WHN to Henry T.P. Comstock
Freed From Slavery,
Bound By Love
Written by Lynne C (LJ) and
Katja (Ben)
That youngest son of mine can be infuriating. He has the ability to turn a simple dance at Dutch Pete’s, without the presence of young girls to flirt with, fathers to rile or young men to fight with, into a battlefield.
This little date with Chief Winnemucca’s daughter Saratucci could have easily led to a full scale Indian war. He knew it too. I warned him not to stir up the Paiutes. But does he listen? No, that boy does exactly what he wants to and worries about the consequences later.
Well, there would be consequences this time. I might have been able to smooth things over with Winnemucca, but Joseph knows the consequences of blatant disobedience.
I had thought the only thing I needed to worry about that night was having to try and keep him away from that whiskey he seems so fond of. Of course he’s not allowed to drink, but I also know he does sneak in a couple of beers every once in a while. I haven’t been able to catch him in the act yet, but that is only a matter of time. This I had never expected to happen, though, and it scared me Joseph could be so careless.
While Adam and Hoss were on the dance floor, dancing with those big gals, as Hoss calls them, I took Joseph aside and made sure he knew just how close I had come to taking him outside for a very well deserved tanning, right there and then.
I had no intention of spoiling the night for his brothers, Lord knows Adam needed a little fun, but we would be having a nice long talk on the necessity of obedience, as soon as we got home.
Well, as you know the dance ended abruptly because of the news of the gold strike and so the night was over a little earlier than expected. I think Joseph had almost forgotten the trouble he was in by the time we got home, but as soon as I mentioned our little talk he remembered alright. I sat him down on the settee and started a very lengthy lecture.
Maybe I did go on a little longer than necessary, but the thought of my youngest son, threatened with a knife by Saratucci’s future husband, surrounded by Indians, knowing he wouldn’t have been in that position if he only had obeyed me for once, well those thoughts kept me going for a good half hour.
I think they were all a little surprised I didn’t send Joseph upstairs to wait for his tanning. I surprised myself, but taking him over my knee right there, like the little disobedient boy he was, seemed the next logical step.
Afterwards I sent him to bed and a little while later I went up to say goodnight. I could see he had been crying and my heart went out to him. But I knew it had been the right thing to do. He seemed to understand that and he told me how very sorry he was for everything. As I could tell he wasn’t just sorry he was caught, I forgave him and pulled him into the hug he always needs so desperately, after being in trouble with me.
Before I kissed him goodnight I did tell him we would be going over to the Paiute camp the next morning, where he would apologize to the Chief for taking out his daughter without permission. He didn’t look happy at the prospect, but he didn’t object.
It had seemed harmless enough at the time. Go to the Paiute village, look up my old friend Princess Sarah and take her along to the dance. I wanted to show Hoss and Adam that their 15 year old little brother could find a pretty girl to dance with, when they couldn’t. I really didn’t expect Chief Winnemucca to react like he did, either, bringing his braves along and threatening me. I havta admit I was rather scared and was very relieved to see Adam and Pa arrive, well, at first I was. Pa, politely but firmly, as only Pa can, got Winnemucca to call off his braves and assured the chief that I would be punished, if he thought it was necessary. I was hoping that he wouldn’t think it was necessary, but once the Paiutes left, he drew me to one side and told me that he would deal with me, once we got home. I suppose I didn’t help my case by trying to give Saratucci a kiss, as her father led her away, but I was only showing off, in front of her intended, Lean Knife.
We stayed, to allow Adam to have a couple of dances, and then the party broke up, with the news of the strike. Pa led us away, not wanting to witness the sight of grown men acting in such an undignified manner, as they fought each other, to get a piece of the mine.
Once we got home, the lecture begun and I did feel bad, when Pa pointed out that I could easily have started a war. I really didn’t think that it was that big a deal, but I suppose that it must have been a shock to Winnemucca, when he realised that his daughter was missing. We were all in the main room and Pa was walking back and forth, in front of the fireplace, as he lectured me. I was sitting on the settee, aware that Pa was getting more angry, the longer he talked. I was expecting him to send me upstairs and so was rather shocked, when he walked over to me, sat down and pulled me across his lap. He gave me several hard swats, with the palm of his hand, then let me up and sent me to bed. I was glad to make my escape, as it had been a long time since Pa had punished me in front of Adam and Hoss and I was rather embarrassed, as I’m sure they were. I suspect that he did it to emphasise the point, that despite what I might think, I am still only a boy and so should be treated like one, when I am disobedient.
When I got to my room, I shed some tears and then got ready for bed. As I washed up, I looked at my reflection in the mirror and called myself a few names, which would have earned my mouth a meeting with a bar of soap, if Pa had heard me. I was mad that I had upset Pa, as I hated having him angry with me.
I got into bed and hoped that he would come up and say goodnight and he didn’t disappoint me. Pa’s pretty terrific like that, once you’ve been punished, then he is always happy to forgive you. We had a hug and he said that I was to go with him, the next day, to apologise to Chief Winnemucca. I wasn’t really looking forward to doing that, but knew that I would have to go, as it was something which the Paiutes would expect and would, hopefully, repair any bridges that I may have broken, between us.
Now that I had Pa’s forgiveness, I was able to settle down and get a good night’s sleep.
Ben
Breakfast the next morning was an embarrassing affair for my youngest. He came downstairs, late as usual, partly due to trepidation about his upcoming forced apology to Chief Winnemucca, no doubt. But I could imagine he was also a little nervous his brothers would be teasing him. Knowing how badly Little Joe reacts to teasing when his feelings are hurt like they were last night, I had already had a word with Adam and Hoss about it, warning them to leave him alone.
Hoss of course didn’t give me any trouble, he was actually a little upset with me for having punished Little Joe in front of them. Adam was a different matter. He found it necessary to complain yet again how easy I was on the boy and that he got away with too many things I would never have let him or Hoss get away with. I suppose there is truth in that, but I didn’t want to discuss it any further. I repeated my request to leave his brother alone. Fortunately my word still has some authority over my eldest and he relented.
After a quiet breakfast Little Joe and I left for the Paiute camp. Before I knew it he was chatting and laughing about Adam’s dance partner at the dance and some things Mitch had told him, it was almost as if we were on a father and son trip. But the nearer we got to the camp, the more silent he became and soon he stopped talking at all.
Suddenly we were halted by two braves. We had been coming to the camp for years and so they recognized us, but it was obvious that in this case they weren’t very happy with our presence. I’m sure they were aware of the trouble Joseph had caused and felt that the Chief should have taken more action. Still they brought us to the Chief, who courteously welcomed us.
While the Chief and I exchanged some formal greetings, Joseph was staring at his feet. I told the Chief my son had something to tell him and at my prompting Joseph stammered through an apology. I suppose I should have insisted on some more choice words, but he was having trouble enough with it, as it was. I assured Chief Winnemucca my son had been punished by me the night before, which made Joseph blush with embarrassment again, but that couldn’t be helped.
Chief Winnemucca was gracious enough to accept the boy’s apology and even offered Little Joe a look at the new horses. He’d known my son since he was a little boy and knew of his passion for horses, so whenever we came to the camp, he had some new horse to show Little Joe. This time he didn’t take him to them himself, but asked one of his men to do so. Joseph left eagerly, happy to escape my presence and the possibility of more embarrassment, I suppose.
We watched the boy run off with the brave and we settled ourselves on the ground. One of the women brought us something to eat and after exchanging some pleasantries, we started talking about Princess Saratucci’s wedding. Chief Winnemucca had a feeling his daughter wasn’t entirely happy about it. If she had been she would never have agreed to go to the white men’s dance with Little Joe, he reasoned.
He was very worried about her. It was custom for the father to find a husband for his daughter, but he also wanted her to be happy. And the night before she had disobeyed him for the first time. He had really been at a loss to know what to do about it. A father’s task is not always an easy one. It was actually funny that no matter how different the culture, parenting is just as difficult.
We were still discussing our troubles as fathers, when Little Joe returned. I expected him to be full of praise for the horses, but he didn’t even mention them himself. Only when Chief Winnemucca asked him about it, did he say they were fine looking animals, without the enthusiasm that would normally have accompanied it. It was obvious there was something on Little Joe’s mind and I wouldn’t get the answer by sitting down again, so we said our goodbye’s. I thanked the Chief for forgiving my son as easily as he had and prompted Joseph to do the same and then we left.
As we rode off I saw a strange look on his face and I was eager to find out what had happened, hoping he hadn’t gotten himself in trouble again.
Little Joe
The morning
after the dance found me rather reluctant to go downstairs and face the teasing
that I felt my brothers were bound to subject me to. However, when I did
finally pluck up the courage and take my place at the breakfast table, they
were both very quiet and said nothing. Hoss looked rather embarrassed that he
had witnessed me getting a spanking and, as he left to do his chores, he gave
me a sympathetic pat on the back. Adam, I'm sure, did have things he wanted to
say, but I got the impression that Pa had warned him not to and even at 27, my
brother does still take notice of
I found it hard to eat anything, knowing that I had to go and face Chief Winnemucca, after all this man had taken scalps for less cause than I'd given him. Mind you, I didn't really think that he was going to go that far, but I did wonder if he might have some devilish punishment up his sleeve. I consoled myself with the fact that Pa had made it clear that the only person who was going to punish me, was him, and hoped that Winnemucca would remember that.
As we rode along, I relaxed a bit and I made Pa laugh when I started talking about the big gal whom Adam had danced with at Dutch Pete's. My brother had enthusiastically thrown himself into it and nearly been trampled on, a couple of times, but he'd had a great time. I wished that my evening had ended as good as his had, but I guess I only have myself to blame. I'd enjoyed dancing with Sarah and all the attention that taking her to the dance had brought me, well apart from the attention that Pa paid to my backside, that is.
The guards who always kept a look out, seemed to be watching us a bit more warily, as we approached the Paiute village. I guessed that they, too, were angry, that I had taken Sarah to the dance. I developed an itch between my shoulder blades, expecting an arrow to land there, at any second.
However, we made it into the camp, without anything nasty happening and, suddenly we were standing in front of Winnemucca. He and Pa chatted for a couple of minutes and then I was aware that they were both looking at me, expecting me to say something. I managed to stammer out an apology and the chief seemed happy to accept it. Pa told him that I had been punished, he even told him how, and I blushed, but decided it was not a good idea to protest about the disclosure.
Chief Winnemucca could sense my discomfort and soon gave me a chance to escape and I was happy to take it. I went to look at the new horses, which the Paiutes had recently rounded up and as I was doing so, Sarah came to join me. I was pleased to see her, as I was hoping for the chance to see if she was all right. She said that she was fine, but her father had been very angry with her, as had Lean Knife, her intended. She asked about me and I just rubbed at my seat, making her smile. We had known each other since we were small children and I knew that she understood. Because of our long friendship I could tell that there was something else bothering her. After a bit of gentle digging, she finally told me.
I hadn't seen her for a few months and a lot had happened in that time. Sarah had fallen in love with a brave called Running Deer. She rather shyly told me of how he would visit her in her grandmother’s lodge and sit by her feet. They were not allowed to speak, until Sarah decided that she wanted to marry him, and then she informed her grandmother of her decision. Her grandmother told Winnemucca and he approved of her choice of husband. However, Running Deer had gone missing, when on a hunting trip, and was thought to be dead. The hunters had been attacked by a Shoshone raiding party, who were taking prisoners to use as slaves. The two Paiutes, who had managed to get away, said that Running Deer was injured and they doubted that he had survived. The Shoshone were a much larger and more aggressive tribe than the Paiutes and so Chief Winnemucca was unable to stage a rescue, despite Sarah's pleas.
After a reasonable period of mourning, Winnemucca insisted on Sarah choosing another husband, but she wanted no one else. However, her father wanted her to marry and so, reluctantly, she agreed to become betrothed to Lean Knife. She's a bit older than me and, according to Paiute custom, was getting to the age when she should have been married. However, she couldn't bring herself to actually fix a date and her father was prepared to give her a little bit more time to get over the loss of Running Deer. Looking into her sad face, I figured it was going to take a lot longer; she was obviously not over him, yet. It was the uncertainty of not knowing if he was really dead, or not, that was making it hard for her to move on. She needed to know what had happened to him and, in a rash moment, I said I would try and help her.
Just then, Lean Knife came to join us, making it very clear that he was not happy to see us together. I smiled and tried to apologise for the previous night, but he did not speak English and so it was rather difficult to get my message across. Sarah translated what I said, but all he did was curtly nod at me, and then lead her away. I managed to whisper to her that I would come back and see her, in a couple of days, and we would talk more about Running Deer. She smiled and mouthed 'thank you' at me.
I returned to where Pa was still talking to Winnemucca, they are worse than the women of the church sewing circle, when they get together. I think he could see, in my face, that I had something on my mind. I didn't even comment on the horses, as I usually did, until Winnemucca asked me about them.
Pa got up and said goodbye to his friend, assuring him that I would not cause any more trouble for the Paiutes. I apologised again and then we left.
As we rode home, Pa wanted to know what was the matter and I decided to tell him about Sarah and Running Deer. He was sympathetic, but was adamant that I was not to get involved. He said that it was dangerous to mess with another person's culture and beliefs and I was to stay well out of it. I tried to argue with him, but he was not prepared to listen and said that I was to obey him on this, and that was an end to it. I wasn't happy, but could see that any further discussion was likely to end with me on the receiving end of another necessary talk and I wasn't anxious to repeat that experience.
It didn’t take much probing on my part to persuade Little Joe to tell me the whole story about his childhood friend Sarah. It was quite a sad tale and my sympathy went out to the young girl and her great loss. Having lost three wives I knew how she must feel and in her case it was even worse because the death of her beloved hadn’t been confirmed, which prevented her from moving on with her life and the marriage her father had arranged. My heart went out to her, but I knew Chief Winnemucca had his daughter’s best interest at heart.
My youngest son may have a bit of his mother’s temper, but he also has her big heart and it was obvious he wanted to help Sarah. Part of me wanted to give him my permission to do so, but I knew the dangers of going against the customs of the tribe. We didn’t know all Chief Winnemucca’s reasons for choosing his daughter’s future husband. And with the best intentions we could very well start a lot of trouble within the tribe, disturb a balance of power, maybe even with repercussions for the entire area. It was also possible that helping Sarah would lead to a break up between her and her intended, which could be blamed on us or the white man in general.
It didn’t give me pleasure to deny my son this, but I had to tell him to stay out of the situation, to stand back and just pray Sarah would find peace. Joseph didn’t agree with me and started arguing hotly to the point where I had to remind him I was his father and he would have to obey me. I knew I didn’t have to remind him of the consequences of not doing that. Last night’s little talk was still fresh on his mind and he relented.
The rest of the ride home was pretty quiet and we arrived just in time for supper. At the table his mood changed a bit and after supper Hoss was able to talk his little brother into a game of checkers. Joseph obviously wasn’t paying much attention though, because for the first time in probably months Hoss was able to beat him.
To my surprise Little Joe didn’t protest much when I told him to go to bed and when I went up a little later to say goodnight he was already fast asleep.
Over the next couple of days things went back to normal. Things were pretty busy at the ranch and we put in long days. Little Joe was on his best behaviour, fortunately. He did his chores, without prompting for a change, did his homework, there were no notes from his teacher and there wasn’t even the usual bickering at the table. I wondered how long this would last, but enjoyed it while I could.
A few days later I came down in the morning to find Little Joe already at the breakfast table. He gave me one of his bright smiles and said he’d finished his chores, as he wanted to leave for school a little early, which was a little out of the ordinary, but did happen sometimes when he wanted to meet up with friends before school. I never objected as long as the chores were done and he knew it.
I watched him ride off on Cochise and Adam, Hoss and I went to work. Adam and Hoss were at the branding and I had yet again assigned myself to the dreadful task of doing the paperwork. The day went fast and I managed to do a lot of work, not really looking at the time, but when Hoss and Adam returned, I suddenly realized I hadn’t seen Little Joe yet. Hoss went to the barn and told me Cochise wasn’t there either.
At first I was a little upset at the thought that he probably had been kept after school, again I might add, but after a while I started to worry. Abigail Jones never kept him this long, as she knew he had a long ride home. Adam convinced me he was probably with his friends somewhere, totally indifferent to the fact that we would worry about him.
And when Hop Sing loudly announced supper was ready I reluctantly agreed to sit down and eat. My eyes darted off to the clock every couple of minutes and my focus was on any sound from outside. Even though I knew it was probably some mischief, I couldn’t help worrying that it might be something else.
All the way back from the Paiute village, I tried to persuade Pa to let me help Sarah, but he sure can be stubborn and he said I wasn’t to interfere. I did understand his reasons, kinda, he didn’t want us upsetting Winnemucca, but Sarah was my friend and she needed me.
I thought it best to keep my head down and behave myself, so as not to draw attention to what I was planning. And so, for the next couple of days, I did just that. I think Pa was beginning to think I was sickening for something, I was so good, but he didn’t say anything.
On the morning that I was going to go and see Sarah, I got up earlier than usual and did my chores, before the rest of the family were even awake. Pa joined me at the breakfast table and I told him I was going into school early and he just accepted what I said.
As soon as I was outta sight of the house, I changed direction and headed for the Paiute village. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get to see Sarah, as I knew that Lean Knife would probably try and stop me. Fortunately, I didn’t havta face that problem, as Sarah was waiting for me, out on the trail. I helped her up on Cochise and we rode off to a quiet spot where we could talk.
She was able to give me some idea of where the Shoshone were likely to have taken Running Deer and she also gave me a good description of him. He had a scar on his left cheek, from when he had been attacked by a bear. I promised her that I would do all I could to try and find out if he was still alive, but I did warn her that the news might be bad. She said she was prepared for that, but at least she would know, not knowing if he was alive or dead, was much worse.
Sarah returned to the village and I started out to look for Running Deer. I knew that Pa would throw the biggest hissy ever when he knew what I was doing, but I had to help my friend.
It took me most of the morning, but I eventually arrived in the area where Sarah said the Shoshone were camping. I managed to find a place where I could watch the camp and remain well hidden, and settled down to observe them. I was sat there for so long that my butt began to go numb, but eventually I was rewarded. The slaves must have been off working some way from the camp, but, as I watched, they returned. I had a perfect view and as they shuffled past, tied together, like beasts of burden, I could see their faces. Sure enough, one of them had a very distinct scar on his cheek, it must have been Running Deer. I was so excited that I nearly gave myself away, but I managed to contain my elation and make my escape.
I was soon
headed for home and rode into the yard, at breakneck speed, yelling for
By now, it was well past supper time and Pa came running out of the house, looking extremely angry. I ran over to him, grabbing hold of him by the arms and spilling out the whole story, before he had the chance to speak. His expression changed from anger to fear, as he took in what I had been up to, when he’d thought I was doing math with Miss Jones. I apologised for disobeying him, but said that I had to help Sarah and hoped he would understand. After all, I had found Running Deer and now him and Sarah could be reunited.
Pa led me into the house and got me to repeat what I’d said, but more slowly. I did so and then waited to see what his reaction was going to be. He stood in his customary position, in front of the fireplace, with his hands on his hips and it seemed like forever, before he spoke. He said that he was pleased to hear that Running Deer was alive, obviously, but was appalled by what I had done. He gave me a very long lecture about what could have happened, had the Shoshone discovered me, and finished by saying that it wasn’t going to be easy to get Running Deer out of there.
I ran over to him and gave him a hug, at least he wasn’t dismissing the idea of rescuing Running Deer, although I didn’t really expect him to. I always knew that I could count on Pa to do the right thing. He hugged me close and then held me at arm’s length and smiled at me. He said that he would sleep on it and let me know his decision, in the morning. Then I was sent up to bed, with a warning swat to the seat of my pants, to help me on my way.
Before I went to sleep, Pa brought me up some sandwiches and a glass of milk and he told me what my punishment was to be, for my disobedience and for playing hooky. I was to be restricted to the ranch, for the next month. I put up a token protest, which earned me one of those looks that warned me not to push my luck, but I knew that I had got off lightly and so wasn’t about to persist. Pa promised that he would help Running Deer and then kissed me goodnight, leaving me knowing that Sarah was soon going to be reunited with the man she loved. I didn’t know how it was going to be achieved, but I knew that when my Pa put his mind to something, the outcome was pretty much guaranteed.
I can’t begin to describe the emotions that ran through me when Little Joe told me what he’d done that day. In my head I pictured everything that could have gone wrong. The thought of my youngest being captured by the Shoshone tribe, being enslaved or killed…..for a moment I couldn’t think straight anymore. When will he realize how much we worry about him?
But once I got over the initial shock and took him inside, I was able to listen more carefully to what he was saying. Even though I was very angry that he had disobeyed me and had been playing hooky again, I did understand his reasons. The boy has a big heart and often puts someone else’s happiness over his own safety. I couldn’t always condone that, but I loved him even more because of it and would never really want to change him, that much. I just wanted him to think ahead, not to take unnecessary risks, and to ask for help when things got dangerous.
I made sure he was fully aware I didn’t condone his actions and how he had worried me and his brothers. Then in the end I told him it wasn’t going to be easy getting Running Deer out and he threw himself at me, almost pushing me into the fire, as he did so. I tried to temper his enthusiasm a bit by saying I hadn’t made up my mind yet and he would get my answer in the morning, but in my heart I had already made the decision. Of course I would try and do my best to reunite Saratucci and Running Deer. I just wasn’t sure about the right strategy yet.
A little later I went up to say goodnight and inform him of his inevitable restriction. He accepted his “month” without protest, well, he did splutter a bit, but that was more for show than out of conviction. I pulled up the covers and decided to put his mind at ease about helping Running Deer. I saw the relief on his face and knew telling him now had been the right thing to do. I smiled and left him with a kiss on the forehead.
The next morning he almost bounced off the stairs. He couldn’t wait to find out what rescue plan I had come up with. I had to disappoint him a little. Although going into the Shoshone camp to rescue Running Deer, and shooting our way to freedom, would probably be very exciting and a scenario straight from one of his dime novels, it was also the plan with the least chance of success.
Instead I had decided to go over to the Shoshones with Adam to try and buy Running Deer free. Less exciting, but at least that plan had a slight chance of success. Hoss in the mean while would make sure Little Joe got to school and stayed there. I could tell my youngest son wasn’t really happy with this arrangement, but he had enough sense to see that his personal feelings weren’t as important as a successful mission.
When I woke up the next day, I was anxious to get downstairs and find out what Pa was planning to do. I knew that he would come up with a way of rescuing Running Deer and I had visions of a big fight and Pa being the winner.
Pa was going to help, but not in the way I expected him to. He said that he and Adam were going to visit the Shoshone camp, posing as traders, and see if they couldn’t barter for Running Deer. The Shoshone were usually prepared to sell their slaves, if the price was right. I was rather disappointed, especially when he made it very clear that I was not allowed to accompany him. I did try and change his mind, even used my famous ‘puppy dog’ look, but he was not gonna budge. He said that I had to go to school and that Hoss was staying at home to make sure I went and came straight home afterwards, seeing as how I was on restriction.
I was tempted to work on Pa some more, but the look on his face and the way he suggested that it was time I left for school, convinced me not to try and so I said ‘goodbye’ and wished him luck. He gave me a hug and made me promise to be good for Hoss and to keep to my restriction.
Adam was in the barn, saddling up Buck and Sport, when I went to get Cochise ready for the ride to school. We didn’t say much, as we worked, but before I left, I hugged my big brother and asked him to watch out for Pa, and for himself. He told me not to worry and that all would be well. I think he only said it to humour me, but I was comforted by his words. For all my life, at least for as far back as I remember, Adam has never let me down. If he’s said that something will be all right, well then, it will be, and I had no cause to doubt him, this time. Between the two of them, Pa and Adam have provided me with a safe and secure childhood and I know that I am lucky to have them for my father and big brother.
After Little Joe left for school Adam and I saddled our horses and set off on our long ride to the Shoshone camp. Adam told me about his little conversation in the barn with his brother and I felt blessed. My sons, and especially Adam and Little Joe, might bicker and argue and sometimes even fight, but I knew that they would always come through for each other. And that is as much as a father can hope for.
We were well aware of the dangers of this plan, so we discussed our strategy in detail. We both like to be prepared. We decided that I would do most of the talking. The most important reason Adam was there, was safety. Going alone would be suicide. As I was sure the Chief would want cattle instead of money I had made sure one of the hands was rounding up some cattle, so we wouldn’t have to delay the trade.
Finally we arrived in the vicinity of the camp. We made no attempt to stay out of sight and so we were soon halted by a group of fierce looking braves. I asked to be brought to the Chief, as I had some business to discuss. The word business seemed to be the key, as they immediately started to direct us to the centre of the camp. From every side there were arrows and spears pointed at us, but I knew that we were safe for the time being.
We were brought to the largest tent where we were more or less welcomed by a Shoshone who we assumed was the Chief. He didn’t say a word, but a motion with his head told me he wanted me to sit down. Adam remained standing. The Chief seemed to want him to sit down too, but I told him he was only an assistant, not important for doing business with the great Shoshone. The real reason of course was that he had a better chance of defending us from a standing position. The Chief seemed to understand that business was just between us and didn’t insist.
I told the Chief that I had come to him on behalf of one of my customers. This customer knew of the Shoshone custom of capturing and enslaving other Indians after fights and was interested in buying one.
The Chief didn’t really seem to understand why my customer would want to buy a slave if he could just capture one himself, but never wanting to miss an opportunity to enrich himself he made no objections. He offered me one of his slaves in exchange for three head of cattle, which was probably more than he thought the slave was worth, but in my eyes a very reasonable price if that meant I could reunite Running Deer and Saratucci.
To make sure I was able to buy Running Deer I told the Chief that my customer had given me specific instructions on what type of slave he wanted and asked to have my assistant pick one out. The Chief thought about it for a while and with a slight nod he gave Adam his permission to do so. He motioned one of his braves over and gave him some orders after which the brave told Adam “come”. Little Joe had told us Running Deer was easily recognisable so I had no doubt that Adam wouldn’t have any problem picking him out of the group of slaves.
About ten minutes later they returned. With an Indian who beyond a doubt was Running Deer. Not wanting to blow our cover I stood up and tried to look at the man with a professional eye. I started commenting on his physique, age, health, asked some questions about the duration of his enslavement and finally asked the man if he had a name.
At first he refused to acknowledge my presence, let alone answer my question, a certain pride which I could only admire, but after some prompting by his captor he reluctantly told us his name was Running Deer.
I turned around to face the Chief and jokingly said this slaves running-days were obviously over. The Chief seemed to appreciate the little joke and he motioned me to sit down again. It seemed picking out a slave myself meant a different price and we started to re-negotiate a price. We finally agreed on five head of cattle, which we could deliver within an hour.
Just before we were about to leave, the Chief pointed at my rifle. I knew I had no choice, so I took it out and handed it over. He gave me a strange sort of smile, as if he had known there was more to this trade than I had let on to, but if he did, he didn’t say so. He let us ride off, trailing Running Deer behind us on a rope. I knew it was an inhuman thing to do, but I didn’t dare let him ride double with one of us.
Once we were far enough from the camp we halted, released Running Deer and explained to this proud looking Paiute who we were and why we’d bought him. The relief and happiness on his face were obvious and I could see why Saratucci loved this man.
He wanted to go to the Paiute camp and his beloved Sarah immediately, but Adam and I convinced him it would be better to return to the Ponderosa with us, to let Hop Sing take care of his weakened body, tend to some of the cuts on his arms and get cleaned up a little. He agreed.
Running Deer seemed impressed with my son’s braveness, but understood why I as his father was very concerned about his impulsive and reckless behaviour. He promised me to try and help me to impress on my youngest son the dangers of his actions.
We arrived at the ranch just before dinner and as we rode into the yard Little Joe came running out of the house. He had obviously been waiting anxiously and he started asking all sorts of questions; he was so excited, I thought he would burst. I tried to temper him a little by saying Running Deer was very tired and hurt and asked him to get Hop Sing. Which he did, running into the house yelling. Typical. If I had wanted to yell I could have done it myself. But I was glad Running Deer had gotten a little reprieve from my over-enthusiastic son and I settled him on the settee.
I don’t know how I got through the day at school; Miss Jones eventually used her ruler on the palm of my hand, as she must have told me about a dozen times, to pay attention. I just couldn’t concentrate, wondering what was going on at the Shoshone camp. I had been tempted to follow Pa and Adam, but knew that I would have received a lot worse than a swat with a ruler, if I had. As soon as school was over, I rode home and then spent another hour, or so, pacing the floor. Hoss said I was gonna wear a groove in the floorboards, if I didn’t quit and so I sat down, but couldn’t settle.
Eventually, I heard the horses arriving in the yard and ran out to greet Pa, Adam and, hopefully, Running Deer. I wasn’t disappointed, my faith in my father and brother was not misplaced; they had rescued him.
Pa insisted that Running Deer received some first aid from Hop Sing and a decent meal, before I started asking questions, and I tried to curb my impatience, but it was very hard.
After supper, Running Deer thanked me for my help. Pa had told him how I had found out that he was still alive. I shrugged it off, a bit embarrassed by the man’s obvious gratitude. I was more impressed by his incredible bravery. When he did start to tell us about the time he spent with the Shoshone, it was a terrible tale of cruelty and deprivation. He had been injured, when he was taken prisoner and the wound had become badly infected. A lesser man would probably have died, but he tried to doctor himself, as best as he could, and was lucky to find a sympathetic Shoshone girl, who also tried to help him. He wasn’t given the chance to rest and recover, but was put to work, immediately. The slaves hardly had any food and were expected to work from sunup to sundown, every day of the week; they never had any time off. Running Deer said that he kept going by thinking about Sarah and the time when they would be reunited. He did try and escape, several times, but was always caught and severely punished; his back was a mass of scars from where he had been beaten. He said that being a prisoner had taught him a lot and one of the things was to try and be more patient and not to be so impulsive. I suspected that he and Pa had been talking, as it seemed that this was a subtle way of telling me that I had been foolish to go to the Shoshone camp alone. I listened to him and didn’t react in the usual way I did when being lectured, by switching off and thinking of something else! as he made a lot of sense. I know that I had been stupid, sneaking off like I did, and I was extremely lucky to have gotten away with it, and kept my scalp.
I really enjoyed talking to Running Deer and was reluctant to go to bed when Pa said it was getting late. However, Running Deer was tired, too, and so we all ended up turning in around the same time; it had been a very eventful day.
Pa sent word to the Paiute village that Running Deer was safe, but it was decided that he would stay with us for another couple of days, before going home. He was very exhausted and slept for nearly one whole day. I went to school, but was glad that the next day was Saturday and I spent almost all of it with Running Deer. I took him to my favourite fishing spot and we talked about Sarah. I told him about taking her to the dance and he said that I certainly had some nerve. He said that I would make a good Paiute brave and I thanked him for the compliment, but told him that I preferred to remain a Cartwright. He agreed that was a good choice and said I had a pretty amazing family and I wasn’t about to argue with him, on that one. I always knew that I could rely on my family to help out anyone who needed it; race and religion made no difference to my Pa’s feelings, we were all brothers under the skin.
I was really looking forward to witnessing Sarah and Running Deer’s reconciliation, but was rather concerned what Lean Knife might do. Running Deer assured me that all would be well. He had been betrothed to Sarah first and now that the tribe knew he was alive, Lean Knife would have to give her up. I hoped it was going to be that simple, from what I’d seen of Lean Knife, he didn’t strike me as a reasonable kinda guy.
On Sunday, after church, we set off to the Paiute village, to take Running Deer home. I had said a prayer for Running Deer and thanked God for helping him. Running Deer did not attend the service with us, but I knew that he had some knowledge of our religion, as he said it was a missionary, who had taught him to speak English.
Running Deer was rather nervous, but managed to cover it up. He had learned to hide his feelings in order to get through the time he had spent as a prisoner. I was nervous, too, and I didn’t do such a good job of covering it up. I talked non-stop, all the way there, a sure sign that I was anxious about what was going to happen. Pa had given Running Deer a horse to ride and he sat on it proudly, every inch a warrior. As we rode into the village, I knew he was looking for Sarah, and he soon spotted her. For a moment, I thought she was going to faint, as she went very pale, but then she ran over to him. He dismounted and scooped her up in his arms. We were all moved by this, even my cynical, big brother wiped away a tear, when he thought no one was looking. The only sad face in the whole village was Lean Knife, but he tried to be gracious in defeat and welcomed Running Deer back to the tribe.
Chief Winnemucca gave a speech, in Paiute, and so we didn’t really understand what he said, but there was no mistaking the fact that he was very happy to see the young man home and was delighted for his daughter. We were invited to join in the celebrations and were treated like heroes for rescuing one of their braves. I sampled some of their native brew and it left me feeling very light-headed. I told Pa that it was only fruit juice, as I thought he would be mad about me drinking it. I’m sure he knew better, but he let me have some, anyway; after all it was a special occasion. The party went on into the night and there was a lot of eating, drinking and dancing, we had a ball. We all had a go at some traditional Paiute tribal dances, it wasn’t really that much different to a barn dance.
As we left, Sarah asked us to attend the wedding and Pa said we would, with pleasure. I had never been to such an event and was looking forward to it. By the time we got home, I was almost asleep in the saddle and I needed no persuading to head for my bed.
It seemed Little Joe and Running Deer became good friends over the following days. That first night I was grateful to him for trying to tell Little Joe about the dangers of sneaking off to the Shoshone camp. I think it made a much better impression than any of my talks, the verbal or the other more painful kind, had ever made. I hoped that Little Joe would be more careful, at least for a while.
It gave me pleasure to see them so close. They talked a lot, laughed. It was also good to see Running Deer transforming from the exhausted, battered slave into a fine, pleasant young man. And he has made quite a change in my youngest son too.
As soon as he had recovered enough I knew it was time to get this man back to his family and friends. And to reunite him with Saratucci of course.
The return of the lost son to the Paiute village was a happy one. Both my son and the young Paiute had been nervous about it, but they needn’t have worried. The reunification of Saratucci and Running Deer was heart-warming and Lean Knife took his loss with dignity and congratulated the couple, even though he didn’t take part in the festivities. And festivities they had. It wasn’t very often that a man captured by the Shoshone returned home and the tribe celebrated. The Chief showed his gratitude in his speech and by inviting us to join in their celebration. We were invited to eat, drink and dance with the tribe. Eating was no problem, but when I saw my youngest drinking some of the special Paiute brew I almost said something about it. I decided not to and let him have a little fun, but I made sure he didn’t drink too much.
Later on they even got us to dance with the men to the beat of the drum and the singing of the medicine man. I felt honoured by the privilege that didn’t befall the white man very often and we all joined in. It wasn’t very difficult to learn and I could tell my sons were having fun . I have to admit that I had fun dancing too, but was also glad when I finally could sit down next to Chief Winnemucca. Looking at him I saw a content man. His daughter not only had her beloved back, but she would also marry, which was important to the Chief. I couldn’t blame him for those feelings, I have them myself, from time to time, but it seemed especially Adam wasn’t even thinking of settling down, let alone providing me with my first grandchildren and Hoss would probably marry a nice girl in the future, if only he could find the courage to ask her.
We both watched the young couple, who seemed lost to the world, having only eyes for each other. They were obviously made for each other. The Chief didn’t want them to have to wait too long and had already set the wedding date. When Saratucci asked us to attend her wedding, we accepted the invitation, of course. Never having been at an Indian wedding before I started asking Chief Winnemucca some questions about it, to be prepared, but he waved them away, saying there was no need for questions, questions would answer themselves at the wedding.
I could tell Little Joe was already starting to get tired, which wasn’t surprising after a day like this. So we said our goodbyes and left for home, tired, but very satisfied.
As I checked up on Little Joe later that night, before I went to bed, I stood there for a while watching my sleeping son, feeling very proud. He had really come through for his friend and I admired him for that. I hoped nothing would ever change him. I pulled up his quilt to cover him up, planted a kiss on his forehead and left his room.
I was so pleased to see how happy Sarah and Running Deer were, once they were together again. It gave me a good feeling to know that I’d had a hand in it, too. Oh, I know that Pa and Adam had done the negotiating, but I was the one who’d found out that Running Deer was still alive.
Over the next couple of weeks, I spent quite a lot of my spare time up at the Paiute village, as the preparations for the wedding got under way. A betrothal tepee had been erected and presents were already being gathered together, to be exchanged on the day.
I tended to keep away from Sarah, as she was involved with making her and Running Deer’s outfits for the big day, and so was usually surrounded by a group of cackling, older women. So I hung around with Running Deer and was pleased to see that he was now fully recovered from his terrible time as a slave. He wanted to prove to Winnemucca that he was able to provide for Sarah and decided to round up a small herd of wild horses, tame them, and present them to Winnemucca, as a gift, on the day of the wedding. He already knew of my interest in horses, from the time he’d spent on the ranch, with us, but I was still flattered when he asked me to go along with him, to catch and break the horses. I really wanted to go, but it would mean taking a couple of days off school and I wasn’t sure if Pa would agree.
I waited for a good moment to ask, just after supper, when Pa was enjoying his pipe and a brandy. He seemed to take forever to give me his answer and I was sure he was going to say no, but he said I could, as long as Adam or Hoss went with me. I was so glad that he’d said yes, that I didn’t object to the condition. I just gave him a hug and then ran outside, to find my brothers. They were in the barn, bedding down the stock and were rather surprised to see me running across the yard, calling out their names.
I explained what it was all about and it was soon decided that Adam would come with me, as Hoss had other commitments. I didn’t really mind, both my brothers are experts when it comes to judging good stock and I knew they would be happy to help Running Deer, as they liked him, almost as much as I did.
We started off, the next day, and we had a great time. Running Deer, too, was a very good judge of horseflesh and he had certainly picked out a fine looking string. We observed them for the first day and got an idea of their habits and discovered which horse was the leader of the group. Then began the task of catching them and herding them to a box canyon, where we were gonna hold ‘em, until the wedding.
Adam would not allow me to break one from scratch, as I was still rather inexperienced. However, he did let me ride ‘em, after they had calmed down a bit, and so I did have a part to play. Both Running Deer and my big brother, complimented me on my gentling skill, making me feel ten feet tall. Adam is one of the finest horse breakers in the territory and for him to say I was doing well, gave me a great feeling. I love my big brother very much and always want to do the best I can for him. It was so nice, working alongside him and knowing I was doing a good job.
Eventually, the job was completed and Adam and I returned home. The wedding was only a few days away and we were all looking forward to it. Pa had decided to give the newlyweds a milk cow as a wedding gift and Hoss had picked out a real beauty. On the night before the wedding, I found him in the barn, grooming Daisy. I watched him for a while, but gave myself away, when I began giggling, as I listened to him telling her all about her new home. He looked a bit embarrassed, but I was used to the way my soft hearted brother treated the animals on the ranch; he loved them all. I joined him, and I also told Daisy that she would love living with the Paiutes, I’m as loony as he is!
I probably shouldn’t have agreed to let Little Joe take time off from school to help round up and break those horses, but I thought it would be good for him to spend time with Running Deer and Adam. I had known it would be Adam, as I had given Hoss a job that would keep him busy for a while. I thought it would be good for the relationship between my eldest and my youngest to be involved in this together. And learning about the ways of the Paiute tribe was something that he would never learn in school, but a thing I valued.
The days flew by and before we knew it the wedding day had arrived. We were expected early, so we got up before dawn and were on our way, just as the sun made its appearance.
Our present to the young couple, a milk cow, slowed us down quite a bit, but we still managed to make good time.
As we arrived in the village the first part of the ceremony was just about to begin. There was no time for the usual polite greetings as the two young people were already being taken to separate spots at the lake to wash ceremoniously, to be cleansed and blessed by the spirits. Or at least that’s what they told us.
While the women were helping Saratucci, we joined the men of the tribe. To prevent Little Joe “wandering off” I put my arms firmly around his shoulders. I had seen that look on his face as he realised what was going to happen. I can’t blame him, he is only 15, but his place was with us men. So I steered him to the lake where Running Deer was just going into the water. His clothes were being taken back to the village and after he was washed he was dressed up in the finest of clothing and jewellery, all turquoise and silver. One of Chief Winnemucca’s men explained to us that the silver concho belt would shield the couple from poverty, hunger and bad luck. I don’t hold much to these types of amulets, but I knew these beliefs were very important to the Paiute. And Running Deer looked very handsome in his outfit.
When we returned to the village we saw that Saratucci was dressed in a similar outfit. She looked lovely and very much a princess. The couple joined and held hands while the family exchanged gifts. All sorts of gifts seemed to be acceptable: tools, rugs, hides, jewellery, bows. They seemed to enjoy giving them. Finally Running Deer asked his brother to bring in his own gift. The chief was very pleased with the fine string of horses and thanked Running Deer for the wonderful gift. Running Deer didn’t want to take full credit and told the Chief how much my sons had helped him. He gave Little Joe an amulet similar to the one he and his brother wore. I don’t think Joseph understood the full meaning of the gesture, but the Chief explained to me later that Running Deer had welcomed him in his family, equal to his brother. That was an honour that no other White Man had ever had bestowed on them. I can only say I was a very proud father that moment.
After the exchange of gifts a long and exuberant party started. There was an abundance of food and as I watched Hoss sitting down with a big and fierce looking brave, I smiled. It seemed he had found his match in eating. Little Joe seemed more interested in that alcoholic fruit-drink. I let him have some of it, but when he kept coming back for more, I gave him a look that was not misunderstood. He didn’t even give me that puppy-look, but immediately put down his cup and seemed to look a little guilty. I think I might have missed a couple of cups.
Everyone danced the traditional dances and even though we didn’t know them, we had learned last time that we could easily join in and we did. After a while though I felt the need to catch my breath and went over to Chief Winnemucca. We both sat down, watching the young people dance and have fun. I think Little Joe danced with every Paiute girl in the village. He was certainly having the time of his life and so were his brothers.
The young couple only had eyes for each other and they were obviously very
happy to start their life together.
Finally the party came to an end and after Running Deer had taken Saractucci to his tent, we thanked the Chief for the hospitality and left for home, feeling very tired, but with memories that would stay with us forever.
I was really excited about attending the Paiute wedding ceremony and the first part looked very interesting. The bride and groom had to remove their clothes and bathe in the lake, in order to be blessed by the spirit of the earth. Unfortunately, Pa kept a close eye on me and I was only allowed to attend Running Deer’s part of this ceremony; Saratucci was bathing in another part of the lake. They were then dressed in their new clothes and adorned with the turquoise and silver jewellery, which was supposed to bring them good luck and guard against poverty and hunger. Fortunately, one of Winnemucca’s braves was on hand to explain the significance of all of this to us.
Winnemucca officiated at the ceremony and the young couple sat on a turquoise coloured blanket, in front of him. They were given a cup to drink from, Running Deer drank first, followed by Saratucci, and then a basket of food was produced. Saratucci took it and offered Running Deer some food, which he took with his left hand and as he did so, he held onto her wrist, with his right hand. They both promised to care for one another with all their strength in all the years to come and then Winnemucca pronounced them man and wife.
The presents were exchanged between the families and Winnemucca was delighted with the horses. He declared that Running Deer was going to make a fine husband for his daughter and that he hoped they would be blessed with many sons.
I was very touched when Running Deer gave me a present, a beautiful amulet. Pa explained to me later that it meant that he thought of me as a brother and such an honour was rarely, if ever, bestowed on a white man.
It was then time for the party and what a great evening we had. We all joined in with the ceremonial dances, with more enthusiasm than skill, but the Paiutes were pleased that we tried. Hoss loved the food; Adam and I were not quite so keen, but we tasted most of it. We decided it was better not to ask what it was, that we were eating, as the answer was likely to make us rather queasy. I did know that the Paiute were fond of rattlesnake, lizard and grasshopper, but I suppose our eating habits probably appeared strange to them.
I managed to sneak in a few glasses of the native alcoholic punch, it sure had a kick to it. Pa caught me when I was about to have my fourth glass and so I wasn’t allowed anymore, but boy it was potent stuff. I carried on dancing, but couldn’t feel my legs and so I must have looked a very funny sight, but no one cared.
The party went on well into the night and the newlyweds had retired long before the party ended. I said to Adam that it was unlikely they would have been able to go to sleep for the noise. He just poked me in the side and laughed, and I was really embarrassed when I realised what I had said. I was pleased it was dark and he could not see me blushing; how many newlyweds sleep on their wedding night?
I wasn’t going to admit it, but I was just about falling asleep on my feet and so was quite happy to go, when Pa said it was time we headed for home. We thanked Chief Winnemucca for his hospitality and wished the happy couple all the best, even though they were not there to hear us. I climbed aboard Cochise and was happy to let her find her way back to the barn, as I nodded off in the saddle.
As soon as we reached the yard, I slid down from Cochise and made my way to the house. Hoss offered to see to my horse and I gladly handed over the reins to him. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. In fact, I didn’t even get undressed, although Pa did it for me, after I was asleep, as I was wearing my best suit and he didn’t want me to get it all creased up. I slept the deep sleep of the contented, assisted by that native brew, happy that I had been able to reconcile one of my best friends, with the love of her life.
Little Joe barely made it up the stairs and when I came up to say goodnight I found him lying on top of the covers, fully clothed. Just as I had done many times when he was a little boy, I undressed him and put on his nightshirt. He barely registered what was happening.
Hoss and Adam smiled as they saw me perform this fatherly duty from the past and said their goodnights.
I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep, just yet, and went downstairs to pour myself a nightcap. I sat down in front of the dying embers of the fire. It had been an eventful couple of weeks. My youngest son risked a Paiute war for a date, which angered and worried me, but then risked his life, and more so, my anger again, to help a friend. In doing so he even managed to establish a very strong bond between our family and the Paiute. I was proud of my son and even though his impulsive behaviour worries me, often, I wouldn’t want him to change. I love him just the way he is.
THE
END