Chapter 8

The first gap between the cars cowed Asa, and he hesitated.

“Our compartment wasn’t all that uncomfortable,” he said.

“I’m not taking you anyplace more comfortable,” said Levi, hoping Asa liked to have his fun on a bed of straw. “Weren’t you the man who got himself onto this train from the back of a moving horse?”

Asa swore, but made his way awkwardly across the swaying gap with Levi’s help. When he opened the door and they made their way into the first horse car, Asa stopped and let out a low whistle.

“Not cattle at all,” he said as Levi led him through. This car held four horses, but the other with only two would have enough room for them. Asa gave the horses admiring looks as they passed, clearly very impressed.

“There’s only two in the last car,” said Levi. “Enough leftover space for us, if you don’t mind the smell.”

Asa laughed.