by Karen Noland
***
If she could get some nourishment into him, let his young body begin the healing process, he might recover in time. So many things could go wrong, though. If he had lost too much blood, if infection set in despite her best efforts, if the bone had been chipped, he might lose the use of that arm, so many possibilities. What would the men think, what would they do if he didn’t recover? The thought made Kate weak and sent chills up her spine. Still kneeling before the injured boy, she bent her head in earnest prayer for his life to be spared and his body to be made whole again. Taking her strength from faith, she rose to face the waiting men.
***
Jake Insley woke with the dawn as he did every morning. Nana was already awake, busy putting coffee and bread, butter and jam on the small table in the corner. Jon was still asleep, Smokey curled up at his feet.
“Still don’t cotton to dogs in the house.” Nana Insley said firmly.
“Nana, we’ve had the same conversation ‘most ever’ day for the last two years.” Jake replied grinning, his eyes twinkling at his stern wife. In the thirty years they had been married, he had grown to love the gruff nature that covered her large and loving heart. “You know how he feels ‘bout that pup. ‘Sides, I seen you sneak ole Smoke a treat now and again, haven’t I?”
“Humph!” Nana turned back to her tasks, smiling secretly to herself.
The small soddy that the Insleys occupied was set back against the side of the knoll west of the Shaughnessey home, close but not visible to the main ranch. When the Shaughnesseys and the Insleys had left Missouri for good and made the land run back in ‘89, they had agreed to find two quarter sections right together, and combine their efforts to really make a go of it in their strange new home.
Jake Insley had been a freighter, carting goods between the forts and the stage stations in the Indian Territory. He knew the land well, had seen the rich fertile ground and knew that this was truly a land of opportunity. As Jake brought these stories home, his friend, Will Shaughnessey and his pretty new wife, Kate were excited about the prospect of a new life. Convincing Nana of that had proved to be the challenge. She was set on staying put in Missouri till the end of her days. “I’ll not be moved to a land of savages, Jake Insley. My girl is buried here, and this is where I’ll be buried as well,” had been her final word on the subject.
Their only daughter Hannah had died giving birth to Jonathan. Her husband had disappeared the next day, filled with grief and unable to care for a small son. Jake and Nana grieved the passing of their daughter, but her place in Nana’s heart had been stolen by the helpless creature that lay in the old wooden cradle that had once held Hannah herself. In the sixteen years that ensued, Jon became their son and their joy.
“Wake up you sleepy head!” Roared Jake good naturedly.
Jonathan rolled over sleepily, then stretching, rose from his warm nest of covers. “What’s to eat, Nana?”
“All you ever think about these days is that stomach of your’n! Here.” Said Nana thrusting a bundle into his hands. “Bread, ham and the last of the dried apples. You be sure to get yourself down to the big house for breakfast proper after you milk them cows!”
“Yes’m.”
“We’ll be plowing the wheat field today. I’m headed to the barn now to hitch up the girls and make sure the plow’s ready,” added Jake.
“Aw, papa, Miz Kate said she was goin’ to ride the fence lines this mornin’, don’t you think she’ll be needin’ my help?” Jon implored.
Jake looked at the boy’s earnest face. “We’ll ask Kate does she think she’ll need you. But I’ll be depending on you for plantin’ tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir, papa.” Jon’s face beamed at the prospect of mending fences and tending the herd. Jake watched him leave, Smokey bounding after. He shook his head, knowing that the boy’s heart lay with ranching, not farming. Sighing, he took his own snack from Nana, kissed the top of her head, and turned to make his way to the barn.
***
The sun was just rising above the hills in the east, bathing the land in reds and pinks, lighting the few wispy clouds with a golden glow as Nana approached the kitchen porch. Something caught her eye. A jacket, not one she recognized, lay draped over the outer rail. On closer inspection, she could clearly make out blood stains. Clutching her heart, she froze. Fearing to go any further, she stared intently at the windows, as though they would give up the secrets hidden within the house, but they remained mute, giving no testimony to what might lie within.
After what seemed an eternity, she found the strength to move. Turning she ran to the barn where Jake was busy with the horses. Gasping and nearly fainting from fear and exertion, she collapsed inside the large front door.
“What in God’s name....”
“Kate - the house - a jacket....”
Not able to make any sense of her tangled words, fearing for her health, Jake knelt down trying to comfort the old woman he loved so deeply. “Nana, please, stop, take a deep breath.”
“No! Go - Kate - in trouble,” gasped the frightened woman.
***
“Oh, dear Lord.” Jake ran from the barn. As he approached the house, caution over took him. He stopped, trying desperately to assess the situation. The kitchen door opened and Kate appeared, safe. Her face ashen, she motioned him to be silent, then beckoned to him. He walked slowly up the stairs, questioning her with his eyes.
Looking back over her shoulder, she spoke quietly. “There are three Comanche in the kitchen.”
“But they’re supposed to be down to Fort Sill. How...”
“I don’t know. They said they lost some ponies, they’re tracking them. One is hurt, shot in the arm. He’s just a boy. I’ve fixed him up as best I know how, fed the others, and now we wait.” Her eyes were weary, frightened. “I’ve told them you’d be coming. I think it’s best if we go on with our normal routine, don’t let them think we’re scared; though God knows I am.”
Jake nodded soberly.
“Perhaps you best send Mrs. Insley home?” Kate suggested.
“I believe that might be best.”
***
As Kate watched Jake head to the barn to care for Nana, a choked scream and a series of semi-ferocious puppy growls and yips erupted from the house behind her. Jo! Oh, Lord, protect her, she thought briefly, turning and running to the kitchen. The scene that met her eyes gave her pause. Jo was standing in the doorway, wide eyed, mouth gaping. The pup was before her barking and growling in her best imitation of a watch dog. The two men still sat at the breakfast table, now just as wide-eyed and startled as Jo. Kate calmly strode across the room, heart still pounding, scooped up the pup in one arm and Jo in the other.
“Jo, we have guests this morning. I’d like you to meet Tochoway and Mahseet. Their friend, Nocona was hurt, and needed our help.” Turning to the men at the table, Kate continued, “This is my daughter, Jolene.” She said setting Jo down. “And this is Candy,” indicating the small brown bundle that she quickly placed outside.
Jo looked at her mother, then back to the table, and finally to the young boy on the pallet. “But, momma, they’re....”
“How about some breakfast, Jo. The men will be in from morning chores soon, and there’s a lot to do today.” Kate said brightly, as though nothing out of the ordinary were taking place.
“Yes, ma’am,” the girl replied, shyly taking her place on the far side of the table.
Tochoway who spoke English, and was the natural leader of the group, eyed the little girl with mirth. “Pretty girl. You not know Indians?”
Jo shook her head slowly, staring at the large man.
“Well, Jo, I believe this is the first time I have ever seen you at a loss for words,” Kate smiled as she placed a bowl of steaming oatmeal and a pitcher of milk on the table for her daughter.
The men had eaten, and Kate had gotten to know a little about them during their breakfast. She had learned enough to know that they were away from the reservation without
permission. They were indeed trying to find three lost ponies belonging to the boy, Nocona. They had given her accurate descriptions of the missing beasts, and she knew of the Comanche reputation with horses. They were highly skilled horsemen; their horses were far more than mere possessions to them. The loss of these ponies was enough to cause these men to risk severe punishment in the quest for their return.
Pouring milk over her cereal, Jo began, “What happened to No.. Noc...”
“Nocona,” her mother supplied.
“Nocona. What happened to him? Was he shot? Did a panther get him? How long have you been traveling? Where are you going? Do you live in a teepee?”
“Jo!”
Tochoway laughed, and Mahseet looked perplexed at the small girl, so full of questions. “We are searching for ponies, which were taken away. Nocona got shot, the man who shoot, too far to see.” Tochoway replied. “I lived in teepee as a boy, but I have a cabin now, like yours some.”
“Really?” Jo’s eyes were large and shining.
Rising, Mahseet went to sit beside the still boy. He placed a hand softly on the bandaged arm, and murmured quietly in the language of his people. Kate was touched by the tender concern of the man. She prayed again for God’s healing upon Nocona’s life.
The door opened admitting shafts of golden sunlight along with the men and both dogs. Jon seemed concerned at the presence of the Indians, but Jake was accustomed to them, having been a freighter in the Indian Territory for so long.
“Maruawe,” greeted Jake. Two dark heads turned in surprise, to hear a greeting in their native tongue.
“Maruawe,” answered Tochoway, “you speak Nuumu?”
“Naw, not really, just a word here and there. How’s the boy?” Jake asked, indicating the pallet near the fireplace.
Tochoway looked at Kate. Her sad eyes and pale complexion spoke volumes. “He’s in God’s hands now,” was all she could say.
The Insley men ate a hearty meal, while Jake kept up a lively conversation with Tochoway. Jo and Jon listened with delight, Jo chattering and asking questions whenever she could. It was decided that Jon would ride the fence line, mending breaks where he was able, and determining what supplies would be necessary for the rest of the repairs, while Jake would see to the plowing. Jon’s face shone at the responsibility he had been given, and Jo was filled with pride for her friend as she watched the men leave for the day’s work.
Kate and Jo set about clearing the table and washing the dishes while the Indians kept watch over the boy. A slight moan caught Kate’s attention and she hurried to the patient. Mahseet stroked the boy’s feverish head, while Kate felt for a pulse. Nocona’s eyes fluttered, finally opening. They were clouded and unfocused at first, but it was a good sign. He seemed to be gaining strength. Kate stepped aside, not wanting his first sight to be a strange white woman. Mahseet spoke quietly, still stroking Nocona’s head. The boy turned trying to focus on his surroundings. Mahseet soothed him, and Nocona closed his eyes again, sinking back into the warm blankets.
Kate approached again, his pulse was stronger, no longer weak and rapid. He was sleeping now, deeply and restfully. She smiled, saying a prayer of thanksgiving in her heart. As she turned to the waiting men, the radiant glow that suffused her tired features told them that all would be well.
***
The rest of the morning passed quickly, Nocona continuing to gain strength. Kate fed him a rich meaty broth, which he sipped readily from a spoon, though still wary of the strange woman. Jo promptly appointed herself nursemaid and companion to the young man, chattering at him and sharing with him her few valued possessions and toys. Nocona seemed to take an interest in the small red-haired vision, reaching out occasionally to touch her soft hair or take a proffered toy.
Tochoway watched the pair silently for a while then turned to Kate, “Your girl has healing spirit, like mother.”
“Thank you,” she said simply, also enjoying the sight of the children.
“Hallo in there! Kate?” Came a deep masculine voice. Starting, Kate stared at Tochoway, afraid for him and the others. Tochoway, realizing her fear, motioned to Mahseet and Nocona, the three retreating to the furthest corner of the kitchen. He nodded silently to her.
She took a deep breath and opened the door. Stepping into the bright afternoon sun, she closed the door quickly and strode to the edge of the porch. There before her sitting on a large bay colt was Matt Johnson. “Matt! What are you doing around these parts?” She asked in disbelief, trying to mask the fear in her voice.
“On my way to Fallis for a spell. I can see why you are reluctant to part with this place, Kate. You’ve a fine ranch here.”
“Yes.” She said tersely, seeing the avaricious glint in his hazel eyes.
“Kate, I know how hard the last few months have been for you, and I realized just the other night that I’d made a mistake in the money I gave your man last week.”
“His name is Jake. You know he’s not my hired man!” She fairly bristled at the inference in Matt’s voice. Just then she noticed two other men, and a string of horses in the distance.
“My men,” Matt said following her gaze. “I really only wanted to stop by and give you the money you’re due,” he continued.
Matt’s words brought Kate back to him abruptly. “What?” She asked wonderingly.
“Here.”
She stepped down from the porch and approached the man on horseback. Only then did she recognize the bay colt that she had sent with Jake just last week. The horse seemed spiritless, almost dull. She wondered briefly what had happened to the fire and vigor she remembered. Taking the envelope he held out, she slowly opened it, finding two hundred dollars within.
“Matt, I.....”
“I know. I can’t imagine how you must have felt, thinking I’d cheated you on those steers I took to market for you. I do hope this sets things to rights between us?” His hard eyes belied the words of atonement as he gazed down upon her.
She smiled uneasily, tucking the envelope safely into a pocket. “Well, thank you,” she said hoping he would leave.
Matt sat silently watching her, his scrutiny raising new fears within her.
“I’d ask you in to coffee, but - uh - well, Jo isn’t feeling well, and ...” she hesitated searching for something to say. Her eyes strayed again to the waiting cowboys near the barn, widening in surprise as she recognized the ponies matching Tochoway’s description.
“Those are some nice looking horses, there. Where’re they from?” She asked.
Surprised, Matt looked over his shoulder at his men. “Oh, here and there. Taking them to Fallis, thought I’d sell them there.”
“You know I’m always looking for good stock. Mind if I have a look?” She didn’t wait for an answer but started towards the barn. Matt, turning the colt, followed her.
There were six horses tied loosely together. The three belonging to the Comanche, by far the best of the lot. Kate looked at each horse with a practiced eye, as though evaluating each individual. Finally she turned to face Matt who had dismounted and stood watching her with the same calculating appraisal she had used on the ponies. “I’d give you sixty dollars for those three,” she said indicating the three Comanche ponies.
He frowned, “I couldn’t take less than a hundred.”
“Matt, you and I both know you wouldn’t get more than twenty apiece for them in Fallis. Look how skinny they are, and that one there has an abscess in her left rear, if I’m not mistaken. I’ll give you seventy-five, and save you the trouble of hauling them all that way.”
“You sure you can afford to part with that kind of money?”
She knew she couldn’t, but given the circumstances, she knew she had to. “You let me worry about what I can afford, and what I can’t,” she stated boldly. “Is it a deal?”
“All right,” he decided, motioning for one of his men to loose the ponies. She reached into her pocket, pulling out the money she hadn’t known would be hers, thinking once again
how providentially God always supplied her every need. She counted out the bills and handed them to Matt, flinching inwardly as his hand brushed hers.
She took the leads the cowboy handed her, and watched as the men mounted their horses, wanting them gone quickly. The cowboys struck off with the remaining horses in tow.
Matt waiting until they had moved off a ways, turned back to her, “Kate, there’s going to be a circuit riding preacher in Fallis this Sunday. I’d be delighted if you and Jo would join me at the meeting and the picnic after.”
Taken aback by his invitation, Kate flushed. “If there’s to be a preacher, then you can be sure that we’ll be in attendance. It will be nice to see you there as well.”
It wasn’t an actual acceptance, but Matt nodded, tipped his hat, and rode off at a trot to join his men.
Kate stood rooted to the ground staring after the men disappearing beyond the distant horizon. Only when she was certain they were gone, did she turn and start back to the house. As she approached, leading the three quiet horses, the door opened and Jo dashed out, “Oh, momma, wherever did you get those pretty ponies? Can I ride one, please? Are we going to keep them?”
Tochoway and Mahseet appeared on the porch, amazement written plainly across their faces. “You truly great puha.”
“Puha?” Kate echoed.
Tochoway shook his head, clearly trying to find the English to express his thoughts. “Medicine - power - spirit - great in here,” he said placing his hand gently upon her chest, just over her heart.
“I do have a wonderful spirit in there,” she replied, “but that Spirit is not my own,” her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
He nodded stepping away from her. “We will leave now.”
“Oh, but Nocona, he’s too weak...”
“We must go.” Taking the single feather that adorned his braid, he tucked it behind her ear. “The hawk soars above the earth and sees all, so my spirit will watch over you.” He brushed her cheek lightly with the back of his hand before taking the lead ropes from her.
Mahseet was already carrying Nocona to one of the horses. He placed the boy gently on the pony, then deftly mounted behind him. Tochoway took the other two ponies. Mounting one, he held the other’s lead. She knew he was right. It was dangerous for them to stay any longer. Her heart ached for the boy, praying for his safety, and that of the others as well, the tears slipped unbidden down her cheeks.