Bid For Freedom

Chapter 23

Dani watched the men work with the cattle. It was laughable at times as they threw ropes and fell off their horses. She turned away from the corral and moved into the barn. Muffled sobs met her ears. She followed the sound into a stall and found Sam curled into a ball, rocking himself back and forth.

She immediately rushed to his side and placed a hand on his arm. "Sam. What's wrong?"

He wailed something unintelligible and shrank away from her touch.

She scooted closer. "Sam, tell me what's wrong."

"Dems mean."

"Who is mean?"

He waved at the wall. "Dems."

"Caleb? Jeremy?"

He shook his head and sniffed. "Not dem. Dose mens dere."

She narrowed her eyes. "Why were they mean?"

"Deys laugh ah me."

"What happened?"

He sniffed and wiped his nose on his sleeve. "Deys laugh. Cows. Horse. Me fall. Deys laugh."

She nodded her head, finally understanding. "You were working cattle and your horse spooked and you fell off?"

His giant head bobbed up and down. "Deys laugh."

She grabbed his hand and urged him to his feet. "Let me show you something." She dragged him out of the barn and to a small pen that held several calves.

He pulled his hand away, fear reflecting in his eyes.

"Sam, they're babies. They won't hurt ya. They're looking for dinner."

"Dey eat me?"

She chuckled. "No. They think you're bringing dinner. They're friendly." She stepped into the pen and petted the nearest speckled calf. "See?"

Sam narrowed his eyes. "You sure?"

Dani nodded. "Yes. Come here." She urged him to sit just inside the gate. The calves walked on wobbly legs toward them. They sniffed and licked and tried to suck on fingers.

Sam giggled like a small child. "Deys funny."

She grabbed his hand. "Come on. Let me show you more."

She opened the gate to the neighboring pen and stepped inside, closing it after Sam stepped through. The calves followed them to the gate and mooed.

Sam turned back to wave at the calves. The milk cow lumbered up to them, licking Sam's elbow. He jumped in terror and slammed against the fence. The cow swished her tail, looking mildly offended.

"Sam, it's okay. This is a cow. Just the same as those you're gonna be working. She's the same as those calves we just visited, only bigger."

She took his hand in hers and guided it along the cow's ribcage.

"See? She's a good cow."

Sam kept petting the cow even after Dani moved her hand away.

"Now, come this way." She led him back to the large corral the cowboys were working in. "See? Those cows are the same as the babies and the milk cow."

Sam's eyes widened as he looked back and forth between the pens. "I pet?"

She shook her head. "They're not used to it." She pointed at the men on horseback. "See how the cows move away from the horses? The cows are afraid of them."

Sam watched the proceedings in interest.

"You already know how to ride. You're not scared of your horse anymore, right?"

He shook his head.

"So, all you hafta do is move the horse so the cows move away from him in the direction Caleb wants them to go."

Jeremy stepped up beside them. "Ready to try again?"

Sam ignored him as he watched the men move the herd around. He leaned and pulled his hands as if he were pulling reins.

Jeremy clapped him on the back. "You've got it. Let's go show them boys how good you are."

Sam's head snapped around, his eyes wide.

"Just ride. You and me'll work on the ropes later today. Without the horses."

Dani watched as the pair mounted and moved into the corral. Jeremy gave Sam some instructions. Sam nodded and moved his horse away. It wasn't pretty, but the cattle moved. Jeremy praised the big man. "Great job. That was much better."

Caleb's voice shocked her. "What did you say to him?"

She whirled around, her eyes wide. "Nothin'."

He raised his eyebrows. "I showed him that there's nothin' to be afraid of. I showed him the calves and the milk cow and told him the cows are more afraid of the horses and they'll move away from them. He did the rest."

"I don't know if this'll work. He won't listen to anyone."

Anger flashed in her eyes. "He listens just fine. You just don't know how to teach him." She cowered as his fists clenched.

"I've been working with him for two days. He's refused to learn."

"He's afraid of animals. Get rid of the fear and teach him what you want him to learn and he does just fine."

Caleb rolled his eyes and stormed away.

"Don't mind him, Dani. He's just a bit frustrated. Now that I know the problem, I'll take care of it."

She glanced up at Jeremy, hope shining from behind the clouds for the first time since they boarded the boat.

"Did he tell you we're pulling out tomorrow?"

She shook her head.

"You're stayin' here. A cattle drive is no place for a woman."

Fear struck her heart. "What about Sam?"

Jeremy smiled. "I'll take care of him. We'll see ya in a couple of months. Caleb'll send word when we get there and you'll ride the train north to meet us."

She shook her head. "I..."

"It's for the best, Dani. Cattle drives are rough business. He doesn't know what'll happen out there. He doesn't want you hurt."