"EL DORADO WEST" [PG] - Chapter Eighteen
The following is Chapter Eighteen of my story about a pair of free black siblings making the journey to California in 1849:
Chapter Eighteen - Monuments of the Trail
June 18, 1849
The past several days have been uneventful since our departure from Ash Hollow. Mrs. Robbins and I have maintained a close eye upon both Mr. Cross and Miss Watkins, since that evening we found them . . . together inside one of the caves. Perhaps their meeting proved to be a single occurrence. I hope so, for their sake. Mr. Cross and Miss Watkins' employer, Mr. Anderson, have detested each other since our crossing of the Big Blue River.
Today marked the first time our wagon train encountered anything of interest. Mr. Wendell pointed out two rock formations that struck me as somewhat imposing. One of them seemed shaped like a government building of some kind. Mr. Wendell informed us that travelers called it "Courthouse Rock". The other formation is called "Jail Rock". Why? I have no idea. One of the Palmer brothers commented that it resembled nothing more than a towering lump of rock. During our noon halt, some of us ventured toward the rocks for a closer look. I must admit that "Courthouse Rock" looked even more magnificent up close. As for Jail Rock . . . it looked imposing, but I decided that I could not agree more with Mr. Palmer.
By the time we paused for the evening halt, our wagon train camped just south of another rock formation called "Chimney Rock". It resembled a narrow pillar atop a large mound of rock. A party had been organized to explore around its base. Mr. Wendell offered to act as my escort, but Benjamin forbade me to be alone in his company, especially in the late afternoon and early evening. I reminded Benjamin that Mr. Wendell and I will be in the company of others. He still forbade me to join the expedition. In the end, I had to suggest that he accompany Mr. Wendell and me. He agreed. Is it just me or is my brother becoming something of a tyrant? I hope not.
June 19, 1849
While eating breakfast, I notice something rather interesting. I saw Mr. Gibson observing Mr. Cross, while the other ate. He also seemed to be interested in the activities of Miss Watkins. It occurred to me that Mrs. Gibson had revealed what transpired between Mr. Cross and Miss Watkins back at Ash Hollow. I wonder if Mrs. Robbins had told her husband. If Benjamin ever learns about the two, it will not be from me.
June 20, 1849
The wagon train encountered another rock formation along the trail. This one is called "Scott's Bluff". It was named after a trader named Hiram Bluff, who had died nearby some twenty years ago. Mr. James decided that the bluff would serve as the perfect location for our noon halt.
I must admit that I found Scott's Bluff to be a magnificent sight to behold. It seemed much more impressive than the formations that we had encountered during the past two days. It reminded me of a castle or a massive citadel in the middle of the Plains. I wonder how many other natural wonders await us on the trail.
End of Chapter Eighteen