A Dream for Tomorrow by Melody Carlson

Author:Melody Carlson [Melody Carlson]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780736948746
Google: k6fecVFMKM8C
Amazon: B00AMQB3F8
Barnesnoble: B00AMQB3F8
Goodreads: 17133739
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers, Inc.
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Captain Brownlee called a midday meeting in Soda Springs, which was a beautiful spot. To preserve travel time, which was always their top priority, he asked the emigrants to bring their lunches with them. And so they gathered in a sweet green meadow for what felt like a very large picnic.

“First of all, I congratulate all of you on making a fine journey thus far,” his voice boomed out across the meadow. “As you know, some of us are soon to part ways. Those of you who are bound for California or the Applegate Trail will be heading south with Major Thompson in a few days. As planned, I will lead the rest of the train northward on the Oregon Trail. For those purposes I must reorganize the train, and I want all councilmen to meet at my wagon after we stop for the day. The councilmen will meet with their units later this evening.”

The captain paused, looking out over the crowd. “I wish I could tell you that the hardest part of the journey is behind us, but that would be a severe falsehood. Long and difficult traveling days lie ahead for us. I pray that the strength and savvy you have acquired from the first part of our journey will fortify you to successfully finish this race.” He took off his hat, waving it. “And to the travelers heading south, you will be in good hands with Major Thompson. I wish all of you Godspeed and safety for the remainder of your journey.” He replaced his hat, and as he walked away, everyone in the meadow clapped and cheered loudly.

But even in the midst of this merriment and celebration, even as they were sitting in this sunny lovely meadow, Elizabeth felt a chill run down her spine. She sensed that the captain was warning them—the hardest part of the journey was still ahead. She looked at her children, cheering loudly with everyone else, and silently prayed that the good Lord who had brought them safely thus far would continue to do so.

Everyone remained in high spirits for the remainder of the day. And indeed, the traveling was relatively easy and the weather pleasant enough. There was no reason for anyone to be glum. At the end of the day, Elizabeth’s foreboding feelings seemed to have evaporated. Or perhaps she’d imagined them.

As she and Clara were setting up camp and getting ready to fix supper, she was surprised to see Gert approaching them. She and Gert hadn’t been the best of friends, but they had reached a place of mutual respect. At least Elizabeth had assumed as much. But as Gert approached, her expression was grim.

“Evening, Elizabeth.” Gert nodded with a somber expression. “Evening, Clara.”

They both greeted her, pausing from their preparations. “Is something amiss?” Elizabeth asked.

“No, no, nothing’s wrong. I just wanted to come over here and have my say,” Gert abruptly told them.

“Your say?” Clara’s brows arched.

“Mostly I want to say thank you and I’m sorry.”

“Really?” Elizabeth tried not to act too shocked.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.