AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Because I'm Indian and we live in the wilds most of the time."
"Don't you live with your folks?" Matthew reasoned.
"My folks are up north. I came south to work for the Army."
"The army. You work for the army?"
"Not any more. I used to. I was a scout. I left my people. So I have no people..."
"Except us?" Matthew smiled at him for the first time.
Hawk stared and smiled back. "Except you."
"You want me to sleep in a tree?" Matthew frowned.
"Only if you have to, yes." Hawk replied. Hawk saw him and smiled once more. "You learn fast."
"I like living in the woods." Matthew proclaimed.
"You would make a fine Indian."
"Why are some Indians good, and some bad?" Matthew seemed to test Hawk.
Hawk studied the question for a moment. "It is the same with white men. Some are good, and some are bad."
Matthew nodded. "My Pa was mean…"
"I know Matthew. I know…"
The fire was burning and for a while, they just sat and stared into the flames.
Matthew copied Hawk as he made his bed. But there was only one blanket. Hawk opened it and invited him to share it with him.
After a few moments, Matthew lay down beside him. They lay on the ground, but covered with the blanket as the air cooled at night.
Matthew stared up at the stars and tears came into his eyes. "You think they are alright?"
The crack in Matthew's voice told Hawk he was worried. The boy had his mother's eyes, and the same fearlessness she had displayed many times. "For now, yes." Hawk promised, glancing over at him and seeing the tears he wouldn't let fall. "Try to sleep now; we will leave before the sun comes up."
Matthew rolled over, pushing his back against Hawk. In seconds, he was asleep. However, Hawk listened to the sound of the night for a long time before he closed his eyes.
He worried about the woman and the child, but he wouldn't let Matthew know that.
Chapter Three
Hawk was up and about early the next morning.
Matthew looked at him, "I sure am hungry."
"Here, chew on this a while," He offered him beef jerky.
Matthew took it and chewed it. It was tasty and kept him from complaining.
"How much further do we gotta go?" Matthew asked.
"Another hour we will be close to their camp, and I will leave you. But do not be afraid…" Hawk told him.
Matthew nodded. "I won't."
