The Cogan Legend by R. E. Miller Page B

room.

 
    CHAPTER 5
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    Two days passed after the hunting fiasco before the girls again became restless.  Rachel took her frustrations out on Ann.  “I can’t take this place.  We’ve been here over three weeks, and the only thing keeping me sane is writing.   Deer hunting, wearing men’s clothing, outdated fashions, and people who are so different from us.  It’s like being locked up.  I’m ready to go home.”
    â€œI’m as frustrated as you are, Rachel.  If you weren’t here, I would run away, probably with the storekeeper in Gratztown.”
    Rachel laughed at Ann’s outburst.   
    Ann turned toward the window. “I have a thought.  Remember that town I told you about before we left?  Sunbury?  I recall  him describing an outpost or fort.  That could mean a lot of single men.”
    â€œOh, that’s good for you,” Rachel said, “but what about me?”
    Ann eyed her friend calmly. “It’s good for both of us. You’ll get to see something besides the walls of this lodge and I’ll…”
    â€œI think I know what you want to do!”  Rachel stood and walked to the window to stand beside Ann.  “I guess it would be better than staying here.”
    â€œOf course!  Anywhere has to be bigger than Millersburg, wouldn’t you agree?”
    â€œYes, but what about it?  He’ll just say no.” Rachel cleared frost off the window and peered out before turning toward Ann.  “You know that.”
    â€œI’m going to ask to go until he gives in.  I know he will especially with Mary to keep him company.”  Ann fell backwards onto the bed.  “He’ll give in; he always does eventually.”
    That evening Ann began her campaign.  “Father, Rachel and I would like to get out of the lodge and see some of the country – and I don’t mean hunting.”
    â€œYoung lady, you’re here because this is your punishment; you’re not here to be wandering all around the countryside,” Charles replied, barely looking up from the book he was reading.  “Maybe you can use this time to read a good book or learn to knit.  I know Mary would be glad to teach you.”  He glanced at Mary who had just placed another log on the fire.  
    Rachel, standing by the stairway, turned and went up to their room.
    â€œFather, geography is just as important as reading and far more important than knitting.”
    Charles sighed and put his book down.  He took his time lighting his pipe and then shook his head.  “No.”  He picked up his book but the cloud of aromatic smoke around his head grew so quickly that Ann retreated.
    The next day when Ann brought it up again, Charles suddenly asked, “Where do you intend to go since you have already seen most of this area?”
    Knowing her father, Ann realized her comment about geography had turned the tide in her favor.  “You’ve often mentioned a town named Sunbury.  It’s probably the biggest town in the area, isn’t it?” she asked.  
    â€œSunbury, that’s a full hard day of travel.  I don’t think so, young lady.”  Charles said.  “That could be terribly dangerous; two pretty young ladies traveling about the countryside unescorted.  No, absolutely not.”  
    â€œBut we wouldn’t be unescorted; Lewey would be with us.”  
    Charles sighed.  “I’ll think about it.”
    â€œWhen can you tell me, Father?”
    â€œDon’t push it, young lady,” Charles responded angrily.
    Ann danced away to tell Rachel.  She was sure her father would give in and allow them to go.  Alone with Mary that evening, Charles decided to discuss Ann’s request.  “You’ve heard Ann’s request to visit Sunbury.  What do you think?”
    Mary looked up from her