The Lady Train (Brides of the West Book 16) Page 14

  Johnny had been silent during the little exchange. "He better be glad he's got a choice. Some would have left him without a backward glance." Johnny told him.

  "I would hate to see him go late into Oregon, that could be as big a disaster as the Donner party." Cully told him. "Listen, I need to make sure that every wagon has at least two barrels of water each. Three if we can fit them. We'll be going over that desert into California and it's going to be very hot and dry. I don't want to run short of water. Even if there is water, it's mostly alkaline, not good to drink. We'll lose some animals too. Feed isn't always available along this way. Once we cross the desert there is nothing but alkaline water for a long way."

  "Good idea, I'll get right on that." Johnny told him.

  Johnny stopped as he was about to leave, "Did you hear the news?"

  "No, what news?" Cully asked.

  "Me and Rebecca, I asked her to marry."

  "Marry? But I thought they were headed…."

  "They were, but I couldn't let it happen. I love her, and she already spoke with Abby about it."

  "What did she say?"

  "She's happy for us." He paused to look at him. "Are you?"

  "Sure, congratulations." Cully extended his hand for a shake. He smiled, "Married, huh?"

  "Yeah, thanks." Johnny walked off with a smile on his face.

  Cully thought about that. Marriage. That was a big step. Cully had never thought of asking anyone to marry him, and least of all these women headed for husbands. Still, Abby was a lot of woman, and he really hated to see her marrying up with some miner! The more he thought on that, the more restless he became.

  He wondered what she thought of it now?

  But since he kissed her, she hadn't said much to him. Maybe she didn't like it. Maybe she was upset with him for doing it. He didn't know. She could have slapped my face if she had wanted to, couldn't she? Abby was sure keeping her distance. And maybe, just maybe that was a good idea too. Still he hadn't kissed any other woman that tasted as sweet as she did. She'd responded to that kiss, as though hungry for it. She was a mystery. If he had the time, he might want to unravel that mystery. But he didn't have the time.

  Cully didn't have a vengeful nature. He couldn't believe the British pulled out after the massacre nor that the American soldiers had gone after the party so late, a year late. The fort had only a skeleton crew and it would create problems for every train that came through. What kind of man would leave his entire fort with such a skeleton crew to chase down one Indian. He was sure that word wouldn't reach all the way to St. Louis about this trouble they were stirring up.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Cully stared at the Snake River, he'd been here many times, usually heading toward the Oregon Trail, right now he was glad he didn't have to tackle crossing any more rivers after the Snake.

  Johnson rode up to him in a bit of a hurry. "I've talked to my people. They aren't happy about the plans, but they don't want to sit here when the army might stir up another war. They'll go to California and take their chances. There are no land grants there, that we know of, but it is a state now, so maybe there are other opportunities."

  "And gold," Cully smiled. "Fine, I'm gearing up with extra water barrels for when we cross the desert, I want three or four barrels per wagon, so see to that now."

  Johnson nodded. "You don't mind us coming with you?"

  "If I had minded, I wouldn't have offered." Cully smiled and rode ahead of him.

  It was a long and arduous journey. He took the trail that the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party used. The trail was not as well traveled, and it was a slow go over land, rocks and desert like country. There was plenty of feed for the animals for a while, Cully decided and that was in their favor. Days of endless barren country along the Raft River. Still each time they camped they found springs and good shelter. Without benefit of trees, the firewood was made up of sagebrush, buffalo chips and whatever brush they could find. He had the children gathering it all along the way, they seemed to enjoy having something to do besides just walk. And they never complained like the adults did.

  Although they had avoided disease, they had their share of accidents. One woman, on Johnson train got her dress tangled in the wagon wheel and got pulled under and died from the wagon running over her. Cully thought Johnson had more sense not to warn them of things like that, but then, he probably didn't know himself.

  The woman had three children and the husband was beside himself with grief. Unable to take care of his children a friend of his wife offered to see after them.

  It was July now and the weather was as much an enemy as the other dangers. Women who wore too many clothes began to find ways to compromise themselves. Some used water generously and Cully knew from their habits that he'd have to talk to them about it soon.

  One older woman fainted from the heat and Abby and Rebecca pulled her slips from her and told her to wear a wet handkerchief around her neck and no corsets.

  "But I feel naked without my slips, I mean, it's indecent."

  "Maybe, but it's certainly cooler," Rebecca laughed.

  Snakes were out now and between them and the gopher holes just walking became a problem.

  At the City of Rocks, they camped, taking shelter from a summer storm. It was time to talk to them. After a light rain, the camp settled down.

  Cully gathered everyone around.

  "Folks, this trail is different from the one we were following, so things have to change. Water is not something we will be able to waste, and when we hit the desert, you'll understand why. We've managed to find springs all along the way, and so far, that's good, but as you can see, each spring is a bit drier than the last. That means it won't be long before water will be as valuable to you as gold. So, ration yourselves or I'll have to do it for you. No unnecessary washing of clothes, no spit baths. There are warm springs along this route that we can take advantage of, and everyone can get a good bath, but through the desert there is nothing. Springs dry up this time of year and there is nothing, so remember that. Walking is dangerous on this trail to some extent, so either lighten your wagons here, so you can ride, or walk with your eyes to the ground. You can turn an ankle in most of the gopher holes, and snakes are prevalent this time of year. We won't have Indian troubles here, much. We could have greedy would be gold miners trying to loot our train, especially since it's a good size train. So be on the lookout. Only carry loaded guns on you, not in your wagons, mishaps happen. Women, it's hot, and I'd advise you to wear pants if you have them, Mrs. Walker's death was tragic, and I don't want that happening again, so either wear pants or heist you skirts between your legs. Women, when you tire out in the desert I expect you to ride in the wagons. We get bogged down in the sands, then you'll come out of them."

  One woman gasped at the suggestion by a man.

  Cully stared at her, "Lady, I'm a wagon master, and I don't have time to be delicate about how I talk. What I say is important, or I wouldn't waste my time."

  The woman gasped at his lack of propriety.

  "Don't pick any animal up that you don't recognize, nor lizards, some are poisonous. Scorpions roam this country too, so watch where you walk. Keep your wagon away from piled rocks, that's where snakes usually rest.

  We want to keep a steady pace. When we get to the desert be prepared to work at keeping yourself comfortable. It's only fort miles, about a five-day walk, but it will be the longest forty miles you ever made. It will be scorching hot in the day, and cold as a norther in Texas at night. Dress accordingly."

  When they dispersed, the women all gathered about to talk about how rude Cully was.

  Johnny passed by them and chuckled. "Ladies, he simply doesn't have the time to be polite about what he says. This is rough country, and we have to prepare for it."

  The women all huffed and went to their wagons.

  Abby stopped in front of Cully, "That was a pretty rough speech."

  "I meant it to be. It's rough country. And if you are gonna live h
ere Abby, you better get used to it, and the way men act out here."

  "Men act? Are you talking about the miners again?"

  "No, all men out here in the far west. There's little law, lots of greed, and lots of outlaws looking for homes."

  "You paint a very dim picture."

  "Just the truth."

  "As you see it." She seemed to want to pick a fight with him. He didn't jump at her bait though. Instead, he walked off.

  ***

  That night Abby lay looking up at the stars, they were so bright out here on the prairie. She couldn't sleep. They were getting closer to their destination, and suddenly she realized her life would change once again. Had Cully told the truth about the miners? And was the future as dismal as he would have her believe?

  She sighed heavily.

  Cully passed by and saw her staring up at the stars.

  "Can't you sleep?" he asked.

  She sat up, "No."

  "Want some coffee?" He asked.

  "Is there any left?"

  "Sure."

  She stood up and went to the chuck wagon. As of late she'd been sleeping out side the wagon and enjoying the cool of the night. Most of the men slept outside. He'd been right, it was a lot cooler at night, but compared to the heat of the day, she welcomed it.

  Cully poured her a cup and handed it to her, their fingers touching slightly.

  "Johnny told me that him and Rebecca were getting married." Cully said, leaning against the tall rock and watching her every move.

  "Yes," She said, bowing her head.

  "Does that upset you. I mean, with your intention to marry miners." He asked.

  "No, I figured we might have a few that would go off course, I just didn't think it would be her." She murmured. "I think about Gwen at the Fort too. I hope she'll be happy."

  "Why not? At least they are in love."

  "Rebecca was so excited about going to California. Now, she might not even live there. Johnny is the first man she's met that treated her decent and I can see how she could be swept up."

  "Swept up. He's marrying her, isn't he?"

  "Of course, but Johnny doesn't seem to be the settling down type. He has no regular job. What kind of future can she have."

  "And what kind of future will you have with a gold-digging miner?" He challenged.

  "At least there's a chance for a better life," she insisted. "Mr. Cully, I know that marrying a 'gold digging miner' isn't the ideal situation, but it is much better than where we came from."

  "Well maybe stability isn't as important as love." Cully muttered, "to her, at least."

  "I didn't say that," she whirled around on him. "You don't understand. A woman can get distracted with a man that treats her right after being treated so badly."

  "So, you think Johnny is just a distraction, huh?"

  "It's not what I meant." She firmed her lips.

  He came closer, "Oh I think I know what you meant, alright."

  He walked off.

  Abby stood there shaking with anger. He didn't understand at all. He didn't come from their little world. How could he?

  Chapter Eighteen

  One wagon was damaged so badly, it had to be cut in half and harnessed as a two-wheeler. The man that owned it didn't flinch. He had a good team of oxen and he had no wife, so it was no problem for him to continue on in whatever he could.

  Good grazing helped a lot in keeping the cattle and horses fed, as some had mules, but most knew that oxen were more dependable. They were cheaper, hardier and could go longer on an empty stretch of land. Plus, when need be, they would take to water when horses would balk. However, there were good and bad things about the oxen. They didn't fare as well in a desert, that was for sure. As they followed the Humboldt River along, they stopped one day as they were getting close to the forty-mile desert, Cully insisted that everyone needed to soak their wagon wheels.

  "Why?" Johnson asked with frustration. "Won't that take a lot of time? Won't it warp the wood?"

  "No, we aren't going to stay in the water long enough for that. A day or so but going through the desert the iron on the wheels will loosen and fall off and cause us some grief, the cool of the water will tighten them, thus preventing more wheel damage. This part of the country is rocky and filled with winding turns and steep gullies and a lot of the land is made of pure granite. Have you ever pulled a wagon over granite?"

  "No, I can't say I have." Johnson seemed to settle down a bit.

  "It isn't easy, and with this many wagons it will be time consuming. Thank God, we have the weather on our side. This country is rough, and we've managed well, but I don't want any damage and getting stuck in the middle of the desert, so we must leave wagons behind. So, we take an extra day or two to wet the wheels." Cully told him. "And Johnson."

  Cully stopped and stared at the man. "I'm getting tired of explaining my reasons to you, Johnson. Everything I do, or don't do is for the benefit of the wagons and the people. Going across that desert will be no picnic, and we need our wagons to keep moving. Breaking down in the desert is not something we need to go through. I want the animals free to graze, because going through that hot dry mess won't help them at all. And we need them. All of them. You should know, in the desert, the wheels dry out, and the iron pulls away, causing problems. You've seen wheels left in the dirt on the trial. Most of them had that problem. After a good soak, I want all the wheels greased. So, soak the wheels." He told him.

  Johnson nodded and walked off. From his expression he could tell that Johnson was embarrassed but he always questioned, and Cully didn't like that. They either trust me or not!

  Johnny came up to him smiling, "Is he giving you grief, boss?"

  "A little. Such a damned green-horn and questions everything." Cully shook his head in disgust. "I realize that a lot of wagon masters would keep pushing on with a relentless pace, but by doing what needs to be done, we'll save time and like I told him, I sure don't want to break down while we're crossing that desert."

  "I'm glad you are as careful as you are. I've seen the wagons that some of the people in front of us have left behind, the bent wheels, the iron stripped. I gotta admit you know your business. You aren't a lot older than me, where did you learn all of this from?"

  "I had a good teacher. I went with Seth Barker several times. Not a better wagon master alive, I can tell you. He taught me some mean rules and he was so right. Some people would ignore it and go on, not realizing what they were doing. And that Johnson character, he just has no experience. I hope he learns something from this trip, because going on up to Oregon won't be easy either."

  "I sure think you know your business."

  "Thanks, that's one vote of confidence, and I can sure use it about now." Cully chuckled. "He doesn't have to go to Oregon unless the people are dead set on it. I know they are giving away land grants, but they could settle here. California is still young and growing and it's might pretty in places. You ever seen the red-woods?"

  "No, I've heard tell of them. I hadn't even seen those lodgepole pines, they are so tall, sometimes you can't see the tops of them."

  "Mighty pretty trees." Cully smiled.

  "You gonna settle out here, Cully?"

  "No, I doubt it. Probably go back where I came from. Take a few more up the trail. I've got no plans, but something usually comes along."

  "Ever thought of settling down?"

  Cully wasn't sure how to answer. "I've considered it. Maybe one day I'll find a piece of land I want to work and get me an Indian wife and settle down."

  "An Indian wife?" Johnny laughed. "I kind of thought you was sweet on Miss Abby." Johnny teased.

  "I don't mix business with pleasure, Johnny. Abby has her plan and I don't think she aims to change them. She's a mighty pretty lady, but I'd probably be better off with an Indian wife. I'm not much on being a gentleman."

  Abby had been just around the wagon from them and heard him. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she ran off.

  The people didn't
gripe though at stopping, in fact, the women and children all seemed to appreciate a day off.

  Another baby was born and that evening the women all congregated to cook a big supper and the men killed a cow and cooked it over the flames. It was a day of celebration.

  The woman had a baby girl and she wailed through the evening air before settling at her mother's breast.

  Music began when one man brought out his fiddle and dancing came next.

  Later, Abby came up to Cully that evening. "Well, you've gotten us this far without much problems. No diseases, no outlaws, no Indians. We'll be in California before we know it."

  "I hope so. I figure mid-September. We still got a rough desert to face and the Sierra Mountains to cross. But if we take our time and do it right, we'll be there before too long. That's the reason for this stop, to make sure we do make it. Sometimes a wagon master is focused on getting there so hard, that he forgets the little things that assures him he'll make it."

  "How did you get so wise?" She asked with a slight smile to her lips.

  "Had a good teacher." He smiled back.

  "Seth?"

  "Seth. So why aren't you dancing, like most of the women?" He asked.

  She hesitated. "I've told you before I don't dance."

  "I guess you did. But this is a celebration. Let's try it again, huh?"

  "I can't dance. Never learned." She said softly.

  "Well, this is a celebration, and I don't think anyone would make fun of you for trying." He encouraged. "It's easy, come here and I'll show you."

  She blushed, "I really… "

  But he took her in his arms and waltzed her around the little area around the chuck wagon. She chuckled aloud. He twirled her out and back toward him and their eyes met. It was as though time stood still for a minute. They didn’t' breathe, they didn't move, they just stared.

  She broke away from him.

  "Now you really should know, those miners are a hardy bunch of men, usually. They live hard and die easy. But there are two things most of them enjoy, drinking and dancing. Well, maybe three, they like to gamble too."