Page 38 of Wagon Train Melody
“You sure? You wouldn’t josh me, would you?”
“I’m sure. You kept asking for your pa.”
“I kind of remember looking for him.”
Rudy waited as Bo seemed to need to think about that.
After a bit, Bo spoke again. “Do you think my pa would be pleased with me?”
Rudy considered his response, sensing that it was something that weighed heavily on the boy’s mind.
“Bo, I never met your father, but I see what kind of people you and your sister are, so that makes me think he was a good man.”
Bo nodded.
“As such, he would be kind and understanding of what both you and Alice are dealing with. And he’d be very proud of how you help your sister and are kind to your nieces. He would be proud of how you help with the work. Why, even with a broken arm, you do your share. That’s pretty impressive.”
“You really think so?”
Rudy clapped the boy on his back. “I know so.”
“That’s good.” Bo scrambled to his feet. “I think I’ll go to bed now. And thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Rudy had heard Alice get out of the wagon and knew she paused as he talked to Bo. Now she came forward.
“I thank you too. You calmed his worries.”
“I only said what was true. Both of you are doing a fine job.”
She sat beside him. “I willingly admit I couldn’t manage without your help.”
He let the words sing through his veins. It was nice to be appreciated. Even if it was temporary.
They sat in companionable silence. As if neither of them was ready to end this evening. Or perhaps she was as reluctant as he to close her eyes with those two cowboys lingering nearby.
“We should get some sleep,” he murmured after a time, getting to his feet and holding out a hand to help her up.
“You’re right.” She rose, her hand in his. “I wish...never mind.” And she hurried away.
What had she been about to say?
He couldn’t begin to guess.
He tossed his bedroll a distance from the wagon, close to where King was tethered, but he didn’t crawl between the blankets. Instead, he sat in the darkness, watchful.
If he didn’t miss his guess, it would only be a matter of time before that pair tried to gain access to the camp. And King was their most likely target.
He sat with his knees drawn up, his rifle cradled on his legs. For a time, he had no trouble staying awake as he mentally reviewed the day. He was surprised at how much it mattered to him that Alice and her charges got to the fort safely. Again, he prayed for God’s protection for the journey.
After a bit, he lowered his forehead to his knees. It had been a long day and he struggled to stay awake. He would have gotten up and moved around, but he wanted that pair to think he’d fallen asleep.
The wind picked up, carrying with it night sounds. The hoot of the owl. The murmur of grass waving. The distant trill of a bird disturbed.
Rudy cocked his head toward the sound. The rustle of grass was louder in that direction. One or both men approached the camp. Rudy waited. He could let them know he wasaware of their approach. Or he could wait and teach them an unforgettable lesson. He lay on his side, facing King, and waited.
The sounds grew more distinct. One of them made a muffled sound, then two figures rose from the ground.
“Like takin’ candy from a baby.” Rudy recognized Otto’s voice.
