Page 35 of Wagon Train Melody
His pleasure grew each time.
Had he ever before enjoyed another person’s company this much?
He didn’t think so.
All too soon the journey would be over.
And he’d forgotten to be watching for Big Al. He glanced behind them. In the distance, he made out a rider. Maybe two.
“Call the children. They should ride.”
She looked back too and, seeing someone behind them, turned to call to the others.
He stopped the wagon, helped the children into the back, and checked on King to make sure the horse was ready should Rudy need to make a sudden escape.
Except he knew he wouldn’t ride away and leave Alice and her family vulnerable to attack.
Alice wantedRudy to whip the horses into a gallop. She knew it would serve no purpose except to wear out the horses. There was no hope they could outrun riders. “You should forget about us and ride away.” The words croaked from her throat. She didn’t want him to leave. How foolish could she be?
“I can’t guarantee they won’t follow you rather than me.” He looked back. “I can’t be sure but neither of them looks like Big Al.”
She studied the approaching pair. They were closing the distance quickly. Too quickly for her peace of mind. She checked for her rifle. Still at her feet. Rudy’s was close by as well.
“Big Al isn’t there, but they aren’t a nice-looking pair. Don’t make any threatening moves,” he murmured.
“Bo, girls, sit right behind us and be quiet,” she murmured. They moved closer. Sissy’s eyes were wide. Kitty’s bottom lip trembled, and she held Sissy’s hand tightly. The pair pressed to Rudy’s back. Bo put an arm around the girls.
The riders caught up to them and rode to Rudy’s side.
“Howdy,” one called.
Alice took stock of them without looking directly in their direction. They were covered with a layer of dust. Trail dustwasn’t unusual for anyone traveling, but this was more than normal. Like they’d forgotten the existence of water. The odor that drifted her way reinforced that idea. Shaggy hair. Battered cowboy hats.
“How do you do?” Rudy kept his tone cautious...less than welcoming. Not that they seemed to notice.
“We do fine. Haven’t seen fellow travelers in a time or two. See you got yer family with ya.”
At the tone of the speaker’s voice, Alice edged closer to Rudy.
He put an arm around her and held her close.
The darker one of the pair fell back a pace. “Nice horse ya got.”
“Thanks.”
She wondered how Rudy could remain so cool and calm. Her insides felt like she’d swallowed a tornado.
“Good lookin’ wife too.”
“I’ll thank you to keep such comments to yourself,” Rudy ordered.
“No ’fense meant.”
Alice’s skin crawled at the man’s tone.
One man swept off his hat. “My name’s Otto. And this here is Manny. Pleased to meet ya.”
Rudy didn’t give any names. “Where are the two of you headed?”
