Story Repent, or Repeat
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#331b
"I guess we came in from the other way, I know we have been going overland as we heard the trail wasn't safe. Cavalry huh, well I'm sure happy to hear that there is some kind law operation going on. Are there very many of the …. what would a person call them, the Army?"
"A fair amount," the old man allowed slowly, "a couple of hunnert, or so."
Mark was nodding. "That's good to hear. We've had some minor problems along the way, but usually a show of force takes care of it.
We have a lot of retired military in our group, so we travel peaceable, but we don't scare easily." Mark smiled as he gave out the information he wanted the old man to know.
On the way back to the group, Mark and Toby talked about who should be the first to cross.
"I'd like Ma to be the first wagon and have Andy and Donny to come with her. Then Tess, and the third wagon, you or Gary. That way there is a weak wagon in-between two strong wagons. If you are the third, then there is strong support overnight, as I'll come back with you. Forget that nonsense about that old duffer charging us fifty bucks to cross back over, I'll deal with him later."
"Rennie will love you forever. She's nervous about the crossing and wants to get it over with," Toby blew out his breath in relief. It was a good plan.
"I guess we came in from the other way, I know we have been going overland as we heard the trail wasn't safe. Cavalry huh, well I'm sure happy to hear that there is some kind law operation going on. Are there very many of the …. what would a person call them, the Army?"
"A fair amount," the old man allowed slowly, "a couple of hunnert, or so."
Mark was nodding. "That's good to hear. We've had some minor problems along the way, but usually a show of force takes care of it.
We have a lot of retired military in our group, so we travel peaceable, but we don't scare easily." Mark smiled as he gave out the information he wanted the old man to know.
On the way back to the group, Mark and Toby talked about who should be the first to cross.
"I'd like Ma to be the first wagon and have Andy and Donny to come with her. Then Tess, and the third wagon, you or Gary. That way there is a weak wagon in-between two strong wagons. If you are the third, then there is strong support overnight, as I'll come back with you. Forget that nonsense about that old duffer charging us fifty bucks to cross back over, I'll deal with him later."
"Rennie will love you forever. She's nervous about the crossing and wants to get it over with," Toby blew out his breath in relief. It was a good plan.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Aw yes, thank you.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Cavalry huh, well I'm sure happy to hear that there is some kind law operation going on. Are there very many of the …. what would a person call them, the Army?"
The riders were good guys making it safer to cross the river....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Texican....
The riders were good guys making it safer to cross the river....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Texican....
Or so we hope... Thanks for the story Pac!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#332
Mark, Clora, Andy and Donny were the first to cross. The boys had to hold the horses tightly, as the nervous mounts stomped and fidgeted during the slow 90 minute crossing. There was quite a tug and creaking sound when the ferry inched from the slack water into the river current and the heavily laden raft bowed out the ropes and cables.
Sitting on the wagon seat and holding on with a white knuckled grip to the slack reins, Clora was praying aloud. Andy and Donny were praying silently as Mark prayed, but kept a tight grip on the lead horses in the four horse wagon hitch. The current wanted to take them downstream with more force than the sideways pressure on the pulley cables kept inching them across. That made a pull and tug motion that was nerve wracking.
"This crab walking across almost makes me sea sick," Andy complained. "But Dad, I want to go back over and help Judy when it's her turn to cross."
Mark nodded his assent, he expected as much. "Keep her on the wagon so she doesn't get stomped by the horses, there's that new mare in her hitch that is flighty. In fact, we might take one of our mares over to be calm and steady. She's become a good driver, but not much experience. Think on it, and let me know your conclusions." Mark treated Andy as an adult, and both he and Donny responded accordingly.
Mark, Clora, Andy and Donny were the first to cross. The boys had to hold the horses tightly, as the nervous mounts stomped and fidgeted during the slow 90 minute crossing. There was quite a tug and creaking sound when the ferry inched from the slack water into the river current and the heavily laden raft bowed out the ropes and cables.
Sitting on the wagon seat and holding on with a white knuckled grip to the slack reins, Clora was praying aloud. Andy and Donny were praying silently as Mark prayed, but kept a tight grip on the lead horses in the four horse wagon hitch. The current wanted to take them downstream with more force than the sideways pressure on the pulley cables kept inching them across. That made a pull and tug motion that was nerve wracking.
"This crab walking across almost makes me sea sick," Andy complained. "But Dad, I want to go back over and help Judy when it's her turn to cross."
Mark nodded his assent, he expected as much. "Keep her on the wagon so she doesn't get stomped by the horses, there's that new mare in her hitch that is flighty. In fact, we might take one of our mares over to be calm and steady. She's become a good driver, but not much experience. Think on it, and let me know your conclusions." Mark treated Andy as an adult, and both he and Donny responded accordingly.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#332b
Minute by agonizing minute, the ferry inched across the mighty Mississippi. The dark and muddy water swirling and doing it's best to free the raft and it's cargo and take it spinning down stream.
"Don't stare at the water," Mark advised when he caught Donny looking down. "Pick a object on the far bank and keep your attention focused on that. Otherwise, you will get mesmerized by the flow of the water. It's the same as crossing water on a log, a lot of time a person will get half way across and then have to look down, that usually causes them to fall; so be smart."
"Yeah, I believe I will definitely follow that advise. I probably need those binder things that are on the horses bridles, to keep me safe." Donny joked. "How ya doin Ma, you OK?"
"I'm not comfortable and I am deathly afraid of the water as I can't swim," Clora said with clenched teeth.
Mark caught her eye and smiled reassuringly, "we're almost out of the main river current, hold on Honey, we're almost there."
"Praise the Lord for his grace and comfort, deliver us from this evil," Clora said with a rush of breath.
Just then, a submerged log hit the raft and made it shudder. "OH MERCY," Clora shouted out, and the horses stomped and surged against Marks hands.
"Whoa, whoa," he soothed, "easy there boys, we're almost to shore." Mark eased the horses back to where they had been standing, so the raft was more on an even keel. Slowly the ferry made it into the backwater of the cove and came to a grinding halt on the mud and gravel bank.
"Thank you Lord," there was no mistake in the relief in Clora's voice. All the restraints used to hold the team and wagon were released, before the strong hitching posts and pole bars were swung aside. When the horses sensed freedom, they surged and strained to leave the hated raft, almost running over Mark as they near panicked to get back on solid ground.
The road was corduroyed with logs to give the teams leverage to pull up the steep bank, but there was no holding them back. Clora urged them on with her voice, bucking and jumping over the logs. At the top of the hill, Clora started speaking to her team and they started to respond to her grip on the reins.
Clora drove off into the open area to the right, to give the oncoming team room to maneuver and load on the raft. The man and woman on the wagon seat looked as scared and uneasy as Clora felt. She waved and gave them a small smile. but her hands were trembling and her knees were like hot jello.
Mark and the boys rode up and motioned to Clora to drive more to her right, but out into the center of the open area. "I don't want to be too close the the river bank, I wouldn't want to bet that there aren't river pirates around here. No need to give them easy pickings."
Clora got the team stopped where Mark motioned and just sat on the seat, gathering her wits in relief. "I don't want to unhitch until we get Tess and her wagon here," Clora spoke to Mark. Concern for their child and grandchildren upper most in her mind..
The boys went off on their horses to find wood and Clora and Mark reassured each other with heart felt prayers.
Minute by agonizing minute, the ferry inched across the mighty Mississippi. The dark and muddy water swirling and doing it's best to free the raft and it's cargo and take it spinning down stream.
"Don't stare at the water," Mark advised when he caught Donny looking down. "Pick a object on the far bank and keep your attention focused on that. Otherwise, you will get mesmerized by the flow of the water. It's the same as crossing water on a log, a lot of time a person will get half way across and then have to look down, that usually causes them to fall; so be smart."
"Yeah, I believe I will definitely follow that advise. I probably need those binder things that are on the horses bridles, to keep me safe." Donny joked. "How ya doin Ma, you OK?"
"I'm not comfortable and I am deathly afraid of the water as I can't swim," Clora said with clenched teeth.
Mark caught her eye and smiled reassuringly, "we're almost out of the main river current, hold on Honey, we're almost there."
"Praise the Lord for his grace and comfort, deliver us from this evil," Clora said with a rush of breath.
Just then, a submerged log hit the raft and made it shudder. "OH MERCY," Clora shouted out, and the horses stomped and surged against Marks hands.
"Whoa, whoa," he soothed, "easy there boys, we're almost to shore." Mark eased the horses back to where they had been standing, so the raft was more on an even keel. Slowly the ferry made it into the backwater of the cove and came to a grinding halt on the mud and gravel bank.
"Thank you Lord," there was no mistake in the relief in Clora's voice. All the restraints used to hold the team and wagon were released, before the strong hitching posts and pole bars were swung aside. When the horses sensed freedom, they surged and strained to leave the hated raft, almost running over Mark as they near panicked to get back on solid ground.
The road was corduroyed with logs to give the teams leverage to pull up the steep bank, but there was no holding them back. Clora urged them on with her voice, bucking and jumping over the logs. At the top of the hill, Clora started speaking to her team and they started to respond to her grip on the reins.
Clora drove off into the open area to the right, to give the oncoming team room to maneuver and load on the raft. The man and woman on the wagon seat looked as scared and uneasy as Clora felt. She waved and gave them a small smile. but her hands were trembling and her knees were like hot jello.
Mark and the boys rode up and motioned to Clora to drive more to her right, but out into the center of the open area. "I don't want to be too close the the river bank, I wouldn't want to bet that there aren't river pirates around here. No need to give them easy pickings."
Clora got the team stopped where Mark motioned and just sat on the seat, gathering her wits in relief. "I don't want to unhitch until we get Tess and her wagon here," Clora spoke to Mark. Concern for their child and grandchildren upper most in her mind..
The boys went off on their horses to find wood and Clora and Mark reassured each other with heart felt prayers.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#333
Slow as molasses in January, the ferry inched it's way back to East St. Louis with it's cargo of team and wagon heading East. Mark watched through the binoculars as Toby, Milo and Gary helped Tess load her wagon and team. All three mischief makers were tied by a rope around their belt loops and attached firmly to Millie's hand. As they started across, Millie got out candy and cookies for an impromptu picnic, as a way to keep the little rascals under control; and to ease Tesse's burdens as they crossed.
The sweet candy treat had been Hattie and Oren's inspiration, and Punky and Max could hardly wait to board the ferry so they could dive into their candy feast. The out and out bribe was a lure for all the young ones, and they were impatient to get on with business.
On the bank where the majority of the wagons were still staged, the men in charge decided to send Abby as the third wagon, instead of Rennie. Toby and Milo were uneasy with the amount of interest the clan was receiving from passing people; the consensus was that the clan was crazy for wanting to go West.
Toby and Milo made the call to send Abby and her cargo of weapons as the third wagon, giving the smaller numbered group on the opposite bank more of an advantage, should they be attacked.
It took four days to ferry the clan across, and by that time; everyone was heartily sick of town and it's resultant problems. Town kids, curious about the traveling band of kids, attempted to run in and out among the wagons, causing the dogs to bark nonstop, and mother's to snap at their own kids for being so careless around the fires, the stock and in general impatience.
Toby, Milo, Gary and Robert drew straws to see who would be the last wagon, and Gary won the short straw. Every crossing had gone well, except the last one. The cow was having none of that squirrelly business of getting on a piece of wood and go floating across a fast moving current of water.
They had to drag her on, the cow skidding her feet and bellowing in fright. She went down on her knees in front, from pulling back so hard on the securely tied rope. The noise attracted quite a number of onlookers that had a hundred suggestions of what and how to get the cow to cooperate. Some quick thinking gentleman started taking bets as to what would happen.
Personally, Gary was thinking that the only suggestion worth considering, was the one that involved a strategically placed bullet. Then, just as the ferryman was getting impatient and getting ready to cast off, forcing the cow to swim or drown; through the crowd came a dirty brown streak of large mastiff dog and with one mighty bite on the cow's hind leg, the cow bellowed in surprise and jumped forward into the enclosed pen.
David and Scotty were yelling for joy, "dog, dog, you made it." and just like that, the last Linderman wagon started it's journey across the Mississippi. Dog sat on the back corner of the raft, and showed his teeth, when Gary went to the back of the wagon.
"I'll shoot that dog if he comes after me," the ferryman announced loudly, and dog growled low in a return warning.
"He won't bother you if you don't look at him and ignore him," Gary cautioned. "He belongs to the boys, but he doesn't allow petting or touching."
"Spooky sucker," the ferry man muttered, "I don't lik'en like that. Too unpredictable, you cain't ever tell what they is thinkin, er what will set them off."
"I'm surprised to see him, we thought he was gone for good when we started out. From the looks of him, he ain't had much to eat, I think we have a couple of pancakes left from breakfast, I get those for him." Gary went to ease around the wagon and it's sister smaller wagon driven by Robert.
At the back of the wagon, the cow was looking at Gary with hate in her eyes, the young stud colt tied to the back of the small wagon looked hopeful that some oats might fall in a pan. Gary thought that might be a good idea for both animals, and it did seem to cool ruffled tempers. Dog ate the three pancakes and David and Scotty sat at the back of the wagon and sent loving looks toward dog.
Robert looked over his brothers family and thought the two strange little boys had an equally strange dog, but they all seemed to get along. Gary and his wagon had the worst time of crossing. They were just into the center current, when a huge floating tree and entangled amount of brush and trash headed straight for the raft.
The ferryman blew his whistle frantically and waved a red flag. The teams pulling on the banks, were slapped with the reins to pull as hard and fast as possible. The ferry got bumped and for heart stopping moments, the raft and the tree were entangled, straining the ropes and cables holding the ferry steady.
The ferry man was screaming, "push, Push," as they maneuvered poles to try and dislodge the tree from the over taut cable. "It's gonna break the cable," the old man was screaming, "we'll drown fer sure."
Slow as molasses in January, the ferry inched it's way back to East St. Louis with it's cargo of team and wagon heading East. Mark watched through the binoculars as Toby, Milo and Gary helped Tess load her wagon and team. All three mischief makers were tied by a rope around their belt loops and attached firmly to Millie's hand. As they started across, Millie got out candy and cookies for an impromptu picnic, as a way to keep the little rascals under control; and to ease Tesse's burdens as they crossed.
The sweet candy treat had been Hattie and Oren's inspiration, and Punky and Max could hardly wait to board the ferry so they could dive into their candy feast. The out and out bribe was a lure for all the young ones, and they were impatient to get on with business.
On the bank where the majority of the wagons were still staged, the men in charge decided to send Abby as the third wagon, instead of Rennie. Toby and Milo were uneasy with the amount of interest the clan was receiving from passing people; the consensus was that the clan was crazy for wanting to go West.
Toby and Milo made the call to send Abby and her cargo of weapons as the third wagon, giving the smaller numbered group on the opposite bank more of an advantage, should they be attacked.
It took four days to ferry the clan across, and by that time; everyone was heartily sick of town and it's resultant problems. Town kids, curious about the traveling band of kids, attempted to run in and out among the wagons, causing the dogs to bark nonstop, and mother's to snap at their own kids for being so careless around the fires, the stock and in general impatience.
Toby, Milo, Gary and Robert drew straws to see who would be the last wagon, and Gary won the short straw. Every crossing had gone well, except the last one. The cow was having none of that squirrelly business of getting on a piece of wood and go floating across a fast moving current of water.
They had to drag her on, the cow skidding her feet and bellowing in fright. She went down on her knees in front, from pulling back so hard on the securely tied rope. The noise attracted quite a number of onlookers that had a hundred suggestions of what and how to get the cow to cooperate. Some quick thinking gentleman started taking bets as to what would happen.
Personally, Gary was thinking that the only suggestion worth considering, was the one that involved a strategically placed bullet. Then, just as the ferryman was getting impatient and getting ready to cast off, forcing the cow to swim or drown; through the crowd came a dirty brown streak of large mastiff dog and with one mighty bite on the cow's hind leg, the cow bellowed in surprise and jumped forward into the enclosed pen.
David and Scotty were yelling for joy, "dog, dog, you made it." and just like that, the last Linderman wagon started it's journey across the Mississippi. Dog sat on the back corner of the raft, and showed his teeth, when Gary went to the back of the wagon.
"I'll shoot that dog if he comes after me," the ferryman announced loudly, and dog growled low in a return warning.
"He won't bother you if you don't look at him and ignore him," Gary cautioned. "He belongs to the boys, but he doesn't allow petting or touching."
"Spooky sucker," the ferry man muttered, "I don't lik'en like that. Too unpredictable, you cain't ever tell what they is thinkin, er what will set them off."
"I'm surprised to see him, we thought he was gone for good when we started out. From the looks of him, he ain't had much to eat, I think we have a couple of pancakes left from breakfast, I get those for him." Gary went to ease around the wagon and it's sister smaller wagon driven by Robert.
At the back of the wagon, the cow was looking at Gary with hate in her eyes, the young stud colt tied to the back of the small wagon looked hopeful that some oats might fall in a pan. Gary thought that might be a good idea for both animals, and it did seem to cool ruffled tempers. Dog ate the three pancakes and David and Scotty sat at the back of the wagon and sent loving looks toward dog.
Robert looked over his brothers family and thought the two strange little boys had an equally strange dog, but they all seemed to get along. Gary and his wagon had the worst time of crossing. They were just into the center current, when a huge floating tree and entangled amount of brush and trash headed straight for the raft.
The ferryman blew his whistle frantically and waved a red flag. The teams pulling on the banks, were slapped with the reins to pull as hard and fast as possible. The ferry got bumped and for heart stopping moments, the raft and the tree were entangled, straining the ropes and cables holding the ferry steady.
The ferry man was screaming, "push, Push," as they maneuvered poles to try and dislodge the tree from the over taut cable. "It's gonna break the cable," the old man was screaming, "we'll drown fer sure."
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
The ferry man was screaming, "push, Push," as they maneuvered poles to try and dislodge the tree from the over taut cable. "It's gonna break the cable," the old man was screaming, "we'll drown fer sure."
Have faith for you may only get wet and slapped by tree limbs....
Thanks Pac for the chapters....
Texican....
Have faith for you may only get wet and slapped by tree limbs....
Thanks Pac for the chapters....
Texican....
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh gads and there the story ends for the day lol
Dosadi
Brown Coat
kinda makes one think about Europeans buying passage to the Americas on old wood ships.
A one way trip sort of thing.
Then again if one had collected it up it was just paper and about as valueless except in the eyes of the beholder.
I think I would have liked living in the old wagon train times, but maybe not. Lot easier outside looking in vs. actually that being your life and world.
Dosadi
A one way trip sort of thing.
Then again if one had collected it up it was just paper and about as valueless except in the eyes of the beholder.
I think I would have liked living in the old wagon train times, but maybe not. Lot easier outside looking in vs. actually that being your life and world.
Dosadi
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#334
Gary was pushing with all his might; his considerable bulk leaning into the pole, caused it to break. He stumbled forward, causing Jainy to scream and grab at his boots. She caught him as his body slid on the raft floor and his hands grabbed at the air and certain dunking.
Floundering, Gary was extended further than his midsection over the edge of the raft. Jainy was slowly loosing her grip, and had to resort to sitting on Gary's legs. "David," she was screaming, "Grab that rope and throw it to Dad, hurry, don't get to close to the edge."
David moved quickly, but it seemed like it was slow motion. Gary felt the rope land on his back, and David and Scotty were tying the other end of the rope to the wagon wheel. His arm flopped back trying to reach the rope and he finally felt the twisted fibers and pulled the rope under his arm. His exercised strengthened body was weakening as he strained to arch and stop himself from tipping into the water that was greedily sucking at his body.
During the horrific flash moment, the ferryman was loudly screaming for them to come push at the tree that finally accomplished what it attempted to do. There was a loud snap and the cable broke, sending the ferry shooting downstream held by straining ropes, sweeping across the water like a piece of paper on the end of a snap the whip.
Horses on the Western bank, strained to hold the weight of the ferry, pulling against the load that was slowly pulling them backwards.
"Teams," Mark was yelling, "bring teams to hold the weight." Andy and Donny dropped the drawbar pins from Clora's team as Milo and Toby did the same. Running behind the horses, as they rushed to the ferry teams, the clan hitched the three, four horse fresh animals to hold against the immense pull.
Grabbing the rope, Gary yelled at Jainy to get off his legs so he could twist himself up and around and get back on the raft. When Jainy moved to the side, Gary shot off into the water, and held on for dear life to the rope.
"Ma, Ma, the rope is coming undone." David and Scotty were screaming in panic, and Jainy grabbed the rope and planted her feet against the wheel.
"Wrap the end around the wheel," Jainy directed, still laying on her back, as she had her hands wrapped in the rope holding Gary.
The ferry man was hopping mad, jumping up and down screaming invectives at Gary for not helping push the tree off the raft and it was his fault for the cable breaking. The old man was frothing at the mouth, out of control furious, as he stomped and yelled.
Gary felt the water pulling at him, as he made several attempts to grab ahold of the last board, and then felt the rotten, waterlogged wood crumble away from his grip.
The clan watched helplessly from the far bank as the frantic tableau happened before their eyes. They couldn't see from their vantage point that Gary was down in the water, as he was hidden by the tail log that served to stabilize the raft.
Jainy rolled to her side, her hands tightened into the severe grip of the rope as she felt the bones break in her left hand. "Tie the end again," she yelled at David, "I can't hold it."
David got the rope tied once again and Jainy rolled under the rope to untangle her hand, and then got to her knees to untangle the other. She tried to get the crazed ferry man to help, but he was off in his oblivious rant.
Jainy rolled away from the rope, and got to her knees again and used her good hand to tie the rope tighter and more securely.
Gary was pushing with all his might; his considerable bulk leaning into the pole, caused it to break. He stumbled forward, causing Jainy to scream and grab at his boots. She caught him as his body slid on the raft floor and his hands grabbed at the air and certain dunking.
Floundering, Gary was extended further than his midsection over the edge of the raft. Jainy was slowly loosing her grip, and had to resort to sitting on Gary's legs. "David," she was screaming, "Grab that rope and throw it to Dad, hurry, don't get to close to the edge."
David moved quickly, but it seemed like it was slow motion. Gary felt the rope land on his back, and David and Scotty were tying the other end of the rope to the wagon wheel. His arm flopped back trying to reach the rope and he finally felt the twisted fibers and pulled the rope under his arm. His exercised strengthened body was weakening as he strained to arch and stop himself from tipping into the water that was greedily sucking at his body.
During the horrific flash moment, the ferryman was loudly screaming for them to come push at the tree that finally accomplished what it attempted to do. There was a loud snap and the cable broke, sending the ferry shooting downstream held by straining ropes, sweeping across the water like a piece of paper on the end of a snap the whip.
Horses on the Western bank, strained to hold the weight of the ferry, pulling against the load that was slowly pulling them backwards.
"Teams," Mark was yelling, "bring teams to hold the weight." Andy and Donny dropped the drawbar pins from Clora's team as Milo and Toby did the same. Running behind the horses, as they rushed to the ferry teams, the clan hitched the three, four horse fresh animals to hold against the immense pull.
Grabbing the rope, Gary yelled at Jainy to get off his legs so he could twist himself up and around and get back on the raft. When Jainy moved to the side, Gary shot off into the water, and held on for dear life to the rope.
"Ma, Ma, the rope is coming undone." David and Scotty were screaming in panic, and Jainy grabbed the rope and planted her feet against the wheel.
"Wrap the end around the wheel," Jainy directed, still laying on her back, as she had her hands wrapped in the rope holding Gary.
The ferry man was hopping mad, jumping up and down screaming invectives at Gary for not helping push the tree off the raft and it was his fault for the cable breaking. The old man was frothing at the mouth, out of control furious, as he stomped and yelled.
Gary felt the water pulling at him, as he made several attempts to grab ahold of the last board, and then felt the rotten, waterlogged wood crumble away from his grip.
The clan watched helplessly from the far bank as the frantic tableau happened before their eyes. They couldn't see from their vantage point that Gary was down in the water, as he was hidden by the tail log that served to stabilize the raft.
Jainy rolled to her side, her hands tightened into the severe grip of the rope as she felt the bones break in her left hand. "Tie the end again," she yelled at David, "I can't hold it."
David got the rope tied once again and Jainy rolled under the rope to untangle her hand, and then got to her knees to untangle the other. She tried to get the crazed ferry man to help, but he was off in his oblivious rant.
Jainy rolled away from the rope, and got to her knees again and used her good hand to tie the rope tighter and more securely.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh my some adventure in pain. Thank you Pac.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#335
"Bring your team," Milo thundered at Robert, "I need rope, somebody get me the longest rope you have. Three or four lengths, PEOPLE, I SAID MOVE!!" The strident, barking tone moved people off center, to scatter and at a run.
"Tie that rope under my arms, keep adding lengths until I can get out to the ferry," Milo ordered. He shucked his watch, wallet and boots and walked gingerly into the water. With his gloves on, Milo kept his hand on the cable that was the only tether to the bobbing and swaying raft.
Following the cable, he eased himself down the old and wire frayed line. Agonizing minutes passed until he reached the ferry and yelled at Jainy, "where's Gary?"
Jainy waved her hand to indicate Gary was at the back of the raft, "hurry, the rope is coming untied and I can't hold it, my hand's broken."
The raft was swaying and whipping back and forth, like it was trying to flick the occupants off into the water. The horses were acting more and more nervous, stomping and nickering.
Milo dove under the log to bump into Gary as he surfaced. Lending strength to the tiring man that was trying to pull himself into the small three board transom of the raft. Milo clamped a strong hand around Gary's wrist and then almost lost him when the ferry played crack the whip.
"Jainy get another rope, feed it to me." Milo ordered. "You.... ferry man, stop being such a sniveling idiot and give her a hand." he shouted.
The ferry man stopped his rant and looked around stupidly, wondering where the second voice was coming from. "Tie the end of the damn rope," Milo screamed again and the man obeyed automatically to the voice of authority.
Between Milo and Gary, they got Gary up on the deck, as Milo tied the rope he had around himself, to the tail log of the raft. Robert and Toby on the bank slowly tightened the rope Milo had brought out with him, stabilizing the wildly yawing ferry.
"Bring your team," Milo thundered at Robert, "I need rope, somebody get me the longest rope you have. Three or four lengths, PEOPLE, I SAID MOVE!!" The strident, barking tone moved people off center, to scatter and at a run.
"Tie that rope under my arms, keep adding lengths until I can get out to the ferry," Milo ordered. He shucked his watch, wallet and boots and walked gingerly into the water. With his gloves on, Milo kept his hand on the cable that was the only tether to the bobbing and swaying raft.
Following the cable, he eased himself down the old and wire frayed line. Agonizing minutes passed until he reached the ferry and yelled at Jainy, "where's Gary?"
Jainy waved her hand to indicate Gary was at the back of the raft, "hurry, the rope is coming untied and I can't hold it, my hand's broken."
The raft was swaying and whipping back and forth, like it was trying to flick the occupants off into the water. The horses were acting more and more nervous, stomping and nickering.
Milo dove under the log to bump into Gary as he surfaced. Lending strength to the tiring man that was trying to pull himself into the small three board transom of the raft. Milo clamped a strong hand around Gary's wrist and then almost lost him when the ferry played crack the whip.
"Jainy get another rope, feed it to me." Milo ordered. "You.... ferry man, stop being such a sniveling idiot and give her a hand." he shouted.
The ferry man stopped his rant and looked around stupidly, wondering where the second voice was coming from. "Tie the end of the damn rope," Milo screamed again and the man obeyed automatically to the voice of authority.
Between Milo and Gary, they got Gary up on the deck, as Milo tied the rope he had around himself, to the tail log of the raft. Robert and Toby on the bank slowly tightened the rope Milo had brought out with him, stabilizing the wildly yawing ferry.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
"Jainy get another rope, feed it to me." Milo ordered. "You.... ferry man, stop being such a sniveling idiot and give her a hand." he shouted.
The ferry man stopped his rant and looked around stupidly, wondering where the second voice was coming from. "Tie the end of the damn rope
The rescue is on and the situation is looking up....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Texican....
The ferry man stopped his rant and looked around stupidly, wondering where the second voice was coming from. "Tie the end of the damn rope
The rescue is on and the situation is looking up....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Texican....
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you 
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
3336
"Where'd you come from?" the ferryman asked in perplexity, "you been here sneaking across without paying?"
Milo raised up on his elbow and skewered the man with a scathing look. "I came from the opposite bank. If you hadn't been involved in acting like such an ass, you would have seen me coming down the line. Now;.... because of the way you have acted, I am going to charge you for the rope I brought from shore as a safety line. If you don't get busy and help us get to shore, I'm gonna start deducting money for the extra time it's taking to get across the river with the poor condition equipment you have." Milo was angry and it showed.
Gary was laying on the raft, face down, resting from his ordeal. His shoulders were shaking with silent laughter, David and Scotty were crouched beside him, patting his back and sounding just like Grandma Clora as they asked how he was doing.
Jainy sank down on the floor, next to the wagon wheel. Her hand hurt more than she could ever could imagine, and it was already turning black and blue and swelling.
"Ma got hurt," David solemnly to Gary. "She was trying to hold the rope and then had to wrap the rope around her hands to keep you from getting lost in the water."
Both men immediately got up and hustled over to Jainy. She was holding her hand with the other at the wrist, and making sure it stayed above her heart to stop the heartbeat pain.
"Is she supposed to be so white faced?" David was quizzically examining Jainy. "She really don't look so good. So how are we gonna get to the shore? Or are we gonna have to stay out here all night. I'm hungry and Scotty has to pee. So I expect we need to get sumthin going. I don't like Ma bein hurt, but she ain't screaming or nuthin like that."
Milo stood up, shaking his head at the thinking process of the young child. "I'm gonna try and quiet the horses down, have fun brother, to get that settled to his satisfaction." Milo moved away chuckling, to stand close and talk to the horses.
Ever so slowly, the ferry creaked and groaned as the two fragile ropes remaining strained as the teams of horses on the bank took calm measured steps to pull the wooden raft out of the grasp of the mighty swift current. Once the raft was pulled through the main channel current, the horses were able to gain momentum as they worked in tandem to bring the beleaguered ferry to the dock.
"We need Trish and Bruce," Milo shouted as they got with in hearing distance. "Jainy's hurt."
The doctor's came rushing down and Judy followed with her small wagon to act as an ambulance. Anxious people were gathered to see to one of the clan.
"I'm goin in the wagon with Ma," David announced with his grown up voice . "Me 'n Scotty don't want her bein by herself when she's hurt. Just ain't good business to be off by herselfs, without us."
Trish nodded, telling the two boys to get in and help hold Jainy upright as she sat in the bumpy wagon. Gary was standing next to his horses, holding them from trying to get off the ferry, until Jainy was moved out of the way.
Milo went to hold the anxious animals, while Gary got up on the wagon seat. The teams surged off the ferry, dripping with nervous sweat and chewing on the bit, throwing their heads. Gary felt his muscles strain as he tried to hold them from running.
"I feel like getting down and kissing the ground," Gary joked as he turned around to give a Linderman arm clasp to Milo. "Thanks man, I couldn't beat the pull of the water to get back on board."
"Oh, I'll charge you plenty the next time," Milo joked back, but they felt the deep kinship of brother to brother.
"Where'd you come from?" the ferryman asked in perplexity, "you been here sneaking across without paying?"
Milo raised up on his elbow and skewered the man with a scathing look. "I came from the opposite bank. If you hadn't been involved in acting like such an ass, you would have seen me coming down the line. Now;.... because of the way you have acted, I am going to charge you for the rope I brought from shore as a safety line. If you don't get busy and help us get to shore, I'm gonna start deducting money for the extra time it's taking to get across the river with the poor condition equipment you have." Milo was angry and it showed.
Gary was laying on the raft, face down, resting from his ordeal. His shoulders were shaking with silent laughter, David and Scotty were crouched beside him, patting his back and sounding just like Grandma Clora as they asked how he was doing.
Jainy sank down on the floor, next to the wagon wheel. Her hand hurt more than she could ever could imagine, and it was already turning black and blue and swelling.
"Ma got hurt," David solemnly to Gary. "She was trying to hold the rope and then had to wrap the rope around her hands to keep you from getting lost in the water."
Both men immediately got up and hustled over to Jainy. She was holding her hand with the other at the wrist, and making sure it stayed above her heart to stop the heartbeat pain.
"Is she supposed to be so white faced?" David was quizzically examining Jainy. "She really don't look so good. So how are we gonna get to the shore? Or are we gonna have to stay out here all night. I'm hungry and Scotty has to pee. So I expect we need to get sumthin going. I don't like Ma bein hurt, but she ain't screaming or nuthin like that."
Milo stood up, shaking his head at the thinking process of the young child. "I'm gonna try and quiet the horses down, have fun brother, to get that settled to his satisfaction." Milo moved away chuckling, to stand close and talk to the horses.
Ever so slowly, the ferry creaked and groaned as the two fragile ropes remaining strained as the teams of horses on the bank took calm measured steps to pull the wooden raft out of the grasp of the mighty swift current. Once the raft was pulled through the main channel current, the horses were able to gain momentum as they worked in tandem to bring the beleaguered ferry to the dock.
"We need Trish and Bruce," Milo shouted as they got with in hearing distance. "Jainy's hurt."
The doctor's came rushing down and Judy followed with her small wagon to act as an ambulance. Anxious people were gathered to see to one of the clan.
"I'm goin in the wagon with Ma," David announced with his grown up voice . "Me 'n Scotty don't want her bein by herself when she's hurt. Just ain't good business to be off by herselfs, without us."
Trish nodded, telling the two boys to get in and help hold Jainy upright as she sat in the bumpy wagon. Gary was standing next to his horses, holding them from trying to get off the ferry, until Jainy was moved out of the way.
Milo went to hold the anxious animals, while Gary got up on the wagon seat. The teams surged off the ferry, dripping with nervous sweat and chewing on the bit, throwing their heads. Gary felt his muscles strain as he tried to hold them from running.
"I feel like getting down and kissing the ground," Gary joked as he turned around to give a Linderman arm clasp to Milo. "Thanks man, I couldn't beat the pull of the water to get back on board."
"Oh, I'll charge you plenty the next time," Milo joked back, but they felt the deep kinship of brother to brother.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
"I feel like getting down and kissing the ground," Gary joked as he turned around to give a Linderman arm clasp to Milo. "Thanks man, I couldn't beat the pull of the water to get back on board."
"Oh, I'll charge you plenty the next time," Milo joked back, but they felt the deep kinship of brother to brother.
That is what family does....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Texican....
"Oh, I'll charge you plenty the next time," Milo joked back, but they felt the deep kinship of brother to brother.
That is what family does....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Texican....