Chief Long Knife said, “White men not kill white men for killing Indians. We kill them now.”
Pat stepped forward and asked, “Where are the Indian men who killed our women and children?”
“Many men in battle,” Chief said. “I do not know which men killed white women.”
Puma said, “You trust us to punish our bad men. We trust you to punish your bad men.”
The Cheyenne chief stepped forward and said, “That is fair. I agree.”
An Arapaho warrior of the western tribe spoke up. “I remember this man’s father. He turned four bad white men over to us so that we could punish them by our laws. He was an honorable man. I think his son is an honorable man, also. I think we should agree.”
Chief Long Knife and Black Crow were angry, but they were outnumbered. So they also agreed.
Puma, Pat, and their group returned to the wagon train. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. A serious conflict had been avoided. The wagon train continued west and experienced no more problems.
Chapter 25
Fort Marcy
In early summer, the wagon train arrived at Bent’s Fort. Lieutenant McBain turned the prisoners over to the commanding officer at the base and said, “If I’m needed, I’ll return to testify at the civil trial of these men who are accused of causing so much trouble.” Then he and his men said good-bye to the people of the wagon train and continued on their journey to Fort Marcy in Santa Fe.
While riding the trail made plain by many travelers, Sergeant Jack Hurly asked the lieutenant, “Where did you learn to speak Arapaho? Surely they don’t teach that at West Point?”
“I was born and lived in an Arapaho village about three days’ ride south of where we met the Indians. My mother was an Arapaho squaw. My father was a white man who lived alone for six years, hidden in a cave only one day’s ride from my village. Chief Long Knife was the chief of my village and Black Crow was my Indian stepfather. Santa Fe, New Mexico, is my home now. Perhaps I can introduce you to my family when we get there.”
“Well, you and that mountain man sure saved our scalps. Why are we being assigned to Fort Marcy?”
“We’re to help the local authorities settle disputes about the ownership of land between the settlers and the longtime residents in the Santa Fe area.” The sergeant replied, “This is sure beautiful country. Strange though, the days are hot and the nights are cool. The smell of sage makes riding through it a real pleasure.”
“Yes, that’s one of the many things I missed while I was away. I missed the smell of sage and the sight of the snow-covered mountains. The things I missed most were my family and friends. There’s a girl I’m looking forward to seeing. She was just a young girl, when I left, but she’ll be a woman when we meet again.”
“What’s her name?” the sergeant asked.
“Her name is Cathleen Martin. Her father and my father have been friends since my father saved her father’s life....There’s a stream up ahead. We’ll camp there for the night. Place your sentries well. This country looks peaceful, but this is still a very dangerous place.”
Ducking his head to avoid the branch of an overhanging tree, the sergeant asked, “What shall I tell them to be on the lookout for?”
“After chow tonight, have the men gather around, and I’ll tell all of you at the same time.”
“Okay, I’ll tell the men. Is that the stream down there in that valley where we are to camp?”
“Yes, we’ll camp in that little meadow near those trees. The stream will provide water for us and our animals. The trees will provide wood for our campfires, and the animals can graze in the meadow.”
“I can see I have a lot to learn, and it seems I have the right man to teach me.”
“Thank you, Sergeant, I was taught by the very best. I’ll do what I can to pass on at least some of what I’ve learned.”
Crossing the stream single file, they rode into the meadow. The sergeant called out, “We camp here, Corporal. I want three men on sentry duty at all times.”
“Yes, sir. What are we watching for, sir?” the corporal asked.
Sergeant Hurly answered, “If it moves, keep an eye on it. If it’s coming at us, tell me about it, but don’t shoot it unless it shoots at you first, or if I tell you to shoot it. The rest of you gather around after chow—the lieutenant wants to talk to you.” Turning around, he asked, “Will that be all, sir?”
The lieutenant had disappeared into the shadows. Shaking his head, he said to himself, “That’s the damnedest officer I’ve ever seen.”
Before the men could finish pitching their tents, the lieutenant returned with a fully dressed antelope and gave it to the cook. “This will be our evening meal. Hang the portion you don’t need on that tree. It will be picked up and eaten by our friends.”
“What friends?” the cook asked.
“If you’ll look carefully under those trees on the other side of the meadow, you’ll see two warriors. I invited them to join us for dinner, but they declined.”
“How did you know they were there?” the cook asked.
“They’ve been following us for two hours. Why haven’t you seen them? After we’ve eaten, and they’ve taken the remainder of the antelope, I’ll try to help you to become more aware of the things around you.” After the cook had taken the meat he wanted, Puma nodded to the trees beyond the meadow and silently two warriors appeared. They removed the antelope from the tree and disappeared into the shadows.
Puma said to the men, “That is your first lesson. The fact that you don’t see anything or hear anything doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything there. This land requires a man to be on the lookout at all times. There are many things here that will kill you if you get careless. There are rattlers and scorpions that can get in your bedroll. They’ll get into your clothes and boots, so shake them out before you put them on. Mountain lions will kill the horses. There are bad Indians and bad white men. Not all Indians are bad. Many will be your friends if you’ll let them. This is no place to go to sleep on watch.”
“How did you know the Indians were following us?” one of the men asked.
“About four hours before we camped, I smelled the fire they had used to cook the meat for their midday meal. I knew they were near. I simply watched for anything unusual. I saw a coyote running, when there was nothing that the coyote should be running from. I watched for movement in the area from which it had run. Then I saw a flock of quail that had been startled by something. Soon I saw shadows where there should have been no shadows. I watched the area of the shadows. That’s when I saw the Indians.”
The sergeant asked, “Why didn’t you tell me they were there?”
“If I told you, you would have looked at them. If you had looked at them, they would have known that we knew they were there. I wanted them to follow us until I could identify them. When I saw who they were, I knew they meant us no harm.”
“Why did they follow us?” the sergeant asked.
“They are friends of mine. My father gave them cattle, so they would not have to hunt for their food.”
“I didn’t know that Indians raised cattle,” Sergeant Hurly remarked.
“Most of them don’t. These do. I’m hoping I can teach others to do the same. The only hope they have of surviving is to adapt to the white man’s ways. White men kill and drive off the animals the Indians depend on for food. When the animals are gone, the Indians will be without food, and they will die. I want to show them that there is another way.”
“Will they listen?” one of the men asked.
“Most of them won’t, but perhaps some will. Maybe I can save a few,” Lieutenant McBain answered.
“Won’t white men hate you for that?” the sergeant asked. “Some white men will hate me, but not all. We all need to learn to live together. Now, get some sleep. Tomorrow night we’ll sleep in Santa Fe.”
Chapter 26
Returning Home
It was mid-afternoon when the troop rode into Fort Marcy.
They dismounted in front of the base commander’s headquarters, and Lieutenant McBain went immediately to the commanding officer to make his report. He walked into the outer office. A sergeant was seated at a desk.
“One moment, sir,” the sergeant said as he disappeared into the next room. Returning, he said, “Go right in, sir. Colonel Hamilton has been expecting you.”
Colonel Hamilton rose to return the lieutenant’s salute and extended his hand. “Lieutenant McBain, we’ve heard of your exploits and we’ve been expecting you.”
The colonel stuck his head through the outer door and said, “Sergeant, attend to the new men. As soon as you get them billeted, grant them leave.” Turning back to Puma, he said, “Now, Lieutenant, let’s have your report.”
“We got through with no losses to the civilians or to the troop,” Puma replied. “They are good men. Thank you, sir, for granting them leave. I have a written report for you.”
“I’ll read it shortly. For now a verbal report will do. I can’t tell you how good it is to see you. I need you here. We have a knotty problem to work on, and I need someone who knows and understands these people. The last time we spoke, you were still a boy. You are no boy now. I have something to show you. Come with me.” Turning to his aid, he said, “Sergeant, bring my horse around.”
Almost immediately, a corporal returned leading a beautiful golden brown mare with black mane and tail. Puma recognized her immediately. It was Lightning, the horse he had left in the care of the colonel. Puma walked to her and petted her muzzle. She nickered softly and bobbed her head up and down. She recognized her old friend. Puma smiled, turned to the colonel, and said, “Thank you, sir. She looks wonderful. You have taken good care of her.”
“Thank you for letting me use her. You were right. There isn’t a faster horse in the whole area. I’ll miss her on the trail,” Colonel Hamilton replied.
“How do you like this palomino stallion I’m riding?” Puma asked. “He’s not quite as fast as Lightning, but he’s strong and eager for the trail.”
“He’s a beauty,” Colonel Hamilton said. “Where did you get him?”
“He was given to me by my great-grandfather in Georgia. This horse was the best of a fine stable of horses. He’s yours if you want him in exchange for Lightning.”
“He’s a fine animal,” the colonel said. “Thank you. I accept the offer. Now, your family is waiting for you at Maggie’s. Report to me after you get settled.”
“Thank you, sir. Would you join us at Maggie’s?”
“No, Lieutenant. Thank you. This is a family affair; perhaps another time. I’ve had the privilege of dining at the McBain hacienda on several occasions, and it’s always a memorable event. You go on now and enjoy yourself.”
“I’d like to get cleaned up first. Where are my quarters?”
“I can understand you wanting to get cleaned up. That sure is a pretty girl you got waiting for you.” He turned to the sergeant, “Sergeant, get the lieutenant settled and report back here.”
The sergeant said, “Yes, sir. Will you follow me, Lieutenant?”
The junior officer’s quarters were sparse but adequate. Puma bathed, shaved, and donned his dress uniform. He wanted to look his best. He had been looking forward to this occasion for a long time.
Everyone was waiting out front at Maggie’s as he rode up. Puma was surprised to see so many people. They looked wonderful. They rushed forward to greet him, all except Cathleen—she held back. Juanita and Carmen hugged him. Sage, looking firm and fit, clasped his hand and said, “It’s good to have you home, son.”
Kile was much older, and he, too, had grown taller. He stepped forward and said, “You look great, Puma. I can’t wait to show you the ranch. We have a lot to talk about.”
Sage said, “All right, let’s all go inside. Maggie has a grand feast waiting for us.”
Puma waited until the last person had gone inside. Cathleen came running and threw herself into his arms. She was sobbing.
“Why are you crying?” Puma asked. He had never seen a girl so beautiful. Her auburn hair hung in curls. Her eyes were so blue it shamed the sky. She moved as lithely as a doe. Her legs were trim and shapely. She had a small waist with round hips. Her bosom was so full she couldn’t hide it even if she tried. Her lips were full and red. Her breasts were heaving with excitement. Puma couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“I’m not crying. I’m so happy you’re home. I’ve dreamed of how you would look. You’re so handsome in your officer’s uniform. You have exceeded even my dreams.” Grudgingly, she said, “Let’s go inside. They’ll be looking for us.”
“Let them look. I’m busy doing some looking myself. You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. We have so much to talk about. May I see you tomorrow?”
“You’d better see me tomorrow. I’ll just die if you don’t.”
They walked into the cantina hand in hand. Bonnie was smiling. Joe looked proud but a little worried. Now, there was another man in his daughter’s life.
The cantina was filled with Puma’s old friends and family. A band was playing, girls were dancing, food and drinks were being served. Everyone wanted to hug or shake hands with their guest of honor. Puma was pleased and a little embarrassed by all the attention.
After the food was served, and Maggie was sure that all the guests had been attended, she came to Puma and said, “Tell me about Pat . . . is he well?”
“Yes, he’s well, and he wanted me to tell you that he’ll cross the desert on his way back in the winter and will be in Santa Fe in the early spring. He said to tell you that this is the last wagon train he’ll guide to California.”
“That will be wonderful if it is true, but I doubt if that will be true. It would be like putting a timber wolf in a cage to try to keep that mountain man out of the mountains. The mountains are a part of him.”
Puma said, “I know where there’s a beautiful meadow surrounded by trees, with a stream running through it. It’s at the foot of snowcapped mountains, and it’s close enough to Santa Fe that you and Pat could get into town any time you wanted. It would be a great place to build a cabin. You and Pat could have the mountains, and you could have a home where both of you would be happy.”
“That sounds wonderful, Puma. Will you show it to Pat and me when he returns?”
“Pat knows where it is; he showed it to me. Why don’t you have Pat show it to you? My father and mother own the land, and I know they would love to give it to you and Pat as a wedding present.”
“We’d like that, but you must know that the settlers are grabbing every piece of land that there is not a house on. That’s why the colonel asked for you to be assigned to Fort Marcy to help him keep peace between the settlers and the long-time residents. I’m sure your father will be talking to you about it.” Then Maggie said, “There’s a beautiful girl over there waiting to dance.”
“Can your musicians play a waltz?” Puma asked.
“Yes, the next piece will be a waltz.”
Cathleen felt great in his arms. She was as light as a warm summer breeze. They danced again and again.
“May I see you tomorrow evening? I’d like to have dinner with your family, and then we can go for a ride in the evening,” Puma asked.
“That will be wonderful,” Cathleen replied. “Carmen might want to come with you. She and Kile are a pair, you know.”
“No, I didn’t know, but I’m pleased. I want to talk to your mother and father. I want to get all the information I can about the problems I’m here to settle.”
“Father will be willing to talk,” Cathleen said.
Puma gathered Cathleen in his arms and kissed her.
“I can’t tell you how good it is to be home and to have an opportunity to see you again.” He reluctantly released her and added, “It looks like everybody is ready to leave. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.”
Because of the gowns Juanita and Carmen were wearing, they had ridden into Santa Fe in a surrey. Puma tied the
reins of Lightning’s bridle to the back of the surrey, and they rode together to the hacienda. Puma had almost forgotten just how pleasant the summer nights could be in Santa Fe. The coolness of the night breeze had broken the heat of the day. The tinkling of the chains on the horses’ harness, and the sound of the wheels rolling through the soft dirt, mingled with the smells and sounds of the night, made the ride almost ethereal to Puma.
As the wheels of the surrey rolled, there was a pleasant chatter. Everyone was asking questions, and no one was really giving Puma time to answer. There was much they wanted to know, and much he wanted to tell them. And he wanted to find out about what had happened while he was gone, and what was happening now.
Sage said, “Tomorrow morning, we’ll all ride out, and I’ll bring you up-to-date on what’s going on. There are so many people moving in with so many opinions concerning what is right and what each person has a right to expect from the new government. Everyone wants to own land, but they don’t want to have to buy the land or clear and develop it. They want to just occupy the land that others own. They don’t seem to understand that the present owners had to fight Indians, bandits, rustlers, and nature itself for the right to own their land. They don’t realize that there have been people fighting and dying for this land for more than three hundred years.”
“Don’t you have a sheriff?” Puma asked.
“Yes, we have a sheriff, but he is unable to keep the peace between the settlers and the land owners. We need a marshal, and the marshal needs to be backed up by the state and federal government. That’s where the military comes in.”
After getting home and talking for a time, Juanita and Carmen took Puma to his old room. It had been immaculately prepared. He couldn’t sleep for a time; there was so much to think about, and he couldn’t get his mind off Cathleen. She was so beautiful.
Breakfast was served on the veranda, early, as usual. The women fussed over Puma, attending to his slightest needs.
Juanita was still regal and stunningly beauty. Time had dealt kindly with her; if anything, it had enhanced her beauty. Carmen had inherited her mother’s loveliness and her father’s strength. Her eyes were green, and her hair was soft brown with highlights of gold, causing it to sparkle when it reflected the sunlight. Her suntanned skin glowed with radiant health, and she had a lithe, supple body. She was no longer a girl; she was a beautiful woman. There was intensity in her eyes which, combined with her strong features, left no doubt that she was a woman with an understanding of what was going on in the world around her, and she wasn’t reluctant to express her opinion. It would take a strong man to hold her.
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