Page 10 of Wagon Train Melody
“I know you are eager to be on your way.”
“I’m enjoying this.”
“What?”
“The company.”
“Oh.” She assumed he meant the little girls. “They can be very amusing.”
“They’re pure joy.”
Alice wasn’t sure if she liked him saying that. Yes, it was true. But he was a stranger. What did she know about him except that he was running? “Rudy, if I may call you by your given name?—”
He nodded.
“I don’t know who you are or what you’re running from but at the moment, I have no choice but to accept your help and trust you won’t harm us.” She held his gaze in what she hoped was a strong, forbidding look.
He nodded. “You are wise to be cautious. But I promise you I will not hurt you. I want to make sure you get to your destination safely.” He glanced past her, and a jolt shook his shoulders.
“We best be on our way.” He hurried to the back of the wagon and helped her in, then climbed up beside the girls. His horse had been tied to the side of the wagon. Rudy took the time to tie him to the other side and then they were on their way, keeping up a good clip.
Suspecting Rudy had seen something that alarmed him, Alice looked out the back.
Dust billowed up in the distance. She thought she glimpsed a horse. She watched the tell-tale dust until she was convinced it grew closer.
Was it someone looking for Rudy? Was he putting himself at risk helping her?
Were she, her nieces, and brother in danger because of who or what he was and because of someone chasing him?
CHAPTER 3
Rudy tried not to constantly glance over his shoulder at the evidence of an approaching rider. Not that Alice wasn’t aware of his concern.
He fought an inner battle. Should he abandon this little family and head out on King? Or hope the rider wouldn’t see the palomino and ignore the covered wagon? Maybe seeing eyes could be made not to see. Vengeful hearts ride by.
“Rudy, are you praying?”
Alice’s voice from close behind startled him. Not that he hadn’t heard her move, but he hadn’t expected such a direct question.
“I’ve been known to pray.”
“Then I suppose you’re asking for the rider to not see you?”
“Guess I am at that.” Though he hadn’t put his prayer into words. “I was thinking that if God can make blind eyes to see, He can just as easily make seeing eyes blind.”
Two little girls listened to the conversation. Hopefully, they wouldn’t be frightened by what they heard.
“And I am praying God’s mighty hand will protect us.” Alice’s words were firm, full of assurance as if singing Amazing Graceover and over had filled her heart and mind with awareness of God and His love.
“I’m including myself in that prayer.” Even though she hadn’t specifically said so.
She didn’t say whether or not that was all right with her.
He glanced back and met her eyes and caught a glimpse of uncertainty. He was a good person, but she had no reason to believe it.
Kitty alternately covered and uncovered her eyes as if playing a game. “My eyes see.”
Rudy smiled down at her. “They are very nice eyes.” Both girls had an innocent look. Big brown eyes like their aunt. Sissy’s hair was light brown, Kitty’s darker.
