Excerpt: Undesireable

Samuel Granville scanned the sea of covered wagons from atop his horse. A good number had canvas covering them, shielding the contents from the midday sun. The wagons lined up in mostly neat rows along both banks of the Little Blue River. The people and their transports flowed like the water. As groups left the campsite to begin their journey to Oregon, others streamed into the vacancies. People anxious to start the trip milled around the campsite in a flurry of activity.

Tomorrow was the month of April’s midpoint. He could account for nearly everyone in his party as they camped here. Only Charles Clark and his family remained at large in the vast sea of travelers. He grew frustrated with the hunt, hoping to find the group soon. Spending a few more days looking for the Clarks could mean they’d all end up like the Donner party.

With a sigh and a fidget, Sam resumed his search. Mr. Clark had a full head of blinding white hair and a grizzled face to match. He should be easy to pick out in a crowd. A click and nudge from him put his horse in motion again. He planned on moseying through the crowds. If Clark hadn’t heeded his instructions to be on the west bank of the Little Blue, the man would be left as another team’s problem. He kept focus on finding Clark, guiding his mount around slightly noticed obstacles.