The second wagon was at cousin Frank’s place, for Frank was the only grown man here to supervise the families’ flight to sanctuary. It had been agreed beforehand that if evacuation became necessary, this wagon would carry Annie and Petra and Petra’s family. Frank would take his own family and that of Marie. Annie said, “Thank God Frank stayed to help.”

Mordecai shook his head. “I’m afraid Uncle Frank can’t help us much. He’s flat on his back with pneumonia.”

Annie blinked. “What?”

Mordecai said, “He went out to try to get some fresh meat and got caught in the cold rain. He was runnin’ an awful fever when I went by there a while ago. But Aunt Hope and her boys said they’d get the wagon loaded and meet us at Mama’s.”

Annie felt that clutch at her throat again. For a moment she almost gave in to despair. The only man they had, helpless. Four women, their children, two wagons—and all those long, muddy miles to be traveled. Only God knew how close the Mexican soldiers might be.

She found the boy looking at her with eyes that showed concern but also determination, the same determination she had seen many times in the blue eyes of the Lewis men. At this moment Mordecai looked much like Michael had looked at his age. Michael had been able to take care of himself from the time he was old enough to lift a rifle to his shoulder and hold its heavy barrel steady. If Frank Lewis was helpless, Mordecai was not, and neither was Annie Lewis. Nor would the other women be.

By thunder, we’re Lewises, every last one of us. We don’t have to have anybody else. We can take care of ourselves. She straightened her back and shoulders. “Let’s be about our work, Mordecai.”

Mordecai hollered, and the mules put their strength into the harness. As promised, Petra was ready when Annie got to her cabin. If Petra felt any fear, she did not show it. She was grimly businesslike as she put more blankets, a few clothes, and a little more food into the wagon to add to what Annie had brought. The wagon was well loaded now. The weight of its new passengers forced the wheels to bite deeper into the mud. It tugged at the wheels, slowed their turning, forced the team to strain harder. Mordecai stayed abreast of the mules, shouting at them when they seemed to falter. Annie saw that he looked back over his shoulder frequently. She knew he was watching for pursuit. Like Petra, any fear he might have felt was carefully concealed. By years he might still be a boy, but this day he was doing a man’s part. Annie glowed with pride for her nephew. She only wished Michael could know.

They did not have to go all the way to Marie’s cabin. Annie saw the second wagon already on its way, angling across to meet them. Like Annie’s, its hoops were covered by canvas. Marie had the reins and was talking to the mules in French. Annie did not know the words, but the tone of voice was forceful. Frank’s wife Hope sat beside Marie. Both women looked calm.