Chapter 23

The woods are dark.The horses are in danger of tripping over roots or fallen logs.Fred holds up an oil lantern,and that helps light the way considerably for him.The rest of us follow single file and Fred calls back directions.We take a horrible break,eating dried meat and some of the carrots we brought along.We drink the last of the water out of the canteens as dawn approaches.I find myself thinking longingly of how it would be if I’d left with Mama and Mr.Williams.I would be nice and dry in a covered landau drawn by horses.I look around furtively,hot guilt rushing over me.I made my decision and I’m sticking by it.When the first light filters in through the trees,the rain stops.

“Finally,”I say,shivering and chilled to the bone.

“You ladies did very well,”Sam says as we stop for a break.“We’ll keep going a little while longer and try to find a creek or stream so we can stop.”