The Reluctant Bounty Hunter

by S G Read

  ‘If you want to take the girls on a trip into the prairie, it would be worth going on to Many Hands land, just to make sure you are safe.’ He added as he stood up to go.

  ‘How would they know we were there?’ Ms. Brody asked.

  ‘They would know, they have scouts out so you would not get far before they saw you, especially in a carriage or two.’ Duncan answered. ‘They are a bit hard to hide.’

  He left in the morning just before the train was due to make sure he did not miss it, although it was invariably late. Sarah waved from the top of the stairs as he took his leave and he was soon at the station to wait for the train which turned up after half an hour, which was not bad in the scheme of things. He led his horse onto the baggage car and settled down in there, to make sure the horse did not get too stressed on the journey, he liked this horse. Later the porter arrived with coffee and they sat and talked while they drank the coffee.

  ‘What if someone wants you?’ Duncan asked.

  ‘Too bad. I have to have a break sometime and it will only to open the window or to close the window when they are quite able to do it themselves.’ The porter answered. ‘Was there a problem at school?’

  ‘I thought there was but it is very hard to read Indian writing, when it is those picture things.’ Duncan answered.

  ‘Oh those things, I saw one once. I couldn’t make head nor tail of it.’

  ‘I know what you mean, my wife and her sister could not really translate it, so I came to find out. Turns out it was all resolved and I could have saved myself the journey and the headache.’ Duncan replied.

  ‘These children can be headaches sometimes.’ The porter declared.

  Duncan did not explain that he meant going to Many Hands village and drinking the very potent brew they imported from Mexico. They sat talking for a little longer then the porter had to go, in case some old lady felt faint through lack of air, or even too much air. Duncan remained in the baggage car until the train stopped to take on water where he was going to get off. The porter opened the door and Duncan walked the horse down the ramp and away from the train to settle him down.

  ‘You be careful there are Indians about.’ The porter warned.

  ‘That wouldn’t surprise me.’ Duncan answered with a smile.

  He walked his horse round the back of the train as the baggage car was in the rear and crossed the tracks, still on foot and leading the horse. When they were on level ground he tied his carpet bag across his saddle and mounted. As he walked along towards the dip which would take him out of sight the porter waved. Duncan returned the wave and walked the horse out of sight. He walked slowly to let the horse get accustomed to being ridden again and reached the level ground lower down ready to ride off. There he met a horde of Indians.

  ‘How did you know I was on this train?’ He asked when he saw Running Wolf.

  ‘We were told Duncan Lee and some of us can read what is written. Little Deer told me of the pictograph as you white eyes like to call it and I told her what it meant. There was no need to go as all was well.’ Running Wolf answered. ‘Why did you not come and ask me?’

  ‘Hot headed I guess, where children are concerned.’ Duncan answered and they rode away like a war party.

  They passed a Carter ridge rider and Duncan waved, that caused the man to wave back and subsequently had all the braves waving, with the man making sure he waved back to everyone in case he upset one. They stopped to camp later. When they were settled, Duncan and Running Wolf spent the evening discussing the country and what was going on in it. Running Wolf had heard of whole tribes being moved to make way for settlers and thought it was wrong, they were there first.

  ‘Well if they want you off your land you either have to fight, go to parliament and argue your case or find somewhere else. I understand that the reservations your people are sent to, no sane white man would want. Not a good deal.’ Duncan declared. ‘There is the valley though, you could grow crops, breed cattle to eat and sell, and best of all not be bothered by white men, apart from me that is.’

  ‘I will decide what we do at the time but I like my life as it is and no white man is going to tell me where to go and what to do.’ Running Wolf exclaimed.

  ‘They will have to sort the Sioux out first and that will take some time.’ Duncan added. ‘I hear they are calling a big powwow.’

  ‘That will not involve the Pawnee.’ Running Wolf replied. ‘Unless we decide to raid them then.’

  Duncan laughed.

  ‘That would be a real slap in the face if you could get in, kill a passel of them and get out again in one piece.’ He exclaimed.

  ‘We would not be worried about getting back out Duncan Lee.’ Running Wolf declared.

  ‘That is where you and I differ. I make plans to make sure I can do what I want to do and to live to tell about it afterwards, just to make sure it is told correct.’ Duncan replied.

  ‘Well your version of correct anyway.’ Running Wolf added.

  ‘As if I would exaggerate.’ Duncan argued.

  ‘Yes, as if.’ Running Wolf agreed and settled down to sleep.

  Chapter 10

  They started back in the morning only to meet the sheriff coming to meet them.

  ‘Morning Dunc, got a situation in town. There is a hot head who reckons that he is there to put you in the ground.’ Charlie announced.

  ‘Me, what have I done?’ Duncan retorted.

  ‘Killing the Baker gang and the Gallagher gang must have given you something of a reputation.’ Charlie answered. ‘Not to mention the colonel and his army.’

  ‘I didn’t kill them on my own, I had a passel of help.’ Duncan declared.

  ‘I know that and you know that but he doesn’t.’ Charlie replied. ‘Best come in and talk to him.’

  ‘What the hell for?’ Duncan asked.

  ‘So I can arrest him for threatening a territorial marshal.’

  ‘Wouldn’t that be hiding behind the badge?’ Duncan asked.

  As they spoke Running Wolf was looking from one to the other.

  ‘The badge pays you a salary but it also means you aren’t allowed to take part in arranged street fights, like the one he has planned. You could fight him but then you would have to find yourself a job!’ Charlie added.

  ‘At my age? I don’t think so!’ Duncan replied.

  ‘One arrow would do the trick.’ Running Wolf offered.

  ‘That would mean I was hiding behind my family, admitted an extended family but still family.’ Duncan answered.

  ‘But I would still have a son in law.’ Running Wolf replied.

  ‘Would you have me live as a coward?’ Duncan asked.

  ‘No I would not.’ Running Wolf admitted. ‘If you feel you must do this thing, then you must do it but should he kill you, he will not live long afterwards.’

  They rode back to town with the war party stopping on the edge of town to send in scouts to see what went on. Duncan and Charlie were drawn to an altercation in front of the cat house. Instead of stopping at the sheriff’s office, they rode on to the cat house. The sheriff pushed his way through the crowd to see a young man lying on the ground in agony.

  ‘Well I’ll be darned.’ He declared as Duncan pushed his way through to join him. ‘What have you done Molly?’ He asked as it was Molly who stood there with the smoking pistol.

  ‘He took one of my girls and thought he could get away without paying.’ Molly answered. ‘He’ll live but I reckon he’ll piss sitting down from now on!’

  ‘You can’t go about shooting folk that owe you money Molly!’ Charlie declared. ‘This is the young man I was talking about Dunc.’

  Duncan looked down at the young man who lay there writhing in agony.

  ‘Are you ready to draw then?’ He asked sagely.

  The young man did not answer, he was in no state to.

  ‘Well do I get arrested or what?’ Molly asked.

  ‘Not until he swears out a complaint, then I’ll have to take you in Molly.’ C
harlie answered.

  ‘I might as well go home Charlie, it will be a while before he is fit for trial.’ Duncan announced.

  ‘Trial?’ Charlie echoed.

  ‘For not paying his dues.’ Duncan explained.

  ‘Oh that, it seems a bit unfair but the law is the law.’ Charlie chuckled.

  Duncan walked back to his horse and rode away leaving Charlie to work out what he should do next.

  Morning Sun was pleased to see Duncan ride into the valley and despite the size of her stomach they were soon in bed with no idea of getting out of it, while Duncan Wolf Lee was asleep.

  At the school the new lessons continued. Whether the parents would be pleased or not, Ms. Brody thought they were needed, in the light of recent events, to make sure the girls made it to maturity. If they were all just girls, they would be dead or slaves by now. Ms. Brody was a realist and she could now shoot a rifle and a pistol, if it became necessary. There was no need for a fast draw, as the idea of anyone dueling with a gunslinger was out of the question but to be able to shoot straight and reload the gun was a necessity. The store was pleased as well as each girl asked for money and was accompanied down there to buy the weapon of her choice. A rifle was out of the question as young ladies do not go about with a rifle in their arms but there were always rifles in the Surrey the girls were in. Some chose a small pistol, while others bought a derringer to tuck into their purse. Trade was so good that the store keeper had to order more stock, especially the derringers. He normally only carried two in stock.

  The day came when Ms. Brody decided to take the girls out on a field trip to study the flora and fauna of the region, the region chosen was on Many Hands land and they rode there without feeling the least bit in danger. They made several stops to examine flowers and plants, looking them up in their text books to see what they were called if they were in there. Part way through the second such stop Priscilla looked up to see an Indian watching them.

  ‘That is a Pawnee, I hope Sarah.’ She asked.

  Sarah looked up.

  ‘It is Prissy but I don’t recognise him.’ She answered, then changing to Pawnee spoke to the Indian. ‘Who are you?’

  ‘I am Firm Hand son of Many Hands, who are you.’ The Indian answered.

  ‘I am Sarah, ward of Duncan Lee.’

  ‘It is nice to meet you Sarah, is Becky who is not afraid of the Sioux here as well?’ Firm Hand replied.

  ‘I am Firm Hand and it is nice to meet you.’ Becky answered. ‘Do you know anything about these plants and what they are used for?’

  ‘I have to or I would die Becky who is not afraid of the Sioux.’

  ‘Can you explain for us to translate then?’ Becky asked.

  ‘I can and I am pleased to.’ Firm Hand answered.

  Ms. Brody had listened to the conversation but they were talking too fast for her to understand, although she did recognise some words. Now she stood waiting to find out what they were talking about.

  ‘This is Firm Hand Ms. Brody, he is willing to give us a lesson in the plants and what they use them for.’ Becky declared.

  ‘He is, is he Rebecca. I can see no harm in listening to what the young man says but there will be essays to write, so take notes if you need to.’ Ms. Brody replied.

  They settled down to listen as Firm Hand pointed to a plant and either showed what it was used for or told them instead, if he felt it was better not to waste the plant by killing it without need. As he spoke Sarah translated for the others and they slowly learned what each plant which was useful for, if anything. Some were poisonous and he told them to leave them well alone.

  When they had exhausted the plants in that area he suggested they go to another place and led the way with them following in the surreys. At the next place the same happened again but there were plants here they could not find so they had to write down all Sarah said furiously. Sarah was also telling them and writing which meant it took even longer.

  When it was lunch time Ms. Brody took out the picnic baskets with the food and drink in and spread out a cloth to set it all out on.

  ‘Ask our guest if he would like to join us in our meal?’ Ms. Brody ordered and Sarah did just that.

  ‘He says he will be delighted to join us.’ Sarah declared after she had spoken to Firm Hand several times and Becky sniggered, she knew just how the conversation had gone.

  He sat by the cloth the girls sat on, cross legged and ate the food he was given, even sandwiches which he had never seen before. At first he was reluctant but when Sarah declared she would shoot him if he did not eat it that instant, he relented, not that he was frightened. They sat talking and eating like civilized people until the food was eaten. None was wasted and none saved for later as by then it would be inedible. Ms. Brody packed away the picnic things and rolled the cloth up ready to go on to the next places at Firm Hand’s bidding but after a mile a rattle snake made Firm Hand’s horse rear up and he fell off right next to the rattle snake. Sarah had her pistol out and killed the rattle snake before it struck and then climbed down to help him. But he was holding his leg and moaning.

  ‘I think he has broken his leg Ms. Brody.’ Sarah declared in horror.

  ‘Let me see.’ Ms. Brody replied and literally jumped off the surrey.

  She examined the leg, despite Firm Hand’s complaints, prodding and probing the damaged part of the leg.

  ‘I need to set it and splint it.’ She declared. ‘Tell him.’

  Sarah told him but he was not overly enthusiastic. Ms. Brody opened the well of the surrey and brought out another box. This contained bandages and splints as well as other medicines.

  ‘Fetch me the root of the plant over there.’ Firm Hand ordered despite his pain.

  Sarah did not argue and pulled the plant out but it left the root behind so she had to use one of their digging tools to get the root out and give it to Firm Hand. He brushed off the sandy dirt and ate the root.

  They all watched as slowly he relaxed and let go of the injured leg.

  ‘That is some powerful plant.’ Priscilla declared.

  ‘Just right as I am going to hurt him, well I was going to hurt him, I am not so sure now. Make a note of that plant, it is strange he did not mention it.’ Ms. Brody exclaimed. ‘Now we need to hold him still while I set the leg and then splint it.’

  Despite the plant root Firm Hand felt it when Ms. Brody set his leg straight, he cried out in pain and fainted.

  ‘Probably for the best as I have to immobilize it yet and that would still probably hurt but we will say nothing of his passing out when I straightened it, these braves have their pride.’ Ms. Brody warned. ‘The plant was up to the job and he was unconscious when I set it.’

  She fitted the splints in place and then bandaged the leg to immobilize it. She put on more bandages than she would were they in the school, as he had to be taken by surrey to their village and Ms. Brody was now pleased that Duncan had imparted the information to her as to how to approach the village, without rousing suspicion or anger. While he was still unconscious they lifted Firm Hand and put him into the surrey as gently as they could and the rest sat where they were able.

  ‘Sarah you can ride his horse, as we need to bring it.’ Ms. Brody ordered.

  ‘I am not going to look very ladylike with his dress on and my legs astride the horse with no saddle on it.’ Sarah retorted, not relishing the idea.

  ‘I am sure you will find a way to do it Sarah.’ Ms. Brody replied and drove away in the surrey.

  The other surrey followed her leaving Sarah to follow on the horse.

  ‘If you give me a sore bum I am not going to be best pleased horse!’ Sarah declared and led it to a rock to mount it.

  Ms. Brody drove the front surrey on the route Duncan had told her, found the cactus he had mentioned and turned for the trail through the rocks, which were still some distance away. They were watched as they approached but they saw no one until they reached the start of the track which led to the village. There Many Hand
s was sitting on his horse with several braves. Sarah rode past the surreys and up to Many Hands.

  ‘Firm Hand’s horse was spooked by a rattler Many Hands and it threw him breaking his leg. Ms. Brody has set it in a split so it will heal but he will need looking after and he has to stay of it for a while.’ Sarah announced, then turned to Ms. Brody. ‘How long should he keep of it Ms. Brody?’

  ‘Four weeks at least Sarah.’

  ‘He has to stay of it for at least four weeks so it can mend.’ Sarah added and then allowed Many Hands to get a word in.

  ‘He has a broken leg and she has fixed it?’ He asked pointing to Ms. Brody.

  ‘Yes, he had a root and then she set it straight again.’ Sarah answered, not mentioning Firm Hand’s passing out. ‘She put splints round it which will hold it straight so that it will heal properly and he won’t limp afterwards, well after a while.’

  ‘I thank the woman and invite you to our village where our women will look after Firm Hand.’ Many Hands said gratefully.

  ‘He thanks you for your good work Ms. Brody and can we take Firm Hand into the village please.’ Sarah translated although the Pawnee did not have a word for please.

  They drove on into the Indian village and were directed to a tepee. The squaws came out, lifted Firm Hand out of the surrey and took him into the tepee with Many Hands giving orders that the bandages must not be removed. He explained that the leg has been set straight and he did not want his son to be a cripple. Ms. Brody was then invited into another tepee where a squaw who could speak English told her where to sit. The girls sat in the surrey with the exception of Sarah who had dismounted and was rubbing her posterior to try to stop it from hurting.

  ‘They could have invited us in there.’ Becky complained.

  ‘Why, we were only there.’ Priscilla retorted. ‘Sarah and Ms. Brody did all the helping, I would have shot the snake but she did while I was thinking about it.’

  ‘I thank you for saving my son.’ Many Hands declared and it was duly translated almost word for word.

  ‘You are welcome, he is a fine brave and I am sure he will be a credit to you in years to come.’ Ms. Brody replied.