The Lonely Buckskinner-Book 3 in the Sweetwater Saga

By Mark A. Gray

BACK COVER

Sweetwater Ranch grew into a large reputable cattle business. Travis earned the respect of all the law abiding citizens of a small town of Macnook.
Travis was instrumental in the slow growth of the town. He made sure his sons, Newt and Cody got the education the boys deserved. As the young boys grew up young men, they both became a valuable asset to Sweetwater Ranch.
A young Indian girl is found half frozen to death. Lil nurses her back to health and loved her like a daughter. Daisy Mae soon realizes, she could manipulate everyone. She destroys the family trust, slowly from the inside with her lies.
Will Travis ride off and leave Lil heartbroken?
Will Daisy Mae take over with her own desires? That may lead to her own destruction.
Will this be the end of Sweetwater Ranch?

The Sweetwater Saga continues with the reality of everyday life of triumphs and hardships in the lawless Nebraska Territory.

Read Sweetwater 1876-The Lonely Buck skinner to find out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark A. Gray
• Release date: Mar 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781604146585

Mark A. Gray

Mark. A. Gray was born and raised in Indiana. He moved to Colorado soon after graduating high school and lived there for 18 years and worked in construction.He then got a job with a hunting outfitter, starting out as a cook. He eventually became a guide, hunting elk and deer in the flat tops wilderness. His dream job lasted 13 years.He then became a working ranch manager on 160 acres, raising elk for five years.In his travels, the trails led him across the United States of America, then back home to Indiana to be closer to his family, where he now lives and works.

Book preview

The Lonely Buckskinner

Book 3 of the Sweetwater 1876 Saga

Mark A. Gray

Smashwords ebook published by Fideli Publishing Inc.

Copyright 2013, Mark A Gray

No part of this eBook may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Fideli Publishing.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

ISBN: 978-1-60414-658-5

Acknowledgments

My true friend Punkin. Behind the scenes; Her opinions on the outside looking in. Her professionalism, for typing editing, and proofreading.

Her enthusiasm, she always believed-even when I didn’t. She’ll always be in my heart, thoughts. Prayers, and memories. Punkin you said to thank all the women involved in my story.

My editor-Publisher Fideli Publishing for bringing Travis’ story to life and the story they had to tell.

My illustrator Robert A. Hudson for giving my cover depth and life.

And above all the good Lord, for the dream, that started this long journey thru the trails of Life.

Thank You!

Dedication

My Sister

By Mark A Gray

12-27-2012

She loved the outdoors, Her cabin in the woods;

She watched deer with her family; On the porch, she stood

Her Stained glass art; Thru the eyes of her soul;

Hung in the windows; sunlite made them glow.

Quiet walks in the woods, with her family and dog;

Around the small pond; filled with little green frogs.

She loved campin’, fishin’, which she was no stranger;

Vacations, Garage sales; her family and friends loved her.

She played and worked hard; In the sun, she would blister;

Mushroom huntin’, volunteer work; she was my sister.

Her smile, her laughter, Filled the cheerful rooms;

Busy, always runnin’, cleanin’, sweepin’ with a broom.

Her children are a blessing; makes us all proud;

Her opinions were valued; she stood out in the crowd,

Makin memories with her family;pictures proven beyond;

Gone, but not forgotten; her memories live on.

She’ll be missed; she went to better place;

She won the race of life; finishin’ with grace.

We’ll stay here, to fight another day;

The good Lord above; Gave her a better way.

In Loving memory

Debra McCain

(December 27, 1958-December 9, 2011)

A Day’s Ride

By Mark A Gray

October 12, 2012

Early mornin’ mountain air, cold and clear;

Rode to clear off the upper trail; that was near.

Cut blown down trees, even limbs that sagged;

Miles from camp; lunch was in our saddlebags.

Rode to red dirt camp: made it with ease:

Took the lower trail back; down thru rocks and trees;

Rode up and over ridges, under the snow clouds;

Clearin’ the trail; saw two free rangin’ cows.

Ridin thru the dark timber; lookin on the each side;

We rode pushin 20 head, swingin’ our ropes with pride;

Thinkin, daydreamin, mutterin a cowboy song;

Quiet and peaceful; ridin’, mosey‘n along.

North wind blowin; leathers cold, suns a settin;

A long day, miles from camp, horses sweatin’;

Thru the mountain meadows and timber; lookin for strays;

We found and pushed 150 head, along the way.

We pushed to the gatherin place; cattle feedin; and restin;

Sunset was beautiful; headed back to where we’re nestin;

Ranchers sort out cattle in the mountain meadow park;

Me and pathfinder ride back, just after dark.

Moonlit ride; in the quiet chill of the night;

Slow around rough spots; thru the shadows of the moonlight.

Horses corraled and fed; our boots on the dirt floor;

Restin ‘til morning; then we’ll look for some more.

Introduction

Summer of 1877, In the lawless Nebraska Territory, Sweetwater Ranch thrives with hardwork, dedication, sweat and tears.

Travis and Lil have good friends and family move onto Annebell Ranch, A days ride to the north.

Smiley is ready to ride to town, to see his sweetheart. They’re lives are filled with unexpected surprises of everyday life; marriages, youngin’s born, even death and hardships.

Life wasn’t easy, but they managed to make a simple life for themselves. Education for Newt and Cody was the utmost importance on Travis’ mind.

Teaching the boys About Ranching from Calving, to Newts first girlfriend, to business, and anything else life threw their way. Until…an event turned their world upside down and torn apart.

Timeline

July 9, 1877- Smiley, Smiley’s ma, Cole, Little Bear, Annabell Ranch

July 17 — Little Bear, Sparrow

August 2 — Newt’s birthday, little red heart pin

August 18 — Maria’s birthday

September 2 — Smiley marries Miss Emily

March 1878 — Miss Carrie gives birth, daughter, Violet

April — Sparrow gives birth, son, Big Cloud Little Bear

June — Emily gives birth, son, Nathan Eli

February 1879 — Sparrow gives birth, son, Cloud Tall Tree Little Bear

April 1880 — Newt’s first cattle drive

June — Town, Mrs. Carrie, school for Newt

July — Newt leaves for Lincoln

April 1881 — Emily gives birth, son, Trevor, town

May 1881 — Mrs. Carrie gives birth, daughter, Clare

August 1 — Newt arrives, gets married

August 30 — Four steers

November — Johnny Ray — Daisy Mae

January 1882 — Daisy Mae unconscious

March — Little Bear talks to Daisy Mae

April — Calves

June 3 — Newt contract with railroad

July 6 — Maria gives birth, son, Rock

August 2 — Town, show off baby, Daisy Mae jail

September 1 — Cody leaves for school, Omaha

November — Fawn in trouble

March 1883 — Cody, Fawn get married, Omaha

April — Hired hands, Daisy Mae

May — Travis leaves, Newt leaves

May 14 — Fawn gives birth, boy, Wyatt Bushgrass Wilde

July — Lil’s nervous breakdown

September — Maria gives birth, son, Cord

May 1884 — Travis comes home

April — Newt comes home

June — Daisy Mae murdered

July 1884 — Lil’s Indian family, Powwow

September 1884 — Cody comes home, Fawn pregnant, Sparrow meets Fawn Pawnee- Cherokee

CHAPTER 1

Annabell Ranch — New Beginning

Yipee! Yipee! yelled Smiley. Cole and Annebell laughed, Oh, Boy! I ..." Smiley stopped and stared up the field, towards the north, with a solemn look on his face.

What’s wrong, Smiley? What ya see? asked Annabell. Cole looked, Annabell looked an dstood by Cole and didn’t see anything.

"Sh-h-h! Indians! He whispered as they stood on the proch, looking to where Smiley pointed.

Little Bear rode up on his paint stallion and looked, he saw them. He handed the beautiful bunch of flowers to Smiley. Me go see! This for beau-ti-ful, red hair! Smiley handed the flowers to his ma, as they watched. You stay! No tro-uble, me go!

Little Bear, ya be careful! cried Annabell as Little Bear trotted off to the north.

He’ll be alright! Cole hugged Annabell. He knows how to talk to Indians, we can’t! added Cole.

They all stood and watched Little Bear ride up and stop to talk with about twenty Indians with horses pulling travois. They all pointed back to the east, behind them, as a small group of Indians walked up. The larger band of Indians walked off, out of sight. Little Bear talked to the small band of Indian women. They looked back, then they walked off, and five more Indian women walked past Little Bear as Little Bear sat on his paint stallion, looking east.

Cole, what ya figure, they’re on the move? asked Smiley.

Yeah, pro’bly headed north to the river. Wonder what Little Bear is lookin’ at? remarked Cole, curious.

Ya wanna ride out and see? asked Smiley.

No, might cause more trouble than what it’s worth. We don’t need trouble. Little Bear can handle it! Whatever it is! Cole was curious as they stood on the porch and watched.

Little Bear rode towards the east, almost out of sight. He got off his paint mare. He walked a few yards to a fallen squaw. He looked at her lying on the ground. She was crying and rubbing her ankle.

You hurt? Little Bear asked, she didn’t look up.

Me no walk! Leave! Me die! She cried. Little Bear looked at her, he knelt down to look at her black and blue swollen ankle.

Me help! He touched her ankle.

No, me die! Leave! She laid on the ground in the tall grass next to her travois, crying. Me, no man! Me die!

You no die! Me help! replied Little Bear.

No! Family leave me! Me die! She sobbed as she tried to look thru the tall grass, as her family disappeared. Me die! Me no man!

You no die! Me help! You name? Me, Little Bear! Me help!

Me Spar-row Tall-Tree, Paw-nee, me die! Go to spirits in sky! Go! Leave! She sobbed.

You no die! Spar-row, with broke wing, me help, fix broke wing, you fly away, back home! Little Bear touched her ankle, she flinched and cried out in pain.

No, me die! Leave!

Spar-row with broke wing, you die! Little Bear walked back to his horse.

Cole and Annabell watched from the porch.

No! Me help! She cried, and held up her hand and tried to stand up. She fell back down on the ground.

No! You die! Got to spirits in sky!

No! Me no die! she begged. Me no die! Little Bear, me no man! She sobbed. Sparrow looked up and held her hand out to Little Bear. He walked back towards her thru the tall grass where she laid. Me no die! Little Bear, help! She begged, she cried looking at him, her hand held up to him. Me no die! Me no man! Little Bear knelt down beside her and wrapped her ankle. She wiped her eyes and watched him.

Me help! You no die! Me fix broke wing, you fly away, home! Little Bear smiled.

Me, no fly! Sparrow smiled. Me stay, barn? Little Bear tied her travois to his paint mare and helped her up. She kissed his cheek and smiled as she laid down on the travois. You Lit-tle Bear, me Spar-row! She smiled as Little Bear walked his paint stallion, slowly, thru the tall grass and wild flowers, back towards the house.

What in the world? What does he got? asked Annabell, very curious, hugging Cole, looking.

Looks like someone’s injured and can’t walk. The Indians left them to die! remarked Cole, hugging Annabell.

Oh, my goodness, for heaven sakes! No! Annabell looked at Cole, she teared. Cole, we gotta help them! Annabell hugged him.

Let’s wait, see what Little Bear says, added Cole.

They watched Little Bear walk down thru the tall grass and wild flowers, dragging the travois back towards the house. He got closer and closer. They walked down off the porch towards Little Bear. He stopped and looked at Cole as they all stood there looking at him.

Me find Spar-row, with broke wing, me fix, fly away home! Spar-row, stay in barn!

What? What in the world ya talkin’ about? remarked Annabell, walking over to look. Oh, my heavens! It’s an Indian woman! What’s wrong? Annabell was shocked.

Me spar-row! Me, no fly! Broke wing! Me stay, barn! She smiled.

Let me see! Annabell looked at her ankle, as she unwrapped it. Smiley walked over.

That’s no bird! That’s a beautiful Indian angel that fell out of the sky! remarked Smiley.

Her ankle looks terribly swollen! My name is Annabell, this is my son, Smiley, my husband Cole, and his little brother, Little Bear, smiled Annabell. We will help ya get better.

An-na-bell, me Spar-row, me no die! Little Bear me man!

They all looked at Little Bear.

Me fix broke wing, fly away, me take to barn! Little Bear started to walk away.

No! Horse apples and cow chips! That’s no way to treat an Indian woman! barked Annabell, Little Bear was confused. That’s nonsense. She can’t stay in the barn! Cole! Ya and Little Bear help her into the house. She can stay in Little Bear’s bedroom. She can stay there ‘til she can walk! My land! That’ll be a couple of weeks! Barn! Ya knuckleheads! In the house! She pointed. I insist!! Well, move! I’ll get some bandages. She walked towards the house.

Little Bear and Cole picked Sparrow up and sat her in their arms and carried her, like she was sitting in a chair, towards the house. Sparrow had her arms around their shoulders. She smiled and kissed Little Bear on the cheek, then kissed Cole on the cheek, he smiled, as they carried her into the house and sat her down in a chair at the table.

Smiley, draw me a couple of buckets of water from the well for a bath! Little Bear ya go get the tub and bring it in here. I’m gonna give her a bath! Cole, where’s my supply list? I need to write down a few more thin’s I need for Sparrow! Well, chop! Chop! Skedaddle! Ya men aren’t gonna stand around here and gawk at her pretty face! Now git! ordered Annabell.

They all scrambled for the door. Annabell smiled at Sparrow and looked at her ankle. Sparrow smiled, she ran her fingers thru Annabell’s long red hair. Sparrow, me Annabell. I will help ya. You’re pretty! She smiled and touched her face.

Me like! She touched Annabell’s dark red hair again. Me like, me man, Lit-tle Bear! Sparrow smiled, Annabell was surprised.

Ya like Little Bear? Ya say? Annabell wondered if Little Bear understood her.

Me, no man! Me die! Family go, leave! Me die! Little Bear me man! Me, no die! She smiled.

Oh, Sparrow! Ya won’t die. Ya stay here and be good friends with us! Annabell hugged her and kissed her cheek.

Me happy! Me no die! Little Bear, me man! Fix broke wing! Me no fly! They both giggled.

Ma! Here’s your water!

Me got tub! smiled Little Bear. Annabell watched Sparrow smile at Little Bear and watch him.

Smiley, put the water on the fire to heat up. Cole, have Little Bear take the tub into his bedroom!

Sparrow watched, as Cole pointed to Little Bear, Annabell kissed him, and watched Little Bear carry the tub into his bedroom. Annabell watched Sparrow smile as he walked by.

Cole! Sparrow like Little Bear. She calls Little Bear her man. She wants to stay with him, here. She has no man. She thinks she’s gonna die with no man! They both looked at Sparrow.

Well I’ll be! She sure is pretty, too! I bet Little Bear don’t realize he just got himself a pretty little Indian squaw. Let’s watch and see what happens! smiled Cole hugging her.

Little Bear walked out of his bedroom towards Cole. Sparrow saw him and smiled. She held out her hand to him. He stopped and looked at her, she smiled. He held out his hand. Sparrow took his hand and kissed it and held it to her face. Little Bear smiled.

Me fix broke wing! You fly away!

Me sparrow! Me Pawnee! Me no fly! She smiled.

Little Bear looked confused and looked at Cole. Cole used hand signs and talked to him. Little Bear, Sparrow likes ya. Ya helped her. She has no man. She wants to stay with ya and be your woman, and ya be her man! smiled Cole.

Little Bear looked at Sparrow and smiled. He held out his hand. She took it and kissed it, again. Me help! No fly? You stay? Beau-ti-ful like sister, live south bluff. Me like! He kissed her cheek. She smiled and hugged him. He smiled, shook his head and walked towards the door, looking at Cole. Me like! Me go, barn, horse! He walked out.

Sparrow watched him leave, she frowned and teared up. Little Bear, no like! Leave! Me sad!

Oh, no Sparrow! Annabell knelt down beside her. Little Bear likes ya. He’s gonna go put his horse in the barn. He’ll be back. Let me help ya. We’ll go in the bedroom and take a bath. Annabell helped Sparrow as she hobbled into the bedroom. Sparrow took off her dirty buckskin dress. Annabell helped her into the tub, and poured in more hot water. Sparrow laid her head back, relaxed and smiled. You sit right here, I’ll be back, smiled Annabell, as she turned and walked out of the bedroom.

She got the supply list from Cole and sat down at the table. Cole, ya know I don’t ask for much. I don’t need much, except your lovin'. They both smiled, she winked. But Sparrow needs some new clothes and necessities. I’m gonna write down on the list what she needs. When ya get over to Sweetwater Ranch, ask Lil what size clothes she wears and get Sparrow the same size. Ya think they’re about the same size, they both have nice bodies? asked Annabell.

Well, I reckon, I don’t know. They are about the same height, but other than that, who knows?

Well, anyway, ask Lil. I love ya! She hugged and kissed him. I don’t think my size would fit her, what do ya think?

I think, Cole hugged her, you’re the right size! He smiled, she kissed him.

Thanks! You and Smiley be careful goin’ to town and back, no dilly-dallyin’ around, actin’ like fools. It’s gonna be a week before I get to kiss and hug ya again, I love ya!

I love ya, too, Annabell! We’ll see ya in about a week! Cole hugged and kissed her and walked out the door. Smiley was waiting at the barn with Little Bear. Cole hugged his little brother. Ya take care of my Annabell and your pretty little Sparrow. I’ll be back in a week! as he climbed up into the wagon and started to roll, up the open grassy field, with Smiley leading the way.

Annabell walked back into the bedroom and saw Sparrow sitting naked on the edge of the bed drying herself off. Sparrow looked up and smiled. Annabell smiled. Sparrow, you wait right there, I’ll get ya a nightshirt to put on and a brush to brush your hair. Annabell smiled and walked out of the bedroom and into hers.

Little Bear came in from the barn. He grabbed a raw carrot and started to chew on it. As he walked into his bedroom, he was surprised – Sparrow sitting naked on his bed. She smiled and held out her hand to him. Little Bear stared, feasting his hungry eyes on her naked body. He smiled and walked over to her and held her hand. She kissed his hand.

Annabell picked out one of her white nightshirts and a brush off her dresser and walked back to Little Bear’s bedroom. Here Sparrow, I got ya... Annabell stopped and looked, she was startled. Little Bear was holding Sparrow’s hand as she sat naked on the edge of his bed. They both looked at her.

Me like! smiled Little Bear.

Me like! Little Bear, me man! smiled Sparrow, Annabell smiled.

Well, I’m happy ya two are happy. Put this on whenever ... huh! Here’s a brush for your hair ... huh! Maybe I better leave and make some lunch! Little Bear and Sparrow laughed as Annabell quickly walked towards the door and closed it. She smiled and shook her head and thought out loud. Boy! They sure didn’t waste no time! she muttered and smiled, as she walked out into the kitchen. Boy! Their customs are so much simpler than ours! I like that! She mumbled and started to fix lunch.

For the next several days, Annabell would fix meals for Sparrow and take them into the bedroom for her to eat and sit for hours, talking, teaching her better English, along with Little Bear. They would laugh and cry together. They would sit and take turns brushing each other’s long hair. Annabell was growing real fond of Sparrow, like a daughter. Sparrow showed a lot of respect to Annabell, she loved her just as much.

Every day Little Bear would do the chores and help Annabell with everything and help with Sparrow. Sometimes, he would sit with them for hours, making something out of rawhide, of use, or fixing something.

Little Bear quickly fell in love with Sparrow, he treated her like a queen, his Indian Queen. She loved him from the beginning when he helped her up off the ground and kissed his cheek, and only a couple of days since they met, they loved each other and spent their nights together in Little Bear’s bedroom.

Cole drove the wagon past the notch towards the creek. Smiley whistled and opened the gate as the wagon rolled thru the creek. Travis ran out the cabin door and looked. Lil! Cole and Smiley are here! as he walked out to greet them. Lil and the boys ran out to Travis.

Travis! Ya ready to go to town? smiled Smiley.

Yep! Ya bet! Tonight or tomorrow?

Tonight! laughed Smiley. I can’t wait!

Lil gave Cole a big hug and kiss on the cheek. Come on in and rest a spell! Lil smiled as they walked into the cabin. She hugged Smiley.

Well, tell me how it went? smiled Travis.

Great! We stopped, some distance from the house, stood up, looked out over the plateau, nothin’ but tall grass and wild flowers for miles, and we all bawled, went soft! smiled Cole.

Yep! We sure did. It was like a dream come true. Ma bawled all the way to the house! smiled Smiley. Lil teared up and hugged Travis.

Did she ... like the house? sobbed Lil.

Did she? She loved it! We got it all fixed up the way Ma wanted it. She said we could go to town when she got her happy home, and here we are! smiled Smiley hugging Newt and Cody.

Travis, it took us several days to brand calves, but we got ‘er done, plus a lot of other chores! smiled Cole. Lil hugged him.

I’m glad we can see each other more often, now you live close by. I miss everybody! Lil teared. Didn’t Annabell want to come? asked Lil wiping her eyes.

Nawh, she got ta thinkin’ the other night and told Smiley she would stay home with Little Bear so Miss Emily would have enough room to come back for her visit, smiled Cole. I bet ya she stays! Smiley’s in love!

Awh, Cole! I feel bad enough. Ya don’t have ta make me feel worst! Smiley scowled.

There’s nothing wrong with being in love. I’m in love! Lil hugged and kissed Travis.

Smiley’s in love. Cole’s in love. I’m in love. Newt’s in love. Cody’s in love, huh, with Wind Dancer and Moonbeam. Wow! We’re just one big lovin’ family! smiled Travis. They all laughed.

Yeah! And ya ain’t gonna believe it, but Little Bear is in love, too! smiled Cole looking at Lil, she was shocked.

What? He is? With what? Who? When? How? When did that happen? Are you sure? Lil was extremely excited and happy, and curious.

Well ta make a long story short, a band of Indians on the move left one behind. She cried, thought she was gonna die. Little Bear went out and found her. She had a badly twisted ankle, couldn’t walk or keep up with her people. So, he brought her back to the house. Her name is Sparrow Tall-Tree, Pawnee. She has no man to help her.

Lil was shocked and couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She silently cried, she was so happy for her little brother. Travis hugged her.

She said Little Bear was her man and she was his woman. She was gonna stay with Little Bear. Annabell said she could stay, and doctored her, and was gonna give her a bath when we left! Why, I bet he’s married right now! And Little Bear got himself a pretty little Indian woman! smiled Cole.

Yeah, she’s beautiful! She can talk a little bit, too! smiled Smiley. She’s about as tall as ya, Lil.

Lil smiled and wiped her eyes. How old do you think she is? teared Lil.

Oh, I don’t know, what ya figure, about twenty-five or so? asked Smiley.

Yeah, maybe a little younger than Little Bear, smiled Cole looking at Lil.

Oh, I hope it works out for him, and they find true happiness! Man, I’m so overwhelmed!

Oh, yeah! Lil, Annabell wants me to pick up some new clothes for her and some other thin’s, but I don’t know her size or what she needs.

Let me see your list, Cole. Cole handed Lil his list of supplies. She looked at it and smiled. Cole, when you get to the General Store, you ask Ruth to help you! Don’t get embarrassed. Tell her you need the things she gets for me and tell her Sparrow is about my size. Lil smiled. She’ll help you, and you better get some for Annabell, too!

Cole was confused. She handed him back his supply list. Lil, I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about!

Ask Ruth, it’s women’s business! Lil smiled. Cole got embarrassed.

I’ll help ya, Cole! I gotta little bit more experience on that business, don’t fret! smiled Travis. And, Smiley, ya better make sure Miss Emily got everythin’ she needs for herself. Have her talk to Ruth, too! Cause, there’s no runnin’ back to the store in two days! smiled Travis.

Alright, Travis! Whatever ya say, cause this time I believe ya. Don’t know why but I do! They all laughed.

Pa, can I go with ya? asked Newt.

Let’s see what your ma thinks!

Newt looked at his ma with sad eyes.

I think it would be alright! Me and Cody will be just fine. You just be careful, young man! smiled Lil.

Yip-ee! Thanks, Ma! I love ya! He hugged her. Yip-ee! Smiley, I get to ride with ya, again! Newt ran over to Smiley. Oh, boy! It’s gonna be fun! smiled Newt. They all chuckled as they watched Newt.

Ya bet, little brother! It’s gonna be a lot of fun! Let’s go out and saddle up!

Newt ran over to his ma and gave her a big hug and a kiss. Thanks, Ma! Newt ran out the door with Smiley.

Well, now we all can take turns drivin’ the wagon and drive all night. Lil, ya got your list, cause the Wilde Bunch is gonna hit town! They all laughed. Let’s move ’um up and move ’um out! Travis hugged and kissed his wife goodbye.

They all mounted up on their horses. Lil and Cody stood on the porch and watched, as they all rode thru the gate, across the creek, thru the huge weather-worn slabs of granite notch and turned south in the big open grass field and disappeared, out of sight, behind the bluffs.

Lil hugged Cody and held his hand. Well, mister, you’re the man of the cabin now! Just you and me for the next four days! Lil smiled and teared, she missed Travis’ presence the second he disappeared behind the bluff.

Ma, what does the man of the cabin do?

Oh, help me do chores, carry in firewood, make me happy and laugh, things like that! She smiled.

Alright, Ma, I think I can do that, but I gotta help Wind Dancer and Moonbeam, too!

Alright, and I’ll help you, too! She smiled as they walked up onto the porch and sat down in their chairs and enjoyed the afternoon.

Ma, what ya gonna do now.

I like to do nothing. She smiled.

Yeah, sometimes I like to do nothin’. But, sometimes I get tired of doin’ nothin’.

Lil giggled, and hugged her little boy. Cody, how would you like to go for a ride tomorrow to go see Little Bear and Annabell?

Oh, boy, Ma! You, me and Moonbeam?

Sure! We’ll leave first thing in the morning.

CHAPTER 2

Smiley Goes to Town

Early in the darkness of her bedroom, Lil rolled over to her husband’s side of the bed, empty, she realized he left for town yesterday. She teared and forced herself up. She lit an oil lamp. Alone, she fought back the tears and put on her riding clothes. She started doing chores in the cool morning darkness. She finished milking Bess and carried her milk pail into the cabin, just as dawn broke the darkness. She started to cook a small breakfast and make coffee. She knew she would have to stay busy to keep her mind off her loneliness.

Lil put together a small bag of supplies for their lunch, and maybe longer. With her experience of riding and camping with Travis, she knew she had to be prepared for anything. Sipping on coffee she couldn’t help thinking about Sparrow, her little brother’s new love. Hundreds of questions flooded her mind, but she was more curious on what she looked like and would Sparrow like her. She finished her second cup of coffee, breakfast warming on the stove. She walked back out to the barn.

Lil caught Feather and put her favorite saddle on her and petted her neck. Wind Dancer nudged her elbow, and she petted them both. Then walked over to Sally and caught her. She put the small padded pack saddle, that Travis made for Cody, on Sally and petted her and walked them both out of the barn towards the cabin and tied them both to the hitching rail. Wind Dancer kicked up her heels running loose.

She walked back onto the porch and into the cabin. She poured herself another cup of coffee and sat down at the table. She took a sip, then another sip, and got up and walked over to the back door and carried in more firewood until she thought she had enough, and walked back over to the table and sipped on her coffee. She thought she heard Cody stir. She was eager to get going on their ride to Annabell Ranch.

Cody walked out of his bedroom and yawned and walked over to the table and sat down. Mornin’, Ma!

Morning, Cody She smiled, sipping coffee.

Did ya eat breakfast yet, Ma?

No, I waited for you. It’s warm on the stove. How did ya sleep? She sipped her coffee.

Like a rock! Ma, how did ya sleep?

Like a rock! She giggled, sipping her coffee.

That’s what Pa says all the time, huh, Ma?

Yeah, all the time! You sound like your pa! She smiled and sipped her coffee, Cody smiled. Are you ready to eat breakfast?

Yeah, Ma, ya ready?

‘Yep! You bet cha!’ Lil smiled.

Cody laughed. That’s what pa say all the time, too!

Lil smiled and got up and fixed two plates and sat back down at the table. There you go, mister! After we eat we’ll go for a ride over to Annabell Ranch.

Oh, boy! I forgot all about that. Oh, Ma! It’s gonna be fun, just ya and me! Cody smiled and started to eat. Lil ate hers and sipped on coffee and watched her son eat. I’m done! I’m ready to go!

Alright, let’s mount up, mister.

Lil grabbed her bag of supplies and walked with Cody out onto the porch and out to the horses. Wind Dancer came running up to Cody, he petted her. Lil helped Cody up onto Sally and handed him Moonbeam. He put Moonbeam in his gunny bag. Lil climbed up onto Feather.

Alright, mister! ‘Move ’um up and move ’um out!’ She smiled and giggled.

That’s what Pa says, too! laughed Cody as they started out across the open field of green tall grass and wild flowers heading north, catty-corner towards the bluffs to the east.

After four hours of riding, laughing and singing, Lil and Cody came to the base of the granite bluffs. She rode a little way to the north and found a small narrow trail leading up along the steep bluff. She looked up and around, dreading the thought of going up. She thought, if Travis and Newt went up and good ol’ Harry came down, I could do it.

Well, Cody, this looks like the trail going up to Annabell Ranch. We need to get off and walk up. She smiled and got off Feather and helped Cody down off of Sally. You ready, mister? Hang onto Sally so she don’t get loose. I’ll go first, and you follow me behind Feather. Let Moonbeam walk. He can walk better than you can carry him, smiled Lil, starting to walk up.

Alright, Ma, I’m ready, and I’ll bring up drag and eat your dust! He laughed. Lil looked back at him and chuckled.

Lil slowly climbed up the narrow, rocky trail with clumps of tall grass and shrub oaks. She looked back down at Cody.

How you doing, Cody?

I’m fine, Ma! This is fun! He smiled.

Alright, take your time. We’re almost to the top. Be careful! Lil climbed up a little farther and came out on top into the tall grass and wild flowers of the plateau. She walked out farther into the tall grass, stopped and looked around as far as she could see. Cody walked up beside her. Cody, isn’t this just beautiful?

Yeah, Ma! As far as I can see.

Come on, we still got two hours to ride, smiled Lil as she helped Cody up on Sally and handed him Moonbeam. Lil climbed up onto Feather and started to ride towards the north. She noticed a pile of rocks to mark the trail head leading down onto her land.

They rode for almost two hours. Off in the distance, she saw the barn, then the house. She whistled, Cody looked up. Lil pointed, Cody looked and smiled and nodded. She noticed Cody was picking up his pa’s actions and body language. She smiled, she was proud of him. They rode closer and closer to the house and barn. They rode past the barn towards the house. Little Bear stepped out of the barn and started to run towards them.

Au-tumn Lil-y! he yelled. She looked back seeing Little Bear run towards her. She got off her horse and started to cry as he ran up to her and hugged her, picking her up and swinging her round in a circle. She started to giggle. He was extremely happy. He teared, hugged and kissed her, Au-tumn Lil-y, beau-ti-ful sis-ter. He held onto her hands and looked into her eyes.

Little Bear, I missed you. I had to come and see you and Annabell! She teared.

Me Sparrow, beau-ti-ful like sis-ter! He smiled. Spar-row broke wing, me fix, no fly away! He put Lil’s hand on his heart, it was beating fast. He grinned.

You love Sparrow?

Me like, Spar-row! He smiled.

Ma-a-a! Ma-a-a!

Lil looked at Cody. I’m sorry, Cody!

Little Bear rushed over to help Cody down, he hugged and kissed him. Me Spar-row, broke wing, no fly. Me fix, wing, no fly! Little Bear told Cody, Lil laughed.

Ma! Little Bear has a bird with broke wing. I wanna see it! as they walked onto the porch and into the house.

Lil, Little Bear, and Cody stood by the door, Lil looked around. Annabell! Lil shouted.

Little Bear, is that ya? You’re talkin’ better every day, as she walked to the door. Little Bear don’t be... She stopped and looked at Lil, Cody, and Little Bear. She put her hand on her heart. She gasped for air and started to cry. Oh, my Lord! She rushed over to Lil and hugged and kissed her.

Oh, Annabell, I miss you so much! Lil sobbed.

Lil, I wanted to come over and stay, but Miss Emily needed the room, and now I’m takin’ care of Little Bear’s woman, Spar-row! She sobbed.

Can I see the little bird? asked Cody. Annabell looked down at Cody, she hugged and kissed him and chuckled.

Ya sure can, cowboy. She’s in Little Bear’s bedroom. Lil, I reckon from what I saw and heard I think, are ya ready? They’re already married!

You got to be kidding? You fooling me? Lil cried and hugged Little Bear.

Nope, he’s her man, she’s his woman! They’re both in love. Lil, she’s beautiful. Come on, follow me. Annabell walked to Little Bear’s bedroom and walked in. Lil and Cody followed her. Lil saw her lying in bed, she smiled.

Sparrow saw Lil, sat up, smiled, and raised her hand. Lil walked over and held her hand. Sparrow put her other hand on Lil’s face. Lil teared and kissed Sparrow’s cheek.

Me Spar-row broke wing, no fly, Little Bear me man, fix broke wing! Me Pawnee! Sparrow held her hand and touched Lil’s face.

Sparrow, me Au-tumn Lil-y, Sioux. Little Bear, my brother. smiled Lil.

Au-tumn Lil-y, Lit-tle Bear, sis-ter! Au-tumn Lil-y, beau-ti-ful! Anna-bell beau-ti-ful, red hair! She smiled and hugged Lil.

Sparrow, you are beautiful! Lil touched her face, Sparrow touched Lil’s face.

Where’s the little bird? asked Cody. They all looked at Cody and laughed.

Cody, this is Sparrow, Little Bear’s wife, your Aunt Sparrow. Come here. Cody walked to the edge of the bed next to his ma and smiled. Sparrow, this is my son, Cody. Cody, this is your Aunt Sparrow!

Howdy, Aunt Sparrow, you’re not no bird! They all laughed. Your too big and pretty to be a bird.

Co-dy, good boy! Me Sparrow! She held his hand. Me broke wing, no fly, me stay! Little Bear, me man! Sparrow smiled and hugged and kissed him on the cheek.

Cody took Moonbeam out of his gunny bag. Sparrow’s eyes got big, she smiled and petted the wolf pup. Cody put the wolf pup on her bed beside her. She picked it up and kissed Moonbeam and nuzzled him.

His name is Moonbeam! remarked Cody.

Moon-beam, wolf, me like! Luck! Good Spir-it! She smiled. Little Bear walked into the bedroom. Sparrow looked at him, and held up her hand. Lil got up off the bed and hugged Little Bear and stood by Annabell, hugging her. Little Bear held Sparrow’s hand and sat down on the side of the bed, he kissed her. Little Bear, me man, me no fly! She smiled.

Lil smiled and nodded, I’m so happy for you! Little Bear held up his hand to Lil. She teared, walked over and held it.

Au-tumn Lil-y beau-ti-ful sis-ter! He told Sparrow. She smiled and nodded.

No cry. Sparrow kissed her hand.

I’m so happy for both of you! Lil hugged them both. Little Bear stood up and let Lil sit on the edge of the bed with Sparrow.

Me go, barn, water horse.

No go! Sparrow was sad.

Lil watched her as Little Bear and Cody walked out of the bedroom to water the horses. Lil touched her face. Don’t be sad, Sparrow, Little Bear will come back. He and Cody are going to water the horses. Lil wiped the tear off her cheek.

Annabell walked over and sat down by Lil. Lil, she’s like that every time Little Bear leaves the room, several times a day. Is that love or what? smiled Annabell.

Boy! That some mighty powerful love! Lil smiled and hugged them both. They all held hands and talked.

Lil, how long can ya stay? Annabell smiled. Lil looked sad and looked at both of them.

Not long, Annabell, I just had to see you and Sparrow. We got six hours back to the cabin. The shortcut is steep and dangerous. I need to get home before dark. I’m sorry I can’t stay longer, but I need to leave soon, teared Lil.

I understand. I wish ya could stay longer but I know how dangerous it is after dark. Maybe someday, when Sparrow feels better and can walk, we’ll come visit ya, smiled Annabell. She hugged and kissed her sister-in-law.

I love you! Annabell! Lil looked at Sparrow, she held her hand and kissed her. I gotta go, Sparrow, I love you, too! I’ll come back whenever I can. You’re beautiful! Lil smiled. Sparrow put both her hands on Lil’s face.

Me Sparrow, me sad, Au-tumn Lil-y beau-ti-ful sis-ter, me love. No go! She teared and kissed Lil on both cheeks. Me like! She smiled.

Lil stood up, she and Annabell hugged and walked to the door arm in arm. Lil turned to look at Sparrow, she teared and smiled and raised her right hand. Sparrow had tears run down her face. She smiled and raised her right hand. Lil and Annabell left the room.

Annabell gave Lil a quick tour of her happy home, walked out the front door, and saw Little Bear and Cody sitting on the porch. Little Bear stood up and walked up to Lil and Annabell. He hugged them both, he kissed them on the cheek.

Au-tumn Lil-y, me come, Spar-row come, see you, fix broke wing, many days, me come! Little Bear smiled, as they walked out to their horses.

Little Bear, you have a beautiful woman. I’m happy for you both, I love you! I love Sparrow! Little Bear smiled and hugged her. He helped her and Cody up onto their horses. Good bye, Little Bear, Annabell, I love you, both! I’ll come back whenever I can! Lil smiled. She and Cody rode off to the south, thru the tall grass and wild flowers. She looked back and waved, they both waved back. Lil teared, the loneliness was back. She couldn’t seem to get over her lonely feeling. She looked at Cody.

Ma, that was fun! Let’s sing! He smiled.

Alright! She wiped her eyes. What do you want to sing!

Rollin’- rollin’-rollin’, keep them doggies movin’... Cody sang and Lil smiled and joined in. For two hours they sang, riding thru the tall grass and wild flowers ‘til they reached the pile of rocks that marked the trail head.

Whoa-a-a! Lil stopped and looked back at Cody. Well, mister, that was fun! This is where we get off and walk down! as she swung her leg up and over the back end of Feather and stepped onto the ground. She walked back to Cody and helped him off of Sally. Alright, now remember, hang onto Sally. Let Moonbeam walk. Go slow and follow me! She instructed.

Cody chuckled. Alright, Ma! You’re the trail boss! They both laughed.

Lil started to slowly walk down the steep trail. It looked steeper going down than what she remembered. The huge slabs of worn, uneven granite and clumps of tall grass were above her head as she walked around and thru the shrub oaks, down the side of the bluffs, and soon she walked out into the tall grass and wild flowers, the land of her home. She looked back at Cody, he smiled.

Boy! That was exciting! She grinned

Yeah, Ma! Excitin’ and fun! Cody giggled as Lil walked back and helped Cody back up onto Sally and handed him Moonbeam. They both watched Wind Dancer kick up her heels and run fast, back and forth, thru the tall grass. They both laughed as Lil climbed back up into her saddle and started to ride slowly towards home. She started to sing Home on the Range and Cody sang along with her. They rode for hours, stopping to rest Feather and Sally. Lil got out two apples and a piece of jerky and handed Cody his snack, and they rode on, chewing on their jerky and eating their apples.

The sun dropped behind the bluff to the west. Lil figured it was getting late in the evening as they rode up to the barn. She got off Feather and helped Cody down off Sally, and hugged and kissed him.

We’re home! Thanks, mister, that was an exciting and beautiful ride. I really enjoyed your company. She smiled.

Yeah, Ma! That was fun! You’re a good trail boss and got us home safe! They both chuckled as they walked into the barn.

Lil unsaddled Feather. Cody put Feather and Wind Dancer into the corral as Lil unsaddled Sally and led her into the corral. Lil hugged Cody and had her arm around her son as they walked towards the cabin.

Boy, that was perfect timing, getting home just before dark! I’m exhausted.

Yeah, Ma! I’m plum’ tuckered out! They both giggled as they walked up onto the porch and into the cabin.

Yeah, why don’t we call it a long day and turn in early? I’m tired, too! She smiled.

Thanks, Ma! I had fun. I love ya, Ma! Cody hugged and kissed her. Good night, Ma! as he walked towards his bedroom.

Good night, Cody! I’ll see you in the morning. Lil walked into her empty bedroom, thinking about Little Bear and Sparrow, their love for one another. She teared, thinking about the man she loved. She undressed and cried, brushing her hair and looking at herself in the looking glass. She wished it didn’t take so long for Travis to go to