White Ghost of the Mountains

By Perry James

White Ghost of the Mountains; a gritty tale, circa 1820, tells of hard living frontiersmen whose lives converge in the rescue of a young man raised from infancy by a deer-tiger and Indian priestess, leading to the stories surprise ending. Barclay's pursuit of cross country adventure takes him into the Rocky Mountains where he battles men and beasts.There he finds peace and a woman to love but she is tragically taken from him. Once again alone he wanders back to the Midwest. Johnathan, another man of the wilderness ends up in St Louis where he builds a working relationship with a businessman, Richard Clements. Eventually, he leaves but later returns to find Richard's family splintered. As a favor to his friend, he and his ward Davey set out to find the second son and his offspring who disappeared years before. They discover and rehabilitate the deer-tiger man who is the surviving grandson of his friend. The wild-man escapes when the other two are captured and face certain death at the hands of the uncle bent on murder and revenge. Barclay witnesses the deer-tiger man being hunted down and shot. He cares for him, frees the captives and then, joined by his Indian friends, assists in battle against the uncle's forces in the climax of the unfolding drama. "I'm walking in a green valley where birds sing and sun dapples the undergrowth... suddenly the air is charged with intense energy ...my heart pounds as two grizzly cubs scoot by. Behind me there is a heavy thumping noise. As it crescendos, I turn, grabbing for my pistol. My mind takes in a picture of brown hair and yellow teeth, The explosion hits!"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Perry James
• Release date: Aug 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005221416

Perry James

Perry James has explored extensively through America's Upper Midwest and Canadian wilderness by canoe and afoot. He has had in-depth exposure to many lands and cultures from the Rocky Mountains to foreign countries including "sails up" on the Big Waters. Watch for the next Perry James adventure, "Oceans, Diamonds and Pearls" to be released soon.

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White Ghost of the Mountains

Men of the Frontier Spirit

PERRY JAMES

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2022, James Weaver

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author – publisher, excepting brief quotes used in critiques or reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, characteristics, personalities, businesses, places, events, incidents, or actions in this book are either the product of the authors imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Special thanks to my wife, Ruth, as well as to Alan and Karen for their support and editing efforts.

Alpha

Barclay Genesee Saunders, born in 1805 to Genesee and Martha Anne Saunders in the Township of Utica, NY. That is what is on the cover sheet of the Bible his mother gave to him at age 16 when he left home to start his adventures. He was educated by his parents through the use of the Bible and Primer as was the custom, but his physical skills grew naturally with his propensity for extreme physical action. Arriving at the shore of Lake Erie where the waters seemed endless, he recalled stories of the great oceans of the world as related by a sailor of his acquaintance.

At the southern shore of Lake Michigan, he came upon the Potawatomi who lived in villages thirty or more miles apart. Each carried their tribal bond loosely with their personality derived from the dominant leaders of the group. He kept close watch on his few belongings, as some felt entitled to them. On his third night in one of the villages the biggest brave, who turned out to be a real load, pushed him into wrestling. By using the Indian’s weight against him, Barclay threw him head over heals into the dust. The brave bounced up to challenge again, never before having been defeated. Once again Barclay threw him down. Much laughter was handed out at his expense.

Later as Barclay slept in his blanket, a rustle in the brush awakened him and his hand flew to his knife. A young woman had come in to share his blanket. While he rejected her offer she stayed at his fire to talk and warn him about the Indian’s likely retaliation. He had abused her in the past and she knew him well. She described his style of knife fighting, with quick flips of the blade from one hand to the other, always cutting at the mid section, crotch or legs of his opponent. She left at dawn and Barclay set off on his westward trek.

At the western corner of lake Michigan more Potawatomi families were spread out along the river coming out of the lake. Canadian lands spread north and east bordering the Great Lakes, but hundreds of miles west and south is the great land of Pais Des Ilinois which is a French name meaning Land of the Illinois peoples. He felt a particular kindred with these people. They were tough, self reliant young men and he celebrated his 17th birthday among them. Through wrestling matches, bow shooting and spear throwing contests he was accepted and held in high regard for his skills. There was one brave in particular who could match him and they became close friends. His name was Kwaitinkee but Barclay called him Kai-kai.

During one of the hand combat games the big brave from the other village unexpectedly showed up. He rushed to trip Barclay with a blind throw and then lunged at him with his knife as he was on the ground. Barclay rolled out of the way and gained his footing facing his opponent. Kai-kai tossed Barclay a knife and he watched for his openings. The big man swept low with his blade and Barclay countered. The brave flipped his weapon to his left hand making a big show of slashing at the crotch. With open palm Barclay hit that knife arm continuing the swing away from himself. Barclay’s knife was open to do damage, although he did not want to kill him. He sliced deeply across the brave’s blocked arm and shoulder and then swept the blade down feeling the click of bones as it hit several of the buck’s ribs. Shocked the big man backed off as the blood started to flow. Everyone looked stunned by the speed with which the tide of the battle had turned. As his left arm bled he dropped his knife but caught the blade with his other hand before it hit the ground. Although he is quick his main advantage of rapidly exchanging knife hands has been taken away. It does not take long for his stamina to drain low from his wounds. Anger burst like sparks in a fire as he leaped forward to slice three times across Barclay’s gut and crotch. Knowing his style, Barclay jumped back and sideways to the brave’s weakened side. On his third swipe, the Indian cut Barclay’s hip while Barclay directed his blade at the dark face. Only a seasoned fighter will block or succeed in moving their head aside or backward to avoid the strike. He nailed the Indian in the nose between his eyes and swept upward. As blood flowed into his eyes, he knew the fight was lost. Barclay was now in position to inflict a fatal blow but pulled back. The buck retreated and will breath differently while carrying long scars from this day. Later that night Barclay notices the young Indian woman who had followed them has a fresh cut near her eye. The big guy has been at her again!

There are about twenty braves who travel with the victor. Kai-kai names the group The Wolf Pack and Barclay the Alpha. At the next village, sobbing women and young braves tell of their recent loss in battle against the Mesquakie tribe. The main concern now is that with success, they will return to finish the job. This band of families has been greatly reduced in numbers and being vulnerable could easily be wiped out. Several of the young warriors have returned, after giving up on their pursuit of the offenders. Over the next few days they honor and bury the remains of the fallen by placing them in a high-rise earth-mound and they hold a wake dance in celebration of their lives. Strong young women had fought bravely but fled when over-matched. There are still the young braves, these women and a few older men who are willing to defend the camp.

The two wolf pack leaders determine strategy for the battles to come. Everyone works together to set up ambushes and construct arrows, spears, stone hatchets and long wooden pikes to use against enemy horsemen. Ropes and vine nets will also be used in this struggle.

Riders circle out and back to scout for the enemy who appear three weeks after the previous slaughter. The Mesquakie ride at leisure with the arrogance that comes with easy victory. This time it will be different. As they ride into the camp screaming to intimidate and setting fire to whatever will burn, Kai-kai signals for the Potawatomi to shoot at them while on the run. The Mesquakie take the bait and pursue. Taking advantage with their horse’s speed, they race into the woods where hidden defenders thrust up the points of the long wooden pikes. They aim at the enemy impaling animals and men. In the confusion, arrows and spears fire from trees to kill the attackers.

A second group of the Mesquakie chase after the women but a surprise ambush is awaiting them in the ravine where a large ditch has been dug and covered with nets and ropes. When they ride