Standing Bear's Bright Angel

By Karen Ketcham

On a hot Sunday in August, the entire community of Little Blue, Nebraska, changed forever. Groups of Cheyenne, Sioux, and Arapaho Indians attacked and destroyed nearly every home and stagecoach station in Little Blue. People were murdered or taken, homes burned. Rebecca Walker made sure her little brothers were safely hidden away but had no time to hide herself. Taken captive and sold to the Sioux, she wondered if she would ever be reunited with her loving, grieving family.

With the relentless invasion of the white man, the Plains Indians found themselves at war, not only with them but with each other as they all struggled to survive. The Pawnee were angry as they were attacked yet again by the Sioux, and the food they worked for was stolen. The hunters decided to take back meat that was rightfully theirs.

As they stormed the Sioux village, they expected bloodshed but not the presence of a striking young white woman. Standing Bear, a young Pawnee brave, felt shocked when he looked at her, thinking at first that she was a ghost. Little did he know that his impulsive decision to take her with them would profoundly impact his life and the lives of not only his people but of hers and so many others along their journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9781644685303

Book preview

Chapter 1

Rebecca’s heart felt as if it were about to explode. She had broken out in a drenching sweat as she frantically threw potatoes from the storage bin under the kitchen floor to make room for her little brothers. Twelve-year-old Jacob and eight-year-old Ben helped move the potatoes aside, their eyes wide with fear.

Get in! Hurry! Hurry! Rebecca ordered, as she glanced through the kitchen window. The approaching Indians were moving faster now, having realized the house was undefended. Whatever happens, no matter what, be quiet! she hissed. "Not a sound! Not a move! Not until you know they’re gone!"

Rebecca shut the bin and pulled a throw rug over the recessed handle of the door. Looking around, she realized she could not leave potatoes scattered about. Working as quickly as possible, she threw potatoes into a large pot and set it on the table. What wouldn’t fit in the pot, she piled next to it. Rebecca looked back at the window just as one of the marauders looked in. Stifling a scream, she ran from the kitchen toward the den, only to find Indians already in the house. Rebecca turned and fled toward the closest bedroom and quickly climbed out the window. She had only taken a few steps when rough hands grabbed her and slammed her to the ground.

Rebecca knew she had to make sure the Indians were so concerned with subduing her that they would not search the house extensively. It took all the self-control she possessed not to scream her terror; she knew if she screamed, her brothers would try to come to her rescue. Rebecca kicked and fought and managed to get away. However, her freedom was short-lived. She only ran a short distance when she was again slammed to the ground. This time, the man hit her across the face. Rebecca’s head swam, and dark spots began to blot out the sun. She took deep breaths and fought not to lose consciousness. The enraged savage drew back to strike her again when another Indian approached and stopped him. She was yanked to her feet and half dragged toward the front of the house where several Indians were waiting with the horses.

The man that seemed to be the leader grabbed Rebecca by her long blond hair and turned her face up to his. He grinned as he peered into her striking blue eyes and jerked her back and forth to inspect her. She was a small but beautiful young woman. He knew she would be valuable in spite of her size. He called to the Indians in the house. At his command, four Indians came out with their arms loaded with all they could carry. Rebecca tried to see what they had but was relieved at what they didn’t have—her two brothers. As the Indians loaded the plunder onto the horses, Rebecca saw two bloody scalps hanging from the angry man’s saddle. A soft cry escaped from her lips as the world began to spin again. This time she succumbed to the darkness.

The two boys held each other tight in the stifling bin. When they heard footsteps directly on top of them, Jacob clamped his hand over Ben’s mouth. He felt Ben shaking and tears splashing onto his hand. Jacob’s heart was pounding, and his own tears were running down his cheeks. He was glad his little brother could not see him. He patted and soothed Ben as best he could while they waited for what seemed an eternity.

When at last the footsteps receded, Jacob released Ben’s mouth but still held him to keep him from trying to get out yet. Jacob strained to hear any noises. When he was sure he’d heard the pound of retreating hoofbeats, he waited a while longer. The bin was stuffy and hot and was becoming unbearable. He finally decided to risk opening the door. That turned out to be harder than he expected, and it took both of them to shove it open. Once opened, Jacob saw the rug that Rebecca used to cover the handle and understood why it was hard to open and why the Indians had not noticed the door.

Jacob motioned for Ben to stay put while he slowly moved through the house to look out the windows. He shook with relief when he knew the Indians had left.

Rebecca! he called softly, not able to raise his voice. You can come out now. They’re gone.

Jacob went back into the kitchen to assure Ben that everything was all right. The two of them began looking around, calling for their sister. Fear began to grip them again as they searched everywhere.

REBECCA! Jacob screamed, running outside to look for her. REBECCA!

Jacob ran around the house and found a smoldering torch that had been thrown against it. He quickly kicked dirt on the small fire that had started and continued to call for his sister.

Samuel Walker softly clucked to the horses to get them to pick up the pace a little. His petite wife, Adrienne, was becoming uncomfortable in the afternoon heat. They were glad they had stopped by to see Widow Jenkins on their way home from church because it cheered her so to see neighbors. Their two rambunctious boys did not want to stay, so their sixteen-year-old daughter Rebecca had volunteered to take them on home and get Sunday dinner started.

Not far from home, they heard their boys screaming Rebecca’s name. Alarmed, Sam spurred the horses into a full gallop. Before the wagon came to a complete stop, Sam jumped out and grabbed Jacob.

She’s gone! Jacob sobbed, going limp in his father’s arms. The Indians came and took her! She hid us, but they got her!

Mon Dieu! Adrienne cried in her native French language as she slumped over in a swoon.

This beautiful Sunday in Nebraska, August 7, 1864, had turned into a nightmare for the Little Blue communities. Groups of ten to twenty Arapahos, Sioux, and Cheyenne had attacked practically all the stagecoach stations and ranches from Julesburg to Kiowa—in all, about thirty stations and five times as many ranches—in a well-coordinated offensive against the white settlements. People were murdered or taken, homes burned. The Eubanks family was the hardest hit, losing nine members of their family. Young Mrs. Lucy Eubanks and her two small children, as well as a visiting friend, Laura Roper, were also taken captive.¹

* * * * *

The Walkers loaded their wagon and fled to nearby Marysville, as did practically everyone in the community. Within a few days, over a hundred wagons loaded with people and household belongings crowded into the Big Blue and Marysville. Because there was fear of an Indian attack at Marysville also, men stood guard at the river crossing at night. At first, Sam took his turn standing guard but was frustrated that he couldn’t do more. On the morning of the third day in Marysville, Sam was approached by Frank Roper.²

Sam! Have you heard? Frank asked excitedly. There’s a guy named Stoner from Beatrice that’s organizing his own company to go after the Indians that took our girls! They’re joining Captain Murphy at Big Sandy just below Kiowa station. I’m going!³

Me, too! Sam immediately decided. He told Frank he would meet him at the horse stables and ran to tell Adrienne he was leaving.

Adrienne pulled her boys close to her side as she watched her husband ride out with Frank Roper and John Gilbert, a man Sam worked with occasionally at Oak Grove Ranch.⁴ While Adrienne understood the need to do something, and she desperately wanted Rebecca back, watching Sam ride off to fight terrified her. She just couldn’t lose him too!

After three weeks, some of the Little Blue families began to return to their home. However, with Sam gone, Adrienne decided to stay in the Marysville boardinghouse until he came back.

It was known that there were over five hundred warriors between the Little Blue and the Republican River southward. Captain Murphy wanted to attack them, and Stoner’s independent company readily joined him. The weather was foggy, and the soldiers were at a disadvantage, but they drove the savages eight miles south in skirmishes.

On Wednesday, August 18, when Captain Murphy’s company rations were running short and only one day of time left, according to his orders, the two companies retreated back to the Little Blue station. Indian scouts had discovered that ten companies from Marshall and Nemaha counties were marching toward them and were already at Big Sandy. Had it not been for this report, the Indians would have attacked Murphy and Stoner’s men at Liberty farm that Wednesday night. As it was, the Indians broke camp and set out up the Republican River toward the mountains with their captives and loot. Because of this, Captain Murphy and Stoner’s forces did not find any of the Indian raiders. After an exhausting month in pursuit with no real results, Sam decided to return to Marysville. Frank Roper and John Gilbert, who had been made a lieutenant, stayed with the company, promising Sam they’d do their best to find Rebecca.

Sam made it back to Marysville in late September, tired, discouraged, and worried. He’d heard that Oak Grove Ranch, where he was lead foreman and his own cattle and oxen were boarded, had been burned. He’d also learned that Indians had burned almost every house they came across. He felt like he needed to get back home and check on his wife, boys, and livelihood. Adrienne, Jacob, and Ben were overjoyed to see him, and that helped to take some of the sting out of what he considered a failed effort. They loaded their wagon and made their way back home, wondering if they even had a home. To their relief, their house was still intact, just as they had left it. The Oak Grove Ranch, however, had indeed been burned.

Sam returned to work quickly at the request of E. S. Comstock, Oak Grove Ranch’s owner.⁵ He needed his best foreman to help him rebuild his once-booming ranch. Sam was eager to do so not only to help a man he considered a friend but also to check on his own cattle and oxen. Sam soon discovered that only a few of his herd had been retrieved. He would have to start all over again, but the loss of his livestock paled in comparison to the loss of his daughter.

In an effort to find victims taken by the Indians during the raid, Colonel Wynkoop of the Upper Arkansas Indian Agency⁶ was hired to lend his expertise in dealing with savages. He suggested that the families of the kidnapped women offer rewards for their return. Both the Walkers and the Ropers did so. On October 12, the colonel returned the only woman he could find from the Little Blue community to her family. Laura Roper had been sold to a friendly, educated Arapaho named Left Hand,⁷ who felt it was wrong to hold her captive.

When he found out that Laura was one of the women Colonel Wynkoop was searching for, he negotiated for her freedom. The Walkers were happy for the Ropers; they truly were. But at the same time, it was impossible to conceal their sorrow. At least, they finally knew that Rebecca was taken alive. Laura reported that after a few days, she, Lucy, and Rebecca had been separated. All the Walkers could do now was keep waiting and hope that the colonel could find Rebecca and secure her release.

As they always had, the Walkers attended Community Baptist Church on Christmas morning. It was comforting to know that their church family was praying for all of them. The words of love and encouragement meant more to Sam and Adrienne, though, than it did to the boys. Jacob and Ben could not forgive themselves for hiding while Indians stole their sister away. They should have fought! Everyone told them over and over that if they had come out of hiding, the Indians would have killed Jacob and taken Ben too. Then how would their parents have felt? For a while, that would assuage their guilt, but they’d soon lapse back into heated replays of what they should have done and how they would have fought and won, if only they had tried.

Adrienne leaned on the porch column as she wrapped her shawl tighter against the crisp, cold night air. She had to be strong! She could not dissolve into tears as she wanted. She could not ever, ever do anything that Jacob and Ben might construe as blame from her. Her boys were suffering. It was even apparent when they opened their gifts. She knew the delightful, childish joy and enthusiasm was forever gone. The only gift any of them wanted was Rebecca. Adrienne gazed at the millions of brilliant stars that sparkled in the night sky and knew in her heart that Rebecca was still alive and blanketed by those same stars.

Joyeux Noe`l, Ma che`rie, Adrienne whispered.

* * * * *

After the holidays, Sam returned to Oak Grove Ranch, pouring himself into his work. In times past, it had been pleasant that, as lead foreman and living close by, he was able to take a few days off for Christmas. Now, though, he looked forward to returning to work. He wanted distractions so he wouldn’t have time to think so much. The bustling ranch was perfect for just that.

E. S. Comstock was quickly rebuilding his cattle empire. In February, he discovered that John Chisum⁸ was driving cattle all the way from Omaha to Colorado for the men working in the mines there, then on to the army post in Laramie, Wyoming. Comstock contacted Chisum and struck a deal. On his way to Colorado, Chisum would make a slightly southward turn and deliver five hundred head of cattle to Oak Grove Ranch.

On a cold day in March, Sam and his crew were busy helping Chisum’s stockmen herd the livestock into corrals that had been prepared for them. One of the younger ranch hands rode up to him in a gallop.

Come quick, Sam! he yelled. That heifer can’t deliver her calf! Something’s bad wrong!

Sam immediately turned his horse, leaving the routine work with his men, and galloped back to the main barn, where the prize longhorn heifer was housed. They had confined her there a few days before in anticipation of the birth. Before he even strode into the barn, Sam could hear plaintiff animal cries. He hurried to her stall and found two men watching the cow. She was shaking, and her eyes were rolling in fright.

Don’t just stand there. Pet her! Sam ordered.

Pet her? one asked, surprised.

Yes! Sam barked. She’s scared! Calm her down!

As the workers soothed and stroked the cow, Sam stepped over to the tub of warm soapy water they’d brought in to swab the cow and calf with after the birth. Grabbing a piece of twine lying nearby, Sam rolled up both sleeves to his shoulders and washed his hands and arms and the twine. Taking the clean twine, he stepped behind the cow and spoke soothingly to her.

Okay, Mama, Sam crooned, I’m just going to see what the problem is.

Sam nodded to the men to have them hold her as still as they could. He gingerly pushed his right arm deep inside the cow. Just as he suspected, the calf had not turned. Carefully removing his arm, he tied a noose in the twine. He held it just so in his hand, looping it around his fingers, as he slowly reached back into the bellowing cow.

Meanwhile, E. S. Comstock was in the den of his newly rebuilt home, deep in conversation with John Chisum. Chisum was detailing his new enterprise—selling cattle to the army in the west. The railroads were plowing across the country, and President Lincoln commissioned the army to defend them after several debilitating Indian attacks on the working crews. All those men needed to eat, so Chisum and his partners were planning on being the ones to provide the beef. He offered Comstock a chance to partner with them too.

Comstock agreed it was a prime opportunity and told his guest that he would be happy to raise cattle for them there in Nebraska. While he was listening to the extensive plans Chisum laid out, Comstock thought of his friend. Sam had lost almost all of his herd and needed a way to get back on his feet. Even though he hated the thought of losing him, Comstock realized this could be a great chance for Sam.

How are you set for stockmen to drive all these cattle? Comstock asked.

We’re recruiting experienced men along as the need for them arises, he was told.

I can’t believe I’m going to tell you this, Comstock said, but I happen to have one of the best stockmen I have ever seen right here on my ranch. He’s my lead foreman. Hard working, knowledgeable, dependable, has a special touch with the animals. I would be willing to part with him if the pay would be worth his time.

Now, why would you do that? Chisum asked curiously.

Comstock paused a second and exhaled. An expression that could be interpreted as sadness crossed his face.

He’s a personal friend, Comstock told Chisum. Let’s just say I think he needs to have something good happen to him. Of course, you’d have to talk to him about it since it would mean leaving his family for extended periods of time. But believe me, he would be an asset to you if you can convince him to go.

Chisum immediately agreed he wanted to speak with Sam and was willing to wait while he was being located. Comstock summoned his house servant and told him to send word to Sam. Before long, the servant returned.

Mr. Walker is in the main barn and can’t come right now, the servant told them. That prize longhorn’s having trouble, and he is trying to deliver the calf.

Well! Comstock said to his guest. Why don’t we go see Sam in action? Then you’ll appreciate the sacrifice I’m making!

Just as the men entered the stall, they saw Sam pull two tiny hooves wrapped in string out of the cow. Sam quickly unwrapped the small feet and began, ever so gently, to ease the calf out. Within a few minutes, a healthy calf stood on wobbly legs next to its relieved mother.

"Why, I’ve never seen that done before! Chisum exclaimed. Where did you learn that?"

Oh, trial and error. Schooled by desperation, Sam told him. I’ve used it a few times now and have gotten the hang of it pretty good.

Get cleaned up, Sam, and come to the house, Comstock said, grinning. We need to talk!

As E. S. Comstock left the barn with his guest, he slapped Chisum on the shoulder. What did I tell you? he asked proudly.

Sam walked into Mr. Comstock’s den, thoroughly scrubbed and freshly changed. The two men rose to their feet.

John, I would like you to meet the best foreman I have ever had, Sam Walker. Sam, this is John Chisum.

After greetings were made and hands shook, Chisum got right to the point.

"Based on ES’s high recommendations and what I just witnessed, I’d like to offer you an opportunity. As you know, there’s a railroad being built across this land and an army sent to protect the workers. All those men need food to eat, and my partners and I are going to supply it. I need to move a lot of cattle—thousands—across the plains as quickly as possible, and I need men that know how to do that and still deliver healthy stock. I think that you are just such a man. Of course, you’ll be well paid for your expertise."

Sam looked at his friend, then back to Chisum. I don’t know what to say. ES suffered a terrible setback last year—we all did—and I wouldn’t want to just leave him hanging.

It’s Okay, Sam, Comstock assured him. I can’t pay you what these gentlemen are prepared to pay you, and I would never hold you back. You need to think about Adrienne and those two boys of yours. Just let Zeke know he is going to have to take your place the best he can!

Sam felt as if he were in a daze as he made his way home. He had not given Mr. Chisum an answer because he wanted to talk to Adrienne first. This new job would change everything. He would be gone months on end, leaving her and the boys alone. If he took the job, his family would have to move in to town for safety, but Chisum’s offer of $1.50 a day, plus fifteen cattle of his own per drive, was very generous.

Adrienne was quick to be supportive as she always had been. She told Sam to do whatever he thought would be best for the family. Sam slept on it and decided that even though the separation would be hard, before long, he could probably save enough to hire his own hands to drive his cattle and stay at home for the most part with his family! That scenario appealed to him and Adrienne.

The next morning, Sam kissed Adrienne and the boys goodbye and arrived at work, packed and ready to join the cattle drive to the miners in Colorado. He rode out toward a new life, full of optimism and hope for his family. It was the first time he felt truly happy in a long time.

Adrienne watched Jacob with motherly pride. He was the man of the house now and determinedly filled the role. The three of them loaded their wagon again and once more made their way to Marysville. Adrienne leased a small cottage in town and made arrangements to sublet their farm. Leaving the house where Rebecca had been kidnapped did them all more good than they realized. Every morning, the boys walked to school, where they were making new friends, and Adrienne found a job as a seamstress in the local store. All of the Walkers felt as though they could breathe again, that their lives were starting anew.

The long range cattle drive to Colorado was actually Sam’s first. Although it was exhausting, Sam felt exhilarated by the freedom and excitement of working on the open plains. At the end of each day, he was tired and sore yet felt younger than he had in years! The men had a good run and arrived in Denver in late April with almost all of the three thousand head of cattle that they’d started with, losing only four percent along the way instead of the usual six.

John Chisum was very pleased with that report and paid every man a dollar extra. They were to take a week’s rest, then deliver 1,800 of the cattle to Fort Laramie Wyoming,⁹ a drive that would take approximately two weeks.

In May, while they were in Laramie, Sam learned that several women kidnapped during the Little Blue raid had been found and were being returned there at the fort! He was trying to decide whether or not to tell Adrienne until he knew more when he received a telegram from her. The news had already reached Marysville, and of course, she wanted him to let her know what he found out as soon as possible.

Sam blinked and swallowed hard as he slowly rode from the Fort toward the boardinghouse where he was staying. How could he tell Adrienne and the boys that Rebecca was not one of the hostages released? When he found that all the soldiers of the army posts in Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado were on the lookout for the women taken, he had high hopes that Rebecca had been saved. Lucy Eubanks was among those rescued but not his precious daughter.

Lucy was wearing the same dress she’d been kidnapped in nine months earlier, with her now eighteen-month-old son clinging to her with fright. Her three-year-old daughter had been taken from her right away, and she did not know what happened to her.¹⁰ A gaunt, haggard, and haunted Lucy told Sam that while she had been sold to the Cheyenne, Rebecca had been sold to the Sioux. Sam shuddered to think of his beautiful and tenderhearted daughter being harmed and abused as Lucy had been. Rage and sorrow combined into the shape of a tear that slid down his cheek.

Adrienne was thankful that she had a job to report to. Having something to do was the only thing that kept her sane. Both boys got jobs for the summer helping out at the livery stables. So as Sam made his long journey back home, his family immersed themselves in work too. When the summer gave way to fall, Sam was off on another cattle drive while the boys returned to school. Adrienne was kept busy because the good people of Marysville had discovered what an excellent seamstress she was.

---

¹ Little Blue Raids, August 7–9, 1864. Settlers along the Little Blue River, Nebraska, were attacked by a group of Cheyenne dog soldiers, Arapaho, and Sioux warriors. The fiercest of these attacks occurred along the Overland Trail. During the raids, about one hundred settlers were killed, nine were wounded, and at least six were taken captive.

² Frank Roper, the father of Laura Roper and owner of a ranch that bordered the Eubanks ranch. During the Little Blue Raids, his daughter was taken captive along with Lucy Eubanks.

³ W. H. Stoner and Captain Murphy. Both men were members of the militia that responded to the attacks by Native Americans during the Little Blue Raids. The accounts they gave of the events are some of the only firsthand accounts available to document the raids and ensuing captivity of Laura Roper and Lucy Eubanks.

⁴ John Gilbert. He served as the stagecoach driver at Oak Grove Ranch and was named lieutenant of the Stoner expedition following the Little Blue Raids. This was the expedition led by W. H. Stoner that searched for those taken captive during the raids.

⁵ E. S. Comstock. Pioneer who settled in Nebraska in 1858 and owner of the Oak Grove Ranch, which was burned during the Little Blue Raids.

⁶ Colonel Wynkoop. Founder of the city of Denver, Colorado, he served as the Indian agent for the southern Cheyenne and the Arapaho tribes. He encouraged peace efforts with the tribes, and resigned his post after the attack and destruction of Black Kettle’s village during the Sand Creek Massacre.

⁷ Left Hand. Prominent Arapaho leader during the mid-1800s, he was a gifted linguist, diplomat, and negotiator that spent the latter days of his life trying to establish peace between the settlers and the Plains Indians. He was killed during the Sand Creek Massacre.

⁸ John Chisum. An American cattle baron in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. He became one of the first to take his herds to the New Mexico territory and provided cattle to the United States army at Fort Sumner.

⁹ Fort Laramie. An important army fort and commissary in Wyoming, it served as a staging point for various military excursions and treaty signings.

¹⁰ Eubanks. Twenty-three-year-old woman taken captive, along with her three-year-old daughter and nine-month-old son during the Little Blue Raids. She was held captive by the Cheyenne for approximately one year and was ransomed for ammunition just outside of Fort Laramie. While her son was returned with her, her daughter was never found.

Chapter 2

October 20, 1865

Standing Bear grimaced as he nursed his wounds. He’d been lucky, though; the injuries were only minor. He was thankful that his father and older brother had not been hurt. Three of their hunting party had made the ultimate sacrifice, trying to defend what was rightfully theirs. While he tended his wounds, the uninjured prepared the dead for transport back to the hunting village. That evening, he joined the rest of the Chaui, or Grand, Pawnee men in a meeting to decide what to do about the repeated Sioux attacks.

Long Nose had to calm his men several times during their meeting. Tempers ran high as they relived the wrong done to them. It was agreed that they should go and take back the buffalo hides and meat that were stolen from them. They decided to set out that evening to catch the Sioux unaware in the morning.

After planning their attack, they retrieved the pouches that contained the hair and face paints. The holy man prayed over the braves and the paint they applied to ensure Tirawa, the maker of the earth,¹¹ would enter the paint and protect them from harm. They mixed buffalo grease with the paint and shaped their hair into tall ridged spikes tipped with color.

When all the men were painted and protected, they set out and rode the entire night. Arriving at the Sioux village in the early hours of morning, they stripped down to only loincloths and began taking their positions.

Standing Bear was so startled, he stopped in his tracks to look at her. Was she a ghost, an apparition of some sort? He stared at her so long, the other braves noticed it and looked at her too—so she was indeed a woman of flesh and blood. But what was a white woman doing in a Sioux village?

As the Pawnee stealthily maneuvered into place, Standing Bear watched the thin pale woman going about her morning chores. He had seen whites before but none quite like this. Her hair was the color of summer straw and her eyes so blue, the sky was envious. Her milky white skin was in sharp contrast to the dark infant she carried on her back. As Standing Bear watched, he realized she was unwanted and mistreated by the other squaws.

Standing Bear’s attention was quickly called back to his mission when Long Nose gave the signal to attack. As the Pawnee burst upon the Sioux village, the women screamed and ran for cover. The well-trained braves made quick work of retrieving their goods. The skins and meat had not yet been divided, so it was easy to round up what belonged to them. They also captured a string of horses as payment for the lives of the braves they lost. However, they were not bloodthirsty men, so they only killed when necessary, sparing all the women and children.

As they mustered to leave, Standing Bear again saw the woman, and he again felt shocked by the sight of her. He thought about how the other squaws abused her and, in an instant, decided to take her with them. He dismounted and grabbed her by the arm, noticing how thin and bony she was. At first, she resisted but then suddenly changed her mind and went with him. Standing Bear easily shoved her on a horse and slapped it to make it run with the others.

The delay cost Standing Bear dearly. Sioux bowmen had emerged and were volleying arrows at the retreating Pawnee. As he remounted, arrows rained upon him and his horse, but his valiant steed stormed out of the village and caught up with his tribe.

Rebecca removed her scared three-month-old baby from her back and held him tight as she rode with the Pawnee. Her emotions ran as wild as the ride. The relief of escaping the Sioux—especially her master Deep River and his terrors—was overwhelming, but her fear over what lay ahead at the hand of these Indians was staggering. She looked at the fierce braves that surrounded her and felt faint with fright. They were practically naked! Their hair was shaved close to their heads except for a long mane-like strip that ran from their foreheads to the nape of their necks and stood straight up! The tips of their hair were painted like their faces, which were oddly smooth.

Rebecca realized that the men had no eyebrows! The man that took her had half his face striped with red paint, as was his hair. Across the lower part of his face and mouth, a black handprint was painted. It made Rebecca think of a dark demon trying to stifle a scream! There were arrows protruding from his arms, legs, shoulders, back, and horse, bathing him in blood, yet he rode as if they were not there. Rebecca had to stop looking at him to keep panic from overtaking her.

Long Nose led his men as far away as he could before stopping to attend to the wounded. Standing Bear slumped forward on his horse, by far the worst injured man among them. The adrenalin rush was gone now, leaving him unable to summon the strength to dismount. Several men hurried to his aid and gently helped him from his horse—his father, Tall One, also bleeding from a minor wound; his brother Loud Thunder; an uncle Mighty Owl; and a cousin, Red Coyote. They stayed by Standing Bear’s side while the medicine man retrieved pain medicine—ground and boiled cherry bark—from his supplies. The medicine man had Standing Bear drink some of the potion, then he began removing the arrows.

Rebecca watched in horror, having never seen anything like that before. The pain had to have been incredible, but the young Indian bit his lip and did his best to be silent. Rebecca knew full well that he would not have been injured like this had he not stopped for her. She cringed and shook as each arrow was pulled from his body. There was an arrow that had entered from the back of his left knee, and its removal caused him to cry out, and Rebecca muffled a scream. The men turned as one to look at her. To their amazement, they saw tears running down her cheeks.

The medicine man left hyssop dressing for Standing Bear’s family to bind his wounds and moved on to the others that were not as badly injured. After the men were taken care of, the medicine man removed the arrows and packed the wounds of the horses.

Once all were doctored, they gave thanks to Tirawa. Because their raid was righteous, not one Pawnee lost his life that day. They knew, however, that they could not stay where they were. While the medicine man and those that assisted him worked, others had made cots of limbs and buffalo hide. These were called travois, and they were secured to harnesses so that they would drag behind horses. The wounded reclined on them as they continued on their way. The party rode on until evening, and they were well out of Sioux territory before they made camp for the night. They posted and rotated watchmen to stand guard in case of a retaliatory strike.

Rebecca was exhausted and sore from her daylong ride. Her baby, Black Wolf, had only nursed twice that day, so he was hungry and angry. An Indian approached her with a buffalo hide and a blanket. He put the skin on the ground and placed the blanket on top of it. He indicated to Rebecca that they were for her, then went to join the other men. She noticed how much he resembled the Indian that took her and remembered he rode next to him. He was also the first one to help him when they stopped. She rightly deduced