The little girls had pulled out little change purses. They weren’t any bigger than her fist, but each had flowers embroidered on them. “We have money left over from our monthly allowances,” Number One announced. “Is it all right if we buy candy, Mrs. Adams?”

Em loved that they asked her. “If you only buy what will fit in your bag.”

When they walked in, all the girls stopped to stare. The rough, wooden building of logs with bark left on was filled with wonders. Hats made out of animal hides, bolts of material stacked high, rugs, guns, and knives beside pots and pans. Books, candy, and wood carvings of birds. Anything you could think of to buy was on display.

As near as Emery could tell, no one was in the store except an old man sleeping at his desk with a half-empty whiskey bottle beside him.

“Morning.” Trapper woke the old guy. “Mind if me and my family look around.”

“Nope. You’re the first folks I’ve seen today.” His words were straight, but his eyes didn’t seem to be focusing on anything but his nose. “Wake me up when you’re ready to check out.” His head hit the desk so hard it rattled the whiskey bottle.

Trapper wandered off with his list in hand, and Emery moved to the material. She was deep in thought, trying to picture a dress made from each bolt, when Number Three and Four moved close to her.

“Mrs. Adams,” Number Three whispered. Her hat hid her eyes from view. “May I buy a pair of Levi’s and a flannel shirt? I got the money.”

“Why, Eliza?” Emery asked. “Wouldn’t you rather buy something pretty?”

She shook her head. “It’d make it easier to ride. I like riding just like Two does but it’s not easy in a dress. When we met the Millers, the mom thought I was a boy in a dress when my hat got knocked off. I can’t do anything about my hair, but I thought if I put on pants and a shirt, I wouldn’t have to wear the hat all the time. I don’t care if folks think I’m a boy.”

Four pushed closer. “If she does, I want to get them too.”

Emery thought of the terrible sack of a dress her mother had made her wear so no one would see her as a woman. In truth, Levi’s and a shirt made much more sense on this journey.

“I don’t mind at all.”

Thirty minutes later Emery met Trapper at the counter with her material, ribbons, and a simple white nightgown. She feared she was spending money she’d need to get by in Dallas.

Trapper had collected all the supplies and a chamber pot.