White Antelope arrived on the scene, having come in search of his friend. Windrider shook his head and informed him, “He refused to heed my warnings. I was too weak to fight him. I could not let him carry the sickness and death to the Oglala. He was frightened and tried to flee. I begged him to stop, to remain here until he was healed. I must bury him; he touched me. You ride to his camp and tell his people of his death.”
“No,” his friend argued. “I will bury him in secret. His death will cause panic and anger. He was a great warrior. We will tell no one.”
Windrider cleared his mind of anger and his heart of hatred. He realized White Antelope was right, but for reasons only Windrider understood. He couldn’t allow questions and suspicions to arise about this incident. The Sioux would never believe that Cloud Chaser would endanger their camp by taking the disease there. They would wonder why Cloud Chaser was afraid to remain with his friend Windrider. Murder—especially of a warrior from another tribe—was considered a grave act. Too many questions and doubts would arise from this deed. Windrider decided that Cloud Chaser’s evil plot would have to be buried with him.
In the Yankton camp, Rebecca was helping Laughing Face near Red Tomahawk’s tepee when a white man walked over to them. His hair had been recently cut and his face was clean shaven. She couldn’t help but notice that his buckskins were freshly scrubbed and his body smelled of fragrant soap. Rebecca was quick to realize that he did not reek of whiskey or display crude manners and speech. The overall impression he conveyed was delightful to Rebecca—just as he had intended.
He spoke to the Indian woman, then introduced himself to Rebecca as James Murdock, a name familiar to her from many of her husband’s conversations. He promptly and cheerfully added, “But ever’one calls me Murray. Laughing Face tells me yore a vis’ter. Shame, we don’t gits many perty ladies down this here way. Sure would like to have you brighten this area fur a long spell,” he remarked with politeness and geniality that couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. He chuckled happily.
“I wuz asking Laughing Face if my friend Pierre Dorion wuz around. She tol’ me he’s gone to the trading fair with the chief and his son. Guess that means ole Murray’ll hafta hang around till he returns. Course I kin use a rest and good vittles; don’t git ‘em on the trail. Here I go rattlin’ me tongue likes we knowed each other. Sorry, Ma’am, ole Murray gits wound up when he’s around folks agin. I’ll be seein’ ya,” he stated pleasantly as he nodded his head, then walked away.
Rebecca watched the man approach a group of elderly Indians. He sat down and began to exchange tales with them. From his easy acceptance and the Indians’ cordial manner, she assumed he was familiar to them, surely a good and respected friend. She returned to her chore, unaware of just how wrong and dangerous her conclusions were…
Billy Culpepper sneaked another look at his unsuspecting prey. She was pretty, but nothing to die for; and surely those two graves near her cabin belonged to his two reckless friends. She had bloody hands! Revenge was the law of the wilderness, and he must see it met. She was brighter than he had expected, he mused. Then again, she had defeated Lester and Jess. He cautioned himself to patience, congratulating himself on his first cunning and successful meeting…
Later that afternoon, Billy returned to Red Tomahawk’s tepee. He told Rebecca he was a friend to the chief and his son, and she was readily convinced of his lie. Billy slyly asked, “Is there anything I kin do fur you an’ the other womenfolk while the men are away—hunt fresh game or protect you all while you gather wood? This here area’s perty safe, but you cain’t ever tell when some bad seed’s gonna drop in. I holds it my duty to take care of my friends and theys families.”
Rebecca replied, “Thank you, Murray, but I think we have matters under control. These people are fortunate to have such a good friend as you.” Oddly, she didn’t think to tell him who her husband was, and it didn’t seem necessary to warn him she was married, for he seemed perfectly behaved around her and the other women.
Billy hung around and chatted amiably, guilefully. He did some magic tricks for Rebecca’s girls, causing them to laugh and smile. The two girls watched eagerly as he carved wooden dolls for them. He appeared to have an easy rapport with all the children. Since Laughing Face had seen this white man many times, she thought nothing unusual of his presence. She had no way of knowing that he had lied to Rebecca and was attempting to lure her away from the others to harm her. Tragically, she and the other Yanktons were aiding his evil plans.
Billy knew how to communicate in sign language and Nakota, the tongue Rebecca was presently learning. Any time Laughing Face was separated from Rebecca, Billy cleverly used the opportunity to converse and joke with the Chiefs jocular wife. Observing this behavior, Rebecca naturally assumed the two were well acquainted. She saw no reason to fear or avoid a close friend of the chief’s. By the time two days had ended, Billy had Rebecca completely fooled. In a few more days, he would be able to spring his snare.
Billy carried out his plan with a patience and cunning unsuspected by anyone. He claimed to be waiting for Pierre Dorion’s return from the trade fair. As he was a friend and sometime trapping partner of Pierre’s, he was staying in his tepee with the Frenchman’s family. That afternoon and the next day, he went with Rebecca and other women to gather wood and fetch water, giving his share to those of Pierre’s tepee as gratitude for their hospitality. During these periods, he casually asked Rebecca many questions and related many interesting and amusing tales.
Rebecca’s mind was too ensnared by personal thoughts and feelings to enable her to realize that “Murray” hadn’t asked about “Clay.” Winter was only weeks away, and there was much work to be done by the women. Rebecca had been trying very hard to keep busy, to repay her debt to these people and to keep her mind off her past and present dilemmas. Moon Eyes had been dead for over a month. She was relieved that her other daughter had stopped asking about her sister so frequently, understanding that a child’s attention span was shorter at her age. After so many weeks and with many activities to fill her day, Little Feet unconsciously thought less and less about Moon Eyes as her mind began to heal itself from its sadness and suffering. As for Tashina, she was too young to recall a sister who had been absent for so long. To see their acceptance of Moon Eyes’s death saddened Rebecca, yet she knew it was best. As much as she hated to admit it, Rebecca realized that the hardships and terror surrounding her child’s death would be easier not to recall. At times reality seemed to all of them merely a thing of the moment.
Rebecca was glad to see her two daughters adapting so well to their new surroundings. They were enjoying their friends and the attention they received, and this made it simpler for Rebecca to immerse herself in mindconsuming and energy-draining labor. From Bright Arrow’s words and the distance involved in his mission, she knew it would be at least a week or two before his return, and probably longer.
Clearly “Murray” was a good hunter; he brought in fresh game each day, game with lovely hides to cure for winter garments, hides that he passed out to the women to gain their affection and gratitude. He had brought along many gifts for the Yanktons, which he passed out in secret. These presents increased his excellent reception by the Indians, and he was invited to many tepees for meals and visits. He spent time with the other men, relating the news from other areas. Each day, he craftily wormed his way deeper into the villagers’ lives and confidences. And still Rebecca had no idea this was merely a game with him.
Rebecca found the man affable and generous. She had been given no reason to mistrust or dislike or fear him. In her vulnerable and distracted state, Rebecca was too naive and trusting where this man was concerned. After three days of close contact, she felt she knew him fairly well. Why should she be suspicious? He was accepted without a second thought in the camp.
As she and other women gathered wood the next day, “Murray” joined them. He talked with Rebecca about many things. She had told him that her husband was a guide a
nd hunter for the Lewis and Clark expedition, to explain his absence. She had said he would return soon and they would head home to their cabin, to trap for the winter. When Billy asked his name, she said, “Clay Rivera.”
“Yo’re joshin’ me!” he shrieked excitedly. “I knows Clay Rivery. Me ‘n’ him jawed lots of times when he came to the tradin’ post or traders’ camps. He shore knows how to trap ‘n’ hunt. Never seen prettier or better pelts ‘n’ hides. Course Clay’s pretty much a loner, like me. Don’t talk much when he comes in. ‘Less it’s to the second best trapper, which is me,” he teased, then chuckled. “I wuz the one who give ‘im that last knife he brung home. He came on me whilst two thieves wuz tryin’ to take me whole winter cache. If’n it wuzn’t fur Clay, I wouldn’t be standin’ here jawing with his wife.”
He smiled at Rebecca and told her to thank Clay again for saving his life and cache. “He wouldn’t e’en take narry a hide or gift. Ya gots yoreself a fine man in Clay Rivery. Shore would like to partner up with him. Trappin’s hard these days, Rebecca. Too many doodlies tryin’ to kill ya and rob ya. Ain’t safe to trap alone likes in the old days. If’n ya gits a partner, ya hasta split right down the middle. Sometimes ya don’t takes twixt as many with two trappers. It’s downright hard to makes a good livin’ these days,” he muttered, then sighed dejectedly. “Course trappin’s in me blood.” He laughed merrily.
Rebecca halted to tie up her bundle of wood. “Where do you live and trap, Murray?” she inquired, glancing over at him.
“Up the Missouri, toward the Two Kettle camp. Old Turkey Head don’t mind white trappers. Ya takes Wamdesapa and The Partizan; they don’t likes whites. They’d kilt ya If’n ya turns ya back to ‘em. It’s good trappin’ in Red Thunder’s area; he’s chief of them Sissetons ‘round Lake Traverse. That Minneconjou Black Buffalo ain’t bad.”
Billy helped her position the wood sling on her back, then retrieved the other one to carry. “Thanks, Murray. Who is this Wam… whatever?” she asked, having heard of the other chiefs and tribes.
“Wamdesapa. He’s real bad, Rebecca. He hates all whites, like them Sioux. He’s chief of the Wahpekutes, over that way,” he informed her, pointing northeast. “I got meself outao them woodlands. Yessiree, I tries to stay outa them Wahpekutes’ way.”
“Most Indian tribes don’t bother you, do they?” she asked.
“Naw. Course I been here since I wuz a pup. They knows me, knows they kin trust old James Murdock. I kin go most places and trap. If I gits sick or lonesome, I got me friends ever’where in these parts. Ya knows what I means. Sometimes a trapper don’t see nobody fur months. One of these here days I guess I’ll git me a woman like Pierre and Clay done and settles down in a fine cabin. I shore ain’t gittin’ no younger or prettier,” he jested, then roared with laughter.
Rebecca laughed at his humorous expression and words. He added conspiratorially in a whisper, “I got me eye and heart set on this fine Blackfoot girl. She’s perty as a flower and real smart. I’ve knowed her fur years. Me ‘n’ her pa’s good friends. He knows she feels the same ‘bout me. I stops by theys camp ever time I’m ‘round. She comes of marryin’ age next spring. If’n I has me a good cache this winter, I’m gonna trade fur’er,” he announced smugly. “A good man shouldn’t live alone, now should he, Rebecca?” he teased comically.
“No, Murray, a man shouldn’t live alone,” she replied mirthfully.
Early the next day, the jovial man returned to camp with an elk. He told Rebecca she could have the hide to make fur moccasins and garments for her children. After he carefully skinned the animal, he sliced off hunks of meat for Red Tomahawk’s tepee. As he worked, he asked, “Clay ever takes ya to that Spirit Mound downriver a piece?” he questioned nonchalantly. Knowing her identity and predicament from Pierre, he guilefully began to set his irresistible trap. When she shook her head, he whistled eerily. “Won’t no Indians go near it. They’s sceered to death of it. Says it’s a place with powerful, bad magic ‘n’ evil. Theys believes devils ‘n’ demons live there. Theys says them devils ‘n’ demons got little bodies,” he murmured, holding his hand near his knees, “and great big heads,” he added, curving his arms around his head to indicate an immense circle.
While Rebecca waited for him to complete his chore so she could carry the meat to Laughing Face, he casually continued his tale. “It ain’t just the Yanktons afeared of that place; no Indian tribe or member will put a toe on that spot. Theys says them devils V demons got magic. bows ‘n’ arrows. Theys think they kin kill anybody who comes miles near that spot. Ain’t nothing kin make an Indian go near Spirit Mound. Theys says if any white goes there and comes back alive, it means they’s got powerful magic; they’s protected by the heaven spirits. No one harms a man who’s been to Spirit Mound.”
Billy knew he had caught her interest and full attention. “I been there twice, and I got me a bag of them rocks. I give ‘em as gifts to chiefs and warriors. Theys thinks Murray ain’t afeared of nothing. Theys afeared to do me harm. Theys let me comes and goes as I wants. Nobody tangles with someone who’s been to Spirit Mound and returned alive. Yessiree, them rocks makes good gifts and weapons. You oughta gits old Clay to takes you; it’s somethin’ to see. Ya mights has needs of some of them magic rocks one day,” he hinted provocatively.
“Isn’t that dangerous?” she questioned, her curiosity rising.
“Nope. ‘Cause no one dares to go near it. Theys thinks I passes my powerful magic to them rocks. Theys carries ‘em around as good-luck charms. That’s how I gots away from them Wahpekutes. Ever’body knows Murray’s been to Spirit Mound and survived. Theys respects me, and fears me. When I had me two bad trappin’ seasons, I used them rocks to trade fur food and weapons. You ‘n’ Clay oughta gits some to carry home. Cain’t tell when ya mights needs somethin’ valuable to trade, or to sceer off enemies. Ask Laughing Face; theys powerful afeared of such magic. Won’t nobody turns theys backs on me, or anyone who comes outa there alive,” he declared confidently.
It was true that Murray had been there twice; it was true that the Indians feared and avoided that location. If she questioned anyone about his claims, he knew his words would seem accurate and honest. His story was a great temptation to someone trying to earn acceptance and respect from Indians.
“I’m heading over there tomorrow. Ya wants me to bring ya a few rocks?” he offered. “If’n ya wants, ya kin comes along.”
Rebecca contemplated this intriguing possibility. “How far is Spirit Mound?” she asked, recalling her love’s acquaintance with Murray. He had spoken highly and affectionately of that white man.
“About two hours’ canoe ride. I’ll be going and coming afore the sun’s overhead. Ain’t no need to sleep there again. I dun proved my courage and magic. Ya wants to go see ‘er?” he invited cordially.
Laughing Face joined them. In the Yankton tongue, Billy told the woman his plans. Fear and tension lined the woman’s face. When Billy said that Rebecca might go with him to prove her courage and magic, the woman fretted and shuddered. She warned Rebecca to stay away from that evil place. Billy laughingly translated the woman’s words, then craftily asked the woman to show Rebecca her magic rock. Laughing Face pulled the small rock from beneath her buckskin dress. It was imprisoned by thongs on a long tie and worn as a necklace.
Billy told Rebecca the woman always wore it to ward off evil and danger. He claimed he had given it to her. Rebecca was hooked on his devious line. She knew that Bright Arrow would win his return home with his actions. She knew the Oglala would accept the two girls. She concluded that her visit to Spirit Mound could ensure her own acceptance and respect. Too much had happened lately, and she wasn’t thinking wisely or clearly. And Billy had won her trust.
That night, Rebecca lay awake for many hours. She couldn’t believe she had agreed to go on a trip to Spirit Mound, even with a trusted friend of Bright Arrow’s and the Yanktons, and even if the trip only required one day and night. She was a brave and daring perso
n, but she was a married woman. Reservations filled her. Her decision had been too hasty and impulsive. The idea was marvelous, but it should be carried out with Bright Arrow and not his friend. It wasn’t that she couldn’t leave the girls in the care of the Yankton women, and it wasn’t that she expected her husband to return any time soon, and it wasn’t that she was afraid of Murray. It just didn’t seem proper for her to spend the night alone with another man. After all, look what trouble had come from her trip with Windrider—and they hadn’t exactly been alone! Tomorrow she would tell Murray she had changed her mind. She closed her eyes and slept peacefully.
Rebecca returned from the river with two bags of fresh water. It was very early and few tepees had stirred to life. Laughing Face was preparing a fire to cook the morning meal when the others awakened. She was chatting with Murray as Rebecca approached them.
He swept off his fur hat and nodded his head in respect. He smiled lightheartedly and greeted her. “Mornin’ Rebecca. I wuz just telling Laughing Face our plans. She thinks yore the bravest woman she knows. You’ll hafta make sure you give her one of yore magic rocks.” He had spoken with the Indian woman for a time, clearly arguing Rebecca’s incredible decision when the woman disagreed with it. Billy explained why Rebecca wanted to go—to win acceptance and approval from the Oglala. Cleverly playing both sides of this game, Billy convinced the woman it was a good idea, claiming he would protect Rebecca from any harm. The woman grudgingly yielded, as it was not her place to command this white visitor. Besides, Rebecca would return in one day, and this man was Rebecca’s trusted friend.
While Laughing Face focused her attention on her task, Rebecca gave Billy her distressing and unacceptable news. She smiled ruefully and told him she had changed her mind. “I can’t go, Murray. There’s so much work to be done here. I can’t ask busy women to look after my children while I go collecting magic rocks. When Clay returns, I’ll have him take me before we head home.”
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