Canaan by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Format: epub
Published: 2010-02-13T06:50:44+00:00

Chapter Eight

Once again night had overtaken the weary band of travelers. Supper had been cooked and consumed. The pots and pans were washed and stored in the supply wagon. It was time once more for the inevitable nightly prayer meeting. Coral arrived a little late to hear loud voices coming from behind the makeshift podium. Amos and the Reverend were arguing again. She took her place beside Emily and whispered. "What’s wrong now?"

Emily shrugged. "I’m not sure."

The argument would have exploded into a fist fight if Luke hadn’t pushed his way between the quarreling men. "I need a word with your followers, Reverend."

Titus scowled. "We haven’t had our prayer meeting yet."

Luke was insistent. "This can’t wait."

Before Titus could respond Amos said, "Speak your piece McDade so we can get on with our services."

For once Titus agreed, but grudgingly. "Go ahead, have your say."

Luke waited until Amos had stepped from the podium and rejoined the congregation before he began to speak. "Tonight the wagons will be parked in a line in the middle of the camp clearing. That way those standing guard have a better view of the woods around us. I’m assigning sleeping places and setting watches for the night. The women will sleep in the two middle wagons. Emily, Lilly, and Victoria in Thomas’ wagon. Mrs. Wellman, Sarah, and Sessie in Reverend Dupree’s wagon."

The dissenting murmurs made Luke hold up his hand and say, "Quiet."

An uneasy silence fell over the bedraggled congregation.

Luke went on, "I’ve set up a watch schedule. We stand guard in pairs. Shad and I will stand guard from eight until eleven. Thomas and Jake will take the second watch from eleven until two and the Reverend and Amos will be on duty from two until five. The men who are not on guard duty will sleep under the two middle wagons."

Titus seemed set on arguing. "I don’t like that arrangement."

Luke stood his ground. "That’s the way it is, Reverend, unless you want to guide this wagon train."

With grudging reluctance, Titus acquiesced. "Perhaps you know best. Now, let us speak with God." He held out his hand to Sarah. "Please, Sarah, pray with me."

Sarah pulled her shawl about her shoulders. "I have nothing to say to God." She walked away.

Thomas followed her.

Titus knelt on the hard ground. "Dear God..." his voice faltered.

Amos knelt beside him and took up the petition. "Dear God, help us." Another prayer meeting had begun.

Heat and humidity made sleep inside the wagons impossible. Coral turned first to one side, then the other.

"Can’t you be still?" Victoria pushed her elbow into Coral’s ribs.

Coral’s temper flared. "Don’t elbow me again."

Emily turned restlessly. "Go to sleep, both of you."

Coral grabbed her dress and scooted toward the back of the wagon. "I have to go outside."

Emily moved with her. "Wait for me."

Victoria rolled over. "You heard what Mr. McDade said. Don’t leave camp, and be quiet when you come back."

A fully clad Emily followed Coral out the back of the wagon. "I have to relieve myself."

"I’ll go with you," Coral offered.

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