 
ChristiBreBooks Presents

This Place of Dreams Called America Part I:This Place Of Dreams

Written By Christina Brenner

© 2013, Christina Brenner, ChristiBreBooks

All rights reserved. The right of Christina Brenner, ChristiBreBooks to be identified as the Author of the work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Published at Smashwords  
All rights reserved. Apart from any use permitted under U.S. Copyright Law, this publication may only be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, with prior permission in writing of publisher or, in the case of reprographic production, in accordance with terms of licenses issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Smashwords Edition, License Notes. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover design based on photos taken & put together by the Author

This book is dedicated to all the German immigrants that came across the U.S. Atlantic ocean to the new world. In hope of a better life for themselves and their family's. The struggles they were put through was unheard of and has been forgotten until this day. ~ Christina Brenner

Part I: This Place Of Dreams

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Chapter 01, Germany, 1785  
"Why not take a chance, this is the place of our dreams." Exclaimed a tall young man with dark blue eyes and rusty brown hair. He paced back and forth, while holding his one year old daughter in his arms. "What do we have to lose Magdalena. We are poor, we live in a small cabin, and we barely had enough to eat these last few days!" He complained to his blonde haired, hazel eyed wife who remained silent as she sat in a rocking chair, cradling their new born baby in her arms.

"This place of dreams you talk about, how do you even know it exists?" She asked him suspiciously. "It does, people are talking!" He replied confidently. "Yes, people are talking but is what they say true. Is the land really free Michael?" she asked as she looked up to meet his eyes and he nodded his head yes. "It has to be." he replied half certain, as he walked inside and put their daughter in a crib. "Humph!" she said out loud as he returned, then she put the baby in his arms then walked over to a fire pit to stir the stew that was cooking over it.

"Please Magdalena, think about the children. Do you really want them to grow up living like this?" He asked as he followed her over to it. "Like this!" She replied sarcastically, as she stirred what little food was in the pan. "What's wrong with our home Michael? It keeps us dry when it rains. As for money, you will find another job. As for the food it can stretch, as there is always plenty to eat in the garden." Magdalena exclaimed as she walked back inside and he followed her.

"Eva, please help me set the table." she said to their seven and a half year old daughter, who was reading at the table. "Yes, mama." the little girl said obediently, as she grabbed dishes from a small cabinet. "But it could be much better! We could have a big house with a room for each child, and children to come. There would be a huge garden bigger than anyone has ever seen. There would be a stream, no a river, running through our land and we could have a farm, with animals of all kinds. We could..." he started to say, but she put her hand up for him to stop talking.

"What about the illnesses they say people catch, and what of these Indians they talk about. These so called savages that kill, no murder men, woman, and children, what about that?" She asked as she put her hands on her hips trying to make a point, that it was all a fairytale that would turn out to be nothing but lies. "The illnesses can be caught anywhere, even here. As for the Indians, there are good and bad ones just like us Germans, good and the bad. God will protect us from any evil that may come our way Magdalena." He replied with a smile, believing that he had finally won her over when she sighed out loud.

"I'm still not convinced, Michael." she said while shaking her head and he was going to say more but she spoke before he did. "For right now let's drop this talk about the new world, and eat. As you need your strength for you are sure to find a job tomorrow. Now go put Frederick to bed, Eva sit down so we can say grace when your father returns." she stated as she walked outside to retrieve the stew. "Yes, mama." Eva replied, as she sat down at the small table Michael had made out of wood. Michael sighed in frustration, as he walked behind the curtain and put Frederick in a crib. "I will convince her, for your sake I will." He whispered with a smile as he looked down at him.

Chapter 02, Four Years Later, July 31 1790  
"Mama, I'm hungry" stated the now five year old Angelica who tugged on her mother's dress to get her attention. "Not now Angelica, mama's trying to make your brother some bigger clothes, as he has grown so much these past few days" she said with a smile as she rocked in the rocking chair while she knitted a gown for him. "Are I any bigger mama?" Angelica asked as she looked at her with her big blue eyes. "Yes, every time I blink you seem to grow." she replied with a smile and Angelica giggled.

"Papa's home!" Eva announced as she looked up from the diary she was writing in and smiled as she watched him walk up the dirt path. He held a sack in each hand and it swung back and forth as he walked. "There's my little Engel" Michael said loudly, as he set the sacks down on the ground, and picked up Angelica. "Did you miss me?" He asked as he pecked her on the forehead and she nodded her head yes as she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. "Did you help your mama and sissy take care of your brother?" he asked. "Yes" she replied with a smile."Greetings, papa!" Eva said cheerfully as she pecked him on the cheek and he smiled at her. "Eva, take your sister and go pick some fresh flowers for the dining table vase, your mother and I need to talk" he said as he set Angelica down and Eva slowly nodded her head, knowing that it must be bad news, that was the only time they where ordered away from conversations, if it was bad news. "Come Angelica," Eva said as she held her hand out to her and the two walked away.

"Is there news?" Magdalena asked as soon as they where out of earshot. "Yes", he replied with hesitation to continue. "Well?" she asked impatiently as she set down her knitting stuff and looked at him. "The mills closing, they said that there is no use to keep it open because business was slowing. An that they did not have the means to pay everyone, so the gave us each two sacks of corn and a apology." he replied as he stared down at the two sacks and shook his head in pity.

"They can't do that, you have worked for them for almost four years now!" She said angrily. "They can and they did Magdalena, they have nothing to give and there is nothing to take". He said with a tired sigh as he rubbed the back of his aching neck. "What will we do now Michael?" She asked as tears came to her eyes and he kneeled down in front of her, and took her hands in his and kissed it. "Do not worry, I talked to Marcus and he said he would put a good word in for me at Hirsch ranch. They are looking for farm hands and I know he will come through for us, I promise you" He replied as he kissed her hands again, and she forced a smile at him wanting to believe just that. Then her smile faded when she heard a faint crying coming from inside.

"Frederick!" she said as she started to get up from the chair, and he gently pushed her back down. "No you stay, I will get him." Michael stated as he walked inside leaving her with her thoughts. I suppose he's right, but what if he doesn't get the job, how will we survive she thought as she let out a long sigh, and she shut her eyes and said a silent prayer that Marcus would come through for them. When she her eyes she seen Michael returned through the doorway holding onto a sleepy Frederick's hand. She smiled at him and held out her hands motioning for him to come to her.

"How's my, baby boy feeling today?" Magdalena asked as she started to rock with him. "Aren't I your baby mama?" Angelica asked as her and Eva walked up to them with a bunch of flowers in hand, and they all started to laugh. "Yeah, a big one." Eva said teasingly through her fits of giggles. "Yes, you are all my babies no matter how big you get." Magdalena replied as her tears subsided and a smile came to her face. "No you're not a baby, you're a big girl aren't you!" Michael said as he picked her up and tickled her sides until she laughed.

"Stop fooling around you two we have dinner to eat." Magdalena announced as she stood up from the rocker and stood in front of them. "Angelica you're filthy." she stated as she scrunched up her nose making her giggle. "Michael help get her cleaned up." Magdalena ordered. "Yes, ma'am!" he replied as he saluted her then took Angelica inside. "Eva, go set the table." she said turning her attention toward her eldest daughter. "Yes, mama." Eva replied as she picked her diary up and walked inside. "And you, get better." Magdalena whispered to Frederick as she kissed him on the forehead then carried him inside.

Chapter 03, 11 Months Later On the Streets of Rotterdam  
May 25 1791, It is rather crowded on the poor streets of Rotterdam, and there are always rats scurrying around. They have even been in the small room we stay in and share with other families. A lot of people that live here have gotten sick, and some have died. It is mostly the elders, and young children under the age of five who are too weak to fight off the diseases that lingers here.

The food they serve is terrible and it is like eating dust, one cannot but help but choke on it as it will not go down. The water they give us to drink certainly doesn't help either, for it is brown and it there are things floating around in it. I have not eaten much since we have been here and because of this my clothes are getting to big for I am shrinking. Mama an papa worry about me and try to get me to eat more so I take a few bites just to please them. How I crave for mama's stew and bread we use to eat it every Sunday, but there are no more Sunday dinners for us for we are poor without a home, job or money.

We were all heart broken when our landholder came and demanded the two months rent we owed him for our rickety old cabin and what little land we had. Papa told him that he lost yet another job because the Hirsch ranch took a turn for the worst as most of the cattle died of a disease. They had no choice but to kill the ones that were still alive and burn the cows carcass where they lay in fear that the disease would spread to other rancher's cattle. What a sad site it was and I could not help but cry when I had seen the little ones burned carcass, for I knew they were barely weaned off their mother's.

But our landholder was not saddened by this, nor did he care. He gave us five days to get our belongings out or he would burn everything where it sits and that went for us as well. Mama cried and cried when she found out, never have I seen someone cry as much as I did that day nor do I ever want to see it again. What were we to do, where were we to go? We had no other family as they had either died off or does not want anything to do with us and because of this we are stuck here with the rats and the sneaky diseases that can take one's life away in a eyes blink.

But whom can I blame, God? No certainly not God, he would not want anyone to starve to death or live under these conditions. I guess I should be thankful for what I do have and that is my family. I now feel guilty for complaining as other people that live here have lost their families an I could not bare to imagine ever loosing my parents or one of my siblings. It may be selfish of me to do, but I pray to God every day that we will stay in good health and get out of here soon. I.., Eva

"What's that man talking about?" Frederick asked out loud as he stared curiously at the dashing fellow dressed in a white suit, and top hat. He waved a cane around and he talked loudly for all to hear. "He's talking about the new world called America!" Eva replied as she glanced up at him for a moment, then went back to writing in her diary.

"Mama what she mean, are the old one not well?" the Five year old asked his mother as he sat on a bench beside her eating dinner. "Well, there's not enough food in the old one, so they made a new one to feed poor people like us to," Angelica replied as she poked at her food then hastily took a spoonful in her mouth. "They're going to eat us!" he asked as his eyes widened in fear. "Yes, they feed the boys that don't wash behind their ears first, and then they start on the parents."Angelica replied and Magdalena frowned at her as Frederick hugged her side.

"Angelica you're scaring your brother, now hobble your lip and eat your food. We might not be eating much for the next few days. Eva, that goes for you too now put that down I thought I told you no writing at meals." Magdalena scolded as she looked down at her own food with a sigh and Angelica rolled her eyes and Eva did as she was told. "Why mama, are we running out?" Frederick asked worriedly. "No baby," she quickly replied, as she pecked him on top of the head. "Good" he said as he went back to eating.

"Here comes papa!" Angelica said excitedly as she bounced up and down on the bench. "It isn't good, it isn't good at all," Michael stated while shaking his head as he sat next to his wife. "I talked to them and they said there isn't enough room for..." he started to say and she put her hand up for him to stop talking. "Not in front of the children." Magdalena scolded while frowning at him.

"I'm all finished papa, can I go play now?" Angelica asked as she held up her empty bowl. "Yes, you may." Michael replied as he turned his attention to his oldest daughter who barely touched her food. "Go an watch your sibling while your mother and I have a talk." Michael ordered. "Yes, papa." Eva said as she pushed the bowl away from her. "Me too papa?" Frederick asked and he nodded his head yes. "Hurry up, Eva!" Angelica said impatiently as she tapped her foot on the ground and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I'm coming," Eva replied with annoyance as she grabbed her diary off the table, then they all walked down by the fountain where there were children laughing and playing in it.

"What's wrong?" Magdalena asked as she pushed her own bowl aside and looked at him with concern. "They said that they cannot help us anymore, and that it has been almost a year now, and that it is someone else's turn to live here." Michael replied with a sigh. "But we have no where to go, no food to feed the children, what are we to do? she asked as tear's started to well up in her eyes and he shook his head at her not knowing the answer.

"What will happen to the baby I'm carrying?" She asked as she put a protective hand on her swollen belly afraid that she might miscarry. "Where will we go Michael, we have no home they took it from us." She cried out loud drawing other peoples attention their way. Michael said nothing but hung his head low ashamed that he let his family end up this way, but what could he possible done different to make their situation any better. I failed them, Michael thought sadly.

"Excuse me, Sir, madam I don't mean to intrude but I believe I have an answer to all of your problems." said the dashing young fellow dressed in the white suit and top hat. "Please, let me help you and your growing family." He said flashing them both a reassuring smile as he took his hat off and bowed to them.

Chapter 04, Leaving Germany, June 1791  
"I hope we are doing the right thing, leaving Germany." Magdalena said as she folded a brown dress and put it in a worn out sack. "We are." Michael stated as he handed her a shirt and looked round the tiny room. "I hope your right" she said while giving him a week smile.

"Mama, can Pfeffer come with us?" Angelica asked as she held onto the little dog which the children found one day, half-starved he was but now plump from the children feeding him scraps. "Can he mama?" Frederick asked as well with pleading eyes. "I don't see why not." She replied as Michael helped her folded up an afghan and put it in a sack. They both shouted out loud in joy and Pfeffer barked and wagged his stubby little tail as he turned his head from side to side and looked at them. "Where is Eva?" Michael asked with concern when he did not see her with them. "She said she was getting something she left by the fountain." Angelica replied and Michael looked at Magdalena who shrugged her shoulders. "Here, put whatever you want to bring to the new world in here. Go on now, your papa and I still have much packing to do." she stated as she handed them a empty sack and they both ran out of the room.

"You don't think she's meeting a boy, do you" Michael asked with a serious look on his face. "Eva, heavens no she's probably writing in her diary one last time before we leave, besides she is more interested in writing in that than any boy, marriage, or babies, give her another year or so." she replied with a smile. "Did you get everything?" He asked while rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortable with the whole conversation. "You can change the subject all you want Michael, she's twelve and a half and It will happen one day to all of our daughters. So you better get use to the idea and yes I believe so." She replied with a nod of her head. "I got clothes, The Afghan's, food, we sold everything else we owned." she said with a sigh.

"Don't worry we will be alright, the children are happy and you should be happy too." He said reassuringly as he pulled her into a hug then added "We get to start out fresh, no more missing meals, no more leaky roofs, no more searching for a job, no more!" He said passionately and she laughed a bit. "Boy you're starting to sound like the man in the white suit." She said teasingly and he grinned at her then his grin faded into a frown. "I am sorry we can't bring your chair along with us I know how much it means to you, but they said food and clothes only." he stated with sorrow in his eyes. "It's alright Michael, the most important thing is that the children are happy, healthy and that we have each other" she said as she put her hand over his and smiled.

"Mama, papa!" Angelica shouted as she ran inside and Pfeffer followed close behind her. "Wait until you see what Fredrick's goanna take, I told him it wouldn't fit and he couldn't take it, but he wouldn't listen." she said out of breath and they looked at each other then quickly followed her out of the small room and down two flights of stairs. Stepping out the door they had seen Frederick standing on the rocking chair trying to put the sack over the top of it.

"What are you doing their son?" Michael asked amused. "I'm taking it with us!" He replied while scrunching up his brows trying to force the sack over the top of it. "Frederick, we can't take it with us." Magdalena said in a soft voice. "But mama, we can't leave it here someone else might take it." he said in a pleading voice. "It's not meant to be, come now let's make sure we got everything." She said as tears came to her eyes and she held her hand out to him and they walked back inside.

"Why is Mama so sad?" Angelica asked in confusion and Michael sighed out loud as he bent down and put his hand on her shoulder to meet her gaze. "You see Angelica, I built your mother that rocker when I found out she was pregnant with Eva. Oh how she loved to rock you all to sleep in it when you were babies. She had once even told me that the chair was the nicest thing she has ever gotten from someone. An she wants to take it with us to America, but we cannot because there is not enough room on the ship for us and it to fit. Do you understand?" he asked her. "Yes papa, but it doesn't seem fair to mama." she stated while nodding her head. "It isn't indeed." he added with sadness in his voice. He stood up when he seen Eva walking up to them with her diary was clutched to her chest.

"Eva, tell your mother to go ahead and eat without me, I will be back in a while." Michael stated. "Yes papa." Eva replied with raised eyebrows, surprised that he did not scold her for wondering off alone. "Now take your sister and go inside." he ordered as he watched them leave. Then he started to walk down the street and past the lovely fountain where the children once played, now most of them were settled down for the night.

Chapter 05, Boarding the Ship Diana Port Rotterdam, June Of 1791  
"All aboard!" shouted a man standing from the top of the ship's deck. "Do you have everything?" Michael shouted to Magdalena above the noisy crowd while they awaited to board the ship. "Yes, do you have the papers?" she asked in return, as she struggled to hold onto a sack and Fredrick's hand at the same time. "Right here," he replied as he patted his jacket pocket.

"Is that what we are to go on?" Angelica asked her father as she held onto Pfeffer tightly to be sure he did not get away. "Yes, her name is Diana." he replied quickly as they moved forward an inch. "Why would they name a ship a ladies name, papa?" Angelica asked in confusion. "I don't know Angelica, please be quiet until we board the ship." he replied, agitated by the people in the crowed pushing each other out of the way, making it impossible to stay together. Some were saying goodbye to their families and loved ones who wished them good luck on their voyage to the new world, while others waited anxiously for the line to move up. Someone bumped into Frederick who fell to the ground and started to cry. Michael frowned as he handed his wife one of the sacks and picked him up and said comforting words to him to stop his cries.

"Eva, where's Eva?" Magdalena asked with a panic in her voice. "Right here mama," Eva replied from behind her. "Please stay close." Magdalena scolded her as she tried to calm her fast beating heart. "Yes mama," Eva said as she clutched her diary close to her body and carried a sack of apples in the other hand. "We are next," Michael announced with a sigh of with relief, as the made their way up the big wooden walk way. One had to be careful when doing so or else you would fall off and into the water as there was no railing to stop you from plunging over the edge.

"Papers, where are your papers?" shouted a well rounded man in front of them. "Right here," Michael replied as he took it out of his pocket and the man snatched it out of his hand. "There are five of you?" he asked looking up from the papers. "Yes, with one more due anytime." Michael replied as he looked at his wife and smiled. "Very well, take your belongings over there for inspection." he said as he shoved the papers back at him. "Thank you sir." Michael said with a nod of his head and they walked over to three men dressed in old suits.

"Set your stuff here." The youngest man ordered while pointing to the wooden floor. They did as they were told and put the sacks down and the three men started rummaging through their belongings tossing stuff every where. In doing so they knocked over a bag of apples causing them to spill all over the ship's deck. "All clear" the shortest of the three said then they walked away. "Michael," Magdalena started to say and he put his hand up. "Help me get our stuff together" he said as he set Frederick down and started to retrieve their strewn out clothes. Eva quickly picked up a sack and started to retrieve the apples. They had rolled quite far from people kicking them as they walked about and she could no longer see her family on the crowded deck. "I believe this is yours miss?" she heard someone say and she looked up at the handsome young man who spoke. He had dark brown hair and blue eyes, the color of the sea. He smiled at her as he held out an apple in front of him. "Thank you, kindly sir." Eva said politely as she retrieve it from him. "The pleasures all mine miss," he said as he took off his hat and did a bow then slowly backing into the crowd disappearing from sight.

"Eva, Eva!" her father called out loudly, this breaking her stare. "What is it papa?" she asked while blushing a bit. "Your mother doesn't want you to wander off like that, and I don't like it either." he replied as he held onto Angelica's hand and she quickly let go and ran over to her. "Hurry Eva, they are going to show us where we are staying." Angelica said excitedly as she grabbed her hand and tugged her back to where her mother was standing. "Eva, thank heavens you're alright. Don't you ever wander off like that again, are we clear?" Magdalena asked while hugging her tightly. "Yes mama, very clear." she replied as she broke the hug. "Come on." Michael said as he picked up two sacks and followed a man below the ship's deck and they walked down a flight of creaky stairs.

"This is where we are to stay?" Magdalena asked out loud in shock as she looked around at where they would be staying over the next few weeks. It was one big open space, there were no walls to section off for privacy and the floor was covered in straw that was supposed to serve as beds and buckets were strewn about to serve as a loo. "Maybe we are better off staying in Germany." Eva stated as she shook her head in disgust.

"Oh, It is not that bad. Just think of what we will have in the new world, it is worth sleeping here for a few weeks." Michael said cheerfully. "Now set everything down everyone, and lets go out onto the deck and wave goodbye to Germany an give a big hello to the new world, this place of dreams called America!" He said as his eyes light up along with the smile on his face.

Chapter 06 Aboard The Ship Diana, Late June 1791  
The waves crashed against the ship making it sway back and forth making people ill. Mama is one of these people I fear for her for she is with child. I pray to God that my family and I will get through this Voyage, but I am doubtful of this.

What I hate the most about being stuck on this ship is that it stinks of vomit and other unpleasant smells, it makes me want to vomit myself but I try hard not to do so. We are all tired, cranky and need to bathe desperately. We have only been on the ship called Diana for two weeks, though it feels like months. Papa keeps telling us that we do not have much longer to go until we arrive to the new world and get off this dreadful ship, but I can see it in his eyes that he wonders as well on why it is taking longer then expected. The man in the fancy suite had promised us it would be a short trip across the Atlantic Ocean, but I believe he was lying and it makes me wonder what else he had lied about.

Angelica and Frederick are playing on the deck with Pfeffer as I write. I warned them not to get too close to the edge for the fear of them falling into the Ocean. For I had a dream last night that someone had pushed me off the ship's deck an I was falling into darkness and I could not scream for help. I must have cried out in my sleep because papa had awaken and comforted me until I fell back to sleep again but none came. This ship is crowded with people who hope of a better richer life, with the free land we all are to get when we arrive. The handsome man aboard the ship, told me that we are going to a place called Philadelphia, I wonder what it means? Perhaps I will ask him the next time I see him. I.., Eva

"Eva, Eva" Frederick and Angelica shouted as they ran up to her out of breath, Pfeffer trotted behind them and barked at them loudly. "We need your help, come quick" Angelica said while motioning with her hands. "What's wrong, is it mama?" Eva asked fearing her mothers sickness had took a turn for the worst. "No, mama's fine." Angelica replied quickly as she folded her arms a crossed her chest. "Hurry Eva." Frederick said while tugging on her sleeve, trying to get her to get up. "Alright, I am coming" she said as grabbed her stuff and followed them. "Over here," Angelica said as she ran ahead of them. "Do not run Angelica, you might fall and scrape your knee again." Eva scolded and she slowed down to a fast walk.

"Oh, the poor dear." Eva said as she walked up to where she was standing and kneeled down to look at the injured bird. "What are we going to do Eva?" Angelica asked she bent down and rested her hands on her knees. "I do not know if there is anything we can do." she replied with a sad sigh as she touched the feathers of the beautiful white bird and it squirmed around and tried to fly off but could not. "You mean it's going to die?" Frederick asked in a tearful voice and Eva hesitated to answer.

"Why, what do we have here?" a familiar voice asked from behind them and Eva looked up to meet his gaze. It was the handsome man again though she never did catch his name, she thought with a frown. "It's a dove and its hurt." Angelica replied as she stood up straight and looked him up and down. "Can I see it?" he asked Angelica who was now standing in front of him. "Yeah, I guess" she replied eyeing him suspiciously as he kneeled down next to Eva. "Oh, It's not so bad." he stated while looking over the injured bird. "You mean he's goanna live?" Frederick asked him with hope in his eyes." Yes, he just has a sprained wing. It should heel in no time with the proper care." he replied with a smile and Frederick clapped his hands together in excitement that it was going to live.

"Are you some kind of doctor mister?" Angelica asked as she put her hands on her hips and eyed him up and down, he didn't look like no doctor, she thought. "In a way, you could say I am like a doctor but for animals." he replied with a chuckle as he stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Are you rich then, because doctors are rich." Angelica asked as she put her hands on her hips and she narrowed her eyes at him. "Angelica, do not mend into other peoples affairs, It is not polite." Eva scolded her as she started to stand up and he grabbed her hands gently to help her up. "It is quite alright miss." he said while still holding onto her hands and their eyes met and he smiled at her, a smile that melted her heart.

"There you are." Michael said with relief as he fixed his gaze on his oldest daughter who quickly let go of the young mans hands and blushed."And who might this be, Eva?" Michael asked while not taking his eyes off of the young man who shifted his weight to the other foot and smiled at him nervously. "Papa this is Mr., uhh, Mr.." she started to say them stopped not sure who he was herself. "Hans, Mr. Randolph Hans Wilhelm" He said with a smile as he extended his hand out to him and Michael shook it.

"I was just walking by when I stumbled upon them and this injured bird and I thought I could help." Mr. Wilhelm explained while motioning to the dove that laid on the deck. "I see, well Mr. Wilhelm just what exactly is it that you do?" Michael asked while eying him up and down. "He's a doctor." Angelica replied while answering for him as she grabbed onto her fathers hand and looked up at him and smiled. "Is that true?" Michael asked him suspiciously. "No, I am no doctor, I help take care of animals." he replied with an amused smile. "I presume you are about seventeen years of age, am I correct?" Michael asked while sizing him up. "I am sixteen sir." He answered honestly. "Good, very good," Michael stated as he fixed his gaze on Eva who quickly looked down at her feet.

"What was it you wanted us for, papa?" Eva asked while not meeting his gaze."What, oh right your mother wanted the wee little ones to get ready for bed." he replied upon remembering what he wanted. "But papa, I'm not tired!" Frederick complained out loud with a yawn. "Yeah, It's too early to go to sleep." Angelica added as she looked up at him and he shook his head at them. "Nonsense, it is almost dusk and you will do as your mother and father asks." he said in a stern voice and they both pouted at this.

"Do you want me to do it papa, you look tired yourself" Eva asked with concern in her voice as she finally gained the courage to looked at him. "No, no I am fine. You and Mr. Wilhelm, better figure out on what you will do with that bird." he stated. "Are you sure papa, I do not mind?" Eva asked and Michael smiled at her. "Quite sure, it was good to meet you Mr., uhh, Wilhelm." he said as he shook his hand again."Good night Eva, and do not stay out too late you might catch a cold." Michael said as he pecked her on the forehead then turned toward Frederick. "Hurry it up now." he said as he held out his other hand to him then he started to walk away and Pfeffer followed close behind them.

Chapter 07, At Sea between Germany & U.S. Atlantic Ocean  
Magdalena's loud cries cracked through the air like a whip snapping to get the horses to go faster. Eva stood below the deck holding her mother's hand and used the other to dab her forehead with a wet rag to cool her from the drenched heat. There were about 70 people inside this making it crowded and hard to breathe. Some were still sick and some stayed to see the baby born, Mr. Wilhelm was the closes thing to a doctor on the ship so he was called upon to help deliver the baby. She cried out once more and Eva try to comfort her by telling her she was doing fine but it was no use, she could not hear her above her own cries. Eva feared this voyage has made her mother week and she prayed to God nonstop that they will make it, but she was doubtful of this for this is the longest labor she had seen her mother in and she had a gnawing feeling in her stomach that something may be wrong.

"What is taking so long?" Michael asked out loud to no one in particular as he paced back and forth on the ships deck. "Papa, how are babies born?" Angelica asked curiously and her father stopped pacing caught off guard by her question. Some people that were walking nearby gave Michael a dirty look and he quickly looked away in shame. "I, I don't know." Michael replied in embarrassment. "But how do they come out of mama's belly?" she asked. "I don't know Angelica, now stop asking me so many questions." he snapped at her and he quickly regretted it. "Alright," she said as her face turned into a pout and she looked down at her feet.

"I am sorry Angelica I didn't mean to snap at you, but that's not the type of question you ask in public and especially not a question you ask your father." he said slowly as he sat down between them and sighed. "But why?" she asked him while meeting his gaze "I uh, I don't know much about it. You should ask your mother or sister who will know more than I will." he said trying to find the right words to say. "Do you understand what I am saying" he asked her and she looked away and shrugged her shoulders. "I guess" she replied still confused over it all. "Papa, will mama and the baby go to heaven like the dove did?" Frederick asked while climbing onto his lap. "No, I mean yes, I mean they will be alright." he replied while pulling them close to him as he closed his eyes and prayed.

Chapter 08, The Sun and the Ocean  
"I can see the head" Mr. Wilhelm announced as he wiped the perspiration off his forehead. "You are doing good mama" Eva said soothingly as she dabbed her mother's head with the cloth again. "Come on Mrs. Bauer give me one big push and then you can greet your new son or daughter" He coached her and she cried out in pain as she pushed as hard as she could and she squeezed Eva's hand tightly in the processes causing her to yelp out loud in pain. Mr. Wilhelm reached in his pocket and retrieved his pocket knife to cut the umbilical cord with.

"It's a girl." he finally announced a minute latter and the crowd that had gathered around them cheered. Magdalena collapsed backwards into the straw letting go of Eva's hand, her skin was pale and she was exhausted from the long labor she had endured. "Why isn't the baby crying?" someone asked and Mr. Wilhelm hesitated to answer and Eva's heart sank, she new immediately that the baby had not made it. "I am sorry but, she has passed on" He answered in a whisper and the crowd gasped out loud. Magdalena lower lip started to tremble and she cried out in anguish for the loss of her daughter and Eva wrapped her arms around her mother's trembling body trying to comfort her.

"This is what we have been waiting for, it is a sign from God and he is angry at us for going on this voyage to the new world!" an old man in the crowd shouted in anger. "We are all doomed to burn in hell." a middle aged woman yelled and another fainted at the thought of it. "What is going on in here?" Michael demanded angrily as he pushed his way through the crowd and they all turned silent when they set eyes upon him. "Mama!" Angelica and Frederick shouted out loud in joy as they ran up to her and hugged her hard, glad that their mother was alright.

"Michael, She is, our baby is..." Magdalena started to say and she started to sob again. Michael fixed his gaze on Mr. Wilhelm who held the baby out to him and he carefully took her into his arms. She was so tiny, so beautiful, he thought as he looked down at her colorless face. Tear's welled up in his eyes blinding his sight of everyone around him. Unconsciously he started walking through the crowed and up the creaky stairs. The crowd moved out of his way and whispering to each other as they soon followed him outside. Mr. Wilhelm put an arm around Eva's shoulders trying to comfort her as they followed outside as well to get some fresh air.

The wind was blowing hard making the ship sway back and forth and caused water to splash on the deck making it slippery. Standing at the bow of the ship Michael collapsed to his knees. "Oh God, mighty God!" he began. "It is your rightful will to take my daughter into your heaven's above, but I beg of you, I beg of you to please let her see the sun and the ocean if only for a moment!" he shouted in a tearful voice as he held her up in the air and away from his body and he looked up at the cloudy sky then closed his eyes. Suddenly the wind died down and all was quiet and he felt the warmth of the sun's rays on his face as it peaked out from beneath the clouds. Then there was a loud cry from above him and a single white dove came from out of no ware and circled around the ship from above them, then flew away disappearing into thin air. Michael opened his eyes as he felt the blanket start to squirm and then he heard the high pitched cries of a baby. Everyone was dumbfounded and struck with awe at what they had just witnessed.

"Praise the Lord, an baby Jesus for it is a miracle!" a woman shouted from the crowd and everyone cheered. "Thank God!" Eva said out loud as she let out a relived breath. "Amen to that." Mr. Wilhelm added with a nod of his head. "Thank you, thank you God!" Michael cried out as he could see the color coming back to her crying face. "I promise you that I will guard this child that you have spared with my life!" Michael shouted as he looked up at the sky with tears in his eyes then he kissed her on the forehead and smiled.

Chapter 09, Like Shattered Bells  
It was a bright sunny day, despite the heat everyone was cheerful as there was a wedding to be had. "Mama, why is everyone so happy?" Angelica asked as she looked at the people around them chattering away excitedly. "Today is a very special day Angelica, your sister is getting married. We talked about this, remember?" She replied as she worked on fixing Eva's hair into a fancy bun.

"I'm never goanna be married, boys are rotten." Angelica announced while making a face of disgust. "You mean I am never going to be married, not goanna, It is not a word." Eva said as she held onto the hair pins her mother was using. "It Is so, papa says it all the time an he aint wrong about anything." Angelica stated as she put her hands on her hips and stuck her tongue out at her. "You mean he is not, and you will change your mind when you get older." Eva stated with a soft smile.

"All done." Magdalena announced as she put one last pin in her hair then took a step back to take a good look at her. "How do I look?" Eva asked while twirling around in a circle once and bumped in to an old man. "I am sorry." Eva said apologetically and he nodded his head at her then he walked over to an elderly woman that was lying in the straw. He tilted her head up as he gave her some water out of a wooden cup. "You look very beautiful, Eva." she heard her fathers voice say as he came down the stairs and he was holding her newly born sister Regina Catherina in his arms.

"She wants her mother" he stated while handing her to Magdalena then he turned his attention to his oldest daughter. "Eva" he started to say as he put a hand on each shoulder then continued. "You are getting to be just as pretty as your mother" he stated with a smile and she let out a little chuckle. "Oh papa stop it, I am not that pretty" she said while shaking her head in amusement. "What about me papa?" Angelica asked while tugging on his jacket. "Yes, all my girls are growing up to be beautiful young ladies" he replied with a nod of his head and he smiled at all of them.

"Where is Frederick?" Eva asked worriedly when she did not see him. "Do not worry he is with your husband to be" Michael replied as he smiled at her nervousness. "Oh," Eva said as she took in a deep breath then let it out slowly. "Are you ready?" he asked her and she nodded her head. "I think so." Eva replied with a half smile. "Then let's go already, he's not goanna wait for you forever." he said teasingly and she laughed a bit. "Very funny papa." she said as she laced her arm through his, then they all walked up the steps and onto the deck to began the ceremony.

"Who gives this woman to this man?" Reverend Mulligan asked them. "Her mother Dorthea Magdalena Luckhardt and I her father Georg Michael Bauer the third do." Michael replied and Reverend Mulligan nodded his head in approval. Michael kissed Eva on the cheek and shook his future son in laws hand then stood beside his wife who had tears in her eyes.

"Lets began then, we are gathered here today to join Randolph Hans Wilhelm and Mary Eva Bauer as one, under the eyes of God. If anyone does not want this union to happen, speak now or forever hold your Peace." Reverend Mulligan said and someone in the crowd cleared their throat and everyone in the crowd gasped and took a step back to revile a tall well rounded man in a captains jacket standing there with a short balding man at his side.

"What is the meaning of this?" Michael asked angered that they interrupted his oldest daughter's wedding. The balding man repeated what Michael said to the captain in a language they could not understand. Then the captain replied in gibberish to the balding man who translated what he was saying in German. "The Captain forbids this marriage and any other marriage to come, if you or anyone else chooses to disobey him then he will have you thrown off this very ship an into the Atlantic Ocean to drown." The balding man replied then they both left. Everyone started to talked all at once enraged at the captain, but then decided it was best they left so they scattered like a scared rabbit. Like shattered bells Eva started to cry in sorrow.

"They can't do this!" Hans said angrily as he wrapped his arms around his fiance to comfort her. "Hans, Eva, I am sorry, but I am not going to risk being thrown overboard to do your wedding" Reverend Mulligan announced while shaking his head sympathetically. "We understand." Michael said as he shook his hand then the reverend left. "There, there daughter do not cry." Magdalena said soothingly as she patted her on the back. "Do you not think it would be better to marry Hans on land, than on this crowded old ship." she said trying to calm her. "We could have a fall wedding." Hans added. "What do you say?" Michael asked as he put his hand on her other shoulder. "A fall wedding would be nice" Eva replied in agreement. Yes, it will be perfect, she thought as her tears subsided and a smile came to her face.

Chapter 10, The Most Beautiful Thing One Could See  
Philadelphia - Aug 10 1791, There were one hundred forty passengers aboard the ship Diana, now there is only one hundred and thirty-seven as three has passed on during the voyage. The captain so cruelly made their surviving family member pay for their lifeless bodies to stay on the ship or else he would dump them overboard. Two of the families paid the fee and the third one had no money so the captain had them fling the old ladies body over the edge while her poor husband watched helplessly as they did so. Mama and I did our best to comfort him, he now sits alone and does not celebrate that we are finally here.

We were all in awe of this place of dreams, as the form of land came into view. After six long weeks a crossed the Atlantic ocean we have finally made it. All the men threw their hats in the air and shouted in pure joy, and all the woman on board the ship said silent prayers and praised God that we all arrived here safely. It was the most beautiful thing one could see, everyone was hugging one another and even the babies cooed with joy. We all had tear's in our eyes when we heard the Captain Say, "land ho!" , Eva

"Do you see it?" Michael asked his wife as he put an arm around her. "Oh Michael, I do." she replied tearfully as she pecked him on the cheek excitedly. "It is breathtaking isn't it?" Eva asked Hans as she looked out at the land In front of them while holding her diary close to her chest. "Yes." Hans whispered as he gazed at her with pure adoration and she gave him a warm smile, as she took his hand in hers and squeezed it lightly.

"Show Pfeffer." Frederick said excitedly to Angelica who picked him up. "Look Pfeffer, this is where we are to live." Angelica stated and he wagged his tail and bark as if he understood her. "Look Catherina, you will grow old here with your elder siblings and be happy." Magdalena whispered to her as she kissed her on the forehead and Michael smiled at that. This journey a crossed the Atlantic Ocean was worth it, Michael thought as he smiled through his tears.

"Listen up folks, you need to grab all your belongings and bring it on the deck. We are to be making land soon and the captain will take your names on paper as you get off. Then you will talk to some men and you will make a deal on how you will be paying off the money you owe for your ship fare to America." The balding man shouted loudly to everyone and people quickly scattered to gather their belongings together.

"We must hurry." Michael stated as he handed Catherina back to her mother and motioned them all to follow below the deck. "I think that's everything." Eva said in exhaustion as she sat down a sack next to her mother who was nursing her sister. "You sure, I could have sworn we had another sack?" Magdalena asked as she put Catherina on her shoulder patting her back lightly to burp her. "We did but it is empty mama, we ate all the food that was in it." Eva replied as she put her hand up to shield her eyes from the sun.

"Where's your siblings, I hope they didn't wander off" Magdalena asked with a frown. "They are with papa looking for Pfeffer, he ran off chasing after a rat." Eva replied while searching the crowd for her fiancee."There's Hans," she stated while waiving at him excitedly. "I can't believe we are really here in America." he said as he set his bags down next to her, then he took her into his arms and swung her around excitedly and she laughed.

"Look, papa tied a rope to him so he wouldn't get away." Angelica announced as she walked up to them with Pfeffer. "Would not get away you mean, there is a different Angelica." Eva stated as she bent down to pet the two year old pup on its head. "If you say so," Angelica said dryly while rolling her eyes at her older sister.

"I'm hungry, give me an apple Eva." Frederick demanded as he pointed to the sacks that sat next to her. "What do you say?" she asked as she grabbed one out and held it out to him. "Please, and thank you." he replied as he quickly grabbed it and took a big bite. "Your welcome." Eva said with a smile. "May I have an apple?" Hans asked as well amused by her etiquette way of words. "Yes, I guess so." she replied with a shrug of her shoulders, as she grabbed another one and handed it to him.

"I hope we do not have to stay on this ship much longer." Magdalena said as she waved her hand in front of her face to cool herself. "I am sure it won't be too much longer" Michael stated as he eyed the people around them. The men were standing by their belongings, while the women got after their children for wondering off or getting into their luggage.

"Do you need help with anything" Hans asked as he wiped the sweat off of his brow. "No, I believe we got everything." Magdalena replied with a smile "Actually there is one thing I forgot, and I need some help getting it" Michael stated with a grin. I wonder what he's up to, Magdalena thought as she sat down on a small wooden box. "Sure, anything for my future father in law" Hans replied with a smile. "Please do not be away for too long Hans, you might get left on the ship then what will I do with myself." Eva said teasingly. "You would marry some other lucky man." Hans stated with a grin and she laughed. "Oh mama, isn't he wonderful?" Eva asked as she put her hand over her heart dreamily as they left. "You chose good." Magdalena replied while nodding her head in agreement.

"Mama, can we go say goodbye to Malone and Carlton?" Angelica asked waiting for her mother's permission to say farewell to the two brothers they met on the ship. "Yes you may, but you must hold your brother's hand from there and back. I do not want you two getting separated, understood." she replied in a stern voice. "Yes mama," Angelica said then they ran off to say goodbye, tugging Pfeffer along with them.

"What is taking them so long?" Magdalena asked two minutes later when Michael and Hans had not returned. "I think I see them coming. Yes, they're they are."Eva said as she pointing in front of her, then she put a hand to her mouth and gasped out loud. "Mama, you will not believe your eyes when you see what they have." she said in amazement. "What on earth" she started to say as she stood up from the wooden box then gasped in surprise. "Oh my, Michael you didn't." she said as tear's came to her eyes and she drew him into a hug.

Chapter 11, Standing on Sturdy Ground Philadelphia  
It is a rainy day here in Philadelphia, but luckily it has stopped for the moment so I sit here and write. It was a long and tiring time waiting to see the men we were supposed to talk to about our dues and land. After the ship captain took our names down in a big book, we were separated from Hans. I worry that I may never see him again, but mama told me not to as it will only make our love stronger when being apart and she said that God keeps true love together. My mama is so wise when it comes to these things and I hope she is right.

It was a wonderful feeling being able to walk on sturdy ground for the first time in months. After we stepped off the ship we were ushered off to a big cream colored tent where we were greeted by a white man and a German that were both nicely dressed. Angelica and Frederick started giggle at the white ones hat for it was made of raccoon. I covered my mouth trying not to laugh as well, for he looked silly. Mama shot us all a warning look to be quiet as the white man cleared his throat clearly not amused by our laughter.

Then they both started asking papa questions like what he did back in Germany, and why he has brought his family all the way a crossed the Atlantic Ocean to America. Papa replied with passion saying "How he worked as a miller and a farmer back in Germany, only to have it all taken from him from a diseased outbreak that killed all the cattle so he lost his job and our house for it was taken from us because he was unable to pay our landholder the two months we owed him. He said that he wants a better life for his family and land of his own to farm." The white man held his hand up hearing enough, he then asked how we can pay for our ship fare to America.

Papa replied that "We have no money to give him." This made the white man frowned not happy with his answer. "There is one way to pay off this debt and that is to trade." the German man said. "We don't own anything of value to trade you." Papa replied while shaking his head. Then the German spoke again "I know a man that would pay for your fare and all you have to do is sign this contract. This states that you and your family are indentured to this man, an you will pay him back with labor and the land will be yours. To seal the deal we will also give you a new suit." he said as he unrolled a scrolled up piece of paper in front of him.

"What does this land look like?" Papa asked the man while stroking his beard thoughtfully. "There is a cabin on the land big enough for you and your family to stay in and there is a creek running through it so you have fresh water. In the spring the grass is green and flowers are everywhere. There is a little over one hundred acres and all of this can be yours if you sign this contract" he said as he pushed a quill and ink well toward him. Papa sat there staring at the papers for the longest time then finally he pick up the quill and dipped it in the inkwell and signed it. We all sighed with relief that the struggles we faced in Germany are finally over and we will now live a new richer life, thanks to this place of dreams called America.

Oh how beautiful the sea looks with the sun setting, it is almost magical. How I wish Hans where here, for we would enjoy this beauty together while we sit and wait once again for the German man to show us where we will stay the night. For we are to meet the man that paid for our fare to America tomorrow. His name is Aril defrock and we were told he was quite handsome man who owns almost 2,000 acres of land not far from here. Angelica told papa he must be rich and I agree with her for that is a lot of land for one man to own. An I, Eva

"Eva, hurry up and grab those two sacks over there." Michael ordered. "Yes papa," Eva replied as she closed her diary and gathered her things and the sacks. Then they walked on the outside of a tall stone building. Where there were rooms packed full of people. It reminded them much of the poor house they stayed in at Germany, only this one was a tad bit nicer as there was no rats scurrying around. Candle's hung in front of each rooms opening to light the walkway. As they walk by the candle light flickered off of their eyes making them look beast like. This scaring Frederick and Angelica who hugged closely to Eva scared that one of them would reach out and grab them. Finally they stopped at the end of the long hallway.

"This is where you will stay tonight, I will come and get you tomorrow when Mr. Defrock arrives." The German man said as Michael and him put the rocking chair down then he left. Michael took Magdalena hand then walked inside, she hugged Catherina tightly in her arms and was careful not to trip on anything. Then Eva walked in after her parents Frederick and Angelica followed close behind her with Pfeffer at their heels. As soon as their eyes adjusted to the darkness they could make out small and large figures sitting or laying on the dirt floor.

"Eva, Eva" she heard her named called out loud. "Hans is that you," she asked hopefully as she dropped the sacks and looked around the room. "Eva, my darling Eva I thought I would never see you again." Hans said as he took her into her into his arms and kissed her on top of the forehead. "Oh Hans, I worried as well." she said with tears in her eyes. "Don't cry Eva," he said as he wiped her tears away with his thumb. "These are tears of joy Hans, as I am gad we are together again" Eva stated and Hans nodded his head in agreement as he sat down with Eva on the straw floor. Angelica and Frederick did the same and Pfeffer laid in between them curling up into a ball.

"You better rest, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." Michael said to his wife as he took Catherina out of her arms. "Thank you Michael," she said with a tired smile, grateful for the break. Michael slowly nodded his head as he walked outside and sat down in the rocking chair. He watched the waves crash against the dark shore as he rocked Catherina to sleep, grateful that they could sleep on land for the first time in weeks.

Chapter 12, Children's Laughter  
Michael awoke the next day to the sound of children's laughter and loud barking. "About time you got up," Magdalena said cheerfully as she put Catherina on her shoulder and patted her back lightly to burp her. "How long was I asleep?" he asked as he got up and stretched. "About four hours or so" she replied with a smile.

"Where's Eva and Hans?" Michael asked as he watched Angelica and Frederick run from Pfeffer who would chase after them and bark. "They're taking a stroll down by the ocean. Oh I almost forgot to tell you, that the man that helped you with the chair stopped by and said that Mr. Defrock won't be coming until late tomorrow as he is delayed on business." She replied as she grabbed a stale biscuit out of a sack and handed it to him. "He seems to be a very busy man." Michael said thoughtfully as he took a bite of the biscuit and spit it back out.

"What's wrong?" Magdalena asked with concern. "It's my tooth," he replied pointing to his face in pain. "I thought you got it fixed when we were in Germany" She asked as she put a hand on her right hip and shook her head at him. "I meant to, but the place was packed and I used the money we had left to get your chair here." Michael replied as he winced then grabbed his jaw in pain.

"Mama, did you see what Angelica taught Pfeffer? Did you mama?" Frederick asked excitedly as he ran up to her. "No I didn't, can you show me it again?" she replied with a smile and he nodded his head. "Angelica, she's looking now." he yelled to her and she turned her attention to the dog. "Ready Pfeffer, fetch!" Angelica commanded as she threw a stick as far as she could and the dog retrieve it dropping it at her feet. "That's some trick he learned." Magdalena said with a smile. "Did you see it Papa?" Frederick asked as he walked over to him. "I sure did." Michael replied with a smile then he winced again and Frederick look at him worriedly. "Go along and play, your Papa will be fine." Magdalena stated as she shooed him away.

"Papa what's wrong?" Eva asked as she quickly walked to his side letting go of Hans hand. "Oh, your papa has a tooth ache." Magdalena announced as she glared at him and he looked away. "It's not that bad, honestly." he stated trying to convince them. "I thought you got that taken care of in Germany?" Eva asked as she put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at him. "Now don't you scold me too daughter, your just like your mother." Michael replied while shaking his head at her. "Yeah, but I bet Mrs. Bauer doesn't correct your every word." Hans said with a laugh and Eva's face grew red with anger. "That's not funny Mr. Wilhelm, see if I walk hand in hand with you again." Eva announced as she clenched her fists at her sides then stormed off toward the ocean.

"I think you better go after her." Magdalena stated with a slight smile on her face. "Yes, perhaps I should, but I think I will stay and have me one of these wonderful biscuits. If you would be so kind as to lend me one." he said with a smile. "Why of course you can, help yourself" Magdalena replied motioning to the sack by the chair. "Why, thank you Mrs. Bauer." Hans said as he took one out. "Do you mind if I sit?" he asked motioning to the wooden bench to the left. "Please do, would you like some coffee?" Michael asked him in amusement. "Yes please," Hans replied. "Hold Catherina, I will get it." Magdalena stated as she handed her to Michael then she grabbed the pot of coffee and poured some into a wooden cup. "Here you are" she said while handing it to him. "Why thank you Mrs. Bauer." He said politely as he took a sip of the bitter coffee.

"What do you think you are doing?" Eva asked as she walked up to him minutes latter. "I'm having myself some breakfast with your folks." he replied pointing out the obvious. "I can See that Mr. Wilhelm, but why did you not come after me?" she asked in embarrassment. "Well, you said you didn't want to walk hand in hand with me, so I thought you would want to walk alone. Did you enjoy that walk alone, Miss Bauer." he asked as finished up his biscuits and coffee then stood up to brush the crumbs off his suit. "There is plenty of fine young men who would not give me a chance to walk alone like you have, maybe I will go find one of them." Eva stated in anger and his smile faded as she quickly walked away from him. Hans handed the cup to magdalena and mumbled a thank you then followed after her.

"That was some fight." Magdalena stated with a chuckle as she put the cup away and dumped the remainder of the coffee out of the pot then put it away. "Just wait until their married." He said with a amused smile on his face. "Georg Michael Bauer, we have been married a little over thirteen years now and we hardly ever fight." Magdalena said as she took Catherina into her arms and he grinned at her then winced once again at the pain the tooth brought on. "You should go and see if someone can fix that tooth of yours" she said with a frown as she sat down in the rocker and he nodded his head then rushed away.

Chapter 13, Right Here By The Ocean  
"That tooth has to come out." an old German man with a raspy voice said as he looked into Michaels mouth. "Are you sure?" Eva asked with a frown. "Quite sure, the tooth is darker color and that mean it's rotten." The old man replied with a nodded of his head. "Make this a lesson to you two, see why you must not have so many Sweets." Eva said to angelica and Frederick who nodded their heads in agreement. "You can tell that your sister doesn't eat that many sweets." Hans said with a wink and they laughed. "Keep it up Hans and I will find some other lucky man to marry me." she stated sweetly and his laughter subsided.

"Take a swig of this." The old man said as he handed Michael a big wooden canister. "What is it?" Michael asked as he pulled the cork out and sniffed it and his nose started to burn at the strong smell. "Don't ask, drink." The old man replied while pushing the canister to his face. Michael did as he was told and took a big swig of the stuff and started to gag on it. "That should do it." The old man said as he smacked Michael on the back and took the canister away.

"Open up your mouth." the old man said a few minutes later and Michael did as he was told and opened up his mouth, the old man reached in with a brass instrument then he grabbed onto the tooth and gave it a hard tug. Michael cried out in pain as he Jumped up out of the chair and held his mouth in pain leaving the small crowed that had gathered murmuring all at once.

"Sit back down, I haven't even got it out yet." The old man said to him and Michael just stood their shaking his head no. "Grab him and hold him still then." the old man said to Hans who walked up to him. "Come on Mr. Bauer, you don't want your children or the crowd think your weak, do you?" Hans whispered to Michael trying to convince him and he swallowed hard and nodded his head in agreement then he sat back down in the chair.

"Ready?" the old Man asked Michael who nodded yes and opened his mouth. The old man reached in again with the instrument he grabbed onto it twisted and pulled on it. The men in crowd cringed and the women looked away as the tooth came out with a loud pop. "I Told you I would get it out." the old man said with a toothy smile as he held it up for all to see and a woman fainted at the site of it.

"Can I have the tooth Mister?" Frederick asked the old man who laughed out loud. "Sure son." he replied in amusement as he dropped it in his hand. "Thanks" Frederick said in excitement as he ran over to show his mother who was nursing Catherina in the rocking chair. "Look mama, I got papas tooth." Frederick said while holding it up proudly for her to see. "I see, go show Hans and maybe he can tie a rope around it and you can wear it around your neck." Magdalena suggested as she glared at her husband who came walking up to her holding his jaw in pain.

"Hans, can you tie a rope around this?" Frederick asked him and Eva made a face of disgust, just looking at the tooth made her nauseous she was glad he did not ask her to do it. "I sure can, do you have any rope?" Hans asked him with a smile on his face. "No, but I know where I can get some." Frederick replied excitedly as he ran off to get it.

"Your brother is great." Hans stated with a chuckle and Eva turned away from him and focused her gaze on the sea. "Come on Eva, you can't stay mad at me forever." he said and came up from behind her and put his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder and she remained silent. "Look I am sorry Eva, I like the way you correct my spelling and everyone else's. I am quite fond of it, if you don't mind my saying so." he said as he turned her around to face him. "Do you really mean it Hans?" she asked searching his face for the truth. "Of course." Hans replied with a grin and she smiled at him as he cradled her face.

"Have you ever thought about being a teacher?" he asked with a serious face. "A teacher, I do not have what it takes to do that." Eva replied as she shook her head and looked away. "You can do anything if you put your mind to it and I will help you if needed" he said as he tilted her chin up so he could look into her hazel green eyes and he smiled at her as he slowly moved his face inches away from hers and she looked up at him in surprise then she slowly closed her eyes as their lips met. The kiss was a sweet gentle kiss that left them both breathless and made their hearts beat wildly.

"Eva I have an idea, It might sound a tad bit insane, but just listen." Hans said as his eyes lit up and she slowly nodded her head as she looked up at him. "Instead of waiting until the fall, why don't we get married right here by the ocean!" Hans asked as he extended his hand out toward it. "Hans, I think that is the most wonderful idea I have ever heard, let's do it!" Eva replied excitedly as she gave him a quick peck on the lips then blushed at her actions. "Let's go ask your folks for their blessing first, then we will find Reverend Mulligan." Hans said as they started walking toward them.

"Mama, papa!" Eva said as she walked up to them holding Hans hand. "I see you two made up." Magdalena said with a smile as she brushed angelica's tangled hair. Michael sat in the rocker with Catherina in his arms while Frederick sat on the ground with Pfeffer drawing stuff in the sand with a stick. "Yes, we did." Eva. said as she squeezing Hans hand then let it go.

"Papa, how is your mouth?" Eva asked as she walked over to him and kneeled down on the ground in front of him. "It's fine, what is it that you want?" he asked as he looked down at her with furrowed brows. "Hans and I were just talking and we do not want to wait for a fall wedding, we would like to have it here by the ocean. That is if we have yours and mama's permission." she asked hopefully and Michael looked at his wife who nodded her head yes. "Your mother and I agree that a wedding at by the ocean would be a good idea." Michael replied with a nod of his head. "Oh, thank you papa!" she said as she stood up and kissed him on the cheek, then she skipped over to her mother and gave her a hug. "I will go find Reverend Mulligan and see if he's available." Michael announced as he got up from the chair and handed Catherina to Eva then left. This was the beginning of a new life for them, she thought as she smiled at her future husband.

Chapter 14, Made Of Gold  
"You look beautiful." Magdalena said to her eldest daughter who had on her old wedding dress. "It fits perfectly" Eva stated while twirling around in it. "I don't know why I didn't think of it before, I guess I didn't think you would like it." Magdalena said while shaking her head. "Oh mama, I love it." Eva stated as she gave her a hug. "I think its plain." Angelica said as she plopped down in the rocker with Pfeffer in her lap. "What do you know, you are only six." Eva said as she moved a strand of hair that fell in her face.

"Do you want braids in your hair?" Magdalena asked her. "Oh yes mama, could you braid some flowers in it as well?" Eva asked her. "Sure, Angelica could you go inside and grab my brush out of the sack that has our clothes in it" Magdalena asked. "If I have to.." she replied as she got up from the chair and set Pfeffer down on the ground. "It's like I stepped back in time, and I' am seeing my beautiful wife on our wedding day." Michael stated with a soft smile on his face as he walked up to them with Catherina in his arms. "Oh papa stop it, I am sure mama looked much prettier then I do." Eva said with a laugh.

"Where's Hans and Frederick?" Magdalena asked as she looked around for them. "Their with the reverend whom is convinced it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress." Michael replied while shaking his head at this superstition. "Maybe that is what we did wrong at our first wedding." Eva said with a chuckle as she moved her hair out of her face again. "Here mama." Angelica said as she handed her the brush. "Thank you Angelica, now go with your papa to go check on Hans and Frederick" she said with a smile. "Alright," Angelica said as she took Michael's hand and they walked away.

"Mama, you do not think we are too young to marry, do you?" Eva asked with concern in her eyes. "Heavens no, I was your age when I married your father he was fifteen I was thirteen and his father didn't want him to marry me you know." she relied while shaking her head.

"But why mama?" Eva asked as she looked out into the ocean and smiled at the beautiful scenery in front of her. "Well because I came from a poor family and they were rich and he seen it as scandalous saying that I was not good enough for his son and that marrying me would bring shame to his name and the family. You see Michael Jr. wanted your father to marry this other well off girl, named Viola and he was even courting her at the time I came into the picture. Upon meeting me your father confessed he was only doing it to please his father and he eventually told me that he loved me. He wanted to break things off with Viola right then but Michael Jr. said that he was just having cold feet and that he would get use to the Idea of having Viola as his wife." Magdalena replied with a sigh then she continued.

"He even set a wedding day for them an when your father didn't show up, they came looking for him. That is when they found out that he and I had secretly eloped earlier that day and Michael Jr. was beat angry with him and he said that Michael made a huge mistake when he married me and that he was cut off of the money and land he was supposed to inherit when he married Viola." she said as she continued to brush her long hair.

"Your father said he did not care about the money nor the land he was to inherit, after all what good was it if he could not share it with the one he loved. Michael Jr. was not happy upon hearing this and he said that your father was as good as dead to him unless he got our marriage annulled. Sure, your papa was hurt by what he said, but he was not going to separate from me just to please him. I felt really bad about all of this an went to see Michael Jr. one night, I told him that I thought what he was doing to his son was wrong. An that one cannot help who they fall in love with and I told him he should apologize to him. You see they had a bad Marriage and she didn't love him anymore because of who he came to be. He was not a very nice man Eva, he had a quick temper and hand to match." Magdalena said as she stopped talking to grab some more hair to braid then continued.

"I made a mistake of pointing that out to him and he told me to get out or he would throw me out himself. I was scared that he would do so, so I left. But not before I seen Maria as I was going out, she said that she was happy for us both and she wished us well. The poor soul died about a month later from an illness." she said with a sad sigh.

"That's so sad, did papa and grandpa Michael ever make up?" Eva asked as tears came to her eyes. "No not exactly, but seven months later we got a knock on our door and It was Michael Jr. with his second wife Erma. He came into the house and he pulled the curtain back and walked into the room where I had just given birth and he grabbed the baby out of my arms and put something around its neck then left without uttering a single word." she said while shaking her head at the memory.

"Do you have any idea who the baby was?" Magdalena asked while finishing the last braid in Eva's hair. "It was me, was it not mama?" Eva asked as she looked out into the ocean. "Yes indeed, and this is what he put around your neck." Magdalena said as she placing a beautiful locket around her neck from behind. It was made of gold and it had a single white pearl in the middle of it. "Oh, it is beautiful!" Eva exclaimed as she took it in her hand and looked at it. "Yes it is, It belonged to Maria and she loved that necklace so. I believe Michael Jr. gave it to you as a peace offering, though we never did see him again" Magdalena said while shaking her head in pity. "Make sure you keep it tucked in, people can be greedy and will try to steal it from you." Magdalena warned her as her face grew serious and Eva nodded her head in understandment as she gave her mother a hug.

"Eva, they all want to know if you're ready?" Angelica asked as her and Michael came up to them. "Tell them I am ready" she said as she took a deep breath and smiled at her. "Ok," Angelica replied then she ran down to the ocean shore where they were all waiting. "Here goes nothing." Eva said as she laced her arm through her fathers and held her mother's free hand with the other and they walked down the sandy beach together. Just like before word got out about a wedding and a large crowd had gathered in celebration.

Everything was as perfect as it could be, the sun just started to go down making the most beautiful sunset. An hearing the oceans waves crashing against the shore as the reverend talking, it was as if the heavens above agreed on us being wed. The ceremony was short but sweet everyone cheered when we kissed the first kiss as man and wife. Then Reverend mulligan used a page in my diary to right down that the marriage is legal and both Hans and I signed it with a smile. So tonight I will sleep peacefully with my head on my husband's chest and my sibling and parents beside us breathe softly along with the other families in this small room. I must go to sleep now, for tomorrow is going to be a long day, Eva

Chapter 15, Not My Cooking  
Magdalena awoke to Catherina soft cries, she smiled as she grabbed her out of Michael's arms and sat down in the rocker to nurse her. The sun was just coming up and there where very few people out. She smiled at Pfeffer who just woke up as well and the little dog stretched his paws out in front of him then wagged his tail and bark at her. "Quiet Pfeffer, you will wake everyone up." Magdalena said to him and Pfeffer laid back down by her feet and curled up into a ball.

"Why did you not wake me?" Michael asked with a yawn as he came outside. "You've been getting up early for the past 2 days, so I thought I would let you sleep in for once." she replied with a shrug. "Take her, I'll make some Coffee." Magdalena stated as she handed Catherina to him. "Do you want a biscuit?" she asked as she reached into a sack to get one. "I don't know I might have to have another tooth pulled, if I eat one." Michael said teasingly. "Georg Michael that was your fault, not my cooking." Magdalena said as she put her hands on her hips and he just laughed at her. "Yes, I suppose so, but you might want to have the dentist handy just in case." he said as he sat down in the rocker with a grin on his face. "Here!" she said angrily as she sat a biscuit in his lap then grabbed Catherina out of his arms."You can get your own Coffee." She stated as she walked away from him and sat down on the wooden bench.

"Mama, I'm hungry" Angelica announced as she came outside. "Me too." Frederick added. "The biscuit are in that sack." she said pointing over by the chair. "Aww, when can we eat real food, mama?" Angelica asked out loud as she looked down at it in disgust and Michael burst out laughing which gained a glare from his wife. "As soon as Mr. Defrock comes and brings us to our new home. Then I will make the biggest meal you have ever seen, there will be stew, bread and maybe, just maybe Bienenstich." she replied while smiling at them. "That would make my day!" Michael stated with a dreamy laugh. "In deed it would, but your papa does not get any no. He might hurt his teeth on my cooking." she said angrily as she stood up and he got out of the chair and grabbed her arm to stop her from walking away.

"Come on Magdalena I was just teasing you, I like your cooking just fine." Michael said with apologetic eyes. "Then you best think of that the next time you open your mouth, for you will do the cooking and I will be the one to sit and make remarks." She said then walked away.

"You want me to go wake Hans and Eva, papa?" Angelica asked as she fed Pfeffer the rest of her biscuit then got up. "No let them sleep, they'll wake up when their ready." Michael replied as he grinned at Magdalena who quickly looked away. "After you two are done eating, go take Pfeffer for a walk." Michael said to them and Frederick quickly finished his biscuit. Then they both started to run toward the shore and Pfeffer followed close behind them.

Hans slowly opened his eyes then looked around the empty room, where is everyone? he thought as he glanced down to see Eva sleeping peacefully at his side. He smiled as he kissed her on top of the head and she slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Good morning, husband." Eva said sleepily as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes with the back of her hand. "Good morning Mrs. Wilhelm." he said as he pecked her on the lips. "Where is everyone?" she asked looking around the empty room. "Breakfast." he replied as he smothered her face in kisses, then he grabbed her hand and kissed it as well. "We better join them, we are supposed to meet Mr. Defrock today and who knows when he will arrive." Eva announced as she tried to get up but Hans pulled her back down on top of him. "Mr. Defrock can wait, I have yet to formally greet my wife." He said with a grin.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm, did you two sleep well?" Michael asked as they came outside moments later. "Yes, very well." Eva replied as she let go of Hans hand and pecked her father on the cheek then walked over to her mother. "Good morning, mama." she said as she gave her a friendly hug. "There are biscuits and coffee, if you two are hungry." Michael stated while motioning toward the sack. "That is if you don't mind my cooking" Magdalena added as she paced back and forth trying to shush a crying Catherina.

"I will get it. "Eva said as she looked from her mother to her father, then back at her mother again. Knowing they must have had a little spat earlier about her cooking. "Aren't you becoming the perfect wife." Hans said as he grabbed the cup from her. "I learned from my mama, she is the best there is." Eva said with a smile as she handed him a biscuit.

"Yes you did, and may I say that she is one of the most beautiful woman and the best cook, a husband could ever have." Michael stated while meeting Magdalena's eyes and she looked away unable to hide her smile. Michael knew how to get the best of her at times, but he also knew how to sweep her off of her feet knowing she would cave in and forgive him eventually. What a day this is turning out to be. Michael thought as he looked out at the ocean and smiled.

Chapter 16, What a Nice Man He Is  
The rest of the evening was peaceful and everyone was out enjoying the beautiful day. Angelica and Frederick joined the other children who were playing a game they made up. Their parents watched and shook their heads and smiled at their cheerful spirits. As for mama and papa they have made up for the most part, it was a silly fight about her cooking and papas tooth. I do not think Hans and I will ever fight over silly things like that, but maybe that is what has kept their marriage together for so long, a little spat every now and then.

Hans is such a good husband he sits by my side as I write and he is quiet and does not try to peek at what is written on my pages no, he just stares out at the ocean waves. I look up at him every once in a while and he smiles at me. I start to blush immediately knowing the lovely time we shared together earlier this morning, Eva

"Hello, Mr. Defrock is eating lunch and he will be here to greet you shortly." The guy that helped Michael carry the rocking chair announced as he walked up to them. "Thank you sir." Magdalena said and the man quickly bowed to him then walked away. "Frederick come with me, so we can clean you up." Michael said as he extend his hand out to him. "Finally you get a washing, you stink." Angelica stated as she pinched her nose with her hand. "Angelica, go with your sister so she can brush your hair." Michael said in a stern voice and Frederick stuck his tongue out at her as he walked by. "Mama do I have to, it was just brushed." Angelica complained. "Quit your complaining and do as your father tells you, I have to make sure our belongings are together." Magdalena stated as she handed Catherina to Hans.

"Are you sure you want me to hold her, I might drop her." Hans said worriedly. "I am sure you will do just fine Hans, just make sure you support her neck and head, if she cries try to rock her to sleep." Magdalena suggested as she walked away. "I like the looks of this." Eva stated as she walked up to him and Angelica followed her. She plopped down on the bench then folded her arms over her chest not happy that she had to have her hair brushed again.

"She's so tiny." Hans said out loud as he looked down at Catherina and she grabbed his finger with her little hand and squeezed it. "What?" He asked Eva as he looked up to see her staring at him with a slight smile on her face. "Oh nothing." she replied as she started to brush Angelica's hair. "Come on Eva, I know you. What where you thinking?." He asked as he walked over to her. "Oh, it's nothing really." she replied then smiled again. "Eva?" He said anxiously and she laughed out loud. "I was just thinking of how wonderful it is going to be when we start our own family." She said with a devilish grin and Angelica made a face of disgusted and this made him smile.

"Hans, I want eight children four boys and four girls or what ever the good lord will bless us with." she stated excitedly and his smile faded and his face grew pale at the thought. "Eight, eight children" he stuttered. "Do not worry Hans, you will be a great father." she said with a laugh. "I know this, but eight children, eight do you think we can handle that many?" He asked wide eyed. "Of course we can, if we work together we can do anything." she said with a smile as she put the brush down and Angelica got up and he smiled at her. "Your right, but I think we should wait until we get settled in first. Build our house and farm the land. After we get those things down pat, then we can work on starting our family." he said with a nod of his head and Eva frowned upon hearing this. She didn't want to wait, she wanted to start their family as soon as possible.

"Here you go Mrs. Bauer." Hans said as he handed Catherina back to her. "Thank you Hans, I told you it would not be that bad." she said with a smile. "Hurry up, he will be here any second!" Michael announced and they quickly lined up and they seen two people coming this way. "Mr. Bauer I present to you, Aril Defrock." The German man said as he stepped aside and Mr. Defrock came into view. There stood a man of medium height and he was well built. He had black graying hair and dark beady eyes, he was well dressed in a black suit and matching top hat. There was gold rings on each finger that shined in the sun and a single chain to a pocket watch hang loosely across his suit, displaying his wealth for all to see. He said nothing but walked around them in a circle eyeing them up and down intently.

"I take it you all are hard workers?" he asked while he looked at them from face to face. "Yes sir, I worked in a mill and on a ranch back in Germany and My wife keeps house." Michael replied and Mr. Defrock nodded his head in approval. "What about the rest of the family?" he asked as he pointed his wooden cane at them. "My eldest daughter has helped keep house as well and her husband is an animal doctor. As for the wee little ones they are too small to do anything yet, but they are learning sir." Michael replied with a nod of his head. "Of course" Mr. defrock said while smiling at them, this showing his stained yellowed teeth from drinking too much tea and coffee. "Are you all in good health?" Mr. Defrock asked him. "Yes sir, we are all as healthy as one can be." Michael replied with a nod of his head.

"Are you rich mister?" Angelica asked out loud and everyone's gaze shot toward her and they all gave her a disapproving look. "She is quite an outspoken child" Mr. Defrock stated as he looked down at her and smiled."I am sorry Mr. Defrock, my daughter she does not make the best first impressions." Michael said apologetically and Mr. Deforck laughed as as he bent down to get eye level with Angelica. "To answer your question little girl, yes I am rich. As a matter of fact you are looking at the richest man in all of Philadelphia." Mr. Defrock said with a thoughtful smile as he pinched her cheek then stood up straight.

"Oh what a cute baby, can I hold it?" Mr. Defrock asked with pure adoration. "Why yes, you may." Magdalena Replied with a smile. "I just love babies." Mr. Defrock said as he took Catherina into his arms. "If you do not mind my asking sir, but do you have any children of your own?" Magdalena asked as she took Catherina back into her arms when she started to cry. "No." he answered quickly then added "No, my wife, god bless her soul is unable to bare any children." he replied while shaking his head in pity. "I am very sorry to hear that." Magdalena said as she mentally scolded herself for asking him.

"I hear that there is a rumor going around that you two are newlyweds, is this true?" Mr. Defrock asked Hans and Eva who nodded their heads. "Yes, we just got married yesterday." Hans replied with a smile as he grabbed Evas hand and gave it a little squeeze. "Let us pray that you two will have better luck than my wife and I have had." Mr. Defrock stated as he put his hands together in a praying motion then he looked up at the sky then back down at them.

"Now what is your names and ages?" Mr. defrock asked and Michael spoke for them all, "I am Georg Michael Bauer and I am twenty eight, this is my wife Dorthea Magdalena and she is twenty six. Our eldest daughter Mary Eva Wilhelm is thirteen and her husband Randolph Hans Wilhelm is sixteen." he said while motioning toward them. "My daughter Dorthea Angelica Bauer is six." he said nodding his head toward her.

"And how old are you little one?" Mr. defrock asked as he kneeled down in front of Frederick. "I'm Georg Frederick and I am five." he replied while holding his hand up to show him and Mr. Defrock let out a chuckle, then he ruffled Frederick's hair and stood up. "An of course the baby." Mr. Defrock said while motioning toward her. "Dorthea Catharina is about 2 months now." Magdalena replied as she looked down at her and smile. "Did you get all of that?" Mr. Defrock asked the German man who looked up from the book he was writing in and nodded his head yes.

"Good, very good we will leave right away then." He said while nodding his head. "Do you need any help caring your belongings?" Mr. Defrock asked. "No sir, we got it all." Michael replied with a smile. "As you wish, follow me." Mr. defrock said as he turned around and walked away. They grabbed their belongings off of the ground and followed him to a wagon, that had 2 oxen's hooked up to it.

"This is what you will be traveling in" Mr. Defrock said and Angelica and Frederick dropped the sacks they were caring and ran up to pet them. "Do not run, you might startle them." Eva warned and they rolled their eyes at her. "Now do you know how to hook up, and unhook the oxen's?" Mr. Defrock asked Michael and Hans who set the rocker down. "No sir." Michael replied then he looked at His son in law who shook his head. "No, I haven't either but I have treated some before." He said as he gave them each a pet on the head. "Well not to worry, my good man Isaiah will be going with you and he knows how to do it." Mr. Defrock stated as he looked around for him.

"Is he German as well?" Eva asked him and he laughed a bit at her question then said. "He is not German, nor American for that matter. But he does speak the German tongue, I thought him myself." Mr. Defrock replied proudly and Eva slowly nodded her head to his answer, not German or American then what is he? Eva thought.

"Isaiah, where are you boy?" Mr. Defrock yelled out loud when he did not see him. "Right here sir." replied a middle aged man as he came running up to him out of breath. "Isaiah, this is the Bauer and Wilhelm family, you are to escort them back to my estate." Mr. Defrock ordered and Isaiah nodded his head. "Nice to meet ya'll " Isaiah said with a smile that shined brightly against his dark mocha skin.

"Well what are you waiting for boy, go get my carriage." Mr. Defrock demanded as he shook his head at him impatiently. "Yes sir." Isaiah replied as he ran off to retrieve it. "Are you going with us Mr. Defrock?" Magdalena asked as she shifted Catherina to her other arm. "No, I'm afraid I cannot I have business to attend to in town. But fear not Isaiah knows his way around these lands, even better then I do." Mr. defrock replied reassuringly and she smiled at him. "Are we going to see Indians mister?" Frederick asked as he tugged on his sleeve. "You might, but there are only Friendly ones around these parts." Mr. defrock replied with a smile, then his smile faded when Isaiah returned with the horse drawn carriage.

"About time, what took you so long?" he asked angrily as he snatched the reigns from him and climbed in the front seat. "I'm sorry sir, I came as fast as I could." he replied with a nod of his head. "Well, make it faster next time." Mr. Defrock snapped. "Yes sir, Mr. Defrock," Isaiah said while nodding his head, then he walked away then started loading their belongings into the wagon.

"Mr. Bauer, Mrs. Bauer I will be seeing you when I get back" he said to them. " Yes sir and thank you sir, safe travels." Michael said to him with a smile and Mr. Defrock nodded his head then he snapped the reigns and left.. "You better go help Isaiah put the stuff in the wagon, so we can get a move on." Magdalena ordered him then she walked away to get after Angelica who was pulling on one of Oxen's tails. Eva stood there watching the dust trail that followed Mr. Defrocks carriage. Something just was not right about that man, Eva thought to herself. Then she walked over to join her family who were chattering away excited about their journey that lay ahead.

Chapter 17, Nothing for miles  
Finally, after hours of riding in the wagon we have stopped to rest for the night. I am stiff from sitting for so long, so I think I will walk the rest of the way. Riding on the dirt trail was dusty and made us thirsty so, but we are limited on how much water we can drink until we hit a stream or a river so we cannot properly quench our thirst. We have not seen another place for miles and Isaiah has warned us not to run off alone as we are now in the wilderness, so we have to be careful on not getting lost. He is a rather quiet fellow and keeps to himself. It may be rude of me to point out but his skin is darker than any I have ever seen before. I asked Hans about it today and he said that the people down here call them Negroes as it means black and that they come from a place called Africa. I have never heard of such of a place, but I do believe that it exists for Hans says so.

Mama is nursing Catherina in her rocking chair as usual, while Frederick is playing in the grass with Pfeffer. As for Angelica, she is sitting on the ground sulking, because Isaiah and papa went off hunting and mama did not want her to go with them in fear that she might get hurt. I agree with this, besides Angelica is not the most patient or quiet person and she might scare away our hunt. As for my husband Hans he is doing things around the camp for mama. He is the most kind, loving, and caring person I have ever met and I love him dearly. I just wish we had more time alone, but it is hard to find time to do so. I.., Eva

"Eva set that down, Hans needs your help gathering fire wood." Magdalena said as she got up from the rocking chair. "Yes mama," Eva said as she set her stuff down and hopped down from the wagon. "Why can't I go mama, I'll be quiet?" Angelica begged her. "Angelica I told you no, it is too dangerous! Now quit whining your acting like a three year old." Magdalena replied while shaking her head in disapproval. "It's not fair." Angelica said out loud as she threw herself to the ground. "Angelica, get up from the ground this very minute and quit being naughty." Eva said as she walked up beside Hans. "I'm not naughty am I Eva?" Frederick asked her as he tugged on her sleeve. "No, not at the moment, but you can be a handful at times." she replied with a smile.

"Come on Angelica, you don't want to go and look for some dumb wood with us, besides I have a better job for you to do." Hans said as he sat down beside her trying to cheer her up. "Like what?" she asked looking at him curiously. "You are a soldier and you are to protect your mama and younger siblings from the Indians until we get back." Hans said convincingly. "Cool" she said out loud as she got up from the ground in excitement and clapped her hands together.

"What about me Hans?" Frederick asked while tugging on his sleeve and Hans thought a moment. "You are a scout." Hans replied while smiling at him. "A scout, that doesn't sound very fun." Frederick said in disappointment. "Nonsense, a scout is the person that is on the look out for the Indians, they sound the horn so everyone can go and hide or prepare for a battle." Hans said while getting up from the ground."Wow" Frederick said in amazement. "Now these are your weapons." Hans said as he picked up two sticks off the ground and handed each of them one.

"Now be careful with them, they can be very dangerous if they get into the wrong hands." He said while nodding his head toward Eva and they both laughed out loud and her mouth dropped open and she glared at him. "Now I am your captain and I order you to get to your duty's." Hans said as he picked up another stick and pointed it in the air and Angelica and Frederick ran off giggling with Pfeffer following at their heels. "Hans, you are someone to ride the river with." Magdalena said with a chuckle. "Any time, Mrs. Bauer." Hans said as he threw the stick on the ground and wiped his hand off on his pants. "Come Mrs. Wilhelm, before it gets dark." Hans said as he held his hand out to Eva and they walked off into the woods together.

Chapter 18, Any Minute Now Two days later  
It is already dark, yet once again and we have not seen or heard from papa or Isaiah since they left. We are all worried that something bad has happened to them. Hans told us not to though, as sometimes it takes a whole day or two to hunt and he said that any minute now they would be walking up to us lugging a deer or a bear behind them. Though he does not say it or show it in his face I can tell he is worried as well, as we are running low on water and we have no food left. But Hans is trying his best to find food for us and he has made two traps from rope, sticks, leaves and mud hoping something will wonder in one of them. So far it is an endless waiting game and we have, Eva

"Frederick, do not stand so close to the fire you might get burned!" Eva shouted as she set the diary down to get after him. "I just wanted to poke at it" Frederick said as held the stick up while explaining this. "You will do no such thing, you know not to mess with fire you could of got burned. Now please go play with Pfeffer or sit down with Angelica" Eva scolded as she took the stick out of his hands and threw it on the ground. "Yes, Eva." Frederick said with a pout as he hung his head low and sat down next to Angelica. Minutes later they all sat in silence as they watched the orange flames from the fire dance wildly in the night. "We got something, we got something" Angelica and Frederick shouted excitedly as they jumped up from the ground upon hearing a loud cracking noise from one of the traps. Magdalena looked up at the sky and praised God for the food they where about to be blessed with.

Chapter 19, To Act Like a Lady  
It has been three days since the last time I have written as there was not much to write about. Papa and Isaiah are still gone and Hans has announced that if they are not here by lunch today then we will have no choice but to move on without them. I argued with him about this and he pointed out that I should think about my mama and younger siblings. An I know he is right for without water we cannot survive. But still I cannot help but argue with him today, for the sky is overcast by clouds making it a dark and gloomy day. I just wish papa would come back for he would cheer thin..., Eva

"Eva I need you to take Catherina, Angelica has burs in her hair and I need to get them out at once." Magdalena said anxiously. "Do you want me to do it mama?" she asked as she set her diary down and took her sister into her arms. "No, no I need something to do" she replied while shaking her head. "Alright, but let me know if you need any help holding her down." Eva said with a grin. "Thanks, but I do not think that will be necessary." Magdalena said while forcing a smile then she left in a hurry. "Where is she going?" Hans asked as he walked up to her. "She's looking for Angelica, she has burs in her hair and I imagine she's hiding from her." Eva replied as she looked down at her sister and smiled.

"I caught two rabbits for us to eat tonight." Hans announced while holding up their lifeless bodies. "You mean we are going to stay another night?" Eva asked surprised and he nodded his head yes. "Oh Hans thank you, I know you are just trying to do the right thing." She stated with tear's in her eyes. "So your not mad at me anymore?" Hans ask as their eyes met. "Not at the least." She replied as she kissed him on the lips. Then their kiss broke when Catherina made a high pitch cooing noise making them both laugh. "Just remember, if they do not show up by morning, then we have no choice but to move on." He said in a stern tone. "Yes, I understand" she replied with a nod of her head as she focused her gaze on Catherina again. So innocent, she has no knowledge of what is going on around her, no idea that her papa is missing Eva thought. Then upon hearing Angelica crying out in pain Eva rushed over to see if she was alright.

"That serves you right, Angelica. I told you to take better care of your hair." Magdalena scolded as she tried to get the burs and snarls out. "Awe mama, I cannot help if it gets tangled." Angelica said defensively then winced at the tug of the brush. "You know Angelica, there was a time when I did not take care of my own hair and my own mother threatened to cut it all off." Magdalena stated while trying to untangle the brush from her hair. "Really?" Angelica asked wide eyed. "Yes, I was a tomboy much like yourself, I climb trees and play in the mud. I even got into fights with boys." Magdalena replied while smiling at the memory.

"Why Mrs. Bauer, I did not take you for the free spirit type." Hans said with surprise and she laughed. "In a way yes, but one day that changed and I realized I needed to act like a lady and not a wild monkey." she said in amusement. "You don't look like a monkey to me mama." Frederick stated as he looked her up and down and they all laughed.

"So you never had your hair cut off then?" Eva asked as their laughter died down. "Well let's just say that is the part that made me grow up. It was rather embarrassing walking around with one's hair cut like a boys." Magdalena replied with a soft chuckle. "But you wouldn't do that to me, would you mama?" Angelica asked as she turned her head to look at her. "Just try me." she replied with a straight face as she put her hands on her hips and Angelica looked straight ahead and did not move or complain until she was done and Eva smiled at this. Very rarely did her mother or father talk about their past, but when they did she loved hearing about it.

"Do you mind watching your sibling, while I clean the rabbits for dinner?" Magdalena asked as she set the brush down. "Go right ahead mama, Hans and I can manage the three." Eva replied with a smile as she watched her husband put more wood into the fire, to keep it going."Thank you Eva, you two have been so helpful." Magdalena stated with a tired smile. "Is that not what Families are for, to help each other out when in need?" Eva asked and she nodded her head in agreement. "Yes." she replied with a smile as she took the two rabbits that were hanging on the back of the wagon and walked over to a large rock to skin and clean them.

"I'm going to get more fire wood, what are you going to do?" Hans asked as he came up next to her. "I am going to rock my darling little sister to sleep." Eva replied as she pecked him on the cheek then sat down in the rocker. "Maybe soon we will have a little one of our own for you to rock to sleep." he stated with a knowing smile then walked away to gather wood. She looked down at Catherina and smiled, finally he was warming up to the idea of having children right away instead of waiting until they where settled into their own place, she thought as she started to rock her sister to sleep.

"Eva, Eva!" Frederick shouted minutes later. "What's wrong?" Eva asked as she jumped up from the rocker. "I can't find it, it's gone!" he replied in tears. "What's gone Frederick, where's Angelica?" she asked as her heart started to beat wildly in fear that something had happened to her. "Papas tooth, I had it around my neck and now it's gone." Frederick replied as he started to cry and Eva let out a relieved breath. "It's alright, we will go try to find it." Eva said soothingly.

"We were playing over here!" Frederick announced as he led her toward the area they where playing in, It was covered in weeds and tall grass. "I should not take Catherina through that stuff, we will have Hans look later alright." Eva stated and a look of disappointment came to his face and she immediately felt bad for him. "Angelica come on, we should not be this far away from the wagon." Eva said worriedly as she looked around frightened by the idea Indians or some wild animal could be hiding in the tall grass ready to jump them at any minute.

"Sorry I couldn't find it Frederick." Angelica said apologetically as she put her arm around her little brother's shoulder and Eva could not help but smile at the site of them. It was the first time she has ever seen Angelica show any affection toward their brother, usually they fought and teased each other. "Come Pfeffer, that goes for you too." Eva stated as she shooed him away from the grass he was sniffing then they walked back to the wagon.

Chapter 20, Such a peace full place, 1 hour later  
"Intruder!" Angelica yelled out loud. "It's the Indians!" He heard Frederick say and his eyes quickly snapped open and he jumped up from the grassy area he was laying in and ran over to them. "Indians, where?" He asked in a panicky voice. "Down there." Frederick replied while pointing to ants on the ground and Hans let out a relived breath as he wiped the perspiration off his forehead.

"What do you think we should do with the prisoner's, Caption?" Eva asked as she walked up behind him in a fit of giggles. "That's not funny Eva." he replied with a frown. "Oh Hans lighten up it is a game, and you created it." Eva said with a chuckle. "That's not funny Eva, it could have been real Indians." He said with a serious look on his face. "Oh Hans, you cannot protect them forever, especially when the ants attack." she said teasingly and his face turned bright red with both anger and embarrassment and he said nothing but stormed off into the woods and her laughter subsided.

"Do you think I should go after him?" she asked Frederick and Angelica shrugged their shoulders. "You two stay close to the wagon, If mama asks where we are tell her we went for more firewood. Do you understand?" she asked and they both nodded their heads yes, as they watched her disappear into the brush.

"Hans!" Eva called out loud minutes later when she did not find him. She sighed out loud and stopped to listened. She could hear birds chirping and then a faint sounds of water running. "A stream!" Eva said excitedly as she continued to walk forward until she broke into a small clearing and she spotted it. In excitement she kneeled down on the bank and cupped her hands and dipped it in the cool water and took a deep long drink. She then looked down at her reflection and frowned at her messy appearance. She cupped her hands again and splashed water on her face and neck to cool herself, It felt good against her dusty dry skin. Perhaps this means they can stay here longer for now they have water to drink, she thought as she leaned back into the grassy ground and closed her eyes while listening to the water flowing softly. She inhaled deeply as a delightful smell of lilacs fill the air, as the gentle wind brought on a small breeze. This is such a peaceful place, Eva thought as she opened her eyes and looked up at the clear blue sky and smiled.

Chapter 21, A Screech of an Owl  
A loud scream shot through the air, like a screech of an owl that was going after its prey. "Eva!" Hans shouted out loud as he got up from the rock he was sitting on and started to run. He did not notice that his face and body was being scratched and torn by thorns and tree branches. His lungs hurt from running so hard so he stopped to listen and he could hear nothing over his own ragged breathing. Then there it was again a low cry for help. This has to be a dream, he thought as he started to run again and the screams grew louder with every step he took. He continued running until he finally came to a clearing then stopped. He looked from his left then to his right, then to his left again.

"Eva!" He cried out her name and tears came to his eyes when he did not see her or here a reply back. Am I too late, where is she? He wondered as he looked around in a blurry panic. Then he heard her scream his name and he turned around and started to run again. Then all of a sudden he felt a hard blow to the head and the woods around him began to spin as he fell to the ground and his vision started to fade. Is this it, am I dead. Where is my beloved wife Eva, Is she safe? he thought as he faded away into complete darkness and everything around him went silent.

Chapter 22, I Just Forgot  
"Where is your sister, I need her to take Catherina while I fix dinner." Magdalena asked as they walked up to her. "Eva said that they were going to get some more firewood." Angelica replied while avoiding her mothers gaze. "And why did you not tell me this until now?" she asked them both suspiciously. "I meant to tell you mama, I just forgot." Angelica replied as she kicked at the dirt on the ground.

"No, Eva told us" Frederick started to say and she elbowed him in the ribs. "Owe" he said out loud as he clenched his side and she mouthed for him to be quiet. "Frederick, what where you saying?" Magdalena asked as she put a hand on her hip and frowned at them both. Frederick looked from his mother to his sister then back at his mother again. "Eva said not to, in till you asked us." Frederick replied with his head hung low. "You tattle tale!" Angelica accused. "I am not!" Frederick said defensively as his gaze snapped toward her. "Yes you are, you're a tattle tale." she said teasingly. "I am not!" he yelled. "Are too, infinity!" she said as she stuck her tongue out at him and he ran toward her and Magdalena grabbed onto his arm to stop him.

"Angelica, knock it off and tell me what this is all about!" Magdalena demanded as she let go of Frederick's arm then put Catherina in a basket made of straw. "Well, I am waiting." Magdalena said as she put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot on the ground when she did not answer her right away. "Hans thought Indians were attacking us, but we were just playing and Eva teased him about real Indians, an he got mad and stormed off into the woods and Eva went after him." Angelica replied out of breath then added "I am sure they are making up by now mama, they always do." she said with a giggle and Magdalena sighed knowing she was right and they were probably making up right now.

"Angelica, do you think you can handle watching Catherina while I cook?" Magdalena asked her. "Yes, mama." Angelica replied as she looked down at her little sister who squirmed around in the basket. "What can I do mama?" Frederick asked as he tugged on her apron. "If you can keep Pfeffer from stealing the rabbit meat then consider the job yours" Magdalena replied with a smile. "Don't worry mama, he won't get by me." Frederick stated proudly as he pointed to himself. "I bet he won't." Magdalena stated with a chuckle as she walked over to the fire and started to drop the cut up rabbit meat into the boiling water.

A few minutes latter she stopped what she was doing as she felt the hair on the back of her nape stand on end and she knew that something awful was about to happen. "Mama, are you alright?" Angelica asked and she did not answer her, but dropped the ladle that was in her hand upon hearing a high pitched scream echoing through the woods.

Chapter 23, Playing Possum  
Eva eyes snapped open when she heard the bushes to her right moving slightly. "Hans?" she said out loud waiting for him to reply back but she heard none. "Hans, this isn't funny!" she stated as she got up from the ground and brushed herself off and started to approach the bushes. She let out a high pitch scream as a tall figure jumped out in front of her. She screamed again as she turned around and ran toward the stream and started to cross it. "Hans!" she screamed more desperately as she crossed the stream and the bottom hem of her dress got soaked, as she ran through it.

Eva cried out as she tripped on a stump and fell forward. She put her hands out to try to catch herself and they got scraped and cut by rocks making her wince in pain. She started to sob uncontrollably as she tried to pick herself up but stumbled and fell to the ground again. Soon the tall figure with a painted face appeared above her with a tomahawk in hand. Eva's whole body shook in fear as he raised the tomahawk and she closed her eyes not wanting to see what happened next.

Soon a loud crack filled her ears and then she felt a heaviness on top of her. Was that the sound of my skull cracking, why do I feel a heaviness atop of me? Eva thought as she slowly began to open her eyes and she tried to scream but no sound came out. She panicked as she tried to push the Indians dead body off of her but it was no use he was too heavy. His weight crushed her body making it hard to breathe and she started to sob uncontrollably. Her cries subsided when she heard heavy footsteps coming toward her. Then suddenly her fathers voice popped into her head and she was back in Germany.

"You see when a possum feels that its in great danger it will flop over and plays dead, though it is still very much alive. It is called playing possum." he explained to the tear faced 6 year old that it was still alive. She flashed back to reality then closed her eyes shut tightly hoping the lesson her father had taught her years ago would pay off. She could hear the crunch of the rocks, as the footsteps nearer her then stopped right above her head. She then felt the heaviness of the Indian body lifted off of her then the presents of someone kneeling down beside her. She did not move nor dare to breathe a single breath as she felt a hand move the hair out of her face. "God please help me now." she prayed.

Chapter 24, To Be All Alone  
How I wish my husband where here, Magdalena thought as she held Catherina close to her body as she paced back and forth. Angelica and Frederick sat on the back of the wagon with Pfeffer lying down in between them, watching her every move. "This is what we are going to do. Angelica, you must watch over your siblings while I go looking for Hans and Eva." Magdalena said as she stopped pacing then kissed Catherina on the forehead. "But mama" Angelica started to say in protest and she held her hand up for her to stop talking. "Angelica, you will do as you are told." she said in a stern voice as she put Catherina into Angelica's arms.

"Mama, don't go." Frederick said in tears as he jumped down from the wagon and threw his arms around her waist. "I have to." she said as she kneeled down and pulled him into a hug. "You have nothing to fear, your big sister is going to take care of you and I will be back before you know it." she said as tears came to her eyes and she kissed him on the forehead.

"Angelica, in case there is any danger I want you to take your sibling and hide. Do you understand" she asked as she hugged and kissing her on the forehead. "Yes, mama." Angelica replied as she held back her own tears trying to be strong. "Behave for your sister" she said to Frederick then she turned around and started to walk away.

"Mama, wait!" Frederick shouted as he ran up to her and she turned around to look at him. "Frederick I have to go, you will be fine" she said to him softly as she kneeled down and put a hand on each shoulder. "I know mama, take Pfeffer with you. I don't want you to be all alone." Frederick said as his little chin started to quiver and he started to cry again so she took him into her arms. "How thoughtful of you" Magdalena said as she let him go then stood up and brushed herself off.

"Mama be careful" Angelica said as she walked up to them and she nodded her head, as she gave them each a hug and kiss again. "Come Pfeffer" she said as she whistled for him to come to her and the little dog pricked his ears up then jumped off of the wagon and ran too her. She glanced back at them one last time then gave them a tearful smile and a wave goodbye. She hoped it would not be her last.

Chapter 25, He Held His head  
Hans awoke to the sound of birds cawing loudly. The sun was barely visible through the big tree branches that loomed above him. He blinked repeatedly at the blurred sight around him, trying to bring things back into focus. He tried standing up then groaned out loud as a sharp pain shot through his head bringing him to his knees. He reached up as he felt a cool wet sensation dripped down his face. What happened to me? he asked himself as he brought his hand back down and saw deep red blood and started to panic.

He gulped out loud as he felt a wave of nausea come over him and he leaned to his right and vomited all over the leaf covered ground. In doing so his head started to pound even harder now, so he shut his eyes and took in deep breaths. As a animal doctor he knew that the first thing he had to do was to stop the bleeding so he took off his shirt and got his pocket knife out cutting the material in two. He then carefully wrapped his head and tied the material in a knot in the back.

He took in a big deep breath as he slowly got up from the ground using a tree trunk for support. He leaned against it as he looked around him and he seen trees, rocks and tall grass. He then slowly took a step forward and stumbled and fell back onto the ground as everything around him started to spin. He sighed out loud knowing that he would not be going anywhere soon as he could not walk right from the concussion he substantiated. He slowly looked around trying to think of what happen to him and why he was in the middle of no ware. He sat there for what seemed like hours when it all came back to him.

That's right, I got into a fight with Eva and stormed off into the woods. Then what happened, how did I end out here? he questioned himself. "Think Hans, think." he said out loud as he rubbed his temples to try to relieve some of the pain. That's right something or someone was after someone but whom, was it me? he thought. Is that what happened to me, someone hit me over the head. Is that why I am laying here, what happen to me? Hans thought and he started to panic again when he could not remember the rest. "God please help me remember" he thought as tears came to his eyes.

Chapter 26, Here Boy  
I have to be careful, Magdalena thought as she picked up a thick stick from the ground and looked at it. Its no knife or gun, but it would do she thought. "Shush Pfeffer, you must be quiet." she said to the little dog as he barked out loud. He turned his head sideways as she spoke and she shook her head at him and smiled. "Come boy." she coaxed him as she started to walked on.

"Pfeffer, Wait!" Magdalena shouted at him as he shot past her and ran full speed ahead. "Pfeffer." Magdalena called out to him once again as she quickened her pace as he continued to run away from her. He then disappeared into some thick trees and bushes ahead of her. She pushed her way through the tangled weeds and tree branches and came into a clearing.

"Hans?" she choked out as she put a hand over her mouth to muffle her cries as she stumbled upon a half naked man lying on the ground. She slowly approached the body and she used all her strength to turn him over by pulling on his arm. She fell backwards onto the rocky ground and let out a loud shrieked as the body now lay on its back and she could see his painted face clearly. An Indian! She thought as she glanced down at her blood stained hands then she jumped up and stumbled over to the stream and started to scrubbed her hands and arms trying to wash the blood off. "Please let them be safe!" she prayed as tears came to her eyes.

Chapter 27, Light as a Feather  
Eva slowly opened her eyes to her name being called or was it a figment of her imagination. "Papa?" Eva said out loud as her eyes snapped open to his familiar voice. "Papa!" she said again as she sat up an threw her arms around his neck and started to cry. "Shh, your safe now." he said soothingly as he held her tightly. "We should go Mr. Bauer, there may be more of them." Isaiah said as he started to reloaded the Brown Bess rifle with black powder and a loosely fitting musket ball.

She was as light as a feather just like her mother, Michael thought as he carried his daughter through the woods. Isaiah stopped walking and pointed to smoke rising in a distance from a small fire. We found it, Michael thought with relief. "Take Eva," Michael said to Isaiah who leaned the gun up against the tree and took her into his arms.

"Whatcha doing? he asked wide eyed as Michael picked up the rife. "I am going ahead of you, to make sure everything is alright." Michael replied as he put Brown Bess up to his shoulder and aimed it at a tree branch. "No sir, you have a family I will go." Isaiah said in protest. "No I am going, you will be no use to us dead. You are our only hope of getting out of these woods alive and to Mr. Defrocks." Michael stated and Isaiah grew pale at the thought of being killed.

"Papa, don't leave me!" Eva pleaded with tears in her eyes. "Do not worry I will be back, I just have to check to make sure that everything is," Michael started to say then he cleared his throat and added "Alright." She did not speak, but slowly nodded her head that she understood why he was doing it. "Isaiah, If I don't make it out of these woods I want you to promise me that you will continue on with my family and make sure they have a happy life." Michael said as he looked him in the eye. "Sure thing Mr. Bauer." he said with the nod of his head and Michael then pecked Eva on the forehead and disappeared into the trees with the rifle in hand ready to shoot on site.

Chapter 28, Where Is She?, After dark  
Darkness was fastly approaching making it hard for Magdalena to see things around her. "Shush" she said to Pfeffer as he started to growl and his hair stood on end. This making her hands start to shake as she thought about the Indian she had seen moments ago. "God give me strength" she prayed as she tightened her grip on the stick ready to swing at what ever came her way.

Her eyes looked around constantly and she did not see the culprit hiding behind the tree to her left. The figure leaped out and tackled her to the ground taking her breath away and knocking the stick out of her hand. She let out a loud whoosh as she hit the ground hard and the dark figure climbed on top of her. She tried to fight back but her attacker had her wrists pinned above her head, this bringing tears to her eyes. She screamed out loud hoping that it would catch them off guard and loosen the grip on her arms, but it didn't work.

"No!" She screamed while shaking her head back and forth as a dirty hand tried to cover her mouth. She opened her mouth wide and bit down on the culprits hand as hard as she could, sinking her teeth into flesh drawing blood. She then heard a low cry of pain and their grip loosened on her and the attacker sat up holding his hand in pain. This gave her a chance to get away so she kicked him in the groin then staggered to her feet as the figure laid on the ground in pain. Pfeffer started barking wildly as she started to run away blindly.

"Mrs. Bauer, wait!" she heard someone say in a pained voice and she stopped running and turned around. "Hans?" she asked in a rugged voice. "Yes." he replied with a grunt as he clutched his groin area in pain. "Hans I am so sorry, I thought you were an Indian." she apologized in a tearful voice as she rushed over to him and threw her arms around his neck bringing him into a hug. "Its alright." he said through the grit of his teeth.

"What happened to your head?" she asked in great concern when she noticed the cream color material wrapped around his head. "I'm not sure, I remember going into the woods and Eva." He started to say and Magdalena cut in. "Eva, what about Eva, where is she Hans?" she asked with hope in her voice. "I, I don't know I can't remember." he replied while shaking his head in frustration. "Think Hans, think where is Eva?" she asked more desperately as she took a hold of his shoulders and shook him a bit. "I heard her scream for help and then, then nothing. I blacked out." He replied as his lower lip started to quivered as he tried to hold back his tears. "She's going to be alright Hans." Magdalena stated as she brought him into a comforting hug.

Chapter 29, Don't Move Or I'll Shoot You Dead  
Michael made his way through the thick woods then stopped behind a big oak tree as he neared the camp. He peeked around the corner and could make out a pot sitting above the fire as if someone was preparing dinner. He then looked to the left and could make out the shadows of the large oxen's and could tell they were grazing in the grass.

He crouched down low to stay out of site as he slowly walked toward the wagon being careful not to step on any twigs or leaves as he did not want to alert any intruders. He then peaked into the back of the wagon and could see that their belongings remained untouched. "Oh please let them be safe" Michael prayed silently as he looked down at the ground.

What is this? he asked himself as he picked up a piece of string that had a tooth attached to it. "Frederick!" Michael chocked out as his eyes followed a blood trail leading beyond the wagon. His face reddened in anger as he straightened his posture to the sound of footsteps coming near. He then held Brown Bess up to his shoulder and stepped out away from the wagon reveling himself. "Don't move or I'll shoot you dead." he cried out in rage, then the gun went off and screams filled the air.

Chapter 30, The Sound Of A Gun Shot  
"We have to get back to the wagon." Magdalena said through the grit of her teeth as she tried to support Hans weight. "No, we have to look for Eva." he said in protest while shaking his head. "We cannot Hans.." she started to say as her voice cracked and she looked away as tears came to her eyes again. "It is no use, it is too dark and we might get more lost then we already are." she stated and he put his free hand on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. "I am sorry Mrs. Bauer, I know that you want to go looking for her as much as I do. I just can't stand to think that she is out there hurt or worse." he started to say and his trailed off and he shook his head in anger.

"Its all my fault, if I would not have gotten mad at her she would still be here" he said in sorrow and she shushed him. "I will have no more talk of this, Eva is alive and well I can feel it in my bones." she said in a tearful voice while trying to convince him and herself as well. He looked into her eyes wanting to believe just that then the loud sound of a gunshot startled them and broke their stare.

Chapter 31, Their Eyes Full Of Fear  
High pitched screams filled the air along with the cries of a baby."Catherina?" Michael said out loud as the smoke from Brown Bess started to cleared and he could make out his three youngest children huddled together shaken and scared. Catherina squirmed in Angelica's arms as the fire danced off their eyes full of fear. "Papa!" Angelica managed to spit out the words and Michael laid the rifle on the ground then held his arms out to them. "My children, you are safe." he said with relief as he took them into his arms.

"She left us papa!" Frederick cried out as he let them go. "What do you mean she left you?" Michael asked as his heart started to beat faster then a scared rabbit on the run. "Mama, she went to find Hans and Eva. There was a scream papa, a horrible scream." Angelica replied in a tearful voice. "Eva is safe" he said while trying to calm them and himself as well. "You mean you found her?" Frederick asked and he nodded his head yes. "All clear, Mr. Bauer?" He heard Isaiah ask from behind them. "Yes, there is nothing to fear here, Brawn Buss just went off by accident. It is a miracle that it did not hit anyone." Michael replied as he looked down at the rifle then at them as they came closer.

He touched Eva's face tenderly and she looked up at him but did not smile, she looked pale and was still in shock of what happened earlier. "Put her in the wagon so she can rest." Michael said to Isaiah who nodded his head in doing so. "Angelica, help your sister into some clean clothes." Michael ordered as he took Catherina out of her arms and sat down in the rocker and started to rock, this quieting her loud cries. "Yes papa." Angelica replied as she followed Isaiah over to the wagon. "Is she goanna be alright papa?" Frederick asked worriedly. "Do not worry your sister is fine, she is just frightened." he replied as he looked into the glowing fire then he looked out into the night wondering where his wife and son in law were and if they were alright.

Chapter 32, Hours of Darkness  
Hans and Magdalena stopped walking both were breathing raggedly as she leaned him against a tree and Pfeffer sat at their feet sniffing the air. "Look." she said as she pointed to the left beyond a zigzag of trees and they could see a faint glowing light from the camp fire. "Mrs. Bauer wait," Hans said as she took a step forward ready to confront who ever posed a threat to her children. "What is it?" She asked as she shrug his grip off of her arm. "I cannot let you go over there, It is best to wait until morning so we can see" he replied and she shook her head no. "I have to go my children are in danger." she in strained voice.

"But they have guns, Mrs. Bauer." he said in protested. "Yes, they have guns and I am like a mother bear ready to defend her cubs. Who do you think will win Hans?" she asked as she started to walk away and he knew there was no use talking her out of it. "Wait, I will go with you" he said and they started walking again. The light grew brighter with each step they took, both of them tried not to snap a twig or crunch too many leaves when they approached the campsite and they stopped and hide behind a tree. The campfire light was bright against their eyes after hours of darkness, so it took a few moment for them to adjust. Magdalena could see a man sitting in the rocker with a rifle in his arms, his head was hung low as if he were asleep.

"Oh my lord." Magdalena said out loud and she ran toward the fire and he tried to stop her but it was too late. "Michael!" Magdalena cried out as she threw her arms around his neck and he jerked his head up in surprise. "Magdalena, you found your way back." he said as he set the rifle aside and brought her down onto his lap and caressed her face with the back of his hand.

"Oh Michael, I could not find her." Magdalena said as tears flooded her eyes and he took her hand in his. "Eva is safe, she is asleep in the wagon with our other children." he said as he moved a strand of hair out of her face and she started to stand up to go check on them but he pulled her back down onto his lap "No, let them sleep." he said with a soft smile. "But Michel I." Magdalena started to say when Hans stumbled over to them with a big stick in his hand, threatening to hit who ever had a hold of her. "Hans?" Michael said in surprise as he got up from the rocker and pulled his son in law into a hug, happy that they were all together again.

Chapter 33, The Shadows Of The Trees  
It has been five days since I had my encounter with the Indian savage that tried to kill me and I am still shaken over the experience. It seems like every time I close my eyes I can still see the fierce look on his painted face as he raised the tomahawk in the air. I now fear the woods at night when the sky darkens and the shadows of the trees as they come into play. As I write this down my handshakes and my legs are unsteady at the thought of it. The only thing that makes me feel safe at night is when Hans has his arms wrapped around me.

There is still a nasty cut on his head, we clean it and change the rags every other day so it will not get infected. Same goes for the bite on his hand though he never did say where that came from. Isaiah did figure out how it happened, the wound on his head that is. When Hans heard my cries for help he ran into the tree limb. Isaiah found this out when he went back to the stream to fill the buckets full of water, as he seen a tree limb with blood on it and he put two and two together. As for my papa and Isaiah they got lost in the woods and could not find their way back, when they heard my screams for help they came to my rescue. Isaiah is the one who shot the Indian and for that I am grateful to him.

As for my siblings Angelica and Frederick they are scared we will leave them again, so they have been following us around all day and have even helped with some of the chores instead of playing. I have to admit that I wish they would have played instead for earlier today Frederick asked me what the Indian looked like, but luckily mama got after him and he has not asked me since. I do not like to think about it, much less talk about it. I know Hans wonders as well, but does not ask me for he knows I will talk to him about it sooner or later. I thank God that we are together again and I pray every day that he will keep us safe from any other harm that may come our wa.., Eva

"Eva could you help me?" Magdalena asked in desperation while trying to hold on to a crying Catherina and stir the stew at the same time. "Yes, mama." Eva replied as she closed her diary and set it aside. "I can do it" Hans insisted as he quickly got up from the rock he was sitting on and grabbed the ladle out of her hand. "Hans no offence but I can do it, it is just a twirl of a spoon" Eva said as she grabbed it out of his hand and he frowned at her. "Look, I don't think you should." he began and Magdalena interrupted him.

"Hans we need more wood for the fire, would you be so kind to get it for me?" she asked him with a smile on her face. "But I was just going to say that she." he started to say and she put her hand up not wanting to hear it. "Hans the wood, the fire is about out and if you want to eat by night fall I suggest you go get some." she ordered as she sat down in the rocker and started to nurse Catherina. "Can't Mr. Bauer or Isaiah go?" he wined. "No, they are both busy." she quickly replied while shaking her head at him. "Alright, if I really have to" he said with a sigh as he tuned toward Eva and said. "If anything and I mean anything happens scream and I will be here faster than a jack rabbit on the run."

"I will be fine Hans." Eva said as she looked down at the pot with a sigh. "I love you" he said as he pecked her on top of the forehead and then turned to leave. "Aren't you going to say it back?" he asked as he turned around to face her. "Hans, you know I do." Eva replied in annoyance.

"Hans, I really need that wood now or no one will get anything to eat." Magdalena stated in a stern tone. "Alright, I'm going" he mumbled then walked away. "Thanks, mama." Eva said as she took in a deep breath then let it out in frustration. "Do you want to talk about it?" Magdalena asked and Eva shrugged her shoulders. "It is really sweet that he is being caring and Protective." she started to say then she bit down on her lower lip not sure if she should continue. "But." Magdalena said as she looked up at her curiously.

"It's just that he is being a little to Caring and protective. I mean, I am not helpless am I mama?" Eva asked as she stopped stirring the stew to look at her. "Of course not dear, you have been through a terrible ordeal and you are a strong young woman that needs some space to find a way to get through this yourself. Maybe you should tell Hans how you feel, I am sure he will understand." she suggested as she put Catherina on her shoulder and patted her back lightly to burp her. "Perhaps, you are right mama." Eva said thoughtfully as she watched Hans walk back this way with an arm full of wood.

Chapter 34, The Beginning of the End, September 02 1791  
They all let out a cheer as Mr. Defrocks house come into view. How excited they all were, even Pfeffer wagged his tail and barked loudly at the commotion as they rode up the long dirt road to the house. There were people working on either side of the field and in the beautiful gardens. Some were Germans, Negroes and some races they have never seen before. "They all must work for Mr. Defrock, how generous he is to help the poor." Michael stated as he stared at all of them in amazement.

"Oh, how beautiful this place is!" Magdalena said with admiration as tears came to her eyes and she kissed Catherina on top of the head. "Mama can me and Frederick get out and walk now?" a very eager Angelica asked and she nodded her head yes. "Yay!" Frederick shouted in joy and both Magdalena and Eva gasped out loud as he got ready to jump out of the moving wagon. "Wait a minute son." Michael said as got a good grip on his arm to stop him from jumping out. "Wait until Isaiah stops the wagon." Michael said as he let go of his arm and they let out a relived Breath. Hans gave Eva's hand a good squeeze and he smiled at her and mouthed the words I love you. She smiled back at him and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

The wagon came to a stop and they jumped down, then it continued toward Mr. Defrocks house. Angelica and Frederick walk hand in hand up the dirt path with Pfeffer followed close behind them with his nose to the ground sniffing everything. All of the people working ignored their waves and hello's. Except for one boy with dark black hair, he looked up at them and smiled and waived. They waved back at him, then his mother had seen what he was doing she said something to him making him frown then he went back to work but glanced up and smiled at Angelica who started to blush immediately. She hoped he could not see her redden cheeks from here she would surely die of embarrassment if he did. "Hurry Frederick" she said to him as they quickened their pace to catch up to the wagon that already sat at the Defrocks front door.

"Angelica, are you feeling alright?" Magdalena asked as she rushed over to her to feel her forehead. "I'm fine mama, why do you ask?" Angelica replied in confusion. "Your face, it is so flushed." Magdalena stated as she looked at her eyes then had her open her mouth and stick out her tongue, this making her blush even more. "I am sure it is from the long ride mama." Eva stated as Hans helped her get down from the wagon. "Perhaps you are right." Magdalena said with a nod of her head though she still looked worried. Isaiah knocked on the front door and a young woman with brunette hair and grey blue eyes came to the door. She was wearing a funny hat and dress and she frowned at him and mumbled something to Isaiah who nodded his head at what she said.

"All ya'll folks come with me." Isaiah motioned and they followed him to the backyard patio, where Mr. Defrock was sitting in a white wicker chair with an older lady in her late forties whom they presumed be be his wife. He set down his cup of tea upon seeing them and stood up. "Ah Mr. Bauer, I see you and your family has arrived safely." he said giving them a toothy smile. "Yes sir, we have." Michael replied with a nod of his head.

"Mr. Bauer, I would like you to meet my wife Alivea Defrock." he said while introducing her and Michael held out his hand to shake. She looked up at it in disgust then she snapped her gaze toward her husband and said something to him then got up and walked away. "Uh, eh, you will have to excuse my wife. She is feeling a little ill today and has gone to lay down." Mr. Defrock said in embarrassment. "What are you standing around for boy, get back to work!" Mr. Defrock snapped when he noticed Isaiah still standing there. "Yes, sir." Isaiah said with a nod of his head then he left.

"If you would please have a seat Mr. Bauer, Mrs. Bauer there is another document for you to sign. This is just stating that you arrived safely and that you agree to the terms to work for me until you pay off your debt." He said as he pushed a scrolled up paper towered Michael who frowned at them. "I thought we already signed everything upon arriving?" Michael asked and Mr. Defrock shook his head no. "Its a standard policy in America to sign two copies to make it legal, a copy for me and a copy for them" he replied as he handed him a quill and inkwell. "I see" Michael said in exhaustion, too tired to ask any more questions about it he picked up the quill and signed it and slowly but surely a grin came to Mr. Defrocks face.

"Beula!" Mr. Defrock shouted as he picked up a bell and rang it from the table making them all jump a bit. The same young lady that answered the door came running from the house. "Yes, Mr. Defrock. You rang?" she asked as she bowed to him and he nodded his head yes. "Show the Bauer family where they will be staying and please hurry back I need to speak to you about dinner arrangements" Mr. Defrock stated as he rolled the document up and put it in his suit pocket. "Yes, Mr. Defrock." Beula replied as she bowed to him again and he smiled at her then turned his attention to them.

"You are all more than welcome to eat dinner with us tonight, that is if you all are not too tired from your journey." Mr. Defrock stated with a slight smile on his face. "That would be most pleasant, thank you." Magdalena said accepting his invitation. "You are relieved now." he said with the wave of his hand as he picked up the tea cup and drink the remainder of the tea in it then he got up from the chair and left.

"Come with me." Beula said as Storm clouds rolled in and they could hear thunder off in the distance. It seemed like they were walking for miles until they reached a shack no bigger then the one they had back in Germany. "It is only temporarily." Beula stated as she opened the door but did not go in. "Hello I am Eva, thank you for showing us this err, lovely home. I hope we will get the chance to talk often." Eva said with a warm smile and Beula smirked at her. "I don't think we will get the chance, I am a very busy person." she said then she turned on her heels then left in a hurry. "Wow, she didn't like you at all." Angelica stated in a fit of giggles. "Nonsense, I am sure she is busy like she says she is." Hans said cheerfully as he put an arm around her and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "We should go lie down and get some rest before we join Mr. and Mrs. Defrock for dinner." Magdalena said with a tired yawn and Michael nodded his head in agreement and they all walked inside.

"Eva are you coming?" Hans asked as put a hand on her shoulder. "No not at the moment, I am going to stay up and write a bit, you go ahead." She said with a smile as she turned around to face him and he hesitated to go in without her. "Hans, I am fine I will go to sleep in a bit." Eva said with a reassuring smile. "Alright but don't be too long, I know how you could right nonstop in that thing." He said with a grin and she laughed then stood up on her tippy toes and pecked him on the cheek. "I will join you in a while" she stated as he walked inside and she took out her diary and started to write.

After a six week voyage from Germany and a cross the Atlantic Ocean, to Philadelphia and our long journey through the wilderness are no more as we have finally arrived at the Defrocks estate. Papa has said it over and over to us that once we arrive here our struggles will finally be over, but I still cannot stop this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that something is not right or perhaps my encounter with the Indian has gotten the best of me.

Will I ever fight this feeling that something bad is about to happen to us, or will it haunt me for the rest of my life. I should not write these thoughts down on paper. No, I should just learn to push them aside, but ones saying is different from ones doing. All in all I thank God for keeping us all safe and together this far. An I hope Hans is right about Beula for it would be nice to have someone else to talk to that is my age. As for Mrs. Defrock she did not seem too eager to meet us at all, but perhaps I am imagining these things. I should not judg.., Eva

"Eva, please come to bed I cannot sleep when you are not lying beside me" Hans complained as he came to the door. "I will be there in a minute Hans, remember how I told you that I needed some time alone."she reminded him as she looked up from her diary at him. His face turned into a pout and he hung his head then walked back inside without another word. Where was I, she thought as she glanced back down at her writing. "Oh that's right." She said out loud as she continued to write.

Judge People, for maybe she was not well like Mr. Defrock stated. I must admit this is a beautiful place to live. Why do I worry so, for this place of dreams called America is where we all lounge and fight our way to be, Eva

Eva looked up and smiled at the beautiful scenery before her. Then she bowed her head and prayed. "Oh God, thank you for leading us to such a beautiful place. May you guard us and keep us safe, for we are so ever grateful for all you have done for us. For the trees, the flowers and the sun, Amen."

Note from the Author:

This Place of dreams is the First book of the series this place of dreams called America. I have always been interested in history and thought I would write a book in dedication to my ancestors the Bauer family who came from Germany to America in hope of a better life for themselves and their family only to become a redemptioner in the 18th century. People like them have sacrificed so much, so that in the future we could live a better life then the one they had endured. I hope they are as proud of me as I am of all of them, Christina Brenner/Christibrebooks

Historical notes:  
The Redemtioners were European immigrants in the 18th or early 19th century. They gained passage to America and most often ended up in Pennsylvania by selling themselves into indentured servitude to pay back the shipping company for their fare for the voyage.

There were many different types of European Immigrants that immigrated in this time period. However, German immigrants came as redemptioners. Most were farmer's or farm laborers out of work or people that fell upon hard times. Jobs where very scarce then and they where left with no choice but too move away from the place they grew up in. It is commonly known that some immigrants would have a husband or other family member perhaps a son, to immigrate to America alone ahead of them. Upon arriving they would get a steady job or they would establish a business for themselves and have a home built ect, then they would send for their loved ones sometimes all at once or one at a time, depending on if they could afford it or not. In a redemtioners case their family would never hear back from them, because they were put to work by their masters and some of them died before their dues were paid and the family's would have no way of knowing what happened to them.

To fill empty holds, poor Europeans were recruited onto ships in Rotterdam by a Neulaender or new worlders. Neulaender received a commission for each person they recruited and they were not always a trustworthy. The Neulaender dressed in fancy clothes to impress the peasants as they wandered about Germanic countries to Recruit them. They recruited Europeans to emigrate without payment up front and allowed anyone in the new world to redeem the travelers. Labor was in demand in North America and those who could not afford to pay their own way, came under indentures which obligated them to work for no wages until their expenses had been covered. Most Indentured servants worked five to seven years to pay their masters off.

Abuse of the system, which included lying to the immigrants and even shanghaiing them. The British Parliament enacted laws, protecting British subjects from the worst abuses. However non British immigrants had no such protection and If they used the redemptioner system, they were forced to negotiate their indentures with their future master.

A majority of these poor immigrants where go now and pay later and were not redeemed by family members, so it was misleading and most paid for their emigration with their own toil, tears, and often blood. At this time in America they were considered property under the law and was allowed to be bought and sold until their indentures matured. They could also be legally punished in the same manner as African American slaves. The big differences between the redemptioners and African American slaves were that redemptioners came on their own accord, while the African Americans where forced and born into slavery.

An example of how the indentured servant was viewed in 1662, a Virginia law forced both slave and indentured servant females who bore children by their masters, to serve after their indentures for an additional two years for the local churchwardens, with no penalty for their masters. This happened a lot and is common to what they did with African American women. Though let me note that a woman who is indentured will one day be free, while a African American would stay enslaved.

Redemptioners abuse on board ship is well documented. Their baggage was often pilfered by the crew. Many travelers started their journey with very little funds to pay their way and were ripped off and overcharged so they arrived with a debt to settle and they also had to be redeemed. The redemptioners who became indentured servants ended up working as farm laborers, household help, in workshops, at markets and even as store clerks. They were typically prevented from marrying until after their term of service. Often, the terms of separation after the contract stipulated that the servant receive a suit of clothing and sometimes a shovel and or an axe. Conditions were sometimes harsh as evidenced by the lists and paid announcements for the return of escaped servants in contemporary newspapers, some where beaten, whipped, sold to another master, hung or killed for running away.

"All in all these people were good hard working people who came to America in hope of a better life then the one they had before, only to become indentured servants, or you misewell say that they were basically slave's. Some were lucky enough to get a master that would treat them fairly, while others struck out and had a master who would treat them horribly. The point is we should all pay gratitude to all of our ancestors, because without them we would not be standing here today. Yes, our ancestors stories are the stories of America which represents freedom, strength, hope and sacrifice. Upon which we should be so ever grateful to them." Christina Brenner

More Historical notes:  
Germans call their children by their middle name and frequently all their children had the same first name. By the 15th century, Germans were giving their children two names. A spiritual name usually a favorite saint and a secular name the name by which the child was known by. The use of middle names in the United States is relatively new. In fact they were almost unheard of before the late 18th century. It wasn't until the early 19th century that German immigrants brought the custom to the United States. By World War I the middle name had been adapted and almost all Americans had one and as of now today they are used for identification purposes and to tell people apart. It is well known fact that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln did not have middle names among other great people of their time.

A loo is a toilet - lavatory - bathroom - restroom or a water closet

List of German words used:  
Engel is a German word for the word Angel.  
Pfeffer is a German word for the word pepper.  
Hirsch is a German word for the word Deer.  
Bienenstich or Bee sting cake is a German dessert made of a sweet yeast dough with a baked-on topping of caramelized almonds and filled with a vanilla custard, Buttercream or cream

Brawn Buss is a german word for Brown Bess is a nickname of uncertain origin for the British Army's muzzle-loading smoothbore Land Pattern Musket and its derivatives. This musket was used in the era of the expansion of the British Empire and acquired symbolic importance at least as significant as its physical importance. It was in use for over a hundred years with many incremental changes in its design. Originally designed in 1722 and was Produced from 1722 to the 1860s, designed by a committee of the Royal Board of Ordnance, which was the British government body responsible for supplying the army. The word Bess, is commonly held to either derive from the word arquebus or blunderbuss the predecessors of the musket or some say it is to be a reference to Elizabeth I, possibly given to commemorate upon her death. More plausible is that the term Brown Bess derived from the German words Brawn Buss or Braun Buss meaning Strong Gun or Brown Gun.

It Weighed 10.5 pounds and was 58.5 inches in length. The Barrel length was 42 inches to 46 inches. The cartridge was 18 mm musket ball, the were undersized to reduce the effects of powder fouling. The Long Land Pattern musket and its derivatives were all .75 caliber flintlock muskets.

Reloading Brown Bess was a 4 step process:  
1. They prepared paper cartridges containing ball and gunpowder in an elongated envelope.  
2. They tearing apart the cartridge with teeth and prime the pan directly from the cartridge.  
3. They then stand the musket and pour the bulk of the powder down the barrel.  
4. After that you reverse the cartridge and use the ramrod to seat the ball and paper envelope onto the powder charge. If you where highly skilled in this you could usually fire 3 to 4 rounds a minute.

Brown Bess Muskets where used in numerous of wars just to name a few, the Musket Wars 1820s-1830s, having been purchased from European traders. Some were used during the Indian rebellion of 1857, and also by Zulu warriors who had purchased them from European traders as well, during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879. Some were sold to the Mexican Army who used them during the Texas Revolution of 1836 and the Mexican-American War of 1846 to 1848. Most male citizens during the 18th Century of the American Colonies were required by law to own arms and ammunition for militia duty. The Brown Bess was a common firearm used by both sides in the American Revolutionary War and even in the Civil war in the the Battle of Shiloh in 1862.

Slang words:  
Hobble your lip - meaning to shut up or hold your tounge.  
Someone to ride the river with - a person to be counted on

"Coming Soon!"

This place of dreams called America Part II: Lies of a slave traitor!  
" Preview "

Chapter 35, Trapped Like Frightened Mice!  
Eva quickly awoke to the angry shouts of her fathers voice and the cries of her younger siblings. Mr. Defrock stood in the doorway giving orders to two men whom they have never seen before. One took a hold of Michaels arms while the other looked through their belongings. Eva quickly tuck the necklace her mother gave her in the neck of her dress as Hans jumped up and quickly came to his father in laws aid by hit one of the men in the jaw with his fist. The man staggered backwards and let out an angry cry as he ran toward him ready to attack but Mr. defrock stepped in between the two of them and yelled something at the man who quickly went back to searching.

"You all belong to me now!" Mr. Defrock shouted as he held up a rolled up piece of paper and went out the door as two more men came in dripping wet from the rain. One over took Hans by holding his arms behind his back, while the other grabbed Frederick who struggled with the man kicking and screaming from the top of his lungs. Pfeffer growled and bit the one holding Frederick on the ankle. He cried out in pain and kicked him, making Pfeffer hit against the wall with a loud yip then he ran out the door and into the rainy night.

"Let go of my brother." Angelica shouted as she started kicking the man in the shines and he pushed her away as if he was swatting a fly. Eva cried out in anger as she ran at him and hit him in the back with a sack full of apples, he turned around and struck her with the back of his hand making her fall hard against the wall. Hans face reddened in anger as struggled to break free from the man in blues grip. He wanted to tear the man in the dirty fur coat apart for hitting his wife, he had no right hitting a defenseless woman.

"Please, let them go!" Magdalena shouted in tears to be heard over her Catherinas cries. She collapsed to her knees pleading with them to leave them be, but they ignored her and pushed Hans and Michael toward the door and carried Frederick who began crying hysterically for his mother. "Do not worry, you must have faith in God!" Michael shouted as the men pushed him out the door and into the pouring down rain. Angelica got to her feet and tried to go after them but another man blocked the door, they were trapped like frightened mice!

"Now that you read the book and have seen a preview of the second book please take time to give me honest feedback and tell me what you think of it. Please remember that I am not an expert on editing books, grammar, or of use of quotations marks nor claim to be. You may have found some mistakes along the way, such as quotation marks missing or in the wrong place ect... I am learning everyday on how to write the proper way and hope you will be pleased with what I have written so far."  
Thank you for purchasing,  
Christina Brenner / ChristiBreBooks
