Alice's Story......

Alice was hanging her washing out on the line, it was a beautiful day in late Autumn. The colours were spectacular as the trees swayed and shimmered in the sunshine. She loved how the Poplar shook and rustled as though they were happy for the last of the sunshine. She was happy too, she had pies in the oven, she had made bread that morning and was roasting a piece of meat given to her by a neighbour. The farm had been her Fathers and she loved it there. His Father had come to America from Ireland with his wife and 11 children to farm a plot that they had been awarded in the early 1700s. His family grew and most of them moved away to pursue their own lives but her father loved this land and had dedicated his life to the farm. He raised 3 children, Alice and her brother Billy and sister Jane. Now her folks were gone. They died an an accident several years before. Billy was 19 now and fully capable of running a farm. Her sister Jane was 10 and she herself was 16. Her Mother had raised her well and she too was fully capable and determined to keep this farm running smoothly for herself and siblings. She looked at the beautiful linen sheet that she had just hung to dry, it was getting a bit frayed but had been her Grandmothers, one of the few things left from their Irish heritage. The sheet was brilliant white and Alice was proud of it. Soft as down, it might be getting thin and worn but it was her prized possession. The attic was stored with everything that had been handed down over the years by her Mother and Grandmother. Alice walked towards the house, she turned and looked back across the meadows. Their Grandpa had planted several fruit trees around the house and they had provided the apples now cooking in the pies she had in the oven, she could smell them. Looking over the fields where not so many were under cultivation these days, she saw Billy and waved. He was bringing the mules in after their mornings work. They didn't own much in the way of livestock, they kept it simple so that they could manage to feed everyone they had. There was one cow named Molly who provided milk for them and her calf from last year who was so pretty they could not bear to part with him. They usually took the calves to another farm in exchange for things they needed themselves. They were lucky to have canned goods that they put up for winter and some meat she had dried into jerky. They hardly ate meat anymore as it was hard come by. They relied on wild game and meat from neighbours. They had one rooster they called Crow because his voice was more like a Crow than a Rooster and his little band of Ladies all had names. There was one Goat who managed to keep the grass short around the house and naturally they had a dog. There were several cats in the barn and the horse and mules rounded out their little family. The two mules were called Billy (after her brother because that particular mule was stubborn just like her brother) and Jack was the other. The Horse was a large sturdy girl named Sally. She was able to pull a sleigh in Winter and haul hay and whatever else was needed, she did this in a calm and happy manner and was everyone's favourite She would let Jane ride her bareback and took great care of the girl. Alice thought about all this as she turned to go inside to get the pies out of the oven. They smelled divine. The roast was ready, she set the pies to cool in the window and sliced the meat up. Some was for now but most would be put up for the winter months. She had some canning to do later that day. Billy came in wiping off his hands, he had washed outside at the pump. Grandpa Joe had dug down to get the water and set in a pump, probably the one thing that was extravagant back then, but with no water close by it seemed the right thing to do. They were surrounded by the freshwater of the Great Lakes but none close enough to be convenient. The valley they lived in was sheltered by bluffs and big trees, lots of woodlands. The woods provided many things and part of their life was dedicated to finding the natural foods from the woodlands. Mushrooms in Spring, berries and wild fruits, wild leeks and carrots. Chickery and Dandelions, many fresh herbs and nuts. As small children they had learned what could and could not be eaten safely. A few tummy aches from their experiences but nothing more. The Wood were safe enough that they could wander for miles. The wildlife was not at all a danger to them and so they roamed unafraid.There were wolves and Coyotes but with such an abundance of deer they had no reason to fear them. Her Grandpa had said there were cougar too but only one had ever been seen at a distance. Life was good. Alice did not let Jane go too far though, not without her. Sometimes they rode the mules over to the nearest neighbour who lived about one mile away through the woods. Apart from them there was only one other family within 5 miles and yet they never felt alone. Their lives were busy and full. Alice stoked up the fire where she had a large pot hanging full now of stew from the beef and wild vegetables and the ones they had grown themselves. This would last them several days with the fresh bread and Billy was hungry. He had been out since the sun came up ploughing under the big field that had grown maize for them this past summer. They grew potatoes and wheat and barley. Stock that Grandpa brought from Ireland and had shown his sons how to keep and produce the seeds for the next years crop. Everything had within it the seeds for the next year and so they learned how to save some to plant and some to use. Their father had shown Billy how to mend a wheel and how to run the wheel through water to keep the wood supple and to shrink it into the band of steel. They had a forge of sorts and learned to make everything that was needed to repair what they had. Billy made a little income from helping their neighbours when something needed to be mended. Cash was hard come by. Mostly they traded. They were about to sit down and enjoy the stew when Jane said there were some people outside at the edge of the woods, she had been watching out of the window for several minutes. First off she was watching the goat who had mowed the grass but had started on the rose bush that was a favourite of Alice because her Mother had planted it. She could only see the shadows as evening was drawing in. There was certainly someone there though. Billy moved over to the window as he rolled down his sleeves. He bent and peered out of the window next to Jane. He could tell she was right but he could not see who or what was out there. Certainly not the neighbours, they would not linger like that. He walked over to the stone fireplace and took down his rifle. It was always kept loaded but seldom used, even Jane knew how to use it. It was probably their only weapon. Alice walked over to the window now and peered out, it was fast getting dark and she was a little worried. It would be an uneasy sleep tonight. Who ever it was had to have either sailed into the bay or else had come a very long way through the forests. This was a time when settlers in the area were very few. There had been Indians living close when Grandpa first came but they had moved closer to the Lakes and lived pretty much by fishing and hunting but none had ever bothered them, nor they them. Everyone pretty well left each other alone. When Billy went fishing he would fish in the river not the great lake. Billy put the gun by the door and sat down to eat, he would wait and see what developed as it was too dark now to venture outside. Who ever it was wasn't coming any closer at the moment. He felt sure they would be gone by morning, The night was uneventful though restless. Billy got up several times and saw a campfire glowing way off in the woods so he knew the travelers were still there but staying to themselves.Jane had a fitful sleep but Alice actually did better and slept soundly. She was the sort of person who figured that if she could not control the situation she would leave things to the Lord, and so she did. Her Faith was genuine and full. She believed that her life was in God's hands and even though they had lost their parents at an early age her absolute faith was not shaken. It served her well. Billy was a bit more on the practical side but still he believed that the Lord was in control of things he could not be. He was just a little more hands on when it came to getting things done. So the day broke clear again after a slight frost, it was a crispy morning. They had some of the bread toasted over the fire that always burned to some level. With butter from Molly's milk, it was heavenly. They could make tea from certain plants should they be inclined and had juice from apples and often coffee that they could get from trade with the neighbour. That was prized and only for breakfast. One cup. They could make it last with chicory or Hazel nuts added and reuse the grounds several times. The first thing Billy did was to go to the door and peer across to the woods, all was quiet. Crow had done his job and got the girls out scratching and pecking around the house. It was warmer than down in the meadows being sheltered with the trees and shrubs around the house. Gemma the goat was on the porch with the dog, both were still snoozing. They named their dog Barker because, well he didn't. He seldom would bark, he prefered to pretend to be sneaky and creep up on folks. He was usually in the house hugging the fire but had chosen to stay out all night and Gemma had joined him in the early morning. After a hearty breakfast of eggs and toast and a nice strong coffee Billy was off to the barn to tend the animals. He let Molly out into the meadow for the day, she could go inside any time she chose but was not afraid of a little frost. Alice would soon be out to milk her so she didn't go far. The Mules were fed and brushed as was Sally. They chewed cud contentedly. Relishing a little grain and a bale of hay between them. They too could wander in and out at will, no one went far they knew where the food was. The only one kept inside was the calf who still had a fondness for mama's milk and he was not getting access until Alice took what she needed. It was actually convenient that even though he was a year old now he still liked his mamas milk. It meant that Alice could have what she needed without it going to waste. Dudley could go out after milking time, he knew that but was not at all happy to stay inside for now. Alice got things going inside so that Jane could finish the chores and she went out to find Molly. Molly was chewing her cud in a patch of early sunshine, it was light by now and still chilly and mist rolled over the fields. It looked like it would be another sunny day. She had forgotten her washing out on the line so it would have to stay now to dry again. She walked over to it with her pails of milk to see how bad it was. Slightly frosty and damp but if the sun came up it wouldn't take long to dry. She took the pails of milk inside and went back to let Dudley out, he was bellowing by now, he wanted breakfast. He sped out of the barn twisting and jumping in high spirits. The horse was not far off and Billy was in the hay barn. Alice looked off towards the woods. She was being watched by a tall man and possibly others still inside the tree line. Far enough away to not be a danger but not close enough to see who they were. Alice pretended she had not seen them. She walked instead to the hay barn to tell Billy. They came out together but the man had gone. Who the heck were they? Billy had the gun propped up just inside the door. He asked Alice to go to the house and keep Jane from taking off as she was prone to do once her chores were over. She often walked the mile to the neighbours who had several children and a girl Jane's age. They were like sisters in their friendship. Squabble one day and make up the next. Jane at 10 was not at all interested in the boys in the family even though Jeremy who was 12 was keen on her. There were 6 children at the farm, Simpkins by name and English in origin. Jane's friend was Ethel aged 10 then Jeremy 12. The other 3 were boys John, Eddie and Bobby all in their teens. They all worked the farm with their dad. Poor Mrs Simpkins only had Ethel to help her. That helped. Life was tough all around but it was full and healthy and often fun. Sometimes the two families would get together for picnics in the summer and the 3 older boys all had crushes on Alice. Alice was oblivious. When Winter came they saw each other less frequently because Winter was rough in Northern Michigan. The Autumn chores were as many as the Springtime ones. Everything had to be set up outside after the harvest. Repairs done. Fruits picked and canned, exchanges made with neighbours so everyone had a bit of everything they needed. People were generous. They came from places that would celebrate the harvest and so they did too. There was a small church several miles away and although they did not attend every Sunday they did when time allowed and Harvest Festival was a given, Everyone took fresh baked goodies, bread and flour, corn and vegetables and apples, pears, blackberries and raspberries. All canned and looking scrumptious. Because the fruits were about done and it was getting colder the bears who shared a love of berries were starting to look for places to sleep away the winter. They often saw them back in the meadows where the berries grew. They didn't bother them and they kept their distance. Once in awhile one would wander up to the farm to have a nose around but they seemed unaggressive just curious but the girls took no chances and kept their distance if they saw one. Alice walked into the house and told Jane to not go out just yet. They had to find out who those people were. Billy came in soon after and they sat and talked about what they should do. The people were obviously not just passing through or they would have been gone. It was a hazardous situation really because if anyone should get hurt there was no help for miles. Alice just wanted to wait and see but Billy thought he needed to confront them. They could not both go because if anything happened it would leave Jane all alone. So Jane was told that if by chance she heard gunshots she was to run to the Simpkin's farm and alert them. Billy put his gun over his shoulder and making sure it was loaded, it always was but best to check. He got Sally and climbed up on her bare back. He guided her with just his knees and her halter he needed no bit for this job. She was steady and calm, she could really run if she needed to much faster than one would expect by her size. Alice watched from the house. She sat on the porch with Barker wrapped in a quilt her Grandma had made. She was warm enough. She thought again of the laundry and should she just go and get it while she could, but she didn't want to leave Jane alone in the house. She could see Billy had almost got to the edge of the forest before he stopped. He sat quietly waiting. The tall man emerged from the trees and walked closer but not all the way. She wished she could hear. She saw Billy gesture towards the house and seemed to be using hand signals. The tall man was bare chested it seemed, she thought he must be cold. It was a sunny day and warm but she wondered how warm without clothes. Billy turned the horse and cantered back leaving her out in the meadow. He strode towards the house. Alice rushed to open the door. Billy came inside looking worried. They were indeed Indians. Several, maybe 8 or 9 of them as far as he could tell. The tall man was the head of the family a man of about 40 years. He had with him his Mother who was elderly, his son and his wife and child his brother and two teen boys. His brother had to be about 20 and there was an infant. They had moved from where their people lived due to an outbreak of Scarlet Fever. Everyone seemed healthy but cold and hungry. They were afraid for the children. The tall man spoke a little English and backed that up with hand signs. They had lived further south and were heading north to find a new home and maybe family. There had been a mission close to where they came from and the reverent there had always helped them when times were bad. The mission was gone now so they had decided to leave and find a new place to live. There were not many of their tribe left in that part of Michigan (as we now call it) and they knew they had some of their people in the north. They wanted to get there before winter came. The baby had a fever and so they had stopped for a break, otherwise they travelled swiftly. They had seen the farm and were worried not knowing how the English would react. Billy told them to pack up their things and they were welcome to stay up by the house. He could help them. Alice was worried. She didn't want them to get sick from strangers but she knew they had to help. Not many white people would do so and she knew they would encounter some hostility as they made their way north. There were not so many white folk north of them as far as farms go but lots of lumber people and they were a rough bunch out of necessity. Men of all ages without families and no one to answer to. They were not usually the friendly sort to strangers. Billy would be able to tell this little band how to avoid the biggest lumber camps on their trek north. The farm lands were spreading but the growing seasons were shorter the further north one went so not so many farms yet. Not too many white settlers were friendly to the native peoples. Billy told Alice of their plight and that they would be moving closer to the house. He thought that the empty barn could be made hospitable and somewhat cozy for the group of people for a few days anyway. So he went outside and began to clear the barn of the few things still in there. It had not been used in awhile because the large barn held all the hay and animals and the open shed had the farm equipment such as it was. The blacksmith shop held all the tools and things needed for repairs and so on. This barn was going to eventually be made into a home for who ever got married first, so at this point it wasn't needed. Billy moved in some hay bales for seating and some wooden boxes, they could make themselves comfortable for a short time at least so they could rest, recover and see to the baby. Alice looked out of the window, remembered her laundry and went out to bring that in. The group were getting closer and looked to her rather intimidating with their bronze skin and lean bodies. They moved at a slow pace for the old lady. They were a little way off yet so she had time to get things inside and get out to greet them. She had the stew on the stove and had made more bread that morning so she could offer some food and milk. Billy took them to the barn. It was light and airy with several windows and two doors. Billy had wood for a fire should they want one, he started a pit to burn it in. They would have to gather more wood later. When they arrived Alice went first to the the old lady and introduced herself, the tall man interpreted best he could. The woman looked frail but healthy. She just needed some rest maybe. Alice asked if they had blankets, they each had one but Alice went and brought some extras that she had, quilts made by the women in her family that at least the children could be warm after the sun went down. They got a fire roaring and they sat around it, preferring that to being inside they would not willingly shut themselves inside. Alice brought out the stew and bread. A jug of milk for the children and water for everyone. She was not quite sure how they were going to drink because she did not have cups for them. They had a thing like a ladel carved from wood that they passed around, water straight from the bucket. Same with the milk. They were very happy with the stew and kept thanking her. They only had dried fish and jerky left in their packs. Alice noticed the young man then, he was also tall and tanned with very long straight hair and a full lips and a straight nose. Very handsome she thought. He was the brother of the tall man. He had not looked her way so she was able to study him unseen. She kept busy getting things they would need. The baby was crying and so she asked if she could see him. He seemed very warm and she thought he may have a fever. She asked Billy what he thought. The mother did not seem too worried about the infant and she proceeded to feed him from her breast Wrapped tight against her chest no one took any notice. They left them there to settle in and went back to the house to finish chores and Alice made more bread and started a new stew pot going. This would strain their reserves if their guests stayed very long. They talked about that and should they tell anyone else they were here? They didn't know how the Simpkins would react nor their more distant neighbours. So for now they told Jane not to go over for a few days. No one would think anything of that being a busy time of year. Everyone had lots to do to prepare for winter. The small band settled in and next day the older men went out to hunt. They brought back a very large buck and presented it to Alice. Alice was overwhelmed. She had never in her life butchered her own meat, her stomach churned. She smiled and thanked the men and went to look for Billy. Billy tried to explain to the men that Alice did not know what to do with the deer and the Indian woman had a good laugh and offered to show her. She was not thrilled. In fact she almost passed out as they cut open and disemboweled the deer. She put on a brave face until the old lady took a bite out of the raw liver and offered it to her. At that point Alice ran to the house retching. The old lady smiled and said something in her native tongue and Billy did not ask what that was. He watched and helped as they made quick work of the deer. Cut up and sorted and the bulk of it offered to Billy. The ladies then proceeded to take care of the skin, scraping and pulling on the skin until it was taught and stretched out to be put on a frame later that they would make from branches. They would also later use urine on the skins to begin the tanning process. It would take some time before the skin would be ready to use. They made everything they could out of deer hides, shoes, breech clouts, leggings, vests even tepees, all this Alice was to learn later. This was a nice sized deer and would be very useful. Indians were good at using everything they killed, nothing was wasted. Two days passed and Alice was getting used to her new neighbours. The men continued to hunt and the ladies went gathering grasses and branches and made a travois to pull what they gathered. They gathered pine nuts, acorns and other nuts found in the wood. The old lady began to take Jane with her, she recognised a kindred spirit. She explained to Jane how to shimmy up the trees to get grubs where Woodpeckers had been working, Jane was always surprised. Dead trees were brimming with life. Grubs could be dried and used like rice, you would never know they were grubs but were a great source of protein. They found honey and she learned how to smoke out the bees so they had access to the combs. Not much about this time of year but she listened and learned. She learned the signs that nature gave them. She learned to watch the animals and what they ate, that way she knew she too could eat most things. The rushes and reads by the river would have tender shoots inside come spring and the reeds themselves would make baskets and by using pine sap to cover them they became waterproof. They could also find clay or mud that could be moulded over the basket shapes to make pots to hold water and the woven reads would make the handles. Jane was in her element. She loved that stuff. She learned to walk heel down first to stay quiet as they walked so that she could follow animals without scaring them. She watched the birds and how they made their nests, each had they own style of weaving together their nests and lining them with different things stuck together with saliva and other things. Watch and learn the old lady would say. Everything in nature has something to teach us. Meanwhile the men brought back fish and showed how to dry it and salt it. Salt that was a rare commodity and the most useful. They didn't know this part of the country and so did not know where it could be found. If they stayed there then they would find it. Every family had a supply of salt that would be carried with them and replenished whenever they found it. They caught some grouse and a couple of turkeys. They were told to leave the chickens alone, Crow's ladies were not for the pot. The Indians were told that the eggs were more valuable than the flesh. Inevitably some eggs were missed during the daily gathering and so there were at the moment small yellow chicks running around with a very proud mama who took her job very seriously. The Indians stayed away because Crow himself was also very protective. Billy had not thought to add turkeys to his little family of animals but it gave him an idea. Come Spring he would find some turkey nesting spots and grab a few eggs to raise. Pretty easy to keep them in a box by the fire that was always smouldering in the grate. The young man finally noticed Alice and began to bring her small gifts he assumed she was Billy's woman. He brought her a bracelet he had made of shells, their family traded for the shells to decorate clothes with and he had a small collection. He chose the prettiest of them and wove a bracelet of gut that was dried and softened and used it as the "chain". Alice was delighted. She did not have anything pretty and accepted it as it was intended as a thank you for their hospitality. She blushed prettily as he gave it to her. She found out his name meant wild wolf. When he was quite young he had been a rather wild child and his great grandpa had said he was like a young wild wolf, the name stuck. Alice had butterfly in her tummy when she looked at him and started to watch for him as she worked. Life went on for almost a week and had settled into a routine. The Indians still lived outside while the weather was good. The baby was improving and Billy asked them to stay for as long as they wanted. They decided to go tell the Simpkins that they were staying there. So next day The tall man and Billy rode the two mules over to the Simpkins. He thought it better that they didn't all go. So they rode up to the Simpkins barn where Jeb Simpkins was working on shoeing his horse with one of his boys helping. . He looked surprised to see them. It was not often they got to see a stranger, and this one was certainly a stranger. Indians were very seldom seen in these parts. He invited the men to get down and sent the boy in to tell Ma they had company. He wiped his hands on his pants and offered his hand to Billy who introduced him to the Tall man. It occurred to him that he didn't yet know the Tall mans name. He offered it now. "I am known as Black Eagle". So the men walked over to the house but Black Eagle would not go inside. They sat on the porch drinking coffee that Mrs Simpkins offered in tin cups. Black Eagle liked his tin cup, he was really taken with it, so much so that Mrs Simpkins gave it to him as a gift. The men sat and talked. Mr Simpkins surprised them all by being quite fluent in Black Eagles language. So they were able to learn more about his story. Billy was much relieved that the meeting went well. They returned home with much to think about. Jeb Simpkins had agreed that should they want to, the Indian family should stay for the Winter before trekking north. The weather would have set in now around Lake Superior as it was by now the back end of Autumn and the good weather would not last long even here. It would be a difficult and dangerous trip for them with young and old among them. The men may have done it on their own but it would be hard with the mixture of family they had. So Billy presented the idea to Black Eagle and gave him the choice. Black Eagle said he would talk to the old woman and ask her thoughts. She was he said a very wise woman. She would think on it................. Alice was feeling very anxious she didn't want to see Wild Wolf leave just yet, she enjoyed watching him and his shy interaction with her.They each learned a few words of each others languages and began to tentatively communicate better. He would stop by with a brace of partridge or a couple of hares. She could not bring herself to ready them for the stew pot and he was amused by this. She had a tender heart. The old dog Barker took a liking to Wild Wolf and went off with him any day he went into the woods surrounding them. One day Wolf went and said to Alice "come, I show you" and so she followed him. They walked quite a way before climbing a bluff, he helped her through the undergrowth that pulled at her skirts. He took her hand and pulled her up with him. His legs and exposed skin did not seem to get a scratch on them. His soft shoes left no trace and made no sound. She climbed and climbed and finally cresting the top she gasped at the sight before her. She knew some beautiful places but the view from this spot was spectacular, clear blue sky and the beauty of the aqua water against the vast sand dunes. She felt choked up with the pleasure of it. She sat and just let the tears run down her face. Wolf didn't say anything, he knew how she felt. Untouched wilderness known only to God and His animals. It was a sight she would not forget. She wanted to show the world but she didn't want the world to know and spoil it. At this point it was something shared by just Alice and Wild Wolf. She would keep it that way for a very long time. A place she knew she would keep in her heart as long as she lived. They walked back slowly and Alice was humbled that he had shared that beautiful sight with her. They felt like kindred spirits on that day. Life went on and became a sort of routine. Billy showed Black Eagle the plough but he was not enthralled, he prefered to hunt and take what nature offered. When he tasted the first ears of corn though he said he might think about it if he ever found a spot he would want to settle down. He laughed because he could not imagine that. It was not how they lived. Not how they had ever wanted to live. They liked the freedom to pick up and move on, following the natures natural way of things. When the deer became scarce they moved to where there were more, they knew when the salmon ran and were there for that occasion. They knew when the Smelt ran at night and where there. They lived off the land and took only what they needed, the idea of storing things up for Winter like a Squirrel was not how they lived. He said that yes he could see the convenience of that but it meant having possessions and how long then before those possessions held them down. It was not their way. They enjoyed their freedom. Being free to move on so the land could heal from their presence. Inevitably when humans stayed in one place they left a mark on the land. In this way the land recovered and soon you would never know they had ever been there. So the notion of owning land and staying in one place was very foreign to him. Alice and Billy had given them the option to stay, at least for Winter. Billy said they could use the barn and make use of the facilities how long they would stay would be up to them. Billy said they thought it would benefit everyone. They learned the young woman was with child and due in the Spring. It seemed that in itself was enough reason to stay. Still the Indian people took time to consider but ultimately said they would stay. Alice was thrilled as that meant she would see Wild Wolf for a bit longer. Wolf had learned that Billy was her brother and was surprised that he felt happy about that. The adult people involved all had to agree in order for this to work, the young ones had been enjoying the time there so far so it was really down to what the adults thought. The young woman's name was Willow, and her husband was "He who runs with the fire" but they called him Bear. The children had not yet got their full names and so Alice gave them each a name that she would remember them by. Sam and Adam. The infant remained just plain baby for now. Sam and Adam has to be about 12 or 13 so were happy being settled for the time being. They had the freedom they needed to come and go as they chose were in no way destructive like some kids of that age (ask the Simpkins) and they were polite and honoured their Father. They enjoyed going with Wild Wolf fishing, it was quite a hike to the river but was nothing to them it was normal to walk many miles in a day. They also enjoyed the animals and loved to help Billy. Billy showed how he made shoes. Alice was thrilled to receive the deer hide that the women had worked on, cured, tanned and made into a beautiful blanket decorated with Porcupine quills. It was a treasure to be handed down the generations to come. Time passed and one day they woke up to a white wilderness and the descision had been made. They would stay for the Winter. They celebrated with a feast that evening around the campfire. They had moved in more bales of hay and moved into the barn. Billy decided to put in a fireplace. After all if it was some day to be a home, it would eventually be needed. So they hauled in some rocks from around the property. When fields had been ploughed the stones were stacked at the side. Over the years they had come in useful for the barns, walls and other things. They had made a kiln for making pots and now they would make a chimney and fireplace. It didn't take long with everyone and the mules working together. When it was done they loaded up with logs and got the fire going. With their blankets and everything else it was a cozy solution and they were able to cook over the open fire. At first they found it restricting but in the end the idea of being warm at night out of the wind and elements made more sense to them than they could have imagined. Billy showed the men the smoke house where they cured their meat. They each taught the other new ideas and ways to live in the wild lands of northern Michigan. The time came when the men became restless, a few months into Winter they became increasingly so. Black Eagle talked to Billy and told him how he was feeling and that he did not know what to do. The weather was not too bad but he knew that the further north he went the worse it would be. It would be so hard on the old lady and the young ones. The boys were old enough to learn to live rough but he knew the baby would probably suffer and he was not willing to do that. Even though generations before him had always had no choice, he knew he did. So how should he handle this? Billy didn't know how to advise him. That evening they sat outside by the campfire the 4 men and the old lady and woman. They talked for hours, the Indian women knew the score, they had been traveling most of their lives in all weather. Now they had the choice of staying safe and warm and so it was decided that the women and the children would stay with Wild Wolf to help Billy bring in food and to protect them all. The men would head north and scout the way. The could always turn back but thought they would be gone till Spring came at least. Billy and the two men went over to Simpkin's to talk with him about the best route to take to avoid the lumber camps and what farms there were on the way north. Mr Simpkin's had a map, to the amusement of the Indian men, but they could see how useful it could be. Something new to them. They had some forms of maps that they had made over generations on the hides they cured, but nothing like this. They were always at home in woodlands and had no problem with directions, but this was new land to them and it was helpful to know where there was water and more importantly how to avoid people. so they prepared to leave and made some difficult farewells, the plan was to get to the very north where the waters divided the two great lakes. They knew they had family up there on the very top. His Grandfather's people had all gone north when the white folks began to move into the area they had just left. The plan was to find them if indeed they were still there. They packed only some dried meats and fish and intended to live off the land as they travelled. It was a huge surprise when Mr Simpkins showed up the morning of their departure, just as the sun was about to rise he came with 2 horses. He said that it would make their journey a bit easier and he would not be needing the horses until Spring. He didn't think about them not coming back, it was understood that unless something bad happened they would return as soon as they could. The two men thought about it and then accepted the offer with grace. They left within the hour just as the sun came up over the bluffs. Any other occasion they may well have left while still dark but the women kept coming up with reasons to hold on to them. It seemed so very quiet when the two men were gone they were probably gone a good part of each day this was different. Billy went about his daily chores. Now it was a little different because the animals did not enjoy being outside quite as much. They had a dusting of snow overnight and it was bone chilling cold this morning. Billy cleared an area in the big barn so that the mules and horse and goat could saunter around in a place they used for exercise. They had access to their own areas as they chose. It was very cold in the barn but everyone had grown winter coats by now so it was not so bad for them. They could endure much worse. Alice was busy making bread and keeping the stew pot going. She offered Mr Simpkins some coffee as he now had to walk home in the snow. It wasn't deep but if it got worse it would be awhile before they met again. Wild wolf came in with some wood he had cut, he was not keen on coffee so did not linger. He now wore a buckskin shirt finally, Alice didn't know how he withstood the cold, she was always cold. She had on her Winter woolies and had knitted heavy socks for herself and Jane, also for Billy. A heavy wool coat was hers too left from her Mothers clothes, nothing went to waste and things were mended or altered. Janes dresses had been let out and let down several times. She truly needed something new but getting fabric was not easy. They had not learned to spin or weave yet Mrs Simpkins did though and was hoping to get a lot done this winter. It was then a complete surprise when the old lady came bearing gifts. She had made Jane some leggings of deer skin and a tunic with long sleeves. She did the same for Billy and was making some for Alice. They were figure hugging and cozy and with the wooly socks and hats and mittens. They had long boots that came to the knees and shawls to cover everything. The Indian ladies had long moccasins also. One of the best things that came out of this shared experience was the learning of each others ways and adapting new things and ideas. They had each learned much from each other. They were too busy really to dwell on the men who had left and everyone had chores to do. The young men/boys helped in the barn, stacking hay to leave more space for the animals to move around. On nice days they all went outside but today was not the day. The hay was stacked up along the walls as high as it would go, it would last all Winter if they were careful. They also brought in water and helped to feed the animals and collect eggs. The girls (hens) were now inside all the time and found very unique and unusual places to lay eggs. Some got by them and they soon found they had a few extra hens and roosters. Sad to say Crow could be the only rooster. Willow had no problem readying the newcomers for the pot when old enough. Alice was just not the one to do that. Billy had no problem but the Old lady said it was women's work. The baby had to be about a year old when Willow found herself with child. It was a good time to have a 2nd child before the baby was much older. They hoped for a boy because boys were easier to raise than girls. Girls had to be married off and left the family, boys stayed around usually bringing in a wife and so another pair of hands. She would miss Bear though and hoped he would be back before her time came. She wanted him close by when it was her time. The old lady had delivered many babies in her life and there was nothing to worry about. Still she missed her husband. No time to dwell on it though as much to do. That night brought a storm, the wind blew so hard one of the old trees came down just missing the barn. Looking on the bright side that did mean lots of wood close on hand. Once the storm abated they would cut that up. The storm continued through the next day and the snow drifted up on the sides of the barns and house. They were very glad they had put in the fireplace in the barn for the family. They boys were going crazy being inside so much, it was too windy outside to be out in it. It had become dangerous cold and they wondered if the two men had encountered the storm or were they beyond it?. Eventually the winds died down and Billy and Wolf got to cutting wood and moving the old tree out of the way. The young boys taught Jane how to make an ice cave. That was so much fun they spend several days on that project. Wolf took them, ice fishing. They followed the stream right out into the Bay, they seldom went that far but being winter there were seldom any other people out there. Generally they would avoid the area just in case but there was no one around. So they dug a hole in the ice and set their bait. It was great to have fresh fish, what a treat. Wolf had climbed the bluff to scout out the place before they ventured out, the ice was thick by the edge but not fully frozen so was easy to fish. It would no doubt melt quickly this was freaky weather and not yet full Winter. So the days passed quickly and they all did well and thrived. Willow was getting very round and looked rosy and happy. Contented. One day Mr Simpkins came over to tell them he had a visitor who had news of Black Eagle and Bear. They had made it all the way to the northern tip near the straits that divided the northern lands. They had found only a few of the family there, the younger ones had crossed over last Winter to the wilderness of what was known as Canada. There was much game there they said and only a few remained who were too old or sick to make that trip. Black Eagle had planned on stocking them up with game before heading back, they should be back within a month if the weather held. There was a lot of snow up there and it would be hard traveling. They had no trouble on their journey north and arrived safe and sound. It would be harder coming back because there were more people traveling in the Spring. So they hoped to leave sooner rather than later once they had done all they could for their family. Everyone was on edge, thrilled with the news but anxious for time to pass, the sun felt stronger. It rained. The snow began to recede and the boys were off in the woods again. The first tender shoots began to show in the sheltered spots under broken branches. The birds were singing and looking for mates and nesting places. Everyone felt the change coming. Willow began her nesting too, she gathered soft birch bark and reeds and formed a crib for her baby. Alice had made a tiny quilt and some soft blankets. She knitted some baby bonnets and booties. She wondered what Willow would use as a nappy, she wondered about a lot of things. She had never been around for any births. Willow made a basket to carry the baby on her back. All these things she knew she would never have been able to do had they gone with Black Eagle. Alice asked what she could do to help her but the Old Lady said they knew what to do, and everything would be just fine. Alice was probably the only one who was nervous about the impending birth. She had seen animals being born but not a baby, she figured it couldn't be much different, could it. She was not there when Jane was born her Mother had Mrs Simpkins come in and help her. Mr Simpkins and her Dad had consoled each other until they heard the first wail and knew it was over, then they got soppy and bawled like babies for a couple of minutes and then had another tip from the jug of dandelion wine. They were both useless. Billy was only 9 then and he was in his own world, Spring had come and he was off in the woods. All Alice was asked to do was keep the water on the stove and basically watch her Dad get tipsy. The birth had been easy with no complications and so was a non event really. Except that now she had a baby sister, she fell in love at first sight. Alice became as much a mother to Jane as her real mother was. Then when their parents died the transition was already in place. About 2 in the afternoon Willow began to walk around, her back was aching. She felt unsettled. She could not focus and pretty soon it was evident that a new baby would be here very soon. She didn't listen to anyone, she walked and walked and paced around and around the yard. The snow was all gone now, Billy could be seen in the far field working on the fences. He only had fences where he didn't want the cows and horses to wander. Next he would turn the soil and get ready to plant the new crops. He would leave one field fallow as he did every year, by rotating things the soil didn't get used up. He was going to plant the same as last year because it had done so well. Billy looked over and saw Willow walking around and waved to her, she ignored him. He carried on working. Alice went out to put some washing on the line and noticed her walking and walking. She went over to Willow and asked if she was ok, she ignored her. Alice went and got the Old Lady. They went to where Willow was pacing and the old lady gently took her arm, felt her tummy and grunted. It was time. The Old Lady (Alice never did get her name) went over to the outside fire pit and started a fire, she put up the thing they made to hold a cauldron and hung that to heat some water. She started to chant to herself as she got the fire to blazing. She disappeared inside. When she came out the water was bubbling. Alice sat and watched. Willow crouched down. She got back up and continued to walk, she did this again and again. The Old Lady came out and went over to Willow who nodded to her in response to whatever she was asked. Next the Old Lady went inside and came out with strips of cloth and skins. She put the rags in another cauldron and hung that in place of the now boiling water. Poured some of the water over the rags and let them steep, others she folded with care and set aside. She plunged a knife into the fire and it came out red hot, she then placed it in the boiling water and then into the pot with the rags. She went back over to Willow who was again squatting down. They went into the barn and Alice followed. She watched in awe as Willow laid down and let the Old Lady look to see what was happening. She seemed satisfied. She laid out the hot linens and knife on a clean board and waited. Willow got back up and squatted down she grunted and her face screwed up in pain but she let no noise escape her lips. Alice was sweating now, she was almost panting in sympathy. Willow laid down again and rested for a few minutes and then was up again, she nodded to the old woman who then had her sit on a bench that was in the barn near a table, Alice could not see but she knew she was pushing now and the Old lady was in front of her. She had everything she needed to do what she needed to do, the warm towels helped to ease out the babies head, then the shoulders. One more push and the baby was in another warm wet cloth. She called Alice over and handed her the baby whose cord had been cut and tied. She turned to Willow and cleaned her up and set warm cloths on her. She helped Willow to lay down now while she tended the baby. The baby was at full throttle wailing her little lungs clear and red in the face from the effort. Alice was star struck, she loved this bundle as much as if it were her own. Willow wanted her baby, she took her over and Willow put her to her breast. The old Lady cleaned up while Alice sat with her mouth open gazing in awe. It was done. A new life a new start. Billy came back from the fields unaware of the miracle that had occurred within. They took Willow and the baby up to their house and sent Jane down to the barn house so that they could be more comfortable and everyone could sleep. Alice sent Billy down too so she and Willow could tend the baby. She let Willow sleep as much as she could just putting the baby to her breast to feed. She found out that the soft leather was used with the rags inside to keep the baby clean, her tummy was wrapped in the clean rags to keep her naval clean. She was bathed and warm and snug in a bed by the fire. Willow slept on a cot close by while Alice rocked in a chair. All was quiet and peaceful. Wild Wolf had come back to find things just a little bit different. He stayed away that first night and met his new niece the next morning when she was presented to the family. Willow was beaming with pride. Alice was too, she looked shyly at Wild Wolf who caught her gaze. She blushed and turned away. She made eggs and toast and brought out some potatoes from the storage. She shredded those and fried them up with some grease and butter. Everyone feasted and had coffee or milk. They all felt very fortunate. Alice had to go about her normal chores and so did Billy, but it almost felt like a holiday everyone was so happy. The only thing missing were the two men. It was just two weeks later that they rode into the farmyard. Everyone came running. Willow and Alice hung back because all the kids were crowding around. They went first to the Old Lady and got her blessing and then Bear turned to Willow and his new baby girl. Alice went and hugged Black Eagle which totally surprised him, he didn't know what to do so did nothing. Alice felt silly and blushed again, she saw Wild Wolf snicker. She blushed some more. The moment passed quickly and she listened while Willow praised her for all the help she had been. The Old Lady smiled. The boys had enough of all this domestic bliss and took off with Wild Wolf to do manly things. Billy went off to see to the horses and the mules who had been left to their own devices in the meadow with the cows and other critters They needed their harnesses removed and brushed down, life never stopped for long. The two men went up to the big house as they now called it and got cleaned up and rested. They would not be resting long. Next morning came bright and sunny, the grass was growing in the meadows and the first buds were appearing on the trees around the house where it was sheltered. The boys came up for breakfast as had become the habit. They took food down to the Old Lady who preferred her own company in the mornings, away from all the squawking and noise from all the teenagers and women folk bustling around. Bear went down to sit with her and he listened to her wisdom. She told him his new son was healthy and that he would be strong and tall. She said Willow would bear him many more sons. It was still cold in the mornings and the fire was crackling in the grate. Bear could not sit for long, it was time to see what needed doing, Black Eagle was telling everyone what he had found in the north land. He believed that it was not really a good plan to move there with no support group, the only people there were old ones and the land was all deep forest. Hard to traverse. They really wanted to discuss everything in depth and decide what would be the best option. Billy said that he knew for sure that they would be welcome to stay right here, there was plenty of land and the wildlife was plentiful, there were fish in the lake and in the river and it was a good place for children to grow up. A small town was growing close by and soon more people would move in. They had heard talk of a school house being built and the church group was growing. It was just not the way they were used to living, they had always moved from place to place but they also knew that things were changing fast. The young people could adapt to change far better than the older ones who had lived in a different world. Black Eagle, Bear and Wild Wolf had lived in a time when there were no farms, no white people and no one owned the land. Things were different now, their grandfathers could never imagine life as it was now. Bear and Wild Wolf were of the generation of change it was easier for them than Black Eagle but he was a wise man. He could see the future and he may not like it but he was wise enough to know that he could not fight the change as much as he would like. He had been fortunate in the white people he met, these early farmers were still open and honest and had no reason to begrudge the Native Peoples. They were nice people. He knew he had to think long and hard before he made any decisions that would affect his entire little clan. He also wondered what if anything he should do about the old ones left in the North country. Would they survive on their own? Could they get to Canada, was it his problem? Should he continue on to Canada? Time for a family conference. No one was sure what the answer was, they were afraid that if they stayed they would become a burden on Alice and Billy but if they left where would they be going? The unknown was always a scary thing even for these people who lived mainly in that way of uncertainty, they had enjoyed the comfort and security of staying this past Winter and not going hungry as they did most years. The children had thrived, the baby was walking now and the new one was doing well. So they talked with Alice and Billy, they wondered how they would be accepted into the community, not that there was one as such but change was inevitable. They knew they had the support of the neighbours as well as Alice and Billy. Billy suggested that he and Black Eagle go into town, such as it was. They could test the waters there, find out what news there was about the school and everything else that would affect them. They needed to consult someone about the property and how they could sell/give some of it as a homestead should Black Eagle decide to stay. They had at least 100 acres and so a portion of that would just not be missed. Their Grandfather had the pick of the best land when he arrived there as did the Simpkins. The next nearest neighbour was the same way. Their grandparents had enough land to split when the time came within their families. Alice and Billy were willing to share what they had. Enough room for a home and enough to farm were all Black Eagle needed and as long as they were neighbours they could share the crops and chores. Black Eagle did not see himself as a farmer but was wise enough to know his way of living was coming to an end. He had heard all that was happening out west and did not want that to happen here. So it was that Billy and Black Eagle made the trip into town, the town was small and was largely made up of a bar, a blacksmith, a church, and a general store. There were other things but that was the main street. there was a bank and the owner was also a lawyer who could write up deeds and wills and about anything else that was needed. A few people actually lived in town but not that many yet. They did a trade from the lumber people who came into get supplies. supplies mainly came in by boat. There was a market where things could be auctioned off or cattle and horses sold. The fish market did a good trade as the Great Lakes fish were wonderful. There were some old Indian fishermen who brought fish in daily to market. Black Eagle talked at length with them and they said that it was a good place to settle that the white folks were fair and did not hinder them. Billy and Black Eagle went to the bank and spoke with Mr Jeffrey the bank manager and talked the idea through with him. He said it would be perfectly legal to set aside some acres and sell them to Black Eagle for whatever price they settled on if everyone was in agreement. Because it would set a president in the area he said it would be a good idea to inform the Simpkin's, and as they already knew and agreed he saw no problem. So there and then, on the spot they decided that was what they should do. The only stipulation made was that if in the future Black Eagle wanted to sell that Billy should have first offer. So Mr Jeffries set about making a contract and Billy and Black Eagle went home to discuss the price. The price they set was to be taken over time and meanwhile they would share crops between them, they had no use for actual money at this point and so they agreed that while it was possible those who hunted and fished would share with those who farmed and they talked about a trading post set up where they lived that would generate some cash that could be banked and Black Eagles share would pay for the land. They talked to the Simpkin's and they all thought that they would have enough between them all to sell and trade. The Indian ladies made baskets and could sell furs and skins, they made preserves and bread and Billy could mend things at his smithy. They could have a good life. Billy said that the family could stay where they were for now until they could get the lumber together to start to build a cabin. They had all summer to do that. Black Eagle traded with Mr Simpkins to buy the two horses he had loaned him. He had really liked them and naturally found travel that much better. He thought about going north to see how the people up there had fared once the snow was gone but found himself way too busy for that. There was not much he could do and felt that their own people should take care of them. He had enough to worry about right here. Willow and the Old Lady were happy to stay and the boys didn't care one way or other. Alice thought they should all go to school but it was quite a distance at the moment so for now she offered to teach them to read and do simple math, it would be all they needed for now. Alice and Wild Wolf were still very shy with each other but she knew she had fallen in love. She adored him. He seemed fond of her too and showed it in many ways, he was thoughtful and generous. He was different from Billy in many ways, his outlook on life was different and he was quiet and did not have a lot to say. Partly because of the language but she could tell he was smart and bright, he knew the ways of the wilderness and had no use for school himself. He was past the age when a boy could afford that luxury. Alice had learned some of his language and he had learned a good bit of English. They talked now and then about mundane things and he would show her how to find useful things from nature, she was enthralled. He said it's simple, just watch the birds and beasts and see what they do, what they eat and how they live. We too are animals and we Indians learned to live with nature and not to fight against it as white people do. We take only what we need and give back when we can. We do not kill for fun but do so out of need as the animals do. So we take the weak not the strong who can easily evade us, it makes them smarter too. We use all we take, every part of an animal has a use nothing is wasted. She learned much from him. He learned maybe to not be so serious and he could indeed relax more now everyone had food and clothing, life had not always been so easy for him or his family when they were growing up. They seemed to lose family every year during the hard Winter months. They had encounters some years with white people who had moved into their space and been hostile to them treating them as they would anything else that was in their way. Finding that all white folk were not that way was a pleasant surprise. He had found that true friendship could be shared with anyone, that it was not the colour of skin that mattered but the content of their hearts. Billy and Alice had never met Indians before and so they treated them with respect as much as they would have any stranger. The Simpkins were good people too although a bit more wary at first. People heard stories and they were glad to find that Black Eagle and his people were just as they were. So that summer they set about gathering just enough lumber to build a small cabin for Willow and Bear where they could raise their babies. Black Eagle and Wild Wolf with his brothers would stay at the barn that they lived in now for the time being. The Old lady would live with Willow and help her with the babies. She could wander back and forth as she chose. So they began to build the cabin not too far away, it was maybe one mile maybe less but was within sight of the big house at the edge of the woods where they had first been seen. It consisted of a main floor room with a loft above that was split into two big bedrooms. Stairs went up both sides. Below that was the fireplace that kept things warm up and down. With windows on each side, front and back with shutters on the outside to keep the storms out. They hoped to get glass for the windows before winter but would have to trade for that. They had a dirt floor but it easily packed down and space was left for plank floors when they had the resources for that. Cots were made for the beds and they used what blankets they had for now. The rest would all come in time. Alice gave Willow a crib they still had from when Jane was a baby, no need for that now. she wondered if she would ever be a mother herself. Would she ever find a partner and get married, she was 20 now and most young girls were married or close to it by the time they were 15. Jane had turned 11 and was almost grown up, what were her prospects if she didn't get into school soon and meet people from around the area? They had a lot to think about. Now the Indian people had boys too as well as Simpkins so she thought she would probably have a selection to chose from. In her dreams she thought of Wolf and wondered if he ever thought of her that way. She would love babies of her own. Right now though with all the activity and the plans for a future Trading post she was too busy to dwell on it. She helped where she could in making things for the new cabin. She and Willow drove into town one day looking for materials for making curtains to keep the cold out and to make quilts for the beds. They would spend evenings sewing as best they could while it was light. They could sit out under the apple trees and sew or knit their hands were always busy. Some nights Alice would stay up at the cabin to help with the babies and let the old woman go stay with the boys. Alice and Willow became great friends. Alice had never had a woman friend before, she had been quite alone growing up with only Jane and Billy for company most of the time. They each had skills that they shared with the other. They drove the mules into town and stopped at the general store. It was fortunate for them that the ship had come into the Bay with supplies just that week. There was new merchandise and among it was wool for blankets and linen and cotton in a few different colours. Calico for dresses and muslin too. Oh how they would have loved to splurge on some of those finer things but cash was not something they had a lot of. They were rich in many ways but not in cash. So they spent what they had available on some wool and some cotton cloth. They did indulge in some fine flour and some salt. They also bought some wax to make candles that would smell better than the tallow they usually used. They did think about getting some oil lamps but decided against that for now. They did Ok with candles so far. They heard oil could be dangerous. They gathered the most recent news and headed home. They had stopped in the bank to see how Mr Jeffreys was doing with their business and learned he had it all written up ready to sign when the men could get in. So the ladies headed home. Alice had given Willow one of her dresses as they were about the same size and she had her Mothers clothes packed away in trunks. They spent a day going through them and altering things so that both of them could have new clothes. The Old Lady refused to dress in anything other than her buckskins. Willow found the dresses and underskirts bulky at first but soon became comfortable and felt warmer with the underclothing and petticoats. She liked the shawls and looked so pretty in them that they giggled that if she was not careful she would soon be carrying another babe. Bear was a stocky lad and wore his buckskins with a shirt of wool with his hair in braids. He wore a hat that Billy gave him and he was much taken with it. I had been Grandpa's. That evening everyone got together at the big house they built a campfire and roasted potatoes and deer meat on it. They had bread and meat pies and a succulent gravy to dip the bread in. They talked about their plans for the future, it was as though they had known each other for ever and that they were all real family instead of the strangers who had drifted in that winter night. The two men were to go into town and sign the contract that would make this a permanent arrangement, they were all happy with that. They talked about next Spring how they could start the trading post and how and what they would sell. It would be different from the general store in town and would carry the things they made themselves as well as things they had brought in by boat. They talked about what the town lacked that they would like to be able to get, they knew if they needed such things, like the glass for windows then others would too. They dreamed and they planned and they also thought about the boys future. They did need an education if they were to survive into the future. The town they knew would not always remain small. Simpkins had children as well as they did and all needed to have a chance for a good life. All these things they talked over and pondered on. The day dawned bright and clear, the fields were full of wild things. Flowers and bees, butterfly and dragonfly. The birds were cheerful and the Meadow Lark was singing. Alice was washing the floor and scrubbing everything while she could have the doors and windows open. Rugs were being beaten enthusiastically on the line by Jane. Billy came crashing in shouting to come quickly, Willows toddler was missing. She had been last seen playing outside in a pile of dirt with some tin cups and a pail of water. Willow had been hanging out washing and gone in to get some pegs. When she came out she was gone. They had searched around the cabin and in the beginning of the woods, how far could a small child walk?. Billy went and got the horses He climbed on Sally and galloped off with one of the horses in hand. Black Eagle climbed aboard and the began a systematic search. Wolf had got the other horse and was already entering the woods. Alice started off towards the cabin, the baby had not had time to get that far in so short of a time and so she walked steady towards the cabin scanning back and forth. She sent Jane to call the boys to help in the search. By noon they were all getting desperate and sent for the Simpkins. They also got horses and started their search the other side of the trail. Nothing! nothing was found. Willow and The Old Lady were again searching around the cabin looking for clues. The toys were just laying right where they had been when she was playing with them. It was a warm morning and all Meadow had on was underwear. She wore native dress and that consisted of a breechclout. There were no tracks. No clues. No sign she had been harmed. They searched all afternoon finding no signs at all. She was simply gone. They had not seen anyone around, no strangers that they knew of, it seemed that if an animal had been around they would have seen tracks. Willow was beside herself and so was Alice. Alice made it all the way to the Cabin with no sign of Meadow. They had no idea what to do next. Everyone gathered at the cabin to see what they should do next. They knew someone who had hunting dogs and wondered if they could get those to track with, then they realized Barker was missing. In all the confusion he had not been missed. They wondered aloud if Barker was with Meadow. In that case how could they find him so that he could lead them in the right direction. So, with renewed enthusiasm they started to call Barker.............they knew if he was close they would see him and so they headed into the woods. Split into groups they went in a straight line calling Barker and stopping to listen. About a mile in they heard a slight woof, people called for quiet, called again, and a slight woof. They headed towards the sound. The woofs got a little louder and yet were still muffled. Wolf was the first on the scene, at first he could not see where the sounds were coming from and searched around and around before he found the spot. During the ice ages blocks of ice like boulders had been thrown forth and as they melted they left a crater. Large or small they left a permanent indentation on the land. They call them Kettle pots. Well, as it turned out, behind some brush and fallen trees was a kettlepot and down in the bottom was Barker standing guard over a sleeping Meadow. How she got so far away is anyone's guess but Wolf climbed down and picked up the sleeping child. Barker was fussed over and helped to get out of the kettlepot. He was an elderly dog and did not often wander far from the home yard. He was worn out. Wolf carried the child to Willow and everyone was much relieved. Black Eagle carried poor Barker home to a good meal and a sleep by the fire. No one ever knew how Meadow had wandered away so quickly. A child on a mission moves quicker than anyone can imagine. When they started to search they spent so much time searching the house and close to home not believing the small girl could travel far, but she had, and the more they had searched the further she had got. She had fallen down the slope into the Kettlepot, lucky it had been dry and no water was at the bottom. Barker had followed her to keep her safe and had done a great job. So many things could have gone wrong, but they didn't and for that everyone was grateful. Willow cried and hugged her girl fed her and put her to bed, she watched her sleep until she had to take care of the baby who didn't care what had happened it was time for food. So everyone went home as the sun was beginning to go down. What a day. The next day everyone was still shaken, it had been a very scary time, no one would have thought how far a small child could roam so quickly and they were so grateful for Barker's loyal protection of the baby. Well work had to go on. Willow naturally could not relax. Everything was just so wide open it was easy for a child to wander, yet their children had always run free and was seldom an issue. For now she would just be vigilant. Life goes on, the papers were all signed and Bear and Willow were now proud property owners. They fully intended to make a future for themselves and their little family. Later that evening everyone got together for a meal, they all felt that they wanted to celebrate their recovery of little Meadow. Barker got a real treat. He was the hero. They talked about the Trading Post and how to go about it. They figured the first thing would be to decide exactly what they wanted to accomplish, they didn't want to hold the same thing as the in town stores and steal their customers but they did want to be a one stop shop sort of place where people could get all their needs taken care of in one spot. Mainly building supplies and outdoor equipment. On that line they would also sell their own dried meats and jerky, pemmican and dried herbs and fruits. May as well throw in some home canning supplies and jams and jellies. It sounded good to them. They had enough family to do the work and knew Simpkins would also be willing to help when needed, it would carry some of their things too so in lieu of a wage they would sell their things there. Alice thought she could do the bookkeeping and the teen boys could all work in the store as well as take time out for hunting and fishing. It would be up to Alice, Willow and the teens mainly to run the store, they would open on demand rather than always be open. At this point everyone knew them so that would not be a problem. With that in mind they chose a spot close enough to the house to leave them open to visitors. A School bell would be installed to call them to the store if they were not already there. They would begin to stock up and would begin to build next Spring. They would gather what they needed for the rest of this year and set up with their providers. They contacted suppliers and set up their business plan. It would begin as a one room store with storage in back. They could enlarge when needed. They built a coral at the back of the big barn to hold horses brought in for shoeing. They were a little worried that they may have bitten off more than they could chew but were determined to build a future. The little family was growing. Their home had grown and expanded. Not the big house itself but in the out buildings. The blacksmith barn was at one side and Billy worked in there once a week when needed to keep things in repair. He didn't see a problem taking on a few extra jobs. He made nails and other things needed around the compound. Then the very large barn still had room in there for hay, grains and supplies as well as the animals. The chickens had their own small shed overseen by Crow. The other barn had been converted into a home for the men and oftentimes the old lady. On the other side of the drive was the smoke house and an underground root cellar. That would be used more often if the Trading station took off. Every member of these houses had their own jobs and willow and Bear used the same facilities. Canned goods were all kept in the respective homes. It was an exciting time. Alice and Wolf were still shy with each other but talked a lot, both getting better with communicating. One day he asked her to walk with him, she had hung out the laundry and was wiping her hands on her apron. She should get into the house and start with her mending and sewing the shirt she was making for Billy. It was such a beautiful day she decided to just go for that walk. Wolf had already gone out fishing that morning and returned with some nice catches. Fall was coming and there would soon be no time for frivolity so he gave himself a break, he would tend to the fish later. So they began to walk off into the woods beyond Willows house. Everyone else was off doing all the chores that needed to be done. The teen aged boys were going over to Simpkins quite regular to learn to read and write. More would come later once those skills were learned they were very bright and were picking up English and writing quickly. It was a trade off because everyone was also learning to sign, and to speak the Native tongue. All that would be handy once their trading post was opened. They fully intended to serve everyone including any Indian people who came in. Wolf was quiet and Alice was happy to just walk quietly listening to the birds. They scared up some Quail and Wolf noted where they lived so he could maybe catch some Quail and get eggs in the Springtime. This little group looked like this years brood. Alice laughed with glee they were so cute. She clapped her hands and watched them scatter. Wolf smiled. He was more serious in nature and it delighted him to see her so happy. He was in love. He didn't know what to do. He had spoken to Black Eagle and asked for advice. There was not a lot he could say really, Indians did not marry white girls, not usually. On the other hand it was not a usual thing that they came into contact with them. Their situation was unique so he simply said,"Don't get your hopes up", but should she feel the same and Billy could be convinced. Then he had his blessing. In the meantime he would not mention this conversation to anyone. They walked for a while just enjoying the day. They saw several deer off in the distance heads up staring at them before slowing wandering away. Alice loved to see the wild things, was sorry they had to hunt and kill them. That was the life they led, every part of an animal was used to maintain their way of life. Sad but necessary. Needles were made from bone although Alice had got some brand new steel needles, so sharp and she loved them, she shared one with Willow it made sewing easier. They reached the top meadow the far side of the woodlands, probably 2 miles or so from home. They sat and drank some water from the containers they each carried at all times. Alice had some nuts and dried fruits in her pouch which she now offered to Wolf, they sat back staring at the clouds and making shapes in them, they both laughed at their imaginings. Alice leaned towards Wolf as she pointed out what looked like a bear up in the sky, Wolf put his arm around her and hugged her laughing. They gazed at each other and stopped laughing looking deep into each others eyes, Alice's tummy flipped a dozen flips and her mouth went dry. She blushed and he smiled. He loved it when that happened. Her pale skin showed every emotion, she could get very pale when afraid or upset and rosy when happy to beet red when embarrassed. He kissed her nose. She blushed even more. He said " I am not good at putting into words what I feel, but I will try" I am at an age to take a wife. I love you Alice. Would it insult you if I ask that you be my woman?" she was unable to speak, she sat with her mouth open and closing like a landed fish. She lost all ability to speak. Wolf though she was going to reject him out of hand and said "please don't be upset, no matter what I want us to be friends,but I can't think of anything better than to marry my friend" Alice could not utter a word and still stared at him in absolute shock. Her head was spinning. Wolf got up, and offered his hand to pull her up. She fell against him weak in her knees. She put her head on his chest and could hear his heartbeat steady and strong. His skin was soft and warm she rested her cheek against it and he encased her with his arms. He had no idea what was going through her mind but she was not pushing him away and so he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. She still didn't speak. He slid his hand down her arm and took her hand and started to walk she followed on with him still deep in thought. She stopped and he turned to her. She looked up at him and said have you asked Black Eagle, Willow, the old lady? What do they think of this idea. He was relieved she didn't just say no. He told her he had confided in Black Eagle but no one else. She looked at him shyly and asked what Black Eagle said. He told her exactly what he had said. She nodded. She said, if you ask Billy and he agrees I would be honoured to marry you, I love you Wolf. He pulled her to him and rested his chin on her head. Then they turned towards home. Alice and Wolf had been married for six months now and were so completely and utterly in love. It showed in every word and gesture. Wolf was determined to be a good husband to Alice. The world they lived in was harsh but had some comforts. Not like when he grew up. he had been born in a time of change and his early life was lived around a mission, in an Indian encampment with no amenities or any securities they lived day by day, hour by hour sometimes. Their world was swiftly changing and not for the better. Their people had always lived by the laws of nature. The time was now changing into a period of living with white peoples laws, something they found difficult to understand. The Mission helped somewhat because it had been run by a man who was very sympathetic to their cause. They didn't need sympathy they needed to be able to live as they had always lived close to the earth and its laws. The land had never been owned by anyone but God and they had always had the freedom to move where ever and when ever they chose. They did know that in some places where other tribes lived they would not be welcomed if they encroached on their hunting grounds but generally speaking that was seldom a problem. Sometimes they would see camp fires off in the distance or out over the lake on clear nights. They just avoided them. Now it was different. Pale people had come, they had moved inland, taking more and more for themselves, farming, bringing flocks of strange beasts that ate the grass down to the ground. The native peoples just moved on because those pale people did not share, did not tolerate and were aggressive. They were not averse to killing the people and were not punished for that. So Wolf and his family stayed around the Mission where they were welcome. When there was an outbreak of Scarlet Fever and the man at the Mission died along with his family and a lot of Wolfs people, they began to move further north. Some of their people had already moved right up to the tip of the land where it divided between the two great lakes. Wolfs family had been slowed down by the Old Lady and WIllows baby. so it was fortunate for them that they had met Billy and Alice that day and been welcomed among them. It was not his family's way to settle in one place but they had chosen to do so. Wolf was determined that they would have a good life here and soon maybe raise a family. Willows little family was growing. She had Meadow who was chattering away now and never seeming to stop and the baby who was still an infant. He bet it would not be long before that family grew again. Bear adored Willow, everyone could see that. That Spring, right after they got married the men began to gather materials to start the Trading Post. They had almost enough lumber if they waited for the floor, the earth dried so easy that it pounded down solid enough for now. They gathered more stones and built a good fireplace and chimney and set that as the foundation to build around. One complete wall would be shelves. They needed a large counter to use to trade over. The fireplace would be a place travelers could sit and warm up. They really were doing this with no real plan just the idea of what it should be like. The business would grow as it chose. They would never really be reliant upon the business because at this time they got all they needed from hunting and fishing. Times would change though, they could see that. All Winter the ladies had worked on sewing and preserving food, the extra could be sold. The men had worked it out that they would take on more smithy work as and when it came about. Mr Simpkin's was all for helping and supplying goods from his farm. He was a different sort of farmer than Billy he kept and raised a few sheep and Mrs Simkins spun the fleece. They had pigs and a few cows that they raised for food. Not what Billy and Alice liked to do. They would certainly be able to sell the jerky and hams though, the Simpkin's smoke house was full. The men decided to build a small smokehouse next to the store and move all the extra into that. They had dug a root cellar too. The fruit trees gave them abundant fruit and they had berries free for the picking if the bears didn't get there first. Wolf was thinking all these things, he knew how fortunate he was and to have found the love of his life was just the bonus. The store was coming along well, it was framed in. They had received a shipment of glass from a place called Detroit. It came in on the boat a couple of months ago. FIrst thing was to get it into Willows cabin, it had been a chilly winter but the shutters had kept the wind out and the blazing fire was kept stoked the women had made curtains to pull over to stop the drafts . STill now the cabin was cheerful and warm and much lighter inside with their shiny new windows. They had also brought down a couple of older rugs that had been stored up at the big house so the cabin was Willows pride and joy. She for one did not miss camping outside. They set about making the windows and had only put them at the front of the store so the place stayed warm enough with just the fireplace. They had saved some cash from what they had sold in town this past winter and had enough to finish most of the work. It would take awhile now to stock up and bargain for things to begin their venture. As the materials were all basically free from the land around them there was nothing really to do except to stock up and make a start. Wolf and Billy went to see Mr Jeffrey at the bank and told him of their plan, got his advice on how to start up. MR Jeffrey said his bank would be willing to fund the business and they could pay back the loan as money came in and so they had the things for sale that they could not make themselves. Frank Jeffrey was a smart man, he saw a good investment when he saw it. They drew up a plan, what they would need to buy and how much they would need to sell things for. It was an exciting and scary time. They figured they would open the following Spring but in the meantime they would get their stock and take on some work. News spread and it was not long before people began to stop by to see what was happening. Billy got a few blacksmith jobs and was showing Wolf how to work the forge. The two boys, now young men really always had enough to keep them busy but they also had time to hang out with the SImpkins boys. That could be trouble. They were all of an age and getting into adulthood. They never thought about the differences in culture or that they were anything else but the same. As teenagers do their thought began to drift towards the female of the species. They had no prospects within the very small circle of people they knew. Just Jane and Ethel and well, they were off limits and besides they were like sisters, they were sisters. So the boys thought about their options and decided to venture into town one day. The town was maybe 5 or 6 miles and having done their chores they escaped for the day sauntering along the dusty road towards town. The two Native boys wore their hair long as did their elders and thought nothing of it. The SImpkins boys wore theirs shaggy and long but not at all like the silky black hair of the other two. They ran, they walked they pushed and shoved and joked with each other and were at the edge of town before they knew it. They saw Mr Jeffreys and he waved to them. Sheriff Michaels was dozing on his porch outside the jail. It was a quiet town. As they passed the saloon they saw to their surprise several ladies sitting around the porch fanning themselves. The boys were open mouthed at this vision of feminine worldliness. The ladies arms and bosoms were exposed and some even sat very unladylike with legs on the railings exposing an ankle here and there and more, frills and laces and things that tempted their imagination. As the boys got closer one of the girls walked down the steps towards the boys, teasing and sashaying around them. She was very pretty, tight blond curls and a very large chest exposed almost completely. They were silent in their wonder and awe. She said her name was Margo and did they want to come and visit with her friends. She said she could show them a very good time if they would just come with her. They didn't know what to say or what to do. A voice from behind them bellowed out "Now Margo leave the boys alone" Don't tease them they have never met the likes of you and now is not the time to begin. So go back to your friends and let them pass. Margo pouted and turned to go, throwing a wink over her very pretty shoulder. The boys ran further up the road all confused and laughing and poking each other in fun. Wow who was that and what did she mean. As they turned the corner jostling each other and taunting each other they came face to face with a group of gangly lads who were harassing some local girls. They turned at the commotion and saw a new quarry in the 4 strangers. They thrust out chests and spit in the dirt. "who are you and what do you want here, get away from our women" they were all of 18 years so it made the boys laugh. "Oh so you redskins think that's funny do you, get your filthy tails out of our town" The boys looked at each other incredulously. "What?" "Your town, what makes it your town"... "well our dads pretty much run things around here, and who are you just farmers and indians" . they didn't plan on getting into a "my dad can whoop your dad" kind of conversation so they shrugged and turned away. The biggest boy yelled "don't you walk away from me you trashy trouble makers" He ran up and shoved Adam hard so that he almost fell. Sam steadied him and told the boy to lay off before he got hurt, they didn't want trouble. "well you found trouble when you came into town" said the aggressive boy. Both the Native boys knew they could hurt this gang of idiots any time they wanted to, but they didn't want to. They did not want trouble in the town. The Simpkins boys said as much, but the kid would just not back off, he was thinking he had them scared. It was the opposite in fact The Simpkins boys knew that the Indian boys could take down the whole gang in a couple of moves. He knew that would be a bad thing for all of them. So again they tried to walk away. This kid was not giving up and the rest of them were smirking and throwing out nasty comments but keeping their distance not so the aggressive one, he just had to keep pushing his luck. Eddie was the older Simpkins boy and he stood forward and said to back off and leave us alone. The kid took a swing at Eddie and connected with his chin. That was it, with one smack he put the kid on his butt. They turned and walked away. Now the kid was embarrassed and needed to save face so he drew a knife and lunged. Adam grabbed the boys arm and twisted it, the knife fell from his hand and wrenched his arm. He was in pain but was not about to give up now. As the boys turned again and walked away the kid picked up his knife and again lunged, this time his knife connected with Adams bare arm, it was not a deep cut but the kid was out for blood. Adam turned and his fist connected squarely with the kids jaw. He went flat. His friends backed away, turned and ran. The girls saw all this from a distance and they too walked away. Adams arm was bleeding bad, but it was just a superficial cut. It would need to be treated though and stitches might help. They went into the store and asked Mr Jones for a clean cloth. He called his wife and she came out from the back, she took one look and went for hot water and something to clean the cut. She asked what happened. They knew who the boys were and she knew their reputation. One of the girls was their daughter Frieda and she had ran home to tell them the story. These boys didn't come into town and so seeing stanger's was unique and she was impressed. SHe said that the boys had been bugging her and her friends and stopping them from going home, pulling hair and scuffing up dirt to annoy them, she said they were afraid of them. She looked at Adam and told him she was sorry for what had happened. Mr Jones said he would have a word with the boys folks. They were a nuisance in the community always bullying the smaller kids. He asked what the boys were doing in town and they had no real answer just having a look around while the weather was good. The road became a quagmire once the rain came. The Simpkins boys knew that Adam and Sam could take care of themselves but also knew they didn't need to get a reputation in town, they already had the disadvantage of being Native. They could take care of themselves for sure but that would not go down well with that bunch of morons so for now it was best to go home.Adam thanked Frieda and smiled his shy smile that set her heart to racing. They thanked Mrs Jones for her help and said they would start the walk home. Adam didn't want to fuss but his arm was stinging like crazy. Sometimes a small cut hurt worse than a big one. Still he was glad it was only small. Maybe next trip they would bring Bobby with them, he had stayed home to help his dad and he looked more intimidating than they did. They started home and soon forgot about the incident. They had liked Frieda and thought they should try another trip sooner rather than later. This time they would have an idea of what to expect. The two young Native boys were in their mid teens by now 16 and 17 years old to be precise. The Simpkins boys were a little older with the eldest being 21, not really a boy anymore. He knew they could be in trouble. Indeed, it was not long after getting home that the Sheriff rode into Simpkins farm to report on the trouble. He knew the boys were not a bad lot when not around the Hanratty boy and he told Mr Simpkins as much, but he still had to watch out for the town and wanted to keep the peace. He suggested the boys stay away for awhile, that was not a problem because they had a lot to do and time to get away was rare. Still it rubbed him the wrong way because his boys were not in the wrong. They had every right to be in town. He said he would go over and talk with Billy in the morning. The Sheriff enjoyed a cup of Mrs Simpkins summer wine and a slice of cake. He went home happy. Next day Mr Simpkins went over to Billy and Alice's place and relayed the conversation. Billy said he had not seen Adam or Sam since they got back and was unaware of the injury. He spoke with Bear later that day and told him what had happened. Adams arm had become inflamed. It was not a deep cut but the knife had been dirty. He had not told anyone not thinking much about it. A few days later and it was really hurting him, it was on the back of his arm so he could not see that it was red and swollen, infected. Adam got a fever. He was feeling ill. He tried to ignore it but Willow saw him staggering back to the barn and followed him inside. She took one look at him and ran for Alice. The two women knew this was bad. An infected wound could be really serious and they knew they would have to cauterize it and beat this fever. Adam was barely awake and lay on his bed dozing. The women prepared some water. Put a knife in the fire to heat and gently turned Adam to his stomach so they could work on the wound. Just as well he was sleeping now. This was going to hurt. Alice got as much of the wound cleaned as she could, they sent Jane over to Simpkins to go get the doctor. It would be hours before he would get there so they had to begin without him. There was not a lot more he could do than they could but it was reassuring to have another opinion. So having cleaned the cut Alice got the knife and gave it to Willow. Willow took the flat of the knife and layed in on the cut. The smell of burning flesh and a scream from Adam who was assaulted in his sleep, he hit out striking Alice and knocking her to the floor, but he passed out then. Alice got up and was unhurt pretty much, just her pride. Wolf and Billy came in to see what was going on. Wolf was upset that Adam had not said anything, but really he had not thought it was anything to concern him and would not have been had it not become infected. Alice assured them all was under control. They asked Sam to get water from the well because it was very cold water and they proceeded to wipe Adam down with cold water to bring down the fever. Billy had gone and told the old Woman to go check on them. She soon bustled in and shoving the women aside, clucking and chattering to herself. She examined the wound and said they did good as long as it was clean deep inside. If not then the infection would continue and he may well lose his arm. It was some time later that the doctor from town came in. He took a good look and thought they had done all they could for now. He said he could stay and see that the fever came down. He had a few things in his bag that might help with that. For now the best thing was sleep. Adam may need all the rest he could get. Alice wanted to get him up to the big house but they really didn't want to move him. They made a cot up for the doctor by the fire and Alice made a meal for everyone. No mean chore with so many growing lads. Still they had loads of fresh bread and the ever ready stew pot with some beans and potatoes. No one was really hungry but they still made fast work of the meal. Willow had to go back to the cabin, she had babies to attend to but Alice said she would stay to help the old lady and the doctor. She sent Billy and Sam up to the house out of the way. The next day Adam still had a raging fever and was delirious. The water was cold enough to help bring it down but nothing was working. The doctor was talking of having to remove the offending limb. The old woman said no. That she would go and find some medicine that she knew of, things that grew in the woods. The doctor didn't argue with her, he had not much left that he could try. It was a couple of hours when she returned and not a lot had changed. The men had to get on with their chores, the animals still needed to be tended and things had to go on. The doctor could not stay much longer because he knew Mrs Sams was going to have her baby very soon, but they knew where he was so until something happened he would stay. He liked these people and it would be tragic if Adam lost his arm. The old lady bustled in, got her herbs and "stuff" and pounded it into a paste. She slapped that on the arm to draw out any infection left deep in the wound. She changed it out every half hour. The wound started to look less angry, maybe there was hope. By evening the wound was looking more normal and his fever broke. Everyone was so relieved, Doc Bradley left to check on his other patients and made a mental note to find out what the old lady had used. He also set himself the task of telling the local gang that they could have been in very serious trouble had Adam died or lost his arm. The one boy who saw himself as their leader was a big gangly youth who didn't care, to him they were Indians, vermin and if they died so much the better. He was a horrible person and ruled the local gang through fear. He was in truth a very insecure youth with a drunk for a father who beat him and his Ma whenever he was worse for liquor. He spent his time in the bar when he was not working. He didn't work much because he was seldom sober. It didn't help a young lad to be known as the son of the town drunk. He had his father's disposition and was a very unhappy person. The other boys tried to stay out of his way but when cornered they succumbed to his leadership that usually meant trouble all around. That day they had been afraid, things got out of hand and they wanted no part of that. They were not bad kids really but were intimidated easily they were younger than Jimmy Hanratty who was in his 20th year, it looked as though he would end up the same as his father if things didn't turn around soon. His Mother Ida had once been a pretty woman but lacked the spirit to stand up to her husband. She had several children and it was her mission in life to keep them away from her husband. Her older son was the bane of her existence, she loved him but he was so much like his dad that she despaired. He had no males in his life to set him on the right path. Bill picked up jobs whenever he was sober but had nothing permanent, Jimmy would do odd jobs around the local livery. If nothing else he was good with the horses, he loved the horses and was a different person when around them. He spent as much time as he could there and didn't go home until he had no other choice. He didn't like who he was becoming but didn't know how to change. He took his frustration out on the younger kids who lived around town and bullied his way into making them do what he wanted. There was a girl he liked named Sally but he just had no way of attracting her and so he showed off and acted the tough guy, unfortunately that just put Sally off and so he got more belligerent. He could have been a nice looking kid but his permanent scowl and bad moods were off putting to say the least. Jimmy had completely lost it when the Indian kid had not been afraid of him. He had scared himself, he didn't know he had it in him to attack someone like that. He faked being indifferent when Doctor Bradley had spoken with him but he took his words to heart. He knew he needed to turn things around but just didn't know how. In truth he really didn't care one way or other that the two were Natives, they were nothing like what he had expected. His imagination got out of hand on that one. Most people around there had never encountered Indians. Stories about them came from travelers who went West and heard stories of wild men who scalped anyone who entered their territories. Woodland Indians were different from those out on the plains. Not that they knew much about any of that. They had all known that a family had settled in and were living as farmers basically with Billy and Alice who they knew were good people, they knew that if the family was accepted by them and Frank Simpkins they had to be OK and didn't think much more about it. It was sort of a shock for Jimmy to encounter them then that day in town. He was basically in a very bad mood having been belittled somewhat by Sally. He took his aggression and frustration out on the newcomers. Adam was recovering quickly and was soon his old self. He didn't blame Jimmy for his condition he knew it was just unfortunate. Still he would be more aware next time they got to go to town. Goodness knows how long that would be. Alice was feeling very pleased with herself. She had a secret. She had missed her monthly flow and at first thought nothing of it but soon began to feel sickly in the mornings. It took her awhile to catch on. Willow knew before Alice but kept it to herself. She knew the signs and knew she also was with child. All being well they would both have little ones by next Spring. The trading post was pretty well all set up and that too would be good to go come Spring. The two new additions might put a kink in the mens plans but they would deal with that when the time came. She told Wolf soon after and he was both shocked and awed by the thought of being a father. Willow and the old lady just smiled. What do men know of such things. The boys really had no opinion just another mouth to feed. Willows condition soon became evident and it seemed that Alice and Willow would be due around the same time. That should be fun. Of course Bear was pleased with himself and hoped for a boy. He had two girls now and knew that would mean trouble ahead. Meadow was a sweet young girl and the 'baby" was now running around getting into mischief. She would soon need a name, they would not be able to call her baby forever. They kept a good eye on the little ones not wanting and repeats of the Meadow incident. Barker was getting very old but spent his time guarding the two little ones. Black Eagle was the strong silent type and kept pretty much to himself as did the old lady. The old lady was not really as old as they had at first thought she was probably in her 60s. Life had been rough for her, she lost her husband one tough winter when he fell through the ice out fishing. He froze to death, she was left with her children two of whom died during the Scarlett fever epidemic. Her two remaining sons Black Eagle and Wolf were her whole life now along with the ever growing family of grandkids. Black Eagles wife had died along with her other children, it was a sad year for all of them and part of the reason they moved north. They didn't dwell on those things, it was common in most families to lose 1/2 of their children. That explained the difference in age between the brothers. Black Eagle would have remarried but the opportunity just never came. The Winter passed quickly with no further incidents. They were way too busy to be concerned about anything other than tasks in hand. The whole thing was set and ready to open by the end of March. Some of the worst Winter storms hit in March but this year was calm. The Simpkins and Billy and Alice planned a cookout and invited the whole town to come out. Simpkins had a pig to roast and a whole lot of steaks to cook also. The ladies out did themselves making stew and bread and pies. Some for the cookout and more for the store. They hoped by doing this people would sample their goods and then want to buy them. They had everyone ready and working. Both ladies, Alice and Willow were nice and round by then but still able to do a good days work. The day came sunny and warm, in fact it was more than warm. The meat was cooking over open pits and the bread and fresh butter was smelling divine. They had used apples from the root cellar and even made some custard pies from all the eggs the girls had provided. Cheese was a luxury but they spared nothing they made quiche although that's not what they called it and soon people began to arrive. They had decorated the outside of the Store with buntings and wagon wheels. Set out seats made from logs and planks. Everyone had their assigned tasks and it looked as though about everyone from town was going to show up. The people from town shared requests with them, gave them ideas for what they would like to see in the store. The ladies in the trading post were busy selling pies and preserves and bread once it had been tasted. Then men talked to Billy about what they could not find in town. It seemed like someone would need to make a trip to the big city to set up some trades. They needed to set up a regular source of transport of goods. They had heard there may be a railway coming soon. Still the main way of bringing in good was by ship in the months free of ice and by wagon otherwise. They knew the lumber camps would be attracted to a trading post although mostly their tools and things needed for their trade were already in place. The main source of income would be the farmers and the townspeople. Adam was sitting under a tree gnawing on some pork rinds when he saw Jimmy Hanratty. He didn't move, he continued to enjoy his pork. Jimmy saw Adam too, then for some reason his better more civil side shone through. He went up to Adam and apologized. Sam had seen him walk that way and followed him just in case he needed to intervene. The Simpkins boys were tending the fires and had not noticed but now they did, they held their ground but watched carefully. Adam stood up and accepted the apology. Even more out of character Jimmy told Adam about his frustration over the girl Sally and that Adam had arrived just in time to get the brunt of his bad temper. Sally was here at the picnic and he was watching her from a distance. Having offended her he had no idea how to proceed. He really did want to get to know her. Adam didn't know any of the local girls in fact none of the boys did. Their circle was very small and now even though a school had began at the edge of town they were all now past the age for school. In the future most kids would meet their future loves through the school days. Mrs Simpkins had taught all the boys to read, write and do basic math. They were all bright and had plenty of access to books. The long winter nights gave them plenty of time to read. They had recently invested in oil lamps so they had much better lighting in the homes, they just had to be very careful. A dropped candle normally went out but an oil lamp would spread the fire very quickly. Jimmy was not very skilled in that department and so he was at a loss for something to break the ice with Sally, his past behaviour didn't help so Adam suggested an apology. It had worked with him so why not with Sally. Jimmy felt that may work and if nothing else she would appreciate knowing he was not an out and out jerk. Adam smiled and wished him luck. Later on he saw the two in deep conversation, well he doubted it was very deep being Jimmy but at least they were talking. Things were going very well at the picnic. The store was open and the ladies were busy. The pies sold so well they ran out and they took orders for more, same with the bread. The town people were not adverse to trying the pemican and the ladies loved the baskets. Many said they would return to check out the fabrics of which they had a small stash. They took suggestions for what they would be looking for and Wool was one of the popular requests. Trading blankets and hides were popular too. They could see the following winter was going to be a busy one. The men wanted tobacco something they had not thought of and liquor. They would talk about that. Martha Simpkins was not thrilled with that idea but she could live with the tobacco. The guests were leaving and the fires were burning down. The animals still needed to be tended and the Simkins went home. They said they would come back the next day to help with clean up and talk things over. All in all they felt it was a huge success and were looking forwards to the future. Alice awoke to a cramping feeling in her lower abdomen, she didn't think much of it. Willow was nursing a new baby boy. They named the other baby girl Lark a nod to Black Eagles lost wife "Bird who sings in the morning" or "Birdie" as she was known. Black Eagle was touched. The new baby would get his name later when they knew who he was. Alice looked like a giant watermelon on sticks. She was uncomfortable and ungainly and so ready to get this ordeal over with. Willow seemed able to just drop her baby and carry on like nothing happened. Alice was not so fortunate. The pains came fast and strong. She sent Jane to get the old woman. She was in great pain. She was trying to be brave because she knew it would be painful but this was beyond what she expected. She did what she had seen Willow do. She walked and walked and breathed slowly and concentrated on it. It helped but not much. The old lady came in, she got the water going and brought cloths for the birth, soap and sharp knife. All was ready. She turned herself to Alice and felt her stomach. Things did not seem quite right. It was easy to tell that the baby was not in the right position and yet it was coming anyway. She had Alice lay in a bath of warm water and cleansed her, the water helped the pain for a time. The old lady felt the baby and tried to turn it. She didn't want to force it too quickly in case the cord got stuck around its neck. She didn't worry Alice with these details but she sent for Willow. Alice was given something to relax her, a medicine known only to the old lady. It had to be very strong, Alice was in a fog. Willow helped her out of the tub, dried her off and found a long night gown of white cotton. She settled her on a cot in front of the fire. She was cold, then warm then cold...........the drug was working and soon she dozed. The old lady examined her inside and out. They knew they had to try to turn the baby without making things worse. Wolf came in and was sent away to worry somewhere else. He wasn't told anything either. No point at that time. Willow wondered about sending for Doctor Bradley in case things got worse. It would not hurt to have another opinion. The Old lady was not against having extra help in this situation and so she sent Black Eagle off on that mission. He saw the doctors horse tied outside Simpkins farm so didn't have far to go. One of the boys had broken his wrist and was having it set. He came right over. He agreed with their diagnosis. The baby needed to be turned. It was coming very soon so either birth it this way or try to turn it. Alice was groaning in pain even through her drugged state. Doctor Bradley had to find out what this drug was the one only the old lady knew. Alice was still able to follow instructions and do what she needed to do even being in a twilight condition. She floated in and out of dreams. The baby made the descision for them and began to come quickly, he would come upside down. Alice moaned in pain and the old lady helped by pushing on he swollen belly easing the baby down into the birth canal much as she would have with a horse or cow. She got her hands inside of Alice and eased the baby down. A foot came out first and the other seemed stuck, so thankfully Alice was out of it now and she could manipulate the other leg around inside her. She pulled and the hips and tummy appeared. The cord was around the neck but not so tight, she turned the baby over so that he could push himself through. With a burst of water blood and baby he came out into the world. He was silent. Willow worked on Alice who was covered in blood and sweat. The white gown was stained. She was unconscious but breathing normally. So they turned to the baby boy who was very still. The old lady cleared his mouth and blew gently into it holding his tiny nose shut. Nothing. She held him by his feet and slapped sharply on his bottom. Nothing. She did it again and nothing. She laid him down again and pressed his tiny chest and breathed into his mouth again. Again she smacked his bottom and his feet, she laid him down again and breathed for him. Dr Bradley was working on Alice but that could wait. He came over to the lifeless little body and tried one more thing. A bucket of well water, ice cold he said they rushed to get that and he stopped with the chest compressions and breathing for the tiny child he plunged him into the cold water. They baby let out a pitiful wail but it was music to their ears. they rubbed him down pressing his tiny chest and warming his body until he was breathing on his own. They swaddled him and took him to his sleeping mother. Dr Bradley repaired the damage to Alice as best he could and the mother and baby slept unaware of the emotions boiling around them. Wolf was thrilled to have produced a boy and he too was unaware of all that had happened. Dr Bradley did not say anything but doubted Alice would have more children. For now all was well and he started for home well pleased with himself and had great admiration for the Indian ladies. What great nurses they were. They had secrets that he didn't know passed down from generations, he intended to learn from them. Alice's baby died two days later. He slipped away quietly in his sleep. Wolf took his son to the beautiful place that he had taken Alice that day long ago. There he laid him down and thanked his God for the precious life. He buried him there and left. Alice was too tired to even realize what had happened really. She was sad and slept most of the time, she would ask for her baby but then drift off into sleep again. The Old woman would tend her. The days went by and Alice still slept The Trading post was open now and they missed the extra hand. It meant that Willow and the Old Lady had to take over the baking and cooking completely as well as tend to the store. It was surprisingly busy for being out of the way. They arranged to take orders and have one of the boys deliver things. Mrs Simpkins came over to help but she had her own things to do, Alice was missed. Dr Bradley came to see Alice and said that physically she was just fine. Her body was recovering but there was a melancholy about her and that would take time. He encouraged her to get up and build up her strength. Jane one day lost her temper and said that Alice was being selfish, that babies died all too often and that Wolf needed her as did the rest of the family. She needed to get up and get working to not lay around leaving it to everyone else. Willow had 3 little ones to care for and the burden was on her. Jane had learned to bake bread but had not mastered the pies, so Willow was doing it all. The men naturally did their own things and kept everything going but the work fell to Jane to keep it all going at the Big House. The old lady came and sat with Alice, then she said come with me and Alice roused herself. The old lady took Alice to the Bluff where her baby was buried. Alice finally broke down and cried until she thought her soul would leave her body. She emptied out her grief and sorrow and the love she had for her baby boy. When she was done she turned and they went home. She went to the store, everyone stopped and looked at her. She just picked up a knife and began to slice some cheese, picking up an order she went from one chore to the next until the order was completed. She greeted a man who walked in and took his order, she sent him over to ask Billy his question about a smithy job he needed doing. Willow came over to Alice and hugged her close. It was good to have her back. Alice was never quite the same carefree girl she had once been but she got on with life as people did back then. She was even able to enjoy Willows new baby as time went on. Wolf was sad about his son but that was life he knew that well enough. He had been blessed with a boy but he was gone. He went to Alice and gently folded her into his arms, she wept and he did too. Then they went about their chores and put aside their grief. Life was good and they knew they were very blessed. They hoped maybe some day when her body and spirit healed that maybe God would bless them again. Alice was content to wait. Dr Bradley stopped by and he said that she was doing very well and completely healed, he was trying to persuade the old lady to let him in on a couple of her secrets. The old lady was keeping them close to her and had not passed them on, she was thinking that maybe Jane would be the one. She was not native but she was very close to being so. She had that love of nature, the oneness of being with the wild things. She had gone with the old woman from the first day she met her into the woods and fields and had learned so much already. The old woman knew she was the one who would learn all she knew by the time it was her turn to leave this world. She knew Bill Bradley was a good man and a healer, she had seen as much in the time they had known each other she could trust him with her secrets. He was an amazing and kind man and she respected him. She was wise enough to know that he would use her knowledge well. The trading post was doing really well, there seemed to be a constant flow of people back and forth. Being out of town made it a bit more difficult for the ladies to get there they had to wait for someone to drive them, unlike the farm wives who handles horses and wagons just as the men did the town ladies were not quite so free to come and go. Still the Trading post didn't keep hours and so people were able to stop by at any time. They had a school bell outside and if no one was there they would ring the bell. It was seldom that they would find the store unattended because there was always much to do. Alice kept herself busy there so that Willow could be with her children. Jane was growing up and was becoming a skilled baker. the old lady was amazing. She made many baskets to sell and would sit in a rocking chair out on the porch weaving with her magic hands. The grasses from along the river smelled sweet and made wonderful baskets. Mrs Simpkins brought over her preserves and jerky and salted pork. They had fresh eggs every day and nothing went to waste. The men were enjoying the leftovers that did not sell and Black Eagle was beginning to gain weight. He needed to get out into the woods and work it off so said the Old lady. Jane was growing up and had been seeing one of the Simpkins boys now and then. Eddie was the middle son and had it seemed loved Jane his entire life. He was ready to get married, his older brother Bobby had married and built a small cabin on his father's land. He already had one child. Bobby was skilled at working leather and it was a blessing that he could sell his things at the trading post. Wolf and Black Eagle would take him pelts from their hunting trips and Bobby would turn then into wonderful things. They sold the rabbit pelts and other skins at the post too but usually people would then take them to Bobby to work them into what they wanted. One day Eddie went to Billy and told him he wanted to marry Jane, could he have his blessing. Billy was happy to give it and so Eddie took Jane for a drive one day and asked her to be his wife. His father had made allowances for each of his children to have a portion of the land that their grandfather had owned. The future looked bright enough. Jane was shy with Eddie but she said yes and so another wedding was planned for the week before Christmas when things were somewhat quieter. They would live at the Big house for now, there was plenty of room and Jane was needed at home. They could plan their own home and build it as time allowed. Alice was thrilled to see Jane with a fine lad like Eddie Simpkins. The two families were very close and so it seemed only natural. So now there remained Adam and Sam and John Simpkin's who was the youngest one among them. John was the wild one, maybe because he was young. He saw Adam and Sam as brothers and would hunt and fish with them. One thing the trading post had achieved for the boys was to bring some of the young ladies out from town for them to see. They would day dream and hope to see them when each time they came in from town. Alice decided that it would be fun for them if she organized an Autumn party. The men built an area outside for more permanent seating and cleared space to dance. They set up logs with torches made from cloth soaked in tar(?) to light up the area. Notices were put up in town and a date was set. Again it would be good advertising for the store. Things had been so successful thus far they had the cash to spend on the extras they could not provide themselves. Things were going well for them.They had a new stock come in of fabric, salt, flour and some new tools. Everything was set for a grand old get together. If it went well they would make it an annual event. They had to take a couple of weeks off from the Trading post to bring in the harvest and so it seemed a good time to celebrate all of that before the reopening. Needless to say the young folks were thrilled to have the opportunity to socialize. There were plenty of young folks as well as those who would stock up on supplies again when the store reopened next day. Meanwhile they could get a taste of things and window shop. The night went well, Jack French played his fiddle and Billy Squire had a guitar and sang, One lady played spoons to everyone's amazement it was that good. They had a bonfire and cooked steaks on the side. Everyone brought something this time so it was not just the family who had to provide food. It would become a tradition. The dancing was well under way, the boys all joking around. Adam had met a young lady that he admired, she was sweet and fresh and seemed attracted to him too. She had to be about 16 years old so rather young but was mature in her ways. He mentioned her to Sam. Sam thought her too young for Adam, he wondered what her parents would think. Adam danced with her and they sat and talked for a long time. When she left he put her out of his mind. He learned her name was Ellen Turner and her dad owned a store in town. He supposed he could go into town one day and see her again but was very reluctant. He didn't know what Mr Turner would think of that. There was always that question of their Native blood, was it an issue or not with the town folks. So far they had not met with any dislike or bad feelings in that area but that was not the same as getting involved or married. Black Eagle had met a lady recently who kept coming back with excuses to seek his advice on this or that. The man was oblivious to it but Willow and Alice could tell she was smitten and would giggle when they saw her coming. She always asked for him and for his help. They had a pen for horses outside the Smithy and that was usually where he could be found. She would ride her little pony over to where he was and ask him questions. He was always pleased to see her and would spend some time quietly flirting with her. One day Alice came right out and told the man. "Can't you see that the lady is smitten with you? are you blind?" Black Eagle was shocked, it never crossed his mind. The lady was a schoolteacher in the new school in town. She had never married because she was always learning, working and getting herself a career in teaching. Now she was finally settled in she had come to greatly admire Black Eagles quiet demeanor and his beautiful looks. She herself was petite and pretty her blond hair and blue eyes were very attractive against his dark good looks. Black Eagle may not be young now but he was really in his prime somewhere around 45 he guessed. When she came by again a couple of weeks later he paid more attention to her and they sat and talked longer. They learned a lot about each other in the coming weeks and months. It looked as though there may be another wedding in the new year. Winter came hard and strong that year. They closed down the trading post and spent time constructing a better home in the barn for the men and the Old lady, they had made tables and chairs and cupboards. It was now more of the home with the loft made into bedrooms. The fire kept it warm but because it was a barn it was hard to keep heated and so they thought about dividing the space up. They made a permanent kitchen and a living area around the fire. There was enough space to partition several bedrooms. Black Eagle and Sam each had a loft bedroom and the heat rose to keep that warm enough most of the time. The back rooms were storage and had enough space to make two more bedrooms, one for the old lady when she was not at Willow's and one for Adam. Adam began to think about his future. What if he asked Ellen Turner and she said yes. Where would they live? He knew he didn't want to move away from here. Would Billy sell him some land and let him settle here? Would Ellen want to live there if she was still teaching? So much to think about. They had more than enough time to think. The snow came heavy and deep. The animals had to stay in the barn. The old dog Barker slipped away in his sleep in front of the fire at the big house. Everyone was very sad. One of Simpkins many dogs had puppies so Jane brought one over a couple of weeks later. It was a large dog and they called him Barker two. Willow took another of the pups for the girls to play with and called him Fang. The rest of the animals were getting older but still healthy. They had the two horses that Mr Simpkins had loaned Black Eagle and Bear for their trip north. They had recently got a horse for Alice so she could get back and forth to the Simpkins and town easier than having to walk everywhere. She had taken to riding as though she were born to it and loved to ride out with Wolf in the evenings. Now the snow was too deep but would not be that way forever so they could look forwards to some moonlight rides in the beautiful snow. Bear was sick, he had a fever and the old lady was tending to him. No one was worried at first as it was common to get colds some winters. Now they were exposed to more with the Trading post and all the people going to and from town. It had become a convenient stop for the stage coach that had started not so long ago. At this time it only came through once a week but the Trading post was a good place to stop and warm up, drop things off and let people warm up by the fire while business was conducted. Bear probably caught something from one of the passengers. Dr Bradley was called in and even the old woman was worried. These pale people had many diseases she was not at all familiar with. This was not just a winter cold, he had a raging fever, coughing and laboured breathing. Billy got sick and so did Alice but not as bad as Bear. They soon recovered. Bear got weaker and Willow was so distraught she herself became sick. The children were moved to the big house for Alice to tend them as the old Woman took care of the couple. Willow got better within a couple of weeks she was back to normal. Not so for Bear, the cough settled in his chest and he could not breath. The coughing made him light headed and was so bad that his heart just gave out. Everyone was in total shock at the loss of Bear. Willow was stoic but worried about her future. Billy assured her that she was going to be fine, what little they still owed for the land was forgiven. He went into town to see Mr Jeffrey and said as much. He got the contract and gave it to Willow marked paid in full. She owned her home free and clear. She was very unhappy but had 3 children to care for and no time to mourn her loss. What would any of them do without Bear. He had been a rock for them all. The old woman moved up to the cabin for a time to help Willow adjust and help with the children. She kept her company and comforted her best she could. She was still a young woman and maybe someday she would marry again but that was furthest from her mind. They buried Bear up on the bluff with Alice's baby. Another loss that winter was Crow, he was a very old bird and it was not unexpected. They got another rooster from Simkin's farm but the new guy was not the same. He lacked authority with the "girls" and could never get them organized as Crow did. Jane was keeping her own council and one day the Old lady went to her and said "it's time for you to tell your family" Jane was shocked, then not, how did she know? The old Lady just did that's all. So Jane went first to Willow with news of a new baby, this would be a summer baby, poor Jane. They walked together over to tell Alice and she was just so thrilled she burst into tears, not sadness but utter joy. She would be an aunt and she had nothing but love for Jane, she knew she would be an excellent mother. If she felt any fear for Jane she kept it to herself. Eventually news got around and everyone was excited. This cheered up the bleak winter night as they sat down at the barn, they now called it the Lodge. It was no longer a barn by any description. Adam took Jane home with Sally pulling the sleigh and them all wrapped up in blankets and rugs. The bells on the harness tinkled happily. The moon was not full but bright and the stars shone crystal clear, their noses froze shut it seemed and their breath hung in the air. They got to Eddies cabin and Adam helped Jane to climb down, the lights shone on the snow and Eddie opened the door for them. Adam could not stay the snow was starting again and so he turned for home. He could hear wolves howling in the distance, they had not seen any close to home but knew there were plenty out there. They didn't hunt them simply because they could not eat them even though they admired their pelts. Sally started back jogging happily along, he coat so thick she didn't feel the cold. Her ears twitched at the sound of the wolves but they were not close enough to bother her and she was a big sturdy girl. Adam was a little concerned that they were so close though. Still they had never been bothered with them. This was going to be a hard winter for the wild things. Deer came into their meadow to eat the leftover hay. The animals were outside as long as it was not too cold or windy, they pretty much could choose for themselves. Adam made a note in his mind that the deer could attract the wolves who no doubt were finding it hard to make a living this winter. They had no problem feeding the deer because they would rely on a good herd of strong deer come spring. He decided he would tell Billy and they could keep the horses inside for a few days. Everyone was excited for Jane and Eddie. Sam had been into town a week past before the storm hit. He met Ida Hanratty in the store and learned that Jimmy had finally asked the girl Sally to walk out with him, she had accepted. They had been walking out for a few months now and Jimmy had done a complete turn around from the belligerent boy he had been. Adam was happy to hear that and wished him well. He and Sam were still single and still had no prospects. Still they were young yet and in no hurry to get settled down like everyone else seemed to. In fact Sam had approached Black Eagle with the idea of going to work for the stage coach line. They were thinking of making it twice a week now and had extended their route. Sam thought he would enjoy that. Black Eagle wanted him to be happy and although he would miss the extra hands he did not stand in his way, so Sam left to seek his fortune. It was not as though he would not be seeing them all. This left Adam and Black Eagle along with Billy and Wolf to keep things running, the ladies did most of the work around the trading post and home leaving the men to hunt, fish and tend the crops and animals. All full time work. Jane said that Eddie would be more than willing to lend a hand when they needed extra help although he had enough to do really at his father's place. They considered hiring someone part time during the busy times but it was a long trek in from town. So maybe they would have to hire someone who could stay there. It was a thought to be considered. Jane was very happy being close to Ethel and they were still best of friends. The simpkins family was almost grown their youngest son Jeremy was off to school now in Detroit of all places, he wanted to become a veterinarian. Ethel was content to remain at home and help her mother, she had no interest in a domestic life for herself. She admired Adam from a distance but she figured he would never see her as anything other than that Simpkins kid. A sister almost. Spring was just around the corner. It seemed that Winter lasted forever, but in fact even with all the snow it had been a good one, lots of fun sledding down hills, snowshoeing in the woods. Skating on the ice in the Bay. They roe horses out to the Bay and brushed off light snow to make a nice sheer surface. They took Sally and the sleigh for the little ones all wrapped up in blankets. The men walked leading the horses for the others who didn't fit in the sleigh. The Old Lady said she had seen enough of that thank you very much and stayed by the fire. Snowball fights and a fire on shore made it all festive. They stayed for the sunset and it was brilliant. Alice and Wolf snuggled up together by the fire, they were just as much in love as ever, they had not talked about any possibility of another baby. Adam didn't want her to go through that again and so was very careful of her. He had the wisdom of his people. Alice didn't think it could happen but didn't voice that opinion. The little ones were dozing now and so Willow gathered them together and put them in the sleigh, Black Eagle took them home. Ethel had come along for the fun and Adam escorted her home leading the horse. The snow was deep but his people had long ago figured snowshoes were the answer, that didn't help the horses though and it would be too easy to break a leg. Alice and Wolf put out and buried the fire and cleaned up. They too headed home in the same fashion, the stars were brilliant and the moon glowed in the sky. They heard an owl and it's mate answered. There were large White Snowy owls that flew like ghosts in the woods around the lake. They scared up a few deer that had found a spot where the wind had blown the snow away leaving a bare spot that they dug at with their delicate hooves. It had been hard for the deer but many of them knew of Billy's meadow. The night was pierced by a scream from ahead somewhere, probably Ethel. Wolf told Alice to go slow and he rushed ahead best he could........He saw the horse ahead running frantically back towards them, he was able to catch it as it sought its brothers company. He led it back to Alice and had her lead it eyes rolling and snorting but calmer now back with friends. He caught up with Adam and Ethel who was sitting in a pile in the snow, wailing. Adam was trying hard to placate her, a Coyote had jumped out from the brush and spooked her horse senseless. The Coyote ran for it's life with a snarl and whimper. Adam was trying his best not to laugh but the sight of Ethel in a deep pile of snow lost among her skirts, her bonnet swinging from a branch above her. The horse had reared when the Coyote sprang out of the brush, who knows who was more scared him or the horse but the unfortunate Ethel was sent rolling backwards off of the horses rump. Adam was trying to extricate her from the snow. Alice and both horses arrived as Adam got Ethel to her feet and dusted her off. She was wailing, she had snow in her knickers and down her back and was freezing cold. Adam gave her his heavy coat and his hat, he left the bonnet on the branch. They got her back on her now calmer horse who had totally forgotten what the fuss was about and was looking forwards to his supper. They got settled and started off again heading for home. They stopped at the lodge and got Ethel a mug of hot milk with a shot of brandy in it, well they all had one. Alice went up to the house and found her some dry clothes. Then they sat around the fire until they were all toasty warm. Adam took Ethel home, they rode Sally bare back feeling her warm flanks under their legs. He was still amused at her. Ethel was mortified. She adored Adam and had made a fool of herself she thought. The ride home was uneventful although having her close was rather disturbing and maybe that was the first time he noticed she was also a girl not just "that Simpkins kid". He slid down off Sally and put up his arms to help her down, she slid down him to the ground and looked up to see if he was still laughing at her. He kissed her on the forehead and said that he had enjoyed her company. She ran inside as he jumped back up on Sally and headed for home. Sally had enough of this nights adventure and wanted to curl up in her hay bed and snack on her leftover supper. If the dang goat hadn't already found it. The trees were all in blossom, or budding anyway. Some Snowdrops peaking from the patches of bare ground under the bushes. Little blue star flowers bright against the ice that was like lace at the edge of the snow piles. The snow had dripped from the roof and puddled on the dirt below. A Robin, the first Wolf had seen was busy scratching in the bare spots hoping for some grubs or worms. Her beady eye fastened to the spot where she had heard a sound below. She hung around the meadow where the hay had been and was probably planning a nest in the Lilac soon. The deer still came and they fertilized the meadow. Billy would rake it all over as soon as all the snow was gone so that the grass would grow thick and lush. The horses and the goat would make good work of that. It was time to open up the Trading Post and set to work. The women were already busy, they took all the things they had preserved through the winter months and Martha Simpkins came with her hams and smoked meats and Fish, leather goods that sam had made. They discussed and agreed to hire on John Simpkins, he could sleep in front of the fire at the trading post when weather was inclement but it was not far for him to get home, he had a horse so it was an easy trip, he had no other plans and so it seemed a good compromise, he knew he had to do something. He wasn't like the other Simpkin boys who seemed to know what they wanted to do. He was kept busy working with his dad and would still have those duties but in the down time he could help out at the trading post. It would be a temporary position because they really needed someone full time. Jeb Simpkins had two full time farm workers who did the hard manual work of ploughing and seeding. John was more into the livestock side of things. He was not a sturdy kid like the others had been. He was quiet and would have been studious but didn't take to schooling that much. He didn't see the need. He was happy though in his own way and liked hanging out at the Trading post to see the young ladies when they came in. He showed up right after milking and turning out the cows. He swept the floor and replaced the rugs. Stoked the fire and went looking for Alice to get his tasks for the day. Alice was busy bashing the rugs on the line getting out the winter dust. She sneezed and wiped dirt across her face. Wolf walked by on his way to the barn looking for Billy. He kissed her nose and left the dirt because she looked cute. He found Billy brushing down the mules. They talked for awhile about the mules getting old and maybe soon they would need some new ones. They decided they would ask around. They liked mules because they were sturdy and worked hard. They had the horses but they were not work horses like Sally was. All the animals were getting on when they thought about it. Gemma the goat was going blind in one eye but seemed healthy enough. The cow Molly was still quite young and had another baby named Flossie, so milk was still coming from her. When Flossie got old enough they would retire Molly. Dudley, well he was just Dudley and was now a fine big bull with the temperament of a puppy dog. Simpkin's had borrowed him a couple of times for his herd of cows. He enjoyed his work. Barker Two was still a puppy even if a big one and had a tendency to visit other farms now and then. The new unnamed Rooster had been replaced with a much more capable one they named Buster he kept the ladies on track and bustling. Spring was a wonderful time of year around the farm. Adam was in a quandary, he was surprised at how fond he was of Ethel. He would wander over when she came into the store and strike up a conversation, if you could call it that. She would hang on his every word. He liked that. She was quite attractive he thought, he had just never thought of her that way. He had one girlfriend in his life, Ellen Turner but that fizzled out due to his being so busy she being in town. He was also gone a lot out in the woods and fishing on the Bay. With all the other work he just simply had no time. Ethel though, well she was right there just a short way away. Meanwhile Black Eagle was contemplating his chances of asking the school teacher to walk out with him. He finally remembered her name was Jenny Blake. He knew that but his mind would always go blank when he thought of her. Alice and Willow just rolled their eyes, they knew she would just jump at the chance. Maybe they would have to intervene. Maybe arrange a dinner or something like that? Black Eagle had arranged with the stage coach company that they could change horses at the trading post when they got a regular route going this year. He built a corral out back of the store with a shed for them to eat hay until he could take them down to the Smithies barn for the night. The coach would then change them again on the next trip. Seemed like a good plan. The business was flourishing far more than any of them could have dreamed. It seemed that everyone was settled or soon to be. He was at the moment spending more time there and so he saw Jenny a couple of times a week. She no longer pretended she needed anything from him, if she had to go to the Trading post for school supplies or whatever else she needed then she would seek him out. He always had time for her. One day she plucked up her courage and asked him if he had ever been married, his English was really good now, but the conversation was taking a strange turn. However he did answer and gave her some details, she was sad for him. The next question was worse, she asked if he ever thought about getting married again. He was feeling rather hot under the collar, well he wasn't wearing one of those but his throat and chest were tight he may as well have been. He said that he had never had the opportunity and had not thought over much about it because he was always busy. She was getting nowhere. She was feeling rather flushed but she continued on. She said she had never had the opportunity either what with school for herself and then moving here to run the new school. She added shyly that she would like to some day. Black Eagle grunted. Jenny had enough she flounced off through the trading post muttering to herself. Alice asked if everything was OK and she just gave her a flushed look and said simply "men". Alice understood. She knew Black Eagle would have no idea what he did wrong, he would just carry on with his work no wiser for the conversation. So Alice went out and asked him what happened. She said I saw Jenny flounce through the store looking miffed what did you do? "What?" he bellowed, "what did I do? I did nothing". Well why was she upset asked Alice. "How would I know" he replied. "Well what were you talking about" said Alice. "I don't know. she was asking questions about if I had been married and did I want to get married again and she said she wanted to. Then she just up and left when I didn't have an answer to that" She needs to find a husband if she wants to get married instead of bugging me all the time". Alice sighed, "do you like her?". " yeh, she's OK for a woman, talks too much but she's not bad to look at I guess". "WELL THEN" said Alice. "What" said Black Eagle. "Good grief man, she is asking if you would like to marry HER?". "ME?" "Why would she want to marry me? I could be her father" Well said Alice, because she likes you a lot. She walked away then leaving a very disgruntled and confused man behind. He shrugged and went back to work, but he did start to actually think about Jenny. Would he ever want to get married, sure could use some extra hands around here she was pretty and smart. He got too confused and put the thought aside for now. Alice told Willow and next time they saw Jenny they told her not to give up, that Black Eagle was not used to the wiles of women. Maybe she could suggest that he show her a new horse or something like that, have him take her for a ride to "test" it out. She didn't have to actually buy it. Jenny thought that may be a good idea and planned another meeting. A year went by and the stage coach had been a success bringing much more opportunity to the growing town, Black Eagle was finally "walking out" with Jenny and Sam was enjoying driving the stage. He started out of Detroit and so was able to visit John now and then, John was almost finished school and had the chance to work with a local vet, it was just what he wanted to do, a farm, large animal vet. The doctor lived out of town and so on weekends John would go out there and help with the practice. He had gone home for Christmas when the school was closed and was thrilled to see all the improvements there. Alice had told everyone that she was expecting a baby in the Spring, just about 3 months on. She had been so reluctant to tell anyone, even Wolf. She just didn't know how things would go but she was safely through the first 6 months and felt really well. The Old Lady knew naturally and she said everything looked good. She gave Alice herbs to drink that would keep her relaxed and comfortable. Wolf adored her and was very happy for her, he just had a feeling everything would be just fine. She said to Black Eagle that he should make an honest woman of Jane and get to breeding his own little family. He brushed her away as always but later on that month he did propose to Jane who gladly accepted his offer. Life went on the only one still single was Billy and he liked it that way, all the Simpkins kids were well on their way in their lives. Alice and Wolf sat on the Bluff with their first born and Bear and told them all the goings on and how much had happened since that day that Jane came running in shouting there were people out by the woods. Life was good, choices and concessions made. We sometimes have to trade one way of life for another and journey on, but Alice and Wolf were happy with their choices. He hugged her close and put a hand on her tummy and kissed her head leaning his chin on it and gazing over the wonderful sight before them.