Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time, #1)

The terrified Abbott family quickly gathers together, watching the stampeding buffalo approaching their encampment. The buffalo cross the river and continue running, and Pa Abbott and one of his friends shoot at the herd to redirect it. Sam nervously watches until finally the herd is scared off and veers away from the sound of the guns.

Ranger and Sam excitedly join the men to find the dead buffalo and gather its meat. Pa is happy with Ranger and thanks him for warning the family. That evening, the family gathers around the campfire and enjoys buffalo steaks. As Sam relaxes by the fire, he notices Sarah Ferguson running over in a panic. She reveals that both of her parents are sick and she must find Dr. Loring.

Dr. Loring tells Sam and his family that the Ferguson parents have cholera and are sure to die soon. Sam, Ranger, and Ma Abbott stay up with Sarah to keep her company. In the morning, Dr. Loring tells Sarah the sad news about her parents’ deaths, and the group buries them. Sarah walks with the Abbott family, and Ma assures her that they’ll send a note to her relatives to come meet her on the trail.