“Good idea. We will likely be at this all night. Look, my wife just showed up with food, and my daughter and I haven’t eaten since breakfast. Can you manage things here while we go eat?”
“Absolutely. I’ll figure it out.”
“I have bandages, salve, water, and soap in the bed of the wagon. My instruments are there as well if you should need them. I won’t be but a minute.”
Dr. Overton nodded, and Father lost no time taking Evie by the arm to head over to where Mother awaited.
Evie wasn’t sure about eating, but the cold lemonade was more than appreciated. She drank the glass down without even pausing. The cool liquid helped clear away the smoky coating in her throat.
“I sent the boys to rally Charlotte Van Cleve,” Mother told Father. “She’ll have the homeless cared for in no time at all.”
“The fire has spread so fast and caused terrible winds that only serve to spread the flames,” Father said between bites of ham sandwich. “Last I heard, over fifty homes have burned and as many businesses. This is going to be a night to remember.”
“What about the dead?”
“Surprisingly enough, Chief Runge told me there aren’t any deaths at this time. Most people have had time to get away. Of course, Boom Island is on fire now as well. Strange situation, that one. The fire burns on the south side of Nicollet Island. Boom Island is situated to the north, and they think it caughtfire from floating embers. Just seems with the winds coming off the fire the way they are that the shoreline or even the north side of Nicollet Island would be most at risk, not Boom Island.”
“It is strange,” Mother said, refilling Evie’s glass.
“It is mostly sawmills over there, although there are some houses as well,” Father said, shaking his head. He turned back toward the fire. “At least we will have sunlight for a few more hours. Dr. Overton told me he brought lanterns. That will surely be a help. Runge said this fire will probably burn all night and then some.”
“St. Paul is sending firemen over to help. They may have already arrived.” Mother handed Evie a piece of cake. “If you don’t feel like a sandwich, maybe something sweet would help.”
“The smell of burnt flesh has been hard for her,” Father said without any condemnation or even pity in his voice. “I’ve never borne it well myself. Something sweet just might do the trick.”
Evie took the cake and made an effort to nibble it. Evan came riding up at that moment. She had wondered if he was busy helping with some particular project. She went to where he was tying up his horse.
“Where have you been?”
He smiled. “With Christina, of course. We went to the lake, and I only heard about the fire an hour ago. Carl and Amelia were with us. We packed up our picnic and got the ladies home. Carl and I agreed to get home, change clothes, and meet back up here. I knew you’d all be somewhere on the island lending aid.”
“Where else would the Turner family be?” Evie laughed at the question. “Mother sent the boys to call Mrs. Van Cleve to action.”
“Well then, that’s the best of all. That woman will have everything arranged in perfect order before the rest of us can snap our fingers.”
“Her and Mother.” Evie glanced to where their parents were in deep discussion.
“How has it been for you?” Evan asked, his voice full of sympathy.
“Bad. I haven’t even tried to hide my discomfort. I’ve thrown up twice and continue to struggle. I’m helping Father as best I can, but it’s been difficult.”
“What has he said about you being sick?”
“That the smell of burnt flesh is the worst of all smells and even he tends to struggle with it. I honestly tried to tell him on the ride here after we stitched up two men who’d been in a knife fight. Each time I’ve attempted to explain, someone or something interferes.”
“It will keep until later. At least you have an excuse.”
They started walking. “Mother will be happy to see you. No doubt she’ll have a task for you.”
“No doubt.” Evan chuckled.
Father looked up as they approached. “I’m glad to see you, Evan. News has come that there’s a fire burning on Boom Island. I’d like you to go there and let people know that we have medical help for those who are injured,” Father declared. “Chief Runge said there are men helping people evacuate in boats. You might be able to get one to take you over so you can speak with the firefighters. There aren’t many there, as I understand it, but perhaps more will soon be stationed there.”
“I’ll go right now.” Evan looked at Mother. “Is there anything else I should be about?”
“We haven’t coordinated what we’re going to do to help the displaced. I’ll know better once Charlotte arrives. Still, you might explain to anyone you see that the homeless appear to be gathering on the east bank of the river. Tell them we will have food and shelter for them later tonight. Perhaps that will encourage them.”
“I’ll do exactly that.” Evan headed back to his horse, mounted, and gave a little wave before moving out.
