1 Harry lay on his belly. He peered through the long grass at the wagon train. Papa had pulled the oxen around to their place in line. Today they would be near the front. His older brother, Pete, was helping to put the last of their things in the wagon. Mom tied Bess, the cow, to the back of the wagon.
2 He could see his sisters, Ann and Julia. Where was Ella? A stick cracked behind him. He jumped. Then a little girl flopped on the ground beside him.
3 "Ella!" said Harry in a harsh whisper.
4 "What are you doing, Harry?" asked Ella. "The train's ready to go."
5 "I know," said Harry. "I just wanted to look around a little, after they leave. They move so slow, it will be easy to catch up."
6 "I'll stay with you then," said Ella.
7 "Mama will miss us if we are both gone," he said. He frowned when he saw her shaking her head.
8 "I told Mama that we would be walking with Sam and Jean this morning," said Ella. "You have to let me stay, or I will tell!"
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