Chapter 89
Garrett told the pilgrims that the greatest danger lay as they approached the end of the crossing and the Carson River. “When the thirst-crazed animals smell water, they could stampede.”
“What are we going to do?” Sam asked when they were alone later.
“When we see the oxen getting restless, we’ll cut ‘em loose and let ‘em head for the river. We’ll try to herd ‘em with our horses. Once they get to the river and have had all they need to drink, we’ll bring ‘em back.”
Sam, once again, trusted Garrett’s experience and wisdom, but the plan seemed tenuous at best.
As the wagon master had predicted, the animals gave signs of restlessness after ten days on the trail. They lowed frequently and strained against their yokes. Several times a team would break into a run. The men on horseback headed them off. One wagon was lost because of this.