Head West, Young Mouse: Transcontinental Railroad Traveler Book #3
field mice But he had certainly met his fair share that were scared by him Maximilian felt somewhat guilty that he was riding in the wagon in front of the ox So he gave her a friendly wave and smiled at her She smiled back and blew away a pesky fly The paths the wagons traveled over were hardly roads They were really just trails This particular one looked as if it hadn't been used in months The wagons jostled and rocked violently Maximilian was careful not to get too close to the edge of the wagon’s gate He clung tightly to a leather strap attached to the overhanging tarp He checked on the time machine once in a while It seemed to be working but that did little to calm Maximilian's nerves He feared it would tip over completely Without warning the wagon came to a stop The wagons behind them did as well The man driving the wagon behind them hopped from his wooden bench He patted his cowboy hat against his leg
We're making good time he announced looking to the sky for the position of the sun A woman appeared from behind the wagon She was wearing a light yellow bonnet and a soft blue dress Long caramel brown hair framed her face from underneath her bonnet She carried a pail of water and a ladle Her face was kind and youthful and she spoke softly as she walked to the head of the wagon You must be awfully parched Robert she said handing the man the ladle She was careful not to let any water spill Much obliged Martha Robert said putting the spoon to his mouth Sweat glistened on his brow as he drank from the ladle Maximilian could imagine how cold and refreshing the water was He was reminded of how hot and thirsty he had become He licked his lips How is Caroline holding up Robert asked He placed the sweat stained hat back on his head Caroline's fine just fine Martha responded She never complains
Well it sure will feel good when we finally reach Silver Springs Robert said He gave Maximilian's ox friend a playful pat on the side Gabe talked to some prospectors two days ago They said the panning was picking back up and railroad jobs were available Well as long as we're together everything will be fine Martha said Her voice sounded almost like she was singing Maximilian liked them Robert gave Martha a loving kiss on the forehead Then he climbed back onto his seat in the wagon You always know the right thing to say my sweet Martha Robert said taking the oxen team's reins in his hands As Martha turned Maximilian noticed something or someone to be exact A small blonde animal sat at the base of the rear wheel Sitting motionless underneath the wagon no one saw her No one that is except Maximilian
Chapter 3 A BUMPY RIDE with a violent jolt the caravan was again moving forward Maximilian wondered how long it would be until the next break He thought he had plenty of time to explore the wagon a little more So he made his way toward the front Maximilian wandered through a maze of boxes He carefully read their written labels Bedding kitchen tools garden One box in particular caught the attention of his nose Maximilian paused to peer inside it He drew in a long deep sniff of dried basil and salted beef He thought for a moment of helping himself What would his mother say if she knew he was taking food from families he didn't know He had already done enough on his trip that his mother certainly would not have agreed with
