Westward Ho, the Children

By Barbara McHarris

Nine year old Oliver and his seven year old sister, Molly, are heading to the territory with their folks.  The wagon train is wiped out by Indians leaving the siblings stranded far from civilization.

Encounters with Indians, extreme weather and hardships of crossing the mountains challenge the children. With just themselves to depend on, Oliver and Molly discover how strong their will to survive is. Dealing with starvation, bad or no water and the lack of survival knowledge, the children accomplish the impossible.

Found and taken in by a young couple, the children settle into a good life until disaster strikes again in the form of a raging prairie fire.

Striking out for the western territory, with their new family and friends, the children are once again faced with not only saving their lives, but those of others.  Oliver and Molly lead a band of children safely out of the unforgiving mountains.

Follow Oliver and Molly on their treacherous and life altering journey to the western territory.

This book is suitable for all age groups.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Franklin Eddy
• Release date: Sep 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781497757738

Book preview

Chapter 1

Oliver, help your ma with that box.  Pa was in the back of the wagon stowing away supplies.  He was trying to get as much in the limited space as possible.

Orville, you think we can take my mother's china hutch?  Gertie was standing on tip toe trying to see what was going on.  Even though the tail gate of the wagon was down,  Gertie could just barely see inside.

Orville smiled at his wife and promised to do the best he could to fit it in.  Taking off his hat and wiping his forehead, he said, Sure could use a drink of that cold well water, Gertie, my love.

Gertie dropped the bucket down the well then began cranking it back up.  Oliver ran over and took the heavy bucket.  Ma, you shouldn't be liftin' this heavy thing.  Gertie smiled at her son and let him take the bucket and dipper over to his pa.

Back in the house, seven year old Molly was sticking Gertie's china into barrels of flour.  Hopefully, this would keep the dishes from breaking on the bumpy trail.

Several neighbors had come over after finishing their morning chores.  The men helped Orville load the heavier items into the wagon.  How long you think it'll take to make it over the pass? one of them asked.

Don't know.  We're supposed to meet the rest of the wagons at Clover Junction in three days.  The captain said he expected to make pretty good time for the first week or two.

Gertie, are you sure about this?  Maybe you should wait until next spring.  The baby will be here, and you'll be better able to travel.

I would like to, but Orville thinks we should go now.  Said he wants to get there before the good land is all taken.

We're worried about you, Gertie.  You had such a hard time with the last two babies.

Looking towards the two graves in the side yard, Gertie's eyes filled with tears.  That's the worst part of going.  Never thought I would leave my babies behind.

The family slept on the floor of their empty house that night.  The beds and what furniture they were taking had been loaded.  Anything they were leaving behind had been divided out to their neighbors.

An hour before sunrise, Orville hitched the team with the help of nine year old Oliver.  Pa, are we ever comin' back here?  He was trying to be a big man, but his chin quivered.

Not likely, son.  We are headed off on a great adventure.  You and me will be taking the women across those big mountains and starting our cattle ranch.

Oliver looked up at his pa and grinned.  You and me are going to be partners, right Pa?

You know it son.  Go get the women.  Be careful with Molly.  She's not too friendly this early in the morning.

Yeah, she's like an old bear until after breakfast.  Running in to get his ma and sister, Oliver was growling like a bear.

Orville laughed at his son and rechecked the items tied to the outside of the wagon.

Gertie stood looking at the little house.  It was painted white with blue shutters.  Roses climbed up the porch railing and two large maple trees were standing guard.  It was the first home she and Orville ever had.  Her babies had been born in the back bedroom.  So many happy memories and a few sad ones had been made inside those walls.

Orville and Gertie had visited the two little graves this morning while Oliver and Molly were still sleeping.  No tears, Gertie said to herself.  Turning towards the wagon, she smiled at her husband and took his hand.  Guess we better get going.  The sun is coming up.

As they rode through the small town, Gertie was surprised how many of their friends had turned out to say good bye.  Rolling past one house, Orville saw Gertie's best friend running out the door.

Wait!  Wait!  Catching up to the wagon, she raised her arms as high as she could.  Gertie leaned over the side and managed to grab a sack from her friend.  I'll write, Gertie yelled as the wagon kept rolling.

What did she give you, Ma?  Molly was trying to crawl over some crates to see what was in the sack.

Something for me and something for all of us. said Gertie.  When we stop to rest the horses, I'll show you.

Ma! What is it? both children pleaded.

Yeah, Ma, what is it? Orville asked.

Oh, you're all so nosy, Gertie teased.

Reaching into the bag, she lifted out an item wrapped in a rag.  Slowly undoing the cloth, Gertie revealed the item. The children let out a joyful yell.  There was an applesauce cake already sliced to eat.

If you're going to unwrap that, you might as well give me a bite.  The young ones can wait until we stop, Pa said with a grin.

Pa!  That's not fair, came a protest from the back.

Maybe we should ask your Ma what she thinks.

Ma?

With a slap on Orville's arm and a smile on her face, Gertie gave them each a slice and took one for herself.

What else did she give you? Orville asked .

Gertie took a second package out of the sack.  It was a small glass vase with a note inside.  Reading the note aloud, Gertie choked up a little.  The note said, My dear friend, when you get to your new home, fill this with flowers and think of me.  Love, Karen.

Why are you crying, Ma?

Because I'm happy, Gertie answered.

Chapter 2

They made good time and reached Clover Junction before some of the other wagons.  The captain called a meeting the afternoon before the wagon train was due to leave.

"Listen up, folks.  I doubt any of you have ever seen terrain like we will be crossing.  The mountains can be a death trap if we get there too late.  There are rivers that flow swift enough to wash a wagon away before you can get out.  Some areas won't have any water for days.

We will encounter Indians.  Some will be friendly, most won't.  Keep an eye on your women and children.  Count your livestock several times a day.  Be sure your horses are tethered at night."

People started talking amongst themselves.  Some were questioning whether they wanted to even start this trip.

Listen up!  What I'm saying can make all the difference in how your trip ends.  There are only two forts between here and the new territory.  If you run out of something, break or lose something, there will be no way to replace it.  The captain surveyed the group before him.

You, you and you, the captain said, pointing at some of the women. Get over to the mercantile.  There's no way those fancy shoes will last a day.  Get boots and I don't mean some pretty little things.  Men's boots.  Sturdy ones that will save your feet.

The women looked embarrassed as they headed toward the store.  They were soon joined by several other people that had forgotten various items.

As the sun was rising in the east, the wagon train headed west.  It was like an excursion to a picnic.  The party atmosphere spread amongst the travelers.  Only the captain and his men knew the perils that lay ahead.

It took less than a week for them to realize how hard this trip was actually going to be.  At the end of the second week, they started climbing.  Only the drivers were allowed to ride.  If a child couldn't keep up, an adult would carry them.

Gertie, are doing okay?  You look a little pale.  Orville felt guilty for riding while his pregnant wife had to walk.

I'm fine.  Just a little tired and hot.  Gertied smiled up at her husband as she rubbed her growing stomach.

Where are the kids? asked Orville, looking around.

They're walking with the Gaines kids.  Glad they have some friends.  It helps them not to be homesick.

Are you homesick, Gertie?

A little.  I wonder about where we will live.  If we'll have neighbors and friends.  Don't look at me like that, Gertie said making a funny face at her husband.  Don't you wonder about those things?

Never.  I'm a man! Orville said trying to look stern.

The ground was getting rougher, and Gertie slowed down to keep from tripping.  A hand took her arm, and Gertie looked into the friendly face of a short heavy young woman.  Thank you.

I'm Tillie.

Gertie

Nice to meet you, Gertie.

The two women walked side by side the rest of the day.  They had several things in common.

Tillie had an eight year old boy and six year old girl.  She had lost a baby last winter and was hoping to have another one, once they were settled.

Lying next to each other under the wagon, the children were sleeping.  Orville was taking his turn on guard.

Gertie was setting beans to soak for the next day.  By the time they made camp tomorrow, the beans would be soft enough to cook fast.  She had placed left over cornbread and ham in a tin for tomorrow's breakfast and lunch.  The coffee from supper would be warmed while Orville hitched the team.

Meals on the trail were hard on Gertie.  After being on her feet all day, she was exhausted.  Oliver and Molly were good to help, but they were ready for bed as soon as they ate.

Evening, Gertie, the captain said.  Mind if I sit and visit for a minute?

Of course not.  Sorry I don't have anything to offer.  I just finished putting everything away.

Don't worry about me.  Taking her hand, the captain helped her to the rocker Orville had sat out for her.  The terrain is going to get rougher from here on out.  I think it would be best if you made a bed in the wagon and rode for a few days.

That sounds wonderful, but I can't ride while everyone else is walking.

Gertie, I make decisions for the train as I see fit.  Right now, I want you in that wagon.  No arguments.  Most people will end up riding pretty soon.

Thank you, Gertie said to the kind man.  I can't ride and leave my children to walk.  Mrs. Peterson has a blistered foot, and the Crandle boy twisted his ankle.  They are the ones that should be riding.

Very well, if that's what it takes to get you to ride, I'll allow the others to ride also.  You are one tough negotiator, Gertie.  Hate to do any horse trading with you.  With a chuckle, the captain walked away.  He was headed to tell Mrs. Peterson and the Crandle boy to ride tomorrow.

After hearing what the captain had said, Orville climbed into the wagon.  He rolled out one of the mattresses and spread it over some of the crates.  Gertie wanted it close to the front, so she and Orville could talk.

The kids were in and out of the wagon.  When they grew tired, they rode.  When they became  bored, they walked with the other kids.

Chapter 3

Wagons, halt! a rider was shouting as he rode down the length of the train.  Pulling on the reins, Orville brought the wagon to a stop.  Up ahead he could hear excited voices.

Striding up towards the voices, Orville saw a man laying on the ground.  His head was bloody and he wasn't moving.  Getting closer, Orville could tell the man was dead.

What happened?  Orville asked one of the men standing there. 

"He tried to jump from the wagon while it was moving and hung his foot on the wheel.  Guess it whipped him around and smashed him into that boulder.

What made him jump?

Panic, I reckon. Darn fool had been scared ever since we reached this stretch.  He tried to get one of the drovers to take the wagon over this narrow ledge for him.  Shame what fear can cause a man to do.

A woman and two teenage boys were running towards them.  That's his family.  Wonder if they'll turn back.

Orville went back to his wagon and relayed the news to Gertie.  She wanted to go check on the new widow, but Orville insisted she stay put.  Gertie, there's nothing you can do for her right now.  You need to rest while you can.  I'll go see if I can help with the burial.

Gertie climbed into the back of the wagon.  She was asleep before her head hit the pillow.  It was very tiring to walk so much, and Gertie hadn't been getting enough sleep at night.  The baby seemed to be constantly moving and kicking. 

The wagons stayed there just long enough to bury the man.  The dead man's oldest boy took charge of the family and dropped out of the train.  Orville heard the boy say he was taking his Ma and younger brother back home.

Orville let Gertie sleep.  You kids stay close, but don't get in the way of the wagons.  Molly, you walk with Oliver.  Both of you keep close to the wall.  Don't want to hafta explain to your Ma why I let you fall over the edge.

Slowly easing forward, the first few wagons made it across the narrow edge. It was at least a fifty foot drop and the trail was covered with lose rocks.

Whoa, steady now. Orville kept talking to his team in a soothing tone.  Sure and steady.  Come on, Buck.  Lead the way fella.  The lead horse seemed to be listening to Orville.

Smitty's wagon skidded on some of the lose rock, and the rear wheel slipped off the edge.  The wagon was slowly sliding backwards towards the drop off.  The men in the front wagons ran back and grabbed the lead horses.  Putting their weight into it, the men pulled as hard as they could to stop the wagon from its backward slide.

Orville yelled Gertie!  Wake up!  Take the reins!

Scrambling onto the seat, Gertie grabbed the reins as Orville climbed down.  Be careful!  That wagon is beginning to tilt.

The men from the wagons behind Orville's ran up to help.  They began rolling big rocks behind the rear wheel that was still on the ledge.  Pushing with all their might, the men strained against the weight of the wagon.

The team from the lead wagon was unhitched and brought back to where the men where struggling.  Watch it!  Look out for that edge, its beginning to crumble!

Orville felt the muscles in his back and legs being overexerted.  Glancing up at Gertie, he could see the fear in her face.  If this wagon went over the edge, it would most definitely knock Orville's team off their feet.  Once the horses went down, Orville's wagon would also careen off the edge.

With the extra team hitched to his wagon, Smitty was able