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Black Eagle Returns
Black Eagle Returns
Black Eagle Returns
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Black Eagle Returns

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Black Eagle, joins Conquering Bear and his wife, Running Water, a blind white woman, leaving the reservation behind, in search of the old way of life before the white man controlled the land.
In the Black Hill lands of the Sioux they search for an old woman, who they are told might have the power to restore Running Water's sight.
Many adventures follow often with tragic results as Black Eagle moves across the land, finally joining a circus where he finds a kind of peace. A moving sequel to 'Shadow of the Eagle', a story telling the life of the Native American, which I hope will absorb the reader.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJun 9, 2017
ISBN9781912022274
Black Eagle Returns

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    Black Eagle Returns - Augustine Nash

    Three

    CHAPTER ONE

    All Indians must dance, everywhere, keep on dancing

    Wovoka, the Paiute Messiah

    It was in the time of the ‘Drying Grass Moon,’ no more than one year after the breaking up of the Great Reservation, that Black Eagle learned something which made his old heart beat loudly inside his chest.

    He was sitting warming himself by the outside communal fire when a young brave of the Paiute Nation got down off his horse and quietly approached.

    He began by enquiring, Have you heard the wondrous news O Chief?

    News? We hear little here to wonder about, Black Eagle answered, casting his eyes round the Reservation that had now become his home.

    Squatting back on his heels the stranger informed him, I have just returned from beyond the mountains which gleam by the light of the sun. There I met a man the people call the New Messiah and listened to all he had to say. When he had finished he bade me travel and spread the word far and wide so that all our people would know.

    You are speaking of one of those white missionary people? the old man asked, with little enthusiasm. They had never persuaded him to become a Christian, simply because his tribal beliefs were deep after having been handed down over many generations.

    At first, like many others, I myself believed this to be true. Yet when I approached the new Messiah I saw that his face was the same as yours and mine.

    Conquering Bear had been standing just inside the entrance of the tepee listening to this conversation. Now he stepped forward to show himself, interrupting, So what exactly has this man who claims to be the New Messiah got to say to enlighten us? he asked.

    Black Eagle did not care for this unwanted intrusion. Making no comment on seeing the look of contempt written upon the face of the young brave he had brought up as his own son, almost from birth. In truth this was Wet-khoo-weis’s son.

    She of the brave heart. He had kept his promise to her and yet he felt no pride in his part of it.

    If you will have patience then I will begin, their Paiute visitor gently chided. He went on to tell them the rest of his story, without further hindrance. After which he promptly wandered away to impart the news to anyone who would listen.

    I have no belief in this new Christ of whom he speaks, Conquering Bear said, rather sourly.

    Black Eagle sighed loudly, as if the weight of all the world was bearing down across his shoulders. For too long you have lived in the white man’s shoes. If it had been up to me I would never have permitted you to be taught at their school, or let the missionaries put such silly notions into your head. The old ways are best, he insisted.

    You live behind the times, old man. What you had in your youth is now gone forever, Conquering Bear angrily retorted, stung by his uncle’s words.

    "Rather that than wear the white man’s clothes and obey his law."

    Is it so wrong to better myself? I have no wish to continue to live here in squalor, when the white man’s life appears to me to be so much easier.

    "Your mother, Wet-khoo-weis, died by the white soldiers bullets, while our tribe was trying to escape over the Old Lolo Trail. It will ever stick in my memory. She thought her life worth giving for your freedom," Black Eagle emphasised, still feeling a deep sense of loss even after the passing of so many moons.

    Do not fool yourself! We have no freedom. Living on this Reservation where disease strikes at the weakest and our burial ground is full of small children’s bones. Would she have wished that?

    Her one hope was that you would become Chief, when I am gone to the happy hunting grounds. Abruptly Black Eagle rose to his feet, promptly disappearing inside his tepee. Now, where had he put it? His brain was not so sharp as it had been in his youth. Moving over to the old tin trunk he opened the lid and gazed inside. So many useless testimonials saved up from the past, that were never likely to be used again.

    His trembling fingers pushed downwards until he felt the object which he had been looking for. Reverently carrying this most treasured possession, he returned to the fire. The last thing that I promised your mother was to give you this. Now you are of age it is rightfully yours. It once belonged to your great-grandfather, White Bird, who was fearless in battle.

    Conquering Bear stared down at the crushed headdress clutched in the old man’s hands. The once glorious golden eagle feathers looking tainted with age, mud-spattered at the tips where so long ago they had been trailed over the wet mountain slopes. He had no memory of their past glory, or how successive Chiefs had worn them with pride. He had no deep feelings for ancient times. I have not the slightest wish to wear this, or to become head of a scattered people, he answered forcefully.

    With a sinking heart Black Eagle watched Conquering Bear walk away. On his shoulders rested the last true hope. Yet there would never be any understanding amongst this new generation who had not been taught to listen to the needs of mother earth, or understood responsibility.

    Sitting with his head bowed and eyes closed to the drabness of his surroundings, he day-dreamed of that time when he had lived on the bend of the Snake River, where many salmon leapt in the time of the big migration. How the mountains had reached almost up to the heavens, right behind the longhouse. He had been both bold and foolish in those far-off times, hating his brother, Chief Long-Bow, to the point where he had tried to murder him. It all seemed senseless now. But he had been free.

    Here he sat, letting time slip away, on this boggy piece of land which the Government thought he should be grateful for. While what was left of his once proud tribe struggled to keep enough food in their mouths. The poor soil grew nothing. Harsh winters when the agency never provided them with enough blankets. This was not surprising, considering all their promises had never been kept.

    Black Eagle’s thoughts suddenly turned to how he and Wet-khoo-wei’s small son had managed to escape from the clutches of the soldiers, close by the Black Hills. The child had not protested or asked for his mother as they rode towards the borders of Canada. There it was said they would find safety, under the guidance of their mother, the great Queen Victoria.

    It had been a beautiful but inhospitable place where the white man’s government had given no kind of help to him. No food, clothing, shelter or blankets to see them through the harsh winter. Yet he had the one thing, which made it all worthwhile, being able to live as he pleased. Somehow he had been able to trap enough game to keep them alive.

    It had not been unpleasant living beside a vast lake with other Indians who had also escaped. Little Conquering Bear had enjoyed fishing, though he had rarely caught anything as his attention was always wandering away. He had made a small canoe and had leisurely sailed round the lake on fine days, enjoying the feeling of being at one with nature again.

    Until one day, when he grew homesick and knew he had to take the chance of getting caught if he went back. With others he had crossed back over the border straight into the bounty hunter’s arms. It seemed to him they had known that he was coming.

    At first they had been taken back to the Sioux Agency in Dakota, then moved on from place to place until he and the boy had ended up here, far from his old home. He looked down at the tattered headdress lying across his knees and felt that he had something in common with this relic out of the past. Useless in old age.

    ***

    Though Black Eagle had mulled this latest news over very carefully he did not take long to make up his mind. Overcome with a great curiosity to see for him this Great Messiah whose name was on everyone’s lips. Could it be possible that his teachings were truth?

    So he went and sought out his old friend, Long Beak, placing the whole story before him.

    You know as well as I do that it is against the white man’s rules to leave this place, Long Beak remarked, knowing full well that when Black Eagle had a mind to do anything, he would.

    What more can they do to me? the Chief replied, shrugging his shoulders.

    I suppose you are right. But how will we get there?

    By way of the Old Iron Horse. After that the Paiute brave has assured me that he will provide horses for the rest of the journey, which is quite some distance.

    Long Beak did not much care for the idea, but was loath to let his friend down. For a while he stayed silent studying Black Eagle’s gaunt face, deeply etched in lines. And yet he had never lost that dignity which had put him high above other men. Those dark eyes which changed in a moment from anger to sadness, for he had suffered both these.

    Finally he answered, warning, Have a care, Black Eagle, for you are no longer in the first flush of youth. Would it not be wiser to send Conquering Bear, who is both young and strong?

    A look of annoyance passed over the Chief’s face. I am as good as ever and have a mind to run free again, he proudly stated. Adding, You speak of Conquering Bear. He spends so much time with the white missionaries that he hardly knows I exist. It is a sad thing, but the truth.

    Long Beak nodded knowingly, for his own son had turned out much the same. Then I will accompany you to where you wish to go, old friend. Let there be no more argument.

    They were glad of the cloak of darkness which allowed them to steal away unnoticed. Though the night air was damp with a chill that sent cold shivers down their spines. The Pauite Guide had produced a fine horse which Black Eagle and Long Beak now shared.

    Before setting off their guide quietly informed them, We must hurry to reach the railway track by first light, that is when the train comes. There will not be another one arriving for many hours.

    They rode across the flat land observing complete silence, each caught up in his own thoughts. The joy of liberty entered Black Eagle’s soul as on the far horizon he caught sight of the first stirrings of dawn. It had been quite some time since he had observed those crimson streaks tinged with a yellow hue. It was just like old times, when he had rode out across the great prairies, where the wild grass had been almost as tall as a man. Now he remembered how it had rippled in the wind causing waves much like the sea driven to shore. Yet he prided himself that his spirit had never been broken by the white man, though it had at times been powerfully bent like a sapling.

    On the rise of a slope the Paiute brave suddenly reigned his horse to a halt. Pointing a finger, he called, This is the place where the Iron Horse stops to fill up with water.

    Black Eagle noted the square tower standing on four wooden legs, with a small building to one side, and the line which the great noisy monster travelled along stretching straight as far as the eye could see.

    Long Beak was looking worried. Where will we travel on this Iron Horse, old friend? Surely the white man will not allow us to sit inside with them?

    You have no need to worry, old man, the guide assured him, feeling sympathy. Listen carefully. You will clearly see the iron ladder which you must climb up to reach the carriage roof. Find something secure to hang onto and you will be quite safe. I know, as I have done this myself. But be warned, if anyone sees, you will be removed.

    After dismounting they bade farewell to their guide, then ran forward to a spot closer to the watering place. There they lay down to conceal themselves while waiting. Black Eagle thought, this is much like the old days when I was attacking the white soldiers’ forts. This line of thought was interrupted when in the distance he observed a tiny speck gradually moving nearer with black smoke curling straight up into the dawn sky.

    As the monster approached a shrill blast of the whistle caused Long Beak to visibly start. This is indeed a fearful thing, he muttered, starting to shake.

    Reaching across Black Eagle comforted him by gently squeezing his arm. Then he grinned, saying, Not so bad as that time we faced the mighty rapids together!

    The old clanking Iron Horse pulled up to stop adjacent to the tower. They saw two white men with smudges of black on their faces climb down from the cab, for a few moments they stood talking before moving away out of sight. Deep inside, the Chief had a great admiration for these moving machines, there had been nothing like them in the old days. Yet to him nothing could replace a well-bred horse.

    "We must go now, before they come back, Black Eagle instructed. Bending low he began to run towards the ladder, feeling quite surprised at how fast he could still move. Behind him he heard his friend puffing and panting, then call out, Wait for me!"

    He knew that if he stopped all might be lost. With relief his foot touched the first rung of the ladder immediately climbing upwards, amazed that the passengers had not yet seen them and started shouting, Indians! All remained as it should be as they lay close together spread flat out upon the roof, fingers gripping a piece of raised wood. After quite some time they heard the drivers returning.

    Ready to go, Sam? the driver’s mate said, sounding cheerful.

    You ain’t’ joking, are you? Who would want to be left here in this godless out of the way dump?

    The muffled clang of a shovel drifted upwards, then a jet of steam shot out as the train roared into life. Again the deafening whistle blew causing both men to place their fingers in their ears. A cloud of black smoke blew into their faces causing them to cough, before finally veering upwards into the heavens.

    I have no liking for this, Black Eagle, Long Beak tried to nervously shout above the noise, but his words were taken and tossed away across the vast open tract of land.

    Black Eagle began by enjoying this new experience, having a clear view of his surroundings. Then after awhile his bones grew stiff from lying in the same place and cramping pains started gripping his legs. But at least, he told himself, it is better than being back on the Reservation where time hangs heavily upon my hands.

    As evening approached Long Beak pointed towards the distant mountains, where the lower slopes were covered in Fir Forests. Oh! What a sight to starved eyes which thought of them as part of their old native home.

    Then abruptly the Iron Horse slowed down and with a squeal of brakes came to a stop. Black Eagle knew that this was the end of the line. He lurched to his feet feeling as if he was saddle-sore from riding a horse over long. Starting to climb downwards, now having no worries about anyone seeing him. For they had arrived.

    No one seemed to notice the two Indians stumbling away, as the passengers were only intent on finding their luggage. By a clump of trees they saw their Paiute guide and felt deep relief. With him were three others who were strangers, yet their greeting was warm. They were given food and a blanket, and above all a horse each to complete the rest of the journey.

    ***

    From the surface of the Great Pyramid Lake a thick white mist obscured the far side from view. A loud honking of geese could be heard, but not seen, as they landed on the surface of the water. An early morning wind cut across the silent crowd of eager Indians, sitting huddled up underneath blankets on the wet bank. They belonged to many bands, speaking in different tongues, yet they had one thing in common. They were patiently waiting for a stranger they hoped would come to save them.

    The sun has risen and died many times since we arrived here and still he does not come, Long Beak observed, beginning to loose patience.

    Black Eagle would have been inclined to agree but he had a more pressing need to attend to. His stomach rumbled loudly, demanding food. Standing up, he answered, Come, old friend, let us go and try our hand at fishing.

    Leaving the others they began to walk until they reached a part of the lake which appeared to be a quiet deserted spot. This looks a likely place, the Chief said, producing a line and hook from his pocket. He had found these while rummaging about in his old trunk, now they were coming in useful.

    "We have made a wasted journey, he will not come. I feel it in my bones," Long Beak insisted, watching the line sink down out of sight into the green depths.

    Have patience. Is it not enough that we have our freedom? Black Eagle cried, beginning to feel alive with goodness as he had in the old days. He wondered what it would be like to once again sail a canoe down the Snake River and on to the great falls which roared so loudly a man could hardly speak? To own a dark plains horse which had both speed and good temperament, to carry him up to the higher Camas Meadows, where the women had once picked bulbs to store and eat over the harsh winter months. All that was gone now and what did it add up to? Just beautiful memories which was all he had left to treasure.

    Then a sudden thought struck him. Supposing he did not return to the Reservation? Heading off in the direction of his old home over the Bitterroot Mountains following the Old Lolo Trail. He was sure that he could swap something for a horse to carry him there. These thoughts really excited him, so straight away he confided in his old friend.

    Long Beak appeared quite surprised. But what of Conquering Bear, son of Wet-khoo-weis? Have you given him any thought? What of our own people we have left behind do they not count?

    Conquering Bear is now of age to find his own path through life. As for the handful of Nez-Perces, all that are left of our once great tribe, they will not even notice my absence. What use am I when the white man owns their souls?

    Long Beak was silently forced to agree that in part this was truth. Still he was forced to point out, It is one thing to leave the Reservation for a short while, yet a prolonged time away would come to the notice of the soldiers who would hunt you down. There is no hiding place for the likes of us any more.

    Something tugged on the line and in due course the two men were admiring a fine grey fish lying on the grass. Slapping Long Beak affectionately on the back, Black Eagle laughed, chiding, Have more faith, my good friend! Have I not caught us a fine fish for our evening meal?

    Late that same afternoon just as the sun was setting a rumour went round that the New Messiah would soon be here. Darkness fell, and still he had not put in an appearance. So a large fire was lit, so that when he did arrive they would easily see his face. This suited Black Eagle, as he was able to cook the fish and share it with his friend.

    The people were talking excitedly between themselves, when suddenly they became hushed on seeing a man standing by the fire dressed in a long flowing white robe.

    He is here! The new Messiah stands amongst us! a woman in the crowd cried.

    The dark-skinned man held up his hand, indicating silence. Then he spoke. I welcome you all to this place of the fish eaters. I am glad you came.

    At first the crowd was overcome by his appearance, after waiting so long. Then one after the other called out to him. Tell us what we should do, holy one! We are lost and afraid under the white man’s rule.

    The New Messiah let his eyes wander over them in silence. Then he addressed them. We are all brothers under the sun, let us not forget that. Later I will talk to you of your relatives who are long gone to the place where no footsteps show. My people, listen carefully to all I have to tell you. I have come to teach you to dance a dance which I want you to continue doing when I am gone. When this dance I am about to teach you is over I will talk again.

    Then he began to dance round in a circle his long robe flapping round his legs in the night wind. Gradually one by one most of the people joined him in what he called The Ghost Dance, until late into the night when suffering from sheer exhaustion the Messiah bade them rest.

    At first light the next morning the Messiah approached Black Eagle. You were not dancing, friend. Tell me, why is this? he quietly enquired.

    Unhurriedly Black Eagle stared arrogantly back into the piercing brown eyes, before lazily replying, My father was known to be a very wise Chief, who once advised me, Look well before you leap like the deer of the forest, for you may well fall into a trap of your own making. I always trusted his words and remember them well."

    Perhaps you will not make up your mind so quickly once you have learned all I have to say, the new Messiah answered, unperturbed.

    We shall see, the Chief gravely replied, dropping his head down upon his chest to indicate he wished for no further argument.

    Long Beak wisely remained silent. Why was it, he wondered, his friend had come into this world with such an uncommon stubborn streak?

    CHAPTER TWO

    Although wrongs have been done me I live in hopes. I have not got two hearts.

    Motavato. (Black Kettle) Of The Southern Cheyennes.

    From an upstairs window inside the missionary building Conquering Bear’s attention was drawn to what was happening down below, on the far side of the street. It was the day for issuing the rations.

    He recognised most of the people standing impatiently in the long queue as coming from the Reservation. As usual, Black Eagle was right in the thick of them trying to maintain order by preventing some getting ahead of their turn. Proudly wearing his long headdress of many eagle feathers, and his beaded fringed shirt. Was he trying to prove a point by suddenly asserting his right of being Chief? He, himself, would not be persuaded in this manner.

    Conquering Bear groaned softly to himself, wishing that he was not associated with a people who lived on nothing but handouts. A feeling of shame swiftly followed this wish. After all, it was not entirely their fault that their lands and way of life had been confiscated. That was one thing which he would never take sides with the white man.

    Down below he continued to watch a steady stream of his people come back out of the door of the Indian Bureau of Affairs. Some carried a blanket, if they were lucky, and clothes, made of poor quality wool, raw beef, flour, coffee and a little sugar and soap. One or two greedy ones dodged back into the line, only to be yanked out again and sent on their way. Nothing escaped Black Eagle’s sharp eye.

    Conquering Bear was glad that he did not have to stoop so low, being one of the lucky few. While he had attended the white man’s school it had been noted that he had a natural flare for figures, so in due course the Reverend Jessie Bradley had offered him a job keeping the church accounts. Every week he was paid a small amount of money and besides this all his clothes were found. It was not what he really wished to do, but for now it would fulfil his modest needs. Plenty of time to cast his eye about in other directions.

    When he first started work he had felt very awkward when the Reverend Gentleman had offered him one of his own black suits, which looked hardly worn. Surprisingly it had been a perfect fit. On examining his reflection in the downstairs gilt mirror he had thought how smart he looked and was well pleased. Yet Black Eagle had not liked it, harshly pointing out that he was a member of the Nez Perce tribe and should remember this by wearing the traditional garb.

    Taking up his pen he carefully dipped it in the inkwell and turned back to adding up the long lines of figures. The afternoon was nearly over, soon he would be returning to the Reservation. One day he would remedy that. Most of the money which he had earned was safely stored away towards the day when he could build himself a house, in the style of the white man. Something like those new ones which had just been finished on the edge of town. What he liked about those was the freshly white painted fences and the gardens planted with an array of bright flowers. Tepees were all right for the likes of Black Eagle, who brooked no change. But he wanted to get on in life. Earn a respected place in society.

    His thoughts were interrupted by his employer entering the room. Ah, there you are Conquering Bear. Head down to the grindstone as usual? I can always rely on you to get on with the work.

    Better than being idle, Conquering Bear answered carefully.

    Quite so. I just popped in to tell you that my niece and her father are arriving on Saturday to stay with me for a while. Unfortunately my brother’s wife died tragically young, leaving him to bring up a small child on his own. It has certainly taken its toll. Lately he has not been at all well, so I thought a change would do them both good.

    The company will be nice for you too, sir.

    "Yes, you might just have hit the nail on the head! Living alone does have its drawbacks. Here and now I must stress there is one rule I wish to insist upon for my niece’s sake. You may not speak or approach her without my permission. Do I make myself clear?"

    Conquering Bear felt a deep resentment stirring inside him. Perfectly, he dryly answered.

    She is most vulnerable without a mother and I feel it my duty to protect her while under my roof.

    Protect her from what? Conquering Bear thought. It was plain that in this white man’s eyes he was not good enough. Yet he had to be careful not to upset him for the sake of his job.

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