by Tell Cotten
We had caught a lot of beavers, and our bundle was massive. I was sure proud of that pack of pelts, and I couldn’t wait to see the look on Yancy’s face when he saw them.
Jug-head pinned his ears and tried to kick me when I packed him down with the pelts, but I finally convinced him to be a good mule. After that I saddled the horses, and we left our little canyon.
It was early spring, and already there was green grass and new life appearing. The snow had all melted, and the rivers and creeks were full. Everything had a crisp, fresh look to it.
That is, everything but me. I found out real quick that I was still plenty sore, and we had to ride slow as we came down the mountains.
A few hours of bouncing in the saddle passed, and I started hurting in places I didn’t even know about. But, I didn’t say anything. Josie had been living with the Apaches for the past twelve years, and I wanted to show her that I was just as tough as those Indians.
However, by midday I must have looked pretty pale, because Josie firmly announced that we were stopping.
I protested a bit, but it was mainly just for show. I was wore out, and it was all I could do to just stay in the saddle.
There was a creek nearby, so we rode over to it and made camp.
Actually, it was Josie that made camp. Josie demanded that I sit there and rest, and I sure didn’t argue none.
It was a good spot to camp. It was well sheltered with brush, and there was plenty of wood for a fire.
I liked to smoke a pipe. So, while Josie hustled about, I took it out, packed it with tobacco, struck a match, and lit it. I took a deep puff as I leaned back and watched Josie.
“Been thinking,” I said abruptly.
Josie looked at me with a questioning look.
“Back at Midway, there’s a little hill with a creek that would be an ideal place for a cabin,” I explained. “Now, I’m figuring these pelts should bring enough to get started building a small cabin. What do you think about that?”
Josie didn’t say anything, but the smile on her face was the only answer I needed.
“Judge Parker could marry us,” I suggested. “Now, I know according to the Injun way we’re already considered married, but it’d still be nice to hear the words.”
Josie nodded, still smiling, and I smiled back.
“It’s settled then?”
“Yes,” Josie said, her voice soft and clear.
“Good,” I smiled.
It was silent for a few awkward moments while we smiled and gawked at each other. I finished smoking my pipe, and then Josie took charge.
“We need meat,” Josie declared. “I go, find some.”
“You can hunt with my rifle,” I offered as I put my pipe away.
“No need,” Josie replied.
“How are you going to catch anything?” I asked, confused.
“Indian way,” Josie explained. “You stay. Rest. I come back.”
“Indian way?” I smiled, and then nodded. “All right, I’ll take a nap.”
Josie smiled back, and then she was gone.
Coming soon from Solstice Publishing
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