Chapter 74
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In the morning, the sky was overcast, but no rain had fallen. Garrett, Sam and the men got the wagon train up and ready to depart. They said their goodbyes to the lieutenant, thanking him for his hospitality and advice. They set out onto the trail, hoping the clouds would bring the needed rain, which would revive the grasses and sustain the animals for their journey. They traveled for three days beneath the cloudy sky, but no rains came, only the rumble of thunder in the distance.
Screams roused Sam and Garrett from sleep in the back of the wagon before dawn on the fourth day. Sam sat up and could see a strange orange glow through the canvas.
“Fire!” Garrett yelled as he leapt to his feet.