6th Lesson 6 Alma's First Cattle Drive

Alma’s First Cattle Drive by Nancy Seago

Blinding lightning flashed across the sky, followed by deafening thunder and driving rain. Alma had grown up listening to her father’s astounding stories of cattle drives. She had always wanted to join in, but her father told her she wasn’t ready. Now, he was finally giving her the chance to prove to him that she would be more help than trouble on the trail. This was her first cattle drive, and the weather was Alma’s first challenge. When they reached the river, Alma instantly noticed that the water was dangerously high. When the cattle began to cross at a shallow spot, Alma was the only one to notice a calf getting swept up in the current. Alma charged into the water and stopped her horse downstream from the calf to keep it from losing its footing.

Alma stayed there in the stinging rain, her horse breathing hard beneath her. She was cold and hungry, but she kept her horse on the edge of the shallow riverbank until each animal had safely passed. When she finally rode ashore, her father waved to get Alma’s attention. He paused for just a moment to tip his hat to her before they continued. Alma knew then that she had proven herself to be a valuable member of the team.

Explain how you could tell which choice was the resolution of the story.