Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing series which runs each Thursday morning titled the Richland Chronicles by author Paul Lintern. It is set in 1831 and tells the story of Richland County through the eyes of a young girl.

“I came overland this time; it only took 10 days,” Charles said. “Although I think it took about 10 years out of my back.

“We can start back as soon as tomorrow, if you are ready.”

After seeing Amelia’s disappointed face, he added, “Of course, it probably would be good if I rested up a few days, first.”

“I agree,” Amelia beamed. Soon she was filling him in on everything that had happened since she saw him last.

“Whoa, Nellie,” he said, when she finally took a breath. “You’ll have 10 days to tell me all about it on the way home. Let’s use this time to show me around, so when you tell me the stories, I will know a little of what you are talking about.”

“Better yet, let us show you around,” said Elizabeth, and Amelia noticed Peggy and Katherine giving her an unusual look.

“I mean, all of us. And Amelia can have more time with the children.”

Charles looked at Elizabeth and nodded his head. Amelia was noticing a lot of unusual looks.

The next few days were fun, as long as Amelia did not think about leaving. As much as she wanted to see Boston again, she did not want to give up Oakland to do that.

Isaac and Wolf Paw rode with the girls to Olivesburgh to climb trees and buy some dried beef for the boys’ version of a picnic. They decided not to ride up Big Hill this time.

Amelia took Charles to Mansfield to let him buy things for her to give to her parents and other friends back home. It was hard to find something that was actually made in Ohio, and not brought there from New York or Boston in the first place. She settled on some honey comb candy, a buckeye wood cane and a few embroidered napkins that Mrs. Arnold had made for the store.

And there was one more trip to the Brubaker Creek, to swim with Autumn and Emily.

The night before it was time to leave, the tavern was alive with guests. The Arnolds were there, Uncle John and Isaac, plus Wolf Paw, the Osbuns and Pittingers, Mr. and Mrs. Edgington from the Courthouse, along with some who had just happened by on their travels.

The three sisters had prepared a feast, and Autumn was kept busy with the guests. Amelia played off and on throughout the evening, with Uncle Jacob joining in.

It was the most fun she ever had playing the violin. Joshua spent his time in whatever lap was available at that moment.

Charles could not resist helping to serve the meal.

“You don’t have to do that here,” Amelia heard Elizabeth say.

“It is who I am,” was Charles’ reply.

At one point, after a spirited duet of Turkey in the Straw by Jacob and Amelia, Elizabeth stepped up and proposed a toast.

“To the finest short fiddler in the county,” she said.

“Huzzah,” everyone shouted, and Amelia gave a curtsey.

“What about me?” Jacob said.

“And, to the finest oversized fiddler in the county,” she said.

“Huzzah, huzzah,” everyone shouted, and Jacob took a bow. During the meal, Amelia went up to Wolf Paw, who was enjoying Aunt Peggy’s roasted beef stew, with potatoes, carrots and celery, soaking up the juice with a hefty biscuit.

Amelia thought he was also eyeing the thick rhubarb pie Aunt Katherine was bringing into the room.

“Still wolfing it down, I see,” said Amelia.

Wolf Paw had to chew several times before he could respond, and even then, his mouth was still half-full.

“When you leave, I won’t have to rush, because I will have all the food to myself,” Wolf Paw said.

Amelia pretended to look indignant, but held it only a moment before she smiled.

“Such a joker. Maybe I should rename you, Wolf Guffaw.”

“We don’t joke with names,” Wolf Paw said. “It is the eye into the spirit.”

“I am sorry,” Amelia said, embarrassed.

Then, Wolf Paw gave a slight smile, “Sometimes we joke.”

Amelia rolled her eyes. “When I first met you, I thought you were always serious. Now, I don’t know if you ever are serious.”

“I am serious now, when I want to give you a parting gift,” he said.

“What is it?”

“I want to give you a name,” Wolf Paw said.

“I have a name. Amelia. It means ‘to improve things.’ I like it.”

“It is a good name. I give you one I will call you. An improved name.”

“Which is…?”

“Snake Dance.”

“Snake Dance?” Amelia said. “Snake dance? How in the world is that a better name? How could you…”

Amelia stopped. Once again, there was that half-smile on Wolf Paw’s face. She sighed and shook her head.

After dinner, Jacob’s brother, John, suggested they pause and offer a prayer of thanks “for Amelia coming to us at the beginning of this summer, and coming back to us after the Big Hill.”

His prayer was also for “traveling mercies home and a long life on her journey to her Heavenly home.”

Later, at bedtime, Amelia sat next to Autumn, pointing to her trunk.

“They are awfully full,” she said.

“I can’t fit everything in because of the extra things Charles and I bought in town yesterday. I was hoping you would let me leave this dress behind with you.”

“I think I could find a place for it,” Autumn said.

“And these shoes and stockings.”

“Fine.”

“And this hat, and these ribbons.”

“If you insist.”

“And this bodice and petticoat.”

“Gladly.”

“Of course, I won’t get back before I outgrow them, so I hope you will wear them from time to time,” Amelia said.

“I am willing,” Autumn smiled. They climbed into bed together, one at each end, trying not to kick each other, much.

The next morning came immediately in Amelia’s mind. She was up at the first crow, helping Autumn with chores and Elizabeth and Peggy with breakfast, even though they all insisted she did not need to help.

“This is my last chance,” said Amelia.

“I will let you help at home,” Charles said.

“You will not, and you know it,” Amelia replied.

“You’re right,” he said.

Uncle Jacob had the horses and wagon ready soon after breakfast, and Charles helped him load the luggage.

The men climbed onto the wagon, as Autumn and Amelia climbed into the back, but not before Peggy hugged Amelia, then Elizabeth hugged her, then Katherine hugged her, then Elizabeth hugged her again, and then each hugged Autumn, too, just because.

“Godspeed, daughter Amelia,” Peggy said.

“Go in peace, child. You have been a blessing,” Katherine said.

“Hitch your wagon to a star,” Elizabeth smiled.

“Emerson,” Amelia and Autumn said together.

The girls climbed into the back of the wagon together. Uncle Jacob and Charles sat on the bench in front. As the wagon started away from the Inn, Amelia breathed deeply in, wanting to hold as much of it inside her as long as she could. She kept waving until the Inn was out of sight.

The girls were unusually quiet.

“Isaac apologized for not being here when you left,” Amelia said. “He and Wolf Paw had to get an early start to run an errand to Olivesburgh for Uncle John.”

“I understand. Isaac has been very nice to me this summer, in his own way,” Amelia said. “In his own quiet way,” Autumn said.

“Oh, and Wolf Paw had a message for you.” “Oh?” “He said, ‘Good-bye, Snake Dance,’ ” Autumn said, and both girls rolled with laughter in the back of the wagon.

Suddenly, Jacob brought the wagon to a halt. “Hello neighbors. Is there room in the back for a weary traveler?”

It was John.

“Ask the other passengers,” Jacob said, as Charles gave a wary look to John and a puzzled look to Jacob.

“Sure, hop on,” the girls said, and they quickly introduced Appleseed John to Charles, who still did not seem any less concerned.

As the wagon resumed its travel, Amelia said, “I’m heading back to Boston.”

“I know, and I am heading back to Ft. Wayne, but this will always be my earthly home,” Johnny said.

Maybe mine, too, Amelia thought. Maybe mine, too.