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Show Nettie, Page 37 over roads which were usually not much more than wagon tracks. There were many streams to ford and the trail was often muddy. Spring runoff made the streams and rivers high and there were many anxious moments at some of the larger rivers. Col. Cody checked in with them again one night. Nettie ran to greet him, feeling she had made a good friend. He greeted her warmly. "Hi, there, my little Mormon angel. What have you been up to?" He scooped her up in his arms and sat her in front of him on his horse while he talked with the elders. Nettie was content to bask in his friendly warmth, and once again invited him to their family campsite. Nettie told him about Diena's death and William's trip back to Kemmerer and Evanston. "I'm sad to hear of the little girl dying. I know the ache of losing a child. My own little boy, Kit, died right around this time of year when he was just five. It nearly broke my heart." Nettie's eyes filled with tears to hear the big man speak so lovingly about his son, and she touched Col. Cody's arm as she said, "My brother Frank died not long ago. He was my best friend." The Colonel drew her near to him. "Well, little angel, I guess we have quite a bit in common. I watched my own brother die when I was just six. He was crushed by a horse and I guess I'll never forget that, either." Nettie smiled a little tremulously, and felt closer than ever to her bearded friend. Talk turned to lighter things, and Nettie's papa and the Colonel |