Page 64 (2/2)

“I met that fella, William Ashley, after I read the notice in the St Louis Gazette He’s startin’ up a fur company”

Paper rustled, and Henry cleared his throat, then read out loud “Seeking enterprising young men to ascend the river Missouri to its source, there to be employed for one, two, or three years" He paused “You’re actually going into Indian Territory? They hire hteen years old?”

“Yes I signed up Mr Ashley hired me on”

Evelyn’s heart pounded in her ears She quickly held her hands over her asp that escaped her lips Alex was leaving? For up to three years? That seemed like a lifetime She blinked rapidly She couldn’t stop the tears fro Alex couldn’t leave

“I wish I could go,” Henry said excitedly Then his voice dropped with a twinge of disappointment “But Pop depends on my help on the farm Evie’s only thirteen She can’t help out in the fields”

“Maybe in a few years,” Alex suggested “Afterhere This is the perfect chance for et away”

The barn door suddenly pulled open, and Evelyn jumped back in surprise Theher skirt

“Evie!” Henry sounded equally surprised to find her standing there Her eyes darted quickly from her brother to Alex In the rown some more Her brother was still taller, but Alex was not as skinny His shoulders seeotten wider, and his ar neither of the boys noticed how her face had flushed

“Did you hear the news, Evie? Alex is going to be a fur trapper He’s leaving for St Louis today” Henry’s joy grated on her nerves She ventured another quick look at Alex He glanced her way, but the expression on his face was unreadable His dark, al his blue eyes

“Guess your plans are going to have to change, Evie,” Henry continued, al tone

“My plans?” she echoed

Henry snorted “Come on, Evie We all know you fancy yourself in love with Alex I bet you’re hoping he asks you to rown up”

Evelyn’s mouth fell open, uarded secret in front of the very person who shouldn’t be hearing it She sucked in a deep breath of air, then raised her chin With one hand on her hip, she glared at her brother There was only one way to save face With her eyes narrowed, she advanced on him, and said, “I have no such notions, Henry Lewis Why, I wouldthan solared at Alex, then pushed past her brother through the barn door She paused and lifted theits contents at her brother’s face, then stor braided hair whipped behind her back, the tears strea she heard before escaping into the house was her brother and Alex laughing loudly behind her