The Travels of Increase Joseph: A Historical Novel about a Pioneer Preacher

5. Buffalo

a Chapter 5 Buffalo The caravan stopped just outside Buffalo and set up camp in a farmer's field. Increase Joseph had gotten permission from the farmer. He insisted the group place the wagons in a circle. "In case there might be some difficulty during the night." He also appointed night guards to patrol the perimeter of their camp until dawn. "You'd think we were traveling in Indian country ," one of the men said under his breath, but everyone did as their spiritual leader instructed. When the travelers were settled, several campfires could be spotted as women prepared the evening meal. Increase Joseph and Henry Bakken, the newspaperman, walked the short distance into Buffalo in search of a buyer for their meager possessions . It was nearly dark when they returned with two roughly dressed men driving a team and wagon. One was short and thin; the other tall with an ample belly. Both looked, and smelled like they hadn't had a bath in weeks. "Look around," Increase Joseph said. "These are prize animals, everyone of them. And check these wagons, only the best they are." The Travels of Increase Joseph 37 Everyone in the group knew none of this was true. The animals were skinny and undernourished . The oxen were old and tired from years of plowing. The wagons were worn out. Wagon boxes had broken boards; nearly everyone had at least one wheel that needed repair. "Not much here," the tall rough dressed man said as he spat tobacco juice on the ground in front of Increase Joseph. Increase Joseph jumped back as the some of the brown juice splattered on his pant leg. No one said anything for a time. A cow bawled for her calf. "Little Sidney, where you gone to," one of the women in the group called as she searched for her son. "Sit here by my fire and share a cup of coffee with us," Increase Joseph said. Elwina Link, Joseph's wife, in the background but always present, quickly found coffee cups for the tough looking pair and the negotiating team. "Thank you ma'am," the short man said. "How about a fresh baked cookie?" Elwina asked. "Don't mind if I do," the tall man with the chaw of tobacco answered. No mention was made of a price for the livestock and equipment. Increase Joseph excused himself as he walked to his wagon and returned with two large bottles of tonic. He handed a bottle to each of the men. "What you got here, preacher?" "This is a famous tonic that's been passed from generation to generation in my family. It cures, it soothes, it restores, and it strengthens. Want to try it?" 38 Apps "Why not?" the tall man said. Each man soon drained his bottle of tonic. "Feeling a might dizzy," the little man said as he tried to stand. "Tonic's working," Increase Joseph said. "Moving right to the core of your being." "Whas in that stuff, sagotta real kick to it," the tall man said, his words slurred. "What'd you say you'd offer for all this?" Increase Joseph said as he waved his arm over the mostly sleeping camp. The number was nearly twice what he expected. "An we'll pay you right now," the little man said. He had great difficulty spitting out the words. "Before there be any mind changin'." He weaved back and forth in front of the dying fire. With some challenge he fished several coins out of his pocket, counting them in the dim light of the embers. "We'll deliver everything to your livery stable first thing in the morning," Increase Joseph said as they shook hands all around. "Before you go, we must offer a prayer," Increase Joseph said. The two men from town didn't look like the praying kind, but they stood, removed their hats, bowed their heads, and swayed back and forth trying to keep their balance. "Thank you Lord," Increase Joseph began. "For these two generous men from Buffalo. For their willingness to buy our few possessions so we can continue our journey. For their willingness to hear our plans and share our story. For their intelligence and great bargaining skills." "Amen," broke in Henry Bakken. Bakken thought if this prayer was to go on, as it seemed likely to, Increase Joseph would make these con- The Travels of Increase...