Sarah's Search for Treasure Read online

  That evening as they were serving supper, Sarah heard a ruckus in the dining room again. Li’l Joe came in chuckling. “Two new miners didn’t think they’d have to pay before they eat, again. Ol’ Red took care of them mighty fast. They paid even more than they had to an’ apologized right quick.”

  When Sarah had a chance, she peeped into the dining room at the two new miners. As if on cue, they both looked up at her. Sarah’s scream brought every miner to their feet.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Real Treasure

  SARAH DIDN’T EVEN NOTICE ALL the miners were standing. She had eyes only for the two men sitting at a corner table. “Papa!” she screamed. “David!”

  The miners stepped aside to make a path for Sarah as she ran. Papa caught her up in a bear hug and swung her around. Sarah was laughing and crying at the same time. It seemed the weight of responsibility that had settled on her shoulders when they left had finally lifted.

  “So you were the miners that didn’t want to pay?” Sarah teased when Papa released her to greet Mama.

  “You’ve got quite the bodyguards.” David’s familiar brown eyes twinkled merrily as he hugged Sarah and then turned to clap Dennis on the back. “You’ve become a man while we were gone.” He tugged on Dorie’s braid and scooped four-year-old Gracie into his arms. “Who is this young lady?”

  Gracie stared at him and squirmed to be let down. Sarah saw the disappointment flash in David’s eyes before he released Gracie and pulled Dorie’s braid again.

  “I help in the kitchen, David,” Dorie told him shyly.

  As David fussed over Dorie, Sarah hurried back into the kitchen to find nine-month-old Brian. He was cheerfully playing with the pie tins while no one was watching him. Sarah scooped him up and hurried back into the dining room.

  “Oh my!” said Papa quietly. “Is that Little Brian? I missed out on so much.” Sarah saw the sheen of tears as Papa reached for his son.

  Brian’s eyes widened as the stranger reached for him. He swung back to make a grab for Sarah. Sarah hadn’t noticed the pie tin Brian still held in his hand. As he swung around, he smacked Papa firmly in the face with it.

  Papa gasped and then started laughing. “I guess he put me in my place, didn’t he?”

  Suddenly, Sarah realized the dining room was quiet. As she glanced around, she saw that it was empty, except for her family. Evidently, the miners had finished their supper quietly and slipped out. Sarah wondered if they got any of the fresh peach cobbler she had made for dessert.

  She glanced at Papa and David’s plates. “You’re not finished eating,” she reminded them.

  Papa looked surprised. But David slid back into his seat. “You’re right, and it’s much too good to let go to waste.” He took a huge bite of mashed potatoes and gravy. “Best food I’ve had since I left.”

  “Have you eaten yet?” Papa asked.

  “We ate earlier,” answered Mama. “But I’d love to have some of Sarah’s warm peach cobbler, if there is any left.”

  “I’ll go get some.” Sarah quickly handed Brian over to Mama.

  “I’d rather have some of those pie things we were hearing so much about,” called Papa.

  “I want both!” David called after her.

  Sarah paused to grin at her brother. How she had missed him! As Sarah entered the kitchen, she stopped in shock. It was filled with miners, and they were doing dishes!

  Mr. Douglas smiled as he looked up from scraping out pans. “I asked them to bring their dishes out here and to eat dessert in the kitchen or outside. They pitched in to help with the dishes.”

  “Hey! I’m sorry about treatin’ yer pa so badly.” Red turned from the sink where he was drying dishes. His face was the same shade as his name. “I didn’t know it were yer pa.”

  “That’s okay.” Sarah couldn’t keep from grinning. “They might as well know the rules.” She paused as the men chuckled. “Is there any peach cobbler left?” she asked.

  “Go sit down,” said Mary Jo. “We’ll bring you some. Let us serve you and your family this time.”

  “I’ll bring some fried pies, too,” Li’l Joe said eagerly.

  Sarah hesitated. “Go on!” Mr. Douglas waved his spatula. “We’ll clean up the kitchen before we leave. You enjoy your family tonight.”

  As Sarah turned to leave, she noticed Mr. Douglas’ son, Adrian, still pale, but putting leftovers in smaller containers, while sitting at a table. He looked up and grinned at her, then made shooing motions.

  When Sarah returned to the dining room, Papa was holding Baby Brian, who was still waving his pie tin. Gracie was sitting on David’s lap asking questions a mile a minute. Mama was sitting beside Papa, while Dennis and Dorie were on either side of David, admiration in their eyes.

  Sarah slid into the one vacant chair at the table, just as Mary Jo brought a stack of plates and silverware to the table. Close on her heels were Li’l Joe with a steaming pan of peach cobbler and Red with a platter piled high with the fried pies that Sarah’s Kitchen had become famous for.

  As soon as they left, Sarah turned to Papa and David. “So did you find gold? I’ll bet you had all sorts of adventures. I can’t wait to hear about it!”

  Papa chuckled as he took the plate Mama handed him. “We found gold. But you probably found more than we did.”

  “But we never went digging,” protested Dennis.

  “Mmm!” Brian beamed when Papa gave him a bite of his cobbler. Everyone laughed.

  “My thoughts exactly!” said David digging in to his. “Mmm!”

  “You didn’t go digging,” Papa explained to Dennis. “But you worked hard with what you had. You built a restaurant from almost nothing. You worked hard with all the extra animals and seed you had. And you made money with it.” He looked at Mama. “I’m proud of you.”

  Mama shook her head. “It was Sarah that pushed it. If it hadn’t been for her, I could not possibly have done all this.”

  “I always knew you had it in you, Sarah!” David’s voice was teasing, but there was admiration in his eyes.

  “But I wanted to go find treasure and have adventures,” protested Dennis.

  “You did,” said Papa. “Sarah found the greatest treasure of all— taking care of the family, home, animals, and even any strangers that came along. And I’m sure you had many adventures along the way. I can’t wait to hear them. But most of all, I’m glad to be back home with my family. God and family—there are no greater treasures than that.”

  Sarah looked around at the family gathered around the table. She thought of Mr. Douglas and his son Adrian, Mary Jo and her father, Red, Li’l Joe and all the miners that had become almost like family. Even the formerly-thieving Billy. She watched as David bit into a warm fried apple pie with his eyes closed in pleasure. She couldn’t keep from giggling as Dorie accidentally bumped David’s arm and the pie smashed into his nose. Yes, she had found the greatest treasure of all.

  Discussion Questions

  CHAPTER 1

  At just fourteen years old, Sarah already seems to have quite a bit of chores to do. What kind of chores do you think are appropriate for a fourteen-year-old?

  Why do you think Sarah is so excited to go into town? Are there any ordinary things that you look forward to doing?

  Everyone in the family seems to have some sort of responsibility—even the littlest members. Do you think you should have more responsibilities? What about your siblings?

  What are some of the things on Sarah’s “grocery” list? What would you put on your grocery list?

  CHAPTER 2

  Would you believe someone if they told you they found gold? What would be your response?

  It’s easy to get caught up in other people’s excitement, like Pa and David did. But the Bible warns against seeking after one’s fortune. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Tim. 6:10). What do you think about th
is pursuit of gold compared to what the Bible has to say?

  Why do you think Pa is buying out the mercantile? What is he preparing for?

  Pa offers some wise advice to excited David that they should think before they act. Has there ever been a time when you wish that you had thought before you acted? Did you learn anything from that incident?

  CHAPTER 3

  If Pa and David leave to find gold, their absence will be greatly felt by the family. What are some of the ways the family will suffer if they leave? Do you think searching for gold is more important?

  Already, we have seen many differences and similarities in how Sarah lived compared to how we live today. Can you name some of them? Do you still wish we did some of these things today?

  Ma and Sarah are planning to make several clothes for their family. Do you think it would be fun to have to make your own clothes, or do you prefer buying them at a store?

  What do you think of the neighbors showing up to drop off their animals without asking? Would you take care of your neighbor’s pets for them if they were to go away?

  CHAPTER 4

  Not only does the family make their own clothes, but they appear to make their own cheese, too! Have you ever thought about how cheese is made? What are some other things people use to have to make themselves that we now can just conveniently buy at the store?

  During the Gold Rush, many wives and children were left behind while their husbands and fathers set off to find their fortune. What do you think about this? Should they have left their families behind or taken them with them? Were they being responsible?

  Do you think that it is smart for the Winslows and Martins to leave town? What would you do if you found yourself alone to run a farm?

  Why is everyone bringing their livestock to Sarah’s farm? Do you think it’s fair for everyone to expect them to take care of their animals? Would you turn them away?

  CHAPTER 5

  Do you think you would be able to drive a team of horses? It may be harder than you think. How do you imagine they used to drive them? They definitely didn’t come with a steering wheel!

  Sarah has to get water from a pump. Have you ever seen a hand pump before? How was their plumbing different from what we use today?

  What does resilient mean? Do you think you are resilient? Why or why not?

  How is life changing for Sarah’s family since her father and brother left? Do you think the changes are fair? How is the family coping? How do you cope with hard times?

  CHAPTER 6

  Sarah had to fend off the dogs from attacking Sparky. What would you do if you had to fight off an animal? Do you know how to protect yourself?

  Dorie suddenly declares that they are awfully rich. What do you think she meant by that? Do you agree? If they’re rich, why did her father leave them to seek gold?

  Why does Sarah have to go into town so often? Why does she take milk, cheese, and eggs with her to the store?

  Why does the storekeeper tell Sarah to not come into town anymore? Why is it suddenly unsafe?

  CHAPTER 7

  What do Sarah and Ma do when they hear men chasing the animals outside? What would you do if you heard an intruder?

  The Bible says, “Thou shalt not steal” (Exod. 20:15). But these men were hungry. Do you think it’s okay to steal if you’re in need? Why or why not?

  Sarah seems to be good at spotting a liar. Do you know when someone’s lying to you? How do you handle it?

  If someone is in need, would you let them take what you have? How could you help them?

  CHAPTER 8

  Ma seems to be way more trusting than Sarah. Who do you think is wiser? Why?

  Mr. Douglas shared how his son used to pester his sisters. What are your siblings like? What do you enjoy about them?

  What do you think of Mr. Douglas’ plan? Do you think it will benefit Sarah’s family?

  Why is Mr. Douglas so fascinated with the farm? Have you ever experienced something new before and been as fascinated as Mr. Douglas? Tell me about it.

  CHAPTER 9

  1 Peter 4:9 says, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” When two men who have obviously been causing trouble show up at Sarah’s door, how does she treat them? Do you think that you should show hospitality to everyone—even if they do something wrong to you?

  Sarah, her ma, and Mr. Douglas have all shown kindness to strangers, but they all ask that the men do work in exchange for feeding them and letting them sleep there. Do you think that’s fair? Would you offer to work in exchange for hospitality?

  Sarah thinks that she might make tea for her mama and the baby. But most people don’t give babies tea nowadays. What are some other things that have changed for babies since the days of the Gold Rush?

  Sarah is very creative in the kitchen, making half-moon pies for the men to carry with them instead of pies. What are some creative things you or your parents have come up with in the kitchen? Or is there something you would like to try to make?

  CHAPTER 10

  Word is getting out that Sarah’s family will accept work in exchange for food. Earlier, she was wondering how they would ever be able to take care of all the extra animals, and now she is wondering what she should do instead of chores. Do you think God provided for her family by sending these men? Has God ever provided for you in an extraordinary way?

  “Red” is a nickname that the men have given to Jimmy because he had red hair as a baby. Do you have a nickname? Do you like it? Do you know how you got it?

  Why didn’t Ma have any corn or beans to plant? What do you think she meant when she said it was “too early”?

  Why do you think the men are fighting over supper? If they really have gold, do you think they would be that hungry? Is the Gold Rush bringing good fortune so far?

  CHAPTER 11

  The new group of men are accused of trying to hand over “fool’s gold,” which is rock that looks like gold but isn’t. What are some of the methods that were suggested to see if it was real or fake? Do you think these tests really worked?

  Pa and David still haven’t returned home. Where do you think they are? Do you think they are in trouble?

  Why do Ma and Sarah need to have a plan for sharing their supper with visitors? Do you think that’s a good idea in their situation? Why or why not?

  Ma and Sarah choose “Sarah’s Kitchen” as the name for their restaurant. Do you think it’s a good name? What would you name your restaurant?

  CHAPTER 12

  Sarah demands payment upfront before she will feed any of the men. Do you know of any restaurants that make you pay before you eat? Do you think this is a good idea? Why?

  How does Sarah ensure that no one fights in her restaurant? Do you think that will work?

  Even though she was afraid, Sarah stood up for what was right and for the safety of her family. Have you ever done something brave when you were afraid? Do you think God can help us when we’re afraid?

  What was so special about the stranger who told Sarah about the runaways? Do you think he’s telling her the truth?

  CHAPTER 13

  How did the schoolmaster know his own horses? Do you have something special to you that you would be able to identify easily if it were stolen? What makes it so special?

  Horse thieves were often hung for their crime as stealing horses was considered a very serious crime. What do you think would be a fair punishment for stealing someone’s horse? Do you think that should apply to all kinds of stealing?

  God continues to provide for them. What are some ways that you see God working things out for them?

  Sarah daydreams about the adventures that Pa and David must be having, but don’t you think she is having some adventures of her own? Have you ever found yourself wishing you were doing what someone else was doing? Have you ever considered that you might be missing the adventure that was happening right in front of you? Give me an example.

  CHAPTER 14

  The men are helping with the outd
oor chores, but do you think it’s worth it for Ma and Sarah to have extra work to do in order to feed them? Which would you rather do?

  What do you think happened to the dogs? Why would someone do that to them?

  It seems that a lot of people are deciding that hunting for gold isn’t for them. What do you think is changing their minds?

  Why do you think everyone ends up at Sarah’s house? They are always willing to help someone in need. What would you do if someone in need showed up at your house?

  CHAPTER 15

  When a sick man comes to the house, everyone sets about helping him. Have you ever had people help you? What did they do? Were you ever part of a group of people helping someone else?

  Why can’t they get a doctor to come check on the man? Why don’t they take him to a hospital?

  Where do you think Minnie got the gold? Do you think Sarah’s family is in danger of someone coming to find the gold? Where would you hide the gold?

  Who do you think the Bible belongs to? What do you think happened to her?