"The cuffs go on and above my head to wrap around the couch. I am lying down trying to process what on earth I am getting myself into. I really hope f...r the love of all things right I don't get punished in a bad way. Leah had a truly filthy mind, and I was potentially getting myself into a scary situation. Thong still in my mouth, tied up like a hog, and no clothes in site. What if her mom came down? I would then sure have some explaining to do. To the police because im sure I would be royally. You’re right. And thank you.”“Wait till you see the insurance you’ll be paying!” They both laughed.“I’d like to leave very early on the second.”“Early?”“I thought I’d go the longer way, north and then west. I’ll try to overnight around Biloela. Up the Burnett. That’s over 400 miles.”“And the road’ll be sloppy.”“But only 300 more the next day.”“Don’t drive too fast. Don’t be overconfident.”Richard bought gifts for his parents as well as for Janey and the baby; some work clothes, new boots, socks. Why would anyone take the trouble to bring a harpsichord all the way from Missouri to Oregon? This was in the Simeroth wagon. And why did Claire bring a small church bell? (This came from our wagon and I didn't even know it was there! Where do they put these things?) There were chairs, tables, chests, and other miscellaneous furniture as well as the more mundane farming and ranching equipment. One man had an anvil and most of a small blacksmith shop in his wagon. He was looking for someone to. Betsy remembered acting stupid at the time but now she laughed at it. As was her custom, she volunteered to go with the man if it meant he would leave Thomas and Phil alone. She remembered thinking the man was going to beat the shit out of her friends because of her, so the only sane thing she could do was go with the man. The last thing she remembered was Thomas letting go of her hand, as a gesture that he was willing to let her go.When she turned her back to take the mountain man's hand, the.