Hostilities: a Peter Jones survival novel by BilliJo Doll

Author:BilliJo Doll [Doll, BilliJo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-02-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Mules and Pigs

The entire gang trooped over to the yard gate. Only then did Peter notice that there was a second wagon, a pup hitched to the main wagon, and a string of pack mules tied on behind it. Grunting and squeaking emanated from the pup. It jiggled and rocked with the noise.

“What's in there?” Michael asked, wide-eyed and pointing his index finger.

Mr. Terry put a huge hand on Michael's shoulder. “In there, my boy, are swine. Piglets for trade.”

“Piglets?” Michael looked up at the big burly man. “Can I have some?”

“Some? Some?” Mr. Terry repeated, as though amused. “Well now,” he scratched his jaw through his beard, “What do you have to trade for some of my young pigs?”

Michael reached into his pocket and brought out a handful of small rocks. He studied them carefully. Taking a deep breath, he said, “I can give you my rocks. They're awfully pretty and hard to find. But . . . ,” he paused, staring at the treasures in his hand. He thrust his fist full of pebbles toward Mr. Terry. “But, I like baby pigs.” Tears shone in Michael's eyes.

Peter knew it was difficult for the little boy to give up his toys, even if they were only rocks.

Mr. Terry's voice had a gruffness to it. “Well, now, my boy, we'll have to see. We'll just have to see what we can do. For now, we'll take my wagon and trade stock to the barn. We can talk business in the morning. How about you and your little brother ride with me in the box?”

Before Michael could say a word, Mr. Terry scooped him up and deposited him on the seat. When he turned for Tyrel, Tyrel had his hands in the air to be lifted. Mr. Terry stepped on the hub of the wheel and hoisted himself up into the box.

Looking at the boys on the ground, he asked, “Do any of you want to squeeze up here with us?”

“Why walk when you can ride?” Bart said as he copied Mr. Terry's actions with a foot on the hub and swung himself up. He climbed on the far side of the wagon, sat down, and lifted Tyrel to his lap.

Leo said, “Sounds good to me.” He swung up into the box as well and squeezed onto the seat between Michael and Bart.

“I can walk,” John said, as he started toward the barn.

“I'll go with you,” said Peter. “It looks crowded in the wagon.”

“We're nearly filled up, up here,” agreed Mr. Terry. “Meet you guys at the barn. Giddy-up.” He slapped the lines on the butts of the mules. They surged forward in their harnesses.

At the barn, Peter noticed empty cages on the sides of the wagon. “What are those for?” he asked, pointing.

“I hope chickens,” Mr. Terry answered. “The one true source of cackleberries. All birds lay eggs, but only chickens lay cackleberries. That makes chickens a very special, precious bird.”

“We have chickens!” Michael said.

Not to be outdone, Tyrel said, “We have rabbits, too!”

“Rabbits?” Mr.

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