Sagebrush Serenade by Jeanie P Johnson

Author:Jeanie P Johnson [Johnson, Jeanie P]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-02-20T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

y morning, most of the damage between Marcel and Raven had been repaired. Although Marcel did not expect Raven to remain with her, once she settled in Oregon, she was at least happy that he wished to be near her as they traveled and the strain that had built up between them had lightened. Once breakfast was finished, they continued on their way, being greeted by more willows and cottonwoods with lush growth about them. Even though it was the beginning of summer and the air was starting to get hot, they could see snow-covered mountains in the distance, which gave contrast to the verdant greenery that surrounded them. Their path eventually led into a valley where Fort Hall was located.

The fort was quite a respectably good-sized outpost, located a few miles northwest of Portneuf and Snake River junction. It was built with sun-baked bricks and resembled Fort Laramie. Green pastures covered a broad, level bottomland where grazing cattle, left by companies who came before them, grew fat. Trapper Dan explained that many times companies would be forced to leave lame cattle behind and, there, they could trade them for other cattle to take their place. The valley, where the fort was located, was surrounded by the snow-covered mountains they had seen earlier.

Like other outposts, many Indians inhabited the country. Although they were still numerous in that area, they were declining in number because of continued wars with the Sioux, Crow, and Blackfeet tribes. Many of the friendly Indians that lived near the fort were anxious to trade with those passing through. However, they frowned at Raven, when they saw him, knowing by his dress that he was from one of their enemy tribes.

When the lone wagon approached, an old mountain man with a long white beard came out to greet them. He informed them his name was Mr. Greenwood and many of the people from other companies, who stopped there, had gone on with one of his sons to California, instead of Oregon. He told them it was not safe to follow the Oregon trail because it was hard going and the Indians were on the uprise about so many people passing through their land. He tried to convince them it would be better to go to California, where the Mexicans had given him land he wanted to be settled.

Marcel wondered if Josiah had joined those going to California? He had said they should build their houses close enough together so they could visit each other. Now she wondered if that was actually going to happen if he had decided to change his plans and go to California instead? The only way she was going to discover it was when she finally arrived in Oregon, she decided. It made her worry even more that she would be all alone, once she got to Oregon.

Because Raven was with her, she did not fear the Indians Mr. Greenwood spoke of. She was sure Raven could keep angry Indians from attacking her wagon.

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