Lazy Days (13 page)

Cooper, I need you!

Suddenly, the child stilled and reached for the
fabric himself. Now both children hung on for dear life. Hallie began walking
backward again and the children began sliding out of the quicksand. Slowly.
Slowly.

Without warning, the fabric snapped off the
branch and Hallie fell onto the muddy bank. "No!" she screamed. The
quicksand was just below the children's chests. She tried to scramble to her
feet, but fell again. Finally, lifting her soggy skirt and regaining her feet,
she ran toward them. There was nothing left but for her to go in after them,
even though she knew in her heart they would all die.

Suddenly, she was clasped around the waist by
strong arms.

Cooper yelled. "No, Hallie, I've got
them!"

Relief beyond anything imaginable flooded
Hallie's heart and she sobbed, "I knew you'd come!"

Other shouts rang out and within a heartbeat
Cooper was wading toward the children with a rope tied around his chest.
Grabbing a child in each arm, they clung to him while men from their camp
pulled the rope and hauled them all out of the mire.

Immediately, they were surrounded by helpful
pioneers and the child's mother grabbed her son to her breast, sobbing. Dazed
by the encounter, Hallie finally came to herself and rushed to Tim, clutching
him and weeping. He clung to her and softly cried. No words were necessary. Then
he pushed back and said, "Ma, I'm sorry for disobeying and leaving camp. I
saw a baby deer and I was chasing it." Wiping a hand across his face and
slinging mud aside, he sniffed and gave a little smile. "We need to get
the mud off before it dries and we can't move."

Hallie nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
She looked toward the bank of the river and saw Cooper watching them. In that moment,
nothing existed except his blue gaze and her gratefulness. Covered with sludge,
he slowly smiled, his teeth gleaming in the midst of the mud. Without stopping
to think, Hallie ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him
passionately. He hesitated for only a second before returning the kiss, snaking
his arms around her waist and pulling her close. Finally breaking away, he
glanced past her. "Hallie, we've got an audience."

When she realized what she had done, Hallie
gasped and placed a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide. "I'm so sorry,
Cooper! I-I just wanted to kiss you…I mean thank you." She lifted a muddy
hand to her burning cheek, recognizing the import of what she'd just said.
Staring at Cooper's solemn expression on a face as smudged as her own, she
didn't know how to fix her blunder.

Cooper looked past her again and said,
"Clarissa, can you help Hallie clean up?"

"Oh, yes, of course."

Hallie turned around and was immediately pounced
on by the fancy women.

* * *

Cooper watched Clarissa and the other ladies
surround Hallie and lead her back to camp. Emmett approached Tim, whose
questioning expression was fixed on Cooper, and guided him toward Lydia and
Sam.

Beyond them, Cooper saw Mrs. Pittance piercing
him with a gaze that said, "I knew it."

Obviously, even a life and death situation would
not deter her from her purpose. And he was sure her purpose was to discredit
Hallie. He almost laughed in her face.
Good luck. Hallie is now a hero among
these people. Her quick thinking bought enough time for help to arrive.

Slinging mud off his arms, as if ridding himself
of Mrs. Pittance's judgment, he turned away.

Captain Jones came up behind him, "That was
a close call. Another couple of minutes and we'd be havin' a burial instead of
a celebration."

"You got that right."

"That Wells woman's got some guts."

"Yeah."

"Ever think about settling down,
Cooper?"

"Jeremiah, don't even go there."

Captain Jones chuckled. "Sure was
entertainin' seeing two clumps of mud kissin' like that."

"I'm warning you, Jeremiah."

The Captain only let loose with a belly laugh.
"I'll see you back at camp, Cooper."

Absentmindedly, Hallie listened to Clarissa issuing
orders and watched the fancy ladies hurrying to carry them out. She held
Hallie's hand and talked incessantly, seemingly oblivious to the mud being
smeared on her own clothing as she pulled Hallie toward camp. "I just have
to say, Hallie, you are the bravest woman I have ever met and I'm mighty proud
to know ya."

Hallie only half listened because she couldn't
stop thinking about kissing Cooper. What had she done? Now the whole camp would
be buzzing with gossip and the thought of it affecting Tim almost had her in
tears.

Clarissa kept up her one-sided conversation until
they reached camp and the other ladies surrounded them, several speaking at the
same time. She suddenly held up her hands and they quieted. "Molly, did
you pull out the tub? Sadie, did you unpack my special soap? Is Bessie back
from Miz Wells' wagon with a change of clothes?"

The women answered in turn.

"Sure did, Clari. Used the water over the
campfire to get the temperature just right."

"Yep. Miz Wells is gonna love your soap and
I see Bessie returning now with her clothes."

Suddenly, Clarissa was pushing Hallie to a
blanketed-off area and two ladies began unfastening and helping her out of her
muddy dress.

Sadie said, "You're gonna feel like a new
woman after you soak in our tub. That ol' captain wanted us to leave it behind,
but we voted and said there was no way we was gonna do that. No way!"

Before Hallie could voice her approval, she was
undressed and pushed into a tub overflowing with bubbles. After the hell of the
quicksand, surely she was in heaven. With her eyes closed she relaxed in the
warm water. When she peeked from beneath her lashes, Clarissa was pouring water
onto her mud caked hair.

"I got the nicest soap for yer hair. You're
gonna love it. It's called Lovely Lavender and one of my men bought it for me
afore I left on this train. He was right sorry to see me leave. I kinda liked
him, but he was a might old for me, bein' in his sixties."

Clarissa prattled on and Hallie inhaled the
enticing fragrance while the girl scrubbed her hair. She was suddenly brought
out of her lethargy, however, when Clarissa said, "You lied to me, Miz
Wells."

"Huh? What? What do you mean?"

Clarissa lifted a bucket of fresh water sitting next
to the tub and poured it over Hallie's head to remove the soap and mud. Wiping
the water out of her eyes, Hallie repeated. "What did I lie to you
about?"

Clarissa smiled conspiratorially. "You said
you didn't have feelins' for Mr. Jerome. If me and the other ladies had known
the truth, we would'a stopped tryin' to get his attention."

"No, Clarissa, you're wrong. I'm recently
widowed and Cooper is just helping me and Tim cross to Oregon. After that, he's
returning to his farm in Missouri and we'll never see each other again."

Clarissa rocked back on her heels. "If
there's one thing I've learned, it's that the heart can't be tamed. Yer brain
might be thinkin' one thing but yer heart another. Havin' feelings for Cooper
ain't nothin' to be ashamed of. He's a rightly good man and one of the
handsomest I've had the pleasure of lookin' on. That's a combination sure to
make any woman lose her heart. Besides, any husband in his right mind would
want his woman to find a good man after his demise. I bet yer dead husband
would want you and Mr. Jerome to hitch up."

Big tears welled in Hallie's eyes. "No,
Clarissa. It just wouldn't be right with Thomas being dead so recently. Besides,
Cooper wouldn't give me a second glance. I'm too plain and skinny. You…you go
after him if you want." The events of the day and Clarissa's ability to
hone in on the thoughts troubling Hallie caused her to stifle a sob.

Clarissa clucked. "Nope, Hallie, you got it
all wrong. Mr. Jerome's got feelins' for you. Why, when me and Sharon tried to
entice him into our bed the night of the hoedown, he just looked in yer
direction and excused hisself." She grinned widely. "There ain't no
man right in the head that's gonna turn down me and Sharon lessen' he's got
another woman on his mind."

As if saying her name had conjured her up, Sharon
slipped behind the blankets with a towel. "Here's a towel, Clari. I got
some hot water going for tea so Miz Wells can relax when she gets out."

"Thanks, Sharon."

Sharon glanced at Hallie and grinned. "I
gave it my damndest and he wasn't budging." Without a word of explanation,
she winked and slipped back outside the blankets.

Later
that night, the toddler’s parents entered Hallie's campsite and introduced
themselves as Paul and Charlene Ludlow. Sitting atop his father's shoulders,
Little Paul pointed at Tim and said, "Candy?"

They
all peered at Tim, who laughed. "Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. Excuse me a
minute." He returned shortly with a huge lollypop that his father had
given him and handed it to the child.

Hallie
was shocked that he was giving away something so precious to him, and that he
was doing so without first receiving permission from the child's parents. But
before she could chastise him, he explained, "The only way I could get him
to stop struggling when we were sinking in the quicksand was to promise him the
biggest lollypop he'd ever seen."

The
boy whooped when he grasped the lollypop and his parents brushed tears from
their eyes. With a heartfelt tremor in his voice, Mr. Ludlow said, "Thank
you, Tim. We are forever in your debt." He turned to Hallie, "And in
yours and Cooper's too."

Over
the next several days, Hallie reflected on her experience and felt a growing
sense of the unpredictability of life. One minute life was rolling along fine,
and the next, a life or death situation reared its head. Tim also seemed reflective
for a boy so young. He often discussed the rescue with his mother and Cooper,
and on one occasion broke down crying. "I didn't want to die, Ma, but I
could feel the mud sucking me under. I was so scared."

Hallie
tried to comfort him. "I know, son. I was scared, too. But I think it's
during times of fear that we find our greatest strength. Something else I've
learned is that we can never take our lives for granted." Hugging him
tightly, she whispered, "We've got this one life; let's enjoy it to the
fullest. That's what your pa did. He loved life and even though his was cut
short, he appreciated every day."

Cooper,
meanwhile, never mentioned Hallie's impulsive kiss and kept mostly to himself.
At times, Hallie found herself wanting to bring up the subject and apologize
for embarrassing him in front of everyone, but something held her back.
Apologizing almost made the kiss seem wrong, and deep in her heart, she
couldn't make herself believe that.

They
reached Fort McPherson almost two weeks later and after that traveled along a stretch
called O'Fallon's Bluff. Again, they had to trek single file because of rocks butted
so close to the Platte River. At a place known as the Lower California Crossing
they forded the Platte with only minor damage to a few wagons.

That
night Captain Jones explained at an "Important Particulars" meeting
that the next twenty-five miles would be high plains. He warned, "There's
very little wood, so collect buffalo chips for kindling. Also, your wagon
wheels are going to shrink. They expanded during our travel along the banks of
the Platte, but the dry plains wreak havoc on the wood. Have lots of shims
ready to keep the inner and outer wheels tight."

Before
ending the meeting, Captain Jones scratched his beard and said, "Folks,
just so you know, we're over four hundred miles from Westport."

A
happy shout arose among the pioneers and they hugged each other.

He
continued, "It's good to be happy, but don't become lazy. We're not even
halfway to Oregon and disasters can strike in the blink of an eye, like what
almost happened with Tim and Little Paul."

It
took two full days to cross twenty-five miles of plains and although rumors ran
amok that their next destination was a treacherous place called Windlass Hill,
Captain Jones neither verified nor denied the rumors when asked flat out. All
he said was, "One day at a time, folks."

When
they reached Windlass Hill, those at the head of the train sent runners back to
the others describing a place of dread. It was no wonder Captain Jones hadn't
elaborated on what was to come.

Calling
the pioneers together, he chuckled, "So, ladies and gents, as you can see,
it’s decision time. I'm going to lay out our options and let you vote on what
to do because either decision is fine with me.

"First,
we can descend the three hundred feet of Windlass Hill, which means our oxen or
mules will pull the wagons as far as possible, then we'll release them to find
their way to the bottom while we tie ropes to the wagons, set the brakes, and with
men holding the ropes in back and other men in front steering the tongue, guide
the wagons to the bottom. And let me assure you, it's been done many times over
the years without mishap. Our other option is to continue on about seventeen
miles out of our way and then backtrack. Of course, if we take the longer
route, we lengthen our travel time and chance meeting the winter snows if we
encounter other hindrances. Lowering the wagons will take less time than
traveling the long way," he paused and glanced from face-to-face,
"unless we have a serious accident."

The
pioneers glanced uncertainly around at each other. Hallie wondered how Cooper
would vote.

Captain
Jones said, "Okay, I need a showing of hands and women can vote since
their lives and the lives of their children are on the line. Only those over
seventeen can vote unless you're already married. Ya'll spread out so's I can
count."

Nervously,
the emigrants fanned out and Captain Jones asked, "How many think we
should take the long way?"

Hallie
looked around and watched hands lift. She felt Mrs. Pittance's eyes on her and
glanced over to see her hand raised halfway, but once Cooper lifted his hand,
the woman lowered hers, causing some of the folks in her group to do the same.
Pastor Pittance stood to the side observing.

Following
Cooper's lead, Hallie raised her hand.

Captain
Jones counted and then said, "Okay, all those in favor of following the
trail down Windlass Hill, raise your hands."

Mrs.
Pittance lifted her hand high, which encouraged others in her group to raise
theirs also. Hallie looked at Pastor Pittance. Again, he only observed.

Captain
Jones counted and said, "It's a close call. Only three votes
difference." He glanced around the group and his eyes settled in the Pittances'
direction. "Looks like, folks, ya'll better secure your wagons."

Under
Captain Jones's direction, the wagons were prepared for the steep descent down
Windlass Hill. Below the hill, the place called Ash Hollow with beautiful trees
and tall grasses could be seen. It was as if hell had to be overcome before
they could partake of paradise.

As
the crowd of emigrants huddled at the top of the hill—watching and praying—the
lead wagon, belonging to Frank Jensen, descended. The incline became too steep
for the oxen about halfway down, and the men in front position, which included
Cooper, unhitched them. Two of the men followed the oxen to the bottom while Cooper
and three others, holding the tongue, guided the wagon, and men in back held
ropes tied to the frame. When the schooner touched level land, a unified shout arose
from those watching atop the hill.

The
next wagon moved to the descending point and again, breaths were held and
prayers offered. After the successful descent of ten wagons, many of the
emigrants lost interest and went to find other diversions until it was their
turn.

With
twenty wagons still ahead of Hallie’s, she walked back to double-check
everything. She gave permission for Tim to accompany a family with six boys to
their wagon and play, wanting him to have a diversion other than watching the
precarious descent of wagons and animals.

After
making sure everything was secure, she walked back to the crest of the hill and
sat on a boulder just as another wagon began its descent. She thought about her
fellow travelers. Since the incident with the toddler, several emigrants had
approached her, Tim, and Cooper in a friendly manner, offering their help with
anything they might need.

When
Harley and Stubby's pitiful wagon and animals moved to front position, Hallie’s
attention was quickly returned to the present. Unbidden resentment filled her
heart.

The
men secured the wagon in the same fashion that had successfully lowered the ones
before, and for all of Stubby's and Harley's outward appearance of sloth, they
attacked their duty to lower their wagon with gusto.

About
twenty feet into the descent, there was a loud cracking sound and one of the
men guiding the mules yelled, "Runaway wagon!"

Hallie's
jumped to her feet and stared in horror as the wagon slid sideways, tilted
precariously, and then careened down the hillside, pulling its four mules with
it. Several of the women watching from the top of the bluff screamed when Harley,
unable to jump clear, got tangled in the reins and tumbled with the mules and
wagon. As if in a nightmare, the emigrants watched Harley being dragged down
the precipice. Stubby yelled and attempted to descend the grade, but the men
held him back.

When
the wagon and the animals and Harley finally hit the bottom, a deathly quiet
rang out, its silence louder than any noise would have been. Everyone stood
frozen in disbelief, until Stubby's heartrending scream, "Harley!"
goaded people into action.

The
men at the bottom of Windlass Hill rushed to the scene and others started
descending. The sound of mules screaming floated to the top of the hill.

By
now, word of the disaster had spread and emigrants ran to the edge of the bluff.
Gunfire suddenly blasted, once, twice, thrice, and then once more; the mules
ceased their screams.

There
was a shout from one of the men at the bottom. "Harley's dead! Neck's
broke!"

Another
heart wrenching cry erupted from Stubby and some of the men had to pull him
back atop the bluff where fell to his knees and wailed, "He's my only kin
and friend."

Seeing
the pioneers' mouths agape at the dreadful happening, Hallie’s gaze fell on
Mrs. Pittance. She looked impassive. She even shook her head as if to say,
"You had this coming." When she turned and walked away, some of the
others in her group did the same. Pastor Pittance only observed, but did not
follow them.

Any
resentment Hallie had toward Stubby evaporated, at least for the time being.
Looking back at his crouched and weeping form, Hallie took a step toward him,
but he was suddenly surrounded by the fancy women. Mrs. Martinique was the
first to kneel beside him and lay a comforting hand on his shoulder. Within
minutes, the ladies had coaxed him away from the scene, his sobs tearing at
Hallie's heart.

* * *

The
rest of the day was incident free except for some broken wheel spokes, a few
sprained ankles and shoulders, and some gashes to arms and legs. Finally, at
dusk, the last wagon safely reached the bottom and all of the emigrants had maneuvered
the steep decline to the lush grasses and trees and crystal clear water below.

Cooper
collapsed onto a rock in exhaustion, but was soon called upon to help move
Harley's body away from camp and dig his grave. As night deepened, the pioneers,
carrying lanterns, gathered respectfully at the last resting place of a man
lowly regarded by them.

Captain
Jones asked Pastor Pittance if he wanted to say something, and the pastor
simply said, "We know not the heart of this man; only God does. He has
been sent to his final reward. Amen."

In
the lamplight a frown could be seen on the captain's face. He glanced around
and asked, "Does anyone else have anything to say?"

After
a silence, Stubby's voice cracked when he said, "Harley was me older
cousin and we growed up tagather. He weren't always upright, but he always
looked out fer me. If'n you were raised by a pa that always beat the hell outta
ya and taught ya to steal and cheat, ya would'na been so upstandin'
yerself." Stubby choked on his next words, "Harley was me
friend."

Clarissa
placed her hand on Stubby's shoulder and with the innocence of youth, said,
"You'll make new friends, Stubby."

Stubby
rubbed his nose with the back of his fist and nodded.

Captain
Jones said in his loud voice, now tempered with compassion, "I'm callin' a
meeting. Everyone gather in the center of camp pronto."

Cooper
gave one last glance at Harley as men shoveled dirt on him, pondering what
Stubby had said.

Back
at camp, a subdued atmosphere hovered while everyone waited to hear what
Captain Jones had to say. He stepped to the center and boomed. "We got a
situation now of a man without a wagon, animals, or supplies. We salvaged what
we could from his goods, but it weren't much. So…pioneers, who'll be the first
to help Stubby?"

Uneasy
fidgeting and silence accompanied the captain's request. Mrs. Martinique was the
first to speak. "Stubby can join with my gals."

A
gasp arose among the crowd and then Stubby said, "I thank you ma'am, but
I'll not live on the skirts of women. I'm not–"

Hallie
interrupted. "I have an extra ox that Stubby can have and food to
share."

Cooper
blinked in disbelief.

Stubby
frowned and started to say something, but Captain Jones looked pointedly at him
and ordered, "Don't say anything!" Then he turned his gaze on Hallie.
"Now that's right neighborly of you, Miz Wells." He sent a hard stare
around the gathering. "Anyone else?"

Mr.
Liverman yelled from the back of the group, "I got a small cart that could
easily be pulled by one ox. Stubby can have it."

After
that, pioneers from every direction began calling out what they had to offer.

Captain
Jones finally lifted his hand and said, "Okay, looks like we got Stubby
outfitted quite well. Tomorrow morning, bring your offerings to the back of
Mrs. Martinique's wagons." He glanced at Cooper and said, "Cooper,
you can help Stubby get his ox harnessed and his supplies readied for the
journey. We'll rest here for another day."

Cooper
simply nodded and said, "Yes, sir."