Page 83 of Red Hawk's Woman

“Otahkohsoa’ tsis,” began the creature, “behold, I have taken pity on you. I have watched you all this day through, swimming about in my lake, searching for guidance. Only one who is brave and true dare enter my lake, and for this, your bravery, I will bestow upon you my power of cunning and prodigious thought. The Thunderer is great, for he is a god, and he is angry at you, at all your people. Know, Otahkohsoa’ tsis, that your time to act for your people is near. You will be given two chances, one to end the curse for your people and one to render the anger of the Thunderer less. If you are lucky, you will accomplish both. Now listen, for here is what you must do…”

Effie’s two wagons were easy enough to find. At present the group was camped on an open meadow. To the north and south of the place were jutting mountains, while to the east and west were hills of a much tamer nature.

They had pitched camp next to a stream, one that housed a few cottonwood trees, as well as a willow or two and several bushes. One of the wagons was parked beneath an enormous willow, all but hiding it from view. Red Hawk crept up to that wagon first.

It was empty.

Unwilling to announce his arrival to one and all—for Red Hawk hoped to catch Effie alone—he slipped up next to the other wagon, which, though much more exposed to view, was empty as well. However, clothes, pots, pans, even the water and food supplies had been dumped and were strewn where they lay. What had happened here?

In the center of the camp, voices were raised, and leaping as noiselessly as possible into the interior of the wagon, Red Hawk paused to listen.

“I think this evidence clearly points to the fact that your Indian scout is trying to steal the artifacts from you.”

Red Hawk could see John Owens and Fieldman standing before Effie. In Owens’s hand, and dangling from it, was an Indian-made choker of blue and white beads. It looked familiar.

Belatedly, Red Hawk reached up to feel around his neck. Sure enough, his choker of glass beads and leather was gone. He hadn’t noticed.

Meanwhile, Carl advanced toward Owens and, picking up the choker, examined it carefully. “It is Red Hawk’s,” he said, as though confirming Red Hawk’s guilt.

Madeline had followed her husband and reached out to touch the necklace. “There could be some other explanation.”

“Perhaps.” Carl frowned at his wife. “But what other accounting could there be for such a drastic action?”

Carl’s statement seemed innocent, and when Madeline’s face filled with color, it looked to Red Hawk to be out of place for what was happening here. But her reaction was soon explained when Lesley said, “Carl, your wife is not at fault here. I’m sorry, but I heard the two of you arguing a little while earlier, and I think I should tell you that Madeline was with me when this happened. While you were out hunting, we were swimming. Now, Father, where did you say you found this?”

“In the most incriminating place possible,” replied Owens. “Beside Miss Effie’s wagon.”

“Well, that’s all I need to know,” said Lesley. “I for one agree with Father. It seems our guide has betrayed us.” With hands on hips, Lesley turned to Effie. “What are you going to do about this?”

“Nothing at the moment,” replied Effie, “since he’s not here.”

Red Hawk watched Effie’s face intently as she stepped toward them and reached out to finger the choker. She paused before she said, “Mr. Owens, Lesley, Carl, thank you for bringing this to my attention, but really I think it’s nonsense. We all saw Red Hawk leave. He’s probably miles from here right now.”

“How do we know this to be true with any degree of certainty?” asked Owens threateningly. “We only saw him leave. What if he doubled back, only to search through your things? I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, you can’t trust these Indians.”

“I agree,” Lesley uttered, her stance challenging. “In fact, I’m beginning to wonder if you are qualified enough to be in charge of this expedition, Effie.”

“That was unnecessary.” It was Madeline speaking.

Carl nodded. “Miss Rutledge has done fine so far. It’s not her fault that several mishaps have⁠—”

“Well, if there’s any more,” Lesley threatened, “I’m going to throw my lot in with Father. I’m beginning to believe he is the only one who can find the missing artifacts.”

Silence followed this rather intimidating disclosure.

At that moment Henry stepped into the gathering. Where had he been? “What’s going on here?” he asked.

“Miss Effie’s Indian friend has tried to steal the artifacts,” stated Owens. “And where have you been?”

“Washing off the deer we killed in the stream,” replied Henry. “And I don’t believe you about Red Hawk. I could swear the man is trustworthy.”

“I, too, believe this to be so,” said Effie. But Red Hawk saw her frown.

“Miss Effie…” Owens’s voice held a note of threat, “…do not think we are deceived. I have seen you wear his feather in your hair, and I have witnessed your particular attachment to the man. Therefore, I have my doubts about your being able to look at this logically, as any real scientist would do. Someone went through your possessions tonight, while we were all away from the camp.”

“Yes, yes, but⁠—”

“This is the third attack upon this group, Miss Effie,” Owens observed, “and as I understand it, the assaults started occurring around the time when you hired this man… Hawk, I believe is his name. Twice, I have been told there were items found that would implicate the Indian, and I for one believe⁠—”