Story Repent, or Repeat
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you, great chapter, but then they are all great lol.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#353
It was good to be on the move. The steady plodding of the horses soothed the need to be active and use constructive energy to the betterment of the clan. The desire to get West as soon as possible and get settled before winter put the sense of urgency in every heart.
The horses picked up on the nervous energy and stepped a little higher and faster. Clora was singing a hymn, and soon all the ladies were joining in lifting praises on high. The coolness of the morning and the promise of a fine day set the tone for the whole day.
Clara drove the entire morning in a bewildered haze. It was so difficult to think; especially the way her heart wanted to pound as she thought about Corbin. A reasonable thinking woman would not let her head be turned so quickly by a handsome man that expressed a passing interest; or so she tried to reason with her heart.
Deep down, Clara hoped he was a honorable man. Time will tell, was her second thought. There was no use getting excited or wringing her hands in worry. If he showed up, then would be the time to come to grips with her heart.
Jainy sat on the wagon seat with Gary driving. The boys played in the back of the wagon, spending most of their time staring morosely out the back, hoping to find a glimpse of dog. "He ain't coming," Scotty whispered. "We sure messed up, I wish we had done what Dad told us to do. I ain't gonna listen to you David, no more. You ain't thinkin good. I kinda let you have the say, cause your the older, but no more. We gotta help Ma and Guy, cause she's hurt, 'n Dad is awful uptight mad over dog and us."
"Yeah," David agreed slowly. "How come it's so hard to do right, straight thinking. Must be our ages," the pint sized philosopher tried to wrap this head around the really big blunder he had made. "I try to do grownup thinkin, and it powerful fails me, ever times I turn around."
Gary and Jainy were listening to the reasoning going on in the back of the wagon, and shared a knowing look between them. Gary approved of the way his little men were coming around to using better thinking. David was such a strange child, and Gary got to pondering the bizarre way David looked and acted like their long passed brother. Such a quirk of nature, but as sure as he was sitting on that wagon seat, there was a reason behind the startling resemblance, time would tell.
Millie had the three boy trio working on their potty training, singing songs and practicing the alphabet. Tess smiled sadly as she listened. Ever since Ben had died, her sense of extra sensory perception had faded slowly away; and Tess wasn't sure if she missed it or not. Her 'knowing' hadn't registered Ben's deception or infidelity's, but it happened.
THERE, she said it to herself. Ben owned all of his problems, and she hadn't done anything to cause his weakness. Tess sat on her wagon seat, toying with the idea of forgiving Ben for being such a philanderer. All morning she ran ideas back and forth in her mind, until she was mentally tired from all the thought gymnastics. The biblical reasoning for forgiveness was clear, but Tess wanted to hang onto her mad a little longer. Managing her team, she debated her options, and then settled for prayer.
Abby was mad, she hadn't forgotten Jerry's mish mash of excuses over marrying her and going West as a couple. Or maybe, she reasoned to herself, he simply didn't want to go west and she might have had to make the decision to go or not to go, herself.
As her thinking leveled out, Abby was happy that she was going West. She wanted to be doing exactly what she was doing; the excitement, the challenge, the pleasure of testing her mettle and resolve. If she found someone that matched her abilities, and if he was an honorable man, she might consider marrying. Until then, Abby felt she would put her trust in God and let Him work it out for her.
All through the wagon train, people were thinking and planning and coming to conclusions. Steely resolve made the clan the fine examples of an obedient people, and they were honoring His name as they drove along.
It was good to be on the move. The steady plodding of the horses soothed the need to be active and use constructive energy to the betterment of the clan. The desire to get West as soon as possible and get settled before winter put the sense of urgency in every heart.
The horses picked up on the nervous energy and stepped a little higher and faster. Clora was singing a hymn, and soon all the ladies were joining in lifting praises on high. The coolness of the morning and the promise of a fine day set the tone for the whole day.
Clara drove the entire morning in a bewildered haze. It was so difficult to think; especially the way her heart wanted to pound as she thought about Corbin. A reasonable thinking woman would not let her head be turned so quickly by a handsome man that expressed a passing interest; or so she tried to reason with her heart.
Deep down, Clara hoped he was a honorable man. Time will tell, was her second thought. There was no use getting excited or wringing her hands in worry. If he showed up, then would be the time to come to grips with her heart.
Jainy sat on the wagon seat with Gary driving. The boys played in the back of the wagon, spending most of their time staring morosely out the back, hoping to find a glimpse of dog. "He ain't coming," Scotty whispered. "We sure messed up, I wish we had done what Dad told us to do. I ain't gonna listen to you David, no more. You ain't thinkin good. I kinda let you have the say, cause your the older, but no more. We gotta help Ma and Guy, cause she's hurt, 'n Dad is awful uptight mad over dog and us."
"Yeah," David agreed slowly. "How come it's so hard to do right, straight thinking. Must be our ages," the pint sized philosopher tried to wrap this head around the really big blunder he had made. "I try to do grownup thinkin, and it powerful fails me, ever times I turn around."
Gary and Jainy were listening to the reasoning going on in the back of the wagon, and shared a knowing look between them. Gary approved of the way his little men were coming around to using better thinking. David was such a strange child, and Gary got to pondering the bizarre way David looked and acted like their long passed brother. Such a quirk of nature, but as sure as he was sitting on that wagon seat, there was a reason behind the startling resemblance, time would tell.
Millie had the three boy trio working on their potty training, singing songs and practicing the alphabet. Tess smiled sadly as she listened. Ever since Ben had died, her sense of extra sensory perception had faded slowly away; and Tess wasn't sure if she missed it or not. Her 'knowing' hadn't registered Ben's deception or infidelity's, but it happened.
THERE, she said it to herself. Ben owned all of his problems, and she hadn't done anything to cause his weakness. Tess sat on her wagon seat, toying with the idea of forgiving Ben for being such a philanderer. All morning she ran ideas back and forth in her mind, until she was mentally tired from all the thought gymnastics. The biblical reasoning for forgiveness was clear, but Tess wanted to hang onto her mad a little longer. Managing her team, she debated her options, and then settled for prayer.
Abby was mad, she hadn't forgotten Jerry's mish mash of excuses over marrying her and going West as a couple. Or maybe, she reasoned to herself, he simply didn't want to go west and she might have had to make the decision to go or not to go, herself.
As her thinking leveled out, Abby was happy that she was going West. She wanted to be doing exactly what she was doing; the excitement, the challenge, the pleasure of testing her mettle and resolve. If she found someone that matched her abilities, and if he was an honorable man, she might consider marrying. Until then, Abby felt she would put her trust in God and let Him work it out for her.
All through the wagon train, people were thinking and planning and coming to conclusions. Steely resolve made the clan the fine examples of an obedient people, and they were honoring His name as they drove along.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac, this was very nice tonight.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#354
Robert and Andy were ranging far ahead of the wagon train; scouting for game and keeping the trail under surveillance. "I believe we want to keep traveling West, but keep ourselves inbetween the rivers. Any river we don't have to cross will be a plus. Now we still have the Missouri to cross at some place, but the further West and North we go, hopefully the smaller it will be." Robert was looking far ahead, noticing there was a column of smoke.
"Andy, I think there might be trouble ahead. I want you to go back to the train and bring them up to here. There's good water, and graze, have them group tightly and post guards."
"Ok, what are you going to do?" Andy was curious.
"I want to make sure we aren't heading into trouble, have you noticed the column of smoke ahead?"
"Yeah, ever since we came over that last rise, why?" Andy turned in his saddle to scan the horizon.
"But you didn't think it was important enough to mention it to me?" Robert was testy and almost quarrelsome.
"You were looking in that direction," Andy defended himself. "I assumed you saw it."
Robert got out his binoculars, ignoring Andy. Andy shrugged, ever since they had come across the river, Robert had been acting like a jerk so the young man was of the intention that perhaps Donny needed to come ride with Robert.
Robert could see the smoke, but the source was blocked by a hill. That necessitated getting a closer look, to make sure there wasn't trouble. As frustrated and put out as Robert felt, he didn't want some sniveling kid tagging along asking endless questions.
"Well, get going," Robert half growled, "have you marked the area here to be familiar with where I want the camp?"
"Yes Sir, I have," Andy replied respectfully, as he turned his horse. "I'll have the wagons stop here."
Robert merely nodded, turning to wipe Andy from his mind, as he studied the situtation. He heard Andy ride away, and Robert was busy weighing his options. The area was open plain, no good way to hide or conceal a large amount of people and wagons. The hills blocking his view of the fire were hazy blue, indicating that they were forested. A problem, if they were riding into potential trouble.
Another problem, there was no concealment for him as he scouted ahead. At the moment, his only plan was to ride in the dark, risky at best. No, that wouldn't do, he needed to re-think his plan. Riding to one side or the other of the smoke seemed to be a better idea, getting up into the concealment of the trees. Yeah, that's what he'd do, Robert told himself as he turned North.
The wagons moved steadily West as the coolness of the morning settled into the heat of the day. Horses that had been frisky in the morning, settled down and pulled responsibly. Kids ate pancakes from the morning's cooking, the handy puffs of bread a thick tortilla for left over beans. After lunch, tired, sleepy and bored children napped, and grownups learned to drive with one eye open and the other closed for a quick nap.
Mark rode at the head of the group, followed by Donny with Roberts wagon, then Clora, Tess and Clara. Judy was next, and then the rest of the wagons rotated in and out. Mark had caught the movement of Andy in the far distance, as the young man rode toward them. He dropped back to visit quietly with Clora, telling her that Andy was returning.
Clora smiled at him, non verbally reassuring Mark that there was no trouble, yet. Andy rode in to ride beside Donny, and the two brothers conferred about Robert and his distasteful personality. "I was thinking that I should drive tomorrow and you could go scouting, just a way to vary the day for you." Andy cajoled his younger brother.
"Fat chance," Donny shot back. "I'm not so dumb that I can't see what you're up too. I like driving just fine, thank you."
"But I need to spend more time with Judy," Andy almost whined, trying in the worst way to get Donny to agree to the switch.
"Then drop back and ride beside her," Donny replied, "I ain't holding you back any." he grinned, enjoying his brother's squirming impatience.
"You're a jerk," Andy hissed as Mark came riding up, not willing that Dad should hear them arguing.
"What's happening?" Mark asked.
"There is smoke in the distant hills and Robert rode out to scout the source. We are to camp about four miles ahead, there's a good meadow with water and some wood."
"Alright, any other instructions?"
"Just the usual, tight circle, guards, etc.." Andy was looking down the line to where Judy was driving, and he waved when she looked up. "I'll be back in a bit," he promised, as he trotted away.
Donny looked at Mark, grinned and shook his head in amazement. "That boy's a goner." he smirked.
Mark laughed, "I promise it will be the same for you," he teased the young man.
Donny shook his head no, with a smile. "Nah, not me, I'm strong." he boasted. Mark laughed louder.
Robert and Andy were ranging far ahead of the wagon train; scouting for game and keeping the trail under surveillance. "I believe we want to keep traveling West, but keep ourselves inbetween the rivers. Any river we don't have to cross will be a plus. Now we still have the Missouri to cross at some place, but the further West and North we go, hopefully the smaller it will be." Robert was looking far ahead, noticing there was a column of smoke.
"Andy, I think there might be trouble ahead. I want you to go back to the train and bring them up to here. There's good water, and graze, have them group tightly and post guards."
"Ok, what are you going to do?" Andy was curious.
"I want to make sure we aren't heading into trouble, have you noticed the column of smoke ahead?"
"Yeah, ever since we came over that last rise, why?" Andy turned in his saddle to scan the horizon.
"But you didn't think it was important enough to mention it to me?" Robert was testy and almost quarrelsome.
"You were looking in that direction," Andy defended himself. "I assumed you saw it."
Robert got out his binoculars, ignoring Andy. Andy shrugged, ever since they had come across the river, Robert had been acting like a jerk so the young man was of the intention that perhaps Donny needed to come ride with Robert.
Robert could see the smoke, but the source was blocked by a hill. That necessitated getting a closer look, to make sure there wasn't trouble. As frustrated and put out as Robert felt, he didn't want some sniveling kid tagging along asking endless questions.
"Well, get going," Robert half growled, "have you marked the area here to be familiar with where I want the camp?"
"Yes Sir, I have," Andy replied respectfully, as he turned his horse. "I'll have the wagons stop here."
Robert merely nodded, turning to wipe Andy from his mind, as he studied the situtation. He heard Andy ride away, and Robert was busy weighing his options. The area was open plain, no good way to hide or conceal a large amount of people and wagons. The hills blocking his view of the fire were hazy blue, indicating that they were forested. A problem, if they were riding into potential trouble.
Another problem, there was no concealment for him as he scouted ahead. At the moment, his only plan was to ride in the dark, risky at best. No, that wouldn't do, he needed to re-think his plan. Riding to one side or the other of the smoke seemed to be a better idea, getting up into the concealment of the trees. Yeah, that's what he'd do, Robert told himself as he turned North.
The wagons moved steadily West as the coolness of the morning settled into the heat of the day. Horses that had been frisky in the morning, settled down and pulled responsibly. Kids ate pancakes from the morning's cooking, the handy puffs of bread a thick tortilla for left over beans. After lunch, tired, sleepy and bored children napped, and grownups learned to drive with one eye open and the other closed for a quick nap.
Mark rode at the head of the group, followed by Donny with Roberts wagon, then Clora, Tess and Clara. Judy was next, and then the rest of the wagons rotated in and out. Mark had caught the movement of Andy in the far distance, as the young man rode toward them. He dropped back to visit quietly with Clora, telling her that Andy was returning.
Clora smiled at him, non verbally reassuring Mark that there was no trouble, yet. Andy rode in to ride beside Donny, and the two brothers conferred about Robert and his distasteful personality. "I was thinking that I should drive tomorrow and you could go scouting, just a way to vary the day for you." Andy cajoled his younger brother.
"Fat chance," Donny shot back. "I'm not so dumb that I can't see what you're up too. I like driving just fine, thank you."
"But I need to spend more time with Judy," Andy almost whined, trying in the worst way to get Donny to agree to the switch.
"Then drop back and ride beside her," Donny replied, "I ain't holding you back any." he grinned, enjoying his brother's squirming impatience.
"You're a jerk," Andy hissed as Mark came riding up, not willing that Dad should hear them arguing.
"What's happening?" Mark asked.
"There is smoke in the distant hills and Robert rode out to scout the source. We are to camp about four miles ahead, there's a good meadow with water and some wood."
"Alright, any other instructions?"
"Just the usual, tight circle, guards, etc.." Andy was looking down the line to where Judy was driving, and he waved when she looked up. "I'll be back in a bit," he promised, as he trotted away.
Donny looked at Mark, grinned and shook his head in amazement. "That boy's a goner." he smirked.
Mark laughed, "I promise it will be the same for you," he teased the young man.
Donny shook his head no, with a smile. "Nah, not me, I'm strong." he boasted. Mark laughed louder.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Donny looked at Mark, grinned and shook his head in amazement. "That boy's a goner." he smirked.
Mark laughed, "I promise it will be the same for you," he teased the young man.
Donny shook his head no, with a smile. "Nah, not me, I'm strong." he boasted. Mark laughed louder.
As has been from the beginning of time....
Man discovers woman, chases woman and woman catches man....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Now just what could the smoke portend....
Texican....
Mark laughed, "I promise it will be the same for you," he teased the young man.
Donny shook his head no, with a smile. "Nah, not me, I'm strong." he boasted. Mark laughed louder.
As has been from the beginning of time....
Man discovers woman, chases woman and woman catches man....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Now just what could the smoke portend....
Texican....
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#355
By late afternoon, the clan circled in the meadow; carefully encircling a portion of the stream bank, so water was available for the stock and the people. Mark rode up stream more than a good mile, checking on the purity of the water. The clan used standard procedures of filtering the water the humans used, but the stock fared with what was flowing downstream.
The higher he rode into the small valley that fed into the open meadow, the more like untamed wilderness the land appeared. There was evidence of beaver in the eddy pools; plenty of deer sign, and a couple of wolf tracks, either that or a over large coyote.
The beaver had gnawed several Aspen, and the sharpened stumps stood like giant stubby toothpicks. Mark took several deep breaths of the late afternoon cooling air. Riding out like he was doing, satisfied a certain wildness in Mark's heart. Of all the places in the world he had been; heading West with his family in a new adventure suited him just fine.
There was a movement in the brush upstream, and a good sized buck still in the velvet, stopped to scrape against a pine tree. Mark grinned, took calm deliberate aim and brought back to camp, fresh meat for supper.
"Oh glory," Clora breathed, as she roasted a section of haunch for supper. With so many people, the deer was nothing but a memory by the time the meal was over. The triplets sitting on a ground cloth chewing on cooked rib bones, jabbered happily to themselves.
Andy and Donny ate at Mark and Clora's, and then meandered down to Clara's wagon to make sure they weren't having problems with leftovers that wouldn't keep in the heat.
Clara smiled and passed the boys a fist sized lump of roasted meat each. The young men smiled their thanks, and tore into the meat.
Judy was washing dishes, laughing at the boys as they satisfied hunger that had come upon them so suddenly, when they discovered there was more supper to be had.
"Do you guys ever get filled up?" Judy asked, as she stepped to the front side of the wagon to toss the wash water.
"Seldom," Andy replied with a mouthful, "I'm a growing boy, and when I discovered how good meat tastes when you get it for yourself, why all I need is more. Ain't that right Donny?"
"Gugglemimph," Donny agreed, not willing to stop chewing for even a second.
The two boys were almost finished with Clara's extras, when Abby walked over with a bowl full of cooked scraps. "I....ah, was wondering if you guys would want to finish off my extras. I have my stew for tomorrow made, and didn't have room for these."
Both boys smiled once again and reached for the bowl that Abby surrendered with an amused chuckle. She stood around drinking the last of her coffee as the nimble fingers stuffed cheeks with the strips of marinated meat.
Hattie and Oren were sitting with Punky and Max, slowly finishing their portions of meat; Gary was checking on the chunks of his meat that wanted to fall from the spit, into the fire. Jainy was bravely trying to help with one hand, and David and Scotty were looking disgusted as Dad kept prolonging their supper.
"Dad, I'm really hungry, can we eat some of the outside stuff that is cooked," Scotty complained and watched as Gary stabbed the meat to his plate. "Yeah, lets get to eating, you guys lean over so you don't get hot grease on your shirts," and he cut the unevenly roasted meat on their plates.
Guard rotation was set, and full and sleepy people called it an early night.
By late afternoon, the clan circled in the meadow; carefully encircling a portion of the stream bank, so water was available for the stock and the people. Mark rode up stream more than a good mile, checking on the purity of the water. The clan used standard procedures of filtering the water the humans used, but the stock fared with what was flowing downstream.
The higher he rode into the small valley that fed into the open meadow, the more like untamed wilderness the land appeared. There was evidence of beaver in the eddy pools; plenty of deer sign, and a couple of wolf tracks, either that or a over large coyote.
The beaver had gnawed several Aspen, and the sharpened stumps stood like giant stubby toothpicks. Mark took several deep breaths of the late afternoon cooling air. Riding out like he was doing, satisfied a certain wildness in Mark's heart. Of all the places in the world he had been; heading West with his family in a new adventure suited him just fine.
There was a movement in the brush upstream, and a good sized buck still in the velvet, stopped to scrape against a pine tree. Mark grinned, took calm deliberate aim and brought back to camp, fresh meat for supper.
"Oh glory," Clora breathed, as she roasted a section of haunch for supper. With so many people, the deer was nothing but a memory by the time the meal was over. The triplets sitting on a ground cloth chewing on cooked rib bones, jabbered happily to themselves.
Andy and Donny ate at Mark and Clora's, and then meandered down to Clara's wagon to make sure they weren't having problems with leftovers that wouldn't keep in the heat.
Clara smiled and passed the boys a fist sized lump of roasted meat each. The young men smiled their thanks, and tore into the meat.
Judy was washing dishes, laughing at the boys as they satisfied hunger that had come upon them so suddenly, when they discovered there was more supper to be had.
"Do you guys ever get filled up?" Judy asked, as she stepped to the front side of the wagon to toss the wash water.
"Seldom," Andy replied with a mouthful, "I'm a growing boy, and when I discovered how good meat tastes when you get it for yourself, why all I need is more. Ain't that right Donny?"
"Gugglemimph," Donny agreed, not willing to stop chewing for even a second.
The two boys were almost finished with Clara's extras, when Abby walked over with a bowl full of cooked scraps. "I....ah, was wondering if you guys would want to finish off my extras. I have my stew for tomorrow made, and didn't have room for these."
Both boys smiled once again and reached for the bowl that Abby surrendered with an amused chuckle. She stood around drinking the last of her coffee as the nimble fingers stuffed cheeks with the strips of marinated meat.
Hattie and Oren were sitting with Punky and Max, slowly finishing their portions of meat; Gary was checking on the chunks of his meat that wanted to fall from the spit, into the fire. Jainy was bravely trying to help with one hand, and David and Scotty were looking disgusted as Dad kept prolonging their supper.
"Dad, I'm really hungry, can we eat some of the outside stuff that is cooked," Scotty complained and watched as Gary stabbed the meat to his plate. "Yeah, lets get to eating, you guys lean over so you don't get hot grease on your shirts," and he cut the unevenly roasted meat on their plates.
Guard rotation was set, and full and sleepy people called it an early night.
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
Thank you dear lady!
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#356
Robert rode straight North, centering his sight on a far, lone hill as a landmark. It was near dark when he stopped beside a small trickle of a stream. The area was too dangerous to continue riding in the dark, as circles of prairie dog towns dotted the land. He was a little too fond of Ralph to push on and perhaps cause a broken leg.
There was no wood for a fire to be had, and Robert sighed and took several pieces of jerky and a couple of Clora's survival cookies as the best he could do for supper. In the complete darkness, the night canopy of stars seemed to drop down in reaching distance. Ralph was staked securely, and Robert stretched out to sleep in his bedroll.
Robert thought to look at where he figured the clan wagons would be gathered, wondering how noticeable the fires would be. As the heat of the day left the earth behind, the heat waves evaporated, and if he strained his eyes hard enough, Robert fancied he could see the tiny pin points of flickering firelight.
The clear sky held untold billions of stars; and Robert couldn't help but think of how the Bible promised that God put the stars in the sky for man's pleasure. And the whole width of the night with the glittering diamonds surely did suit Robert. It wasn't hard to talk to God under these circumstances, the words seem to slip right out of his mouth.
Corbin was causing his plan to come together. He bought a wagon and four, outfitted himself with sturdy clothes and boots for the four seasons, food, and his personal and private papers.
"Corbin, I simply don't understand your reasons for going off on such an impractical lark as this." Wade Atwood stood next to the window as he argued with his brother. "I simply don't understand, how you could even consider leaving your business and lifestyle. Will you be coming back when you are broke?"
"If my life goes as I plan, I will find riches far greater than cold paper dollars. Wade, you are very capable of stepping in and running the business, it's yours, get the papers drawn up and I will happily sigh the business over to you."
Wade shut his mouth with a snap. The business had been his major concern, it afforded him a solid, comfortable living for himself and his family; and frankly, he didn't give a toot about Corbin and his brother's quest for a second childhood fling.
"You even have Mason all excited," Wade scolded, as his pointed words fell on Corbin's selective hearing ear.
"Really, does he want to come along?" Corbin interrupted with interest. "If he does, I would certainly enjoy his company."
"Yes he is interested, and yes he want's to come along," Mason walked into the room, much to his father's dismay. "It will take me several days to get ready, that is, if I am invited."
"You are, go get it together," Corbin ordered with a smile and grinned harder when he noticed Wade's frustrations.
"I don't want him leaving," Wade snapped. "Who is going to assist me in running the business?"
"Kay," Corbin replied succinctly. "You are so hidebound, you can't see your daughter is far more capable of running the business than Mason. He's simply not interested Wade, can't you get that through your head. And, she is."
Wade turned toward the window so he didn't have to see Corbin's grinning face. He knew his daughter was interested, he didn't want her to be, he wanted his son to perform.
Mason stuck his head back in the room. "Ok Uncle, where are we going? I forgot to ask."
"West."
"Perfect," Mason replied. "YeeeHa."
Robert rode straight North, centering his sight on a far, lone hill as a landmark. It was near dark when he stopped beside a small trickle of a stream. The area was too dangerous to continue riding in the dark, as circles of prairie dog towns dotted the land. He was a little too fond of Ralph to push on and perhaps cause a broken leg.
There was no wood for a fire to be had, and Robert sighed and took several pieces of jerky and a couple of Clora's survival cookies as the best he could do for supper. In the complete darkness, the night canopy of stars seemed to drop down in reaching distance. Ralph was staked securely, and Robert stretched out to sleep in his bedroll.
Robert thought to look at where he figured the clan wagons would be gathered, wondering how noticeable the fires would be. As the heat of the day left the earth behind, the heat waves evaporated, and if he strained his eyes hard enough, Robert fancied he could see the tiny pin points of flickering firelight.
The clear sky held untold billions of stars; and Robert couldn't help but think of how the Bible promised that God put the stars in the sky for man's pleasure. And the whole width of the night with the glittering diamonds surely did suit Robert. It wasn't hard to talk to God under these circumstances, the words seem to slip right out of his mouth.
Corbin was causing his plan to come together. He bought a wagon and four, outfitted himself with sturdy clothes and boots for the four seasons, food, and his personal and private papers.
"Corbin, I simply don't understand your reasons for going off on such an impractical lark as this." Wade Atwood stood next to the window as he argued with his brother. "I simply don't understand, how you could even consider leaving your business and lifestyle. Will you be coming back when you are broke?"
"If my life goes as I plan, I will find riches far greater than cold paper dollars. Wade, you are very capable of stepping in and running the business, it's yours, get the papers drawn up and I will happily sigh the business over to you."
Wade shut his mouth with a snap. The business had been his major concern, it afforded him a solid, comfortable living for himself and his family; and frankly, he didn't give a toot about Corbin and his brother's quest for a second childhood fling.
"You even have Mason all excited," Wade scolded, as his pointed words fell on Corbin's selective hearing ear.
"Really, does he want to come along?" Corbin interrupted with interest. "If he does, I would certainly enjoy his company."
"Yes he is interested, and yes he want's to come along," Mason walked into the room, much to his father's dismay. "It will take me several days to get ready, that is, if I am invited."
"You are, go get it together," Corbin ordered with a smile and grinned harder when he noticed Wade's frustrations.
"I don't want him leaving," Wade snapped. "Who is going to assist me in running the business?"
"Kay," Corbin replied succinctly. "You are so hidebound, you can't see your daughter is far more capable of running the business than Mason. He's simply not interested Wade, can't you get that through your head. And, she is."
Wade turned toward the window so he didn't have to see Corbin's grinning face. He knew his daughter was interested, he didn't want her to be, he wanted his son to perform.
Mason stuck his head back in the room. "Ok Uncle, where are we going? I forgot to ask."
"West."
"Perfect," Mason replied. "YeeeHa."
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#357
"I'm not thanking you for leading Mason on such a wild goose chase. Corbin, this is highly irresponsible." Wade was angered. He had worked hard in his business and it hadn't been as successful as Corbin's. Suddenly, he had the opportunity to be gifted the successful Atwood Dray Co., and he couldn't figure out why he was feeling so bitter.
In his mind, Wade calculated that he would give Kay his struggling furniture business; and let her sink or swim. If Corbin thought she would be so successful, let her prove herself. Wade knew it was a poor way to treat Kay, but he was feeling angry, and also prone to poor decisions when he let his dog in the manger personality take over.
It was a full week before Corbin and Mason pulled out of West St. Louis. Corbin smiled as he recalled the kiss on the cheek from Kay. "You are my favorite Uncle," she had whispered, "thank you for the opportunity; I will do my very best."
"I'm your only Uncle," Corbin had jested with happiness, "remember?"
"You and Mason be safe and have a blessed trip with God's protection." Kay sniffed with emotion. "I almost wish I was going along."
She shook her head no, when Corbin lifted his hands in a 'do you want to come?' motion. "God Speed," she cried softly, and turned back to the livery barn, so they couldn't see her tears.
Corbin Atwood drove a heavy freight wagon with a six up hitch, followed by Mason in an identical setup. Corbin had seen the fine draft horses of the Linderman clan, and with his freight carrying capabilities, he had the beginnings of a new business. Especially with Mason as a upcoming young partner. Where ever they might settle, there would be a need to transport goods, and Corbin felt a new business might just be the way to begin the next phase of his life.
The trail out of St. Louis was well traveled and Corbin consulted frequently, the compass on the wagon seat next to him. He had no doubt that the Linderman clan would be pushing as rapidly a possible, but then, he said with a smile; he had a good reason to hurry himself.
Because they had fresh horses that hadn't already been pulling for more than two months, the Atwood men advanced rapidly as they headed West. Neither man was a stranger to hard work, and they applied that ethic to the current business at hand.
The further they proceeded away from St. Louis, the rougher the road, but the many wagons of the clan left a good trail to follow.
The fifth night out, Mason was sitting near the fire and rubbing his sore arm muscles. "Oh," he moaned; "I'm not sure I'll ever be the same. This is sure a lot different than driving in town."
"The horses are pulling well," Corbin admitted, wanting to rub his own sore muscles, but down playing his aches and pains.
"Tell me about the people?" Mason questioned. "Are they the reason you got so all fired excited about going West?"
"Partially, there is a lady I am interested in that is with the train. The rest of it,...…. it's the challenge to pit myself against the unknown, to test myself to see if I still have the fire of my youth. I have been dissatisfied with my life for a long time," Corbin admitted slowly. "Before I barely had time to pray about the situtation as I wanted to follow God's will; God sent me an opportunity.
The lady in question is highly capable, very charming and is interested in me. She drives her own wagon, as does her daughter, and I watched her calm and efficient manner of handling her work. Best of all, she is a Christian lady," Corbin sighed in satisfaction.
"Have you ever thought about how magnificent an answered prayer can be? The enormity of it all takes my breath away." The older man looked up to see the canopy of glittering stars that Clara was seeing that same night. It was a connection that left them both smiling.
"I'm not thanking you for leading Mason on such a wild goose chase. Corbin, this is highly irresponsible." Wade was angered. He had worked hard in his business and it hadn't been as successful as Corbin's. Suddenly, he had the opportunity to be gifted the successful Atwood Dray Co., and he couldn't figure out why he was feeling so bitter.
In his mind, Wade calculated that he would give Kay his struggling furniture business; and let her sink or swim. If Corbin thought she would be so successful, let her prove herself. Wade knew it was a poor way to treat Kay, but he was feeling angry, and also prone to poor decisions when he let his dog in the manger personality take over.
It was a full week before Corbin and Mason pulled out of West St. Louis. Corbin smiled as he recalled the kiss on the cheek from Kay. "You are my favorite Uncle," she had whispered, "thank you for the opportunity; I will do my very best."
"I'm your only Uncle," Corbin had jested with happiness, "remember?"
"You and Mason be safe and have a blessed trip with God's protection." Kay sniffed with emotion. "I almost wish I was going along."
She shook her head no, when Corbin lifted his hands in a 'do you want to come?' motion. "God Speed," she cried softly, and turned back to the livery barn, so they couldn't see her tears.
Corbin Atwood drove a heavy freight wagon with a six up hitch, followed by Mason in an identical setup. Corbin had seen the fine draft horses of the Linderman clan, and with his freight carrying capabilities, he had the beginnings of a new business. Especially with Mason as a upcoming young partner. Where ever they might settle, there would be a need to transport goods, and Corbin felt a new business might just be the way to begin the next phase of his life.
The trail out of St. Louis was well traveled and Corbin consulted frequently, the compass on the wagon seat next to him. He had no doubt that the Linderman clan would be pushing as rapidly a possible, but then, he said with a smile; he had a good reason to hurry himself.
Because they had fresh horses that hadn't already been pulling for more than two months, the Atwood men advanced rapidly as they headed West. Neither man was a stranger to hard work, and they applied that ethic to the current business at hand.
The further they proceeded away from St. Louis, the rougher the road, but the many wagons of the clan left a good trail to follow.
The fifth night out, Mason was sitting near the fire and rubbing his sore arm muscles. "Oh," he moaned; "I'm not sure I'll ever be the same. This is sure a lot different than driving in town."
"The horses are pulling well," Corbin admitted, wanting to rub his own sore muscles, but down playing his aches and pains.
"Tell me about the people?" Mason questioned. "Are they the reason you got so all fired excited about going West?"
"Partially, there is a lady I am interested in that is with the train. The rest of it,...…. it's the challenge to pit myself against the unknown, to test myself to see if I still have the fire of my youth. I have been dissatisfied with my life for a long time," Corbin admitted slowly. "Before I barely had time to pray about the situtation as I wanted to follow God's will; God sent me an opportunity.
The lady in question is highly capable, very charming and is interested in me. She drives her own wagon, as does her daughter, and I watched her calm and efficient manner of handling her work. Best of all, she is a Christian lady," Corbin sighed in satisfaction.
"Have you ever thought about how magnificent an answered prayer can be? The enormity of it all takes my breath away." The older man looked up to see the canopy of glittering stars that Clara was seeing that same night. It was a connection that left them both smiling.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you very much Pac.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
"Have you ever thought about how magnificent an answered prayer can be? The enormity of it all takes my breath away." The older man looked up to see the canopy of glittering stars that Clara was seeing that same night. It was a connection that left them both smiling.
Like minds and belief make good lifetime partners....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Texican....
Like minds and belief make good lifetime partners....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Texican....
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#358
Corbin and Mason were well into the next morning when the younger man noticed several outriders shadowing them to the North.
Mason launched a shrill whistle, alerting his uncle to stop. Pulling along side the freighter, he jerked his thumb to the right. "We got company," his dusty dry voice grated out. "Looks to be seven of them. Not friendly enough to come down and introduce them selves, but certainly keeping close tabs on us. For sure." Mason was itching for action.
Corbin's nephew was a tough guy, a gym rat that used his muscles for all sorts of heavy lifting and boxing. A week without gym sweat and he was feeling a touch ornery around the edges. Uncle Corbin was a nice guy, but he didn't necessarily know how rough the current life was in the down and dirty under currant of civilized society. But, Mason did. A good fight just might be the thing he needed to feel better.
Instead of tipping his hand, Mason spit a dry puff of dust. "You wanna do something about them?
"No, they haven't bothered us, or tried to contact us. Nothing I can see concerns me, as of yet." Corbin was calm and reasonable.
He also had a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Mason thought he was clever and his activities were well hidden, but Corbin had grown up in the rough and tumble side of town and had his share of hard knocks. He had also given his share of persuasive invitations for some young tough to come close and walk into his fist.
"We need to keep moving, there's a small settlement a couple of miles ahead where I believe we'll spend the night." the elder Atwood was well familiar with the town and the countryside, as he had freighted into the small town called Elbow. Named after a sharp bend in a nondescript creek, it was a two saloon, one general store kind of place.
Corbin and Mason were well into the next morning when the younger man noticed several outriders shadowing them to the North.
Mason launched a shrill whistle, alerting his uncle to stop. Pulling along side the freighter, he jerked his thumb to the right. "We got company," his dusty dry voice grated out. "Looks to be seven of them. Not friendly enough to come down and introduce them selves, but certainly keeping close tabs on us. For sure." Mason was itching for action.
Corbin's nephew was a tough guy, a gym rat that used his muscles for all sorts of heavy lifting and boxing. A week without gym sweat and he was feeling a touch ornery around the edges. Uncle Corbin was a nice guy, but he didn't necessarily know how rough the current life was in the down and dirty under currant of civilized society. But, Mason did. A good fight just might be the thing he needed to feel better.
Instead of tipping his hand, Mason spit a dry puff of dust. "You wanna do something about them?
"No, they haven't bothered us, or tried to contact us. Nothing I can see concerns me, as of yet." Corbin was calm and reasonable.
He also had a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Mason thought he was clever and his activities were well hidden, but Corbin had grown up in the rough and tumble side of town and had his share of hard knocks. He had also given his share of persuasive invitations for some young tough to come close and walk into his fist.
"We need to keep moving, there's a small settlement a couple of miles ahead where I believe we'll spend the night." the elder Atwood was well familiar with the town and the countryside, as he had freighted into the small town called Elbow. Named after a sharp bend in a nondescript creek, it was a two saloon, one general store kind of place.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Just got home and something to eat, thank you.
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
Such a cliff hanger! Thank you!
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
as he had freighted into the small town called Elbow. Named after a sharp bend in a nondescript creek, it was a two saloon, one general store kind of place.
Two saloons and one general store like so many western hamlets....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Texican....
Two saloons and one general store like so many western hamlets....
Thanks Pac for the chapter....
Texican....
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#359
Elbow was not a gracious host. The earth had supposedly been cleansed of unbelievers and the devil's spawn, but it seemed like there were an awful lot of nasty, evil people running around.
Dusty, tired of their own cooking, and interested in someone else's; Corbin and Mason looked over the two saloons and chose the cleanest looking one.
The sign above the door said 'Darrell's Devil Pit, eats, drinks and baths.'
"Lets see what the food looks like, before we order." Corbin said in a low voice, "and don't drink any water."
"Oh, is that a Carte Blanche to drink beer?" Mason teased.
Corbin shot his nephew a stern look. "Perhaps, we need to check it out carefully, but beer may be the only safe liquid to drink."
Mason was interested, very interested in a tall, cold beer. It had been a long dry spell since he had packed in with uncle Corbin. The dear uncle that Mason supposed had never been a young man; or at least the old boy never acted like he had been young.
Mason sauntered eagerly over to the bar, his eyes fixated on the tall mug with a frothy head, held firmly in the hand of a large fleshy man. "Beer please," he requested, and smiled in anticipation, as the bar keep picked up a mug and turned the barrel spigot.
"Three bucks," the man with a dirty white towel slung over his shoulder, sang out. "Money on the counter before you get the beer." was his flat demand.
Mason was busy digging through his pockets, and came up with three dollars, all in change. He slapped it on the counter and curled his hand around the mug. It took three big gulps to finish the drink, Mason grinned and placed the mug on the plank counter.
"Tasty," he complimented the bar keep, "what do you have in the way of food?" Mason turned to include Corbin in the conversation, and walked over to the table where his uncle was sitting down.
"Stew is 5 bucks a bowl, steaks are 35, and chicken soup is 10." the man sang out, not bothering to look at his possible customers.
"Two beers please," Corbin replied, giving Mason another stern look. The bar keep nodded and pointed to the counter, not trusting anyone. Corbin fished out the money and Mason hustled it to the counter.
"Mason, that last beer was a dollar a gulp. Make this one last," Corbin counseled, as he took his own first sip.
"Are we gonna eat here? That seems like an awful price for supper."
Corbin shook his head no, sitting back and enjoying the beer. In twenty minutes they were finished and on the way out the door.
"Are we gonna check out the other bar?" Mason stared at the tent on the other side of the street. The sign that said "Lulu's" was hanging haphazardly and swinging in the breeze. The sign also had three red garters tacked along the bottom of the sign.
"You don't suppose that's a fancy way of announcing that Lulu's is a pawn shop, do ya.?" Mason chuckled.
"Not hardly," Corbin's dry voice was humorless. "I'm hungry, lets see if they have food. If they don't, we need to get back to camp. No more than one more beer kiddo, I'm almost out of money. This is an expensive place."
Lulu's was a slight bit fancier than the Devil's pit, their steaks were 12 bucks and Corbin ordered two. Both men were accustomed to having a salad, fries or baked potatoes a vegetable and a roll if desired. What they got was a small steak that was made to look big by presenting it on a very small plate. It was tough and they spent an hour chewing the rubbery meat.
The only condiment was salt and the shaker was less that a third full. Mason wouldn't have minded a fourth beer, but Corbin was making his beer last the length of his supper, so it didn't look promising for another.
Corbin had no intention of ordering another round of drinks, accurately reading Mason's wistful looks at the young, pretty bar maid.
There was also something else in the air that Corbin couldn't quite put his finger on, but he stood up and loudly announced. "We'd better be getting back to the wagons, the rest of the boys should be here soon."
Mason got a kick under the table when it looked like he was going to pop out something stupid, and he jerked back and nodded slightly. The sun was going down as they walked back to the camp. Corbin was on alert, counting horses and looking to see if their camp had been disturbed in any way.
"We need to set a guard tonight, do you want first shift or last?" Corbin was busy checking the lines on the staked horses. "My senses are telling me, we may have trouble tonight."
"I'll take first," Mason allowed as he looked around. "What time do you want to change?"
"One, I suppose. Are you sure you can stay awake? That's a mighty big yawn for a kid that has to stay up."
"Oh yeah, I'm sure I can stay awake," Mason protested with another yawn. "I'm good."
Elbow was not a gracious host. The earth had supposedly been cleansed of unbelievers and the devil's spawn, but it seemed like there were an awful lot of nasty, evil people running around.
Dusty, tired of their own cooking, and interested in someone else's; Corbin and Mason looked over the two saloons and chose the cleanest looking one.
The sign above the door said 'Darrell's Devil Pit, eats, drinks and baths.'
"Lets see what the food looks like, before we order." Corbin said in a low voice, "and don't drink any water."
"Oh, is that a Carte Blanche to drink beer?" Mason teased.
Corbin shot his nephew a stern look. "Perhaps, we need to check it out carefully, but beer may be the only safe liquid to drink."
Mason was interested, very interested in a tall, cold beer. It had been a long dry spell since he had packed in with uncle Corbin. The dear uncle that Mason supposed had never been a young man; or at least the old boy never acted like he had been young.
Mason sauntered eagerly over to the bar, his eyes fixated on the tall mug with a frothy head, held firmly in the hand of a large fleshy man. "Beer please," he requested, and smiled in anticipation, as the bar keep picked up a mug and turned the barrel spigot.
"Three bucks," the man with a dirty white towel slung over his shoulder, sang out. "Money on the counter before you get the beer." was his flat demand.
Mason was busy digging through his pockets, and came up with three dollars, all in change. He slapped it on the counter and curled his hand around the mug. It took three big gulps to finish the drink, Mason grinned and placed the mug on the plank counter.
"Tasty," he complimented the bar keep, "what do you have in the way of food?" Mason turned to include Corbin in the conversation, and walked over to the table where his uncle was sitting down.
"Stew is 5 bucks a bowl, steaks are 35, and chicken soup is 10." the man sang out, not bothering to look at his possible customers.
"Two beers please," Corbin replied, giving Mason another stern look. The bar keep nodded and pointed to the counter, not trusting anyone. Corbin fished out the money and Mason hustled it to the counter.
"Mason, that last beer was a dollar a gulp. Make this one last," Corbin counseled, as he took his own first sip.
"Are we gonna eat here? That seems like an awful price for supper."
Corbin shook his head no, sitting back and enjoying the beer. In twenty minutes they were finished and on the way out the door.
"Are we gonna check out the other bar?" Mason stared at the tent on the other side of the street. The sign that said "Lulu's" was hanging haphazardly and swinging in the breeze. The sign also had three red garters tacked along the bottom of the sign.
"You don't suppose that's a fancy way of announcing that Lulu's is a pawn shop, do ya.?" Mason chuckled.
"Not hardly," Corbin's dry voice was humorless. "I'm hungry, lets see if they have food. If they don't, we need to get back to camp. No more than one more beer kiddo, I'm almost out of money. This is an expensive place."
Lulu's was a slight bit fancier than the Devil's pit, their steaks were 12 bucks and Corbin ordered two. Both men were accustomed to having a salad, fries or baked potatoes a vegetable and a roll if desired. What they got was a small steak that was made to look big by presenting it on a very small plate. It was tough and they spent an hour chewing the rubbery meat.
The only condiment was salt and the shaker was less that a third full. Mason wouldn't have minded a fourth beer, but Corbin was making his beer last the length of his supper, so it didn't look promising for another.
Corbin had no intention of ordering another round of drinks, accurately reading Mason's wistful looks at the young, pretty bar maid.
There was also something else in the air that Corbin couldn't quite put his finger on, but he stood up and loudly announced. "We'd better be getting back to the wagons, the rest of the boys should be here soon."
Mason got a kick under the table when it looked like he was going to pop out something stupid, and he jerked back and nodded slightly. The sun was going down as they walked back to the camp. Corbin was on alert, counting horses and looking to see if their camp had been disturbed in any way.
"We need to set a guard tonight, do you want first shift or last?" Corbin was busy checking the lines on the staked horses. "My senses are telling me, we may have trouble tonight."
"I'll take first," Mason allowed as he looked around. "What time do you want to change?"
"One, I suppose. Are you sure you can stay awake? That's a mighty big yawn for a kid that has to stay up."
"Oh yeah, I'm sure I can stay awake," Mason protested with another yawn. "I'm good."
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac, and boy is that young main naive.