Jed Cartwright and the Dangerous Journey

By Ed Dunlop

Life in 1860 is not easy for Jed and his little sister, Mandy. Orphaned and homeless, the two children face numerous obstacles even before setting out on their own from Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri. Sustained only by sheer grit, determination and their love for one another, they set out to find their uncle whom they hope will give them a home. They travel mile after mile, meeting both kindly people and harmful ones, escaping peril and injury again and again.

Travel along with Jed and Mandy through heartbreak, danger and God's provision. Experience with them the fact that in spite of true hardship and genuine challenges, God forgives and welcomes into His Home anyone who will come.

Ed Dunlop is a children's evangelist whose numerous books are popular with young people and adults alike.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sword of the Lord Foundation
• Release date: Feb 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310675843

Ed Dunlop

Ed Dunlop has worked in children’s ministries full-time for more than forty years. As an evangelist, he conducts Family Crusades in local churches, presents teacher-training seminars, speaks at junior camps, and conducts visualized drug and alcohol awareness programs in public elementary and junior high schools. His ministry involves ventriloquism, Gospel magic, PowerPoint, and a variety of other visual media. Ed writes fiction for children and resource books for teachers, and currently has thirty-seven titles in print with five publishers. The author grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. and has served churches in California, Arizona, and Tennessee as assistant pastor and Christian Education Director. He and his family entered full-time evangelism in March of 1988. Ed and his wife, Elma, have five grown children and make their home in north Georgia. Ed enjoys canoeing, motorcycling and SCUBA diving. His sons are also certified divers. Ed currently serves as a volunteer diver at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and enjoys feeding the fish, sharks, stingrays and moray eels as groups of school children watch.

Book preview

Jed Cartwright and the Dangerous Journey

Ed Dunlop

Illustrated by David Miles

Book One in the Jed Cartwright Adventure Series

Post Office Box 1099 - Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133

Copyright 2014 by

Sword of the Lord Publishers

www.SwordoftheLord.com

Distributed by Smashwords

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (printed, written, photocopied, electronic, audio or otherwise) without prior written permission of the publisher.

All Scripture quotations are from the King James Bible.

Table of Contents

The Shadow of Death

The Orphanage

A Friend

The Dungeon of Charity

The Chipmunk

The Hatchers

The Knife

Uncle John's Letter

Escape

Pursued

Betrayed

The Widow Jarkey

Outlaws

The Rescue

Attacked

Cabin Hideout

St. Louis

Uncle John's House

The Giant

Jake Cartwright

Life at Meadow Green

Rattlesnake

The Letter

Illustrations

Jed and Mandy silently followed the lawman up the front walkway

The blow across the side of the head nearly knocked Jed to the floor

Mandy sensed the presence of the huge woman right beside her bed

One of the men was Sheriff Taggart!

Jed and Mandy were locked in!

Ol’ woman, all we want is your money!

You’re cheating these people!

You can do it, Wolf

What were you doing with my rig, son?

The man turned the wagon into the circular driveway of the mansion

Mr. Cartwright hurled the writhing rattlesnake across the barn.

The two happy young people signed an official-looking paper

Chapter 1 - The Shadow of Death

"Jedediah! Mandy's voice was urgent and edged with fear. Jed, where are you?"

Jed Barrett stepped to the edge of the hayloft and rested the tines of the pitchfork against a beam. I'm in the loft, Mandy.

Mandy darted in through the open door of the barn. Tilting her head back, she stared up at her brother. Her face was pale, and her lips trembled. Her eyes were red. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out.

Jed stared at her in alarm. Mandy, what's wrong? Flinging the pitchfork into the hay, he turned and started down the ladder, taking the rungs two at a time.

Jed, Doc Wimberly wants us in the house! Pa— She buried her face in his shoulder, and her slender frame shook with her sobs. Pa's dying, Jed! Doc says to hurry if you want to see him alive again!

A cold fist of fear tightened in the boy's stomach as he heard the words. He stood rigid with shock, unable to move, unable to breathe. Pa? Dying? It can't be true! He shook his head. But Doc said that he was doing better, Mandy! he protested. He said that Pa was going to do just fine.

Mandy pulled him toward the barn door. Hurry, Jed! she pleaded. Please, hurry!

Jed lowered his head and charged through the door. His feet hardly seemed to touch the ground as he raced across the farmyard and up the front steps of the humble whitewashed farmhouse. His heart was in his throat as he burst through the front door. Pa! Pa, I'm coming!

Doc Wimberly met him just inside the door and brought him to an abrupt halt with a stiff hand against his chest. Tall, thin, and white-lipped, Doc was a man who never laughed and rarely smiled. Today he seemed even grimmer than usual. He's askin' for ya, lad. Go in quiet-like, but be quick about it 'cause he ain't long for this world.

The words seemed to take Jed's breath away. Choking back a sob, he whirled and darted into the darkened sitting room. He dropped to his knees beside the thin figure lying so still on the sofa. Pa's eyes were closed. Pa? Jed croaked, nearly overcome with fear. Pa, I'm here.

To Jed's relief, Pa's eyes flickered open. A hand with long, bony fingers, a hand once strong and browned by long hours in the sun, now trembled as it reached toward him. Even with the sitting room shades drawn, the hand looked white and wasted. Jed. Jed, my son. The hand slipped around behind the boy's neck, gently pulling him closer. It's time to say farewell, boy. Doc Wimberly says I ain't got much time left.

Jed's tears fell on Pa's chest. Don't say that, Pa, he begged. You're going to get better. I know you will! Just this morning Doc said that you were looking better and better. You have to get better, Pa!

Two small hands reached out and stroked Pa's face. Jed saw them, but in his grief, did not even realize that Mandy was there beside him.

Pa let out an apologetic sigh. I'm sorry, young'uns, but there's nothing I can do about it. He coughed weakly, closed his eyes for a few seconds as if to gather strength, and then opened them again. I hate to leave you, Jed and Mandy, what with your ma being gone jest a few days and all, but…

Panic rose within Jed's chest. It had only been four days since Ma had died with the fever, and now Pa was talking about dying. Hot tears coursed down his cheeks. Pa, don't leave us, he begged. You're gonna get stronger. You're gonna get better. You'll be up and around in no time, Pa. He grabbed Pa's arm, clutching it tightly, as if in his desperation he could somehow hold onto his father and keep him from dying. We'll go hunting again, Pa! Jest you and me. We'll get that big old she-bear that was killin' the pigs last winter. Jest you and me. We'll go fishin', Pa. We'll teach Wolf how to track varmints.

Pa's eyes fell closed.

Jed was desperate. Don't leave us, Pa! he cried, struggling to fight the dark, unnamed terror that seemed to fill the sickroom at that instant. We need you here, Pa! We can build that fence around the pasture, and…

But Pa was slowly, sadly shaking his head. His eyes slowly opened, and Jed could see that they were filled with longing. Not this time, son, not this time. I'm afraid I'm checking out for good.

Sobbing, Mandy laid her head across Pa's chest. Oh, Pa. Sobs shook her entire body, choking off her words for a long moment, and then she continued. We love you, Pa. We need you. Please, Pa, don't leave us!

Pa gently stroked her hair. Reaching out with the other hand, he grasped Jed's fingers with a grip that was surprisingly strong. He turned toward his son, and his eyes were clear and bright. Promise me this, son, before I go.

Jed was sobbing. Anything, Pa.

Son, promise me that you'll take care of Mandy. Pa paused and drew a deep, painful breath. I love you both. Remember that, hear? He struggled for breath. There's something that Ma and I have wanted to tell you. We both— Pa's grip suddenly loosened on Jed's fingers, and his hand dropped to his chest. His eyes slowly closed.

Jed grabbed his hand. No, Pa, no! He lifted the hand, pulled frantically at it, as if he could somehow bring his father back. Wait, Pa, he begged. Don't go yet…please.

A strong hand gripped Jed's shoulder, and Doc Wimberly's voice filled the room, shattering the stillness of the moment like a clap of thunder. He's gone, son. There ain't no bringing him back. You and your sister go wait on the porch.

Without releasing his father's hand, Jed turned and looked up at the man who towered over him. He opened his mouth, struggling to speak, but no words came out. Tears filled his eyes, blurring the room and then spilling down his cheeks. The doctor's strong hands pulled Pa's hand from the boy's grasp. Gripping Jed by the elbows, the tall physician lifted him to his feet. He's gone, son. Take Mandy out on the porch and wait for me there.

Jed found his voice. Please, sir, he pleaded, let us stay with him jest for a few moments. We can't leave him like this.

Doc Wimberly was a dirt farmer like the many generations of Wimberlys before him. He had managed to save enough money to attend medical school in Boston for one year before returning to his native Illinois to practice medicine. Head for the porch, boy, he said gruffly. Your Pa's gone, and that's that. Doc didn't mean to be unkind, but his understanding of people was even scantier than his knowledge of medicine, and he simply saw no reason for Jed and his sister to stay in the room.

Jed felt as if a knife had just been twisted in his heart. Please, sir, just a moment or two.

I'm sorry, lad, really I am, Doc replied, softening just a little. But there's no reason to stay here with a dead man. Take your sister and head for the front porch.

Sobbing and heartbroken, Jed and Mandy obeyed the gruff doctor, feeling as if their world had suddenly been shattered. Ma's death had been a tragic blow to both of them, but this was unthinkable. Life simply could not go on without Pa. Side by side, they sat on the porch steps, numb with sorrow.

A huge black dog trotted around the corner of the house. Nosing his muzzle into his master's hand, he did his best to comfort the boy. Jed stroked the enormous head. What will we do, Wolf? he sobbed. What will we do without Pa?

Late that night, Jed felt cold and hollow inside as he stared out the window at the moonlit farmyard. It was well past midnight, but tonight the corn shuck mattress felt so hard. He just could not fall asleep. The neighbors had all left—well, all, that is, except for old Mr. Pearson, a bachelor farmer who had no family of his own and had therefore volunteered to sit with Pa's body—and the farmhouse was quiet. Tonight it wasn't the peaceful, friendly quiet that Jed was used to; tonight the house seemed cold…empty… and so…so lonely. Jed shivered.

He thought of Pa's body lying there in the sitting room—so still and lifeless and strange—and he drew in his breath in a sobbing, mournful gasp. Pa, dead? The very idea seemed so strange, so impossible. How could Pa be dead? Pa was my best friend, he whispered softly. He loved me. He choked back a sob. We went fishin'…and huntin'…and bee robbin'…and trappin'… and Pa, I need you! The ache in his heart grew bigger and bigger until he thought that he could not possibly draw another breath.

Jed? Mandy's whisper startled him, causing him to recoil in fright.

He took a deep breath. I'm here, Mandy.

Mandy was crying softly. Jed, will we ever see Ma and Pa again? Did they go to Heaven?

Jed slipped out of bed and crept across the room. He knelt beside Mandy's bed and gently rubbed her arm and shoulder in an awkward attempt to comfort and reassure her. I don't know, Sis, he whispered reluctantly, trying hard to choke back the tears for her sake. I wish I knew.

What will we do now, Jed?

The window admitted just enough of the silver moonlight so that Jed could see her face—pale, fearful, and stained with tears. His heart ached for her. I…I don't know, Mandy, he answered slowly, hesitantly. She was voicing the very question that he had been afraid to even think about. I suppose one of the neighbors will take us in, or… His voice trailed off.

He rose to his feet, but she grabbed his arm. Please stay here beside me, Jed. Just for a few more minutes?

He patted her arm and smiled at her as he sank back to his knees beside the bed. I'm right here, Mandy.

Half an hour later, his chin dropped slowly to the edge of her corn shuck mattress, and he fell asleep, still on his knees. Wolf lay on the floor beside him, his eyes alert and watchful. The big dog was keenly aware that something was troubling his young master. He dropped his head to his paws, but stayed awake, watching Jed.

Jed was just finishing the last of the cornmeal mush that Mr. Pearson had fixed for breakfast when a horse nickered in the yard. Moments later, there came the sound of a heavy tread on the front porch and then the door opened. Sheriff Taggart entered the room with his hat in his big hands. I'm sorry, young'uns, about your ma and pa, he said quietly, awkwardly, twisting the brim of the hat as he spoke. He looked at the floor, as if he was afraid to meet their gaze. It's a tough break for any young'un, but losin' both—I'm real sorry.

Sheriff Taggart was a huge man with a big belly and the largest mustache that Jed had ever seen. His eyes were huge and round, and his mustache wiggled from side to side when he talked, which usually reminded Jed of the big blue catfish that Pa had caught in the river. But today Jed wasn't thinking of the catfish. The sheriff was hardly more than a blur, even though Jed did his best to blink back the tears that kept threatening.

The sheriff cleared his throat. I'm here, he said slowly, nervously, to take you to…uh, your new home.

Jed looked up in alarm. Our new home? he echoed. But what about the buryin'?

There won't be much of a funeral, son, the sheriff said, not unkindly. He cleared his throat again. There won't be a church service or nothin'. It'll just be a few moments at the graveside, so you won't miss much. Your folks weren't churchgoing people, son, so how much can the parson say about 'em? It won't take more'n five minutes. Ten at the outside.

The boy hung his head and blinked back the tears again.

So I'm here to take you to your new home.

Mandy spoke up. Where are we going to live?

The lawman studied the floor. His meaty hands were now crushing the hat into a shapeless wad. You'll be stayin' at the… He faltered, stopped, and then tried again. You'll be livin' at the Charity Home for Children. It's in Kewanee, not more than fifteen mile from here.

An orphanage? Jed stared at him. You're taking us to an orphanage?

It's a nice place, son, Sheriff Taggart said lamely, attempting to meet Jed's gaze for the first time. You'll like it. He coughed nervously. I promise.

But what about a real home? the boy protested. Surely there's someone who will take us in!

The sheriff shrugged helplessly. You ain't got kin in these parts, lad.

But what about one of the neighbors? One of them could adopt us. Jed was desperate.

Times are hard, son. Folks are mighty hard-put jest to feed their own. What with the blight last year and the drought this year—son, you know what it's like. Corn standing in the field, witherin' like someone was bakin' the stalks in an oven…ain't gonna be no harvest to speak of in these parts this fall. No, son, folks aren't gonna have an easy time of it this fall and winter. I reckon that 1860 will long be remembered as one of the worst years ever.

We can stay here, Jed argued. I'll work the farm just like Pa did, and we'll take care of ourselves.

The sheriff sighed and for just a moment, a trace of a smile lingered on his thick lips. You're twelve years old, son. Farmin' is a man's job, and I reckon it's a bit more'n you can handle jest yet.

Then who will get Pa's farm?

Sheriff Taggart sighed again. The mustache twitched from side to side. Your Pa don't rightly own the farm, son. He owes more'n the property is worth, so I reckon it will jest go back to the bank.

Mr. Pearson spoke up for the first time. So what's this place like, Sheriff? This…Charity Home place.

Oh, it's right nice, the sheriff said quickly, but Jed saw his jaw tighten as he said the words. Woman by the name of Madelyn Stryker runs it. The young'uns will feel right at home with her.

Never saw an orphanage that was anything like a real home, the old man muttered.

Jed turned to him. Maybe we could live with you, sir? Please?

Mr. Pearson threw up his hands and sadly shook his head. It's like the sheriff says, lad. Times are hard. Another two mouths to feed…

We can both work, Jed pleaded. We'll work real hard and—

But the old man was shaking his head again. Can't do it, son, he said quietly, looking at the floor. Jest can't do it. He turned to Sheriff Taggart. Can't the orphanage wait? Can't the young'uns at least stay here till after the buryin'?

Charity Home has two openings right now, the lawman replied, one for a boy and one for a girl. If we wait two days, one or both of those could be filled, and then where would we be? No, sir, we have to go today.

He turned to Jed and Mandy. Get your things together. I've got a buggy waitin' in the yard.

Mandy began to cry.

Panic seized Jed. I can take Wolf, can't I?

But the big sheriff shook his head. Sorry, boy. It's against orphanage rules.

He's my dog! Jed exploded. Pa gave him to me. I have to take him. I have to. You can't make me leave him here!

A big hand gripped his shoulder. "Now listen, boy, and listen good. I already told you—the orphanage won't take your dog. Rad Baylor is coming by this morning to pick him up.