“No, Father, I can’t leave you!” Ruth said desperately and gripped his hand.
His chest rattled as he coughed, and in short raspy breaths he took in air.
“Ruth,” he implored as she began to cry, “I need to know that you’ll be safe. Take the letter with you; he will look after you.” He paused, gasping, “You can … help …”
“Oh, Father!” Ruth broke down, giving in to her grief. “I—I cannot lose you—I won’t know what to do.”
“Take courage,” he urged hoarsely as he struggled to take in air. “Remember Esther in the Bible, and your own namesake.” He paused and drew in a deep breath of air. “Ruth, so loyal; stay devoted to our Lord.” He was wheezing but tried to smile through a painful grimace.
Why was he talking like this? She had faith, didn’t she? She knew the Lord was in control of everything and she always put her faith in Him. Her footsteps were guided by His word.
Ruth tried to wipe her eyes, “I will, Father, I promise.” She dashed dampness from her face.
He closed his eyes and smiled. “Now I can die a happy man. Soon I shall be with our Lord and Savior, and I shall see … your mother.”
“Father, be strong!” Ruth pleaded. “I know you can still fight this. It is not the end.”
“Please, Ruth, read to me,” he glanced around the room. “On the table …”
She nodded and released her grip on his father’s hand. She retrieved his Bible from the small table at the foot of the bed and returned to her seat. She opened the book and turned its pages until she found his favorite verse,Psalm 31:24.
Her voice was shaky as she read, “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord—”
She stopped reading as tears blurred her eyes and sobs overtook her again. Spencer McKinley lifted his hand and touched her face, smiling. “Your voice is like an angel’s …” he murmured, almost to himself. “I love you, Ruth. Please pray with me.”
She held his hands in her own as they prayed together, “I love you, too, Father.”
For some time, she rested her head on the bed, her hands still holding his. They remained that way in silence for some time, the only sound that of his irregular breathing. When his hold went slack and the room became silent, she knew he was gone.
“Father, no—” Ruth whispered, but stopped herself. Her entire family had been her mother and her father, and now both were gone, leaving her completely alone. She had imagined she would have her father for years to come and she was ill prepared for the stark reality that faced her now. As the new bleakness of her life suddenly dawned, she gave in to tears once again.
Chapter One
One Month Later
Cheyenne, Wyoming, 1891
Ruth was jolted awake by a sudden jerk followed by small jagged, shuddering motions. Loud whistles, along with the huffing and puffing of hissing steam welcomed her to Cheyenne as the wheels of the train slowed down and squealed to a halt. Disoriented at first, she quickly remembered the long monotonous rail journey now behind her and looked forward to disembarking. It was colder than she expected, and she was relieved she’d thought to bring along an extra jacket. When she left Colorado Springs early in the morning and boarded the steam train, it had not been very cold.
It had taken a lot of courage and praying for Ruth to leave Colorado Springs and travel one-hundred-seventy miles from home to Cheyenne, Wyoming. She would do just as father had told her and take the letter, kept safely in her bag, to Dr. Alexander Grant.
On her lap her King James Bible lay open to the Book of Esther, chapter four. She marveled at Esther’s bravery and how she stood up for her people and her beliefs against all odds. God had protected Esther from the enemy that tried to destroy her people. Ruth took a deep breath, closed the book, and placed it carefully inside the bag at her feet.
Despite the soft upholstery of the seat, she felt stiff from sitting for such a long time. The compartment was comfortable but Ruth was ready to leave the side to side jostling of the railcar behind her. Although she traveled in the comfort of first-class travel, and given the luxury to open the compartment window, she looked forward to enjoying the fresh air.
Only two other people had shared the compartment, a serious-looking man and an elderly woman that wore a hat with tall multi-colored feathers. Both of them kept to themselves, wanting to pass the time in solitude. Ruth didn’t mind, because it meant she could spend more time reading from the book of Esther.
Looking through the glass window reflecting her image, she noticed she needed to straighten her auburn hair bound in a neat chignon. Father had always told her that auburn was the color of her mother’s hair. She missed him more than she’d ever imagined and wondered if the intense heartache would ever go away. His death left a void in her life she didn’t think anything could fill. She promised to fulfill his dying last wish and decided to keep that promise, no matter how scared she felt or whatever challenge came her way. She intended to remain faithful and trust in the Lord to lead her in the way she should go.
Ruth saw that people were already disembarking and quickly realized she had to gather her luggage and make her departure. She didn’t want to keep her host waiting.
She left the carriage and climbed down the steps. Carrying one piece of luggage that was lightly packed as she didn’t own much, she stepped away from the carriage. Ruth found it difficult to avoid people who bumped and pushed their way to and from the train. It was all very intimidating, and she felt so small amongst all the people on the monstrous platform.
The depot was huge and extended outward toward the tracks, at the north and south, each with its own gathering area. At each end were square towers that created a skyline appearance. From the roof, above four semicircular arched windows, a tall square clock tower jutted high into the sky. The depot walls were built from strong fieldstone. At ground level, smaller stones formed high semi-circular arches stretching along the sides of the stone walls capping the large windows.
Looking around, she didn’t see anyone that fit the description her father had given of Dr. Alexander Grant. Perhaps he had sent someone else, but surely that person would be on the lookout for her?
Steam continued to hiss and grow louder; the smell of burning coal, ash, and smoke grew stronger. Whistles sounded as more trains approached and others departed, chugging sluggishly and gathering steady momentum.
