Fort Laramie Read Online Free PDF Page A

sometimes double as another soldier.
    "I hope I get to do something exciting," Julie said.
    Carrie shrugged, fiddling with her jacket zipper.
    "Like, maybe I could be the wrangler, and ride horses off into the sunset every night," Julie continued, grinning impishly. She was treated to another indifferent shrug. "Maybe we'll both take a rocket to the moon - Carrie! You aren't even pretending to listen to me. What's wrong now?"
    Carrie sat up straighter, tossing her tangled main over her shoulder. "Nothing," she said. "Everything. I'm nervous. Okay? I've never done anything like this before. It's all a bit much - going so far away, away from everyone I know, for a whole summer. Camping with a bunch of boys. Working without air conditioning. What if I hate it?"
    "I forget that you're actually from here," Julie added. "Haven't you ever gone anywhere before?"
    "Sure I have. But always with Mom and Dad. I know that sounds pathetic to a world-traveler like you, but the farthest I've ever been from home before was Girl Scout camp. And that was only three hours away. This is four states away! And we committed to the whole summer. Twelve weeks. What if I'm miserable?"
    "Then at least you'll have me for company," Julie said cheerfully. "Now pay attention - looks like things are about to begin."
    Julie was right, as Tom McKay called for everyone's attention. His voice was deep and confident, easy to listen to. Carrie felt something shiver down her spine. Yes, he was definitely dangerous. She could picture herself with someone like him so easily! Why did she have to meet him now? Why couldn't he just go away and come back in a few years? After she'd lived a little - maybe did some traveling, met new people, had some fun?
    He turned his gaze on her directly, as if he knew she hadn't been paying attention. She squirmed, hoping she wasn't blushing, but her cheeks felt too warm for that to be true.
    "Originally called Fort William, it was purchased by the American Fur Company and the name changed to Fort John," Tom continued.
    Carrie saw Julie write it down, as though they were going to be tested on it later. She focused on Tom then, trying to listen to the rest of his presentation.
    "Later the Army took over the fort, providing protection to travelers along the Oregon Trail, and later the California and Mormon Trails. Fort Laramie is probably a shortened version of Fort John at the Laramie River. Those of you selected to portray soldiers will be posted at various places throughout the fort - the military barracks, the jail, the store, and on Vicki's day off, at the school.
    "The school had a difficult time keeping teachers. When there were no civilians available, a soldier was assigned to teach for an additional thirty-five cents a day. It was very unpopular among the soldiers. According to historical records, when a soldier got sick of teaching, all he had to do was get drunk on the job and he'd be fired. There were a few times when deserters were caught, brought back in shackles, and made to teach. One young man wrote in his diary that nothing the deserter could say was as interesting as seeing him in shackles."
    One student waved his hand excitedly. "I'll play him - the teacher in shackles!"
    Several others snickered.
    "Deserters were usually horsewhipped first," Tom said dryly.
    The student lowered his hand, suddenly less enthusiastic.
    "Twice a day all soldiers will muster - they will assemble on the parade grounds for formal inspection. We'll raise or lower the flag, depending on the time of day. We'll have a firing demonstration, so each soldier will learn how to load, clean, and shoot their weapon.
    "Chayton, will you stand up, please?"
    An older student stood, waved, and slunk back down into his chair. Carrie had never seen such long, dark hair on a man before. It fell down his back, touching the seat of his chair. For that matter, she'd never seen such long hair on a woman, either, except in pictures.
    "Chayton is finishing his