We Were There at the Oklahoma Land Run
Copyright© 2024 by Jim Kjelgaard
Chapter 14: Spirits Walk
Mrs. Simpson and Granny Brent sat side by side on chairs that they must have brought with them. Both looked pale, but the children’s mother smiled and held out her arms.
“Hello, children!”
Cindy and Alec rushed forward, and hugged and were hugged, and kissed and were kissed by their mother. Cindy asked anxiously, “Where’s Mindy?”
“I wish I knew,” and Cindy and Alec discovered why their mother and Granny Brent were pale. “She’s lost. She went for a walk two hours ago, shortly after we arrived, and she simply hasn’t returned.”
Cindy and Alec looked at each other. But, though both had the same thoughts, to voice them would really worry their mother. Granny tried to be very calm.
“Mindy must have got herself turned around and just didn’t know how to find her way back,” she said. “Gramps and all the other men we could find around are hunting for her, and I’m sure they’ll find her.”
“Of course they will,” said Mrs. Simpson, but she sounded as though she were trying to convince herself.
Alec said, “Dad and Mr. Brent are in Plains City waiting their turn to record, Mother. They may be gone for almost two weeks more.”
“I knew there was some good reason why your father did not come to get us,” his mother replied. “But I just couldn’t stay away from my family any longer. I’m here and I’d be so happy if only Mindy weren’t lost.”
Cindy said gently, “Mother, exactly how was Mindy dressed?”
“Her blue jeans,” Mrs. Simpson said. “Her red-checked shirt, her brown shoes, and her hair caught at the back of her neck.”
“Did she have a hair ribbon?” Cindy asked.
“No,” said Mrs. Simpson, “though goodness knows she should have had one. I’ll be glad when you girls dress like girls again instead of running around in boys’ clothes. Why do you wish to know how Miranda was dressed, Cindamine?”
“Alec and I are going to look for her.” Cindy tried very hard not to sound excited. “If I know exactly how she’s dressed, I’ll spot her more easily.”
“No,” her mother said firmly. “One lost child is enough. You and Alec stay right here.”
“But, Mother, we won’t get lost,” Cindy assured her. “We’ve been here long enough to know this country pretty well. Why, we’re almost sure to find Mindy.”
“That’s right, Ann,” said Granny. “Young eyes often see what older ones pass by. The child speaks sensibly.”
“Sure, Mom,” said Alec. “We’ll find Mindy and bring her back.”
“Do you think so?” Mrs. Simpson asked worriedly.
“I know so,” Alec said, “and nothing will happen to us. The moon’s ‘most as bright as day. Everything will be all right.”
“Well, you’re level-headed, Alec,” his mother said. “If you can watch Cindamine, you may go.”
“I won’t be a second,” Cindy called.
She scooted into her room and put on a red-checked shirt and brown shoes. Since she already wore blue jeans, and her hair was already caught at the back of her neck, she had nothing else to do. She danced up to her mother and kissed her, and before Mrs. Simpson could change her mind, Cindy grabbed Alec’s hand.
“Be careful, children,” their mother called, “and don’t stay too long.”
Alone in the moonlight, Cindy faced Alec.
“Bum thought Mindy was me and kidnaped her!”
“That’s right,” Alec agreed.
Cindy said, “They don’t know about us being twins!”
“It looks that way.”
“Get your bull-roarer, Alec.”
“Do you have an idea?” her brother asked.
“Yes,” said Cindy. “If there were any men with guns, I’d take them with us. But all the men who aren’t in Plains City waiting to record are off hunting Mindy, and there’s no time to lose. Get your bull-roarer.”
Alec got his bull-roarer from the wagon. Cindy sprang on Sparkle. Alec mounted Sunshine, and they raced away. With the ponies running so fast, it took less than an hour to reach the little trees and tie their mounts. Cindy turned to her brother.
“When I raise my hand, start your bull-roarer!” she said.
Alec said, “Count on it.”