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

These chapters continue to describe the Abbotts’ journey and the landscape in vivid historical detail. The plot includes realistic tragedies of pioneer life, such as the high death rate of travelers. For instance, Sarah Ferguson’s parents pass away suddenly after contracting cholera. The story depicts the sadness and shock of this loss as well as the community’s practical decision to quickly bury the couple and move on with their journey: “Sam felt like there should be more ceremony, more prayers, more time. But there were miles to be covered. They had to get through the mountains by winter” (55). Other everyday hazards to the Abbott family include encounters with wildlife, such as buffalo and rattlesnakes. These historically realistic dangers deepen Ranger’s characterization as a selfless, heroic companion as he saves Sam Abbott and his family. These dangerous situations help paint a realistic picture of the journey along the Oregon Trail while adding tension to the story.

These scenes connect to the emerging theme of The Natural Landscape as Both a Threat and a Provider. For instance, the group is initially threatened by the stampeding buffalo: “The water churned and frothed into a boiling mud stew as the animals crossed. Soon, the first beasts were climbing ashore, barreling toward the camp. They sounded like a great whooshing wind, like a storm blowing through” (48). However, once the men shoot into the herd, which redirects the buffalo, leaving behind one dead animal for the group to use as much-needed food:

Sam handed Pa his knife, and Pa slit the buffalo’s hide from its throat all the way to its tail. Sam had to turn away. But later, after the sun had set and campfire smoke rose up into the clouds, he breathed in the greasy goodness of buffalo steaks sizzling over the fire. It was the first fresh meat they’d had since they set out from Independence (51).

The Abbotts have no permanent shelter and few necessities, so they have no choice but to live with nature’s rhythms. When mosquitoes swarm the camp, Ma Abbott tries to pick them out of her bread dough, but “there was no way to pick them all out. She finally gave up and kneaded them into the dough. The bread that night was more black than white” (87). Sometimes nature’s cycles are enjoyable and provide essential provisions for the Abbotts. For example, they’re amazed by the landscape’s interesting natural formations, including volcanic glass, steaming geysers, and refreshing springs: “Sam drank the cold, clear water that bubbled out of the ground at Soda Spring” (87).

In addition, these chapters further develop the theme of The Dog-Human Bond by showing how Ranger is an invaluable guardian and companion on the road. The Abbotts are grateful that Ranger warns them about the coming buffalo: “‘We’ll eat well tonight!’ Pa said. He bent down to pat Ranger’s head. You heard them coming, didn’t you, Dog? Good thing you let loose barking when you did’” (50). Ranger likewise alerts Sam to the rattlesnake on the rock: “But something—a vibration in the air, a sharp smell mixed with the earth and rock—made the fur on Ranger’s neck prickle. Ranger barked and jumped in front of Sam to hold him back” (72).

Ranger not only bonds with the Abbotts but also offers emotional support to their friends. When Sarah loses her parents to cholera, Ranger comforts her: “Ranger stayed, too, curled up next to Sarah by the campfire. He leaned his big, warm body against her. Ranger understood sad” (54). One heartbreaking aspect of the story is Ranger’s confusion at his time travel and his desire to go home and be with Luke and his family. Ranger’s homesickness adds to his already sympathetic character and thematically underscores the depth of The Dog-Human Bond. Ranger wonders, “When would Luke come and say, ‘Good job, boy!’ and scratch his ears and set out his water bowl? When would it be time to go home?” (60-62).