The Visions of Ransom Lake Read Free

may think the dirt out on the street and the unkempt men in it are the most interesting things in the world…but I for one am weary. I think I will lie down, Aunt Myra. But be sure to wake me when Uncle Dan gets home.”
    “ Of course, sweetie.”
    Vaden’s shoulders drooped, her zest having once again been dampened by the lack of enthusiasm of others. Turning halfheartedly, she followed her sister as she walked to the hallway at the front of the mercantile, which led to the house. “I guess it would help me to perk up a bit,” she muttered.
    “ As if you ever need more perking up, baby sister,” Yvonne teased.
    However, as Vaden lay on her bed staring up at the strong wooden beams of the ceiling, she could not keep her mind from returning to contemplation of the odd hermit-man who had ridden past the store. His name was Ransom Lake. She knew she would never forget so unusual a name. And there was something about him, something mysterious and fascinating. His eyes, for one thing. They were so unsettling! When his stormy gray gaze rested on her, it had felt to Vaden as if he looked directly into her soul for a moment. She nearly convinced herself that were she to meet him face-to-face, she would indeed see tiny gray storm clouds floating midst the rain color around his pupils. She was wildly curious about so many things concerning him. She wondered why a man would intentionally rip the sleeves from his shirt as it appeared he had done. She wondered how a man could tolerate so much hair covering his head and face. She wondered why he was so reclusive. Did he hold some great secret cached away in the depths of his heart? Was he indeed a criminal hiding from the law to avoid stretching his neck from a rope?
    She hoped desperately he would visit the store that evening. Then she could get a really good look at him. Oh, she told herself it would be hard not to stare, and she must be shrewd in her visual investigation of him. It would not do for him to sense any hint of her curiosity about him.
    “ Vonnie?” Vaden whispered then, rolling over on her side and looking across the room to where Yvonne lay sleeping on her own bed. “Vonnie? Are you awake? I can’t sleep.”
    “ For pity’s sake, Vaden,” Yvonne whined. “Let me rest. I know your mind is a whirlwind of excitement and questions…but I really do want to—”
    “ Isn’t this all just too exciting? I can hardly keep still! Just think of the experiences we’re bound to have out here. Experiences that will help shape who we become and how we—”
    “ Vaden!” Yvonne almost snapped, turning to face her sister. “I am tired. Go for a walk or something if you can’t let me rest. Go out into this dusty, spider-infested world and see the sights of the town. You’re sure to find something to interest you.”
    “ I’m sorry.” Vaden knew she could be terribly over verbal most of the time, and she was not angry at Yvonne for being irritated with her. She rose from her bed, smoothing her skirt. “You’re right. I’ll leave you to rest. Goodness knows you’ll need it if you’re to remain patient with me for our first few days here.”
    “ What are you doin’ up, dear?” Myra asked as Vaden entered the mercantile. “I thought you were restin’ with Yvonne.”
    “ My body can’t rest when my mind is running faster than the wind, Auntie,” Vaden expressed with a dramatic, breathy whisper. “I’m just so entirely excited to be here. There’s something in the very air, Auntie. My life will change somehow because of this visit. I can feel it in my heart. I can feel it in the depths of my very soul.”
    Myra smiled at Vaden, amused at her niece’s theatrics. “Well, why don’t you find something to do? A walk maybe.”
    “ Ah, yes! A walk. Fresh air for the lungs and food for the mind!” Vaden sighed happily, leaving by way of the mercantile front door.
    At her leisure, she meandered down the main thoroughfare of town. She passed a blacksmith’s