Rebecca finished hitching up the team and climbed up on the box. Once again she had no trouble with the mules. She had given each one a name, and talked to it sweetly as she fed the animal a slice of apple before she harnessed it to the wagon. None of them had balked or tried to kick and bite, like some of the other mules were doing. With a slight flick of the reins, they moved forward like trained trotters, following the Garson wagon. Rebecca couldn’t help smiling, wondering if some sweet talk and a slice of apple would be as effective on Clay. All along the line she could see women and children walking beside their wagons. As the hours wore on, she wished she could join them, just to have relief from the reins. Mike Scott came riding down the line talking to each family, and when he reached her wagon, he greeted her warmly. “Any problems here, Mrs. Fraser?” “No, everything’s just fine, Mr. Scott.” She tried to sit up straight, and grimaced with pain. “Are you okay, ma’am?”
