Where the Lost Wander

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of violence, pregnancy loss, death, and racism.

The Prologue, narrated by Naomi May Lowry, begins as her family—Pa, Ma, and her brothers Warren, Webb, Will, and baby Wolfe—is forced to stop on their journey to California when a wheel on their covered wagon breaks. Neighbor Homer Bingham helps Pa to repair the wheel as Bingham’s wife, Elsie, delivers a baby in their wagon. The rest of the wagon train has gone on, promising to wait at the springs that lie one day’s travel away. Two members—Naomi’s new husband, John Lowry, and her brother Wyatt—have stayed behind at a fort while John’s new wagon is built. Naomi watches for them eagerly.

As brother Will practices with a bow and arrow, Naomi takes Wolfe with her to bring Gert, the family goat, to a nearby watering hole. The family’s oxen are already drinking there. When she hears a whoop, she thinks it’s Pa and Bingham, who are celebrating the delivery of Elsie’s baby. Then she sees Shoshoni men clutching spears and pouring over a rise on horseback. One has an arrow in his belly, and Naomi wonders if Will accidentally shot him.