The Journey

By Ray E. Murray

What a shock. Leaving your homeland because you fear for your life and coming to the young and growing United States. There is romance and adventures awaiting the four main characters as the journey begins.

We follow the families as they solve many problems that they face and discover that, after many years, they meet the people we first met in the story of Moses' Rod.

Following God's leadership helps with the many decisions made along the way, as it should for all of us.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 11, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477279649

Ray E. Murray

Married 52 years and counting. Baptist Deacon and Sunday School teacher. Odd Fellow and Mason. Four children and six grand children. Writing and working, part time. As author of Moses' Rod, this story is somewhat of a sequel. Ray and his wife Carol live in Hayesville, N.C. and are active in their church. Terry, Timmy, Rusty and Shirley all live nearby and are often at their parents home. Rays hobbies include reading and sports. Carol enjoys quilting.

Book preview

Chapter 1

They arrived just as dawn was breaking in the east. Weary after two days ride, evading the enemy and hoping to escape from the country. The war had been swift and furious. The government had tumbled and now the supporters were being hunted down.

He was an expert swords-man as was his companion, Cato. The horses that they rode were no different from many others. They hoped to gain passage on one of the sailing ships in the harbor.

After finding a stable for their horses and a short rest in the hayloft, they slipped down to the docks. They discovered that one of the smaller ships was sailing with the evening tide, destination America. Problem was, it was a freighter and not a passenger ship.

The captain, upon hearing of their plight, agreed to let them have one of the crews cabins. He would take their horses in payment for their passage and give them to his brother who was his partner and had a warehouse on the docks where they had the merchandise ready for shipment.

Part of the deal included the two of them helping load the merchandise, therefore they spent a big part of the rest of the day at hard labor. Having stored their meager belongings in the cabin, there was nothing else to do until time to sail. Finishing their final meal on shore, they were killing time, knowing they were to leave in less than three hours.

A big man stepped in front of them as they walked down the street. Are you the French swords-man Lafayette?

A cold chill went down his spine. This was it. The end. They had found them. No, I’m Lofton Smith and this is my companion, Cato Jones. We’re Americans, heading back home.

Well, Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones, I have some very important merchandise that must be shipped to America and I can make it well worth your time if you will agree to take charge of it and see that it has safe passage.

Now the fact that they were both down to their last few pitiful coins and the glitter of gold being pressed upon them was more than they could dream of.

Where is this merchandise and how big is it and how hard will it be to load on board? This was not their ship. If it was something small perhaps they could store it in their cabin. Otherwise, the captain would have to decide.

That has been arranged with the captain. He has been paid with gold coins, as have you. You must agree to give up your cabin and sleep on deck. Lady Astor and her maid will require the use of the cabin.

Lafayette turned to his companion Cato and said, Looks like we have no choice in the matter. We sleep on deck. Then, turning to the man, he asked, Just what is expected of us, besides giving up our cabin, to earn this money?

I know who you are. You are to guard these two with your life. If they do not escape the country, they will be hunted down and killed, as will you. These are perilous times and drastic measures must be taken. They must disappear permanently. Their destination, as well as your own, must be kept secret.

Why aren’t you going?

I must try to lead the people who are after them on a wild goose chase, if possible. I have their carriage and am picking up two young ladies from down the street and taking them to a city north of here. If they follow us then your wards should be safe. You will be gone before they discover their error.

Lady Astor and her maid are already on board. I have put their lives in your hands. Here is a bag of personal stuff. Take it with you when you board ship and guard this bag well. It is very important to their safety.

With these words, he left them. Moments later they watched as he drove down to the local house of pleasure and loaded two women and left, headed north.

What do you make of all this, asked Cato.

I don’t really know. We have passage to America paid for. We have more money than either of us have ever had before. Lady Astor is part of the family that was overthrown and her life has been placed in our hands. We just thought that our part of the war was finished. Let’s get on board before someone else comes around to question us.

They hurried aboard just as the crew was making final preparations to sail. Their bedrolls had been placed outside the cabin door. They knew that their clothes and other belongings were inside the bedroll.

As the tide began to turn, they cast off and were on their way. To their relief, no one had accosted them before their departure. America, here we come. We don’t know what awaits us. Cato, we’re both still young men and we have our health. We have money in hand. I feel good about our chances.

Mr. Lofton Smith, I too, am excited about this. Now, explain to me what we are to do about Lady Astor and her maid? We are under obligation to look out for them and care for them until we get to America. Then what? We can’t very well just help them ashore and then leave them to their own devices.

Ah, Mr. Cato Jones, one thing at a time. How do you like our new American names, by the way? We will see the ladies safely ashore and make sure that they are secure before we dare leave them.

Smith and Jones! It does have a ring to it. I like it.

Thus we began the next leg of our journey One that would be years and years in it’s history. It seems that a new adventure awaited us around every turn in the road.

Chapter 2

Life aboard ship was a real learning experience for all of them. The men took turns guarding the cabin door. Both slept on deck in front of the door. The Lady Astor and her maid stayed inside, for the most part, for the first few days. Worried about what might happen to the only two females on board, the men tried to be very attentive to their needs.

Having finally gotten their sea legs under them, they spent some time with their guardians, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. It was downright cold on the Atlantic at night this early in the year but the warm sunshine made the days bright and cheerful.

Cato said, That Lady Astor is quiet a talker. I’ve noticed how her eyes light up when she’s talking to you. Her maid is really the quiet type and I’m glad she’s along. I like her.

Old man, you be careful said Lofton. That gal is going to set her hooks in you and reel you in like a big fish. With that, Cato began to turn red in the face. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black, you’re a fine one to talk. I can see it all now. You, an old married man. Can I be your best man at the wedding?

So the teasing went back and forth between the two good friends. The two women overheard some of it and simply looked at each other and smiled.

The weather turned bad as a storm rocked their ship and all four of them got a touch of seasickness. Their complexion turned a shade of green and all the food they had eaten came up. The men found ropes and tied themselves to the side of the ship because they were afraid they would pass out and be swept overboard into the rolling sea.

All of this didn’t seem to bother the experienced sailors. They had all been through many storms a lot worse than this. They just smiled and shook their heads when they passed by any of the four.

After many more days on the ocean, mostly pleasant days with nice weather, they arrived in a port city in the new world. America. Bidding the good Captain farewell, they gathered their belongings and made their way ashore. They quickly lost themselves in the crowd of people and worked their way up several streets. They managed to hire a buggy and were delivered to a hotel where they engaged rooms.

They all got together and went down to the dining room where a simple meal was being offered. As they were finishing eating, the subject came up. What are you going to do now? I’ve been thinking about that question for quiet some time, said Cato. I don’t believe it’s safe for any of us to stay around close to a port city. I suggest that we move away from here as soon as possible, maybe as soon as tomorrow.

I agree, said Lofton. Let’s not jump too quickly and call attention to ourselves, but be ready to move at the first opportunity.

There was a stage line traveling west, leaving early in the morning, three times a week. After obtaining clothes similar to what others were wearing, they purchased passage and traveled for several days. Upon arriving at a small city on the banks of a river, they stopped and settled down.

One of the reasons that they were able to stop happened when they stopped at a store to purchase supplies and found the owner wanting to sell out and move. Cato and Lofton quickly negotiated a price and became merchants. There were living quarters upstairs where they moved the women.

A small house nearby became a new residence for the men. There were stables on the property, along with a huge garden spot. Their education in living in their new world was off and running.

A church up the street gave them opportunity to meet some of their neighbors. All businesses were closed on Sunday. The men walked to the store and escorted the women to church. Afterward, they spent a leisure afternoon visiting with their new neighbors or enjoying a big meal already prepared the previous day.

One such Sunday afternoon, Lofton had escorted his half of the girls to the house and found that Cato and the other girl was late returning. Finding themselves alone at last. I don’t know what is proper for a commoner to propose to a titled Lady so you may have to help me out on this.

You’re too late. Cato has beat you to it. I’m sure that the reason for their delay. They stayed to talk to the pastor. Lofton was told.

What! You mean he’s - - - Why, that rascal! I’ll run him thru. He can’t do that to me. We’ve been like brothers all this time and now, he pulls something like this. And you - - - Why? How?

With a big smile and a twinkle in her eyes, she said Slow down. Listen to me and let me explain. Lady Astor and I have been raised together. When she went to school, I was right there. I was her constant companion. As children, we often swapped identity and drove some of the teachers batty.

We overheard you and Cato aboard ship. You two decided which of us was which and we decided to just go along with it. We didn’t mislead you. Both of you did that yourselves.

So, you’re telling me that you are not Lady Astor. You are her maid or Lady in waiting?

Yes. I am Maggie O’Neill. Soon to be known as Maggie Smith if a certain fellow that I know can bring himself to ask.

Oh my gosh. I’m afraid I’ve messed up everything. So saying, he grabbed her and gave her a big hug. I’m in love with you and want you for my bride if you will still have me.

Yes! Oh, yes! Then they lost themselves in a big kiss. We’ll have some news to share with Cato and Elizabeth. Perhaps we can have a double wedding. Would you like that?

Sure, provided they aren’t going to wait too long.

After all this time together. And now, you are suddenly in a hurry. I think we can work out something. Lets wait and see what Cato and Elizabeth’s plans are.

Soon they saw the happy couple, hand in hand, as they seemed to almost float up to the porch. Lizzie and I are to be married next Sunday evening. We just talked to the pastor and everything is all set. The big smile lit up his face like a boy at Christmas and her smile and rosy cheeks, almost a blush, added to the picture.

Congratulations! We have been discussing making it a double wedding, that is, if it’s all right with you two. By the way Cato, I just found out that Lizzie’s full name is Lady Elizabeth Astor. Did she tell you that?

Chapter 3

And that’s how it came about that there was a double wedding that Sunday afternoon. Cato had found himself in a temporary shock with his discovery but he quickly recovered. Love will do that.

It was decided that Cato and Elizabeth would occupy the living quarters over the store and Lofton and Maggie would get the house. They spent a happy summer there and, because the winter was so harsh, decided to move in the spring.

Loading all their belongings on board a huge