{"id":12106,"date":"2002-11-01T10:58:41","date_gmt":"2002-11-01T15:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12106"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:50:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:50:29","slug":"an-old-acquaintance-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12106","title":{"rendered":"An Old Acquaintance (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/strong>Part three of Two Feathers. \u00a0Joe is reunited with his old friend, the Paiute chief, Two Feathers, in a most unusual way.\u00a0 This time, it is up to the Indian to teach Joe how to forgive and how to stop hating.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong> PG13\u00a0 (13,600 words)<\/p>\n

A Tale of Two Feathers Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Tale of Two Feathers<\/a>
\nA Winter of Hope<\/a>
\nAn Old Acquaintance<\/a>
\nA Final Goodbye<\/a><\/p>\n

An Old Acquaintance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe squeezed his eyes tightly, hoping to ward off the pain that surged through his shoulder.\u00a0 He could feel the blood beginning to congeal on his shirt and it felt sticky to the touch.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t stop the soft moan that passed from his lips that were pursed tightly together; the pain, it burned, like a hot iron had been set to his skin.\u00a0 Groaning, Joe twisted his body into a sitting position and looked around for the others.\u00a0 Under the wagon next to him, he could see Smitty, an arrow buried deeply into his chest.\u00a0 Bart lay under the second wagon and from what Joe could make out, had not fared any better than Smitty for there appeared to be an arrow in the center of his back.\u00a0 Both men were dead, Joe could tell and he gulped for air, partly from the burning pain that consumed him and partly out of fear.<\/p>\n

The renegade Bannock Indians had taken them totally by surprise when they had attacked.\u00a0 Joe and his crew of five other men had not been expecting the attack; there had not been any talk around about that there was any trouble going on with the Indians, lest ways, not around the Virginia City area.<\/p>\n

Joe and his men had been taking a large lumber order over to Carson City by way of freight wagons when they had heard the blood curdling screams of the large group of Indians as they converged down out of the hills on the slow moving wagons, catching them off guard and unprepared.\u00a0 Now, from the looks of his two men, it seemed that Joe might be the only one left alive.\u00a0 He tried to locate the other three who had been assigned to the job of transporting the timber, but he couldn\u2019t see them anywhere.\u00a0 Pain from his wound darted down his arm and Joe glanced once again at the spot where the arrow had struck him.\u00a0 From the amount of blood that he could see oozing from the hole in his shoulder, Joe feared that he might soon join his companions in the hereafter, long before the day was to end.<\/p>\n

Joe drifted in and out of consciousness, the loss of blood leaving him weak and trembling.\u00a0 The pain giving him cause to cry aloud as he balanced between reality and the dark world that sought to claim him.\u00a0 He tried to rip his shirt and stuff the wound but the blood soon soaked through the flimsy material until it had become saturated with the bright red liquid of life. It was impossible to pull the arrowhead from the open wound; it was embedded too deeply into his flesh.\u00a0 His arm and shoulder ached, the pain shooting all the way down to the ends of his fingers and so intense that it caused his stomach to hurt as well.\u00a0 Joe struggled to stay awake for he knew if he passed out, they would find him. His main concern now was to just stay out of sight and hope that the war party would go away, for there was no way he could fight off the crazed mad men who were hell-bent on destroying him.<\/p>\n

Joe could hear the jumbled voices of men and scooted as far back into the shadow of the wagon as he could.\u00a0 The ground was cold but solid as he inched his body slowly along until he was sure that he could not be seen beneath the freight wagon that had been turned over during the raid.\u00a0 The voices became louder as the red men moved from wagon to wagon, searching for survivors and Joe mentally prayed that the renegades would not take time to turn the wagon upright, thus revealing his hiding place.<\/p>\n

Suddenly a screeching, horrible wailing pierced his ears and set his already pounding heart to thumping rapidly within his chest.\u00a0 Joe glanced at his wound, feeling sickened by the sight.\u00a0 It appeared that the faster his heart rate became the faster the blood dripped from the jagged rip in his flesh.\u00a0 Again the piteous chaotic wail shattered the uncommon stillness of the late afternoon.\u00a0 Joe reached for his pistol and checked the chamber, it was empty, he had used the last of his bullets.\u00a0 Slowly Joe peeked from his hiding place, seeking the one who had made the sounds.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes found what they had been looking for and the sight that he witnessed turned his blood cold.<\/p>\n

Three of the renegade Indians had found his friend, Bart\u2019s twin brother, Bert.\u00a0 Bert had two arrows embedded in his body, one in his right shoulder and the other in his left leg.\u00a0 A muscular Indian straddled Bert\u2019s back, his hand full of Bert\u2019s sandy blond hair and when he moved the sharply honed knife across Bert\u2019s scalp, Joe felt the contents of his stomach gurgle as he fought to keep from spilling the hot tasting bile onto the ground.\u00a0 The Indian jumped to his feet, the scalp held up high in his hand as he danced around the dying man.\u00a0 Joe tried to turn his eyes from the sight, but could not.\u00a0 He watched Bert\u2019s body twist and jerk one final time and then felt the sting of tears as Bert took his last breath.<\/p>\n

The Indians whooped and hollered loudly as they moved to the next body and repeated the horrific act once again.\u00a0 Joe could do nothing to stop his tears as he watched in horror, nor could he control the fear that coursed through his shivering body.\u00a0 When the rampaging red men moved in his direction, Joe held his breath, afraid to even breathe.\u00a0 From his hiding place, he could see the moccasin clad feet of the enemy as they stood just inches from where he lay unseen beneath the over turned wagon.<\/p>\n

It seemed like a lifetime to the wounded young man before the Indians moved further away and by the time the red men had mounted their horses, their victory scalps proudly displayed from their waistbands, Joe had closed his eyes to the intense pain that scorched his body.\u00a0 His world had become the blackened universe of dark unconsciousness where he no longer lay in fear neither of the red men nor of the terror and pain that had been rendered upon him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben, so sorry,\u201d voiced Roy Coffey, his head hung low, unable to meet the eyes of his friend.<\/p>\n

Adam had his hand resting on his father\u2019s shoulder and could feel the tremors that surged through Ben\u2019s body.\u00a0 The oldest Cartwright son knew the father was struggling with his emotions and that Ben fought to keep from giving in to his grief.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of them, Roy?\u00a0 All of them?\u201d mumbled Ben, finally swallowing the lump that had risen in his throat and at last looking into the sheriff\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, they was all dead, Smitty, Bart and Bert, Gabe and Sam.\u00a0 There was no sign of Little Joe, no where\u2019s.\u00a0 We looked high and low, he just wasn\u2019t there,\u201d Roy explained again.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed and brushed off Adam\u2019s hand from his shoulder and walked to the back of the wagon.\u00a0 Slowly he raised the tarp and peered at the five bodies of the men who had worked for him.\u00a0 Ben felt his stomach churn, the sight of the men, their scalps missing, made him sick.\u00a0 He had seen the sight before, early on, when he and a young Adam had encountered the Indians along the way on their journey to this land.\u00a0 The first time he had happened upon the small group of people, who had been traveling together and had seen the devastation that the Indians had caused, his stomach had reacted then as well.\u00a0 It was a sight that he would see again and again, but one that he would never get used to.\u00a0 And seeing it now, here, in his own yard, men who had worked for him, had been his friends, the sight still had the same affect on his stomach.\u00a0 And then there was the deep-rooted fear for his youngest son, where was Joseph and what had happened to him?\u00a0 Why was he not among the group? His worst fear, was the mass of dark, unruly curls that had always felt so soft to his touch, hang as a victory prize from some insane Bannock\u2019s waistband?<\/p>\n

Ben dropped the tarp and turned his head from the sight and from the men who had gathered around him.\u00a0 He felt the sting of tears as his dark eyes clouded and quickly wiped them away with the sleeve of his shirt, lest they fall and be seen by the onlookers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Roy, for bringing them home,\u201d said Adam as he moved to place his large frame between the sight in the back of the wagon and his father, blocking the view.<\/p>\n

Adam could read the troubled thoughts that were passing in and out of his father\u2019s mind; the images those thoughts were conjuring up as Ben\u2019s imagination ran rampart in regard to young Joe.\u00a0 Adam felt the same fear deep within himself and when he glanced toward his middle brother, he could see the same fear and dread embedded on Hoss\u2019 face as well.<\/p>\n

Ben seemed to suddenly snap out of his stupor and turned his attention back to the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, thank you Roy.\u00a0 We\u2019ll notify their next of kin and see that they get a proper burial,\u201d he told the sheriff.<\/p>\n

Hoss who had been silent the entire time, sniffed his nose, running his arm across the front of his face.\u00a0 \u201cCome on Adam, let\u2019s get started.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m gonna go back into town and see if I cain\u2019t get some men together for a search party.\u00a0 I\u2019ll send a wire over to Carson City, hopefully they might be able to tell us about any trouble that could be goin\u2019 on over their way.\u201d\u00a0 Roy gathered his horse\u2019s reins in his hand and paused in front of Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it ain\u2019t much to go on Ben, but since we didn\u2019t find Little Joe\u2026well\u2026there might be hope that the boy\u2019s still alive.\u00a0 We just gotta find him, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes and slowly shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI want to believe that, Roy.\u00a0 But why would they kill five and leave the one?\u00a0 And if they took him, why, to satisfy themselves with their sick torture games?\u00a0 I\u2019ve seen it before Roy, it isn\u2019t a pretty sight, what the Bannocks do to their captives,\u201d surmised Ben sadly as the worse possible scenario flashed before his mind\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n

Ben turned from the sheriff and ambled slowly towards the house.\u00a0 \u201cGod help my son if the Bannocks have him,\u201d breathed the grief stricken father softly to himself as he entered the house and shut the door behind him.<\/p>\n

Joe tossed from side to side, as if the effort would free his flaming body from the fierceness of the agony that had enveloped him.\u00a0 His shoulder was on fire, the pain shooting clear down his arm to the tips of his fingers.\u00a0 Never in all of his twenty-one years had he ever experienced pain such as he was suffering now.\u00a0 His tortured mind could not focus on any one thing, this thoughts were muddled, his eyes felt as if they were glazed over by a thick white film that prevented him from seeing the face before him.\u00a0 Joe could hear the soft murmurs that whispered above his head but could not make out what was being said about him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Joe\u2019s head tossed about on the soft pillow as he struggled to see the face that loomed before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d came the soft reply and Joe could feel the cool dampness of the cloth as it brushed across his forehead in an attempt to cool the raging fever.<\/p>\n

Joe felt as if his eyelids were weighted down as he struggled to open his eyes.\u00a0 The effort was too much and soon he stopped trying, allowing the darkness to claim him once again.\u00a0 In his realm of in-between, Joe could see again, the faces of his friends, and he heard himself scream as the warrior swiped his sharp knife across Bert\u2019s head, holding his friend\u2019s scalp high over his own head.\u00a0 Joe could hear the Indian warrior\u2019s victory cry that drowned out his own shrill screams before absolute blackness swallowed him up, giving him peace from his tormented visions.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers\u2019 heart lurched as his young friend\u2019s piteous cries pierced his ears.\u00a0 The Paiute warrior had seen the results of his enemies, the Bannocks attack on the white man\u2019s wagons.\u00a0 He and his braves had happened upon the scene, just minutes afterwards and watched as the party of renegades rode away, their cries of victory ringing loudly in the eerie silence that had befallen the entire area around the attack site.<\/p>\n

When the Bannocks were far enough away that Two Feathers had felt it safe for his own braves to venture onto the scene, he had been sickened by the carnage that he had found.\u00a0 Though it had not been so very long ago that he himself had hated all white men, his stomach still found it hard to accept this type of butchery befallen any man.<\/p>\n

Once, he had been party to such raids.\u00a0 His heart once full of grief and hate, Two Feathers had taken his revenge out on any white man whom he had come face to face with.\u00a0 That is until an encounter with a young white boy had changed his heart; where hate had turned to love and Two Feathers\u2019 life had taken on new meaning.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers eased his big buckskin stallion to a stop and slid easily from his mount\u2019s back.\u00a0 Three other braves followed their chief as he moved swiftly from one dead man to the other, inspecting each for any signs of life.\u00a0 The Paiute chief felt his stomach rumble and he winced as his eyes searched each face of the dead men.\u00a0 They were young, such a waste, thought Two Feathers, his heart sickened by the sight.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is nothing to be done here.\u00a0 They are all dead.\u00a0 We must not tarry, for our enemy, the Bannocks, might return.\u00a0 Let us go,\u201d ordered Two Feathers as he turned to mount his horse.<\/p>\n

A soft moaning sound halted his movements as Two Feathers\u2019 jerked his head around and listened intently.\u00a0 He held his hand up, ordering his braves into silence.\u00a0 Again he heard the strange whining and cautiously he moved in the direction in which the distressing sounds were coming.\u00a0 Two Feathers stopped beside of the over turned wagon and motioned for his companions to raise the heavy wooden structure.\u00a0 The three red men placed their hands on the sideboards of the wagon and lifted slowly until Two Feathers was able to peer beneath.\u00a0 His friends heard his sudden intake of breath and cast anxious glances at one another.<\/p>\n

The chief quickly tossed aside fallen slabs of lumber that had been spilled onto the ground and crawled beneath the wagon as instantly each man heard him begin to mutter softly.\u00a0 The groans from under the wagon began to grow in volume as they watched Two Feathers backing out, bringing with him the bloodied body of a young white man.\u00a0 As soon as Two Feathers had cleared the over turned wagon, his braves allowed the wooden structure to be lowered to the ground.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers\u2019 face had turned a pasty white, his shock registering in the depths of his dark eyes.\u00a0 The three braves squatted around Two Feathers who held the young white man tenderly in his arms, but they said nothing, the expression on their leader\u2019s face telling them that they must wait for their chief to speak first.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers cradled Joe in his arms.\u00a0 With his free hand, the Paiute warrior gently brushed the dirt from the battered face of his young friend and then carefully lowered Joe\u2019s body onto the soft earth.\u00a0 Two Feathers ripped the material of Joe\u2019s shirt and when he found the wound that caused his friend\u2019s agony; Two Feathers cringed slightly and cast a worried glance at each of his braves.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy friend is hurt badly.\u00a0 We must take him back to our village and tend this wound, but first, I must remove this arrow from his shoulder.\u00a0 Gray Fox, you must hold him down, Nishka, you hold his legs.\u00a0 I will pull the arrow,\u201d ordered Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am sorry, Lil til Joe, for hurting you, but I must, but for only a moment,\u201d whispered Two Feathers softly into the ear of the boy whom he had come to love as his own, two years earlier.\u00a0 Two Feathers brushed back a stray lock of hair and with the utmost care, pulled upward on the shaft, removing the arrowhead from Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s shrill scream sent the birds into flight as the pain penetrated the dark world where he had sought refuge from his agony.\u00a0 His body stiffened, and then rocked from side to side as the arrow was eased upward, and only when the embedded weapon had been freed of its holdings, did Joe cease his tormented cries.<\/p>\n

Quickly, Two Feathers worked to squelch the seeping blood and once finished, ordered his braves to place the young man on the horse with himself.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s head leaned heavily against the breast of his rescuer, unaware of the world around him and of the red man who sought to save his life.<\/p>\n

It took Two Feathers the better part of the day to reach his village.\u00a0 Having had to make several stops in order to redo the make shift bandage that had been placed over Joe\u2019s open wound, they at last arrived at their destination.\u00a0 Two Feathers was immediately encircled by his people as they gathered around in an attempt to see the white man that their chief had brought back to camp with him.\u00a0 Two Feathers quickly shooed them away as he carried Joe into his teepee and carefully placed him on the bear skin bedding.\u00a0 Joe moaned; his eyes fluttered slightly and opened.<\/p>\n

Before him, Joe could make out the image of the Indian as he hovered above him.\u00a0 Instinct warned him of the impending danger and his warped senses caused him to fight against the gentle hands that struggled to hold him down.\u00a0 Fear seeped from every pore of Joe\u2019s fevered body as he fought to remove himself from his enemy\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d screamed Joe as he felt the strong fingers of the Indian brush against the flesh of his brow.\u00a0 Joe screamed a second time, in his confusion, the sharp edge of the knife that the warrior held in his hand scraped across his head, separating his hair from his skull.\u00a0 Joe could feel the coolness of the blood that dripped from what remained of his hairline. The third time Joe scream, the peaceful darkness claimed him once more, his fear suddenly vanished, and Two Feathers, knowing what must have been going through his young friend\u2019s mind, sighed deeply as he gently brushed the cool compress once more across Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

Ben sat alone amongst the remains of his wagons.\u00a0 His buckskin horse began to toss his head as the animal tried to make his rider aware of his restlessness.\u00a0 Ben paid no mind, his thoughts were elsewhere as he surveyed the damage around him. Had this spot been his son\u2019s place of death?\u00a0 What had been the cause, an arrow through his heart?\u00a0 Had his beloved Joseph been scalped, as were his friends?\u00a0 If so, where had they taken his body, and why?\u00a0 The murdering Indians had left the five others, why take Joe?\u00a0 Perhaps Joseph had stood up to the warriors and they had made him their prisoner, forcing him to go along with them.\u00a0 But if that were so, what lay ahead for his son now, a slow and painful death?\u00a0 Ben dropped his head, unable to stop the fear that brought forth his tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear God, please\u2026let him be all right,\u201d Ben silently prayed.<\/p>\n

Ben raised his head and sniffed at the air, the smell of death lay all around him and he felt himself shiver at the thought.\u00a0 He slipped silently from his saddle and slowly made his way around the debris kicking at small stones here and there.\u00a0 All five wagons had been over turned during the course of the Indian raid.\u00a0 Ben wondered briefly if the idea had been Joe\u2019s, an attempt to shield themselves from flying arrows, thought Ben.\u00a0 Ben sighed, it hadn\u2019t done much good; there had been too many Indians and too few white men to fight against them.\u00a0 Moving from wagon to wagon, Ben cringed as he spied the many arrows that had dug deeply into the wooden panels of his freight wagons.\u00a0 Ben paused and stared at a dark circle on the ground near where one wagon had been up-righted.\u00a0 When Ben knelt down he touched at the spot with his fingers.\u00a0 His sudden intake of breath drew the attention of his middle son as Hoss moved to kneel next to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid ya find somethin\u2019 Pa?\u201d asked the big man as he too fingered the darkened earth.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlood, dried blood.\u201d\u00a0 Ben cast anxious eyes at his son.\u00a0 \u201cLook at all these dark spots, every bit of it\u2019s blood.\u00a0 There, over there, there, and here.\u201d\u00a0 Ben pointed out each of the places where the earth had been discolored by the blood that had dried and seeped into the dirt.<\/p>\n

Hoss glanced at each and then cast his eyes up at Adam who stood over them.\u00a0 Ben rose slowly, small particles of the blood soaked dirt clutched in his hand.\u00a0 Hoss also stood and watched the expression on his father\u2019s face change to one of deep remorse.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder how much of this is Joseph\u2019s own blood?\u201d he mumbled more to himself than to his sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, the men will be here shortly to clean up this mess.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing we can do here, why don\u2019t we go home?\u201d asked Adam, concerned for his father\u2019s well being.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot just yet son.\u00a0 I want to look around some more.\u201d\u00a0 Ben moved off from where Adam and Hoss stood and began poking around the piles of lumber that had fallen from the wagons when they had been over turned.<\/p>\n

Suddenly his eyes caught a glimpse of something shiny and he hurried to pick the object up.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, Hoss look,\u201d he called.\u00a0 Ben turned to face his sons; the object gripped so tightly in his hand that his knuckles had turned white.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Joseph\u2019s pistol,\u201d he told them, though there was no need, for both Adam and Hoss had instantly recognized their brother\u2019s gun.<\/p>\n

Ben spun the chamber.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s empty,\u201d he said solemnly and then spun the chamber again.\u00a0 \u201cHe was out of bullets\u2026dear God\u2026they didn\u2019t stand a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fever continued to burn, causing Joe to toss aimlessly about on his bearskin bedding.\u00a0 Two Feathers remained ever faithful by staying at Joe\u2019s side throughout the long hours.\u00a0 Many times, cool water compresses were applied to the young man\u2019s sweat coated brow, and each time that Joe managed to open his eyes, Joe\u2019s scream of terror would tear at the wall of Two Feathers\u2019 heart.\u00a0 The Paiute chief realized what his young friend had witnessed, knew the fear that must be plaguing the boy\u2019s heart, for he himself had been witness to such atrocities and the memories still turned his stomach upside down and inside out.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers could read the fear in his young friend\u2019s eyes and knew that in Joe\u2019s fevered condition, the boy was unable to separate his Paiute friend from the Bannock warriors who had reined terror unto the small group of men who had been attacked and murdered so callously.\u00a0 Two Feathers knew, for each and every time that Joe awoke and his hand brushed at dampened locks of dark curls or the cool cloth brushed Joe\u2019s brow, Joe would cry out in fright.\u00a0 Even the soft whispered words of comfort that Two Feathers provided did nothing to put Joe\u2019s fears at bay, so Joe continued to whine and moan, his fear adding more discomfort to his already agonized body and mind.<\/p>\n

Several times, Joe had cried out for his father, or one of his brothers.\u00a0 His piteous pleas for help tugging on the strings of Two Feathers\u2019 heart as he sat and held Joe in his arms.<\/p>\n

Gray Fox entered silently into Two Feathers\u2019 teepee and stood, watching the way in which his chief tended to the young white man.\u00a0 Gray Fox knew that this white man had been the one that had touched the heart of Two Feathers and changed the mighty warrior from a man filled with hate to a man who had learned to love again. Gray Fox knew had it not been for this boy, Two Feathers would have never returned to their village, never taken his rightful place as their chief, once Two Feathers\u2019 father had died.\u00a0 Two Feathers\u2019 return and the change that his people saw in him had been what the village needed, for Two Feathers had saved them all from starvation, for they had been near destitute following the death of Ouray, chief of the Paiutes and Two Feathers\u2019 father.\u00a0 Gray Fox and the others owed Little Joe much in the way of thanks, for the young man had done something that no other man or woman had been able to do, and that was to speak to the heart of their new chief, Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers glanced up at Gray Fox, a look of despair etched into the finely chiseled features of his bronzed face.\u00a0 Gray Fox noted how the warrior\u2019s eyes seem to cloud as Two Feathers spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy young friend is dying.\u00a0 Our medicine man, Wovoka, has said that there is nothing else that can be done for the boy.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers glanced back at Joe\u2019s tormented features and brush the back of his large, strong hand down the side of Little Joe\u2019s flushed face.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo Gray Fox, bring Nishka to me and return.\u00a0 There is something that I need you to do for me.\u00a0 Hurry, for the end is drawing near,\u201d ordered Two Feathers, his voice thick with emotion.<\/p>\n

Gray Fox slipped quickly from the teepee and after only minutes returned with Nishka to stand silently while Two Feathers stated his requests.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake five brave men with you.\u00a0 I want you to ride west, to the home of Lil til Joe.\u00a0 You will know the place, it is called the Ponderosa, by the lake they call Tahoe.\u00a0 You must speak only with Ben Cartwright or another of his sons.\u00a0 Tell them that Two Feathers says to come quickly, and bring with them the white man\u2019s medicine man.\u00a0 Tell Ben Cartwright that his son lay dying and that he must hurry.\u00a0 Go, do not tarry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two Feathers brushed his hand at the two men and as silently and quickly as they had entered, the two departed and did as their chief had requested.\u00a0 It took only minutes before Gray Fox and Nishka had chosen the five other braves and were on their way west, in search of the man whom Two Feathers had sent them to see.<\/p>\n

Hoss stopped in his tracks as the seven Indians rode into the yard of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Quickly, he glanced over his shoulder toward the front door and yelled.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA! ADAM!\u00a0 GET OUT HERE, QUICK!\u201d<\/p>\n

The front door burst open and Ben hurried to join Hoss at his side.\u00a0 Adam followed moments later, his pistol held firmly in his hand as he stopped just inches from his father\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe come in peace,\u201d said Gray Fox, spying the gun as he and Nishka slid from the bare backs of their ponies and stood together facing Ben and his two sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome,\u201d stated Ben, glancing at Hoss and then Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWhat brings you to the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have come to speak with Ben Cartwright,\u201d Gray Fox explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright, what can I do for you?\u201d Ben asked, his curiosity growing as the sight of the Indians gave his heart cause to beat rapidly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur chief, Two Feathers, has sent us to get you and to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo Feathers?\u201d questioned Ben, \u201cTwo Feathers is now chief of the Paiutes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he says you must come with us, to our village.\u00a0 He says to tell you to bring the white man\u2019s medicine man for your son lay dying and has need of his medicine,\u201d Gray Fox explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy son?\u00a0 Joseph is with Two Feathers?\u201d Ben nearly shouted, giving each of his sons a quick look.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we found the boy four days ago.\u00a0 He and his companions had been attack by Bannock renegades and left for dead.\u00a0 Your son is much loved by our chief, and Two Feathers fears for the boy\u2019s life.\u00a0 Come, we will take you to our village.\u201d\u00a0 Gray Fox motioned for Nishka to mount his horse and turned toward his own pony.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d said Ben, \u201cWe have to send for the doctor.\u201d\u00a0 Ben turned to Adam, \u201cSon, go fetch Doc Martin and hurry, we will meet you at the crest of the ridge, just inside our property line to the east.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam quickly mounted his horse and turned, shouting over his shoulder to his father.\u00a0 \u201cI should be there in less than two hours.\u201d\u00a0 Adam kicked at his mount\u2019s sides, and Sport took off at a run.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Hoss and Ben quickly gathered what supplies they needed and joined Gray Fox and Nishka who waited patiently with the other five braves that had accompanied them.<\/p>\n

Adam was true to his word, in less than the two hours he had predicted; he met his father and brother on the crest of the ridge.\u00a0 Solemnly and in single file, Ben and his sons followed behind Gray Fox and Nishka, with the remaining five braves trailing behind them, always cautious, always looking back over their shoulders.<\/p>\n

It was a weary group of travelers that pulled their mounts to a halt within Two Feathers\u2019 village.\u00a0 Quickly young boys gathered to take charge of the horses as the men dismounted.\u00a0 Ben glanced anxiously about for Two Feathers but could not find his face among the group of natives that had encircled about them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wait, I will tell our chief that you have arrived,\u201d stated Gray Fox and hurried through the throng of people.<\/p>\n

Gray Fox entered the teepee of Two Feathers.\u00a0 The warm blaze from the fire made the teepee comfortable from the slight chill of the night air.\u00a0 Gray Fox could make out the still form lying motionless on the bear skin blanket as he eased over to his chief.\u00a0 Two Feathers chin was resting on his chest; his dark eyes were closed.\u00a0 Briefly, Gray Fox thought that his leader was sleeping, but after kneeling to the warrior\u2019s side, the softly spoken words of prayer could be heard coming from the mouth of the chief.<\/p>\n

Gray Fox waited until Two Feathers had finished and then placed his hand on his friend\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 Two Feathers quickly turned toward Gray Fox, the silent tears that had filled his eyes slipped slowly down his cheeks and Two Feathers brushed them away with the back of his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is dead?\u201d questioned Gray Fox, fearing that he and the others had taken too long in bringing the boy\u2019s father and brothers to his bedside.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he lives yet, but soon the end will come.\u00a0 Has his father arrived as well?\u201d Two Feathers asked as he rose to his feet and glanced down at Joe when the boy moaned softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is here, and he has brought the white medicine man,\u201d Gray Fox told the Paiute chief.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome, I will see him now.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers led the way out and then waited until Gray Fox took him to where Ben and the doctor waited for them.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo Feathers,\u201d Ben all but shouted when he spied the tall warrior approaching.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright, my friend, welcome to my village,\u201d greeted Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy son?\u00a0 How is he?\u201d Ben asked anxiously, a look of fear appearing on his face.\u00a0 Ben watched the emotions that Two Feathers tried so hard to hide and knew that his son was not doing well.<\/p>\n

Before Two Feathers had a chance to respond, Ben spoke again, this time the tone of his voice was practically pleading with the chief.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, take me to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome,\u201d said Two Feathers.\u00a0 He had seen the look on Ben\u2019s face as well and knew the caring father was anxious to see his son.\u00a0 Two Feathers wasted no time, for there was no time to waste, Joe was barely clinging to life as it was.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers held open the flap that covered the round entranceway to his teepee and allowed Ben, Doc Martin and Ben\u2019s sons to enter first.\u00a0 Ben immediately spied Joe lying on the blankets close to the fire that warmed the teepee.\u00a0 Quickly Ben, knelt beside of Joe, his hand tenderly caressed the boy\u2019s cheek and when Joe moaned softly, Ben gently gathered his wounded son into an embrace and held him tightly for several moments, unable to voice his concerns to those who watched in respectful silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d whispered Ben, looking into the face of his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cPlease son, open your eyes,\u201d pleaded Ben softly, watching and hoping for a reaction that would tell him that his son knew that his father was present.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, your Pa\u2019s here now son, please\u2026can you hear me?\u201d begged Ben as he brushed back the stray locks of soft curls that seemed always to be misplaced.<\/p>\n

Paul Martin had taken one look at the youngest Cartwright and knew instantly that time was of the essence.\u00a0 The physician knelt beside of the distraught father and placed his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me have a look at him Ben,\u201d ordered Paul in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n

Ben glanced up into the face of the doctor and when he did, Paul noted the frightened look in the depths of Ben\u2019s dark worried eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s bad Paul, he\u2019s bad,\u201d whispered Ben, his voice thick with raw emotion.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, you have to help him.\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s words came out in a near sob as he gently returned Joe\u2019s head to the soft pile of furs that served as his pillow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will try Ben, I promise,\u201d Paul said and then moved nearer Joe the instant that Ben relinquished his spot beside of the wounded young man.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss stood on either side of their father.\u00a0 They too had seen the frightened expression that Ben wore and it added to their own fears that perhaps the doctor had been too long in coming to their brother\u2019s aide and that having found the boy at last, they might possibly lose him again, this time permanently.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right, Pa.\u00a0 Ya just wait and see,\u201d muttered Hoss, wanting more than anything else right now, to believe his own words.\u00a0 \u201cDoc here will take care of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome, I will have my wife prepare something for you to eat,\u201d said Two Feathers as he led them from the tent, leaving Paul to tend to Joe\u2019s injuries by himself, as the doctor had requested.<\/p>\n

\u201cWife?\u201d said Ben, surprised at the news, for he knew that Two Feathers\u2019 first wife and son had died several years earlier after having been murdered by white trappers bound to rid the mountains of the red men.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers smiled at Ben.\u00a0 \u201cYes, after I returned to my village, I took a wife, Rising Sun.\u00a0 She is a most beautiful young woman who is about to give me a son, or daughter, soon,\u201d beamed the Paiute proudly.\u00a0 \u201cAfter learning the lessons of love and forgiveness from your son, I decided to marry again and start over.\u00a0 I have Lil til Joe to thank for my happiness now, for he gave me back my life.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers paused suddenly and glanced back toward the teepee where Joe lay, fighting for his own life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just hope that I have not waited too long in giving him his life back as well,\u201d said Two Feathers sadly and then glanced at Ben who watched his reactions.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cPaul will do all that he can to save Joe\u2019s life.\u00a0 I\u2019m just glad to know that it was you who found my son and not those renegades who murdered my men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am also glad that it were I for Joseph was badly hurt, the wound in his shoulder was dirty and I am sure the arrow that pierced his flesh would have been as well.\u00a0 He was imagining evil things by the time that I got him back to my village.\u00a0 You will find that he is terrified by what he saw and I am sure he thinks of me as an enemy, for he screams each time that his eyes see my face.\u00a0 I have tried to comfort him, to tell him that I am Two Feathers, his trusted friend, but his mind has convinced his heart otherwise.\u00a0 It saddens me that he no longer trusts me or thinks of me as his friend,\u201d said Two Feathers sadly.<\/p>\n

Ben felt the unhappiness that this mighty warrior tried to mask and reached a reassuring hand out and placed it on the Indian\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cHe is delirious, out of his mind because of the fever.\u00a0 When my son is well again, Two Feathers, Little Joe will remember then.\u00a0 You are his friend; he has spoken often of you,\u201d Ben told the chief.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d sighed the Paiute brave, \u201cperhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul Martin spent what seemed like hours with Joe, thought Ben.\u00a0 The boy\u2019s wound had festered some and Paul was forced to reopen the partly healed lesion and then cut away the tissue that had refused to heal properly.\u00a0 Though the morphine that Paul administered helped with the pain, Joe\u2019s screams could still be heard throughout the camp.\u00a0 When the first of several such agonizing screeches pierced the stillness of the evening, Ben leapt to his feet and ran to the teepee where Joe was being treated.\u00a0 Adam ran after his father and was able to stop the older Cartwright just before Ben raised the flap that covered the opening.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa.\u00a0 Don\u2019t go in there.\u00a0 Please, Paul knows what he is doing and if he needs any help, he\u2019ll let us know.\u00a0 Come back to the fire,\u201d encouraged Adam, giving Hoss, who had followed him, a look that begged for support.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right Pa.\u00a0 Ya won\u2019t do Little Joe no good by getting\u2019 in Doc\u2019s way.\u00a0 He\u2019ll let us know as soon as we can see the kid,\u201d Hoss said in a soft voice and gently took his father\u2019s arm and led him back to the campfire where they had been sitting with Two Feathers and several of his braves.<\/p>\n

It was long into the night before Doc Martin emerged from the tent, leaving his patient in the care of Two Feathers\u2019 wife, Rising Sun.\u00a0 Paul felt weary, his bones ached from having to stay bent over for so long but his spirits were high for Joe seemed to have at last settled into a much needed, deep sleep.<\/p>\n

Ben raised his head at the sound of soft footsteps behind him and seeing that it was the doctor, quickly rose to his feet to greet the family physician.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul?\u201d he stated in a quivering voice.\u00a0 Adam, Hoss and Two Feathers had also stood to their feet and were waiting with baited breath for the doctor\u2019s synopsis.<\/p>\n

Paul smiled at the small group of men, and saw each of them relax the worried expressions on their faces.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s resting Ben, soundly,\u201d Paul continued to smile.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s had a rough time of it, but I can honestly say, had it not been for your friend here\u2026\u201d Paul pointed to Two Feathers, \u201cI dare say Joseph would not have made it thus far.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced over his shoulder at his son\u2019s rescuer and nodded his head at Two Feathers.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I am very much aware of just how much in his debt that I am,\u201d commented Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s far from being well, but I honestly believe that he\u2019s going to be fine in time, Ben.\u00a0 His injury was bad, but whatever that concoction was that Two Feathers kept on that wound, it seemed to have been working for the most part.\u00a0 Stinks,\u201d Paul grinned and then winked at the Cartwrights, \u201cbut it sure kept down a lot of the infection.\u00a0 Had it not been for that, the infection would have been much, much worse and as sure as I\u2019m standing here Ben, you would have lost that boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head in agreement and turned to Two Feathers.\u00a0 \u201cHow can I ever thank you, Two Feathers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou owe me no thanks, Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 Two winters ago, I happen upon a young white boy.\u00a0 I hated all whites then, and I took that boy as my prisoner.\u00a0 I wanted to kill him, make him suffer, as my own son had been made to suffer.\u00a0 I knew the boy had a family, a father who loved him as I loved my son, and I wanted that father to feel the pain of losing his son in a cruel way, as I.\u00a0 Little did I know that that young boy would forever change my life. Your son, Ben Cartwright, taught me how to forgive and how to love again.\u00a0 No, it is I who owes you.\u00a0 I have grown to love your son, in much the same way, as I had loved my own flesh and blood son.\u00a0 I would do all in my power to keep your boy safe and well,\u201d Two Feathers smiled at Ben and his two sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Two Feathers, for everything.\u201d\u00a0 Ben took the chief\u2019s hand into his and shook it, then slipped his free arm about the Paiute\u2019s shoulder and pulled the surprised Indian into an embrace.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go see how our son is doing, shall we?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

Paul returned to the teepee with Ben and his followers and together the small group entered into the teepee.\u00a0 Rising Sun smiled at her husband as he moved to her side and tenderly slipped his arm about her thickening waistline.<\/p>\n

Paul watched the young woman, scratching his head.\u00a0 \u201cIt won\u2019t be long now before that baby is born,\u201d he commented to Two Feathers and Rising Sun.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers eyes shone with the pride he felt and he smiled at the doctor, \u201cit will be a son, of that I am sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so, for your sake,\u201d replied Paul.\u00a0 \u201cIf I can be of any assistance while I\u2019m here, just let me know, it could be any day now from the looks of things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben bent over the sleeping form of his son and with his lips pressed tightly together, formed a small smile as he caressed Joe\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 \u201cFever seems to be down some,\u201d he said over his shoulder to Doc Martin.<\/p>\n

Paul moved to stand over Ben and watched the expressions on Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cYes, for now, but we still need to watch him.\u00a0 I don\u2019t contemplate any real problems Ben, but I want to stay around for a few days to be sure.\u201d\u00a0 Paul squatted down so only Ben could hear his next words.\u00a0 \u201cThat young woman is just about to give birth and from the size of her belly, I don\u2019t think she\u2019s gonna have an easy time, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced over his shoulder at Rising Sun.\u00a0 \u201cI see what you mean, she really isn\u2019t a very strong looking young woman, is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo she\u2019s\u2026\u201d started Paul.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0 The word was jumbled, but it drew everyone\u2019s attention to Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d cooed Ben in a soft voice as he took his son\u2019s hand into his own.\u00a0 \u201cCan you open your eyes, son?\u201d he encouraged.<\/p>\n

Joe tossed his head from side to side as he tried to force his eyes opened in response to his father\u2019s voice.\u00a0 His mind remained confused; his thoughts seemed locked into the last thing he remembered seeing, his friends and what had happened to them and when his eyes at last opened, they were filled with tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d wept Joe, his arm fraying about in the air, searching frantically for his father.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s hands locked firmly around Joe\u2019s and Ben brought it to his lips where he kissed the back of Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here, try to calm down,\u201d urged Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s chin quivered as the tears ran silently down his face.\u00a0 \u201cBert\u2026Gabe\u2026Pa, they\u2019re all dead\u2026I\u2026\u201d cried Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndians\u2026scalped them\u2026OH GOD!\u00a0 PA!\u00a0 HELP ME!\u201d screamed Joe, trying to force his body into a sitting position.<\/p>\n

Adam quickly moved to help his father restrain Joe and gently forced him back down onto his bedding.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, you have to be still son.\u00a0 It\u2019s all right now, you\u2019re safe,\u201d Ben said in a deep voice.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes darted from face to face; the soft glow of the fire making each more distorted to his vision than they really appeared.\u00a0 Suddenly his eyes spied the face of Two Feathers as the warrior leaned over Ben\u2019s shoulder so that he might observe his young charge.<\/p>\n

Suddenly Joe screamed; his cry was high-pitched, and ear piercing.\u00a0 He jerked his hand free of his father\u2019s and pointed in Two Feathers\u2019 direction as he fought to escape.<\/p>\n

\u201cINDIANS!\u00a0 PA! LOOK OUT!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

It took his father, Adam and Hoss to hold the frightened youth down.\u00a0 Quickly, Paul pulled a syringe from his black bag and administered a shot that quickly did as it was intended to do.\u00a0 In minutes, Joe began to relax and his eyes flickered open and shut, all the while fighting to remain focused on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSavages,\u201d he muttered, his words nearly whispered.\u00a0 Everyone within the walls of the teepee fell silent as Joe continued his barrage of insults toward the red men.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re all savages\u2026all\u2026of them\u2026I hate them\u2026for what\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes began to close, \u201cthey did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered opened one last time, and they met the dark gaze of Two Feathers.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2026hate\u2026you,\u201d he sobbed.\u00a0 His clouded hazel eyes closed, his lips continued to move though no words passed from his mouth.<\/p>\n

All eyes turned to Two Feathers.\u00a0 The warrior\u2019s shoulders slumped, his eyes had misted and without uttering a word, the man vacated his teepee.<\/p>\n

Ben glanced at his sons.\u00a0 \u201cHe didn\u2019t mean it, Pa.\u00a0 Ya know that, the boy ain\u2019t got no ideay what he just said to that man.\u00a0 Why Joe could never hate Two Feathers, could he, Pa?\u201d questioned Hoss, always first to stand up for his younger brother.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head sadly.\u00a0 \u201cNo son, Joe couldn\u2019t hate that man.\u00a0 He\u2019s just confused and doesn\u2019t realize what he\u2019s saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you might want to explain that to Two Feathers, cause I think the man believes what Joe just said,\u201d said Adam, as he straighten the blankets and pulled them snug around his brother\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re right son.\u00a0 Paul please let me know if there\u2019s any change.\u00a0 I think I will have a few words with Two Feathers.\u201d\u00a0 Ben brushed back a lock of Joe\u2019s hair that had fallen to his brow and stood to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t be long,\u201d he said and then slipped from the teepee.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers leaned against the trunk of a large oak tree.\u00a0 The words slung at him from the young man he adored had ripped his heart in two.\u00a0 He tried to tell himself that Joe had not really meant what he had said, but the look of unrefined hatred that had sparked the hazel eyes, argued with his heart that the boy had indeed meant everything he had said.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers thought back to the days when he and Joe had spent months together, just the two of them.\u00a0 They had been happy days for the soon-to-be chief.\u00a0 He had in those long winter nights, when he and Joe had shared a warm fire, developed an odd type of friendship with the young boy.\u00a0 Joe had opened a door to a world of love, where hatred of the white man had soon became a thing of the past, where forgiveness and trust united as common companions to a heart that had been broken by the viciousness of others.\u00a0 Two Feathers in those days, had found peace in his life, his spirit had been renewed and for the first time in many moons, had opened his heart to the young man who had first been his prisoner, then his friend and finally, his surrogate son.<\/p>\n

The Paiute chief swiped at the unshed tears with the backs of his hands.\u00a0 The boy had given him a second chance at happiness.\u00a0 When Two Feathers had returned to his village, his father, the chief, lay on his deathbed.\u00a0 Two Feathers had made peace with his father, had spent several hours telling him of his renewal and how it had come about.\u00a0 Ouray, Two Feathers\u2019 father, had smiled and given his son his blessings, telling him to always remember that the Great Spirit would remain close and that He would smile upon the new life that Two Feathers\u2019 was seeking to establish.\u00a0 The next day Ouray died.\u00a0 Two Feathers, with new hope in his heart, made a promise to the Great Spirit as he became chief of the Paiutes, to always remember the lessons of the heart, taught to him by one so young; the one surely sent to him by divine intervention of the Great Spirit.<\/p>\n

Ben spied the chief leaning against the tree.\u00a0 His shadow that reflected by the glow of the fire, Ben approached cautiously, not wanting to intrude on the man\u2019s thoughts.\u00a0 When a twig snapped, Two Feathers\u2019 head pivoted around and saw that it was Joe\u2019s father who had come up behind him.\u00a0 Quickly, Two Feathers sniffed his nose and masked the hurt that had shown on his sharply defined features.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope I\u2019m not bothering you?\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers smiled, but Ben could tell that the man was troubled, probably bothered by the words that Joseph had flung at his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I was just remembering,\u201d confessed the Indian chief.<\/p>\n

Ben watched the expression on the Indian\u2019s face change and noted the far away look that came into his dark, brown eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t mean what he said.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know what he was saying, or to whom he said it,\u201d spoke Ben at last.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers turned to face Ben once again.\u00a0 \u201cFrom the heart, the mouth speaks,\u201d the brave remarked and looked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the heart was frightened, the mind scared and confused, the body burning with fever.\u00a0 You cannot hold him responsible for his words\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he cannot hold me responsible for what happened to him\u2026or his friends.\u00a0 Even he taught me that\u2026two years ago when I hated all white men for what they had done to me and my family.\u00a0 Now, for the same reasons, your son has learned to hate the Indian, all Indians, regardless of the fact that I, Two Feathers, had nothing to do with killing those boys,\u201d shouted Two Feathers, unaware that his voice had risen and become full of resentment.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he not know how I care for him?\u00a0 Does he not remember that I asked him to stay with me?\u00a0 To be my son?\u00a0 Does he not know that I would gladly die for him if he needed me to do so?\u00a0 No, because now he has learned to hate.\u00a0 His heart has hardened and yes, though his mind is fevered, his heart speaks the truth.\u00a0 I am now nothing to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two Feathers, his heart broken, turned from Ben and returned to his people where he mingled with members of his tribe.\u00a0 Ben stood for several minutes, lost in his thoughts before returning to his injured son\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

Joe slept peacefully, Hoss and Paul had turned in for the night, leaving Adam at Joe\u2019s side.\u00a0 Ben slipped quietly inside and sat on the opposite side from where Adam sat.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s resting now.\u00a0 He opened his eyes again, after you went to talk to Two Feathers,\u201d Adam told his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say anything?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

Adam pursed his lips tightly and cut his eyes over at his father.\u00a0 \u201cHe begged me to take him home.\u00a0 He said he was scared\u2026of the Indians.\u00a0 Pa, what Joe witnessed must have been horrific\u2026I mean, to see your friends\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know son, I know.\u00a0 And I realize how terrifying that must have been for your brother,\u201d Ben started.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, Little Joe has to realize that it wasn\u2019t Two Feathers that did those things.\u00a0 We can\u2019t just take him home without the two of them talking it out.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t be fair to either of them,\u201d Adam explained to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know that son.\u00a0 I\u2019ve talked to Two Feathers, but he seems sure that Joe knew what he was saying and that he meant what he said.\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe that for one minute, Joe thinks too much of that man to suddenly allow what someone else did to him or his friends to end up hating the chief.\u00a0 I will have a talk with Joseph when he wakes up.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said and then glanced at Joe who slept soundly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank God that it was Two Feathers that found your brother,\u201d muttered Ben in a voice so low that Adam was unable to hear the comment.<\/p>\n

It was far into the second night before Joe began to stir about and finally woke; his eyes unclouded and his mind clear at last.\u00a0 It was dark inside the teepee and it took several moments for Joe\u2019s eyes to adjust to the dim lighting that was still present from the glowing embers of the fire.\u00a0 Joe forced himself up, resting the weight of his body on one elbow as his eyes darted about the circular room in search of his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u00a0 Pa?\u201d called Joe weakly.\u00a0 His breathing had become labored from the effort that seemed to drain him of any strength.\u00a0 \u201cPlease\u2026Pa,\u201d cried Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben was instantly on his feet and hurried to his son\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m here son.\u00a0 It\u2019s all right, your fine,\u201d soothed Ben, taking Joe\u2019s hand in his.\u00a0 With his free hand, he pressed his palm against Joe\u2019s brow and when he felt the coolness of his son\u2019s skin against his, Ben sighed deeply.\u00a0 \u201cYour fever\u2019s gone,\u201d smiled Ben in relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026where am I?\u00a0 This isn\u2019t my room?\u201d Joe forcing his words out loud enough that his father would be able to hear him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo son, we\u2019re not home.\u00a0 This is Two Feathers\u2019 teepee, he\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo Feathers?\u201d questioned Joe, suddenly surprised at his father\u2019s statement.\u00a0 \u201cHow?\u00a0 I mean\u2026the last thing I remember\u2026was\u2026\u201d The sob caught in Joe\u2019s throat and he was unable to finish his sentence.<\/p>\n

Ben noted the tears that had gathered in his son\u2019s troubled eyes and hurried to reassure his son.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s okay Joseph.\u00a0 We\u2019re all here now and you\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how did I get here?\u00a0 I thought it was the Bannocks who\u2026who\u2026attack us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was son.\u00a0 Two Feathers and some of his men heard the shooting and went to see what was happening, but it was too late.\u00a0 By the time that he and his men got to where you were, the Bannocks were riding off.\u00a0 Two Feathers and his braves searched for survivors, and they found you under one of the wagons.\u00a0 You were unconscious, and hurt very badly, the others\u2026well\u2026it was too late for them.\u00a0 Two Feathers pulled the arrow from your shoulder and he and his men brought you back here, to his village,\u201d explained Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes closed momentarily as he tried to remember all that had happened.\u00a0 When they opened again, the tiny beads of water rolled slowly down the sides of Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe saved my life\u2026again\u2026didn\u2019t he?\u201d Joe asked in a soft whispered voice.<\/p>\n

Ben gently wiped the tears with his hands and smiled down at his son.\u00a0 \u201cYes Joseph, he saved your life\u2026again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t stop the tiny smile that spread across his face.\u00a0 \u201cThat man never ceases to amaze me.\u00a0 Where is he Pa?\u00a0 I have to thank him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile suddenly faded, remembering how Joe\u2019s cruel words had hurt his son\u2019s friend.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, it\u2019s the middle of the night son.\u00a0 Two Feathers is sleeping, you can see him in the morning.\u00a0 Right now, I want you to go back to sleep, you need to be still and rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled the covers back up around Joe\u2019s chin and fringed a small smile.\u00a0 \u201cDo as I say young man, close your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe could see his father\u2019s smile in the fading light; he could also see the troubled look that Ben tried so hard to conceal from him but his mind was just too weary to wonder what had changed his father\u2019s expression from one of relief to one of worry.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d whispered Joe, his eyelids becoming heavy as they closed once again to sleep.<\/p>\n

Ben was waiting for Two Feathers by the time the Indian chief emerged from his second teepee where he had moved himself and his wife after Ben and his sons, along with the white man\u2019s medicine man arrived to care for Joe.\u00a0 The surprise at finding Ben at his teepee doorway was evident to Ben as Two Feathers stepped into the bright morning son.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright, you rise early.\u00a0 Is Lil til Joe worse?\u201d asked the Indian, worry sounding in his tone that was still husky from just waking.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, in fact Two Feathers, Joe is fine.\u00a0 He\u2019s awake and is asking for you, I thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not think for me Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 I have things that must be done this day.\u00a0 I cannot see your son\u2026I will not see your son,\u201d snapped Two Feathers as he stepped aside to allow his wife, Rising Sun, to leave his tent.<\/p>\n

Rising Sun nodded her head at Ben and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cMy husband is cross, as an old mama bear this morning.\u00a0 He growls as if wounded, but it is only his foolish pride that stops him from seeing the boy he has talked so much about.\u201d\u00a0 Rising Sun glanced up at her husband and gently shook her head at him.\u00a0 \u201cFoolish man,\u201d she muttered and walked away.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers gave his wife a scowl but Ben could see the tiny smile that tugged at the red man\u2019s lips, and he couldn\u2019t help but speak up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive him a chance to explain, Two Feathers.\u00a0 I give you my word; the boy had no idea what he said.\u00a0 When I talked to him about why you had not been to see him, I told him what he said to you.\u00a0 He cried, he knows how that must have hurt you.\u00a0 Won\u2019t you give him a chance to tell you he is sorry?\u201d Ben asked placing his hand gently on the big Indian\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cWould you be so unforgiving, if the boy were your own son?\u201d<\/p>\n

The near harsh question took the chief by surprise and for a moment he could find no words for his reply.\u00a0 Suddenly he smiled, easing the deep furrows that had crossed his brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo wonder your son has touched my heart so, for he is as sharp as his father.\u00a0 You are wise Ben Cartwright, for you speak with a father\u2019s heart and touch the longing in my own.\u00a0 I will speak with your son, and I will forgive Lit til Joe for his harsh words.\u00a0 How can I refuse one who was sent to teach my heart how to love, for look what I have gained by his lessons.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers turned at the approach of his wife and smiled, holding back the flap that covered the opening to their teepee.<\/p>\n

Rising Sun turned, just as she entered and started to speak.\u00a0 \u201cBe silent woman!\u201d ordered Two Feathers in a firm voice, but she smiled, for she knew her husband had lost his heart once again to the boy whom she knew Two Feathers loved deeply.<\/p>\n

Joe was propped up in a sitting position when Two Feathers raised the flap to the teepee and slipped silently inside.\u00a0 The light of day had begun to fade and it took several moments for the red man\u2019s eyes to adjust to the dimly lit enclosure.<\/p>\n

Joe watched the big Paiute as he entered the tent but said nothing, waiting for the warrior to speak first.\u00a0 Joe knew that Two Feathers was waiting for his eyes to accustom themselves to the dim light.\u00a0 It gave him the few moments he needed to sort his thoughts and form his words.\u00a0 He had found it hard to believe when his father told him of the unkind words he had shouted at his friend, and now that Two Feathers stood before him, Joe had suddenly become shy and found it hard to meet the dark probing eyes that he knew were watching him.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers squatted on his haunches in front of Joe and gently placed his strong powerful, yet tender hand on Joe\u2019s quivering chin and raised the boy\u2019s head upward, until the water filled hazel eyes, met his own.\u00a0 Two Feathers smiled and when the droplets escaped from the rim that held them, he used his free hand to brush them away.<\/p>\n

\u201cHate can erode your heart, suffocate your spirit and destroy your soul.\u00a0 You taught me that, Lil til Joe.\u00a0 Why do you now do these very things that you taught me not to do, now to your own heart, spirit and soul?\u00a0 Do you hate so much that you wish to harden your heart to all of the good that surrounds you?\u00a0 You will destroy your love and the love that others wish to give so freely to you.\u00a0 Is this your wish?\u00a0 To hate all red men, because a few took from you something that you held dear?\u201d stated Two Feathers in a warm, loving voice that reminded Little Joe very much of his father.<\/p>\n

Joe could only shake his head no and when Two Feathers removed his hand from Joe\u2019s chin, Joe dropped his head and sniffed his nose.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t mean what I said,\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes again found the dark probing eyes, \u201cI didn\u2019t even know it was you that I was talking too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that now,\u201d the chief told the boy.\u00a0 Two Feathers sat down on the bear hide and crossed his legs.\u00a0 \u201cI am sorry for what happened to you Lil til Joe.\u00a0 I have seen such brutal acts myself, and each time, my heart breaks for the ones that are made to suffer.\u00a0 But soon their suffering is ended and those that remain, those who have stood witness to such cruel and unkind acts are the ones who have been left behind to endure the memories.\u00a0 I know you shall never forget the sight, but you are strong my son and we must strive for better ways in which to teach our brothers that that kind of brutality is senseless to both the white man and the red man.\u00a0 Lil til Joe, I know you were frightened.\u00a0 It is nothing to be ashamed off\u2026\u201d Two Feathers paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cI too have been so frightened, many moons ago when I was a young warrior.\u00a0 I thought nothing could scare me, I was afraid of no man.\u00a0 I, Two Feathers, son of Ouray, chief of the Paiutes.\u00a0 But one day, some more young warriors and myself were taken captive by many blue coats.\u00a0 For days on end, they dragged us through the desert; they denied us food and water until one by one we died.\u00a0 During those days, I longed for my father to come to save me.\u00a0 My best friend, who happened to be my younger brother, died and I cried, for I, who thought was so brave, could do nothing to help my brother.\u00a0 I watched what the blue coats did to the boy and I was scared.\u00a0 Do you know what they did to him?\u201d asked Two Feathers whose eyes had seemed to suddenly look away, as if he were seeing the scene for the very first time.<\/p>\n

Joe did not have to acknowledge his friend\u2019s statement, for Two Feathers took a deep breath and continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe blue coats tied him to a cactus tree, and stripped him of his clothes.\u00a0 They used rawhide ropes, soaked in water.\u00a0 Do you know what happens when that rawhide begins to dry?\u00a0 It shrinks and cuts into a man\u2019s flesh.\u00a0 My young brother died a terrible death, for they tied the rawhide onto various parts of the boy\u2019s body.\u00a0 I still hear his screams, at night when I least expect them.\u00a0 I was terrified that they would do the same to me, and they almost did.\u00a0 But right after my brother died, my father and his warriors, too many to count came to our rescue.\u00a0 It was a sad time, having to live my life without my brother and my friends that I had loved.\u00a0 But life comes full circle, my son.\u00a0 Life goes on, there is no way to stop it.\u00a0 And so shall yours.\u00a0 Do you wish to spend it in sadness and grief?\u00a0 Always hating those about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can I not hate them Two Feathers?\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I can ever forgive those men for what they have done?\u00a0 Tell me how you learned not to hate?\u201d begged Little Joe leaning his head on Two Feathers\u2019 shoulder when the man moved next to Joe and placed his arm lovingly about the trembling shoulders of the younger man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that in some small way, I still hate the blue coats, and the men who murdered Morning Star and Running Deer but I have learned that it must not control my life.\u00a0 Life is too short to spend everyday hating someone for something that cannot be undone.\u00a0 I now take every day and live it as if it might be my last day.\u00a0 I have a beautiful wife now and soon we shall have a son\u2026or daughter\u2026they are my happiness now Lil til Joe, they are my love, my heart beats as one with theirs.\u00a0 There is more in life to love than to hate.\u00a0 Those renegades\u2019 lives will come full circle, when the Great Spirit deems it their time.\u00a0 They will be made to pay for their vicious acts.\u00a0 Of that I have the promise of the Mighty One, the one who knows all,\u201d finished Two Feathers as he pressed Joe\u2019s head gently against his beating heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a wife?\u201d questioned Joe.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers laughed, \u201cYes, a very bossy young squaw who thinks she knows me well.\u201d\u00a0 The rolling laughter filled the room, \u201cBut I love her dearly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow my son.\u00a0 Is your anger at me gone?\u00a0 Or do you still hate me?\u201d taunted the Indian, hiding his smile from Joe\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could never hate you Two Feathers,\u201d said Joe seriously.\u00a0 \u201cBut I may never stop hating the Bannocks.\u00a0 And I hope you\u2019re right about them getting their just due.\u00a0 They deserve none the less for what they did to my friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glanced up at his friend. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Two Feathers, for hurting you.\u00a0 I\u2026I\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s chin began to quiver again and he fought to stop his tears.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2026you mean a lot to me, you\u2019re someone very special to me\u2026I just want you to know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you Joseph, are someone very special to me.\u00a0 We are friends, again?\u201d asked the kind Indian.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe never stopped being friends.\u00a0 As my Pa might say, \u2018we just got sidetracked for a little while\u2019,\u201d smiled Joe.\u00a0 \u201cTwo Feathers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about this wife of yours and the baby that she is\u2026.\u201d Started Little Joe and stopped when suddenly a young Paiute maid poked her head inside of the teepee.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must come Two Feathers.\u00a0 It is time,\u201d she smiled brightly.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers jumped to his feet, nearly knocking Joe over in his haste.\u00a0 \u201cTime?\u00a0 Are you sure?\u201d he questioned the woman.\u00a0 The woman nodded her head and dropped the flap.<\/p>\n

\u201cTime?\u00a0 Time for what?\u201d asked Little Joe, seeing the excitement on his friend\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is time for my son to be born.\u00a0 I will return to you later, and bring you my son to see,\u201d beamed the proud chief.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you so sure its going to be a boy?\u201d laughed Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am sure,\u201d nodded the warrior as if he truly did know.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if it is a girl?\u201d giggled Joe, in a teasing manner.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers looked for several moments into Joe\u2019s eyes and saw that the younger man was teasing him.\u00a0 \u201cThen I should give her to you, as a wife, when she is old enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face suddenly lost it\u2019s smile as he considered the man\u2019s words, not sure if he jest or not.\u00a0 Looking up at his friend, Joe knew that Two Feathers was dead serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I shall be proud to have her,\u201d he said truthfully, secretly praying for a boy.\u00a0 How would he ever explain this matter to his father, he questioned himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cTWO FEATHERS, COME!\u201d someone shouted from outside the opening.\u00a0 \u201cTHE BABE COMES NOW!\u201d<\/p>\n

Two Feathers quickly nodded his head at Joe, \u201cIt is written, the girl child shall be your wife.\u201d\u00a0 With that Two Feathers hurried from the tent, almost colliding with Ben on his way in.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed and moved aside, giving Two Feathers the chance to exit and then he looked at the stunned face of his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s this about a wife?\u201d questioned Ben, puzzled that Joe was not smiling at his friend\u2019s good fortune.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026nothing Pa\u2026nothing at all,\u201d whimpered Joe quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must mean something,\u201d laughed Ben.\u00a0 \u201cYour friend there isn\u2019t trying to marry you up with one of his pretty maidens is he?\u201d taunted Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, just with his daughter, that is if the baby is a girl\u2026he gave her to me for a wife,\u201d stammered Joe, a crooked little grin pulling at the corners of his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT???\u201d shouted Ben, nearly blowing the tent over as his loud deep voice rumbled around the tight enclosure.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it\u2019ll be a boy\u2026hopefully,\u201d squeaked Joe in a tiny voice.\u00a0 \u201cI think I\u2019ll get a nap.\u00a0 Night Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d\u00a0 Ben saw his son\u2019s eyelids close,\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll have a little discussion about this in just a little while, but you better pray that Two Feathers wife has a boy, cause if it\u2019s a girl\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stopped, Joe had begun to snore softly.<\/p>\n

As Ben slipped from the tent, Joe opened one eye and watched the retreating back of his father.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, oh please, be a boy,\u201d muttered Joe silently.<\/p>\n

It was morning of the next day before Two Feathers slipped into Joe\u2019s tent.\u00a0 The sound of soft whimpering woke the Cartwrights from their sleep and each had to rub their eyes to clearly make out the tall shadow of the man who loomed over them.<\/p>\n

When he was sure that he had the attention of the four men who now looked up at him, Two Feathers smiled broadly.\u00a0 \u201cIt is a boy,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed and gently shook the warrior\u2019s hand, standing aside to make room for Hoss and Adam to do the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations, Two Feathers,\u201d Ben stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat goes for Hoss and I as well,\u201d smiled Adam, taking a peek at the tiny bundle buried beneath the soft rabbit fur blankets that the Paiute held in his arms.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Joe, look at this, he\u2019s a real charmer,\u201d laughed Adam who had always held a love of tiny babies.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I see?\u201d he asked Two Feathers.<\/p>\n

Ben moved, giving Two Feathers room to squat on the ground next to his son.\u00a0 Joe could not miss the proud expression that his friend wore on his happy face and silently Joe thanked God that his friend had received the desire of his heart.<\/p>\n

Carefully Two Feathers reached out and placed the baby in Joe\u2019s arms, surprising the younger man.\u00a0 Joe unwrapped the bunting and smiled when his eyes looked into the bright little eyes of the newborn.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure is something.\u00a0 Why\u2026look how long his fingers are\u2026hey, look, he smiled at me,\u201d giggled Joe, looking up at the faces that watched him.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers picked up the tiny little hand and held it in his own.\u00a0 \u201cHe will be a fine son,\u201d he said, his voice thick with happiness that threatened to spill over.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he will be,\u201d added Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will teach him how to love, that will be first for it is most important,\u201d Two Feathers proclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I will tell him of his namesake,\u201d smiled the brave, looking into Joe\u2019s face and watching the expression that caused him to laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cName sake? What is his name?\u201d asked Little Joe, suddenly realizing that he had not been told.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have named him after someone very special, someone who is far wiser than I and one who will always have a spot of his own in my heart,\u201d Two Feathers glanced up at Ben and then smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis name is Joseph Two Feathers,\u201d declared the Paiute chief proudly.<\/p>\n

It had suddenly grown quiet within the teepee as all eyes turned to Little Joe.\u00a0 Ben noted the tears that had suddenly pooled in the eyes of his son and saw the boy struggling to keep them from spilling over and embarrassing his self in front of them all.\u00a0 Adam turned to face Hoss, after feeling his middle brother\u2019s elbow dig into his ribs, and he smiled.\u00a0 Hoss had traces of tears in his own blue eyes and at the moment, it seemed that no one could find the words to say a thing.<\/p>\n

Joe, as usual, found his voice first.\u00a0 With chin quivering, he smiled the proudest smile that his father had ever seen and when his eyes met Ben\u2019s, Ben returned the gesture with a winning smile of his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t know what to say,\u201d he stammered.\u00a0 \u201cThank you is about the best I can do right now.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes found Two Feathers and the Indian reached out and brushed away the lone tear that had slipped from the misty eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is I that thanks you, Little Joe,\u201d said Two Feathers.\u00a0 \u201cFor without your wisdom, I would still be hating the white man.\u00a0 But because you have taught me how to forgive and given me the courage to love again, I now have a new son.\u00a0 It is only right that the tiny one should share your name.\u00a0 My prayer now is that he would be the son to me, as you are to your father.\u00a0 Thank you Joseph Cartwright, for giving me back my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two Feathers then surprised everyone as he leaned over and planted a kiss on the top of Joe\u2019s curly head.\u00a0 \u201cI have never seen so many unruly locks of hair in my life,\u201d laughed Two Feathers as he rumpled Joe\u2019s thick mane.\u00a0 \u201cThank goodness, my Joseph\u2019s hair will be long and straight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe giggled, forcing everyone\u2019s attention to him.\u00a0 With eyes shining, he looked down at the tiny baby still held securely in the folds of his arms, and moved the bunting from around the baby\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate to tell you this ole friend, but your Joseph doesn\u2019t have any hair!\u201d giggled Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Instantly the teepee rocked with the roar of laughter as each man took turns slapping the others on their backs.\u00a0 The baby began to cry and Two Feathers quickly claimed the child.<\/p>\n

\u201cI best get his boy back to his mama.\u00a0 Your medicine man should be finished by now.\u00a0 Rising Sun had a very hard time.\u00a0 I am thankful that your white doctor was here to help her.\u00a0 Seems like I am always saying thank you to the Cartwrights.\u00a0 Thank you Ben, for all that you have done.\u00a0 Thank you Adam and Hoss for your kindness as well,\u201d Two Feathers turned to Little Joe who had grown quiet.\u00a0 \u201cThank you Little Joe for\u2026for\u2026for being Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three days later the Cartwrights, along with Paul Martin said their good-byes and rode out of the village toward home.\u00a0 Two Feathers rode part of the way with them but soon stopped atop the rise that overlooked a portion of Lake Tahoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bid each of you goodbye,\u201d said the warrior, first shaking Ben\u2019s hand, followed by his two older sons, and then Paul Martin.\u00a0 \u201cSomeday perhaps our paths will cross again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood bye Two Feathers, take care,\u201d called Hoss and joined his father and Adam who waited nearby with the doctor.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers slipped easily from his horse\u2019s back and crossed the few feet that separated him from Joe.\u00a0 Joe, too had dismounted, his arm carefully wrapped in a sling to protect his shoulder, he looked into the familiar face of his Indian friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will come to visit?\u00a0 Before the winter forces us to move our village across the mountain?\u201d Two Feathers asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will try, but with this shoulder, I won\u2019t promise.\u00a0 But in the spring, it should be better and then I will come.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s lips curved upward, \u201cI\u2019ll have to come check on my namesake, now won\u2019t I?\u201d Joe said solemnly, trying to make his voice sound light-hearted.<\/p>\n

Two Feathers placed one hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, with the other he raised Joe\u2019s chin so that he could clearly see into the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will expect you in the spring,\u201d smiled Two Feathers.\u00a0 \u201cNow go with your family.\u00a0 I must return to mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head, \u201cI promise, I\u2019ll see you in the spring.\u201d\u00a0 There was a catch in Joe\u2019s voice and he swallowed the lump that threatened to choke him.\u00a0 \u201cTake care of yourself, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, you do the same Little Joe.\u00a0 And think of me often, for you will always be in my heart.\u201d\u00a0 Two Feathers pulled Joe into an embrace and held him briefly.\u00a0 It was the needed time it took Joe to be sure that the lump had gone away.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo long my trusted friend,\u201d called Two Feathers after he had swung onto his horse and turned back to catch one more glimpse of the boy who seemed much like his own.<\/p>\n

Joe waved then watched until Two Feathers had ridden out of sight before turning and mounting his own horse.<\/p>\n

Ben had waited until Joe had finished with his good-byes and could join him.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s a fine man,\u201d said Ben, looking off into the distance at the fading figure.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d said Joe, following his father\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYa reckon the Indians will ever be respected by the white man?\u00a0 I mean, Two Feathers is really a good person; why do the whites not want to take time to get to know the Indians, like we have?\u00a0 I don\u2019t understand that,\u201d Joe said, turning to face his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost men Joseph, are frightened of something they don\u2019t understand, or of people who are different than ourselves.\u00a0 Some men choose to remain ignorant of other types of cultures, or customs and never want to find out what lies behind the walls that divide them.\u00a0 They never seem to want to look beyond what is present to the eye, like into a man\u2019s heart, whether they are either red, white or yellow.\u00a0 It\u2019s the same with Hop Sing.\u00a0 But what strikes me, as really strange, is that it appears to be a thing that deals mainly with the white man.\u00a0 Hop Sing\u2019s people have no problem with the red men, or the red men with black folks.\u00a0 The prejudice seems to mostly stem from white men who never make an effort at understanding others.\u201d Ben tried to explain to his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, there are good men in all races.\u00a0 Take Two Feathers, I\u2019ve never met a man I admire as much as I admire that Indian.\u00a0 He\u2019s honest, and noble, proud, and respectable.\u00a0 Hop Sing is hardworking, dependable, and all those things that make us love him and accept him as part of our family.\u00a0 And you Joseph, you\u2019re all those things, not to just me or to your brothers, but to Hop Sing and Two Feathers.\u00a0 Our country needs men such as you are, men who are willing to stand up for what is right, men willing to give equal opportunity to all men, regardless of race or color.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben reached over and placed his hand on Joe\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m proud of you son, I want you to know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa,\u201d smiled Little Joe and placed his hand over his father\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cHEY! HURRY UP, I\u2019M HUNGRY!\u201d shouted Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWE GOT A LONG WAY TO GO TOO, COME ON!\u201d he yelled over his shoulder at the two who lagged behind.<\/p>\n

Ben and Joe laughed, \u201cCome on son, Hoss looks as if he\u2019s fading fast.\u00a0 The next thing he\u2019ll say is that he can smell Hop Sing\u2019s cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe can too\u2026you know one time we were\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHEY, WE\u2019RE HAVING FRIED CHICKEN, I SWEAR I CAN SMELL IT COOKING.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss glanced over his shoulder, \u201cWILL YA TWO STOP JAWING AND COME ON?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father and shrugged his shoulder.\u00a0 Ben laughed, \u201cI told you so,\u201d he declared and kicked at Buck\u2019s sides.\u00a0 \u201cCome on Joseph, let\u2019s go home.<\/p>\n

The End
\nNovember 2002<\/p>\n

Next story in A Tale of Two Feathers Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Final Goodbye<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: Part three of Two Feathers. \u00a0Joe is reunited with his old friend, the Paiute chief, Two Feathers, in a most unusual way.\u00a0 This time, it is up to the Indian to teach Joe how to forgive and how to stop hating.<\/p>\n

Rated: PG13\u00a0 (13,600 words)<\/p>\n

A Tale of Two Feathers Series, links to all stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":8580,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12106","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1743,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12104,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12104","url_meta":{"origin":12106,"position":0},"title":"A Tale of Two Feathers (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"October 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Part One of four.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe learns that compassion and understanding are the footnotes to love; and that love can destroy the hate in a man's heart, give renewal to a man's spirit as it binds two unlikely souls in a most unusual friendship between a young man and a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12107,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12107","url_meta":{"origin":12106,"position":1},"title":"A Final Goodbye (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"November 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The final chapter.\u00a0 Joe sets off on an adventure to visit his old friend, Two Feathers.\u00a0 Not long after arriving at the Paiute village, Joe is told of a vision that the chief has had, one that spells disaster for the entire Indian village.\u00a0 When the vision becomes reality\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/indian.jpg?fit=1192%2C765&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":673,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=673","url_meta":{"origin":12106,"position":2},"title":"Marriage Customs (by Terri)","author":"Terri","date":"July 20, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Joe has to get married.......or does he?? \u00a0 Rated: K+ \u00a0WC \u00a01300","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/marriage.p.jpg?fit=560%2C315&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/marriage.p.jpg?fit=560%2C315&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/marriage.p.jpg?fit=560%2C315&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12105,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12105","url_meta":{"origin":12106,"position":3},"title":"A Winter of Hope (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"October 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Part two of Two Feathers. \u00a0Ben has no idea what has happened to his youngest son, only that Joe has been missing for weeks. 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