Guns and Switches
Previously:
Adam and Yuma sit around a campfire with the children to tell the story of how he and Yuma became friends.
A.N. I hadn't meant the story to take so long, but well it has taken off, and you know me, I have to have character motivation and a little bit of Bonanza history. Sorry if it is too long getting there.
Chapter 11: Blood Brothers pt 2
Continue flashback
Marie sat at the table dishing up plates for Hoss and Adam while Joseph sat in her lap chewing on a wooden spoon given to the child in a bid to keep his hands out of the mash potatoes. Adam came stomping down the stairs
"Ah bon mon un petit, I have served your dinner as soon as your father says grace we can eat... J'ai..."
"I'm not your petit and I'm not hungry," snapped Adam not stopping for any polite conversation, as he headed out the front door towards the barn.
Hoss looked worried when he spotted a few tears in his pretty mother's eyes. He knew how she felt, he was starving too and the mash potatoes smelt so good. Marie had already added extra butter while Hop Sing wasn't looking; seemed the French of New Orleans liked their butter and they weren't the only one. "Don't yer worry none mamere, Adtham don't have at eat with us."
End flashback
"So did yer get into real big trouble Mr. Adam, my pa would skin me alive ifin I spoke like that to him," declared Josh.
"I did indeed, though I don't think we need to go into details."
"Yeah we do, Dad, it's only fair."
"Ahemmm," coughed Adam.
"Didn't ya like ya new ma, daddy? asked Alexandra.
"Didn't yer forget what ya real ma looked liked?" asked Willy.
"No, I didn't forget and I really liked my new ma, not at first maybe, but I did fairly soon after...I was missing her a bit when she had to spend so much time with my baby brother and I guess I was jealous," surmised Adam trying to remember what his feelings were really about so long ago.
"So what happened to you Mr. Yuma, sir?" asked Jessica.
"Do the Indians spank their kids when they sass," asked Josh.
"My father picked up many of the white man habits; some not so good, if you ask me," laughed Yuma.
"And me also," piped up Lajoci, igniting even more laughter from both adults and children alike.
"It is important that the young ones listen to their elders, just the same as it is with you. In my Village all the adults care for all the children. Each child is a child of the tribe, a child of their parents and child of their ancestors. Children are considered very special; it's a gift to have them become men and women. Many children do not live past their first year." Yuma said solemnly.
"Really, gosh, well then how can ya be so hard on them." asked Willy.
"That's jist it, ain't Mr Yuma; ya don't want ya youngin's dying or getting hurt. My Pa calls it tough love." said Josh.
Ben smiled at the children, pleased at how this discussion was going. "That's right, your parents discipline you because we want to you to learn and keep you safe."
Yuma nodded at Ben, appreciative of the clarification. "Many years ago when a brave was severely hurt, or a child was born with handicaps, they rarely survived and if they did, they were considered a burden to the tribe, and therefore a danger for all."
"Ya mean ifin ya couldn't walk properly or see or speak?" asked Willy.
"Yes, sometimes, badly injured braves on a hunt would be left. Babies' left to…" Yuma stopped, and looked at the sad and pensive young faces in front of him. "Thank goodness it has changed in my village. Any child is seen as a gift."
"Well that's a lot better than the white man, my Papa always says children should be seen and not heard."
"That's cause you never take a breadth, Jessica. I bet yer wear yer papa's ears out," laughed young Daniel.
"Just like Alexandra, must have something ta do with girls," added Josh.
"Them fightin words, Josh," threatened Alexandra.
Adam leant down real close to Alexandra, who was still snuggled in his lap, and whispered in her ear, "Any more fighting and will be having that long overdue discussion here by the fire, Alexandra."
Alex scowled, "Boy it's my birthday and I been threatened, and insulted… I wish… I wish, I was an Indian, where I was a gift that was app…app…"
"Appreciated," helped out Marty.
"That mean… liked?"
"Yes," said Adam, "it also means longed for, welcomed, delightful, refreshing and pleasing."
"It means all them things?"
"It can; It depends in what context you use them in." explained Ben.
"What does context mean?"
"It means; in what sort of situation or circumstance…And you…" said Adam tapping her lightly on the nose, and smiling down at her "are appreciated, we love you. However, there are moments your behaviour prevents me from describing you as delightful and or pleasing all at one time." he playfully teased.
"Jist as well, I don't reckon I could be all the things at once, anyways. I wouldn't have time ta have any fun; too scared of getting things wrong, even ifin it did mean getting a swat. 'Ivan The Terrible' reckons ya gotta take chances sometimes in life, even if there's a risk somethin could go wrong. That's why he was a Magician. He said he had to try new things, some of them scary like putting his assistant in a box and cutting her in half. Seems though, the lovely Delia was taking more chance than him. Gee she wouldn't be able to be an Indian, ifin she was really cut in half. I remember one time…"
Adam stopped her before Alex could expand on one of her long winded tales and analogies. "I guess the point is Delia trusted Ivan. Counted on him to keep her safe and he respected her."
"And she respected him for it too, Dad. That's probably cause she was also a mind reader. She probably knew that he weren't really gonna cut her in half and he'd look after her anyways even ifin he did make a mistake. He'd always look after her, both halves I guess. Though the top half would be a lot more easier, I reckon. Plus he could still kiss the top half. Ivan loved Delia. Wish I was a mind reader."
"Me too, me too," the children chorused.
"I'd know when my Pa was mad," said Josh.
"Or ya would be able ta see iffin they knowed ya done something wrong," added Willy.
"Yeah and if they were gonna tan yer fer it," scowled Daniel.
"If you could read minds then you would probably know you shouldn't be doing anything wrong in the first place," said Ben.
"Gosh, Grandpa, that's the point; ya don't always knows ifin what yer done was wrong until yer done it."
"And there's the drum, young lady. That is why we are here to teach you."
Adam was trying not to laugh at the children's expression and loss of point in the debate. "It's easier to let our wants or even our fears get in the way of how we should really treat each other. It is sometimes very easy to let anger come rule our behaviour when really we are disappointed or worried."
"Thet's real hard sometimes ain't it, Dad?" said Alex.
Willy poked the fire with a long stick. "Guess ya feel like ya angry at yer, Pa instead of feelin… "
"Sad," interrupted Josh.
"That's right, saying things yer don't rightly mean," added Hoss.
Lajoci looked at the boy poking the fire with the stick, then picked up a stick also and prodded at the embers in front of him."Perhaps you are angry at the wrong person. You may be angry at…"
"Yerself…" whispered Willy.
Joe and Hoss looked at Adam with a gentle smile of understanding what Willy's was trying to comprehend. All three Cartwright boys knew what it was like to take the world on their shoulders. Adam picked up the melancholy in the boy's words.
"Guess that's probably the truth, sometimes, but it's because you don't know why you feel that way or you're too scared to say it out loud. Fact is most of the time we get angry at ourselves it is because we haven't stopped to think or explain what we are feeling."
"But, sometimes ya don't know how to explain it; ya just blurt out the first thing that ya think is annoying ya," admitted Willy.
"Yep, but ya learn, ya teach yerself ta stop and think. Sometimes it's a good thing ta walk around in tha other person's boots." suggested Hoss.
"Or moccasins…" added Lajoci.
"Gee, Mr. Hoss we could take some mighty big steps ifin we walked in your boots."
Hoss laughed, "Thet yer could, Josh."
Ben and Yuma listened to the chatter and opinions of the children, thinking back to those times and feelings. They sat silently musing to themselves for the most part, adding their insights occasionally as Adam continued on with the tale.
Flashback
Yuma paced the Kanni waiting for his elderly father to deal with him. His father was a good man; that he knew and believed with all his heart. He had become fanatical about keeping peace with the white man insisting that his village made contact with them. Winnemucca had gone as far as to make good friends with a big rancher in the area. Yes, he too was a kind man, making sure the village was not interfered with or attacked by the bad white men. The big man with the grey hair had often bought gifts of fresh meat and cloth bright and colorful. Winnemucca had also insisted that his people, especially the braves and those bound for leadership, learn the white man's tongue. This included Yuma. He found it confusing and made little sense. To his ear the white man's language sounded angry and ignorant. Words often had double meanings and had nothing to do with the object it's sound was to represent, either visually or emotionally. This language they called English, was not a language centred around the gifts the land and sky or the words of wisdom of the great Indian ancestors. Winnemucca had said that he was being narrow minded; a white man's expression that meant he was only looking at the meadow and not as far as the mountains and sky.
Yuma jumped as his father thrust open the Kanni. He hadn't noticed the sounds of his father's footsteps, nor, as he was to find out later, did he realize his father had spoken to his mother and her mother's sister Meena; a medicine woman with too much to say as far as Yuma was concerned.
Yuma's eyes went wide when he noticed the switch in his father's hand. His father had never struck him, other than a friendly pat to his breech cloth. His mother on the other hand had slapped his behind on several occasions as a small child, as did many of the women in the village. It seemed no child's backside belonged to any particular set of parents; childbearing was a village affair, and that included chastisement.
It was effective to a point, but the boys would often purposely stir up the old women out of boredom. They enjoyed the chase they would give before getting their rumps swatted, though the women were often too tired to put any real force behind their smacks. However, if they had been caught by any of the men doing such a thing they would have been more severely chastised. This was obviously going to be one of these times.
Old Wanna Mucca did not look happy with his youngest child; truth be known he had not wanted to be so severe, but Meena had insisted he take the boy in hand, he was getting arrogant and defiant when it came to his mother's instructions and at times he did not follow orders given by the elders.
Yuma could see the disappointment in his father's eyes and his heart begged him to apologize, but he was also affronted at being treated like a child; a naughty child. As far as he was concerned a stick was not going to change that misplaced pride.
"Yuma it is my wish that you become a man, but I do not wish it at the cost of your Achak; your spirit. More than just a nana; a man, I wish you to become a good man. Respect for all is a character of a alo nana; good man. Your insolent, behavior will not be tolerated, nor will it help you to become the man you should also wish to become. Do you wish to say anything before we start with the chastisement and correction; it is my duty to perform."
Yuma refused to comment, while he was scared of the switch to some degree, he believed he should be treated like a man, and if that meant saying something that others were not willing to hear then so be it. In all honesty, he had not expressed himself well, but deep down he felt his father was growing soft, letting the white man's ways influence him and Bad Face.
"Very well, my son." Winnemucca moved forward and grabbed his son by his arm and swung him around. Yuma stood firm and braced himself for a strike across his back. Instead his father pushed him forward and landed a quick strike across his buttocks.
Yuma was embarrassed at first to be truck on the behind, though that embarrassment was short lived, when another stinging stripe was administered. He yelped and stood up turning his body and burning backside away from his father.
Wunna Mucca was not sure if it was a sense of betrayal in his boys eyes or defiance, either way he grabbed the boy again this time around the waist and tucked him towards his hip, tilting him forward again. Yuma started to kick frantically, trying to avoid any more of the switch, but Wunna Mucca struck again, eliciting a howl from the child.
Yuma could not catch his breath enough to yell again, as a fourth lash came down.
Wunna Mucca could not contain his own distress any longer and released the boy. He quickly turned his face away and broke the stick in half discarding it as he left the kanni.
Yuma dropped to the bear skin and quickly rolled onto to his stomach and let the tears take over his body.
Bad Face of the Shoshoni, watched, with dismay, as his father- in law left the kanni. The older man was visibly upset with the boy. Bad Face had married Old Winnemucca's eldest daughter. Soon he had become known as the Young Winnemucca among the Paiutes with the exception of Yuma, who still referred to him as Bad Face. He hoped in time that would change. He knew young Yuma was somewhat envious of his new position among the tribe, but he had earned his place with the Paiutes of this region. He had been welcomed with open arms from most, and considered a son of Winnemucca. Yuma, at first had seemed to look up to him. Winnemucca was getting old and had few sons still living within the village. He was glad his youngest male child had had someone to model himself on. But of late the boy was envious and ill tempered. Bad Face's reputation had grown strong, and his tribal duties had become time consuming. There had not been the time to spend with Yuma over the last months, but the hunting trip was too dangerous and the boy was far too young and inexperienced to be taken along.
Bad Face poked his head in the tepee, and spoke to the still sobbing child. "You are not a man yet, Little Tama; thunder, and do not have the privilege of speaking to elders as such. Nor will you break your father's heart like you have done this day. Mind my words Yuma, son of a chief. You bereave your father again like this and you will have me to answer to. You will be old enough for the hunt next year and you will accompany me and my braves. You will apologise to Winnemucca at first light." Bad Face, true to his name, glared with the same thunder in his eyes, that Yuma had. He did not wait for the boy to answer; instead he closed the flap and continued on his way.
oOo
When her husband did not arrive soon after Adam, Marie decided it was better that they start. She clasped her baby son's hands together and nodded for Hoss to do the same. "Perhaps young Eric you would like to say the prayer so we may start."
"Sure I would," smiled Hoss and clasped his hands together. "Now I lay me down at... Oops wrong one," smiled Hoss. "Thenk you O Lord for theses thy gifts... "
Hoss was so sincere Marie nearly laughed out loud. The seven year old had the soul of a kind hearted and wise man at times. She always felt good around him. Two years ago the boy had accepted her with open arms, excited at the prospect of having a mother.
Adam on the other hand was a different kettle of fish. The twelve year old was very cold to her at first, and Marie had worked hard to engage him in more than just civil conversation. Their shared interest in literature finally paid off last year and Adam had warmed to Marie, often enjoying the late night discussions when Ben had been away. However, since the birth of Joseph, Adam had become distant again, sullen, verging on the point of disrespect. It hurt Marie deeply and in her present state of fatigue, it almost broke her heart.
"Amen," announced Hoss.
"Amen," repeated Marie
"Mama,amamama," gurgled Joseph.
"You may start eating now, Eric." Smiled Marie and gave Joseph back his spoon to chew on.
Ben walked slowly down the stairs still rubbing his face, thinking he should have probably sent Adam down to the dinner table for his meal and then had their discussion later, when the rest of the family had retired for the night. It was unlike him to deny or even delay a healthy hot meal. But, Ben was both angry and worried when he had banished Adam to the barn before considering that supper would be ready. Never in his life had Adam been so disrespectful. He saw that the rest of the family had started to eat, well Hoss had; Marie was looking at him with an empty fork in her hand. "I see you have started," groused Ben. It sounded harsher than he had meant it, he was not mad at those in front of him, but he'd made it a rule that the family would all eat together and say prayers together.
"I am sorry Ben, but the little ones needed to eat and Adam implied that he..."
"No, Marie, it is I that should be have done nothing wrong. Adam will be joining us in a moment. Continue on without me, I won't be long." Ben headed towards the door.
"Please Benjamin, Adam…"
Hoss sprung his head up at the mention of his big brothers name. He sensed the tension between his parents and looked with wide eyes at both of them.
"Eat your supper Eric," said Marie and then turned and spoke in French to her husband, "Il est encore jeune et est encore incertain. Ne soyez pas en colère contre lui. Pour quelque chose, il est fou de moi pour. Elle ne fera notre relation aucuns bon. Il est encore jeune et est encore incertain. Ne soyez pas en colère contre lui. Pour quelque chose, il est fou de moi pour. Elle ne fera notre relation aucuns bon." He is still young boy and is again unsettled. Do not be angry with him, for something he is mad at me for. It will do our relationship no good.
"He is angry at me, Marie not you."
"It is me also, my love, it will sort itself out soon, I am sure."
"Why was he rude to you again?"
"A little angry, I think, please, Benjamin sit down."
"I won't tolerate him being rude to you or me, Marie. I have had these expectations all his life, he knows the consequences. He will be joining us, no matter how uncomfortable he is. "
"Très bien, but neither one of you are going to want to eat after you have punished him, so perhaps you can have your meal with us before you head to the barn. And Adam can have a little time to swallow his pride," suggested Marie.
"Yeah Pa, and if in yer don't hurry Wittle Joe's gonna eat all the mash tattoes."
Marie had been too pre-occupied with her husband's anguish to really worry about what the baby on her lap was doing. While they had been busy discussing Adam, little Joe had scooped a large chunk of mash potato on his spoon and was happily spreading it across his face and sucking on the soft butter infused mush.
"He likes em don't yer little fella," cooed Hoss.
Marie looked worried for a moment. The doctor had said that Joseph was not ready for solids yet, but Hoss was right. There was more food on his face that what he had probably consumed, but he was happy and content.
Ben laughed with Marie as he sat with his family at the head of the table; sad now also, that his oldest boy had not seen the simple moment of joy that the family members were sharing.
Once supper was finished, Ben headed to the Barn. When he entered, Adam was nowhere to be seen. Ben started to lose his temper once again until he heard a rustling up from the loft. As usual Adam had made himself comfortable up there with the hay door open where he could see the lights glowing from the house.
"Adam come down here please," asked Ben firmly.
Adam crawled over to the ladder and looked down at his father.
"Down now!" said Ben when he saw the boy poke his head over the floor.
"Can I explain first?"
"Have I ever denied you that right?"
"No, but you get angry, and then I get nervous and don't explain myself properly."
"Very well Adam, explain, from up there," huffed Ben.
"You said when I was in the eighth grade I could go on the trail, like the other eighth graders. Mr Taylor organises the testing for all the eighth and ninth graders just before summer vacation knowing that many will leave with their fathers for the round up then the cattle drive."
"Adam most of the eighth graders are at least fourteen you are only twelve."
"Yes but you can see my confusion Pa, I tested first amongst the eighth graders, so you see I should be allowed to go."
"Boy you have twisted my meaning. You know all too well that I would not take a boy of twelve," declared Ben starting to lose his patience.
Though, it was Adam that lost his temper before Ben. "I did not twist your words; you are the one that keeps changing the rules. I travelled by wagon train with you and Ma Inger, when Hoss was a baby. I did lots of things the older boys did."
"Reign in your attitude Adam, you are not going on the cattle drive and that's that. You can help with the round up, but only if you keep that temper in check. Now you will come down here immediately. We will have a discussion about your temper and disrespect, then you will go inside and apologise to your mother."
Adam did not move.
"Adam you have to the count of three."
Adam still did not move.
"One…Two…Three… Very well, you will eventually come down from there and you will regret it sorely my boy."
oOo
Two little boys waited until there was quiet in their world. Two little boys took such an opportunity, in their turmoil of anger, self pity and defiance to sneak out from their homes.
Yuma had heard no more murmurings outside of his tepee. His mother left him to sulk while she conferenced with old Meena. Yuma grabbed his knife and small set of arrows that Bad Face had awarded him some months before. He also grabbed some supplies including a small rug. The rest of what he would need for his hunt would be easily available considering his skill, or so he considered. He carefully snuck out of his kanni and the village.
Twelve year old, Adam had dropped from the hay loft from the open doors and snuck into the big room, while Ben had dozed off sitting cross armed on the hay bale. Marie was putting Hoss and little Joe to bed upstairs, so Adam grabbed his small riffle and shells from the cabinet. Deciding he was going to live the rest of his life like a hermit, he grabbed his still sodden book of the coffee table and headed to the darkened kitchen to grab what supplies he could carry. Hop Sing had laid out the fresh warm bread for the morning. He grabbed a loaf, and some dried jerky from the meat safe.
Two little boys on a personal mission and dangerous journey would soon cross paths; just after dawn.
Adam couldn't believe his luck when he had found an abandoned line shack near a large set of large boulders. Unfortunately, most of the shacks roof was missing, but a cave nearby offered better protection from the cold air and early morning rain. Adam had decided after a well cooked breakfast he would repair the roof and make it his home. As the sun rose he spotted a small dear near the entrance nibbling on a bush of berries. He loaded his rifle and quietly crept up to the entrance with the animal in his sight, then fired.
Yuma had spotted the same dear some hours before. He had been able to follow the deer, at a distance thanks to the full moon above, but he dared not disturb the animal, by getting too close, not until the sound of morning would disguise his own presence. He could not believe his luck, when the animal had stopped to pick on some berries, near a cluster of large rocks below him. He drew his arrow aimed it at the deer and released it.
Both shot and the ping of the arrow echoed of the stone walls and Adam ran quickly from his hiding spot near the caves entrance. The dead deer lay on the ground only feet away with an arrow in its neck and a bullet wound to it's breast plate. He grabbed the arrow, but stopped when he heard shouts from above.
"Arke ah tee ha; stay away, Esaa mi mata; That is my kill, white ah yoh tlee; child" yelled Yuma.
Adam didn't need a complete translation. The Indian boy, most likely Paiute, made it very clear in both his native tongue and a little English that he believed he had shot the animal first. "That's gonna be hard to prove," yelled back Adam, "He's big enough for both of us, anyway's."
Yuma understood the boy perfectly. He guessed he must be the son of the big white rancher his father had befriended. Well not him, he wouldn't scalp him or count coup on him, but he wasn't going to share his kill with him. He could take this carcass back to his mother and least show them all that he was a capable hunter. "You may have sumu'yoo eggowpa; one leg," he offered holding up a finger.
Adam wasn't sure which part of the body the boy was offering but he understood one, and as far as he was concerned; one wasn't enough. He shook his head at first, but then thought better of it. One of something would be fine, perhaps for at least two meals, though the skin would have made a handy poncho or wind breaker. "Very well," he conceded.
Yuma was not sure if this was a trick; he slowly made his way down the face of one large bolder, but never took his eyes off Adam; which was not a wise thing to do. As he placed his foot on a boulder beside him, a shale of rock gave way and his foot slipt. Yuma fell, the rest of the way down the face of the bolder almost six feet to the ground. He landed some ten feet away from Adam, cut, bruised and with an unusually twisted right leg.
Adam didn't have to be Doctor Martin to see the boy had just broken his leg. But that was not the only peril facing this young brave Indian now, who refused to scream in front of the white boy. A large cougar had also been following the deer that morning and had come to see what all the raucous was about below. It growled when it saw the danger to its own meal, and then at the other animal laying on the ground, weak from injury with the smell of blood. To the large cat, either animal smelt good enough to eat, however the one that lay wounded and alive may just be a problem. It snapped its head to the struggles of the small boy, growled again and readied itself to pounce.
Adam saw it out of the corner of his eye, before he heard its growl. He aimed and fired just as the big cat jumped from the rock, flying though the air and descending quickly to the ground. Adam missed, he loaded again as the cat landed on all fours and headed to the helpless boy who was now trying to scuttle backwards dragging his broken leg.
All action seemed to slow, as Adam aimed; again tracking the animal, as it lifted its front paws off the ground again and leaped. Adam fired, and the large cat dropped with a loud thud not more than two feet away from it's prey.
Adam wiped the sweat from his brow and ran to Yuma, "Stay still; you've broken your leg."
"Nah hablas dices; no kidding...You have eyes like the ggwe'na'a; eagle," quipped Yuma sarcastically, in between gritting his teeth to diffuse the pain.
"Not sure what you mean by that, but hey, you're welcome," answered Adam.
Yuma felt a little guilty. This boy had just saved his life. "Arke ah tee ha; I stay; skennenko; peace, alright …Arke ah tee ha; I stay…wa ken; with you."
End Flashback
The children sat wide eyed as Adam told them of their near death encounter. Adam's animated voice was enhanced by Yuma's exaggerated facial expressions and mimes, along with the occasional interpretation of the Paiute words, Adam had impressively articulated.
Adam paused to take a breath and was suddenly inundated with comments and questions.
"Jumpin Jehoshaphat, that would been real scary," said Jessie.
"Yep, I would wet my pants ifin that happen ta me," confessed Josh.
"Gosh I nearly done wet my pants listening to it," laughed Alex.
Adam slapped her thigh as he whispered in her ear, "Alex, shhh, that's not very lady like. Use your manners and stop showing off."
"Weren't me that first mention it, Dad, gosh, I was only funning."
"Sorry, Mr Adam I didn't mean ta be rude," blushed Josh.
"So, how come ya knew what Yuma was saying Mr. Adam?' asked Willy.
"I didn't, but I had a pretty good idea, and of course I hadn't quite learnt of his quick wit. But I knew a few words."
"And I knew many of the white man's English words, but I did not let my friend, here, know that at first," smirked Yuma.
"Did you not trust him yet, father?"
"Not quite, but I did have to concede that he probably saved my life," answered Yuma.
Adam rolled his eyes and chuckled, "There was no probably about my friend, that cougar had you in his sights for breakfast. If I had missed…"
"I would have used my knife on him, I had it tucked into my boot," bragged Yuma.
"Oh right, yes because even though you had a broken leg, cuts and bruises everywhere, and out of breath, you at twelve was a mighty brave whittle hunter…" teased Adam.
Yuma laughed, "It was a lucky shot, Cartwright and you know it."
"Sure it was, but it still saved your skinny little hide."
The children joined in with laughter at the big men's jostling banter and camaraderie.
"Well what happened then?"
"Weren't yer folks worried?"
"Yeah did they go looking fer ya?"
"They found yer right?"
Alexandra rolled her eyes. "Of course they did, theys here aren't they. Both of them, so they musta been alright in the end."
Daniel nodded, then got an exciting notion, "Unless these really ain't the real Adam Cartwright and Mr. Yuma," he said wide eyed.
Josh picked up on the other boys' enthusiastic imagination, "Yeah maybe they swapped places like that story Mr Clements done wrote about the two princes. Maybe your Pa is really an Indian…" he pointed to Alexandra, then to Lajoci, "and your Pa is a white man."
"That would make me an Indian Princess right, Dad. Hey maybe, I'm a precious gift after all," she beamed.
"Alexandra, I did not swap places with Yuma, and you are still my princess," confirmed Adam.
"Maybe they didn't find them fer a really long time and they grew up in the forest like that story about the boy in the jungle raised by apes," offered Willy.
Ben bellowed with laughter and held up his hands, "Boys and girls, you're letting your imagination run away with you." He wiped the tears of laughter from his face, and then put on a mocked and serious frown. "We were indeed looking for two naughty little boys. As soon as I noticed Adam was missing and had gathered supplies, I started looking for him, that is; after I had got his mother calmed down some. She was sick with worry." Ben glared at Adam, like it was yesterday… "I started following Adam's trail, but it was very hard in the dark. I knew Chief Winnemucca, and knew my way to their village. I thought they could help me track my boy. It wasn't until I got to the village at first light, did I find out they too were about to head off to look for Yuma. The old chief…" this time Ben gave Yuma a stern look, "was beside himself with grief, fearing he had been too harsh on his young son and had pushed him away. Bad Face organised the best of his braves and we split up and set out to find both of them. Winnemucca and I took two trackers and headed back towards the Ponderosa to pick up Adams trail, while Bad Face and his braves tracked Yuma"
Yuma nudged Adam, "I fear we are still in much trouble. Your father has not forgotten," he whispered out of the side of his mouth.
Adam was cautious and whispered back, "Hmmm, he has a memory like an elephant, careful he still swings a pretty mean switch."
Unfortunately, Alexandra heard the comment and piped up, loud enough for everyone to hear, "How come elephants have really good memories dad? How do yer know they have really good memories? Is it cause there so big and old? Is that why grandpa has a memory like one?"
Ben snapped his head up at the two grown men and narrowed his eyes. Both Yuma and Adam gulped.
"The child will be the death of you my friend," murmured Yuma.
Continue flashback.
Adam knelt down in front of Yuma, who was now in a lot of pain, barely holding on to his consciousness.
"ME ADAM CARTWRIGHT," he yelled.
Yuma nodded, "YUMA, son of Winna…MUCCA," He yelled back.
Adam, pretty proud of himself for being understood, "YOU HAVE A SEROUS INJURY… YOUR LEG …"
Yuma put his hands over his ears then grabbed his leg, "MY EGGOWPA, yes Na ha ma EDDSOPEGE," he exaggerated pointing to his head.
"Oh you have hurt your ear as well. LEG…" Adam slapped his thigh, and then cupped his left ear, "EAR… Is your ear hurt too?" he asked.
"Only when YOU bellow. My hearing is fine, is yours?" Quipped a short tempered Yuma, then suddenly took a huge gasp as a pain shot through his leg.
"Ohhhh ! You speak some English," exclaimed Adam.
"Yes," he whispered.
"Okay, that's good," affirmed Adam, then added, "Smart Alec..."
"Smart Alec?" Growled Yuma; recognising an insult when he heard one.
"Clever Indian brave…" redefined Adam. "Anyway, I think I better make a splint. Do you think you can walk if I find a stick for you to lean on?" Adam asked, miming with his hands.
Yuma nodded and then lay down as Adam went to find wood for a splint.
Adam returned some moments later, with two strong sticks. He ripped his short sleeves off and prepared to attach the sticks on either side of the boys' legs. "This will hurt a little; I think we need to straighten your leg out."
Yuma nodded again, but held up his hand. He then took a huge breath and said, "Now Adam Cartwright."
Adam straightened out his leg, and then attached the sticks by wrapping the torn material around them securely. When he looked up, Yuma had fainted. "A brave smart alec, that's fer sure. I would have screamed my head off. Well I'm not going to be able to carry you too far," pondered Adam out loud.
Adam looked around for a moment, wondering what would be the best course of action to take. His Pa had always told him that if he were ever lost to stay put. Make yourself comfortable and safe with what was at hand. He thought of carrying Yuma back to the cave, while it was cold, it was protected better from the wind and the rain. He could safely make a fire and wait to be found. He was hopeful that his father would eventually find him. However Yuma, was still unconscious, and he feared this boy may be more injured that he looked. A broken leg was bad enough, but what if there was something inside that was more serious. They were close enough to the ranch, with some luck they may run into his pa. Adam decided he would make a travois and pull the boy home. Convinced that was the best option, he carefully, removed Yuma's knife from his long moccasin boot, and set about finding some long enough branches.
Sometime later, Yuma woke moaning to the slight bumps and thumps that accompanied movement. Adam immediately stopped dragging the travois and laid it down on the ground. He turned and dropped down to the boy, and offered him his canteen, "Here don't try and get up, drink some water."
Yuma took the canteen and drank the cool water. He leant back on his elbows as his head cleared and looked around at the contraption he was lying in. "You make?"
"Yep, see I used two long sticks, and my coat acts as a sling. We call it a travois, what do your people call it?"
"A travois…" laughed Yuma. "It is an Indian word. My people use them all the time. My people most likely used it before your people. It is safe?"
"I'm getting a bit sick of your attitude, you know I'm only trying to help."
"I am sorry, Adam Cartwright you are right. It looks well built."
"Of course it is; I'm a good builder, I will build lots of things when I'm older. I made a wagon for my little brother."
"A whole wagon?"
"Well not a big one."
Yuma laughed, "we both like to boast. Have you pulled me far?"
"Not too far, but, it's getting hot, I just hope I can get us back to our ranch soon."
"The ranch of your father?"
"Yes, its closer I think, than your Village. My Pa will help. He will get you a doctor."
"A doctor?"
"A healer, medicine man."
"A Puha; a healer, they can be man or woman."
"A pu..ha," pronounced Adam. "Do you have a good one in your village?"
"Yes, but a broken leg is not a good thing, they do not often heal properly. I will be a burden to my people."
"No you won't, you are not a burden to me. If I get you to my house, then my father can go and get your father."
"My father is angry with me."
"So is mine. I'm in for a real tanning when I get home, but you need help and well. .."
"A tanning?"
"Yes I ran away. A tanning is a … smack," Adam demonstrated on his own seat of his britches, "except lots more."
'Oh, you are not too old for such chastisements?"
"Nope, with my Pa, I don't think I will ever be too old."
"Your father will not be angry at you for bringing me to your Home?" sincerely asked Yuma, now worried he may have bought trouble to his rescuer.
"No he would expect me to do that. He will be proud of me," said Adam.
"Then perhaps he will do this tanning of you."
Adam screwed up his face, "Perhaps not today, but I don't fancy my chances tomorrow. Come on we better keep moving, we will stop for food soon as long as you keep that water down. Lay down; your easier to drag that way."
Adam, returned to the front of travois, and picked up the handles. His hands had already started to blister, and his now bare arms were turning pink from the noon sun. If it got any hotter, they may need to find shelter. At least Yuma was not as sick as Adam had earlier feared. If they had to spend another night out here, he was confident, by morning they would be home.
Adam started to whistle to keep his mind of the ache in his muscles. Yuma listened finding the melody and rhythm comforting and it helped keep his mind off of the pain in his leg. He did not want to pass out again. The white boy was doing a good job, but a dead weight would make his job a lot harder. So he lay back, and hummed along with Adam, picking up the tune…
The gypsy rover went over the hill,
Down to the valley so shady… Suddenly Adam stopped. "Ahhh Yuma?"
Yuma stretched around Adam's body, to see what had halted their progress. There in front of them was Bad Face, looking annoyed sitting tall on a painted pony, and flanked by two equally intimidating Paiute braves.
"Yuma, am I in trouble, here?
"No my friend, I am."
End Flashback.
TBC
Chapter 12 : Friends Of A Different Feather.
A.N. I jope the in and out of the flashbacks weren't too confusing or annoying. I personally don't like too many of them interupting one chapter, but the lesson is being learn't. A big shout out to Lajoci, for the beta and the suggestions, including the following translations. Nana- man… Alo- holy good… Tame- thunder, angry… Puha- healer… Eggowpa- Leg Eddsopege- ear… Nah hablas dices – Spanish, ute Aztec ground…no dice, no kidding. .. Arke ah tee ha; stay away… Esaa mi mata….That is my kill… ah yoh tlee; child …wun-one
Be aware that it is very hard to find Paiute phrases, so some are a mixture of Shoshoni and Paiute and Ute Aztec. Also Bad Face did really exist. I perhaps should not have used a real person in this fiction, but since I had included Old Winnemucca, then Bad Face seemed to join in. He was a Shoshoni and married Winnemucca's daughter. He was father to the well known Sarah Winnemucca, who foundered education facilities and rights for Native American children. Bad Face became known as young Winnemucca and was considered a knoble warrior and good chief. The name Winnemucca was actually Onennamucca, pronounced Wunna Mucca by his people. it was anglicized in 1859 to Winnemucca. The Winnemucca's gave up trying to get the white people to pronounce it in their native tongue.