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Page 15
She knew that other men patrolled the perimeter of the wagons and around the livestock. This night, which had almost ended, their task had been more difficult than usual, for the day before the train had reached the base of a mountain range. The emigrants had hoped to find comfort in its shadow, if not water running from its heights. The men had to be on guard to make sure the cattle, oxen, and horses did not venture up the dangerous slopes.
As Abby took a step forward, she heard a sleepy whisper. ''Abby? Are you all right?"
Angry with herself for having disturbed her sister, Abby replied softly, "Everything's fine, Lucy. Go back to sleep."
But in a moment, she felt a shawl being slipped about her shoulders. "You'll get cold," Lucy said quietly.
Abby turned to look down at her petite older sister in the light of the distant, flickering fire. Lucy's waiflike eyes were drawn down in concern. Her dark blond hair drifted about her face like unbaled cotton, and her muslin nightgown shone in the faint light.
Abby gave her a hug. "I'm sorry I bothered you. Is Father still sleeping?"
"I think so."
They both peered into the still shadows beneath the wagon. "At least I didn't rouse him," Abby said in relief. He had not been well since they had reached the desert. She paused, studying her fragile-looking sister, then said, "Why don't you take a drink?"

 
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