Old West Drama 19xx.xx.xx Woman Pioneer

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Old West Drama 19xx.xx.xx Woman Pioneer" Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: January 20, 2025

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Introduction: Life in Indiana

The episode opens in serene Indiana, where Maggie and John Sergeant have built a comfortable life with their two children, Jeremy and Sarah. Their home in Huntingbird is a testament to their stable existence, marked by family, growth, and routine.

Key Quote:

"Here, where I was born, was married and gave birth to my two children."
— Maggie [01:04]

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The Persuasion: A Tempting Offer

Their peaceful life is disrupted by the arrival of Mr. Worms, an ambitious land agent representing the Union Pacific Railroad. March 10, 1867, marks the day Mr. Worms introduces Maggie and John to the lucrative opportunity of homesteading in Nebraska. He entices them with promises of fertile land, minimal clearing, and financial incentives.

Key Quote:

"There’s a man in town from the Union Pacific Railroad. He’s selling land for homesteading. Good land, the finest."
— Mr. Worms [02:54]

Despite John's skepticism and concerns about abandoning their established home, Maggie is swayed by the prospect of a better future, leading the family to make the life-altering decision to move west.

Key Quote:

"We’re going to Nebraska."
— Maggie [02:45]

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The Journey Westward: Trials on the Trail

The Sergeants embark on their arduous journey westward, facing the typical hardships of 19th-century migration. The family grapples with uncomfortable travel conditions, limited privacy, and the constant strain of adapting to life on the move.

Key Quote:

"The trip seems endless. The ride is uncomfortable and dirty."
— Maggie [05:55]

Tensions rise as the cramped conditions test their resilience. Young Sarah attempts to comfort her brother Jeremy, who is visibly distressed by the sudden upheaval of their lives.

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Arrival and Settlement: Building a New Home

Upon reaching Nebraska on April 2, 1867, the Sergeants join Captain Symington's wagon train. John takes charge, equipping them for their new life with necessary tools and livestock, including their cow, Jupiter. The family begins the daunting task of plowing land and constructing their homestead, symbolizing hope and the promise of prosperity.

Key Quote:

"For never before, he is turning to me in the sharing of it."
— Maggie [07:49]

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Conflict with Mr. Worms: Betrayal Unfolds

As the Sergeants attempt to establish their farm, Mr. Worms reappears with ulterior motives. He confronts the family, revealing that the land promises he showcased were either falsified or already claimed. Mr. Worms pressures Maggie and John to relinquish their land, leading to intense confrontations.

Key Quote:

"Maggie, our own, we'll turn it into an Eden for all of us."
— Mr. Worms [05:05]

Despite Maggie's resistance and the family's steadfast efforts to prove their claim, Mr. Worms resorts to intimidation to seize their land, culminating in the tragic downfall of the Sergeants.

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Tragedy Strikes: The Sergeants' Downfall

The episode reaches its emotional peak as Mr. Worms and his cohorts execute a brutal takeover of the Sergeants' homestead. John is forcefully ousted, and the family's dreams crumble before their eyes. The once hopeful journey morphs into a nightmare of loss and despair.

Key Quote:

"Mr. Worms, you've ruined my crop."
— John [54:38]

The violence inflicted upon the Sergeants mirrors the harsh realities faced by many settlers during westward expansion, highlighting themes of greed, betrayal, and the fragility of the American Dream.

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Struggling After the Loss: Life in Ruins

In the aftermath, Maggie, Jeremy, and Sarah grapple with the loss of their home and future. Struggling to survive without John's support, they face the harsh Nebraska environment with dwindling resources and shattered hopes. The community's response is merciful yet insufficient, leaving the family to fend for themselves.

Key Quote:

"All our tomorrows will be busy days."
— Maggie [72:51]

The Sergeants' resilience is tested as they attempt to rebuild their lives from the ashes of their former existence, embodying the enduring spirit of pioneers.

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Conclusion: Reflection on Westward Expansion

The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on the perils of ambition and the cost of progress. The Sergeants' journey serves as a narrative microcosm of the broader historical context of American expansion, illustrating both the allure and the devastation it brought to countless families.

Key Quote:

"John dreamt of a pro land. Now that is ours."
— Maggie [70:22]

Through its engaging storytelling and authentic character portrayals, "Woman Pioneer" offers listeners a heartfelt exploration of courage, loss, and the relentless pursuit of a better life on the American frontier.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "We're going to Nebraska." — Maggie [02:45]
• "The trip seems endless. The ride is uncomfortable and dirty." — Maggie [05:55]
• "Maggie, our own, we'll turn it into an Eden for all of us." — Mr. Worms [05:05]
• "Mr. Worms, you've ruined my crop." — John [54:38]
• "All our tomorrows will be busy days." — Maggie [72:51]

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This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully encapsulates the trials and tribulations of pioneer life, offering a gripping and emotionally charged narrative that resonates with the enduring human spirit.

Transcript

[Dennis Black]

With New Year's resolutions, many of us will make a vow to eat healthier. And that's a good thing. But what about our beloved pup and their nutrition? Greetings. I'm naturopathic doctor Dennis Black, and at ruffgreens, we're on a mission to provide better nutrition for dogs. Because, truthfully, all dog food is dead food, which is why we created ruffgreens in the first place. We bring their dead food back to life with live vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, omega oils, antioxidants, and so much more.

[Maggie]

All.

[Dennis Black]

All with our tasty formula that dogs love, you can improve your dog's coat digestion and energy and have less vet bills. In 2025, bring in a new year and a new pet. Get a Jumpstart trial bag. Normally $20. Get 100% discount with promo code Ruff. You just cover the shipping. Bring your dog's food back to life. Get your free Jumpstart trial bag. Go to ruffgreens.com use promo code RUFF. So good, your dog will ask for it by name.

[Ruff Greens]

Ruff Greens.

[John]

March 10, 1867. The events of this day have been extraordinary, indeed almost frightening. I had expected to live out the rest of my days here in Indiana. Here, where I was born, was married and gave birth to my two children. But within the week, I will never again be able to call Huntingbird my home. It seemed like any other day, most of the day through, until late this afternoon. Jeremy was at school, as was Sarah. And then our lives were overturned. Strange are the ways of men. John and I have been man and wife for some 13 years now. Yet in matters of importance, he consults me no more than he does the children. And today, once again, he made this incomprehensible decision no differently. He hadn't a thought for my wishes. I'd intended to tell John tonight of my condition, my mind being fixed on this happiest of circumstances. I was pulling from the basket the things saved as Sarah outgrew them.

[Maggie]

Oh, there.

[Sarah]

Oh, there, there, there.

[Maggie]

Jeremy.

[John]

Come on in. Maggie.

[Maggie]

Maggie. We're going to Nebraska.

[Jeremy]

Where's Nebraska?

[Mr. Worms]

There's a man in town from the Union Pacific Railroad. He's selling land for homesteading. Good land, the finest. No need to clear it. And rich for the planting.

[Jeremy]

Where's Nebraska?

[Mr. Worms]

And? And I bought it. A whole 80 acres per minute at only $4 an acre.

[Jeremy]

Where is Nebraska? My geography book says it's in the middle of the great American desert.

[Maggie]

Nonsense.

[Mr. Worms]

It's out west on the prairie.

[Sarah]

Out west?

[Jeremy]

Where The Indians are, uh.

[Mr. Worms]

Huh. And I've made plans, Maggie. We'll take the trail. They've laid track to grand island. And we can outfit a wagon for settlement there. Our land stretches from here to here to here to here.

[John]

John, are you serious? But of course. Mr. Colfax promised to make the store over to you. You can't mean to give that up.

[Mr. Worms]

Mr. Colfax gives hints, not promises.

[John]

John, you. You haven't handled a plow since you were a boy on your father's farm.

[Mr. Worms]

Don't you worry about that, Maggie.

[John]

What about the children's schooling?

[Maggie]

There will be the railroad's building whole.

[Mr. Worms]

New towns for settlers.

[John]

But what of all our things? The furniture?

[Maggie]

Well, we'll sell it, of course.

[Mr. Worms]

It's our money in the bank for everything we need.

[John]

But this is our home. I don't want to go anyplace else.

[Mr. Worms]

Maggie, how did you grow up and see things as they are? Or a clerk in a drugstore living in a house I don't own? This is my chance. A man must have land. It's his only surety. And I'll never have enough money to buy land here in Indiana.

[Sarah]

Land.

[Mr. Worms]

Our own, Maggie. We'll turn it into an Eden for all of us. I best be going. We'll leave him weak. The children can miss the school year.

[Sarah]

No more school. No more school. I gotta go talk, Betty.

[Mr. Worms]

I want to get a crop in, so the sooner we leave, the better.

[Jeremy]

He won't be here for the maypole dance. But Clarissa and I have worked out our steps and everything. It seems to me if somebody's gonna do something for somebody else, they ought to ask him first. Now I won't get my new dress.

[John]

John will be much angered that I didn't tell him of the baby. But I can't tell him no. But am I so childish not to want to go off into the wilderness? Why? Why must we go? How am I to ride in a wagon over rough roads carrying our child? A thought has just occurred. What if there are no roads, rough or Otherwise, in Nebraska? March 27. Is it barely one week since we left home. The trip seems endless. The ride is uncomfortable and dirty. Though I ought not to complain, for all of us seem to be thriving, even my secret companions. We have changed trains often, and, of course, I've brought too much with us. John would be angry with me were it not for the fact that so much else delights him. Privacy has been unattainable. We share intimacy with the most peculiar fellow passengers. Jeremy, what are you scratching At. Come here. Let me see.

[Sarah]

Mama.

[Jeremy]

Not in front of everybody. Oh.

[John]

Oh, John.

[Sarah]

It's good.

[John]

Paul. Jeremy was harboring a louse.

[Mr. Worms]

Maggie, did you see the buffalo out there?

[John]

Just before dark. To the left.

[Mr. Worms]

Hundreds of them. Oh, Maggie, Maggie.

[Ruff Greens]

It's all so fine.

[John]

April 2nd. We are two days on the trail. Now the railroad reached the end of the line in mid Nebraska, and there we joined Captain Symington's wagon train. John has equipped us with everything for our new life. We even have a cow. The children have named her Jupiter. John meets every challenge with pleasure. But too often, I fail at my new tasks. Oh, how I do long for the sight of a tree. John.

[Mr. Worms]

Go for a hole. Take the reins for a while. I want to stretch my legs.

[John]

Me try.

[Mr. Worms]

You got to learn sometimes.

[John]

Oh, John, no. Oh, come on. What? I have a surprise for you. Do you know what I packed around the china? That special nudity for your dress.

[Jeremy]

Oh, Mama, really? But Papa had to pack all the important things.

[John]

Well, your new dress is anyway. I bet I packed away a lot of things that your papa doesn't think are important. One can get used to things.

[Dennis Black]

With New Year's resolutions. Many of us will make a vow to eat healthier. And that's a good thing. But what about our beloved pup and their nutrition? Greetings. I'm naturopathic doctor Dennis Black, and at Ruff Greens, we're on a mission to provide better nutrition for dogs. Because truthfully, all dog food is dead food. Which is why we created Ruff Greens in the first place. We bring their dead food back to life with live vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, omega oils, antioxidants and so much more. All with our tasty formula that dogs love. You can improve your dog's coat, digestion and energy and have less vet bills. In 2025, bring in a new year and a new pet. Get a Jumpstart trial bag. Normally $20. Get 100% discount with promo code Ruff. You just cover the shipping. Bring your dog's food back to life. Get your free Jumpstart trial bag. Go to ruffgreens.com use promo code ruff. So good your dog will ask for it by name.

[Ruff Greens]

Ruffgreens.

[Mr. Douglas]

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[John]

While Jeremy and John cajole the oxen to their yoke, it is I who hitch them up. But fueling a cook fire with buffalo chips is one thing I'll never get used to. It does seem an unpalatable method of cooking food. The buffalo are everywhere, so we are rarely without meat or fuel either. So numerous of the herds, the men have hardly to leave the trail in order to shoot. And even I have come to relish its taste. Did I ever really have a clean shed of my own? With palm flows dying seems like a dream. There's so much of our old life. April 21st. Tomorrow we shall leave the wagon train. After 21 days on the trail, we go our own way. I find I rue less and less this great adventure, as John calls it. For as never before, he is turning to me in the sharing of it. It is Jeremy's deepest wish that we will reach our own land on his birthday.

[Ruff Greens]

Maggie.

[Mr. Worms]

Be done with it.

[John]

Good. April 23rd. Yesterday morning, as the wagon continued for Oregon, we turn southwest through this vast empty land ocean. All the bouncing and shaking I and my precious burden have gone. These past weeks seems to have done neither of us harm. John calculates we should now be in reach of our own land. Oh, how good it will be to end this journey. To be in the land of our promise.

[Jeremy]

Mama, will people already be there?

[John]

Oh, Sarah, you've asked me that over and over again. You know what your papa says. The railroad's gonna build a town. And in school.

[Jeremy]

That isn't why I'm asking this time. It's that awful hat, Mama. Do you have to wear it today, Sarah?

[John]

It's a copper's army hat. Anyway, haven't you noticed the look on the faces of the women? The homesteads we've passed? They're all weathered and hard. Am I going to look like that, Sarah? In one year or two.

[Maggie]

We're here.

[John]

We're here.

[Maggie]

Welcome. I'll do. How do?

[Mr. Worms]

My name is John Sergeant. This is the Seymour settlement. And it seemed likely us four brothers were all Seymours from back in Iowa.

[John]

Nice to see you. I'm so glad to see you. I'm Mrs. Se and Maggie Sargent. And these are my three daughters.

[Mr. Worms]

This is my son, Jeremy. Welcome to you, John. We don't get many folk passing through here and the women do need for some new gossip.

[Jeremy]

It's my birthday.

[Mr. Worms]

Isn't that a Fine thing. Surely is. You'll be staying the night? We'll make the room. Oh, that's very kind of you. We hope to spend the night on our own place. Oh, where would that be? Well, it's supposed to be east of that ground Spring over there. Those fields are all cultivated. That could be east. Says on the map. Anyway. The Union Pacific supplied me with this map when I bought the 80 acres.

[John]

John.

[Mr. Worms]

Sarah, the deed is in the trunk. Go get it. Looks to me like you've been had by that railroad, mister. There ain't no land for sale around here. Never has been, never will be. Me and my brothers, we got plans for this land. I paid the railroad and I've got the deed to show for it. Maggie, get in the wagon. Take the children with you and come back here. It is my deed. We can pace the land out if you like. It's all marked down.

[Ruff Greens]

Claim jumpers.

[Maggie]

You ain't jumping no claim here, mister. We've been proving up on this land for seven years.

[John]

John. Maybe we'll go to the railroad.

[Mr. Worms]

If you have a rightful deed, show it to us.

[John]

Told you and told you. Jordan, Go to Julesburg and.

[Ruff Greens]

Hush up, Trudy.

[Mr. Worms]

You've never registered your claim. And you never shut up that claim.

[Ruff Greens]

It don't matter.

[Maggie]

Our claim is the seven years of backbreaking, sawdusting, oil we put in here.

[Mr. Worms]

I put all my money in this land, all my savings.

[Ruff Greens]

Why, you're not west of here in.

[Mr. Worms]

Wyoming, there's homestead land of plenty. Now, you best sign that deed over to us. No. This is my land. Don't claim it.

[Maggie]

He'd change his mind if we dunked.

[Mr. Worms]

Him in the hole.

[John]

John, for the love of heaven, do what they ask.

[Mr. Worms]

We don't want no trouble, mister, no more than you do. No.

[Sarah]

John. John. Papa. Papa. Papa. Leave. Leave him be. We'll go. Please, leave him be.

[Jeremy]

We'll go.

[Sarah]

No, please don't.

[Mr. Worms]

You bet. Not a sign, Mr. Sugar. No.

[Maggie]

No.

[Sarah]

Please, John. No. No. Please, John.

[John]

Let's go.

[Mr. Worms]

As Henry says you will.

[Maggie]

And better now than later.

[Sarah]

No. John.

[Ruff Greens]

Look.

[John]

My baby. All right.

[Sarah]

Oh, my.

[Jeremy]

Are you all right?

[John]

William.

[Mr. Worms]

William, I've done a terrible thing.

[John]

A woman back there, she's aborting a baby.

[Mr. Worms]

William.

[John]

And I, not him.

[Maggie]

What are you going to do, Harry? We don't need a corpse.

[John]

I didn't.

[Dennis Black]

With New Year's resolutions, many of us will make a vow to eat healthier. And that's a good thing. But what about our beloved pup and their nutrition? Greetings. I'm Naturopathic doctor Dennis Black. And at Ruff Greens, we're on a mission to provide better nutrition for dogs. Because, truthfully, all dog food is dead food, which is why we created ruffgreens in the first place. We bring their dead food back to life with live vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, omega oils, antioxidants, and so much more. All with our tasty formula that dogs love. You can improve your dog's coat digestion and energy and have less vet bills. In 2025, bring in a new year and a new pet. Get a Jumpstart trial bag. Normally $20. Get 100% discount with promo code Ruff. You just cover the shipping. Bring your dog's food back to life. Get your free Jumpstart trial bag. Go to ruffgreens.com use promo code RUFFLE. So good your dog will ask for it by name.

[Ruff Greens]

Ruff Greens.

[Jeremy]

No, mister, we. None of us. We didn't know.

[Mr. Worms]

You ready to sign a quit claim? Oh, my God, yes. Anything you want. Just let me go.

[Sarah]

Sa.

[Mr. Worms]

How do you feel?

[John]

I feel fine. Truly, I. I keep thinking how fearful I was of Indians. Look at our own kind. Thank you for bringing me away so quickly, John. A dreadful place.

[Mr. Worms]

We must talk, Maggie. Decide what to do. I want to know how you feel about it. We could go back to the railhead. Make a complaint against those people. But that could be a long affair. I did sign that quit claim. We could move on west. There's land. A homestead in Wyoming. Not as good land as here, but some rope. Well.

[John]

We could go home, John.

[Mr. Worms]

If.

[Ruff Greens]

You want.

[Mr. Worms]

If I hadn't been so stubborn, You.

[John]

John, could have been.

[Mr. Worms]

Your life, Sarah's, Jeremy's. The land. The land belonging to me. It's overburdened me with pride.

[John]

We must go to Wyoming. Of course. A quarter section. That's 160 acres, John. Can you farm that much land?

[Maggie]

Maybe not this year.

[Sarah]

Would you just watch me?

[Ruff Greens]

I'll go check the stock.

[Mr. Worms]

Then I'll come back then.

[John]

April 29th. The sun sets before us again and again. But we've yet to reach Wyoming. I do feel stronger with each day that pass. And I try not to think of what we left behind in the mirror. Though it is hard, John set some stones to mark the place for me. But I want never to return there.

[Mr. Worms]

I'll inquire in here.

[John]

Please take care. If anyone seems not to welcome us, it's best to go on.

[Jeremy]

Papa, find me some pink ribbon. Papa.

[John]

Sarah. Papa's worried about money.

[Sarah]

Now.

[John]

What you want Ribbon for anyway.

[Jeremy]

I wanted to tie a bow on it. I made them for you, mom, for your hat.

[John]

Oh, it's beautiful. Put it on.

[Jeremy]

They're kind of wilted now. I picked them this morning. Fix them, too.

[John]

And you? I haven't forgotten. Jeremy, I owe you a birthday cake. There. How do I look?

[Jeremy]

It helps, I guess.

[John]

You need your hat. Put this on.

[Mr. Worms]

Maggie. There's a man in sight named Worms.

[Ruff Greens]

There's.

[Mr. Worms]

He says there's a quarter section above his place. And, Maggie, he wants us to settle there.

[Maggie]

Ms. Sergeant, how do? I was telling your husband this acreage just to the north of me, it's pretty good land. Most as good as mine. Same creek running through and all. Fox Branch, I mean. If the Mr. Would like to have a look at it. I'll ride along, show you the way. My, oh, my, some halls. Listen, we've been looking for folks to set in the harvest work.

[John]

Ma'am.

[Maggie]

It don't seem right you're walking and me sitting up here.

[John]

Oh, no, no, Mr. Worms. I like the exercise.

[Maggie]

My Mrs. Will sure be happy to have a new neighbor.

[Mr. Worms]

Ma'am.

[Maggie]

Mrs. Hall. They live down below us. Like I said before, she's a fine woman. But them nine kids of hers keep her pretty much to home. That'd be Robert Douglas. He runs cattle hereabouts. Good man. How do, Douglas? How do, Douglas?

[Ruff Greens]

Good day to you.

[Maggie]

This here fine family are the sergeants. Mrs. Sergeant. Mr. Sergeant. This here is Mr. Robert Douglas. They're going to homestead the quarter section just to the north of me. Mr. Sergeant's a sod buster like me.

[Ruff Greens]

The rain's pretty sparse out here, Mr. Sergeant. The elevator's above 5,000ft. You might do better farming back in Nebraska.

[Mr. Worms]

We're here to stay, Mr. Douglas.

[Ruff Greens]

Back to you, man.

[Dennis Black]

With New Year's resolutions. Many of us will make a vow to eat healthier, and that's a good thing. But what about our beloved pup and their nutrition? Greetings. I'm naturopathic doctor Dennis Black, and at ruffgreens, we're on a mission to provide better nutrition for dogs. Because, truthfully, all dog food is dead food. Which is why we created ruffgreens in the first place. We bring their dead food back to life with live vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, omega oils, antioxidants and so much more. All with our tasty formula that dogs love. You can improve your dog's coat, digestion and energy and have less vet bills in 2025. Bring in a new year and a new pet. Get A Jumpstart trial bag. Normally $20. Get 100% discount with promo code Ruff. You just cover the shipping. Bring your dog's food back to life. Get your free Jumpstart trial bag. Go to ruffgreens.com. use promo code RUFF. So good your dog will ask for it by name.

[Ruff Greens]

Ruff Greens.

[Maggie]

Now, don't you pay him no never mind, John. Them cattlemen, see, they want to hog all this and growing land for the.

[John]

Guess I'll ride for a while.

[Maggie]

We're almost there now. If you pull up, I'll leave you.

[Mr. Worms]

All right.

[Sarah]

Oh.

[Maggie]

A man ought to have some peace and quiet when spying out his land. And like the missus always says, I talk too much. You'll see Fox branch right over that rise. Not in my weed. Right that way, if I was you.

[Mr. Worms]

Thank you, Mr. Word.

[Maggie]

You will miss Sergeant, ma'am.

[Mr. Worms]

Well, what are we waiting for?

[Sarah]

Sa tree.

[Ruff Greens]

Jeremy, you'll turn an ankle.

[John]

Oh, let them see.

[Mr. Worms]

Those trees will make fine timber for a house. Don't you think, Maggie?

[John]

We'll have a sod house and beach with it. John.

[Mr. Worms]

Star trees will stand and be shaped for you. I swear.

[John]

May 4th. Our first day here. John was so impatient and eager, he left the unloading and went to his field to begin breaking sod.

[Maggie]

Come on.

[John]

Come on.

[Ruff Greens]

Come on.

[Mr. Worms]

Come on, Steve.

[Maggie]

Come on, Mike.

[Ruff Greens]

Come on.

[Mr. Worms]

Drive the team. I'll need both hands to force the plow.

[John]

What do you want with Ju?

[Mr. Worms]

Team can't do it. They kill the plow through the lot. Without a horse, I have to use a cow.

[John]

Sean.

[Maggie]

She'll go drop, then she'll go dry.

[Mr. Worms]

Here, driver, when I say go, take them. Maybe you can use this.

[Maggie]

All right, all together now. Go.

[Sarah]

Go.

[John]

Hey.

[Sarah]

Whoa.

[John]

Hi.

[Jeremy]

Annoyed? Almost everything except the stove. It's too heavy. When are you gonna eat.

[John]

John? It is almost noon.

[Maggie]

Yeah. We're gonna plow.

[Mr. Worms]

An acre a day. Almost as good as my father used to do. And I won't be nearly as hard next year.

[John]

Harry Potter on the knock.

[Mr. Worms]

Sarah, after you leave, run up to the team. Jeremy gone. You can do it. They can.

[John]

Here. Ty and sample Jupiter. We'll make her call.

[Mr. Worms]

I'll hit the T. You two.

[John]

Eddy wagon back to the field. And he began cutting and loading the bricks of turned up sod for our house. May never stops. He spent several nights leveling a floor. And tonight he started laying the walls. I have never known a man to work so hard. It must be after midnight. John, please stop. Please.

[Mr. Worms]

I thought you were in Bed.

[John]

I was. Why must you push yourself so well together? You're too tired. We scarcely exchange a word anymore and then you're gone again.

[Mr. Worms]

Go to bed, Mike. I must file a claim on this place as soon as I can. I mustn't lose this place too. And I won't leave until you're under roof.

[Ruff Greens]

Maggie.

[Mr. Worms]

Let me be.

[John]

May 12th. We had our first company today. Mr. And Mrs. Wormser came calling while he went to the plough to see John. Philippa and I visited. She is just beginning to show with child.

[Sarah]

Oh my.

[John]

That is such lovely china. Thank you. However did you dare to bring it with you? Well, I just flat refused to leave it behind. John bought me a gun. Only one broker.

[Maggie]

Come on, Bulba. Almost mental.

[John]

Don't do anything foolish. Don't forget yourself and do anything foolish. The baby matters too much. I'll be over sometimes and we'll Talk some more. May 18. We have plowed and sown and harrowed in these ouch weeks. And John almost alone has built our house. But today Mr. Wormser and Mr. Hall are here to help with the roofing. And then tomorrow John is bound for Cheyenne to file our claim. Though he spares us all he can. He will not spare him. I am an ingrate to resent it. My hope is that when he returns there'll be more time for us. He is truly the best of men. I'm just about to ice Jeremy's birthday cakes. It's a little overdue but you gentlemen stand out with us. It would make a lovely party for Jeremy if you could. They'll be back from fishing anytime now.

[Maggie]

A cake out. Nothing I like better than ancient cake.

[John]

I put in some antitrust and some bread too.

[Ruff Greens]

Good.

[Mr. Worms]

Remember, if it rains, you and the children will have to cultivate.

[Maggie]

Otherwise the water will go right back.

[Mr. Worms]

Up in the sky again.

[John]

John, you get yourself a good meal and Cheyenne.

[Mr. Worms]

Yes, yes, yes.

[John]

We'll miss you. It.

[Mr. Worms]

My little Maggie. So often I've said Grow up Maggie. And all along. All along you already about six days. You'll be fine.

[John]

Will papa be surprised when she gets back? Lettuce, beans, potatoes and beets. Look how they're coming to life already. Oh please. Rain. Well, we'll just have to. Water and water.

[Sarah]

Going to rain.

[Jeremy]

Get everything inside quickly.

[John]

Quickly. Inside children. Come on, hurry up. Rain.

[Sarah]

Mama, the roof is leaking.

[John]

Get the thought quick.

[Sarah]

It.

[Ruff Greens]

Go get Joe Worms there and his wife.

[Jeremy]

It's a nanny batting away here.

[Ruff Greens]

Mr. Sergeant.

[John]

Mr. Douglas, isn't it?

[Ruff Greens]

And I think you better send the children? Inside.

[John]

Hatherland. Is something wrong, Mr. Douglas?

[Ruff Greens]

We were down in one of the arroyos looking for some cattle that strayed during the rain. We found them in front of a warshot. He must have gotten caught in a flash flood.

[Jeremy]

No, you're wrong.

[John]

It can't be. It's not John. It's not John.

[Jeremy]

It can't be.

[Sarah]

John. Oh, God.

[John]

Oh, John.

[Sarah]

Oh, no.

[John]

Oh, God. May 26th. Today, more than ever, I feel myself an alien here. Everyone meant to be kind. But it did hurt me that there was no minister to speak for John. Care the lonely less in the world.

[Maggie]

John must have served in the war.

[Mr. Worms]

Did he?

[Maggie]

Mrs. Sergeant? They've taken those years off the five needed to prove up. This place will be yours free and clear in a year and a half.

[John]

You think we're going to stay here without my husband? We're going home. This was all. John never said we'd come through it all. But how old will we? We need money to join a wagon train and for railroad tickets.

[Jeremy]

He left us the house, Mama. And the wheat and land Mama.

[John]

Stole. You wouldn't want to buy my milking cow? Which you, Mr. Worms? I'll sell you my wheat right now. All of it.

[Ruff Greens]

None of us got any money to spend this time of year. We're all living on the promise of autumn.

[Mr. Worms]

What else?

[Jeremy]

Don't cry, Mama, please. We'll be fine. You'll see. We'll be fine.

[John]

I cannot sleep. I'm too fit. I never did understand why we had to come. And now without John to stay, seems a hopeless plight. Two children and a woman alone. I want to go home.

[Mr. Worms]

Papa.

[John]

John.

[Sarah]

Papa's Papa. Papa. Papa. Where's Papa? No. Papa. Papa.

[John]

Come on, baby.

[Jeremy]

Mama. It'd be proper to ask Mr. Wormster next time he shoots a game to get some for us.

[John]

He has enough trouble looking after his own, Sarah, let alone us.

[Jeremy]

Yes, ma'am.

[John]

Okay, that's fine. Jeremy, there were lots of times you Papa loaded his firearm, weren't there?

[Jeremy]

Yes, ma'am.

[John]

Well, maybe together you and I could figure out how to do it.

[Jeremy]

One thing I did say, though. If you put in too much power, it blows up. I guess we're still using a little too much. Mama.

[John]

It.

[Jeremy]

Why don't you try a little closer?

[Sarah]

You hit it.

[Jeremy]

You hit it.

[John]

Tomorrow, Jeremy, you and I are going to get us some meat for supper.

[Jeremy]

Look what I found in the creek. There are lots and lots of them in the dirt up there. Sarah, did you get anything?

[John]

No.

[Jeremy]

Didn't you even see Anything?

[John]

Well, I saw chukars, antelopes, rabbits. I couldn't get close enough to hit any of them.

[Sarah]

Look.

[Jeremy]

Aren't they funny?

[John]

They're fossils. Sarah, did you catch us some fish for supper?

[Jeremy]

But they wear like stones. Did they all have names, Mama?

[John]

I don't know.

[Jeremy]

Can I make a collection? Can I?

[John]

Sarah, I came back to show Clarissa. Didn't you even try to catch some fish?

[Jeremy]

I forgot. Anyway, who likes fish?

[John]

Oh, Sarah, I'm sorry.

[Jeremy]

Mama.

[Sarah]

Mama.

[John]

Mama. Jeremy, for heaven's sake. What is it?

[Sarah]

Come quick. Oh, no.

[Jeremy]

The wheat.

[Sarah]

Oh. Shoo. Get out. Shoo. Shoo.

[Ruff Greens]

Shoo.

[Sarah]

Shoo.

[John]

Get out of the way, children.

[Jeremy]

Don't miss this time. Mama.

[Sarah]

Shoot. Shoot.

[Ruff Greens]

That's our cow you shot.

[John]

Your cow was ruining my crop.

[Ruff Greens]

That's apt to happen when you farm open range. I'd drag him out. Jake. How you along, Mr. Sergeant?

[John]

Well enough, thank you.

[Ruff Greens]

Pretty tough life for a woman without a man.

[John]

It's a hard life, Mr. Douglas. With or without a man.

[Ruff Greens]

Good day. J.

[John]

Of all the patronizing people.

[Jeremy]

Did you see him work that rope? I suppose we're going to have to have fish for supper again. There isn't any fish. There isn't any fish.

[John]

Sarah, put your stones down and eat your supper. They're fossils.

[Jeremy]

That's what you said. Right? My molasses. Papa said he was going to put up muslin for the ceiling. Why don't we use the tent?

[John]

Because we need the canvas for the wagon to go home in.

[Jeremy]

Well, I don't have to go back to Indiana anyway. I want to stay here and be a cowboy. I don't want to go back either, especially.

[John]

What about all your friends? Clarissa?

[Jeremy]

Clarissa's dumb. Sarah's sergeant, she is, Mama. What does she know about fossils? I bet she doesn't even know how to milk a cow. Mama, how much money is the week gonna bring? I mean. Well, after we get back to Indiana, how are we gonna live?

[John]

Your grandparents work at.

[Jeremy]

Suppose for somebody. Doing what? Mama, Anna's always telling me to write my shoes outside, even if I'm not wearing any.

[John]

Look, we're going back to Indiana just as soon as the wheat is harvested and sold. Going back to family, friends. And your schooling. I don't want to hear any more about it. For heaven's sake, Sarah, hush. Jeremy, get rid of that thing.

[Sarah]

Tony.

[Jeremy]

Pompeii, Mama. He wouldn't hurt anything and he keeps down the mice. Jeremy, don't you dare.

[John]

Jeremy. False jenny. Get it out of here. Char. Douglas.

[Mr. Worms]

Damage done.

[Sarah]

Wait. Look.

[John]

Meat on the table some of the time. June 17th. The garden has an endless thirst. Thank heaven the wheat is hardier or we'd empty fox branch dry. But I am glad to be tired night and to fall quickly asleep. July 9th. Today I shot a rabbit. Oh, I felt so triumphant until Mr. Douglas rode up. He of course had shot a large fat antelope.

[Ruff Greens]

You're looking very well, Mrs. Sergeant.

[John]

You're kind, sir.

[Ruff Greens]

Hey, Mr. Sergeant. You put your foot in here, I'll help you up and give you a ride home.

[John]

So it was that Mr. Douglas brought me home tonight. You were asleep, I thought. But they luckier than I. At least they have their men. What matter if in Indiana? Here I am, alone and lonely. Looking at myself, I wonder how Mr. Douglas sees me. I think perhaps if we were not going back to Indiana, I would make myself a new bonnet. July 30th or more weeks. Just the we call.

[Jeremy]

It's busy.

[John]

14Th. Tomorrow morning begins. We shall start at Hall's farm, thence to worms's, thence here. For we planted last. Immediately after threshing we will leave for Indiana. Mama.

[Mr. Worms]

Mama.

[Sarah]

What is this? Jerry. Hey, look.

[John]

Oh my. My God.

[Maggie]

Ain't Mr. Douglas here yet? He set down for Slim and his boys too. Douglas figured we can make a stand here. Save the house maybe.

[John]

Make a stand? What for?

[Maggie]

That's a rip roaring Deathbringer Prairie fire, Mrs. Sergeant. And like usual the wind's blowing right this way. Now get aboard. Douglas wants to form up down at your house. Hang on. Cause we going to go. Okay, Jenny, let's go. Jack. Yeah.

[Ruff Greens]

Hang on, Ty.

[John]

Hang on.

[Sarah]

What about the team?

[John]

Let them free.

[Maggie]

They'll run ahead of the fire. Don't you worry.

[Ruff Greens]

It's moving fast. But with the wind shop we kept it from getting any wider. Looks like it's going to top on that ridge back there. So that's where we cut the brightness. Starts to backfire. Let's go.

[John]

Backfire.

[Ruff Greens]

That way. Mrs. Sergeant, we may be able to save some of your field.

[John]

No, that's John's wheat. If you want to save range down valley, you burn off range above here. But not our wheat.

[Ruff Greens]

Mr. Sergeant. I don't need that range down valley. I can drive my herd over the divide and winter on the crow.

[Maggie]

It's the only way, Mr. Sergeant. This whole valley could go.

[John]

If this were your homestead, Mr. Hall. Would you be so eager then, ma'am, try and understand.

[Ruff Greens]

Well, for God's sake.

[Maggie]

Worms of war wasting time. Go find her, pal.

[Ruff Greens]

Tell me you fell. Get.

[Maggie]

Get some blankets.

[Ruff Greens]

Get some Cheeks, wet them.

[Maggie]

Get those horses. Doug says the truth of it, he doesn't need that range. But we need his help and yours, or we're.

[Mr. Worms]

All right.

[Ruff Greens]

Get that beam out of here. That's all the time we got.

[John]

Oh, Sarah, darling, not your blue dimity.

[Jeremy]

Is this needed?

[Sarah]

Come on, hurry up. You get out of there. Hurry up.

[Mr. Worms]

Come help in, Mr. Douglas.

[Ruff Greens]

All right, the line. Make sure it's clean. All right, let's start spreading the coal oil. Come on, grab a bucket. Spread that coal out.

[John]

Let's go over here.

[Maggie]

Grab a bucket.

[Ruff Greens]

Let's spread that cola.

[John]

Come on, grab a bucket.

[Ruff Greens]

Yeah, I'll take that.

[John]

I'll take it. Behind you.

[Maggie]

There goes another hard body. We need more men overhead, more quickly. Let's not go fire down. Let's spread the ruin.

[Sarah]

It's.

[Mr. Worms]

It's working.

[Ruff Greens]

It's working. Looks like you're gonna have a good crop in spite of it, Mrs.

[Sarah]

Sergeant.

[John]

Oh, that'll do it.

[Jeremy]

Be about the same as what we brought with us from Nebraska. Good seaweed, Papa would call it. Mama, I could help slow it. Next year I'd be big enough. Papa would be proud of us, I think.

[John]

Let's go to town.

[Ruff Greens]

Hey, sergeant.

[John]

Good day, Mr. Douglas.

[Ruff Greens]

Just wanted to say goodbye and good luck.

[John]

Well, thank you for the good luck, but no need to say goodbye unless you're going away.

[Sarah]

Mama, Mama.

[Jeremy]

Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Douglas were staying. We're staying in Wyoming. And Mama bought some smoked pork and bacon and butter and fresh eggs.

[John]

Come on, you two, in the wagon.

[Ruff Greens]

I don't suppose you'd like to put that money into cattle? On your stock with mine. You'd be welcome. We'd go shares at the market.

[Jeremy]

Then we'd be raptors yet to be.

[John]

Jeremy. Your papa saw his land in wheat. You'll get to the cowboy anyway. Inevitable. I see my landing week, too, don't you? Douglas, I thank you.

[Ruff Greens]

What happens if there's a drought next year? Maybe.

[John]

Don't believe in borrowing, Mr. Douglas. Not money nor trouble.

[Ruff Greens]

Yes, ma'am.

[John]

Mr. Douglas. They say there'll be rails for fencing when the Union Pacific goes through. Well, until then, you best keep a sharp eye on your stock. Either that or you're welcome to come share a roasted beef with us some evening. Yep. August 21, 1867. Today, once again, our lives have been overturned. This time by me. I have made an amazing decision. My head is full of plans. Whitewash for the inside of the house. Our cow must be freshened to give us milk again. And soon I will talk to Philippa and Mrs. Hall about writing east for a teacher. Big Pines must have a school and a church, too. John dreamt of a pro land. Now that is ours. For I know an end. No more tomorrow. All our tomorrows will be busy days.

[Sarah]

Ra.