Read Online Savage Cry by Charles G. West - Free Book Online Page B

to run into a bear.” If this young fellow’s sister and her husband were up in the Black Hills, then they probably got what they deserved. The longer Clay talked, however, the more Badger’s coolness thawed, for he soon realized that Clay was not a settler, a gold miner, or a trader. His only reason for being there was, as the young man had stated, simply to find his sister. It couldn’t hurt to at least show some hospitality.
    “Set yourself down, young feller, and have something to eat.”
    Clay dropped Red’s reins, and settled himself opposite Badger, nodding politely to the other faces seated around the fire. They nodded cordially in return, having seen Badger’s friendly gesture. A solidly built middle-aged Indian woman came from the tipi and glanced briefly into the iron pot hanging over the fire. Satisfied that there was enough boiled meat to accomodate another visitor, she quickly moved away again—but not before giving the young white man a thorough looking over.
    Badger handed Clay his bowl, and said, “Here, dip in there and get some of that meat.” When Clay nodded but hesitated a moment, he added, “It’s deer meat . . . it wouldn’t be polite not to eat some, even if you ain’t hungry.” He smiled and Clay realized that Badger’s Indian friends did not understand English.
    “Thanks,” Clay said, and dipped eagerly into the iron pot. He was hungry, but he had hesitated because of stories he had heard about some Indians’ love for dog. And this gristled-looking mountain man looked as close to an Indian as a white man could.
    Badger gave his guest a few minutes to eat some of the venison before talking again. “Now . . . Mr. Culver, was it? What was you lookin’ for me for?”
    “I was hoping you could help me find my sister,” Clay answered. He felt that Badger had already assumed as much. “I don’t have a lot of money to pay you, but my family scraped up a little, and I can pay you fifty Union dollars to help me look for her.”
    Badger didn’t say anything right away while he studied Clay’s face. When he did respond, it wasn’t to encourage Clay’s resolve. “You know, son, there’s a heap of territory between the Black Hills and the divide. And there’s a whole lot of different tribes and villages spread all over creation. I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t tell you there ain’t much hope in findingone white woman in all that country.” Seeing the disappointment in Clay’s face, he tried to console him somewhat. “Just because she was took don’t mean she’s being treated bad. Most Injuns treat captive women pretty decent.”
    “Can you guide me?” Clay asked simply.
    “I’m sorry, son, but I’m fixing to head back to the Powder River country with my family.” He gestured toward the tipi with his head. “I’ve been scouting for the army for the last six months, but they’ve laid me off for the time being. They said the army’s cut ’em way back on expenses. They even cut Bridger back to five dollars a day.” Seeing no weakening of the determination in Clay’s eyes, he offered one favor. “About the best I can do for you is find out if any of the Sioux has got your sister. ’Course all the Sioux ain’t here at these talks, but I can find out from the ones who are here. Most likely they’ll know about some of the others.”
    Clay was silent for a few moments, obviously disappointed. Then he thanked Badger for his help. “I’m much obliged to you, Mr. Badger, but I reckon if I can’t find somebody who knows the country, I’ll just have to go by myself.”
    Badger shook his head slowly. “You seem like a nice enough young feller. You’re just gonna get yourself kilt, especially now since these talks ain’t goin’ so good. There’s already bad blood over so many white folks traipsing through Lakota hunting grounds. That’s what these talks was all about. The army said they wanted to get the Injuns to quit attackin’ wagon trains traveling