He pulled out his pocket watch. One in the afternoon. His train was about to leave. And he wouldn’t be on it.
On one of his check-ins with the sheriff this morning, he’d sent wires to Mr. Bricker and Professor Wright telling of the family emergency. At this rate, he wasn’t sure when he’d be able to leave. Would he lose his tuition? His spot in the prestigious program?
It didn’t matter. Caleb was far more important than his medical degree.
His benefactor would surely be upset to waste a first-class train ticket. But it couldn’t be helped. He’d beg forgiveness from Mr. Bricker later.
Leading his horse by the reins, Joshua hiked up the sides of the gulley to higher ground. While the area wasn’t mountainous, there were many large, rolling hills, several ravines from the creeks that shot off from the Green River, and lots of craggy, hidden areas.
A ten-year-old boy could be anywhere. Especially this ten-year-old boy, who was an expert at hide and seek.
Certainly, he wouldn’t be up to that now? Not for this long. Martha and Alan said that he’d run to the barn after they’d told him not to explore on his own, and Alan had seen him kick the barn door. That was the last time they saw him.
So he entered the barn. But no one saw him exit.
Was there any chance Caleb was still there? They’d searched it high and low earlier. Or at least, in their panicked state, they all believed they had.
With no other good ideas, Joshua climbed back on his horse and headed home. He’d give the barn a good search and if he didn’t find the boy, he’d head into town and check in with the sheriff again. And the telegraph office. Just in case there was word.
By four in the afternoon, Joshua was back in town after his search at home. Their barn was a bit worse for wear, but he could clean it up later. He’d gone from top to bottom three times, tearing into every inch of space. But no Caleb.
He tied his horse out front of the telegraph office and walked in.
“Joshua! I’ve got two telegrams for you. They came in a few minutes ago.” Mr. Mavery handed the papers over the counter. “I’m sorry about Caleb. My sons are out helping with the search. Sure as shootin’, he’s bound to show up soon enough.”
“Thank you, sir.” He tapped the papers against his palm and headed out the door. Even though Mavery already knew what the wires said, Joshua wanted a bit of privacy. Just in case the news wasn’t favorable.
Out on the street, he grabbed the reins for his horse and mounted. Then he opened the first paper.
Mr. Joshua Ziegler,
Leave is granted for the remainder of summer term. If you do not return a week before fall term begins, you will lose your place in the program. Prayers for your family.
Professor Wright
A bit of the tension in his neck alleviated with the note. Not losing his spot in the medical program was a huge gift. A miracle, to be honest. He was sure to be behind by the time he returned, but he could make it up. Work extra hard.
Here was hoping that the next telegram would be as favorable.
He tore into the second paper.
Joshua,
Praying for nephew to be found. Spoke with university. Your funding is guaranteed if you return before fall term begins. New return tickets will be purchased for you. Advise on date.
Matthew Bricker
The news was much better than he expected.
Heading back to the sheriff’s search checkpoint, Joshua eased breath into his tight lungs. He hadn’t realized how much anxiety he’d built up in his body over the requests he’d sent to Chicago.
He rode up and listened as the sheriff was directing different groups to search specific areas. Since Caleb went missing yesterday, the people of Walker Creek had covered a lot of ground.
As search parties dispersed, Joshua waited for the sheriff to finish giving instructions and turn his attention toward him.
Sheriff Turner strode over. “How are you holdin’ up?”
“About as good as can be expected, sir. I’d like to see where I should search next.”
