Chapter 12
It was a welcome sight when Mother and Evie’s brothers arrived with three wagons loaded with medical supplies, food, and water.
Mother immediately went to work setting up an area for heating water and cooking.
She was good at organizing this kind of thing, and Evie and her siblings knew the routine well.
Whenever there had been disasters, be they storm or fire, the Turners were some of the first to arrive to help.
Mother noted Evie’s bloodied apron. “Goodness, have there been a great many injuries?”
“Not as many as you might expect. Quite a few burns, and one man broke his leg jumping out of his house’s second story.
” Evie pushed back a wisp of curly brown hair.
“So many people have lost their homes, Mother. They’ve lost everything but what they could carry out, and frankly, for many that wasn’t very much.
This fire has been spreading so fast that most only had time to run.
Now it’s going on suppertime, and no doubt the homeless are going to be hungry, along with the firefighters. ”
“We’ll see to that.” Mother gave an unladylike whistle, and Andrew, Jacob, and James came running.
“I need you boys to head to Charlotte Van Cleve’s house and let her know what’s going on.
We need food and water to feed them and the firefighters.
Hundreds lost their homes, so we’ll need bedding and clothes as well.
There’s no end in sight for the fire. On the way here, I heard that this thing will probably burn all night.
Help Charlotte in any way you can and get back as quickly as possible. ”
“Yes, Mother.” Andrew looked at the other two. “Let’s go.”
The boys hurried toward the wagon just as Meri and Abby took the last crate from the bed. They took the box from the girls and stacked it on one of the others before all jumped into the conveyance and headed for the bridge.
Meri and Abby came to join Mother and Evie. Both were dressed for hard work and wore canvas gloves to protect their hands. “What should we do now, Mother?” Meri asked.
“Your father and Evie need boiling water for washing wounds and other needs. I can get a small pot boiling here, but we’ll need more. Across the street is a Chinese laundry. Go there and see if you can get their help boiling water for us.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Evie watched them go, wishing she could do such menial labor instead of tending wounds.
Her father was right. Burnt flesh was not an easy smell to deal with, and the ghastly wounds could look so hideous.
She was doing the best she could to cope but honestly didn’t know how much more she had to give.
When no one was watching, she poured some of the peppermint oil onto her handkerchief and dabbed more around her nose.
Hopefully, this would see her through for a time.
When she passed by her mother, she saw nothing but sympathy in her expression.
“I know you’re tired. I can see it in your eyes. And I also know you haven’t eaten, so first things first. While there seems to be a lull in patients, go get your father and come to the wagon. I have food for you.”
Evie nodded and went to collect her father. He was wrapping a small injury in clean bandages when she approached.
“There, that ought to hold you. Try to keep it dry,” Father instructed.
The man nodded and bolted off the wagon bed and headed toward the ongoing flow of people who were desperate to escape the fire and smoke.
“Mother has food for us. Since there’s no one else to treat at the moment, she wanted us both to eat.”
“I suppose we should do as we’re told,” he said, smiling. “I don’t know about you, but I could stand a bite or two.”
Evie nodded, although her stomach had been an agitated mess since helping her father with surgery.
As if reading her mind, Father put his arm around her. “Like I said, burns are some of the worst injuries to treat and the smell is always overwhelming. Don’t be too hard on yourself for being sick.”
“It’s just that—well, to tell the truth, I struggle—”
“Dr. Turner!”
Evie’s father stopped midstep and turned to see who was calling. “Dr. Overton. Good to see you.”
“I’ve come to help,” the young doctor declared. Where would you like me?”
“We have the wagon set up and more supplies have just come in. He motioned to Evie. “This is my daughter Nurse Turner. She’s quite thoroughly trained and has been a great asset.”
“I asked Nurse Treadwell, who works with Dr. Bolton and myself, to join us. She’ll be here shortly.”
“The more we have to help the better. I fully expect more injuries. Those firemen are at great risk. There’s been quite a few men just overcome by the smoke, and we’ve had a few bad burns, but most aren’t all that big.
We’ve been fixing them up and sending the really bad ones to the hospital for further observation.
There are a couple of young men who’ve volunteered their wagon to transport patients. They should be back anytime.”
“I thought to bring a few lanterns,” Dr. Overton said, looking back in the direction of the fire. “They’re in my carriage.”
“Good idea. We will likely be at this all night. Look, my wife just showed up with food, and my daughter and I haven’t eaten since breakfast. Can you manage things here while we go eat?”
“Absolutely. I’ll figure it out.”
“I have bandages, salve, water, and soap in the bed of the wagon. My instruments are there as well if you should need them. I won’t be but a minute.”
Dr. Overton nodded, and Father lost no time taking Evie by the arm to head over to where Mother awaited.
Evie wasn’t sure about eating, but the cold lemonade was more than appreciated. She drank the glass down without even pausing. The cool liquid helped clear away the smoky coating in her throat.
“I sent the boys to rally Charlotte Van Cleve,” Mother told Father. “She’ll have the homeless cared for in no time at all.”
“The fire has spread so fast and caused terrible winds that only serve to spread the flames,” Father said between bites of ham sandwich. “Last I heard, over fifty homes have burned and as many businesses. This is going to be a night to remember.”
“What about the dead?”
“Surprisingly enough, Chief Runge told me there aren’t any deaths at this time.
Most people have had time to get away. Of course, Boom Island is on fire now as well.
Strange situation, that one. The fire burns on the south side of Nicollet Island.
Boom Island is situated to the north, and they think it caught fire from floating embers.
Just seems with the winds coming off the fire the way they are that the shoreline or even the north side of Nicollet Island would be most at risk, not Boom Island. ”
“It is strange,” Mother said, refilling Evie’s glass.
“It is mostly sawmills over there, although there are some houses as well,” Father said, shaking his head.
He turned back toward the fire. “At least we will have sunlight for a few more hours. Dr. Overton told me he brought lanterns. That will surely be a help. Runge said this fire will probably burn all night and then some.”
“St. Paul is sending firemen over to help. They may have already arrived.” Mother handed Evie a piece of cake. “If you don’t feel like a sandwich, maybe something sweet would help.”
“The smell of burnt flesh has been hard for her,” Father said without any condemnation or even pity in his voice. “I’ve never borne it well myself. Something sweet just might do the trick.”
Evie took the cake and made an effort to nibble it. Evan came riding up at that moment. She had wondered if he was busy helping with some particular project. She went to where he was tying up his horse.
“Where have you been?”
He smiled. “With Christina, of course. We went to the lake, and I only heard about the fire an hour ago. Carl and Amelia were with us. We packed up our picnic and got the ladies home. Carl and I agreed to get home, change clothes, and meet back up here. I knew you’d all be somewhere on the island lending aid. ”
“Where else would the Turner family be?” Evie laughed at the question. “Mother sent the boys to call Mrs. Van Cleve to action.”
“Well then, that’s the best of all. That woman will have everything arranged in perfect order before the rest of us can snap our fingers.”
“Her and Mother.” Evie glanced to where their parents were in deep discussion.
“How has it been for you?” Evan asked, his voice full of sympathy.
“Bad. I haven’t even tried to hide my discomfort. I’ve thrown up twice and continue to struggle. I’m helping Father as best I can, but it’s been difficult.”
“What has he said about you being sick?”
“That the smell of burnt flesh is the worst of all smells and even he tends to struggle with it. I honestly tried to tell him on the ride here after we stitched up two men who’d been in a knife fight. Each time I’ve attempted to explain, someone or something interferes.”
“It will keep until later. At least you have an excuse.”
They started walking. “Mother will be happy to see you. No doubt she’ll have a task for you.”
“No doubt.” Evan chuckled.
Father looked up as they approached. “I’m glad to see you, Evan.
News has come that there’s a fire burning on Boom Island.
I’d like you to go there and let people know that we have medical help for those who are injured,” Father declared.
“Chief Runge said there are men helping people evacuate in boats. You might be able to get one to take you over so you can speak with the firefighters. There aren’t many there, as I understand it, but perhaps more will soon be stationed there. ”
“I’ll go right now.” Evan looked at Mother. “Is there anything else I should be about?”