Trail to Shasta (9781101622049) by J. R. Roberts

said.
    â€œYes,” she said. “I wouldn’t want Bride—”
    At that moment the wagon began to rock again.
    â€œShe can’t get comfortable,” he said.
    â€œGive her time.”
    â€œYou know,” he said, “you won’t be living in great comfort in Shasta. I mean . . . it is a mining camp you’re going to.”
    â€œWe know that,” she said, “but it will still be better than where we were.”
    â€œI hope so.”
    She pressed her cheek to his shoulder, then said, “I better get back to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    â€œEarly,” Clint said. “I’ll have some breakfast ready.”
    â€œI look forward to it,” she said, “and a lot more.”
    She went back to her bedroll and wrapped herself up in her blanket. Clint could still taste her on his lips, and he recalled the freckles on her chest. He wondered how far down they went.
    * * * 
    Kemper stared out into the darkness, wondering why he had to stand watch. After all, they weren’t being followed; they were doing the following. Ahern snored from his bedroll, and Kemper poured himself another cup of coffee.

SEVENTEEN
    Clint had a fresh pot of coffee ready when the girls woke up, and some strips of bacon. He had to go to the wagon and give it a shake to wake Bride, who—after tossing and turning most of the night—seemed to have settled down.
    â€œTime to get up,” he called. “Breakfast is ready.”
    â€œI’m coming,” she moaned.
    Clint turned and walked to the fire, found Bridget waiting there for him.
    â€œI must warn you, Bride is not a morning person.”
    â€œThat’s okay,” he said. “I’ve ridden with few people who are.”
    â€œHere she comes.”
    Bride climbed down from the wagon, stumbled a bit on the way to the fire. Bridget handed her a cup of coffee.
    â€œI did not sleep very well,” she complained.
    â€œYou’ll get used to it,” Clint said. “Here, have some bacon.”
    She accepted the plate, and sat down at the fire.
    â€œWill we be getting to a town today?” she asked.
    â€œProbably not,” Clint said. “Unless we come across a small one I’m not aware of.”
    â€œThere must be many towns in the West you are not aware of,” she observed.
    â€œI’m sure there are.”
    That seemed to make her more hopeful.
    When they were finished with breakfast, Clint said, “If you ladies will clean up, I’ll take care of getting the horses ready.”
    â€œYes, we’ll do so,” Bridget said.
    â€œOkay, thanks. And make sure the fire is out. Pour the rest of the coffee on it, and then kick it until it’s out.”
    As Clint walked away, Bridget noticed Bride looking at her strangely.
    â€œWhat did you do?” Bride asked when Clint was out of earshot.
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œYou know what I mean, dear sister,” Bride said.
    â€œI did not do anything, Bride,” Bridget said.
    â€œIs that the truth?”
    â€œIt is,” Bridget said. “Do you want me to swear on the Bible?”
    â€œI do not want you to swear,” Bride said archly. “I believe you.”
    â€œFine. Let’s clean up, then.”
    â€œWith dirt?”
    â€œYes,” Bridget said, “with dirt.”
    * * * 
    A mile behind them another camp was breaking for the day.
    â€œDid you get any tobacco?” Kemper asked.
    â€œI did.” He passed his partner some tobacco and paper.
    â€œCan I smoke?” Kemper asked.
    â€œWe’re still upwind,” Ahern said. “Go ahead.”
    Ahern finished kicking the fire to death, then went to saddle his horse. Kemper made a cigarette, lit it, and started saddling his own horse.
    â€œWhy don’t we go ahead of them?” he asked.
    â€œWhat?” Ahern asked.
    â€œIf we know where they’re going,”