Diary of Colton Hayes

June 16, 1899

Travers and Jed made it back, and what they've found has us all on edge. They came across some peculiar buildings out in a field, and it looks like folks are living there. Didn't spot nobody face-to-face, but the lights were burning, and they caught sight of shadows moving about inside. Something about this place just don't sit right with me. We best stay sharp and figure out what we're dealing with before we make any moves. What's got me real puzzled is they didn't see any horses outside, not even a trace. Could be they've got a barn, but what's odd is the wagons were all metal, same as the buildings. Ain't right for keeping warm in this weather. I'm thinking we might need to find another spot to hunker down. Least the deer we had last night was good—sure beats the dried-up grub we picked up from that last store.