Wagon Train Baby
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Rhonda Gibson
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Chapter One
A patch of blackberry bushes caught Maggie Porter’s attention as she followed behind her father’s wagon. Ripe purple berries hung from thick vines, causing her mouth to water. Over the last couple of weeks, Maggie had collected greens and other plants that her pa and brother enjoyed with their simple meals. She took one last look at the wagon train, then ventured from the trail and into the bushes.
The sound of the wagons rumbling forward filled the air. Maggie gathered her apron in front, creating a bowl, and picked the fruit as fast as she could. Thankfully with only twenty-five wagons, she might have enough for each family to enjoy. She couldn’t resist the urge to toss one of the plump berries into her mouth. Sweetness oozed from the soft fruit.
She heard a sound and stopped chewing, tilting her head to the side to focus on its origin. Is that a baby’s cry? She’d heard babies cry on the wagon train, but this cry seemed to come from behind her, not in the direction of the wagons. She tilted her head again and listened.
After several minutes of silence, Maggie continued picking the fruit, aware that the wagon train was moving farther away from her.
As they were leaving Independence, Missouri, she realized that to survive the trail, she’d need to look for wild fruits and vegetables to supplement their supply of food. Normally, it was at a rushed pace, but thankfully today they moved at a snail’s pace as the men tried to avoid the chug holes concealed by the rain and mud from the night before. She realized moisture from the grass and weeds had caused the hem of her dress to become heavy as she took a step to rejoin the wagon train.
There’s the cry again. This time Maggie turned and walked toward the sound. Her gaze searched the trees and bushes. She untied her apron and carefully laid it and the berries it held down. She’d pick it up on her return.
Maggie took several steps into the woods, leaving the trail farther behind. She glanced over her shoulder and in the distance she saw her brother standing on the wagon seat, looking forward. They’d stopped again for some reason or other, so she decided she’d have time to investigate a little further. As she ventured deeper into the woods, she peered closely around the base of the underbrush that covered the wooded ground, thinking she might catch sight of a baby. “I’m being ridiculous,” she murmured even as she moved farther away from the wagon train.
Just when she’d decided she was hearing things, the sound of a baby’s whimper snagged her attention once more. Maggie walked toward the cry. As it grew louder, she found herself running to reach the child, aware she was leaving the wagon train farther and farther behind. Still, she couldn’t leave a baby out in the woods, and if she hurried, they would be back to the safety of the wagon soon.
Maggie stopped. She listened but couldn’t hear the crying. Her heart beat loudly in her ears. As her breathing calmed, she became aware of a low growling to her right. She’d been warned of wild animals and even wilder men that roamed the trail. How many times had her father and brother told her not to wander off?
Time to face the foolishness of her actions. Maggie turned slowly to face either man or beast. She swallowed hard and focused on the animal before her.
A large white dog stood between her and a very small girl who looked to be less than two years old. Tears stained the baby’s face as her big green eyes took in Maggie. Her little bonnet had fallen from her head revealing light brown curls. Had the dog hurt the child? Maggie didn’t think so. The little girl held the dog by its fur, clinging to him as if the animal were a friend. Maggie prayed that the big beast was a friend. She’d never seen a dog this big up close.
Keeping her voice calm, Maggie knelt and held the dog’s gaze. “Hello there, boy.”
The dog’s ears twitched back and forth. He laid his ears back but stopped growling deep in his throat. Using his body, the dog pushed the little girl back as if herding her away from danger.
The child stumbled but didn’t fall. Still holding on to the dog but looking at Maggie, she asked, “Mama?”
Maggie looked about. Woods surrounded them on three sides. A rock wall stood at the dog’s back. She smiled at the little girl and shook her head. “I’m sorry, little one, I don’t know where your mama is, but if you come to me, I’ll help you find her.”
The baby took a step as if to come to her, but the dog gently pushed the child back again. She looked at her dog and then buried her face in its coat. Soft sobs shook her shoulders.
Maggie wasn’t sure what to do. Without closing her eyes because she wanted to keep watch on the animal, Maggie prayed. “Lord, I know You sent me to find this little girl and I feel like You sent the dog to protect her. Father, I ask You to let the dog know I am not going to hurt him or the baby as I approach them. Keep me safe as I try to do what I feel is right, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
She stood still a moment and took several deep breaths. Then she stepped forward. The dog watched her but didn’t growl. “Sweet boy, I know you are trying to protect your baby and I appreciate that, but I want to help her too, and I can’t do that if you don’t let me near her. So, we are going to have to trust each other.” Without waiting for a response, Maggie squared her shoulders and walked to the dog and little girl.
The child raised her head and looked at her. “Mama?” she asked again.
The dog scooted to the side and allowed Maggie to pick up the little girl. “I’m sorry, honey. I still don’t know where she is, but we’ll find her.”
Before she could move away from the dog, it began a low growl deep in its throat.
Maggie held her breath, expecting the animal to attack her. She looked at the dog and braced her legs, ready to run. Only the dog wasn’t looking at her but into the woods.
The dog pushed against Maggie’s legs and she realized he was trying to herd her as he’d done the little girl earlier. Maggie took a step back but kept her gaze on the tree line. She clutched the child close and looked behind her to see if there was a bush to hide behind. Seeing one, she eased back until she was within its branches. Only then did she realize the bush hid an indentation in the rock wall. Could it be a cave? A place to hide?
Adam Walker knew before he entered the camp that something was wrong. He could feel the tension in the air and hear the raised whispers as women were starting fires and the men were tending to their animals. He made his way to his own wagon and his mother.
She looked up at him as he entered their camp. “I’m glad you’re back, son.” His mother thrust a warm biscuit in his hands and a tin cup full of coffee. “Eat fast. The wagon master wants to see you as soon as possible. The Porter girl is missing.”
Adam understood what that meant. He thrust the biscuit into his mouth and chewed. Butter oozed from between the warm bread. His gaze moved to the circle of wagons, and he found the one belonging to the Porters. Mr. Porter and his son, Martin, stood talking to the wagon master. It was obvious Mr. Porter was angry, judging by his red face and clenched fists.
Maggie Porter was quiet and tended to stay to herself. He’d learned early on that she was generous; he’d had the pleasure of enjoying the fresh greens she’d shared with his mother on several occasions. With strawberry blond hair, blue eyes and a heart-shaped face, she’d garnered looks from several of the younger, unmarried men, but her brother had shielded her from their attentions.
Adam would be leaving in a few minutes to go looking for the woman, no doubt about that. Adam had noticed her trailing behind her father’s wagon earlier in the day but had thought nothing of it. His mother had called her a girl, but everyone knew she was a widow and in her early twenties. On a wagon train this small, there were very few secrets.
Except one. Why didn’t she go by her married name? He shook the thought off; there were more important matters to consider now. He needed to find her before the sun went down.
His mother handed him another biscuit the moment he’d swallowed the last bite. “You better get over there. It’s looking a little heated. I’ll pack up a couple of biscuits and jerky for you.”
Adam kissed his mother on the cheek. “Thanks, Ma.” He raised his head and searched out Josiah, his hired driver.
When their gazes met, Josiah nodded his agreement to the unspoken command to watch after Adam’s mother. Only then did Adam turn to the Porter wagon. “Come on, Shadow, let’s see what the hullabaloo is all about.”
The solid black horse snorted and followed obediently.
He walked unhurried. Adam knew that everyone watched his every movement. “Slow and calm” was his motto. If he appeared calm, then others tended to settle down as well. He took a sip of his coffee and sighed.
A few feet away from the Porter wagon, Adam heard Maggie’s father say, “We can’t wait any longer. I’m going after my daughter, Cannon.”
Mr. Porter stared at the wagon master, Jim Cannon. Most people just called him Mr. Cannon or Cannon; either way they said his name with respect.
Approaching from behind the Porters, Adam nodded at the wagon master as he came into speaking distance. “Good evening, Mr. Cannon.”
The older gentleman tipped his head toward him. “Evening, Adam.”
Mr. Porter turned to face him. “It’s about time you got back.” He then turned back to face Mr. Cannon. “He’s here now. Let’s go.”
“Hold up.” Adam took another sip of his mother’s coffee. “Where are you rushing off to?”
Martin answered in a calm voice. “My sister is missing, Adam. Pa and I wanted to go looking for her, but Mr. Cannon advised us to wait for your return.”
Adam liked Martin. He was in his midtwenties, soft-spoken but matter-of-fact. “I’m glad he did.”
“I’m going with you.” Mr. Porter turned to the horse he’d saddled up earlier.
The wagon master answered, “No, sir, you are not going. Adam is our best tracker. He’ll find Miss Porter.”
“How long has she been missing?” Adam asked.
Martin ran his hand over his face. “Last time I saw her was around four this afternoon. She was following the wagon as usual.” He raised his gaze to Adam’s. “I’d like to go with you.”
“I know but I can make better time alone.” Adam pulled himself onto Shadow’s broad back. His gaze met Mr. Porter’s. He knew the man was worried sick; any good father would be. “I’ll bring her home, Mr. Porter.” Adam intended to keep his word.
John Porter swallowed hard. “The sooner the better,” he conceded.
Adam turned his horse back to his camp. He handed his mother the cup. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
She lifted a flour sack filled with the biscuits and jerky for him to take. “Godspeed, son.” She turned to the wagon but not before he saw the mist filling her eyes.
Adam hung the bag on his saddle horn. As he traveled the way the wagon train had come, he wondered if his mother’s tears were for him or the woman he’d been sent to find.
Adam studied the ground closely. The heavy storm the night before had left the ground wet. Footsteps leading from the trail would help him find her. He knew Miss Porter probably went in search of something edible.
In minutes he came across the spot where she’d left the trail. Her foot had slipped on the small slope. He slid off Shadow’s back and studied the wet ground. The hem of her dress had dragged through the grass and weeds, making his job easy.
He came to the berry patch and saw where she’d stood picking the sweet fruit. Adam grabbed a handful for himself and continued following her trail. When he came to her apron lying on the ground, he stopped. Why had she left the fruit behind?
Adam took a deep breath, put the apron in the flour sack and continued his search. His heart rate quickened when he read the tracks that confirmed she’d started running. The sun was dimmer in the trees, but he could still make out that her footprints were the only human ones present. So, what was she running from or to?
Confusion filled his mind. She ran first one way and then another; he could tell when she stopped and then when she’d take off running again. Had her mind started playing tricks on her out here alone? Had she gotten lost and panicked when she realized she couldn’t hear the wagon train?
He continued following her footsteps. Adam realized she’d doubled back and was heading toward the trail. Maybe she was already out of the woods and heading to the wagons. A sigh escaped him. Had he been holding his breath? He must have been.
A low growl stopped him. His gaze moved quickly to the woods around him. Had he stumbled upon a wolf pack? Or a bear? Adam pulled his gun from the holster on his hip. If he didn’t have to shoot the animal, he wouldn’t. But it was better to be safe than sorry.
Adam continued to search the area around him. He bent down once more and studied the ground. Paw tracks. From the looks of them, dog or wolf prints. He saw others. Were those tiny human tracks? He traced the small footprint. Maggie Porter’s boot imprints were mingled in with the animal and child tracks.
He stood and began following the indentions. They went to the rock wall that stood in front of him. Adam realized that a shadow of an opening was to his left. It had been well concealed by the bush growing in front of it. The growling became deeper and louder. Was she in that indention with the animal?
Only one way to find out. He called, “Miss Porter? It’s Adam Walker from the wagon train. Are you here?”
The animal growled louder at the sound of his voice. Her voice called over the animal’s warning. “Mr. Walker, we’re in here.”
He felt sure she sounded relieved.
“Let me pass, you big brute.” Maggie Porter pushed the bush aside and stepped out of the cavern’s mouth. She held a little girl on her hip.
A large dog followed her, then stepped in front of her. His warning growl, and the placement of his body between them, told Adam not to make any fast moves. He stood still and asked, “Why didn’t you come back?”
She brushed the hair from the child’s eyes. “I’m lost. Pa always said ‘if you get lost, stay put and I’ll find you.’”
Adam wanted to laugh but decided that was a bad idea since the huge dog bared his teeth as if to say, “One more noise out of you and I’m going to bite first and ask questions later.” In a soft voice he asked, “Where did you find her?” He nodded toward the child she held.
Maggie looked at him and grinned. “Here with this big boy.” She reached down and patted the dog between the ears.
“Where’s her family?” Adam asked, though he continued to watch the dog.
“I don’t know. She keeps asking for her mama.”
He’d not seen any other tracks besides Maggie’s and the little girl’s. “Are you all right staying here a little longer with the dog?”
She nodded. “I think he’s her protector.”
“I believe you’re right. I’m going to go look for her parents. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He had no intention of leaving them alone for very long. His gut said that the little girl’s parents were probably close by.
Maggie called after him. “Mr. Walker?”
Adam turned to face her.
“I don’t think we are alone in these woods.” Her gaze moved to the animal still standing in front of her. “He pushed us into that small cave and then I heard some men. They weren’t real close but the dog didn’t like it. When I sat down and cuddled the baby, he positioned himself in front of the mouth of the cave.” Her pretty blue eyes searched his before she warned, “Be careful.”
After half an hour, Adam spotted wagon tracks. He’d been thinking long and hard about the little girl and her family. It seemed strange the baby had been alone with a dog. The moment he’d seen the child his thoughts had turned to another wagon train that was at least a month ahead of theirs.
He knelt closer to the ground and ran his fingers through wagon wheel ruts. They were several days old and headed toward a denser thicket of trees. He tied Shadow to a nearby tree, cradled his rifle in his arms and on silent feet made his way deeper into the thicket.
His scouting and tracking skills fell into place as he slipped around battered bushes and branches. From the boot marks, he could tell that the wagon had been tracked before. Adam counted three sets of boot prints following the ruts, much like he was doing now, only these people were more careless and had broken lower branches from the trees.
A few more feet and he saw the wagon tipped over, its contents scattered about the campsite. He remained in the trees searching the area for signs of danger. A low moan drew his attention and he slipped through the woods to the other side of the camp.
It didn’t take long to spot the man and woman on the ground, their clothes soaked with blood. A glance informed him that the man was dead. Adam passed him and fell to his knees by the woman. Her tear-soaked, pale face spoke of her own impending death.
“What happened?” Adam asked.
“My baby?” she whispered between shuddering breaths.
“We found her. She’s safe.”
The air caught in her throat as she rasped, “And Brutus?”
Adam assumed Brutus was the big dog that had protected the child. “He is safe, too. Brutus kept her safe until they were found.” He paused then asked, “How are you? And why are you here alone?”
A new tear trickled down her cheek. “My husband...sick. Train...left us.” He patted her shoulder as she took another shuddering breath to say, “Here two weeks and then...they came. They killed him.”
“You’re safe now.” He reached for a blanket that lay close by and tucked it under her head.
She shook her head. “I’m dying, too.”
Adam knew her words were true. She’d lost a lot of blood. He brushed hair from her eyes.
“My baby...” Her words caught in her throat. “Lilly May James. Fifteen months old.” More tears streamed from her eyes. “We have no family. Please, I need to know...you will take care of her...raise her.” Her hand reached up and grabbed his wrist. “Promise me.”
Adam patted her hand with his free one. “She’ll be taken care of. I can assure you that.”
Her grip tightened and her green eyes blazed into his. A mother’s strength shone through them as she said, “Promise you will raise her.”
How could he make such a promise? He wasn’t even married. His mother was too old to raise another child and Adam had no intention of marrying anyone. Finding his fiancée in the arms of his brother when she’d talked of love and marriage to him had left Adam cynical regarding the faithfulness of a woman.
The baby’s mother pulled hard on his wrist, bringing him closer to her. A look of determination filled her ever paling face. “I can’t let go until you give me your word you will take care of Lilly May.”
Adam gently freed his wrist and eased her to the ground. “I’m not married. I can’t raise her.” His insides trembled as the woman sobbed. “But I promise I will find her a good family. A loving family.”
“Thank you.” She struggled to breathe. “Take her things. She loved listening to her pa read. Will you...read to her?”
He nodded and found himself making promises as the woman drifted away. “I’ll take care of everything. Are you sure there is no one I can take her to?”
Her eyes drifted closed, and she exhaled the words, “Brutus will help. Tell Lilly May...how much we love her.”
Even though he knew she’d taken her last breath, Adam answered her. “I’ll make sure Lilly May knows she is loved.”
Adam swallowed hard, stood and looked about. Blankets and clothing were tossed around the campsite as if someone had found no real use for them. Food storages had been rummaged through. He doubted anything of value had been left behind. Either the oxen had been taken or had run away during the attack. Adam felt that they were probably with the bandits, either to be sold or eaten.
A large chest had been turned upside down. Adam didn’t know why but he walked to it and turned it right side up. Clothes and a small book with an elastic strap spilled from the chest. He picked up the book and opened it. Each page was dated and in very fine print. Adam read a few lines that told of one of the many days the family had traveled on the trail. He slipped the book inside his shirt and collected the baby’s things. Then his gaze returned to Lilly May’s parents. He’d give them a proper burial and then return to Maggie Porter and the child.
Two hours later, he made his way back to the cave where he’d left them. The sun had long sunk over the horizon. A full moon lit the night, casting shadows but warding off total darkness. A low growl warned him to stop. Adam knew without being told that the dog would protect the little girl with his life. The fact that Lilly May’s mother had trusted the dog spoke volumes of Brutus’s faithfulness to his ward.
He called the dog. “Brutus, come here, boy.”
The big dog slowly ventured out of the cave.
Adam dismounted from the horse and pulled down the carpetbag that contained the baby clothes he’d taken from the campsite. After hobbling Shadow, he turned to the cave where he knew Maggie and the baby were hiding. He stopped just outside the entrance. Adam knelt in front of the big hound, wondering briefly at the breed of the dog. Adam knew he was taking a chance with the animal but if he was to keep his word to Lilly May’s mother, he’d have to earn the dog’s trust.
“Come, boy.” He set the bag to the side and held his arms out to the dog, much like he would a small child.
Brutus tilted his head to the side. He took a tentative step toward Adam.
“Come on, Brutus. We have to learn to trust each other.” Adam spoke to the dog like he did his horse. Shadow was his closest friend, and often he depended on the animal’s instincts when out scouting. Adam had no doubt that Mr. James and his wife had done the same with this fine animal.
Brutus took several more steps toward Adam.
Adam reached out and touched the dog’s head.
He leaned into Adam’s hand, then sat down and allowed Adam to rub his head and scratch his ears. A bond slowly began to build between the two.
Lilly May let out a cry. The sound reminded Adam that he needed to get the diapers and clothes to her. Brutus also seemed to remember the girl and hurried back into the cave.
Adam picked up Lilly May’s small bag and followed. In the cave, darkness enveloped him. He could make out the shape of Maggie sitting with her back against the far wall. She cuddled the baby.
The dog let him into the small space then lay down between the door and the people inside. It seemed he had decided to protect them all.
Adam frowned. “We need to quiet her down.”
Maggie looked up at him. “The men I heard?”
He nodded. “Yes, they attacked her wagon and killed her parents.” Adam prayed Lilly May didn’t understand his words.
Maggie’s gasp reached his ears.
The baby seemed to sense Maggie’s fear and cried louder.
Adam knew they had to calm the child down or she would give away their hiding place. It was too dark to take them back to the wagon train now, especially since there were murderers somewhere in the area.
“I think she’s hungry,” Maggie said as she rocked the crying child.
He nodded, remembering Maggie’s berries and the food his mother had packed. “I’ll be right back.” Adam slipped from the cave to where he’d tied his horse. Lilly May’s cries were growing louder. He took the food and a canteen of water from the saddle, then hurried back to the cave.
Brutus growled as he rushed into the cave. He dug into the bag and discovered his mother had packed four small biscuits, a block of cheese, two apples and a small bag of jerky. Adam pulled out a biscuit and offered it to the dog. “Enjoy, Brutus.”
Lilly May sniffled. Maggie shushed and rocked the little girl.
“Give her this.” Adam eased down beside Maggie and handed her one of the biscuits.
In the darkness he could hear Maggie offering the child the bread. At first Lilly May rejected the food, with a loud “No!” Adam wasn’t sure what Maggie did to get the child to eat the biscuit but soon her crying ended and she began smacking her lips.
Maggie sighed. “Poor baby was just hungry.”
Adam grinned. “Her name is Lilly May.” He felt the dog’s big head drop into his lap. “And this big fella is Brutus.” He pulled apart one of the biscuits and put a piece of the cheese inside it. “I’m sure you’re hungry, too. Here, take this.” He placed the cheese-filled bread in Maggie’s outstretched hand.
They ate in silence. Adam rubbed the dog’s silky fur.
Maggie’s soft voice reached out to him. “Did Lilly May’s mother tell you what is to become of her?”
“She has no living relatives now. I’m to find her a good family.” Adam had no idea how he was going to do such a thing. He’d talk to his mother when they got back. Maybe she’d know what to do with the baby.
“I’ll keep her,” Maggie announced.
Adam sighed. Why hadn’t he realized Maggie would want to raise the baby? After all, she’d ventured into the woods to save her. “I can’t let you have her. I promised her mother I’d find a good family to raise her.”
Stubbornness filled the air as Maggie responded. “I’m keeping her.”
Adam shook his head. Realizing Maggie probably couldn’t see him, he said, “Her mother put her in my care. I’ll decide what will become of her.”
“I found her.”
He knew there was no reason to argue about it tonight. Besides, by morning perhaps Maggie would decide that taking care of a child was more work than she’d bargained for.
Silence filled the cave.
Adam wished he could see Maggie’s face. Maybe she wasn’t serious. He’d heard her tone and knew that was a false hope. Weariness seemed to seep into his bones. He waited to hear her attempts to persuade him that she was the best person to raise Lilly May, but none were forthcoming. He listened and heard Lilly May’s and Maggie’s breathing had deepened. They were both asleep.
Leaning his head against the rock wall, he sighed. Today he’d promised to take care of Lilly May, find her a good family and let her know her parents loved her. How was he going to fulfill those promises? And what was he going to do about Maggie Porter? It was obvious the woman wanted the child, but she was lacking one necessary thing.
A husband.
