Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Lyddie

Walking away from the house was harder then I imagined it would be, no matter how hard we tried we couldn't get the door to close all the way. We were scared that critters like coons and other animals would get in. I spied our wood pile and began to stack the wood in front of the door. It didn't take long for Charlie to catch on and help. We finished quickly. I couldn't believe that this might be the last time I saw this little cabin. Then I remembered what if Daddy came back? What would happen then? How would he find us? I had left Mamas letter on the table and had written my own to tell Daddy where we had gone, but how was I to know that he would find those letters? I couldn't say but we had to get a start on our long journey. I turned my back to the cabin, slung my boots over my shoulder and began to walk away. Cow and calf in tow.




Our walk was going to be a long and hard one, considering the muddiness of the road. The Stevensen's was about 5 miles down the way and the whole time I was walking I couldn't stop thinking about how much Quaker Stevens would want for the chubby little heifer. I hadn't realized how much time had passed when we rounded the corner to the Stevensen's place. Quaker Stevens was out front, I marveled at the sight of their farm. It was obvious that they were of a certain amount of wealth. They had two barns attached to their house which was ten time bigger then our cabin. He greeted us with a wave. 'I see my bull served thee well' He said. 'We come the thank you' I said thinking quickly. 'We're obliged to sell off this pretty calf straight away. Our mother's put us out to work.' 'I'll give thee twenty dollars for the calf,' Quaker said. 'No, twenty-five. I know the sire and hes of a good line' He smiled. 'Seems mighty high' I said. 'It's a fair price for a nice fat little heifer. Thee's kept her well.' He invited us into his house to complete our business but his wife wouldn't let us leave the house without a hearty noon dinner. We thanked them for their kindness.

Luke offered us a ride on the wagon, he said since he was going our way he would drop us off. He tied the cow and horse to the back and we were off. I hadn't realized how small the wagons seat was. I was squished in between Luke and Charlie. Luke was 16, and an alright looking young man.

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