Page 36 of Wagon Train Melody
“No place in particular.” Otto seemed to be the spokesman for the pair. “You ain’t ’xactly welcomin’.”
“We prefer our own company.” Rudy’s tone was hard. A warning for the pair to leave them alone.
Otto snorted and Manny giggled, sending tremors up and down Alice’s arms.
Rudy tightened his hold on her, providing the strength she badly needed.
The pair dropped back. They lingered at the side of the wagon where King was tied, then dropped back further, peering into the wagon. The girls whimpered and pressed hard to the back of the seat.
The one called Manny giggled again. A creepy sound that shuddered through Alice. She wanted to reach back and hug the girls but was afraid anything she did would invite comments or action from the visitors.
Then the two reined away and galloped over the hill.
She released her pent-up breath.
“Are they gone?” Sissy asked.
“I wish I could think so.”
Alice had been about to relax but Rudy’s words warned her it was too soon.
He continued. “We’ll keep moving on as if we aren’t concerned, but I’ll be watching.” He removed his arm from around her, leaving her alone and shivering with nerves.
She reached back and hugged the girls. They clung to her. She caught Bo’s hand. “Thank you for sheltering the girls.” She shivered. “I don’t like those men.”
“Nor should you,” Rudy’s voice was hard.
They settled into an uneasy silence as they continued on their way. Alice kept silent even though she twice thought she glimpsed riders in the distance.
She glanced at Rudy, knew from the set of his jaw that he saw them too.
Why were they hanging around?
CHAPTER 8
It was almost dark when Rudy stopped the wagon. He would have continued traveling if only to keep moving and discourage the two men that kept pace with the wagon. They often disappeared behind the rolling landscape but about the time he thought they’d ridden away, he’d catch a glimpse of them. Their presence set his teeth on edge. There was no good reason for them to be hanging around. And plenty of unsavory motives. He’d be keeping a sharp watch tonight.
Many times, he glanced back, studying the horizon on all sides, wishing Alice didn’t see it and know he was wondering if Big Al was also nearby. All they needed was to have three men seeking to cause trouble.
Lord, You know I’m not one to do much praying. As I said, I figure You know what needs to be done better’n I do but could I ask for Your protection over Alice and her family? Help me guide them to safety.
The spot he’d chosen for the night offered little protection. Below them, in a slight hollow, were a few bushes, but it would have been too easy for someone to sneak up on them, so they sat on a ridge. Visible for miles but then he’d also be able to see anyone approaching.
Bo did his best to help with the horses and setting up camp.
When Rudy was about to light a fire, Alice stopped him. “Won’t it let them know where we are?”
It would, but he seriously wondered if it made a difference. “I think we could all do with some hot food.” He waited for her to make up her mind.
She looked around, considering their position and studying her family. After several minutes, she nodded. “You’re right. The more normal we can make things seem, the better the children will feel.”
He built a fire, and she cooked a meal. At first, the girls were unusually quiet until an owl hooted nearby.
Kitty’s eyes got big. “What was that?”
Rudy told her.
“Oh. He sounds funny.”
