Page 60 of The Last Warrior

“I do not believe he will,” answered Black Lion, “for I have little contact with him, and there are so many people here—Indians and whites alike—he will probably assume all is as it should be. But you should alert the others in our tribe to your situation, so they do not give you away.”

Two Bears nodded. “I will do so tomorrow. I will visit each family here in turn.”

“Waste, good,” said Black Lion, and they both became silent as they gave their attention over to finishing their dinner.

After their meal was complete and a pipe had been produced, the two men sat smoking and began to talk of other important doings. Several moments passed, and when the time seemed right, Black Lion thought he should voice the question uppermost in his mind, even though he dreaded the answer. “Are you here, then, to take your rightful place with the show?”

“Hau. Though fear of the agent has sent me here, if I am to be here, I should relieve you of your duty. I know you have other, more pressing needs.”

Black Lion nodded, noticing Two Bears had set his lips together so firmly that his mouth appeared as though a straight line were etched across his face. He also became too quiet. Even Rabbit Leggings hesitated at her work. Alas, the only sound to be heard within the lodge at present was the sudden sparks of the spitting fire.

Black Lion frowned. What was this odd behavior in these two? Was something wrong?

Black Lion said, “I welcome your honor in doing your duty, but I sense you are not telling me all of what you might.”

Again husband and wife exchanged a look, before Two Bears went on to say, “I am… I am…”

“My husband is weak,” Rabbit Leggings supplied. “Him…well enough…make this journey. But…”

“I am well. I am fine. It is only that—” Two Bears coughed.

With his cough came a sudden realization, and Black Lion’s heart lightened. Two Bears didn’t want his job back…at least not yet.

But as was the way of the American Indian gentleman, Black Lion’s outward response was a nod. “It is no trouble for me to continue in your place. The truth is that being with the show has helped me in my own quest, and I am not yet ready to leave. So if you would stay here with me and hide from the white man’s eyes, the current arrangement could still stand. You were right, my friend, I needed to seek out the white man where he is. Many signs have I had which have led me to believe I am, at last, on the right path.”

Two Bears let out a breath, and even Rabbit Leggings seemed happier. She went back to her duties around the fire.

Two Bears said, “I am glad the show has provided you with an opportunity. And if you would continue in my place, it would afford me the chance to gain back my strength, I think. A few more complete cycles of the moon is all I ask.”

“Hau, hau. You shall have them. And while you are here, my home is your home. In truth, when I leave the show, this lodge will be yours. But when the white man comes around, I would ask you to hide from him, since to the white man, I am you.”

“Hau, hau. Waste, this I can do. And now, I hope you will excuse us, but we have had a long trip, yet we desired to await your arrival home. If we might, we would see to our bed now.”

“Hau, hau,” responded Black Lion. “Let us away to our beds. But first, there is one matter I feel we should discuss.”

Two Bears nodded.

“The Long-haired Show Man often comes into our camp to visit,” continued Black Lion. “And not only does he believe I am you, he thinks I am married. I have done nothing to make him suspect this is not true, since it would be a disfavor to you. There could be a problem, though, since it will be easier to hide you than your wife, if only because she has many duties outside the lodge. What I ask is this: if the Long-haired Show Man or any of the other white men should call on my lodge while I am not here, Rabbit Leggings should pretend to be my wife. In truth, there would be much trouble for me and eventually for you, too, if it is discovered there is a woman who is living with me who is not my wife.”

Two Bears nodded.

“There have been some difficulties with this in the past,” continued Black Lion, “especially when the show was performing over the great water, in England, and young women would come brazenly to our lodges. I fear some of our men, who were not strong of heart, took advantage of the girls. The pretense should only last until you are well. I know it is an inconvenience, yet I think it should be done.” Black Lion glanced toward Rabbit Leggings. “It is demanding a lot from her, I admit, since it would be a lie, but if your wife could manage it, it would avoid much trouble.”

“I see no difficulty with this, but then I am not the one who would have to do it. What say you, my wife?”

Rabbit Leggings smiled but kept her gaze averted downward. “I will do it. We already pretending…you”—she gestured toward Black Lion—“…my husband. You honor us with help. If this avoid trouble, I do it. For you.”

“Waste.” Black Lion smiled at Rabbit Leggings. “I thank you.”

Rabbit Leggings grinned back.

“Waste. Now, since we have settled this, let us do as you suggested and retire at once.”

Without further conversation, they all three retired to their beds.

Chapter

Sixteen