss Essie immediately stated that the project was going to be much more educational than sitting in a classroom, so she let all but the tiniest students go with Candy.
Everyone met in front of the ladies' dormitory, and Candy pointed out where the wildflowers and herbs grew on the mountain, and they all trooped up there together, following Running Fox. There were at least two dozen volunteers.
As midday approached, the pupils started to complain of hunger pangs. Everyone stopped for a bite to eat. Thank goodness, some of the brides had enough time to make some sandwiches and other lunch items before they left town, so they all sat down on several blankets and had a giant picnic. Some of the brides grabbed some freshly made cookies back at the dorm, and many of the pupils had their lunches with them as well. Someone else brought a large jug of drinking water and some cups.
There was much discussion among pupils and adults alike about how much they learned about the medicinal value of plants, wildflowers, and herbs.
Biddie remarked, "I've always used some of the flowers for making teas, but I never thought of using them for healing purposes!"
"Just wait until we return to town," replied Running Fox. "All who wish to watch may stand near me as I create the creams and poultices. The students will have the first choice of where to stand and watch." All of them murmured excited approval for that next step.
True to her word, as soon as all the pupils and brides arrived back in town, Running Fox asked to have some kind of tree stump or table where she could concoct her medicines and have people watch. A couple of brides quickly harnessed a reception table and set it up in front of the town square.
By then, school was officially out for the day, and Miss Essie wandered over to where all the concoctions were being made. She smiled at all the excitement and questions from the pupils.
Running Fox asked for a few additional supplies, so Candy and Rachel went into Allyn's office to procure them.
Then the magic happened. Running Fox created several poultices and skin creams to aid with healing and prevent infections. There were numerous "Ooohs" and "Aaahs" as each medicine was fabricated and explained. The adults were just as intrigued as the children. Running Fox was very patient with the pupils, showing them the rudimentary ingredients without getting into amounts and formulas. She went into much more detail with Rachel, Candy, and Biddie, for she knew those three girls would always be in Seattle, to help anyone in need. Rachel took care to write down all the formulations and their details for future reference.
Afterward, Running Fox seemed satisfied with the outcome of the various poultices and creams.
Finally, She mentioned, "You have some flowers and herbs that we cannot find, and our camp has some that you do not have, but these will be sufficient for our purposes."
Miss Essie interjected "Thank you for all you have done for our pupils today. They have learned so much more than I could have ever taught them in class today!
Running Fox then retreated up to Allyn's Office to begin her medicinal treatment.
Pandemonium seemed to break out from the pupils, each talking above the other with exclamations and more questions. Miss Essie quieted them, then asked them, "Do you think you could use some of these medicines in your home?" All the children raised their hands up high.
"Has anyone become interested in learning more about natural medicines after today's project?" Again, all the children raised their hands.
"That's wonderful, children! Tonight, I want you to think about what you would like to do when you grow up. Think about your interests in English, Math, and Sciences - including this 'natural' science we explored today.
"If your adventure inspired you to think about becoming a doctor, then let's talk about it at school tomorrow, OK?" All the children excitedly responded, "Yes, Miss Essie!" They then dispersed to go back home, every single one with a big smile on his or her face.
When the brides had also dispersed, returned the table, and gone back to the dorm, Candy and Biddie let out huge sighs.
"Well, that was a busy, busy day!" exclaimed Biddie.
"Yes, it was," answered Candy. "But it sure was worth every minute to see the children's eyes and minds open up to this interesting aspect of medicine. I hope it will continue to grow for years to come." The two ladies then went to Allyn's office to check on her.
Chapter 8
In just three days, Running Fox's creams and poultices were working miracles on Dr. Wright's injuries. The skin became smoother, the color returned to normal, and Allyn, although not yet ready to get up, was in very little pain.
After about a week, Dr. Wright was sitting up, eating, and getting up and around. She thanked Running Fox profusely each day, and thanked Rachel profusely for writing everything down.
After the tenth day of recovery, Dr. Wright told Running Fox, " I think it is quite safe for you to return to your camp now. Your people must need you as much or more than mine now."
Running Fox laughed warmly and said, "It has been an honor and a privilege to learn much from you and your tribe as well. I do think there are one or two squaws who are about to give birth soon, so I should return to my camp now. Is everyone comfortable with the instructions I gave out for continued healing?"
"Oh, yes!" they all said at once.
"How I wish our camps were closer in distance!" cried Allyn. "We would be such an unbeatable team!"
"I am sure that we would," smiled Running Fox. They hugged, and Running Fox hugged each of the women in Allyn's office. Then she mounted her horse, and she rode off back to her camp.
There was quite a collective sigh amongst Allyn and the girls in her office. Each of them knew that Dr. Wright might not have survived the terrible burns if not for Running Fox's knowledge and treatment.
The girls decided that they would still set up shifts, so one of them would stay with Dr. Allyn at all times, should anything get worse. Allyn wanted to shoo them off and just get some rest, but she deeply appreciated their concern and care. As it was, her hands were still two useless stumps, for, even with the creams, she had not regained the use of her fingers. Running Fox assured her it would all come back with time - and no small amount of patience.
Chapter 9
Stempel's deadline for receiving the logs was fast approaching at the logging camp. All the men were busy as Bumblebees, and grateful for the long stretch of good weather. After each exhausting day, Jason thanked them and told them how close they were to completion.
Each day after work, most of the loggers went into town for a drink, and perhaps some dinner. Jeremy faithfully went to see Candy at the end of each work day, sometimes finding her at the dorm, and sometimes finding her at Dr. Wright's office.
One time that he came to the doctor's office, Candy grew close, telling him, "Allyn is improving so much now that she might be able to be left alone for one night or two. Would you like to have dinner with me at the dorm tomorrow after work?"
"Oh, you bet I would!" replied Jeremy. "I might be dog-tired, but your cooking always perks me up!"
"Good! Then may I expect you around 7 p.m.?" Candy inquired.
"You certainly may!" replied Jeremy. They kissed in earnest this time, then he left.
Dr. Allyn glanced at them and just smiled.
The deadline was just four days away. Despite the distraction of still worrying about Dr. Wright, the Bolts led the charge to meet that deadline. All the workers were exhausted after each day's demands.
Jeremy did not forget about dinner at the dorm that night, but he literally dragged himself in after Biddie opened the door. He saw Candy putting the finishing touches on dinner. How he managed to find such a beautiful woman who could cook so well was beyond him.
When Biddie went upstairs, Jeremy quietly asked Candy, "Would anyone mind if I take my boots off and lie on the couch until dinner is ready?"
"You certainly may," answered his fiancée.
Jeremy then removed his work boots and stretched out on the couch. His feet hung over the sofa's armrest but he didn't care. He was so exhausted that he would have lain on the ground outside if it was the best option available.
Candy started to ask Jeremy some questions. "Would you like additional oregano tonight?" All Jeremy answered was "Uh-huh."
She looked at him, then asked "Would you like a little more salt since you're working so hard?"
A fainter "Uh-huh" was all she heard.
"How about if I add some octopus tentacles too?"
"Uh-huh" was the barely audible answer.
By the time Candy came around the cooking area, she saw Jeremy falling asleep, his arm sliding down the side of the couch.
"Oh, well, I should have known not to ask you to dinner when you're so close to a deadline." She gently put his arm back on the couch, found a quilt, and tucked him in. Jeremy moved a bit with the addition of the quilt, but he quickly succumbed to a deep sleep.
"I'll give you a raincheck," she whispered in his ear. She smiled and sighed, put all the food away, and quietly went up the stairs to bed.
Biddie saw her come in and asked her if Jeremy just went home or something. That's when Candy showed her the occasionally-used sign at the top of the staircase: Shhhh! Sleeping logger downstairs! and both girls smiled.
"You know something?" Candy told Biddie.
"What?" asked Biddie. "This is probably the first time I've seen Jeremy up close while he's sleeping."
"Did it embarrass you?" Biddie asked.
"Oh, no - quite the opposite. I honestly can't wait to see that face every night and every morning…"
Both girls smiled as they went off to dreamland.
Chapter 10
The next morning, Candy tip-toed down the stairs, hoping that the other brides' awakening, talking, and laughing did not jolt Jeremy too much.
she stopped in her tracks when she made it all the way downstairs, On the sofa was a beautiful single daisy, her favorite flower. There was also a note attached.
'Tonight. 7 p.m. sharp. I promise to stay awake this time. Love, Jeremy'
Candy chuckled a little at that, then went about her day,
Jeremy, unfortunately, was not having a good day. Something Cookie made for breakfast did not sit well, and by the time Jason came through camp, he found Jeremy hanging over a barrel, retching, Jeremy came up slowly and found a rag to wipe his mouth,
"Ah, Jeremy, I thought you were the one making breakfast this morning1"
"Haha. No, Cookie has meal duty today. Maybe he threw in some old piece of corn or something. I'm going up to my ridge.
"Jeremy, if you're not feeling well, I could give you an easier task, or let you go home to sleep it off" lobbied Jason.
"I'll be OK," Jeremy said, then he dragged himself up the mountain to the south ridge.
Jason shot him a serious look of concern. Jeremy was rarely, if ever, sick.
The End of Part I