Chapter 106

Noelle took the saddlebag and searched its contents. “Meat!”

“Is there anything else?” He didn’t want to start a fire and possibly attract attention.

“There’s jerky and hardtack.”

“We’ll have that.”

“There’s some oats also.”

“I’ll give a few handfuls to Salida.” Further search of the other saddlebag revealed a curry comb, brush, and hoof pick.

“The man was a good horseman, wasn’t he?”

“Yeah. You rest, now. I’ll take care of Salida.”

* * * *

It was full dark by the time they saw the lights of Willow Crick. George skirted the town, giving it a wide berth, but the wagons weren’t where he expected to find them. The grasses were flattened, though, and he was able to track the trail to them.

“Georgie!” Noelle tugged his sleeve as he bent low in the saddle, studying the ground. She pointed.

“I see it.” About a dozen yards ahead was the muted glow of a campfire. “Stay quiet.” He brought Salida to a halt and called softly, “Ho the camp.”