Read Longings of the Heart for Free Online

severe and even ruthless challenges, they’d hung on to their way of life. They were daring and enterprising. They knew where to find food and water even in places where there seemed to be nothing. And they could walk endlessly without tiring. He remembered when he’d followed the tracker while hunting down his cousin Henry. The man’s skills were myriad and unflagging. Henry hadn’t had a chance of escape.
    Since Henry’s trial, John had given his cousin little thought. Now he wondered how severe his cousin’s misery was. At Newcastle Prison it must certainly be profound.
    Across the river, John spotted a disheveled-looking man he’d never seen before. The moment the stranger realized he’d been seen, he scampered deeper into the bushes and disappeared. Why in the world would he do that? There’s no need to hide. John stopped and watched for the fellow. He never reemerged, and John finally went on his way. Most likely an escaped prisoner. Hope he doesn’t cause trouble. John decided that on his way back through town he’d report the man.
    He approached a trail that led to the property. Murphy Connor was already there. He sat on an embankment and his horse grazed beside him. When he saw John, he wiped sweat from his forehead, set his hat in place, and stood.
    “Good mornin’ to ye,” the middle-aged man said. “It’s a hot one, eh?”
    “Indeed.” John dismounted and shook Mr. Connor’s hand. He scanned the acreage.
    “Fine piece of property,” Connor said. “Even if it is a bit small.”
    “Thank you for taking time to meet me.”
    “When I heard it was one of the government properties, I thought of ye. It would give ye and the wife a first-rate start. My land borders this piece and I figured ye for a good neighbor.” He smiled.
    “Thank you.” John could feel excitement build inside. “It’s fine land, indeed.”
    Connor gazed over the landscape. “Property runs down t’ the river on one side, and there’s a pond, and a stream runs through it. Course when things dry up, there’ll not be much water.”
    He nodded at the Parramatta River. “If it was me, I’d build me a house down there. Having water close to your place will make yer wife happy.” He pushed a wad of tobacco deep into his cheek. “The Parramatta will see ye never go without water for the house and garden.”
    “Ye plan on raising cattle?”
    “No. Thought I’d try my hand at sheep.”
    Connor glanced at the sun. “Ye sure, lad? Cattle’s a lot easier. Not as much of a market for sheep.”
    “Not yet, but there will be.” John smiled. “You just wait and see.” He nudged his hat back off his forehead. “I’d like to have a look ’round. I heard there’s a large piece bordering this one.” “There is, indeed.” Connor grinned. “That was me thought too. Figured one day ye might be able to buy it.”
    “You know the property well?”
    “That I do. I’d be happy t’ ride ’bout the place with ye.” He
    climbed onto his horse and settled in the saddle. “The ground and grass is the best ye’ll find for grazing.”
    The two men looked at the small portion of land available through the government and then explored the larger property. John’s enthusiasm grew. The land was mostly made up of broad grasslands, golden and heated beneath the summer sun. Trees dotted the sprawling landscape, and John figured there’d be plenty enough for building a house and barn. This was it. This would be his and Hannah’s home.

    John rode into the yard, excited to tell Hannah what he’d discovered. When he didn’t see her right off, he dismounted and led the horse into the barn, relieved it of the saddle, and then tied him outside his stall. After a quick brushing and a handful of grain, he led the horse into his stall. Anxious to get to the house and talk with Hannah, he grabbed an armful of hay and dropped it into the crib.
    The gelding pushed his nose into his feed and snatched up a mouthful. John gave him a final pat