Elmer had his mule saddled with a couple of Mexicans carrying baskets to hold all the belongings that would be of use to them. They had collected most of the things left behind after they had walked to the stage outpost. The two men had not long returned when Luca shouted from outside “Hey there’s a big coach coming Mister Ethan!” Ethan ran out to see, followed close behind by Millie. Sure enough, there was a large, old-fashioned covered coach arriving. Millie ran forward, shouting a greeting, while Ethan yelled a sharp warning to her to remain with him, which she completely ignored. The carriage door opened and Lucy jumped out and ran to Ethan, hugging her brother with relief. He seemed none the worse for wear, thank God! Millie was helping an indomitable old lady down from the coach and Ethan guessed rightly that this was Amy’s grandmother, whom he had only met a few times in the past, generally at Christmas time. He disentangled his sister and walked over to greet her, holding out his hand formally.
