Thirty-two families joined.
The total was enormous.
Flour.
Salt.
Kerosene.
Coffee.
Sugar.
Medicine.
Hardware.
Winter cloth.
If shipment arrived before pass closed, Prescott’s grip would break.
If not, half valley faced shortage.
Nathaniel learned departure date.
Three freight wagons left Millstone.
Only two arrived at foothills.
Third carrying most flour disappeared.
Driver found tied beside road.
Unhurt.
Wagon stolen.
Now hunger became real.
Lena stood in pantry staring at remaining flour.
Twenty-one pounds.
Seven boys.
Adults.
Weeks before resupply possible.
Reid came behind.
“We slaughter extra steer.”
“Meat isn't flour.”
“Cornmeal?”
“Enough maybe month.”
“Potatoes?”
“Two.”
“We’ll ration.”
Lena nodded.
No panic.
Only calculation.
Then Thomas entered.
“Tracks.”
“What?”
“Wagon tracks near north creek.”
Reid grabbed coat.
Lena followed.
Snow held evidence beautifully.
Heavy wagon.
Fresh.
Tracks turned off main road toward abandoned timber camp.
Reid stared.
“They didn't take flour far.”
“Why?”
Lena asked.
“To destroy later?”
Thomas said:
“Or make us think shipment lost.”
They rode.
Found wagon under tarp.
Flour intact.