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here!” he called. “She’s already here! Swift Eagle brought her, and he’s gone. Did you see him? How did you know she was here so you could come home?”
    But Simon didn’t wait for answers to any of his questions. He raced back to the others as Alice began telling her story.
    It was an evening of rejoicing. Silver Wing was invited to stay, but after lingering just long enough to join in thanking God for Alice’s safe return, she said she had to get back to her family. They would meet again soon, she promised.
    When chores and supper were over, a sober, thoughtful Luke retired to the bunkhouse alone. He sat quietly looking at the stars, reliving the events of the day. When Henry returned, Luke intended to have a long talk with him about the God who had answered in response to the call of His children.

Chapter Four
Breakbone Fever
    Mr. Rush, Henry, and Ethan returned from Willow Creek the week after the big sale. The family was happy to have them home and eager to share the news of all that had happened while they were gone. When Alice’s story was repeated, Ethan regarded her sternly.
    â€œI thought you were old enough that I wouldn’t have to keep my eye on you every minute. Ma told me to look after you, but I can’t watch you for the rest of my life.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Ethan. I won’t do it again.”
    â€œShe won’t have time to,” Simon put in. “Frances has her sewing every minute that Polly doesn’t have a job for her.”
    â€œWe don’t need your comments, Simon,” Mr. Rush told him. “I recall you once did something just as foolish.”
    Mrs. Rush wanted to hear about her friends in Willow Creek.
    â€œLydia sent you some things. Said she wished you had come along to visit,” Mr. Rush replied. “The schoolteacher asked how Frances is doing with the children’s lessons, and all the ladies showed up with good food the day of the sale.”
    â€œDid you sell everything, Papa?” Frances asked.
    â€œWe did. A lot of things went to the folks who bought the house. Family named Ferguson. Strangers to me, but your uncle George knows them. It was a successful trip.”

    In the kitchen, Henry leaned back in his chair with a look of satisfaction. “I’m glad to be home. I missed your cookin’, Polly. George’s wife, Myra, tries, but she don’t have the years behind her that you got.”
    â€œYou gave that compliment with one hand and took it back with the other,” Luke teased.
    â€œNow, I didn’t mean—”
    â€œI’ll take a compliment any way I can get it,” Polly said. “Cookin’ is one thing I’m good at, and I’m glad I got a family that enjoys it. How’d you like the train ride?”
    â€œHave to say it was a mite bit easier travelin’ than the first trip I made out here,” Henry admitted. “Didn’t run into any rattlers and didn’t have to get my own meals. Don’t know as I’d want to spend two weeks livin’ in a passenger train, though.”
    â€œI’m glad to have you all back,” Luke told him. “Simon was a big help, but he don’t take the place of a man. Has Ethan said any more about goin’ to school?”
    â€œNope. He spent some time out on the Boncoeur place with Bert, but he never mentioned school.”
    â€œJust as well,” Luke said. “He’ll have his own place to run when he gets older. The experience’ll do him more good than book learnin’.”

    When July arrived, it was extremely hot and dry.
    â€œI declare, even the springhouse feels like an oven.” Polly pushed her wet hair back from her face and fanned herself with her apron. “That wind could peel the skin right off your arms. Don’t know what we’d do without the summer kitchen. Scarce any point in buildin’ a fire out there, though. The bread’ll bake on top