George returned to a town in chaos with her friends uncertain of what to do next.
Men on horseback, and wagons filled with families, packed the main street of Rubidoux, rushing to leave town. It surprised her to see how many people had actually been drawn to settle in the new community.
George walked into the saloon where she’d left her friends to find them all sitting around tables in the shattered room.
“George!” Nell shouted, jumping to her feet and hurrying to her. “We didn’t know what had happened to you, girl. Are you all right?” She felt George’s forehead, feeling for a temperature as she led her to a table and pulled a chair out for her. “You should be in bed, girl, after what you’ve been through.”
“I’m fine, Nellie June, but I could use a drink of water,” George said as she se
