Page 51 of Wagon Train Melody
Rudy didn’t offer his opinion that Big Al wouldn’t ride into a bunch of Mounties, but that wouldn’t stop him from ambushing them. Just the same, the offer seemed his best alternative.
“I’ll plan to leave on Monday. Thanks.”
“The best of luck.” The Mountie escorted him to the door.
“Where did you say Mr. Easton’s house is?”
The Mountie laughed. “I didn’t but I guessed you’d be asking.” He gave directions and Rudy swung to King’s back and rode away.
He saw the wagon as he approached. Bo was unloading boxes to a cart so he could take them to the house. Rudy hurried to help, knowing how difficult it would be for the boy with his arm splinted the way it was. He’d suggest Alice take him to the fort’s physician and have the arm checked.
“See you’re getting moved in,” he said to Bo. “Are Alice and the girls happy with the place?”
Bo turned to study the house. “Guess the house is fine, but Clint is gone.”
“Gone? When will he be back?”
Bo shrugged. “That’s just it. It doesn’t look as if he’s coming back. Guess he’s gone looking for gold.”
Rudy felt the words like a physical blow. “So, what are you going to do?”
“What can we do?” Bo reached for another box.
Rudy grabbed it and placed it on the cart.
“Alice says we have to make the best of it. I’ll get a job.” Bo lifted his broken arm and grunted in disgust. “As soon as this is healed.” He lowered his arm and reached for another box. “Alice says she’ll take in laundry and sewing. She said we have to trust God to provide.”
How would they manage? He’d seen far too many widows and children starving and dying a slow death. How much money did he have? Could he arrange for credit at the store? Maybe the best thing he could do would be to follow in Clint’s footsteps. Go find a gold mine and send the money to Alice. That and a thousand other thoughts stampeded through Rudy’s head.
The cart was loaded, and he pushed it into the house.
He stood in a sparsely furnished sitting room. Apart from an easy chair and narrow settee, there was a bookcase with a few books. From where he stood, he saw into the kitchen where he saw a wooden table large enough for the family, chairs, cupboards, and a stove. Ahead of him, to the right, a hall withtwo doors led down the length of the house. He guessed that meant two bedrooms.
It was small but adequate.
Alice stepped from one of the bedrooms. Seeing him, she drew to a halt, blinked, and smiled. She might have hoped he’d think she was happy, even pleased, but he’d seen the strain around her mouth before she schooled it away.
He wanted to rush to her, take her in his arms and promise everything would be fine. Just fine.
But he couldn’t.
Clint was gone, leaving her to raise her family alone.
Rudy couldn’t help. Not until he was sure Big Al was dead. Maybe he couldn’t stay at Fort Macleod and help her that way, but he could help her in other ways. He’d send money to the store. That way she couldn’t let her pride get in the way and refuse it.
“Where do you want these?” he asked, indicating the crates on the cart.
“Those three go to the kitchen.” She indicated which ones she meant. “Those two to the first bedroom. The others can stay here.”
He hurried to take them where she wanted them. Done, he stood before her. “Alice, I’m sorry about your brother.”
“We’ll be all right.” The trembling in her voice suggested quite the opposite.
He reached for her, pulling her into his arms, against his chest. He half expected she would protest, but she came with a sigh.
The girls ran from the bedroom, saw him, and raced to press to his side.
He chuckled. This must be how a real home felt. A woman to hold. Children glad to see him. And a young man watching from the kitchen doorway. Half amused, half envious.
