Introduction Book one and two summary
PAGE 4 CHAPTER ONE The Black Feet
PAGE 14 CHAPTER TWO Celebrations in the village
PAGE 35 CHAPTER THREE Adams First Journey
PAGE 56 CHAPTER FOUR Dropping into California.
PAGE 74 CHAPTER FIVE Hiding in the forest
PAGE 108 CHAPTER SIX Enjoying the fruits of life
Great Eagle Book Three
Book, one opens after Dan traveled from Boston on the East Coast and heading toward the Pacific Ocean on the West Coast in the year of 1842.
Our story follows the movements of Daniel Adam David Soloman as he was christened by his mother. Dan, as called by friends, traveled West after selling his family farm and his photography studio, which included the property obtained while working that business.
Traveling along Dan faced those strangers that had watched him sale the things he owned. His travels led to encounters with those wanting to profit from his personal possessions and the first book explains those encounters. It is not necessary to read the first book to watch Dan control each situation and those desiring harm before reading book two or this book for the same reason you do not need to get comfortable reading this one it is just more fun that way.
In the first book, Dan meets a princess from the Paiute Indian Nation after spending days traveling and sharing meals with the tribe. The friendship, education, and love he gains are important, but you don’t need to read the previous books to understand his journey. While events in his past were educational, they served mainly as relaxation history. If you haven’t read the first two books, you will still learn about Dan’s possessions and friends without missing out on how he acquired them.
Dan travels West and lives with the Piute Indians in the Nevada region West of Elko and East of Reno along the Truckee River. Dan is married to Mary who is a true princess with the ability of sightings into the future. Mary is pregnant now, and they are living with her Utes while waiting for the birth of Adam, their first son. Mary had told Dan that he would have a son for each of the names his mother had given to him at birth. Adam being the first middle name so naturally he is expecting without a doubt it will be a boy.
It was only a little strange that Dan had three friendly Mountain Lions (Eeny, Meeny, and Miny) finding after the mother died. He raised them from birth and had taught them each how to sit when told, to roar when told, and each had the ability to understand instructions in almost any language. The wet deer used her milk to nurse the young kittens grew to accept the kittens. Dans horse Shadow and the grey wolf Nuzzle had taken much longer to adjust to becoming friends with an enemy, but time heals the worst memories.
CHAPTER ONE
The black feet
Our story begins at the breakfast fire beside the Truckee River on Piute lands. When ten to twenty of the villagers are gathered around the fire pit every morning wanting to learn more about the white man’s God. This morning, unlike other days in the past, there was an uneasy sensation in the movements around the fire pit. Everyone seemed to have an ear toward the North. Those who were in the middle of a conversation stopped and were listening to something not understanding what was happening. Eeny, Meeny and Miny (Dans pet cougars) were growling and watching toward the North moving back and forth nervously. Nuzzle (Dans pet timber wolf) came running into camp barking, growling and the hair on his back was standing on end showing his readiness to fight.
Mary ran out of the Teepee wanting to know what the problem was. All could hear shouting and yelling from a distance and the excitement was growing. The fear in the air was felt without the knowledge of why. I just held up my finger showing that we should listen.
The awareness came like a rolling thunderstorm. I started yelling we are being attacked! Prepare everyone to fight. Mary, please help me get the Raven kite ready for immediate flight. Shadow was out in the meadow and as I yelled, she ran for camp.
We must get the Raven ready for flight and not the Eagle. I had two kites however I felt the Eagle would not put fear in the enemy as the Raven would. I feel we must show them it was a bad omen. Fast Mary, we have little time. Nuzzle takes the cats to the edge of camp and protect us as we prepared for take-off, which was unnecessary as they were naturally born to protect us. Do not let anyone into our camp.
As I pulled the kite behind Shadow and was aligning the kite the screaming and howling of those attacking became louder and the sound of fighting became closer. Noise from the guns, women screaming while running grabbing children. One Indian came into my side vision as I had leaned down to hook the rope. Turning and raising from a kneeling position I came up and under his arms and I just shoved against the warrior’s chest. Falling backwards the warrior tripped over the rocks surrounding the fire pit and fell into the fire on his back. Sparks flew and the fire at once took hold of the man’s hair, but I was so busy hooking up the kite I lost track of the hand-to-hand fighting around me. I knew without looking that Mary had been firing a gun and was thankful having spent the time teaching her the use of my guns.
The sounds of the cats screaming, the wolf snarling, the warrior screams from the attacking animals were loud and boisterous. With all the fighting going on I managed to get the kite hooked to Shadow and managed to concentrate well enough to shout run Shadow run and as instructed many of times she started moving till she felt the rope tighten then without further word took off with increased speed till I was no longer running and sat back in kite. I could hear and see all the noise, screaming, fighting, guns and arrows, the sounds of battle, the kite was air born. Just barely off the ground and Indians with horses were trying to shoot me as I left the ground the thing that saved me was, they could not get close to me because on each side was a mountain lion running along beside of me. The horses were in no way getting close and they fought the riders throwing them, bucking, and pulling away. One rider who forced his horse got ready to shoot me with an arow and Meeny took him right off the back of the horse. The other warriors showing fear were getting away from me to avoid the fierce mountain lions. I looked back over my shoulder as I left them behind seeing them running away from the meadow. Just as I released the rope holding me to Shadow. The kite lifted and as if God himself had a hand on it. As I gained speed the kite became stable, and the air lift was maximum giving me great visibility as only a morning in the mountains can.
Tuning as I climbed, I saw the Indians coming over the hill by the hundreds heading for our village. I knew that if something did not change, we would lose our village and our friends this morning. With a small tilt to one side, I headed toward the crest of the hill and leveled the wings as I got closer. The mass of fighters was coming over the top and heading down hill extremely fast and having practiced the call of the Raven I screamed. The men stopped and looked me in the eye, and I thought they would pour their rath at me and to my astonishment they stood still and just staired at me.
With the strange Raven overhead, the screaming of the bird directly at them, those who had been running toward the village stopped and looked up. The Raven was a sign of death and those watching and hearing turned and ran as fast as they could away from me. Men were jumping bushes, running into trees, and falling. The impact of what was happening became total chaos. Those that saw this great bird attacking and screaming dropped everything they had and ran away. It was unbelievable to those who saw it and the fighters that fell from the excitement created more confusion which gained as the fear grew. Some were on their hands and knees holding arms over head with hands outstretched as if I were a God to be feared. Those in the front fighting in the village become aware of those retreating and the fear spread throughout the mass. I continued to circle and scream at them.
I finally flew back over to the camp wanting to know that Mary and those in his camp were safe. When close enough to those on the ground I waved and Mary was standing with a cat on each side and Nuzzle was not visible nor was one of the cats, but I had a feeling that all was well, and I continued to fly past. I turned toward the direction the Crows had come from which made me flying up the mountain. With the slope of the mountain and my dropping in elevation it would become an easy landing. All the time during the fight I knew the attack had been from Black Feet.
Looking again toward the distant line of retreating Indians that were still leaving I once again felt the deep fear of those villagers that could have died or been injured during all the fighting.
After watching the Indians, I continued lowering at a slow pace toward the meadow where I started from. Lining up with the center and leaning to the front of the kite l slowed my kite and I glided into a meadow full of cheering, shouting friends. I did not even get my feet on the ground before I was taken in the arms of so many, I could not touch the ground.
For a moment there I was afraid the crowd was in danger of my protective cats but like Nuzzle they had grown accustomed to these people and accepted them to crowd around me.
After arriving at the Chief’s fire pit, which is where all the celebrations for the village were held. I was allowed to stand on my own feet and the yelling and screaming, shoving, and patting on the back type of thing had finally slowed down and the noise level was with in a speak able point the Chief held his hands toward everyone to show he wanted to speak.
As Chief of all the warriors and villagers of this great nation I hereby call a celebration to be held to award our newest member and his family our greatest honor we can for his devotion and willingness to face the enemy and drive away those that would do us harm. I say we shall start right now and continue for five moons. Right now, I would like to have Great Eagle speak and tell us what is on his heart.
Thank you, Chief Crazy Horse. I have something to share with those who will listen. I am like all of you, I eat meat, I drink water, I wear clothes. I get up in the morning and I go to sleep at night just like all of you I am not different in any way that you can think of. What has happened here is not because I have something in me that you do not have, so I want all to understand that what allowed the fear to enter the enemy was not from me but from a supernatural thing. All that happened because I allowed him to help us. He did not help us because we desired it, he helped us because we had faith and just let him guide us. Do you understand that I am telling you do not look at what has happened as something that I personally did all that I accomplished was because we ask the great spirit to help us. I will celebrate with you but understand I am not celebrating what I did but what the great spirit did, and I call the great spirit God. He is not white man’s God he is all men’s God so with that understanding I will join you in celebrating our united victory.
Because of Dans humility and prayers of the Great Spirit the hole tribe was so humbled by his demeanor that they took him into their hearts and minds as a member of their tribe and the love they showed upon his was beyond anything Dan or Mary had ever saw.
Later when Dan was alone with Mary, he told her, we had always been taught that the Indians were a barbaric people with no understanding or knowledge. Yet they understood what I told them and accepted it and had I made that same speech in front of a crowd of my own people few would understand, and few would care. God made me for a purpose and the more trails I travel the clearer I can see the trail laid out for me.
I noticed that one cat was missing when I was about to land is all well Mary. Eeny had been hit with an arrow in the hind leg and I had to take it out, which was a real problem holding him with all his anger. I had to have help, but he understood and finally allowed me to help him and now he is growing healthy.
Another thing I must tell you of was while I was flying over the Black Feet, I had the most beautiful Eagle flying beside me and it was as if he was watching what I was doing. You remember the Eagle nest in the top of that tree that I took his food several times. Yes, Mary said I also remember the time you got to close and hooked the kite in the tree and tumbled down like a rock in the grass. We were lucky those that found you took you and cared for you. Was it luck or the hand of God?
My travels have taken me many moons from my home in the East, and I have never doubted that I will one day arrive at the land in the West with the great ocean and along with that faith I have found you, which some could say is luck. I laugh at that as I laugh at what we think is luck. Some think we make our own luck but then some think that what is luck is a supernatural accordance that we can have the ability to vary the direction it turns out.
The Chief has given us a large home that I am proud of, but I would like to be moved to the edge of the village where our furry friends can come and go without passing so many people. Dan, they put us here for our protection and to be close to all the villagers. As to protection with three mountain Lions and a grey wolf sleeping in our home could you imagine what would happen to anyone that would try to enter with our permission?
CHAPTER TWO
CELEBRATIONS IN THE VILLAGE
I had not forgotten that so many have come by each morning to hear me speak of the Great Spirit and to ask their questions, now I mention it I would not like to stop that, and I would miss the smiles and warm wishes that come. Maybe I should not be so hasty in wanting to move there is not much time left of the day by the time we share our morning meal and have our spiritual discussions. I can imagine the number of people who will attend now that we have taken to the air and put fear in the enemy. I bet it will be many of moons before the Black Feet will attempt to attack this village again.
Mary, have you an idea of the amount of time before you bring Adam into our home? Why are you anxious for the little one? That is a fact, but I also look forward to traveling again and seeing what lays ahead. Look up there it is the Eagle again; he is watching us. Dan, you think there is only one Eagle in the world. Mary, I think that there are many more Eagles in the world but there is only one that watches over us and I think it is the one we had a hand it feeding. It’s fact now I say it the word more makes me think of Moe and with Eeny, Meeny, Miny what could we possibly name the next friend but Moe.
Nuzzle, I would like you to catch a rabbit and put it out in the middle of the meadow on that stump we use as a landing mark. You three cats are not to spend time close by that for fear you will scare Moe from taking that rabbit as a meal offering from us. When we leave this village, he may travel with us, and he could be eyes in the ski to warn us of approaching danger.
When I came out of my teepee to start the fire as usual it was already burning bright. I looked up and Ange was smiling at me. I gave her this name not being able to remember the given Indian name. It turns out that when I gave them a name which seemed to fit and a name, I could remember they were proud and held that name dear to them. Ange was my aunt’s name, and this gal was small and looked like my aunt, so the name was easy for me to remember. So how is it Ange, you are up so early and already have my fire going.
Great Eagle, you saved many of us from losing our village and our lives, which is very important to me and others, so this is nothing to repay a small amount of goodness in return for that. I do have a double reason though if you would answer my question before everyone shows up and takes all your time. First please do not feel that your question is any less important than anyone else’s and I would be happy to answer it if I can. I would only ask this of you knowing you will answer it honestly. Would your God accept me and treat my family as he does yours with us not being white? My God is color blind he loves all and calls them his children. How do I learn more of him? You keep coming to my fire each morning and you will learn as others have been learning and as long as we are here, we will teach you and all.
This was a normal morning and the same questions as before were ask again in a different way and I spent many happy hours talking and teaching on Christianity. I was not a minister, preacher or anything that gave me authority, but I found the more I talked with these people the closer we became as friends and that was as important to both Mary and me.
I had discussed this very subject with Mary for several reasons she was an Indian and she had ask the same of me when we first spent time together but what I found is the Indians had a very deep believe in a supreme being in fact more so on the average than many from back home. I had found no one so far that did not believe in a spirit or something of that nature which made me wonder why without the written words passed from one generation to the next, how they all had this undeniable belief. I keep reminding myself they are supposed to be the heathen the uneducated ones.
After our little meetings each morning and as I have told Mary if I were to leave and sneak out to hunt for the day and not attend, they would feel I had broken some rule that said I had to do this it became so big a deal in fact I had days when there were over fifty who attended. Back home they would have passed the plate asking for donations and here they brought things without my asking and there was so much stuff that I am wondering what I will do with it when I leave.
Tonight was a special occasion because the Chief and all the counsel had invited us to the main counsel fire for an award he said. I had learned to speak their language and that helped in our relationship. I had no idea what he was going to give to me, but I was still excited to be the guest of honor for whatever reason as long as I was not to be tied to a pole and burnt.
Mary told me we had a full month before the little one would join us so I did not want to leave the village till after the baby was born and then I felt it may take a few more days to make sure all was well. What I mean by that is I would like to know Adam our first born is healthy and has all he needs to grow and not have any problems. How long or how old he has to be is not something I know now but I have no doubt that I will know when the time comes.
Every morning, I would go to the fire pit outside and shortly after breakfast I would open the discussion to spiritly conversations. The questions they ask are the direction I would take the teachings. Many of the time the same question was asked in a different way, but many were the same and each time it was received by those in attendance as if it were the first time and they enjoyed hearing it. The hunger for the spoken word was obvious by the attention of those attending and the number of those that attended. Each morning it seemed as though more and more were joining us. And by the size of the crowd that was true.
The questions that Mary and I had were answered at night when we would gather at the main firepit for the tribe and that was in front of the chief’s teepee. The Piute had many chiefs, and each had a particular job or position to full fill. Among those of position in the tribe was the medicine men or woman as the case may be. Many women were gifted in knowing which plants to use for what illness. I was amazed to learn that around this area were over one hundred and twenty plants that could be used for anything from illness to fix the body to fill the belly for hunger. It was just a matter of knowing which plant did what and they had those that did nothing all day long except find and prepare those plants for use later on.
A medicine man had a lot more standing in the tribe that a doctor did back home. A doctor back home went to school for many years depending on what he was going to do such as skill in operation and that also depended on the part to be operated on but say a heart specialist he could spend up to twenty years studying and preparing for this ability. The medicine man started as a young boy/girl, and they would be trained from childhood and their whole live was devoted to learning and knowing. Some students were sent to other villages where a “healer” was known to be very good and effective so the student would travel and live with that healer and teach the students and this could be for many moons at a time. So, to think the Indians did not know would be a big mistake. And also, spiritual awareness was taken very seriously and most of the time it was not a choice but a demand of a child.
Tribal chiefs came in many different positions because the Indians held to a ranking of the chiefs depending on a war chief who had to have been in battle and proved his value where there were young boys who would do anything they could to prove they were worthy of being a warrior. So, position in the tribe were earned and practiced continually.
The closer the day came for Mary to bring our new member of the family into being the more women came by our teepee to make sure all was ready and that we had certain things that were necessary for the new member. Mary was not allowed to carry her washing to the river to wash that was taken care of by others and the washing was also completed by friends and family. Toward the last few days, they would not let Marry fix dinner or anything that could cause her to have a physical drain.
The men would spend most of the time hunting or preparing to hunt or fight. Bows and arrows were being built all the time by someone in the village. When you walked though you could see the arrows being worked on or the knives being built but I don’t believe I ever saw a man just setting and doing nothing. All had a job to do, and they never stopped, lying in the sun as many from back home would do.
As the day worn on Mary became more reluctant to move about and to spend much time just visiting with neighbors and family. I believe the time draws near, she told Dan. What can I do Dan says I no little compared to the healers who are waiting to attend to you. Will you be at my side Dan I am scared that something may happen that I know nothing about. I would think that as important as this is, if you were in danger or if there was something you should know it would be revealed to you at this time. That is what I am afraid of what if. Dan took Mary by the shoulders in surprise and said do not continue with those thoughts. I would want you to think of our newest family member and how we should be prepared to welcome him into the world. We are going to be proud parents that are waiting for this new family member, and doubt is not part of this family. So, stop that type of thinking and start with a warm and friendly smile waiting on him. I will help you into the blankets that have been prepared for this very special occasion and maybe I should send brown fox to let the ladies who await the great event to come and set with you for a little while you gather your thoughts and try to relax and enjoy the last moments of the little one sharing your belly. Dan, the pain is more than I could ever imagine, even my back is hurting.
Brown Fox thank you for stopping by to check on us and yes, we need you to go tell Roben and the rest of those in her camp that the moment draws near and Mary could use the advice of those women. Chief Iron Hand came to the opening of the tent and leaning in asked if they thought the time was near the little one would make his appearance. Grass hoper came to the entrance and said I have checked her, and she is part way into the delivery now so yes this is the time. With that Chief Iron Hand said I will send runners back to the village of her fathers and let them know that a new member of their family is about to arrive. Chief Yogi of the Ute tribe will know of this before the new moon arrives. With that he turned and left returning to the official community fire pit and ask that there be built a fire even though it was not dark nor cold he wanted everyone to know of this special event.
Mary’s pain was causing her to want to scream and yell but her status as a princess would not allow her to do as she wanted so she held her tongue and did not cry out as expected at this time. The three cats would not be forced away from Mary and Dan was called to assist in removing the animals, so the women were free to move about. Upon entering the tent Dan pointed to each cat and with just hand signals each cat got up and followed Dan out of the tent. That is a relief if ever there was one White Water said to Grasshopper. The women were busy making sure Mary was comfortable and they had water heating, extra bladders of water were hanging outside the entrance, and pots were on the outside fire heating water and inside the ladies were laying out cloth to be used as necessary. Because of Mary being a princess, she was given a ritual to the Paiute Tribe, and many were sending smoke signals to the heavens, others were sounding drums, even youngsters were pounding sticks together making noise to let the God be aware of something important happing in their village.
Afternoon became evening and evening became nighttime and as the hours drew on the excitement in the village grew accordingly. As the moon appeared, through the curtain of clouds and just over the mountain the cry of the little one could be heard by all and at the moment the wolves in the forest the cats at the fire pit started to howl and Nuzzle leaned back and putting his mouth to the heavens declared the new one to be here. The cheering and yelling went on for a long time, but Dan was not disturbed by it, he was a very proud father. Later when ask about all the animals making the noise they did was that not a surprise to you Dan. I never even thought about it Dan said we have been living with this mixture of birds and animals so long we just accept things the way they are. One thing is for sure Adam will never be short of a protector or be lonesome with all that is waiting for him.
Adams birth brought something I had never considered, Mary’s mother was a healer and a princess of the highest order. Her father was chief for years and was known as one of the greatest leaders of all time. Mary was known as a princess, but she did not tell Dan because she saw into the future and knew he was to be her man and when he was on the way to her village, she knew it and watched his movements toward her. She never had doubt that he was coming for her so when he showed she did not want to scare him or give him any reason to doubt why he should not be her man. Some would not accept the responsibility of having a princess of a nation as big and strong as the Utes so she did not play this part as much as most would have. Now that Adam was born, he became a high-ranking member of the family tree and with that he had honors that members of the tribe wanted to bestow upon him.
For many tribes in the area having another member of royalty join was something to celebrate and the chiefs of many tribes meet in the ceremonial area to unite the Ute nation of all tribes and the Piute together that such a man was a member of this supreme leadership, and his birth should be acknowledged by all. It was decided that the next full moon would be the timer, and the celebration should continue until the moon had been divided in half.
Hunters would be bringing meat for this great even and the women would be making decorations, gifts for Adam and the warriors would be entering contests to decide who was the greatest to be the protector of Adam for the rest of his life. When someone of this birthright is born everyone is humbled and feels this is a token given from the great creator and as such all should be made aware of his birth. The village grew so big that Dan found his Teepee again in the middle of the village. He liked to be on the outskirts so the animals could be free to enter the woods without disturbing neighbors.
The tribal leaders felt that because of Dans unlimited ability of helping with fighting the enemy and his searching for the locations of those necessary to feed the people they wanted to use this time to also welcome him and let all know that he was a chief of the tribe and was to have all honors that all great men of the Piute Nation. Never in the history had anyone ever heard of a Whiteman having this position. Secrete warriors of the nation were called together and as a group of special warriors’ part of the ceremonial dance would be used to install Dan into a leadership position of this group.
With all the celebrations gatherings of visitors and preparations for the celebrations going on no one paid any attention to another visitor from the territorial governor who was in the process of signing a treaty with the Piute Nation whereby they would be moving them to a reservation. The treaty was important to the white man but to the Indians it was obvious that the Piute’s were stronger than the white man and they only wanted the treaty because they felt they were weaker than the nation of Piute’s and to be included is the Utes.
Freeman was the name of the Whiteman who was trying to get a counsel of this tribe to gather to sign a treaty. Dan did not know the significance of this treaty or that he would play such a big role in it. The excitement grew as the celebrations began, and Freemont found little attention to him and he found that others did not care that he was a representative of the Government. The stories that were told to him about Dan’s ability to fly and his animal kingdom that supported him was more than Freemont could understand. He knew that Indians had a different culture and looked upon the great creator in a different way than the white man but to actually believe that a man could fly was taken with a knowledge that people create folk lore in all sociates. So, this was a joke to him and he thought they would acknowledge the fact it was not possible to fly so he just waited for the celebration to come to an end.
Freeman was watching the dancing and listening to the drums pounding away and to him this was very annoying. Mary had several lady friends who had begged and begged for the chance to help tend to little Adam so it was not a big surprise to anyone when Mary would appear and dance and take part is the celebrations. As she was on her way past the ceremonial tent which was the largest in all of the village and where many of the festivities took place Freeman stopped her and wanted to know how long these confounded drums were going to continue. Well as she spoke to Freeman she did not address him as mister or any title she did not see him as anything but another visitor to her village and found no reason to give honor to this stranger. These confounded drums as you call them are part of our lives they are talking to the great spirits in the heavens and they are announcing the ritual that our people have done for many generations. And as a stranger to our village, you would not have knowledge of the power and voice the drums play so I will not speak to you as a fool I will address you as a stranger and I will tell you that it would be wise for you to learn about these confounded drums and the dancing in step in order to drive the sound into the earth and the Gods below. Those drums are very important to our people so if you are to learn or want to learn I would suggest that you tune your ears to accept those sounds as a voice of our people talking to those spirits and try to understand that you are very lucky to be able to hear them and if you would care to take part in the celebration not only would you find it to warm the heart it will also lead you to further knowledge of our Gods that oversee this celebration. Freeman stood with his mouth open he had never heard a woman address a man with such knowledge such forcefulness. Watching Mary Walk off left Him with an admiration of not only her but the admiration of the drums and there meaning. She had opened his mind to the possibility of knowledge from somewhere he had not known he was lacking.
Freeman watched the ladies bring Adam out of a special teepee that he had not even paid attention to. Now that he looked he saw many colors painted on the bottom but as it got to the top the colors seemed to flow into the very hide incapsulating the posts. He keep looking and the decorations were all handmade with every one of them without ever being told he knew they were there for religious reasons. How had he know this? Such workman ship from people who have only the very basics of life to work from. As he looked he found the drums had been quieted down and he turned to look and they were pounding them just like they had been. The fact he had been drawn away mentally showed him that perhaps there is more to the hole ceremony than he had even considered. Noticing many going to the meadow just beyond the ceremonial area he saw many fires burning and all seemed to be watching Dan and Mary as they held little Adam up. Drawing closer he could hear as Dan was speaking to the people.
His grandmother the great Chipeta most respected wife of Chief Ouray of our nation told of him before he was born. Mary’s great-grandfather Bold Eagle the most famous of all leaders of our nation told of his name before he was born. I am Great Eagle honorary chief of our nation and hold him before you as proof of his beginning. Before his journey through life, I say to you that as his mother, grandmother, and his grandfather the most respected warrior Chief Ouray have told of him. He will make you proud. As Dan lowered Adam the crowd began to yell and the drums which had be silenced while he spoke began to sound again. Men were pounding rocks against trees, logs and anything they could to make noise. The chanting of Adam, Adam had started and was now heard throughout the village.
As Dan walked along the line of people that were showing him with praises and pounding on his shoulders and back to the point you would think he would be in pain by all the fuss being shown to him. At the end of the line Freeman was waiting to ask Dan how his mother, Grandmother and Grandfather could possibly tell of the boy years before he was born. Smiling Dan told him when I first came to Mary I had no idea that what you say could have been possible but Mary has told me of how many sons I will have and has told me of my daughter and I have learned that what we know is of little value. The great one in the heavens know and I have without a doubt became a believer in what they say.
Do they know how the treaty will end between us in the future? I have not ask but I would advise them to turn their backs on you and not sign or believe anything our government says to these people. What? you would go against your very beginnings and side with these uneducated and illiterate people? Uneducated, illiterate by your standards not by those of the world that can read the trails of every animal on earth. If left alone they will feed their own and not cause any harm to this world. You are the ones wanting what they have it is you that is forcing them to fight. Freemont you and all who are like you have a very narrow vision of the outcome that will change the lives of many just so a few can have what they want. The uneducated are those that have not the knowledge to see what the most obvious thing in the world is. And what would that be Dan, Freemont ask. That your greed and hunger for what others have is causing much harm in the world on both sides.
I understand that you are putting together a lot of people and they are going to walk from the Southern States across the Mississippi River in the winter most having nothing to ware on their feet and in the middle of winter. Not just one family, not just a few you are moving thousands of people from the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and the Seminole to just name a few of the tribes you are moving thousands of miles. You tell me of education and illiteracy and are in the process of wiping out tens of thousands of people and all because of white man’s hunger for riches. The tears that shall flow in many great nations shall be remembered for ever because of this greed. Freeman I could never tell an enemy let alone a trusted family to even consider what you have come here to discuss with my wife’s relatives. If you want my friendship you will get on your horse and go back and tell all that the Piutes are not as dumb as you thought they were and try to persuade them to reconsider and find another way to solve the problem of riches by way of murder. The Cherokee was lied to and now they die by the trailside with frozen feet. Talk not to me about education and illiterate anymore. And with that Dan turned and joined those in the crowd.
By morning all was quiet and calm with fires burning low, the smell of dying fires and smoke lingering. Dan pushed aside the flap and stood outside the teepee as a runner for the tribe approached him and told him. Dan the chief is having a special counsel this afternoon to meet with Freeman and discuss his treaty. Go back to the chief and tell him I am honored and proud to have gave such an honor but I believe the treaty to be another hollow drum of the white mans. I shall take no part in voice or presence at the meeting. If I were chief I would send Freeman home without his tongue. Then turning continued on into the brushes brushing against Nuzzle his timber wolf friend.
Returning to find Mary out front of their home preparing a meal for the morning. Good morning my sweet princess said Dan as he walked up. I was told you refused to give counsel in the Chiefs gathering yesterday. That is right, I do not feel what the white man is saying is worthy of giving anytime to the subject. Did you tell the Chief this? Yes I sent word back with Little Wolf when he ask me to join them and told him my feelings. You do know that to not attend when ask if an insult to the Chief. If he should send word when I was ill would I be forgiven? Yes you would be. If you were ill and I was attending to you would I be forgiven? Yes Dan you would be forgiven for that also. Then perhaps you can see that when ask to attend to something I cannot accept makes me sick. We will speak no more of this now, Mary said.
Venison fried to a light red floating with wild mushrooms and wild onions was set before Dan as he sat down with a third cup of coffee. You know you are the best cook of all the princess I know. I believe I am the only princess you know. Then what I said has to be as all other things I say no doubt. What is that which you are building up to say this morning Mary. The thing we came to this village was to bring Adam into our world which we have done. We have gave him the blessings of his ancestors and our God. Is there another reason why we should linger here. Not that I can think of now, let us dwell on the subject a day or two and we will imagine our journey which will bring to light anything else we should do here.
At counsel the chiefs were told of Daniels words and the fact that he was preparing to leave the village was brought before the counsel and murmuring was so strong the chief had to stop for a few minutes until order could be maintained. No one would dare speak out loud when not addressed by the chief but it was obvious that many disagreed with what was being said. Before continuing the chief stood and held his right hand up and out toward all in attendance and said listen to me my brothers as most can see Great Eagle has a loud voice with our people and before we continue I would ask Grey Fox to go ask Great Eagle if he would please come to our counsel and explain to us his feelings. Later upon entering the group Dan started to set at his place where he would normally be positioned for a meeting and the chief stopped him. Great Eagle you have many brothers here who would hear what you have to say on this treaty the white man is offering. What I would say most would not want to hear. Please Great Eagle speak as you would from the breast and with the knowledge many of us here do not share.
All in attendance know of my heritage and know I was raised among the white man and my blood is from that birth but my heart is among those of you and I have no desire to place distance between what we have now by voicing my words. I know you want me to speak anyway so I will say this. The white man has many soldiers, many hand full of hundreds of warriors who could come into this village and in moments destroy everything. Not only do they have many people they have weapons you have never saw. They have guns that shoot bullets big as the rocks around this firepit. They have guns so big they have to move them on wheels one at a time. When an enemy is so much larger and stronger than us to fight them would not be a question in my mind that outcome would be to lose all of you in a heartbeat. What I say, what you say has very little value to them they will do as they desire and they will not hold to what they say in the future. You are doing the only thing possible hearing what they have to say and hoping they offer much because you have no voice that will be heard. The outcome of this will be as the white man says so I with a heavy heart do not want to hear this they offer.
I will answer any questions that you may desire of me. The questions were few as they were ask but with one question another was added then that brought more questions and those made more and the meeting lasted for hours and hours. Dan felt worn down to total exhaustion when it was finally over.
Returning to his camp he feel into the robes and just lay looking at the nothing. What is it Dan what has got you so tired and in a land of another. I hated doing what I had to do Mary it was not good for me to have to tell others that they had no chance and life would be over for them as they know it. We will leave as soon as we are prepared to travel.
CHAPTER THREE
ADAMS FIRST JOURNEY
After a week of preparations Mary brought the three cats to her side and said we will leave today and you three shall be our advance protection against any who would want to harm us. You can leave now and stay one days travel ahead of us then after circling the campfire you can join us for our final meal of the day. Should you need anything or want to tell us anything do not return use Nozzle to let us know. We will be traveling many miles and many days so prepare for a long journey.
The cats sprang to life but went into a different direction than that which Mary had indicated for them to go. Unknown to Mary Dan had been in the meadow getting horses ready to leave and as he bent to pick up a large pack to put onto Buster four men stepped before him and surrounded him each having a weapon prepared to use if Dan should resist. Tom the leader of the men said in a very meaningful way that they were here to show Dan the errors of his ways in not accepting the warnings that Freemont had tried to instill in Dan. You have no idea the power or the scope of people that feel you need discipline because of your lofty ways. And just what do you think you are capable of teaching me.
As Tom started to raise the sword he had in his right hand he felt the sharpness of teeth upon his wrist. He looked down and a Miney, Dans pet lion which had Tom in a grip that let him know that he was about to lose his hand. Seeing this, Wendle tried to raise his spear to stick the cat that held Tom, and he found he could not raise it and looking down looked into the eyes of Meany who had a firm grip on the spear and was growling at him. Tom became aware of another cat just setting and snarling at them and to make it worse he suddenly realized the Large Grey Wolf with teeth showing the hair on the wolf was standing on end and the stance of the wolf left no doubt of his ability to attack. The others, with Tom, stood in silence afraid to move or speak. Shadow Dans horse was directly behind those facing Dan and as they suddenly realized they also had a horse showing teeth which is rare to say the least. Fred looked at Tom and said I think we are undermanned here Tom even his horses are ready to fight. At that moment a great white-headed Eagle landed on Dans shoulder and was watching the men. The growling of the cats and the snarling of Nuzzle snarling and juices running down his mouth and the stamping of the horses behind the men was the only sounds to be heard.
Dan just stood and smiling at the men told in a voice of much command for the cats to allow the men to not move but should they it would be ok to let them know they were facing death. Now gentlemen let me explain something that is not taught in the schools that you had attended. Not only are you in danger from us you have been in danger sense leaving the fort. Had you been able to do to me what you had intended but you would not have made it back to your camp. These are not just our friends they are family and Mary here has more influence than just this tribe. It would take you a month to get outside of those that would go to war with your government and all your armies had you been able to do this thing you were never capable of doing.
Now that you have been made aware of your weakness and stupidity I would ask each of you to drop your weapons and strip to the last garment on your body. Jack started to say I will not take and about that time Nuzzle moved up to him and with a very deep chested growl stood in front of him and he stopped what he was saying and began to disrobe. Why would you do this to us Tom asked? As a white man you use paper and pen to send information I send you back and will not have to explain anything you will do it for me. When you pass each of those that will see you will know of your ignorance and laugh and ridicule you which will remain in your memory for ever.
Up on joining Mary Dan said, “I know that you had to know the danger I was facing and you allowed to happen without a warning why?” Well, when I told the cats to go one direction and they went another direction I stopped and thought of what you would be facing and I was about as worried for you as I would be if a squirrel should attack Nuzzle. Why should I worry about those that are not capable of holding on to their own clothing. And I also smiled when I watched those men try to walk without sandals. You have sent a strong signal to the white man with your strange behavior Dan.
Loading of the camp and took only small amount of time and Adam was laughing and enjoying the whole thing like he had saw it many times before. Each of the horses feel into line as they left the small meadow and the day travel began at a very leisurely pace.
At the end of fifteen miles Dan ask Mary to send Moe out and see if he could find a good campsite for them for the night. Dan could get Moe to do many things for an Eagle but he was not sure he would understand this one and knew that in a few days that also would be taken care of just by repeating it over the next few days.
The start of each journey is slow in getting adjusted to life on the move. Each night only that which is necessary is unpacked. It is all unloaded relieving the burden on each animal but the packs were left in a line as they were taken from each animal so the next morning they would line up and Dan would load each in a turn and the time necessary to be ready was short.
Evenings were enjoyed around the campfire by all and even Moe would land close by and seemed to like the closeness of this small group. Adam was busy as usual with the things that keep a small child entertained so he became a joy for all to watch him as he discovered another small treasure that could be from a shining rock to pinecone. Food was still backed in bags should they be needed but mostly coffee, salt, pepper and flour were used daily and they were keep in one place and loaded and unloaded many times.
Nuzzle would bring rabbits, squirrels and other small game but it was not unusual for one of the cats to drag something of a larger size into camp on occasion. Deere were plentiful and that was often left by the trail when Dan would stop and load parts as he came upon them. The group worked as a team and all seemed to know when something was necessary and it would be waiting for them alongside the trail. After climbing the Sierra mountains and winding along the river to the great lake in the sky that had been told about they agreed to spend a little extra time fishing and just resting.
The first night Dan was amazed when he pulled in some trout over 20 lbs. such size he had never saw before it was a thing for him and he found the fish to be extremely tender and tasteful for such a big fish. He decided that it had to be because of the extremely cold water and it was so pure they drank right from the lake.
Dan remembered the story that had been told of Kit Carson finding this lake and going back East and telling those that there was this lake up in the ski that was so big you could barely see across it and it was above the clouds and the fish were up to fifty pounds. They knew him to be one to string a story to the point of breaking it but this was not even considered to be true. Talk as he did could not make others believe what he had found. The lake became known as Lake Tahoe after having been called Bigler the native Indians just referred to it as da’aw without any other words necessary to indicate the body of water. The Washo Language simplified and mispronounced their version of Washoe word da’aw or da ow and ga.
They all agreed after one month that if they were not on the trail again before long that at this high elevation the winter would come soon and it would be a hard one to live in. So, after gathering extra food supplies they were ready to move and Mary told Dan it is a good thing because they were just about out of most things they needed. They followed the river North out of the basin and when it turned East again they left the river and began the descended into the valleys and meadows and the trail dropped so fast that it was only a few days before they were in warm weather and evenings were so warm a blanket was not necessary.
Dan approached a trading post and was asked many questions as to what they had saw and how the Indians had treated them and how they managed with such a small boy. By now Adam had begun to walk and was talking a little but his words were not as those in the trading post expected he spoke somewhere between Piute and English. One word would be traded of another depending on what he was trying to say. One thing became evident no one was getting close to that boy without either a cat or timber wolf protecting him. It took some talking for Dan to convince them that the cats were a pet and could be trusted. No one had ever heard of a pet cougar and top that off with three and with a pet Timber Wolf then throw in an Eagle and no one would ever imagine that this was one family tied together with the love of the world.
Dan I am told that as we drop down in elevation the weather gets even warmer and there is water most of the way to the ocean. Ezera has told me of many of those that live only to kill and steal what others have. He said it would be wise if we were to travel with others and not take any chances. Yes Dan said but how do we explain all of our fury friends to these people who has never saw a cougar or a Timber Wolf. Mrs. Harmer would not be able to control herself if she saw Nuzzle let alone Eenie, Meenie, Miney or Moe. And if all of them were approach the Harmers wagon together, I think the smell would be really bad. Even the animals would not want to smell what the Harmers would spread as they ran. Well, I don’t expect to face that problem anytime soon so we will not look for that problem right now. We will load up on the necessary supplies and when we have loaded them away as we feel is necessary we can move on down the hill and get started on our way. Mary I almost forgot I want to get more fishing line the last I had is getting weak from age. I am told there are some good-sized rivers down the way we are going and I would like to take advantage of them. Is there anything that you have missed that you would like to get while we are here Mary? No, I can think of nothing they have that I desire to have but maybe a few trinkets to trade when we find some of our friends along the way.
I must tell you Dan about those men you went outside to visit with just a little while ago. Yes, Mary what do you know? I see that have many bad things about to happen with them. They are working with more men and they are going to take this trading post away and use it for their own profits. They intend on killing everyone in this village so no one will know what has happened. When will they do this Mary? They wait for us to leave so that when we get to next trading post we will tell of everything being as it must be here. How far away must we be before they feel we are on our way. They have a man waiting two days travel from here to wait and watch for us. He will then return and tell of our departure and that will begin the slaughter of those here. Well, that’s an easy answer I will just tell Ron Johnston of their plans and they will be ready. They are prepared for that also if we should say anything that would cause Ron or anyone at the trading post to show alarm they have men ready to kill all of our friends the three cats, Nuzzle our wolf friend even our horses and they speak of Moe our friendly Eagle as possibly needing shot. They have many men ready to move and take over.
Maybe Mary we should ride over to see Yonger our Indian chief in the little meadow and ask him for his help. They have many men that would be very happy to take a few scalps from the white man. That is the wrong direction for us to travel and when we started toward the little meadow they would suspect what we were doing and could start sooner. That cannot be the answer either Dan. You must think of another way to talk with Yonger. We will put off leaving for one day while I think this further and perhaps ask my father for his guidance. We can tell them we are not ready to go and that we must have more preparations for Adam. I could offer another if it would help Dan. What is that Princess? I am with child again and could use a few days of rest. Why did you not tell me of this? I was waiting for the right moment when we could share our joy but this could now be that moment.
After a day of laying around and doing nothing Dan finally concluded that he must leave as they expect them to and then when they have passed the man on the trail two days travel they will make camp and make all things look as they should be. After the man leaves to return to here I will take kite to meadow and will return to Chief Yonger and drop a message in his camp telling of their plans. Can Yonger read white man’s words? Mary ask. No, but that is not a problem I can use the same type of signal they use when sending smoke signals. Also, I can use the same hand signals we use when standing before him and need to speak most Indians can speak different languages because of these hand signals that are common.
I will take the runner who is sent to watch us two days to return to village and I can travel over the mountain in two or three hours I will talk and tell of the attack days before it happens and all can be ready.
We shall leave at sunrise and be on our way. I will bring all together tonight and let them know and we can load before the sunrises and be ready to leave. Go stay your goodbyes tonight and let all know we will return when
God allows it.
As they were leaving those that would come along to see them and be with them on their parting trip. Started but they dropped off as the sun got higher in the ski. By early afternoon Mary and Dan were well on their way and had sent Moe to watch from the ski and Nuzzle to check for a place to spend the night. Nuzzle came to Dan and was indicating someone was following them. Do not bother with them he told Nuzzle I want them to follow so stay away from them. This seemed to satisfy Nuzzle so he just laid down by the fire and went to sleep.
Mary had told all three cats and the Eagle to watch for a meadow where Dan could make flight with his kite. Moe was circling and came to Mary landing beside her as she was preparing the evening meal. What is it Moe she ask? Moe would hop and lay one wing over then hop and lay the other wing over which indicated to Mary that Moe was talking about the kite and Dans flight. Yes Mary said to Moe he would be going up when we find the meadow long enough to do this. Moe jumped over to Nuzzle and though enemies before they were now friends and Moe poked Nuzzle on the nose and looking up Nuzzle leaned his head from one side to the other looking at Moe. Moe turned and took to flight then sat back down and came back to Nuzzle and again turned and hoped and took to flight. As Moe left the ground Nuzzle was behind him running and following Moe. Dan smiled and said Moe has found the meadow and he is taking Nuzzle to see and we will know which direction we are to travel in the morning.
Dan are you sure you can travel that far that fast? It will not matter because I can beat whoever is to run and tell that I am returning. Now you mention it I could have Nuzzle make a visit to his camp and cause him to be held up for a day or so if I should decide. Dan could you not just go to his camp and tell him that you are going on and make him believe and then fly. Mary if I were to do that I would have to lie and I have never lied in my life. Dan you talk much just answer me yes or no have you ever lied. Silence. Well Dan are you going to answer me? Mary you want a yes or no and if I say yes that is a lie and if I say no that also is a lie. Please explain to me Dan. Well Mary I have told things that turned out to be wrong was that not a lie. But you did not lie on purpose. Now you know why I could not answer you with simple yes or no. Much more information is necessary sometimes that is why I take so many words.
I have been thinking on talking with Moe our Eagle friend and ask him to fly with you every time to go up. Why would you think that necessary Mary? Well Dan every time you take off I get a little feeling in my stomach and I know you will be ok but I cannot help but feel concern for you.
To be honest with you I get a little nervous just before leaving the ground but when I get into the air and flying like a bird I feel the emotion changes to one of awareness and excitement that overrides the fear I felt. We will spend more time teaching you how to do the same thing then it would be exciting to fly together and enjoy together that, which is so special.
That’s OK Dan I will still speak with Moe and he will know that it is my wish he travel with you and if we should fly together he will fly with both of us. Mary is it because you are a princess that you can speak to Moe and he understands or is it as when I speak to him I think he understands me but I never know till he does that which I have ask. Oh, he lets me know Dan when he understands and he will sometimes turn his back on me when he does not want to do that which I have ask of him. I have had the ability to speak with many animals in my life so Moe is not exception or any different for me. My friends when I grew up were of many different kinds. My mother got very angry with me when I insisted a skunk spend the night with me. I just cannot understand some things Mary what a childhood you must have had.
That night was spent putting together the kite for the next day’s flight. Attaching the rope and lining up Shadow for takeoff the next morning was easy and tireless the wind was blowing up the canyon so it gave lift fast and before I knew it I was above the trees and making a small gradual turn to return to the trading post. I was not a bit concerned about who was on the way to let them know I was out of the area and gone. On the ground the wind was getting very strong I could tell that by the way the trees swayed and the branches bounced from the wind. In the air the wind is not a factor because the strength of the wind was between the wind and the ground and if you are not on the ground what effect that has only matters when in opposition to your flight path.
As I approached the trading post I could tell that many were busy moving boxes of what I could not tell from this distance. I decided that I should not get to close for fear of them seeing me and knowing what I was there to accomplish. So, I moved downhill far enough that I felt they would not know I had passed and I flew right on by.
I was following a trail that had been used so many times in the past that I appeared to be a wagon road from the air. I could see the village a long ways away and I turned a small amount and sailed right to them. As I drew near I saw those that at first saw me then I could see and hear the excitement of those that first saw me approaching. They were yelling and screaming and pointing to me.
More people looked up and stopped what they were doing and holding their hand over the eyes shielding out the sunlight on their faces. I turned and dropped lower so that when I went over the camp I would be able to signal to the chief and those that would be watching what was about to happen. Chief Yonger waved as I approached sense he knew me and I had told him of my ability to fly and. So, he knew I had this ability and he was waving franticly at me. As I approached him I gave him the signal for enemy and an attach was on the way. He was signaling how many and from what direction they were coming. I did not have time to answer that but went over several teepees and beyond the horse heard that was grazing by the river. Turning downhill, I was again flying into the wind so with the mountain dropping away and the wind lifting me I gained a lot of height in a hurry so turning back to camp I again lowered so as to come close enough to make signals with my hands. This time I indicated that it was not this location that was in danger but the trading post. Knowing the trading post was a very important to these people because they traded and got supplies there. This time over there were more standing and watching and most knew the hand signals and were giving me back thank you and letting me know they understood.
This time as I flew over I was heading in the direction I wanted to go to return so I just gained what was necessary to be over mountain top and continued back and around trading post again. It was still early afternoon when I approached the meadow and could see Mary, Eenie, Meeny, Miny and Nuzzle all watching me as I approached. Moe our Eagle friend who had followed me everywhere I had gone was still on my right side as I approached the meadow I saw him land beside those that were waiting for me.
We got the kite secured and taken apart enough the wind had not effect but I noticed it was not blowing as hard as it had been earlier. Mary turned to me and ask if I had contacted Yonger and the people. Yes I told her of their excitement when I came over their camp and the number of people who were signaling to me and thanking me. Do you think they will stop the attack on the trading post Mary ask. With out a doubt they will because they depend upon those food supplies such as floor, salt and sugar so you can count on them getting to the post and they will stop any foolishness that those men would try to create.
So, we can continue on our journey and not worry about that any longer. That will make me very happy to not and I will think about what is to come before us. The cats did not want to leave the meadow and laid watching the sky to see your return. They wanted to see you and they did not go hunt our supper tonight so we may not have any fresh meat. We still have time would you send them again and I will talk to Nuzzle and see if he can help with a little something.
That sounds good let us take all this and return to our camp and we can start the fire and get things done. Dan do you think it will be a problem of starting in the morning? No Mary that sounds like the thing to do now we have been here several days now and it is time to move on. It will take us another ten days or so to reach the next trading post so getting started is a good idea.
CHAPTER FOUR
DROPPING DOWN INTO CALFORNIA
I will send Eeny to spot for us this morning Dan said. Oh, you think now you know which is Eeny and which is Meeny do you. Of course, I do Mary I have always known to tell them apart. Well then maybe you don’t know a male from a female because I remember once when you said Eeny was a male then you said female I did not say anything but now I find you confusing to say the least. The days of not knowing is a lot easier now that Eeny is so much bigger than either of his sisters. I thought I may have to do like those friends I had back home that could not tell their horses apart. The cut the tail off so they could tell which was which and that worked until the tail grew back. So, then they cut the mane off and that did it for a while but that grew back so they decided to measure them and see which was the tallest. It turned out the white horse was two inches higher than the black one. Dan why do you spend time telling these stupid stories. Because you love to hear them that is why. Where do you think Teyah our friendly female deere who was such a great mother and gave her milk so that the three cats could live. A deere is more of a sticker to one place they usually never travel over a few miles from where they are born. When hunted they will run around the mountain but most times will end up back where they were found. She no doubt stayed where she was happy and if we should go back through there I will bet we will find her again. I am glad you do not suspect harm to her Dan. Mary you are the one who sees all this stuff why could you not find this answer within you. I do not know all Dan I only receive that which is necessary most of the time. Like I could see and hear what those men were going to do at the trading post but I do not know what happened after we left. When we get to the next post we will without a doubt hear of that so all we have to do is be patient.
Dan will we have the money to buy what things are needed on our travels. Mary have you forgotten the gold we found in the cave back there. We have enough with us to buy the trading post and fifty more just like it. Money will never be our problem so do not even think about that. I just do not want to use it if I do not need to because that will spread that we have gold and that will bring us problems we do not need. I am trying to figure out how I can spend it and not put us in danger.
I think I would like to stop somewhere and not have to cook or load or unload anything for a few days if we can find the right spot Dan. As we drop down into the valley we will find several small villages and one of those may have what would be our best opportunity to meet our most basic needs. I have heard of a place called Hang town that may offer us a cabin and some friends that will assist us in our daily chores. What will we do with our friends Dan what would they say to having three grown mountain lions running around the house. I can make them understand Nuzzle because he can be so friendly they will think of him as a dog. I would never be able to get him to not be at my side he has been there his whole life and I would never try to change that.
Mary if we can continue at the pace we have set I believe we can make it to that little village in one more day. How do you know this Dan? Nuzzel has warned me we have in front of us many people and that would be Hang Town. That is a bad name for a town I wonder where they got that from. No doubt in my mind they had to have hung so many people they got the name from it. Every town has something about the name that would indicate its source. Some are named after a man and that would be easy to figure out and just the same presidents, and famous people have been chosen for the name.
Let us make camp here by the side of this stream and we can continue on in the morning and I will send Nuzzel to find how far it is to the village. Just a moment Moe Mary said very loudly. She raised her arm and spoke again Moe and out of the tree not noticed before was Moe waiting for his dinner. Tell me how far to the next village she said. Moe took off and was gone in a flash. Mary Dan said do you think he understood you. Wait and watch what happens now. In less than time than it took the water to come to a boil Moe was back and was standing on the edge of the pack used for traveling. Moe spread his wings and as Mary counted he raised and lowered his wings showing Mary how many times he had to flap to get to the village. Are you shore that is what he is telling you. Dan are you stupid or just not paying attention. I don’t know how far he goes on one flap but I know he is telling me that so tomorrow when we get to town we can figure out and know for the next time. Seven flaps is not very much so the town must be close.
Hello the camp was heard and the three lions were already in the bushes and Nuzzel had moved over next to Mary. Come on in if you are friendly if you are not be prepared to be friendly. As he stepped out of the darkness which was just beginning a very tall man holding a rifle by the barrel set the stock on the ground and as he did a small woman shorter than Mary came behind the man. Sticking out his hand to Dan he said my name is Sam what be yours. And Dan told him his name and said this is my wife Mary.
What brings you to my camp Dan asks. Well young feller he says I have been hunting a very large man that has been seen in the woods here and I was wondering if you had saw him. Is he bigger than you? Oh yes I am like 6 feet four and he is way over my head. I just saw him at a distance but the Indians were chasing him and I could not get close enough to shoot him. Why do you want to shoot him? Dan asks. He could be dangerous as big as he is. You want to kill someone because of his size? That makes no sense to me. Well, it does not matter to me what you think but I would like to be the one to take him to town and brag about me being the one to find and kill him. Well Sam I do not hold to what you think is important we live our lives trying to help not hurt others. So maybe it would be better if you were to leave our camp and not return if you live like that. I will go and do as I please it matters not what you say I am too much for you to mess with.
With that Dan held up three fingers and the mountain lions appeared beside the man and Nuzzel moved over closer to Dan and the hair on his back started to raise showing his concern for the man. Now Dan said what was that you were trying to say about size. These are your pets. No, they are my family and you are about to find your size has little value here. Maybe we should look at you like you are talking about the other big man you spoke of. Maybe we should kill you and we can take your body in and hang it in the town square and let others look upon you as you would have them do. No please allow me to leave and I will not be back. Let me explain so you will understand that if you continue to chase that big man for the reasons you say there will be very little chance we do not meet again and if I meet you again I cannot promise that my friends here will look at you with kindness in mind. I would suggest that you find how you got here and follow those footsteps right back where they started and stay there if you want to live to get bigger.
As Sam left the fire and was heading away Mary said to Dan do you think he will take your warnings? With that Dan held up three fingers and pointed at the man and gave the indication they should follow the man and at the same time Mary said and make sure he leaves the mountain. With that you could hear the screaming of the lions as they chased Sam. That should make him understand his size has not much value here.
The cats and Nuzzel returned much later and all set around the campfire and enjoyed an evening meal and containment was obvious to all. Even Moe dropped in and was watching as Dan through him a large piece of meat which he took and that is unusual because most Eagles would never take a handout from a person they only took what they had got. It is so nice when we can all join and enjoy the stillness that the forest offers.
The next morning as Mary was setting food around on the stumps that were arranged around the area for tables she was not smiling as would be expected. What is the problem my princess you do not look happy today. I have a dark cloud in my mind and I do not know why I feel as I do and I cannot see a reason for it. With that Moe sweep down out of the ski and was squawking and waving his wings and jumping around and flapping while squawking.
That is what was bothering me this morning now I know. What is it princess? The man they hunt is up on the mountain and in very much pain. They have him where he is in danger of his life. How do you know this? All things have a voice if we hear, I did not listen or I would have known before. When you say all do you mean that plants also speak. Oh yes Dan they have many voices if we just listen. How do you do this Mary how can you stand to have all these voices and not drive you crazy hearing them. When you go to villages and many people are speaking how can you stand this? I also have ability to shut off that which I do not want to hear. But I have to be careful because just like the giant up on the mountain I did not listen but you have to go help him. We have to stop this chatter and you must take your kite up and rescue him.
Mary what are you suggesting. The man is on top of the mountain and he is in great danger because he is injured and cannot run or hide. So, you will have to fly up there and pick him up and take him out of danger. Mary I do not know if I can do this how will I land and take off with him. Dan why must you land why can he not take ahold of you when you come over him. Mary this what you ask has never been done before and when he grabs my kite the extra weight could force me to crash. I do not know if the kite will support two of us. Well don’t take the water or the coats or the guns or the bullets and all the other stuff you usually have. If you do not take that stuff the kite should be able to take more than just you. What you are suggesting is possible to get me killed. OH, Dan you worry about stuff that is not necessary I have looked at the future and know you will return in good health so stop this chatter and prepare to fly.
Can you talk with him Mary? Yes I can and he knows you are going to be coming for him. Is he on the top where he can get to a cliff overlooking the valley. I will tell him that you want him on the side next to the cliff. Mary is it possible for me to learn to talk with him. All it takes Dan is concentrate on him and in your mind say what you want him to know and he will answer you. I will try it but we must hook up Shadow as fast as we can. I have put the Eagle kite together because it is much larger than the crow. I will circle and see if I can find where he is and then I can decide what is necessary. Moe are do you know where this man is? Yes he indicates by a nod of the head. Take me to him then Dan says as he lifts the kite on his shoulders and yells lets go Shadow.
For Shadow this is just another day of pulling the kite so she now just takes off. When Dan gets above the trees he heads out into the valley trying to gain what elevation he can as fast as he cannot knowing where the man will be. Moe fly’s to the side of Dan and turns toward the East and uphill so Dan follows Moe and he must be on the correct side of the mountain to give him lift because he is over the mountain in a hurry. As he turns and looks he sees many warriors side by side and facing the top of the mountain. Dan knows what they are doing and he goes over the top and watches for the giant. Circling and watching Dan sees Moe land on a tree branch and when he sees this he can see the man crouched down in the bushes on the edge of the cliff. The opening beside the bushes is just what Dan is hoping for and he fly’s down and crosses the open ground and as he does the man hobbles out to the edge and Dan is just barely over the ground as he passes the edge and is out away from the mountain. He is so busy watching he did not see the man hook on to the kite but he felt that pressure on his legs from the man hanging under him holding onto the ropes that Dan is setting on. In only a fraction of time Dan is out over the valley and away from the cliff. He now looks down at this man who is very large and he is very hairy even his face has much hair. The arms of this man are as large as Dans legs. This is truly a big man to say the least with him below Dan he cannot see him only his face and arms so looking what he is doing he decides the best thing he can do is get this thing onto the ground before something goes wrong. Turning toward the meadow where he knows Mary is he turns and starts to drop toward the camp. As he passes over the lake beside the camp he feels the giant let go and cannot see him but knows he must have fell into the lake. With the loss of weight, the kite is able to climb just enough to make a smooth turn and he heads toward the camp.
When Dan lands he is all alone in the meadow and he looks toward the lake and he can see Mary helping this man up onto the back of Shadow. Amazing Dan thinks never has anyone ever been able to get onto Shadow and this guy is riding him back to the camp. Dropping the kite and climbing out from under it Dan heads to the camp to see what he can do to help.
Nozzle is running around the man and jumping up and down like he is an old friend. The three cats are just standing and now they are laying down just as if this is an everyday occurrence. How can this man be so welcomed into his camp to fast is what Dan is thinking. As Dan arrives the giant is just setting on the log facing the fire pit and he is larger than any man Dan has ever saw and he has never been told of anyone this large. The guy must be over nine feet tall. Walking up the guy nods his head and without opening his mouth Dan knows he has just been thanked for saving him.
Blood is on the ground under the leg of the man so Dan grabs a rage from the top of the saddle pack and leans down to stop the bleeding. As he looks closer he can see a hole in the back of his leg and the blood is seeping out. Dan wraps the rag around the leg and ties it stopping the flow of blood. It may not be stopped completely he tells Mary but it should slow it way down. Mary pulls a buffalo robe over and lays it on the ground and tells the giant to lay on the on his stomach so she can look at the wound. Somehow the grunts and whistles are making sense to Dan he can understand part of what the guy is saying to Mary.
First Mary would like to know what name this fellow goes by. Ooga (sounds like oh-ga) is what it sounds like so that is what I will call him. Concentrating on him I find I can get imaginary thoughts at least that is the way can understand what is taking place here. Mary is right when she tells me to just not try so hard just let my mind be free and somehow the information is translated to me. I think I can read what he is saying Mary. He has just told me that he was a long way away from the man we called Sam and as he turned to go into the bushes he was hurt really bad in the leg and he fell and the leg would not work and he says with the pain he could not become hidden. I do not understand if he can move why he could not be hid Mary.
Dan there are those like Ooga here who live in the forest and they have a way of disappearing from our eyes. I do not fully understand it but they have a way of just blending into whatever is near. It is like they become invisible to us all at once. That is there way of protecting themselves from others. As a child they are taught by their parents how to do this and all who like him have this ability. So, when he was hurt it took something away from him and he was not able to do this. That’s right Dan he says he lost it and even now he says he can’t do it because of the pain in his leg.
As Mary was speaking to Dan she was pushing the hair aside so she could see the hole in the back of his leg. As she touched it he moved and grunted apparently it hurt him when she touched it. Dan I think the bullet is still in there and it has to come out so I am going to need some hot water and a sharp knife to remove this. Does he understand what is about to happen? Oh, he knows but this is new to him he is trusting me to do what is necessary.
Mary put the knife into the flames of the fire and got it hot then she waited a minute for it to cool and while she did this Ooga laid back and he looked like he had gone to sleep his eyes closed and his head just king of relaxed as he was laying on the side of his face I could not see as much as I would have liked to but it appeared as though he just went to sleep. Mary pushed the knife into the hole and as she did she said I can feel it right here it did not go very deep. His skin is like a buffalo he has very thick hid and with all this hair and perhaps as far away as Sam was the bullet did not have much power by the time it got to Ooga. Anyway, I need another knife to hold the bullet against this knife. Turning Dan reached into his shoulder bag and got a small knife and handed it to Mary. This would be perfect she said and with that using both hands it was only a minute and she had the bullet laying on the blanket beside Ooga. When she did this she then made the blood run allowing any infection to be washed out. How did you learn how to do this Mary. Dan do you think as a little girl I did not learn anything? We teach all young children many things as they grow so they will be prepared to face many hardships in life.
Ooga turned and was about to get up when Mary put her hand against his chest and pushed him back onto the bed. No, she said verbally this has to have something to stop the blood flow I will tie it so it will not bleed. As she was speaking she was tying a rag around his leg just above the knee. When she was finished Ooga just looked at Mary and with a nod of his head he had said thank you to her. You will not be able to walk for a few days you will have to lay still and let the leg mend so get use to laying on that bed and do not worry we have many friends here that will keep others from harming you. Nuzzle began to howl and pretty soon I could hear others answer him and I knew for sure that Nuzzle had ask for a few friends to help secure this area and keep others from coming to our camp.
Ooga turned out to be just like all men who are hurt he wanted more attention than I had expected from him. I had to bring him lots and lots of water never in my life had anyone drank so much water as he did. She found he enjoyed roots and berries and because of the time of year we had many available to us. I filled my hat many times and he would put his hand into my hat and it took only moments and the hat was empty.
After a few days of laying around I thought he would try to get up and move but he was content just lying there letting us feed him and bring water to him. Finally, after ten days or so I brought back a bag of berries and he was not in his bed I turned to Mary and ask where did he go. She laughed and said he was laying right there where he had always been. I looked again and said no he is not there Mary he has gone somewhere. About that time Ooga appeared just as he had been before but now I could see him. Mary has the ability to disappear now so does that mean he is well. No Dan he still cannot walk but he is strong enough to change as he just did. No wonder nobody can find these guys they hide right in front of you. I have heard stories of these big men in the redwoods of California for years but I just figured that it was more baloney than fact.
After two weeks of care Ooga got up and limped over to the side of the fire pit where he took up the bucket I had for water and drank the bucket dry. During his stay I had learned that I could tell what he was thinking and knew whatever he wanted me to know. We sat around the fire pit many nights and the cats enjoyed him; they would lay beside him and even put their heads on his legs when they could. Nuzzle would just lay and watch him it was amazing to see how he had become a part of our family.
You know Mary that if I were to tell my friends back home that I had a princess for a wife, a horse that would fight for me a timber wolf and three mountain lions and a pet Eagle they would not believe a word I said after telling them all of this.
Which brings to mind I was just thinking about our new visitor Sam and was wondering if he had left the mountain or if he was still wanting to shoot Ooga just for the fun of it. Perhaps we should send Moe out and see if he can find Sam and then we would know if he left after my warning or not. Giving a loud whistle and screaming like and Eagle Ooga looked up wondering what was going on. Mary turned to him and told him what Dan had said and Ooga just shook his head.
Dropping out of the ski and landing on a low branch beside the fire pit Moe just stood and look around like what had they wanted. Mary looked at Moe and said aloud do you remember who Sam is? Moe raised and lowered his head in indication that he knew. Have you saw him lately she ask? No was Moes response to that. We were wondering if you would see if you can find him we want to know if he left the mountain or not. In answer Moe just took off and was out of sight in a few moments. Dan then gave a nod to Nuzzel and said go find the cats and tell them what we want and spread the word that if he is anywhere around here we want to know. With that Nozzle took off and Mary just sat down beside Dan and putting her hand on his arm said what would you do if he is still here Dan.
Before I can do anything I would like to know that Ooga can walk and move as he should be able to. Ooga looked up and stood up but as he did you could see it was a job for him to get onto his feet. Well, that answer that we will just have to wait a little longer until you can function properly Ooga. What is it you would have me do Dan? We have been together so long now that I do not know if I read what you say or if you are speaking out loud to me. Why would I bother to speak out loud to you Dan that would be a waste of my energy.
CHAPTER FIVE
Hiding in the forest
I have been doing a lot of thinking on this subject and it bothers me to think that someone can just decide to shoot something or someone and it not have consequences. Perhaps he learned his lesson and has left the mountain as you told him to do Mary said. Somehow I cannot picture in my mind him doing anything he was told to do. We will just wait and see first if he is still here and then we can decide what is to be done to protect Ooga from getting shot again.
As Mary was setting out the dinner plates Moe landed and hoped over to her. Well, is he here she asked him? Waving his wings and squawking it was obvious to all that Moe had found Sam and he was here. That does not surprise me, in the least Mary I did not think he was worried about what I had to say. While he was talking Dan walked over to the tent and got his rifle out and brought it back and laid it on the log. Moe can you pick that up? Jumping across the fire pit half flying and half jumping Moe reached down and picked up the rifle and raised it over his head. Then bringing it back down to chest level he took off holding the rifle. Bring that back here Dan said in laughter as Moe circled the camp. Moe came right back where he had gotten the rifle and leaned it against the log just as he hand found it. Well now that we know it is not to heavy for you which does not surprise me because I once saw an Eagle try to take off with a one-month-old Holstein cow calf and he almost got it off the ground he keep trying but the calf would raise but not enough for the Eagle to fly so he had to leave it but he would have taken that calf if he could have. So, it is not surprising that a fifty-pound rifle was too much for you.
Here is what I would have you do Moe. I want you to go watch Sams camp and when he sets his rifle down and walks away from it I would like you to get it and bring it to me. Do not try if he is close to the rifle just wait for him to leave it long enough you can get it. Perhaps it would be a good idea if Eeny or Meeny would go along with you just to make sure he does not try to shoot you with a different gun. If he brings out a pistol or another Nuzzle rifle I would like you to jump in and take it away and bring it to me also. For you to get the gun would be enough I would suggest you take it out where Moe can get it and he would fly it back easier than you can carry it through the trees. That is if it is a rifle if it is a pistol then you could bring it to me easy enough.
First we will remove any chances that Sam will find us and shoot Ooga when we are not watching. After Ooga can walk then we will do the next things that can teach Sam a lesson to be remembered. Yes Mary the depth of a fool is darkness and the wise man sees it. He knows not what he attempted and his eyes are blinded by that darkness. Knowing nothing and caring no more is why we must bring light to his path. After we take his teeth he will begin to see the light very brightly. I may not be a wiseman but I can sure bring Sam to the light.
As the days passed and Ooga’s strength returned his usefulness became visible to us. He would go into the forest and return with things to eat we had never saw before. Many times, he would have hands full of roots we had no idea of what or where they came from and Mary had spent her younger life learning all the plants and berries that one could ever encounter yet Ooga would present to her and just stand and wait for her to comment on them. He had a way about him that continually amazed us his strength and stamina was so far over anything or any human I had ever meet. Standing beside me one day he just squatted down and as I looked over he had shot passed me and was hanging from a tree limb that must have been twenty feet up. Other times he would run towards the tree and it was like he could run up the tree. He would put his foot against the tree and then take another step like a lizard would climb a tree he did not stick to it he just ran so fast that his first steps against the tree just carried him up it. His speed and stamina was way beyond mine and I do not believe I have ever saw anyone to match what he showed me.
In the starlight we can see Sam setting around his fire pit eating a rabbit he had shot during the day. He was talking to his horse and telling him how he was going to find that big man and if he had to drag him by his heels he was going to take him to town and show the others that he had tried to tell them there were people out in the woods different than us and we should be aware of it. I set that rifle right her by you Granger now where did it go? I am sure no one walked into camp and took it so it has to be here somewhere. Perhaps I am giving you too much time by the river and you are getting lazy with that tall grass and not watching the camp like you should be.
Moe had come flying into camp that afternoon with Sams rifle and just set it on the ground beside Dans rifle and then just looked up and watched to see what anyone would say about him bringing in the rifle. Nuzzle came into camp several hours later and he had a pistol in a holster dragging the belt full of bullets. Wow Dan says you too did really well I will make sure and reward both of you for this. Ooga will be pretty safe now that Sam has no weapons. Mary looked over at Dan and said, “how many guns do you have Dan?” Oh, I would have to stop and count but you know it would be more than these two. Yes she said that is my very point we do not know for sure that he does not have more weapons the only way that we can be sure is to send Moe back and let him watch Sam and see how he gets his dinner and what other weapons he has. Then we will know for sure rather Ooga is safe or not and we cannot allow Sam to have another chance of killing him.
Ok Moe starting tomorrow morning we want you to go find a tree close enough you can watch Sam and let us know if he has more weapons. Now I would like each of you cats to get up close enough Sams horse gets nervous and starts to stamp and jump around knowing you are about. Then you can scream a few times and Moe will be up in the tree watching and that for sure will tell us if Sam has any more guns or not.
The next day Moe took off early and before he left Dan made sure he had a good breakfast and he gave him another piece of meat to take along with him. The cats knew when Moe left what their jobs were so they took to the woods and was gone immediately. Mary, it seems we have a fairly good sense of whether Sam has more guns, and we’ll have a definite answer soon enough.
Was going to do a little fishing this morning but now I don’t think I can put my mind into it so I will just lean back and have another cup of coffee. Thirty minutes later Moe flue into camp and was dancing around like the ground was on fire standing on one leg then the other and flapping his wings all the time. Well, what have you got to report Moe don’t keep it a secret. Moe immediately flew over to Dans rifle and was picking it up and setting it down indicating Sam had another rifle. Well go back and keep an eye on him and if he tries to shoot anyone of our family come get us. With that Moe went to flight and was gone. Ooga what do you think about all this? Maybe you can offer some advice to this. Yes he let them know he could walk into the camp and bend the rifle barrel so that he could not hit a tree if he were on a limb. How can you do this and be safe Ooga? He will not be able to see me when I walk up and he knows that I am in the woods so I don’t have to worry about him telling others because we know he will anyway. Beside I would like to pinch him on the back of his leg so hard he will be days before walking. Well, you have been out here in these woods so long it would be stupid for me to tell you what to do or how to do it so I will just follow you and be in the bushes if you should need me.
Later that afternoon while Sam was preparing some meat to be hung over the fire pit to be smoked he looked up and that Eagle was back setting on the limb watching him. Sam said to Granger do you feel something is wrong or is it just in my mind that I smell something different. Granger shook his head up and down like yes I smell something. After living with an animal night and day for years you learn to read each other pretty plane so this tells me we have a stranger or a strange animal somewhere about here. About that time along came a skunk and it just wondered though the camp and out the other side. Sam had ran to his gun but when he saw the skunk he just sat the gun down and turned back to the fire pit. Then he heard something and turning he watched his gun that was leaning against the log just bend in half. That is not possible how can a gun setting there all by itself just fold in the middle? This makes no sense if I had not saw it happen I would not believe a gun could be made so flimsy that it just feel apart. It was as if someone came along and stepped on the middle of the thing. Ouch Sam yelled as he felt a bee had stung him on the back of the leg and he fell to the ground holding the back of his leg. Man, that hurts what was that that hit me. Sam had to crawl over to the log and could not get up onto the leg it hurt so badly.
Mary did you have anything to do with that skunk walking into that camp at exactly that moment? Well, I did promise a few eggs for his breakfast if he would just wonder through it was not like I had to beg him or anything he kind of wanted to do it anyway just to watch Sam run.
As Sam lay on his back with his eyes closed he felt as if he had fell of a cliff and his neck hurt something awful and he had to force himself to open his eyes it’s like he had been ran over by a heard of buffalo. It took all of his ability to just force his eyes to open. The first thing he saw was the meat rack he had beside the fire pit was ripped apart and all the meat was gone. The fire was out and the coffee pot was laying in the pit flat as a squaw track; the bottom had even been bent out flat. The bladers he had for extra water was not just emptied into the fire pit they had been shredded from top to bottom. Looking around further he saw his horse Granger was gone and the rope that held him was torn in half. That horse never had the ability of breaking that rope how did that happen he wondered. Looking further he saw the stirrups to the saddle had been ripped from the saddle and lay beside the fire pit. His blankets he used for bedding had not just been torn apart they were also in ribbons ripped into shreds. His head hurt so bad he felt back and had a large knot on the top of his head. Not wonder he thought someone hit me and knocked me out. Shaking his head he looked over and his saddle bags had been ripped in half and the front was open showing that everything inside had been destroyed. He had many bullets and a power horn that was also missing. Turning his head and looking at his tarp, he had tied between two trees for a wind break and in case of rain had been torn down and it also was shredded so much it would be unusable. Oh, my what else and as he looked his bags of flower, coffee, salt and what little sugar he had was dumped in a pile of horse manure. His camp was a total disaster from one end to the next.
Laying there his head hurting his neck hurting and his left leg was throbbing from what ever had hit him that part he remembered. Man would I like a drink of water and ever thing that I had is destroyed. What will I drink and what will I eat now. As he lay there he took a final look around and then that was when he saw the paw prints around the fire pit and as he continued to look he noticed there were many of them and he also saw a very large timber wolf pint in the mist of all the lions. But what really got his attention was the very large man’s footprint. Look at the size of that man’s bare footprint that is one big foot if I have ever saw one. He could not stand to put his foot next to it but he could see the print was almost twice his. He just leaned back and tried to figure out what he would do at this point.
At supper that night each of the cats did not want anything to eat and neither did Nozzle. What is it with you guys this evening you usually eat everything I can set out. Even Moe did not drop in for a free piece of meat. Mary said I just see a little bit of what has happened and I think tomorrow morning we should take a little ride and to see what has happened to Sam. I think that would be a very good idea Mary.
The next morning after breakfast Mary saddled Dawn and Dan saddled Shadow both putting saddle bags behind their saddles and both put a roll of bedding just in case they were to spend the night. Adam was still had to be carried by Mary and she had a special basket attached to the side of her horse so she could attend to him when the situation was needed.
Mary had ask Nozzle to lead them to the location and he was out front. Running ahead then stopping and turning his head back and watching to make sure they were in his sight. Crossing a small meadow Dan turned to Mary and said is that Sams horse over there against the trees. Yes I think it is who else’s could it be. Walking up Dan took ahold of the rope that was dangling from the horses neck and said this has been pulled apart not cut or untied as one might expect. We will bring it with us until we can decide what to do with it.
Continuing on Nuzzel came back and sat in front of Dan and just looked at him. What is it you want Nuzzel Dan ask. When Dan walked up Nuzzel just turned and walked to the side of Dan keeping in step but not getting very far from him. As they came through some heavy bushes Dan could see the campsite and all the distraction that had taken place. Stepping further into the camp he heard Sam moaning and he looked over and Sam was laying on his back his mouth was open and his eyes were closed but he was moaning and groaning. Leaning down Dan took from his shoulder the water bladder he carried and poured a few drops of water into Sams mouth.
Licking his lips and in a very low voice said “More” and Dan poured another small amount of water into his mouth. Sams eyes came open and he looked into Dans eyes and said “you”, “you are the one that caused me all these troubles”. No Dan said you did I told you to leave the mountain and you gave not thought to it. All this could have been avoided had you listened to my words.
I was attacked by a giant of a man. He gave me no warning I just woke up in pain and the whole camp had been destroyed. As to no warning Sam how much warning did you give him when you shot him in the back of the leg. He was running away and I tried to stop him. Looks like you did a good job are you happy now you stopped him. I did not know he would do this kind of damage to me. Just what did you expect him to do Sam after you shot him. Was you expecting a gift or welcome just what would you have expected. Give me some more water please. Oh, now we finally get some please I did not know you knew the word.
I have not eaten in I do not know how many days but it has been before he destroyed my camp. You come into our forest and now you want us to take care of you. Is that what you expect after all that you have done, Sam. Well, it is the Christian thing to do Dan. What do you know about Christians Sam you go out to kill and now want us to be Christians. What part of religion teaches you that it is ok to kill just for the fun of it. Dan leaned down and poured a stream of water into Sams mouth and it ran down his chin and onto his chest. Lapping it up as fast as he could Sam continued to drink as fast and as much as he could. Hold on their Sam I have been trying to give you just a little bit at time.
All this time Mary had stood back and was looking at the camp site. Eeny, Meeny and Miny were lined up shoulder to shoulder just watching. All three were setting on the rear ends with heads looking all directions and not a noise from any of them. Nuzzel had ran into the pile of can goods that had been knocked all over and were laying spread wide. Looking up Sam ask how can you be friends with all these animals. Well to begin with Sam we don’t try to kill them and we treat them with the same respect we want from them. Maybe you should learn a lesson from all of this if you live through it.
What am I to do at this point Dan I cannot walk and everything I ever had has been destroyed. I don’t even have a gun any more everything is either missing or destroyed. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you shore shows as meaning full for you Sam. What would you like us to do now we are not going to set here and take care of you and we are not taking you back to our camp so what would you like us to do shoot you. Oh! No as bad a shape as I am in I do not wish to die could you take me to that trading post down on the river. Yes that would be very good.
We will have to make do with what you have so get prepared for a ruff trip. Pulling Mary off to the side Dan ask Mary do you have any of the gold nuggets here that we found. Yes Dan remember we put several into the bottom of you saddle bags. Mary I have a little surprise for Sam I would like to put a couple of gold nuggets in his pocket so he does not find them until he is being taken care of and those that find them will want to know where and how he got them. Then they will be coming up here looking for gold we do not want that. Mary I am not figuring on staying here I would like to pick up and pack out as soon as possible.
Ok Dan I will slip a couple of little ones into his pocket and we will leave him at the station. Gathering up Sam and sense he had nothing it did not take long to get him mounted and they were on their way. Traveling about five miles was all the time they had that day but Sam told them that at this rate by tomorrow night they could be in Little Town.
Making camp was fast because they found a camp site that had been used before and the campfire pit already dug out and there were stumps pulled around the edges. Even had extra firewood available now that is what I call good camping. When we leave we must leave it the same way. Getting Sam off and into a comfortable position took a little effort but when Ooga took ahold of him he came out of the saddle and onto the ground in one quick motion. Turning to Ooga Dan said “be careful we don’t want him to know you are here are had anything to do with his camp even though he knows let’s not give him anymore to use against us when he gets to his own people.”
After a getting everything ready it only took a little time and the party was on the way. It took Mary longer to get Adam ready and happy than anything else. Mary said to Dan I will surely be happy when Adam can walk and he had better by the time we get his brother here. Are you sure this one coming will be another boy it could be the girl you told about. No Dan this will be another boy I am sure of it.
After reaching the Little Town Dan pulled up in front of the sheriffs office and went in and found the man setting behind the desk had a belly big as a fifty-gallon drum and his boots that were on the desk had holes in the bottom and looked like they had been worn out twenty years ago. Well young feller what can I do for you. I am looking for the Sheriff. I am what’s left of him speak or go fishin. My name is Dan and I had a guy come into my camp up on the mountain East of here and he had been hunting a man and I ran him off after he told of wanting to shoot him just because he was so large. So, what do you want me to do seems as though you took care of the situation. Turns out I had told him if he came back I would make life ruff on him and the next day I find he had shot the guy in the back of the leg just above the knee. And how do you know he was the one and how do you know where he was shot did you find the man. Yes we did Sheriff and I took him to our camp and we dug the bullet out of his leg and he is now doing good.
Seems like you do me a favor so I can cross that as to your needing my help. That is not quite how it ended up Sheriff we later found he had his camp destroyed and he figured I did it. First off stop calling me Sheriff I have a name and it is Penyton and I would thank you to use that not Sheriff. Ok Mr. Penyton we have him outside on his horse that we found on the way to his camp.
Is he alive and breathing? Yes he is. Well, the next question I have for you is how did you find his camp and how did you know he was in trouble. First finding his camp was easy because I just let Nuzzel track him and Nuzzel is the one that came and got me to go to the camp. Nuzzel is a talking dog I take it. No Mr. Penyton when you have lived long enough with animals they let you know things if you listen. Yes I had a dog like that once he was very smart I had been training him not to eat and I just got him trained and he died on me.
Perhaps we should go out and you can introduce me to this man, what is his name? Sam is all I know when he came into my camp he made sure I knew and he I one big fellow. The man he shot was bigger than him? Yes the man he shot is almost nine feet tall. The sheriff through down his cigar and looked Dan in the eye and said “did you say nine feet tall. Yes I did and he is built to fit that height. Not in my life have I ever heard of anyone getting that big Penyton said as he went out the front door.
Sam was leaned over and tied to the saddle so he would not fall off and when the Sheriff approached him he looked down at the Sheriff and said arrest this man Sheriff he tried to kill me. That is interesting to say the least now we have a killer wanting justice. Hell, there is no law against shooting an animal sheriff. Sam that is your name isn’t it? Yes. Dan here said you shot a man he didn’t tell me he was an animal. Well Sheriff what would you call a creature that is over nine feet tall and is covered in hair not skin like we have but hair like an ape. First thing comes to my mind his I would call him hairy. But can you tell me more about this guy we have been hearing rumors of others saying they have been seeing thing out in the woods that are like a big gorilla.
Can you help me down from this horse? Dan lifted me up here like a ten-pound sack of flour. He don’t show the strength he has but if you had watched him put me on this horse you would have a great respect for his strength.
Lifting Sam from the horse took a few that were standing watching all this and when he was on the ground he could not stand his leg was hurting so badly. What happened to your leg Sam. I don’t know I was in camp and it was like something took a big bite out of it and I cannot put weight on it to walk. Do you need to see the doctor? Yes I think that would be a good idea but I have very little money. Reaching into his pocket he brought out two gold nuggets that were big as marbles. What do you mean you have no money where did you get those? I don’t know Sheriff I never saw them before.
The men in the crowd started to yelling he has gold nuggets big as walnuts he has found where they are. The people started to push Sam and got right up in his face and wanted to know where he found them. Regardless of how many times Sam said he knew nothing about them the more the people got mad and insisted he tell them.
Thing got out of hand and the Sheriff was screaming and yelling for those that had ahold of Sam to let him go. The crowd had grown in size so fast that the Sheriff had to shoot this six gun into the air and yell shut up all of you I am tired of all this. Let go of Sam and you can talk all you want to him later right now he is telling me he has been out hunting Big Foot. With the crowd already excited and growing in size fast the words went out in a hurry that Sam had shot Big Foot and that surprised the Sheriff because no one should have known. Little did Penyton know that nothing said in his office was a secret to anyone everyone knew two minutes after it was said. Word spread through town like free drinks at the bar.
While this was going on the Mayor of the town Mr. Brown who had been watching all this heard all of this plus he had gotten a look at Mary Dans wife and he had turned to his assistant and said I am going to get that woman for myself. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever saw. Crowley the assistant pointed out that she was an Indian and there would be talk if he were to have a squaw in his house. We’ll let em talk I will have that woman and not allow the old bitties talk all they want I get what I want and they can go to blazes for all I care. How much resistance can one guy cause I have many men who can handle him and I will see him run out of town and he will be lucky to have his life.
Sam had been carried over to the doctor’s office but the problem was he was on the second floor and it took four men to get him up the stairs and into Dr. Smith’s office. While that was going on others were crowding around Dan wanting to know if he had any gold and if he knew where Sam had gotten his. Dan explained that he was camping and just meet Sam and knew nothing about the man, which was not lying. But the shoving and crowding was making Adam cry and he was throwing a fit that would not stop.
When others came around Mary and Dan the lions came running into town and Nuzzel knocked one man down and was standing oh him. The crowd went wild running and screaming the town is being invaded by mountain lions there are hundreds of them and the hysteria grew and the more that ran the louder the crowd became. Mary had gotten out of the saddle trying to calm Adam down and when all the excitement started she was having problems getting into the saddle when all a once she was lifted and placed in the saddle. Thank you Ooga I was in trouble trying to get onto the horse. Dan just jumped from the sidewalk which was higher than the street but he made one swift leap and was astraddle of Shadow and when he hit the saddle he just said lets go now. Shadow turned and headed out of town and the Mayor was watching and was to far away to slow Dan or Mary in their efforts to leave. So, with dust flying Mary and Dan was going as fast as the horses could travel and no one was in the way because they had ran for their homes. The dogs from town were barking the windows upstairs were full of those wanting the last words and not wanting to miss anything. Horses were running wild though the streets and to make it worse Rip Raffel’s pigs broke through the fence and were running around chasing the dogs.
Ooga was swatting dogs from one side to the other the dogs did not see him but knew from the smell and they were trying to attack him. The show that was going on was exciting to say the least Mrs. Fowler later told everyone the dogs were being thrown into the air and nothing was there to throw them. The sight was total disaster from one end of town to the other. Pigs running wild, dogs cats and horses fighting just to make noise.
The men were gathering around the front of Bill’s Pool Hall trying to find a way to find where that gold was and part of them wanted to know about Big Foot and the fact he had been seen. We have to find that camp where Sam was and it may be a good idea if we could find Dans place all so if he knows Sam had gold he may have gotten his hands on it and it could be in his camp. We have to check everything and Big Foot will just have to wait.
Leaving the town and crossing two streams Dan slowed down and allowed Mary to ride beside him. How is the little one doing Mary he asks. Oh, he has stopped screaming and has been laughing now he thinks all that noise was for him. He is enjoying all the people and all the attention we all got. I don’t think it would be a good idea to go back to our camp except to load some of the stuff and get away from there as fast as possible.
In the meantime, back at the Lost knowledge the local newspaper Jules Cutrate a writer who had come to town because he had heard stories the Big Foot had been heard of in this area. So, he was meeting with Ed Frisk the publisher and owner of the daily paper. Ed you know I came to town because I heard that Big Foot was here and now that this opportunity has come to light I want to have help from back east to help me follow and get all the information possible about the giant of the forest. My readers are all wanting to know more about him and what he looks like what he does and why no one can get close to him. So please help me hire someone while I am waiting for help from back east.
Ooga lead Dan and Mary up a stream until another stream lead into the one they were following. Turning to the right and continuing up stream staying in the water so the dogs could not follow the scient and footprints would not show. Ooga had so many attempts to follow him over the years he knew just what to do and how to do it so no one could follow him. Continuing up the stream it came alone side of a cliff so the water was washing against the mountain and as they got to the side of it Ooga reached out and taking a hold of a tall rock that appeared to be leaning against the mountain which it had been doing for a thousand years but know he pulled and it came away from the mountain far enough we could slide inside. The rock was so large no one would ever imagine it being moved but after getting on the inside I see that Ooga had called for help and there were four other fellows pushing the top of the rock far enough we could walk right on in and not have to unload the horses or anything. We all followed Ooga into the mountain and turning I could see why no one could ever find this places. We had not left the water we were still in the water up to our knees when we went into the space opened to us. After going in the men just let the rock settle back against the mountain and it would have been impossible to know we had turned from the water.
The whole family joined us as we went into the mountain. Even the three mountain lions had no problem going with us but I had not realized that Ooga was talking to them all the time. Nuzzle would be by my side regardless but I have no doubt he had heard one way or another the thoughts of Ooga. As we went back into the mountain I could see very plainly because there were torches on both sides lighting the way. As we went in the trail was slightly up hill so the further we went the higher we were above the water from the stream. The opening was all of twenty feet wide and I could not see the top so it was not like I was in a cave it was more like I was in a large valley that was very dark. But like I say the torches had everything we could see but I suspect that Ooga and those that had now joined us did not need the lighting I think they could travel this without the lights. Don’t know what made me think this maybe it was another thing that I just knew in my mind without verbal words.
Later I learned that Deep Pockets (don’t know if that was his real name but it is the only one I ever heard used) the town banker had called a special meeting with all the share holders in the bank and had explained to them that with the gold that had been found on Sam it could very well start a gold rush which would bring many people to this area and the bank would make a very good income from those that would be coming in to build and to buy things necessary to mine for more gold. So, he was explaining to all that they must join those that were out hunting for Dan and see if they could learn more from him about where the gold came from. He felt a thousand-dollar bounty for bringing in Dan and another thousand if they could bring in Big Foot. This he told them would give the extra incentive to get this done.
As Dan and Mary rode back into the cave they came to a very large room which to her surprise was well lit. Looking up she could see a very large rock that seemed to bring in the light and spread it throughout the room. She stopped and pointed up for Dan to look and he said it looks like a crystal but I have never saw one that big before. Looking around the room they, both were lost in what to say there was so much to see. A water fall at the back into a pool of water that was so clear you could see the bottom of the pond it fell into. Starting at the pond and winding up running all the way around the giant room was a trail leading to the top which was a long way up. At different places were openings like small caves that were on the trail. So, in effect they had a stairway to more possibly private caves. Children were in the pool playing and swimming and they were just like Ooga they had hide that was very hairy exactly like Ooga. The pool was so large it made it impossible for Dan to count the children and the fact they were running all about did not help. The fact the room held a very good temperature was not lost on Dan either. Coming to a stop Ooga was standing with several others that were his size and they also looked like Ooga but each was different but not by a lot. Some a few inches shorter some taller but all built the same way and obviously they were welcoming Dan and Mary into their homes.
I don’t know if I hear them or if it just comes to me what they are saying but I know that we are the first to ever be allowed to see what we are seeing. The fact we had helped Ooga and taken care of him was what had done the trick. It was known that we would never be allowed to tell others what we were seeing and we knew that but they knew we would honor that. Dan had no idea how many people were here but they were all busy doing one thing or another. As Dan took a few minutes more to just look around he saw many small openings in the walls that were perhaps five feet wide and twelve feet high just guessing.
In the center of the room was a large table with stacks of greenery that was piled very high and there were many different plants there. People would just stop by and take a hand full and walk off eating it. A small boy came by and took both Dan and Mary’s horses and another young man took ahold of Buster and led them off around the corner from where Dan could not see them. This place is Hugh Dan said it does not end with what we can see it goes on and on. Yes Mary said and what is up there where that trail led too. The women were cleaning the branches on the table and Dan noticed that they just like the men were hair all over their bodies and the woman had large breasts just as other women in the world do but these were hairy and the nipple had no hair growing around them.
One of the women came up to Mary and picked up Adam and held him to her and Mary could tell she was very pleased to be allowed to hold him. She indicated that they were to follow her so Dan stepped up beside Mary and they were led around another corner and an opening of about five feet was on their left and this woman just walked into it and as she did she picked up a small stone and when she moved her hand across it the stone lit up and the whole room started to shine from the light. Looking around there were several beds with skins of some kind stretched across a wooden frame. A table was against one wall and several chairs but Mary did not know if she could set on one they were so tall. She went over and sat on a bed and it was just right for her height. Anything they wanted she was told would be furnished and they were expected to come to the middle of the room after unpacking all of her stuff. She looked around and there were deer antlers all along the wall that were used for hooks to hang stuff on. The woman left after Dan had told her how much we appreciate the hospitality.
Dan she said when she picked up Adam have you ever in your life saw a cave so large. Never heard of any around here but we are new to this area and who knows what else is around here in all these mountains. I would like to go up that ramp or whatever they call them and see if we can get on top of the mountain. When we go out I will ask that question what do you have in mind Mary. Well Dan sense we walk into that little town things have grown terrible in the world. What do you mean Mary. Well first I did not have a chance to tell you but the Mayor of the town wants to capture me and make him his woman. I can stop that if I can get on top of this mountain by just putting a curse on him.
Woe! little princess are you saying you have the same thing as a witch? Dan a witch was a title gave to someone who does harm. I do not do this to harm him I do it to save me and if he is like this to me who else and what will he do in the future I can prevent that. Dan there is more to this there is a man who wants to write a story about the man we call Ooga and he calls him Big Foot and he wants to get all the information possible about him he has offered a hundred dollars to anyone who will give him any information that he does not have. Dan that is more money than some of these people make all year. The barber is offering free haircuts to any who brings him information. Sally’s is offering a free poke to any man that will bring information. The grocery store is offering twenty dollars of free food. It has gone crazy here the people are so greedy I have never saw such as this is. Are all of your people this way Dan? No Princess, not all but those that are greedy have a way of making those around them be greedy also. Hunger for what one does not have is a strong incentive to be tight with money. Some have a signal and they touch there elbow with the palm of the other hand indicating that you are such.
How can we go anywhere or do anything with all these people wanting to know if you can tell where Sam got the gold. This gold is making everyone in this village crazy with hunger for riches. Like the Mayor in my village if a man were to want me from you he would have to challenge you to a fight and the winner would take me and I would have no choice. This, however, would not be possible because my statis in my world would not allow them to challenge you. But we still have rules even though they speak of us as uneducated heathens.
Let us join the people and learn all we can from these who live in the forest. The men in town are saying that we are hiding in the forest and they will not stop until they find us. Even if they could follow our footprints under water they could not lift that large stone in front from the outside. You notice that they had built a place at the top of the stone on the inside where they could put many men and they are at the top on the inside pushing which allows the stone to move.
After taking care of little Adam, they walked into the great room to see all the people in lines facing a great picture of a cross and all were on their knees with their heads bowed. Dan said they are praying and we must not do anything to disrupt this. I have not ever saw so many people with total silence as this. But Mary you have noticed they don’t speak allowed like we do anyway. The silence that I felt was strong inside me when we entered anyone. I could not understand how that could be with the children running around playing the women working and all those men doing whatever each was doing and not a noise was amazing to me. A few grunts and many whistles from one or the other I was in shock of all that silence but it is very relaxing to me. We must be quite while they pray.
After a few minutes all stood and put both hands in the air and then they reached down and picked up whatever that was they were kneeling on and all went a different direction. Everyone busy I noticed that each seems to have a job to do and everyone stays busy doing whatever it is they are building. Most I noticed make baskets and water containers. In my village they would be making arrows or bows but I do not see a weapon being built. Let us ask Ooga why and if they eat meat.
Ooga walked up and with him were two others and they stopped in front of Dan and Mary and they spoke but not verbally I heard what they said Dan told Mary. Thank you for your hospitality Mary said in her mind and one of the men held his palm out with the fingers up and Mary pushed her hand against his and then Dan did the same thing and all both of the others with Ooga did likewise. Then Ooga said this is Muta and Aero they are leaders here in the home.
Aero ask if there was any questions. Mary said yes I would like to know if that trail leads to the top of this mountain and the outside. Yes he said Mary we knew of your coming the same way you knew of our people. We know that you have the gift of your people and have many powers they do not have. We have accepted you into our lives because of this and we also feel the warmth of both of your hearts and we see many good things. We also know of the hunt the villagers are doing trying to find the yellow rocks and also the desire to capture you. Do not let it bother you in the least we have been hunted for hundreds of years and so far they have only caught a glimpse of us once in a while. This is a game to us and we enjoy playing with them but we have a big advantage we know what they are thinking and when they set a trap we already know where and what it will be. So do not be alarmed we are very experienced in this game.
Thank you Aero for that and yes I know a lot more than I have told Dan about but that will come in time. Right now, I would ask that we be allowed to partake of something to eat. Would fish be alright he asked? That would be wonderful Mary said. With that Muta turned and with a hand he pointed to the pond and three men came forward and jumped into the water and in only a moment he raised up and gave another a large fish then he ducked down and came back up with another and he did this until he had four nice fish that were each about an arm length each. The men holding the fish walked over and put them on the table where several women cleaned them and washing in a bucket that must have been there for that very reason cleaned them off and then she walked over to the wall and rolled a rock that was setting on a shelf to the side and in behind it was what appeared to be a small fire pit and she placed the fish on what looked like rods of some kind and in a single motion the fire came to life. I will have to learn how she did that Mary thought to herself. Then she just rolled the rock back in front of the opening and turned to us. Reaching into a bag beside the table she brought out what looked like potatoes and she placed these on a wooden plate and began to cut them into pieces. Another woman was cutting up carrots at least that is what they looked like.
Ooga said that they did not drink coffee but they had it available and knowing Dan was a big user they had a regular coffee pot waiting on the side of the table and the steam was coming off the pot so Dan knew it was hot. In only a few minutes Dan and Mary sat down to a table and among the things that were available to them was milk for Adam and a bowl of something that looked like ground corn or whatever it was but there was a large bowl of that and a small bowl for Adam.
After breakfast Muta walked up and ask if they would like to see the top of the mountain now. Yes I sure would Dan said and Mary said let me get a pack to put Adam in so I can carry him with us. She left returning with a wooden frame with should straps that allowed Adam to be hung on Mary’s back in a special soft leather basket tied to the frame for her backpack.
On the way up the walk Ooga joined them and together they were going up the trail when Muta ask Dan if Ooga
CHAPTER SIX
Enjoying the fruits of life
had told him of the ships that came to the mountain at different times. Ship to a mountain how can a ship come to a mountain Dan ask. Well, Muta said maybe it is not a ship because it comes from above and not out of the water but it is as big as a ship. Now Muta had Dans full attention and Dan ask if Muta had heard that Dan had wings and could fly. Muta stopped, turned, glanced at Dan, and asked, “You think you can fly?” I have flown many times and when we get to the top of this mountain it may just be a perfect place for me to take off from. Ooga turned to Muta and said he had been saved by Dan flying over and he hung onto his legs while he lifted him from harms way. Are you telling me Ooga that you have been in the ski like a bird with Dan. Yes I told you that before. I thought you were just imagining it. No, he can fly like an Eagle and sore in the winds.
Dan wanted more information about those that Muta had called ships that came from the ski. Did they land here on the mountain top he ask? Yes they come every so often and they may just land for a few minutes or they once were here for several days. But we never know when they will arrive. Do you see those that fly this ship Dan ask. Yes we have spoke to them on several occasions. We will go into this subject again but right now I would like to look at the top and walk around it a little bit and kind of get the feeling of how big and what is here.
Walking around and looking down Dan saw that indeed there was a cliff and it went straight down from the top and was about fifty feet wide with no trees or anything to get in the way of Dan taking off from here. In fact, Dan said it is the perfect place because there is even room to land here and I can get a run at the edge of the mountain if I should want to. The mountain was very large on top and had a few trees but they were not very tall and Dan called them scrawny little things. Walking around Dan could see where something had burnt the surface of a pretty big area and it made no sense to him how it had seemed to even heat the vegetation that had been growing there. Dan ask Muta is this where that ship stopped. Yes it was here several times and each time it stopes right here. Mary notice that where this is it is much lower than the surrounding area so with the ship setting here no one from below or on another mountain would be able to see it. I don’t understand this but they would be able to hid and no one would suspect them of being up here on this mountain top. This is mighty interesting Mary I would like to know more about this and I wonder how many from Little Town have saw one of these ships. Not sure we will get on good enough terms with them to find the answer but if I find someone that is one of my first questions.
You know Mary that these people have knowledge and don’t even know they have that knowledge. What do you mean Dan? Well think about it my flying was a big thing to others what would they think if they saw something as large as a ship. Also, I would like to know what could burn the ground so bad across such an area and another thing is the whole area was burnt the same all over. Think about this Mary a fire burns some places and others it does not like a tree can burn but next to it is not as hot but this burn was total and from side to side nothing that did not get totally burnt.
Mary another thing I found out was during the conversation of those ships I was told that when the people from the ship were talking with Ooga and friends they talked of time. I do not understand all that I hear but the way I understood it was they were told that time is like a coin. Two sides the one side is the past the other is the future. When one wants to look back they think of the past but when wants to think of the future you must think in the future. How can one think in the future when it is not here yet. They say we have the ability of either one. Both in our heads just a matter of getting head adjusted to that type of thinking. Makes my head hurt while trying to think about it. May be I think in the future I lay down and take a nap that be my future.
You go take a nap I think I will go to the mountain top and make a small fire and then I put Mr. Brown in a deep brown hole where he no longer wants woman. OK, see you later I don’t want to watch that it is better if I take nap and stay away from that stuff.
Dan went to their house and Mary went to the top of the mountain and Nuzzel, Eeny and Miny went along to be with her and on the outside of the mountain. The cats with all the camping saw Mary shape the fire pit and immediately went and started bringing in firewood. This time she told them we want green wood not dry wood we want lots of smoke to let the gods know we are talking. After getting the fire burning and much smoke boiling out of the fire pit. Mary stood in front of the smoke and began her communications with the heavens. Along with the name and title of Mr. Brown the Mayor of Little Town she described the man as to being two inches taller than her and had a face like a frog his face was covered with marks of some kind and his eyes were like two holes in the snow. She went on to describe him and then she said he will no longer be able to concentrate on women and he would not be able to bring strength to his body parts necessary to satisfy him or a woman. He would no longer desire a woman to even be around him he would be happy to be alone and not have the even hear a woman’s voice. She told of the headaches and pain he would get when he tried to talk and he would not be able to even think about touching one. With this she ended by repeating the family tree as far back as her great grandmother and the knowledge that had been passed on to her and she also told that she would not receive any displeasure or problems from putting this lifestyle on Mr. Brown because she was doing the world a favor not one that was only for her benefit. She knew that by giving others a future of negativity she could receive part of that so she wanted the Gods to know she was helping more than the one she was hindering. With that she threw a bag of bones she had picked up and through them into the flames. Let this begin she said and then put the fire out.
Crowley turned to Mr. Brown and said we have all in place for when that woman called Mary should show up here in town. We have men waiting to capture her and we will put something in her mouth so she can’t yell and let others know and we have cabin ready for her. I have changed my mind I no longer want that woman in fact I want you to get Mayble out of my house and out of my sight. I never want to see her again or any other female that has been my sore spot and cost me all this money and time. That will be the last time I spend money on such trash and such nonsense as I have been doing for years. What has happened to you to change so much so fast Mr. Brown? Finally got my head straightened out and can see that I have been wasting a lot of time and a lot of money. Get rid of the men pay them off and send them down the road if I need them I will let you know. Good day Crowley and with that he turned and walked off.
Turning to Dan Mary said I would like to know more of what they told you those that were in the ship talked and I would like to know as much as I can about what was said. Well, we can ask for more information but it was confusing to me he was talking about Energy and that all things on our earth has energy. Has the sunlight got energy Dan? That was another thing he said that all of earth have ways of transfer thoughts and one of them was that each verbal thought had to have a definition as to its meaning. Without this definition what one said the other would not know the meaning. Well, we know several languages and we have not dictionary how do we know. His point was that we have idea of what energy is but we not understand that energy is a lot more than most understand. Yes sunlight has energy but so does a thought when verbal to the world. Mary many of these things I tell you but I not know what the thing is about anymore than you do. But he did say a thought is an energy but a different kind so thought is not the same type of energy a thought he says is a whole different thing. A thought can go around the world ten times and not even have a way of timing it because it happen before you can time. He even went beyond that he say we can move our thoughts anywhere we want to and we can understand more than verbal. Look Mary we are talking with Ooga and several others and we not move our lips. I have gotten to the point I can walk up and know what I am to know very fast. He says there is not time except the time we put on it. Whatever that means. He also said that if the mind was to put a message to a friend in another country he would be able to speak to them as we speak to Ooga.
Dan this is more things than I have ever been allowed to even talk with other leaders in my village. Well one more thing before we stop talking about it I must tell you. Let me think how he said it. Oh! He said that our mind travels by a different energy and if the mind could overtake the body then the body would be this energy and that energy could travel and when arrived wherever you want you can trade the energy back and be where you imagined you wanted to be. Dan are you telling me that I can think about our village and then go to that village and be with my family in a heartbeat. Mary listen to me I do not understand all this and I want to know a lot more about this and also those that visit this mountain. I would like to know what they look like, where they came from. He did say the name of another universe and I don’t even know what a universe is. I will promise you this, Mary after we have stood on the bank of the great ocean on the West we will return here. I would like that Dan. I do not like living in this cave because I like to see the sun rise in the morning and I want to see it grow dark slowly. I not use to walking into sunshine from darkness. But I do want to know more about this travel and also I would like to see those who float the great boat in the ski.
Now I would like to take Adam and go set on the banks of a lake and just relax and enjoy the sunshine. I am not sure if we can do that right now the forest is full of men who are everywhere looking for us. I think I can stop some of that let me take our whole family to the lake and when someone shows we will chase them away. The trouble with that Mary is one of our furry friends may get shot chasing someone away and then we have other problems.
Ooga what do you suggest we would like to leave the cave and spend a little time in the forest what would you have us do? Go on top of the mountain and you have what you want and no one can find you there. Can we take our horses and mules also? Of course, you can just ride them up the trail and they we be happy when the see the sunshine also.
So, the whole family was laughing at Adam trying to walk and Moe landed alongside of Adam and walked beside him as he stumbled along. Mary do you know how many kids have ever saw an Eagle let alone have one for a personal pet. Yes Adam is not old enough to understand how lucky he is to have such a bird to be a friend. Dan have you looked down to see if you could fly from here. Yes Mary and I have no doubts that I could take off from here and also land here so this is an ideal place for us to be camped. Do you think you could fly and take Adam with you? I had not thought about it but if I had a way to hang him in front of me I could take him for a ride. We will talk about this later.
Dan I have a suggestion that you may not want to help but I think it would be a good way to stop them from hunting us. What do you have in mind, Princess? Well Dan they have a camp somewhere and they all go out and hunt us from that camp. I would like to have our friends help us and also Ooga and his friends. Just what would take so many people to do. I would like to cause them problems kind of like our friends did to Sam. How would you knock out that many men at once. We do not have to knock them out we just have to cause a lot of troubles and cause them to be in confusion. How would you do that? Allow me to show you. We first must talk to those that would help and I think many would enjoy causing those that hunt them to have problems. I will go along with this crazy idea as long as we both know that no one I to be killed. Oh, Dan I not want them knocked out I not want them dead I just want them to have many problems.
That night at the campfire the townspeople had built several fire pits to cook and to add light to the camping area. As Tom went to walk between two fires his front foot was knocked sideways and his step which should have been along side of the fire pit seemed to be pushed sideways and he stepped into the fire box with all the meat hanging into the fire and he knocked most sticks and the meat feel into the flames. His pants caught on fire and he jumped and pulled himself free of the fire but everyone was yelling you crazy idiot you knock everything off and spoil our dinner. Are you drunk what is wrong with you.
Rodger reached for the rack that had held the meat and he lost his balance and dropped the water jar he had into the firepit. The flames died down and the sparks flew everywhere. John came running to grab Rodger and he stepped into the fire pit next to this one trying to help. Johns pants caught on fire and he was screaming and yelling. Martha was putting meat onto the fire next to that one and the smoke and flames were so much she could not see and she was staggering around trying to get herself in control when Bob ran into her and pushed her into the rack holding the meat for the fire pit. The dogs started to bark at something that no one could see but they were running around barking and twisting this way and that like they were trying to bite something that no one could see.
The confusion and screaming came from everyone who was around watching and they started to laughing and yelling of the stupid stuff happening. Doug jumped up from his log and was threating to shoot the next guy that stepped into a fire pit. You dumb thing he was screaming at Martha and she was yelling back at him. The noise got the dogs more excited and the barking got worse the crowd noise got so bad you could not talk. Someone stumbled and fell into the table that had all the plates, glasses and pitchers of water. The table got knocked over with all the confusion and part of the salads, ketchup, mustard, bread and fixtures for dinner went into two different fire pits and that that did not was trampled by others. Betty Boston went into a fit of screaming and yelling that added to the excitement. Who turned the horses loose no one knew but they were running into the crowd and trying to get away from all of this the horses were running through the tents alongside. Somebody was throwing whiskey bottles into the fire pits making the flames jump and dance higher. Tents were torn down tables were overturned. Somehow all the beds that were in the tents seemed to just roll into the isles. Children were running everywhere hunting their mothers and fathers and that added to the turmoil. Kids yelling for Mom or Dad, dogs barking, men screaming at each other. Some were fighting and rolling into the tents and tables.
The next morning as the men sat around the campfire holding their heads. Some with black eyes some with slings holding their arms, some with crutches carved out of anything they could find to support themselves. This is a fine how dee doo if I have every saw one. Look at this crowd does it look like we can assemble this into any king of manageable society. Gladys says she is packing up the kids and everything they brought and she is leaving. Yes Tom said mine woman says the same thing she is not going to stick around for more of this. We will be lucky to have enough to make much of a hunt out of this and I don’t see how we could expect them to ever return.
Setting on the mountain top looking down ten or twenty Big people were setting and watching the activities. Dan turned to Mary and said that was a great idea and I have another one. Way back when I was in Boston I owned a shop and I took pictures for a living. I developed and framed these and sold to my customers. So, I have experience in photographs as we use the term today. My idea is based on the fact that our next biggest problem is the newspaper man who is offering all this money and is going to bring thousands of people here to chase and make life terrible for those they call Big Foot. Mary I know how to stop this and have it over forever.
OK Dan I believe you what do you need to do this? Well first I need the camera. How do we do that she asks? If I can explain to Ooga what it looks like he could walk in while invisible and walk right out with it.
Ooga I have a special favor to ask of you. Let me explain what it is I need. Drawing in the sand on the bank of the lake Dan drew a picture of a tripod and what the camera looked like. Then he told how he would know about the room where Jules Cutrate has his developing equipment. After Ooga walked in he waited for Jules to take a picture and then he went back to Dan and described what he had saw and wanted to know if that was what he wanted. Yes Dan told him Ooga went back and Jules put the camera away for the day. Ooga just waited for Jules to turn his back and Ooga walked out the door with the camera, the stand for the cameras and the bar for the flash which Dan had forgotten to mention.
Bringing all the camera and attachments to Dan Ooga just stood and waited for Dan response. Ooga how did you know to bring the flash bar? He used it while I watched and if he used it I thought you might want to use it, so I brought it too. Now what I need to do is get you to find me several pigs that we can use in our pictures. That not a problem I have many such friends. When you want them? We will go down by the lake and set up a place where I can take the pictures I want.
Lining up the pigs and putting one in a dress that Mary had gotten from a little girl she had been saving for her own daughter. They dressed a pig in a dress then got it to stand next to another pig and when all ready to take the picture he had Ooga step between the camera and the pigs so when he took the picture you could not see the pigs only Ooga. So, Dan took many pictures then with Ooga and several others he took all the equipment to town and late at night slipped into Jules’ dark room and developed the pictures.
The next day Dan walked into Jules Cutrate’s office and lad down several photos off Big Foot. He was standing down by the lake which gave depth to the picture but the trees in the background showed just how large a man he was. Jules looked at the pictures and immediately got excited and was offering Dan as much money as he had ever thought possible for taking pictures. That is more money than I got for selling the hole studio back home. Jules paid Dan for the pictures and then wrote a brief description of what they were seeing and all the proof necessary to show what others could see in the forest around here. When Jules put them into the envelope to send Ooga walked up beside Dan and together they watched the image of Ooga disappear like it had never been there and all that was shown was a family of pigs and one had a dress on and the other was leaning over her like he was helping her up or something. In the background were many other pigs.
Yes Ooga when they get these pictures back in
Boston Jules will not be as popular as he once was. No one will ever want to hear him speak of the Big Foot that he told so much about and then sent a picture of a family of pigs for proof. Will be interesting to wait and see how long it takes Jules to pack up and leave.
Dan that was a very clever idea that you had and I am sure we will not have to put up with him much longer. That will draw the offers for money for information to a dry up. Now what else do we have to solve before we can continue our travels to the ocean. Andrew is getting to where he can walk but I am getting so big I can hardly walk. Soloman will be our next boy and he will be a great man with your people.
I think the way to find if we have problems or not is to just walk right down the sidewalk and I will take you into a café which I will bet you have never sat at a table and let someone else wait on you. Come on Mary get Adam and lets go to town.
Walking into Diana Diner they were escorted over to a table that had a highchair beside it. Putting Adam in the chair the lady turned and set a menu in front of Mary and said that is the specials the regular everyday good stuff is written on the blackboard over there. With that she left and returned with two glasses of water. Would you like coffee she ask. Yes Dan said and Mary said, “can I have what I want?” Of course, what would you have Mary. I would like some peppermint tea. Laughing Betty, the waitress said we do not have peppermint but we do offer a green tea. That would be fine Mary said and Betty turned to Dan and ask if he knew what he would like to order.
Looking at the wall and then the menu Dan said I think I would like some of those griddle cakes and a half dozen eggs not turned over just make sure the yokes are not broken. First I need to know is that mush that they speak of is that like oatmeal a bowl of ground up wheat or corn. Yes Mary that is about what it is. Ok bring one for Adam and I will take a very large fish. Where do you see fish Mary? It is not on the menu and not on the wall. You said I could have anything I wanted now you limit me to a list of things. Mary if your intention is to make me angry you are wasting your time. I can set and drink my coffee and enjoy the day just fine.
Ok Dan just order me something to eat I want to see how they fix it. You will have to have permission to go into the kitchen back there. Betty can Mary be allowed to look into the kitchen. With that Mary got up and followed Betty into the kitchen where she stood and watched as two male cooks were putting eggs on the skillet and a large steak was on another stove top but both men were very busy cooking. One of the cooks turned to Mary and ask if she had never saw a man cook before. Yes she said but never when he did not have to bend over the fire to do it. For such a pretty woman you have never saw the inside of a white man’s house. No, she said I have never. I lived in the villages of many but none cooked on what ever this is you use. Joining Dan at the table Betty sat the bowl of cereal in front of Adam and Mary added a little milk and she turned to Dan and said what is this white stuff that they have in this little bowl? Oh, Dan said you have never tasted sugar have you. “Sugar? What is that?” Mary asked, curiosity flashing in her voice.
“Well, Mary, lick your finger and then put it into that bowl,” he said, gesturing toward the glistening granules. Mary did as instructed, her finger sinking into the fine crystals. “Now taste it,” he continued, his tone gentle and encouraging. She brought her finger to her mouth. As the sweetness melted on her tongue, a delighted smile spread from ear to ear, and her eyes lit up with pure, sparkling joy. The surprise of the sugar’s delicate taste and the rush of sweetness made her giggle softly, savoring this simple pleasure for the first time. If I put this on Adams cereal he will want it every time I serve him this thing they call mush. We can arrange that princess we will be around others for the next part of our journey I am sure.
After breakfast Dan took Adam and put him on his shoulders and then with Mary at his side he walked down the sidewalk looking in all the store windows and Adam would squeal and point to different things and Mary was amazed at the different cloth that was on the dresses. Mary said I have never saw so many colors and they are so bright and cheerful to see. A few people nodded but no one said anything derogatory or degrading to either of them so they just continued on down looking a enjoying the sights of the shopping area. You know Princess I was wondering about Barber that was giving those free haircuts to. that I never did hear what happened to that barber that was giving free haircuts. Dan I forgot to tell you somehow he started to loose his eyes sight. Real Strange how he just developed this eye problem out of nowhere and he was cutting their hair show bad that most of his business dried up and he was trying to sale everything he has so he can move. Mary you didn’t happen to have anything to do with that barbers eyes sight would you? Not as much as you may be thinking I did offer a few suggestions if that counts against me. Do I have to stand you on your head and shake this out of you Mary. Please tell me how he went blind and you only offered advice.
Well, he was offering money to everyone for this information so I just offered some advice. Ya and they took that advice and now what Mary? Turns out he didn’t listen so what he lost was his own fault, not mine. Please explain this for me. I was very honest with him I told him that if he sold information and it was not true would he not get into trouble Dan? Well, he didn’t listen he like the Raccoon that got killed on the railroad tracks he didn’t listen. You know Mary I am sure glad you didn’t go back East to collage. Why Dan? Because sometimes I cannot understand how you can be so wise and yet so unschooled. Big words makes little man. But I not just have my knowledge I have added several grandmothers that have added to my wisdom. Do you think that because they were smart and died that you got added educational rights. You foolish man how you not ask if you not know if I can help explain something I will be glad to do it. We not go into that now we have to many things that we should be doing. Most obviously my education will be interesting to say the least but when we get snowed in one day I will want to know more about the Barber because I would feel bad it you had participated in his loosing his business. Mary started to say something when Dan reached over put his hand over her mouth and said you forget more stuff than anyone else I know of but you will get days and days of snow and more snow and on those days I am standing at the window so bored I am about to count snowflakes I will remember to let you say what you were about to say. Until this kiss me and don’t hold back for anything.
Mary is there anything else we must do before leaving. You are many months away from delivering Soloman and Adam is getting big enough that he is less work so we should be looking at leaving soon. One other little bitty baby thought I have been having most beautiful Princess is that lady who own the dress shop you had told of her giving away free fighting for information would you like to tell me that story now or have me read it in the paper? You know if they tried to print it no one would believe it anyway. Ok great leader of my family please give me in idea of how a woman who had never saw a store that sold anything a year ago now tells everyone the problems that they created.
No, don’t tell me I want to leave before the snow fly’s so lets jump to the ending did the shop burn down. No Dan it is still there, whoa that is good news. Now no one died or got killed did they? No Dan again they were not harmed. I know this is a slow way to get information but I also know it is faster than the other way let her tell it.
Look Dan I tell more someday when it matters so for now let me just say the simple truth. She got caught with stranger in her bed and when it came out there were others that knew but didn’t want to talk about it. The customers stopped shopping there and she close business.
OK Mary I take that and we forget for now and he thinks to himself ya you not chase that subject any more and be sleeping in visitors tee pee tonight. I do not want to ask but curious was there others Mary? Yes Dan there were many even the maids were betting and they also got a little learning done also.
Ok lets figure on leaving in four days that should give us plenty of time to get ready. That is fine Dan but I want your promise that after we go to the great sea in the West that you not hunt for reason to not come back here. You know I spent a lot of time in special tee pee for all in counsel of our tribe so you must promise me we will be back and live with them until we learn the secrets. Yes Princess but you know I receive just as you do only mine comes from God and the more I learn the more I realize even though you speak of the difference I truly believe we speak of the same deity. But Dan I know you spend time with Ooga, Muta and Aero but you not tell me of the last ones but I know you have a lot of information because you talked many days with many of them while I do other things you learned a lot of things we have not spoke of. Dan it is the first my mind ever thought of anything even close to this. Not an Indian in the world knows of these machines, men and equipment.
We will be back and that my very special princess. We also must speak about the Pirates and what we are to do with them wanting you to come to their village and talk to their people and let them show you they still hold you in high regards because of what you did and they want to have celebration and want us to know the feel very bad if we had this celebration as the Little Town did and the Indians felt they were just as any to what had taken place. Mary we cannot turn this down but we cannot be spending too much time or we get snowed in. We should have stayed down on the flats where it never snows we had no business going back up there. Dan you know that you saved many lives and now have many friends who want to thank you can you not accept that they need that giving to us for them to grow the same as the whites.
After talking it over Dan decided he did want to spend some time with these Piutes and gave up the idea of leaving this area now. He would wait and decide if the move was beneficial to the total knowledge that he now felt was available to him. No one had ever befriended a Tree Man that is what he was called by these people.
After Dan had moved into the village and got acquainted with those around him he learned that they had a incident with the Tree People years ago. When Chief Joseph invited Dan to attend the group fire pit where only the men of leadership in the village could attend. He found the Chief’s grandmother when a small child had been playing up in a tree one day as a small girl and when she fell she would have fallen into the river and as small as she was they figured she would have drowned. But when she fell several women were washing clothes at the time and when the baby fell many looked up and watched as she fell. They told the girl was halfway to the water when she just stopped and in mid air lay with her arms out like she had lit in someone’s lab. She was in the air with no nothing to support her but she did not continue to the water she was part way between the tree and the water. Just hanging there and when the ladies started to yell and scream for others to look the young girl just floated to the bank and was set down on her feet. Many eyes to see this and many to tell the story but and not all was the same they each had to add something to what they saw so when finished the story was told for two generations and the only thing they told the same and all agreed that Tree Man had caught her and set her down.
Since that day, respect and goodwill between the village and the Tree Men have continued, with numerous stories of their friendship. Since that time at the river years ago the villagers know for a fact that they can disappear and appear when they want and they have communicated many times with each generation. They know of the people from out in the clouds but it is very hard to get any information because they feel it is not to be spoke of. Dan would come back and live with these people when he returned if he did not find out right now what he wanted to know about this. Like what did the people look like? What language did they use and was it spoken out loud? Many more would come to him when he was facing one who knew. He had come to learn a lot from Ago the night they were alone and Ago was eager to talk. He not only spoke it he could make me see the picture of what he was talking about. He started with telling me that those men with the big ships came here because they needed here on this place they did not have at home and this was the only place they could go to that had it always. I did not learn exactly what it was they wanted here but he was showing me bee hives and the plants where those bees were. I will have to talk more with him to learn of this and also if he had been on there ships and sailed where did they go? What did he see in the ships cabin. I would like to know what they looked like these people from the heavens.
The next day was a special time for all these Tree Men not that the women don’t mount up to whatever was necessary but they we never spoke of when using the term Tree Men. But the celebration lasted three days and I could not get anyone to even think of speaking they were into celebrations only. When the celebrations were over then they had to gather certain berry that was in season and everyone got involved in gathering, and storing, these berries. As it turned out my eagerness to learn about Tree Men and men sent from heaven was over road by my deep expectations of seeing the Pacific Ocean. I had learned that name from those in a small village in California Valley. The term Pacific Ocean they claimed had been handed down for generations. Anyway, the more I thought of that ocean the less I thought about the other subjects. What was it I was thinking I went into very deep thinking trying to find what I cared about those and that? There may be a reason, but for now let’s just pack up and go. With that I went to camp and together my princess had made me promise we would come back and live here awhile. But with one child, one pregnant wife and a bunch of friends we left the mountains and entering the low and much Oak Brush we left all behind.