A New Day Rising (48 page)

"Mor, big dog." He pointed back to the wolf, who sat panting quietly.

"No, Andrew. That is Wolf, Metiz' Wolf. He is our friend."

"Big dog," Andrew insisted.

"Mange takk, Wolf."

The animal blinked and faded back, disappearing into the morning mist just as Haakan ran across the field to stand beside her.

"Was that really a wolf?"

ingeborg nodded.

"And he brought Andrew back?"

"Ja, he did." Ingeborg kissed her son's filthy cheek and brushed her hand over the welts on his face and arms caused by a myriad of mosquito bites. "Uff da, so terrible you are bitten."

Haakan stared at the space where Wolf had been. "Well, I'll be. God surely used a strange way to protect our son."

Our son, how good that sounded.

"Mor, me hungry." The little one shook his head. "No Tor, Mor."

"You think he went hunting for Thorliff?" Haakan reached over to carry the boy, who went right into his arms.

"No doubt." Together they entered the yard where all the rescuers waited.

"Praise God, He saved our boy." Agnes called from the door, "Food's on, folks. Come eat, and then you can all go home and do your chores."

"The good Lord saved our boy"-Haakan pointed to the east"just in time to see a new day rising." He put his other arm around Ingeborg's waist.

"Praise God, indeed." She felt the strength of the man beside her, one more thing to be thankful for.

"Mor, I hungry."

"So, let's get some food in you, little one." Haakan carried the child through the crowd of well-wishers, who shook the man's hand and patted the child on his back or on his cheek.

ingeborg watched them go, the tears still streaming unnoticed down her face. God certainly did provide in an unusual way. But then, didn't He always? During all the heartache of the last four years, all the deaths, the body-breaking labor, God had been there all the time, when she turned to look for Him. And now with all the joys, friends, family, crops, a child found, He was here, too, all the time. And He would not leave them. As Haakan said, this was surely a new day rising.

"Mor, you're crying," Thorliff said at her elbow.

"I know, but these are tears of joy, from a heart overflowing with thanksgiving." She laid a hand on his shoulder.

Thorliff shook his head. "Be easier just to say mange takk."

AelnowledMents

In writing the second book in the RED RIVER OF THE NORTH series, I used many of the same resources as I did for Untamed Land, and they are listed there. In appreciation for their willingness to share their time and knowledge of this era, I add:

Bill Grant, who grew up in the area in which the story for this series is set and knows well the history of Walsh County. He also loaned us a book that proved invaluable.

John Jogoda is a veritable walking encyclopedia of firearms history, the tanning of hides, and hunting practices, both current and historical.

Don Peterson added to his resume by becoming a consultant on poker playing to the point of rough-drafting the card game scene for me.

Sharon Tissue read the manuscript and added many valuable comments.

As always, Sharon Madison and Sharon Asmus, from Bethany House Publishers, helped shape the final copy.

To all of these, along with my family and friends, who always encouraged, sometimes prodded, and often listened to me groan, my heartfelt thanks.