9.2 ARJ noticed worry lines running across Dad’s forehead

“How did you learn about cattle drives, Uncle Albert?”

“They drive cattle to trains coming into Denver, too.”

Dad looked around, eager to get Sugar and Spice onto a quieter street. “I think we’ll go around the back way, so we can avoid the cattle. We can see what Shellabarger & Oliver have for lumber.”

They traveled east on a road parallel to Douglas. At every intersection, ARJ turned to spot the cattle walking the same direction, a block to the south. Finally, they turned back toward Douglas, and the building supply store. ARJ could see the cattle and cowboys to the south of them near the depot.

Dad decided to board the horses after looking at what the store had in stock. “We can park the wagon to load later, and Sugar and Spice will be sheltered from the activity happening today.” He pulled a cloth bag from under the wagon seat. “I’ll take Mum’s lace to Mr. Kohn first.”

The three of them walked down the boardwalk on the north side of the street toward the dry goods store.

While Dad talked to Mr. Kohn, ARJ showed Uncle Albert the case in the grocery store, down the street, where he had seen the book with the cattle drive drawing on the front.

“I’m glad they didn’t drive that many cattle into town today!” ARJ said.

Uncle Albert agreed. “That would be too much for any town. They bring them in to load them on the train in smaller groups.”

“No train could carry that many at a time!” 

“No.” Uncle Albert said as he put a hand on ARJ’s shoulder. “And, now you’ve seen a cattle drive for yourself!”

ARJ wandered outside and looked east. The only visual sign of the cattle were thousands of footprints in the dirt road, but he could hear them bellowing behind the depot, loud bangs, and bumps filled the air as the cattle hit the sides of the fences, edging the cattle ramps, as they were loaded into train cars. The yips and yells of the cowboys as they finished their job echoed through town.

He spotted Dad as he cautiously made his way across the soft dirt toward the lawyers’ office to check on the court date.

“Let’s take a look at the river.” Uncle Albert said as he and ARJ walked west toward the bridge that spanned the Arkansas River.

“It seems to be almost out of its banks.” Uncle
Albert observed. “There has been a lot of rain lately.”

“That’s why we have to go to the town hall for church.” ARJ said. “Mud was dripping from the ceiling during the meeting.”

“Ah, yes. It would be difficult to listen with mud dropping on your head!”

ARJ laughed.

“I see your father coming. Let’s meet him.”

Dad’s face seemed tense when they got closer.

“At this point, Mr. Salisbury is predicting my case will come up the middle of next week.”

ARJ’s stomach flipped and turned, but he stayed quiet as Uncle Albert responded.

“It’s good that it will soon be behind you, Arthur. We better get that improvement to the cabin finished.”

ARJ noticed worry lines running across Dad’s forehead and then turned to see his Uncle’s confident face. He wasn’t sure that was Uncle Albert's true emotion, but he chose to focus on his uncle’s faith that everything would be alright, even though he couldn’t help worrying about Dad… and the rest of them.

“Let’s get some lunch and then load the lumber.” Uncle Albert cut the tension. “Where can we find a hot meal?”

“Valley House dining room is across from the depot.” Dad told him.

“I’ll treat!” Uncle Albert turned and headed east along Douglas Avenue. ARJ put his hand in Dad’s, and they followed Uncle Albert down the boardwalk.