“Am I dressed funny?” asked Noah.

“What do you mean?” asked Cody.

“I was just wondering why everyone is looking at us the way they are. Do we look that strange?”

“No,” said Buck. “It’s me. This happens every time there’s any type of trouble with the Indians. Somehow it’s my fault.”

“True,” added Jimmy. “But it also happens anytime some idiot looking to make a name for himself at the expense of ‘Wild Bill’ comes along.”

“Also true,” continued Kid. “Then again, it happens pretty much anytime Cody gets a chance to spend more than a few minutes in town.”

The others all laughed.

“In other words,” chuckled Cody, “get used to it. This is the way the people of Sweetwater look at us anytime we come into town as a group.”

“If you all say so,” sighed Noah.

“Of course,” teased Buck, “it could just be because you’re new. Last time we came into town with a black man the whole town almost got wiped out by a crazy man.”

“Once again, he speaks the truth,” agreed Kid. “So, maybe it is just you.”

They had reached the marshal’s office. As Noah pulled open the door he looked at each of his new friends.  When his eyes fell on the Kid, he heard a giggle from Cody. Noah smiled, “I guess I asked for that.”

“Maybe,” said Buck, “and then again. . . “ he stopped in mid sentence as the rider’s light hearted mood changed when they saw the man seated next to Teaspoon.

“Boys,” said Teaspoon, “this is Colonel Smythe. It seems there is some trouble with the Kiowa and some buffalo hunters that is about to get out of hand. I’m going to let him explain why he’s here. I told him you might be able to help, so listen carefully.”

The man stood and looked at the boys. As his eyes passed over Buck, he stopped for a second and he glanced at Teaspoon. He cleared his throat and began, “First, I want you to know that this mix-up is due to the misconduct of three of my men. They will be dealt with according to Kiowa practice, but only if I can prevent the Indian war they were hoping to start.”

Buck’s interest was intensified at this admission of guilt.

“Let me explain from the beginning,” Colonel Smythe continued. “The buffalo are very numerous around Fort Kearney. As I’m new in command there, one of the Kiowa chiefs, a man named Red Bear, came to ask permission for a small hunting party to camp near the fort. He promised they would stay away from the fort. He also said they would only be around for a few days. He asked that in return I keep any white hunters and my men away from his camp. I agreed with his request.”

Colonel Smythe noticed the way all the other riders had looked at the half-breed when he mentioned Red Bear. Hopefully that meant his information was correct, and this boy could heal him. He shifted his gaze to meet Buck’s. The intensity of Buck’s look caused the colonel to look away as he continued, “Unfortunately, three of my men are glory hungry. They decided that since I was new to command here, they didn’t have to take me seriously. They found a couple of hunters and went after the Indians. Two 
of the men were killed in the battle that followed. Unfortunately, so were some of the Kiowa.

“The way I found out about this was that the last of my men was captured. He was brought back to the fort unharmed along with the bodies of the others. Red Bear gave them to me with the request that his son be returned in the same fashion.”

Buck’s breathing quickened. Once again there were quick glances shot his way. The colonel continued speaking, “It seems the whole purpose of this raid was to kidnap the boy. The two hunters had taken him. Their hope was to get Red Bear upset enough to start a war. According to the man returned to me the boy was to be taken to Fort Laramie. Some of the men there were to hide him until the war started. Once war broke out he would either be released, or killed they hadn’t decided.

“Red Bear and a few warriors went with me. We took this man along so his assistants would know they’d been caught. Red Bear set up camp at Chimney Rock.

“When they were confronted with their companion, the two soldiers involved took us to where they insisted they hid he boy. He wasn’t there. The men swear that this storage room was where they left him along with some hides they were hiding for the hunters involved.

“My best scout looked over the area. He found what he thinks might be the way the boy escaped, but he could find no trail once we reached the river.” The colonel stopped speaking and once again surveyed the group assembled before him. This time when his eyes met Buck’s, he forced himself to hold his gaze. He continued, “I dispatched a man to Red Bear’s camp to inform him of his son’s escape. He has given us one week to find and return his son safely. That’s why I’m here. I need your help. I was told that you boys are the most knowledgeable about this area, and that if anyone would be able to find him it would be you.

“Marshal Hunter has agreed to loan you to me for the week.” Colonel Smythe took a deep breath, “Also, the doctor at Fort Laramie told me that one of you has a connection to Red Bear. I was hoping to get to talk to this person alone. I have an important request for him.”

Teaspoon stood back up, “Okay boys, I need y’all to come over here so we can plan out who’s searching where. Buck, I need you to listen to Colonel Smythe. I think you’ll find his request a might interesting.”

Buck nodded at Teaspoon, and stayed standing by the door while the other boys moved away towards the desk. The colonel came to where Buck stood. “Do you mind if I call you Buck?”

Buck shook his head.

“Good. The doctor said he had heard that you were connected to Red Bear’s tribe. He wasn’t sure how.”

“He’s my half-brother,” replied Buck. “We have the same mother.”

“Okay. What I’d like for you to do is to come with me to talk to Red Bear. I have a working knowledge of Indian sign language, and Red Bear has fairly good English skills, but I want to be absolutely certain that we both understand everything that is said. I think Red Bear would trust you as interpreter. I know I would, because everyone I’ve talked to about this assures me that you are nothing if not honest.”

Buck looked closely at the colonel. “Why do you want to talk to Red Bear? What more is there to discuss?”

The colonel sighed. “I want to assure him that we are doing our best to find his son, and that I don’t want a war with him of anybody else. I want to let him know that I intend to allow him to punish these men according to Kiowa law, but I want to know what they need to be punished for first. I may take more than a week to find his boy. I . . . “

Buck nodded, “What if you find White Elk’s body?” he interrupted. “Do the Kiowa get to punish your men for his death even though it cannot be proved that they killed him themselves?”

“They are responsible for their actions, so yes,” replied Colonel Smythe. “That’s why I want more time.  To be sure they are punished for the correct crime. Of course I’m assuming that kidnapping and murder have different punishments.”

Buck again nodded. He looked at the colonel As he studied the man’s eyes he decided he was being told the truth. “I’ll need to go back to the station to gather some supplies, and prepare for the journey. I’ll meet you here in about an hour,” Buck said.

“I’ll be ready,” replied the colonel.

“Ike, hold up,” called Lou. “I’m not sure I like the look of those clouds. What do you say we start looking for a place to wait out that storm?”

Ike reined in his horse and followed Lou’s gaze. He nodded and headed his horse towards the nearby trees. As the two riders entered the safety of the trees, Lou pulled Lightening up short. She quickly jumped down and ran to the still form on the ground. “He looks like he’s hurt bad,” she called to Ike. “I think we need to get him to a doctor.”

“So much for waiting out the storm,” signed Ike. with a grin. “Can you lift him up to me?”

Lou nodded. She carefully lifted the boy’s small frame up to Ike, gathered Lightening, and joined Ike back on the road to Willow Springs.

“Wonder where he’s from,” said Lou.

Ike shrugged. He didn’t know of any villages close by. There was something about this boy. Ike felt like he should know something about him, but he wasn’t sure what or why.

The threesome entered town just as the sky opened up.

“Get on over to Doc’s. I’ll meet you in a few minutes,” shouted Lou. She rode on to the station where she quickly passed on the mail pouch. She then returned to town and the doctor’s office.

“Doc?” called Lou as she held open the door for Ike.

“What is it?” asked Doc Parker as he came from the back of his office into the waiting area.

“Found him on the side of the road a few miles out. He looks like he may be hurt bad. That’s a awful lot of blood. Can you check him out?” explained Lou.

Doc Parker looked at the young boy cradled in Ike’s arms. “Lay him on the table so I can have a better look.”

Ike crossed the room in a couple of steps, gently laid the boy on the table, moved the hair off his face, and stepped out of the doctor’s way.

Lou touched Ike’s arm and asked, “Any ideas?”

Ike shook his head.

“He sure looks like Buck, doesn’t he?” remarked Lou.  Ike looked back at the unconscious boy and thought to the first time he’d really noticed Buck about four years earlier. He’d have been about the same age as this boy was. This boy could almost be Buck! That explained the feeling of knowing him.  “I wonder if they’re related,” Ike signed.

“Could be,” said Lou. “When he wakes up, maybe you can find out.”

Doc Parker quickly examined the boy. “I don’t think he’s hurt as badly as it looks. Best I can tell this isn’t his blood. I think he’s just tired. Probably exhausted and hungry. Why don’t you two go get and bring back a bowl of broth. I’ll clean him up and make him as comfortable as I can in the other room.”

“Thanks, Doc,” said Lou.

“You sure you want us both to leave?” asked Ike.

Doc Parker nodded. “I think I can handle him.  Just don’t stay gone too long.”

The two riders left the doctor’s office and rode back out to the way station. The storm had turned out  to be a quick shower and was already over. They cleaned up the best they could, grabbed a quick bite to eat, and then headed back into town. They stopped off at the hotel to get a bowl of broth and then went back to the doctor’s office to check on their young friend.

“Am I ever glad to see you two,” said Doc Parker. “I should have let you stay. He woke up about five minutes after you left. He’s frightened, and I’m not sure he understands English. At least, nothing I say or do seems to help. I’ve got him trapped in the other room.”

“I’ll go,” signed Ike. He took the bowl of broth and carefully entered the room. The boy was crouched in the farthest corner of the room eying the door like a caged animal planning its escape.

Ike set the bowl on the table by the door and closed the door behind him without taking his eyes off the boy. He smiled  and signed. “I’m a friend. My name is Ike. What should I call you?”

The boy looked puzzled and then signed back, “How do you know sign?”

Ike replied, “A friend of mine taught me so I could talk to him. I can’t use my voice. I lost it somewhere. I’d like you to meet my friend. I’m going back to where he is tomorrow. Maybe he can help you. Hungry?”

The boy nodded.

Ike smiled. He picked up the bowl and handed it to the boy. Ike then sat down on the bed, away from him. The boy carefully tasted the broth. After the first two or three hesitant sips he hungrily drank it all down. He never took his eyes off Ike’s face.  Ike sat quietly watching the boy. The more he watched him the more he was reminded of Buck. When the boy finished, Ike again signed, “What should I call you?”

“White Elk,” the boy signed. “I need to get home. Father will be worried. People will get hurt.”

“My friend and I will get you home as soon as we can. First I need to get you to him. If you feel up to it, we can go in the morning.”

White Elk nodded.

“Good, you rest now. My other friend, the one who found you, and I will come get you in the morning. The doctor will take good care of you,” Ike signed and stood to leave.

“Could you stay here?” signed the boy.

Ike nodded. “Let me tell my friend,” he signed back and left as White Elk curled up on the floor to sleep.

Buck quickly gathered the few items he would need for his trip. He then went to the river where his prayed circle was located and offered up a prayer that he would be successful in stopping this was from starting. He also asked that White Elk be found well. Then he returned to town and the marshal’s office. Colonel Smythe was sitting talking to Teaspoon and Kid. He stood when Buck entered the room. “Ready?”

Buck nodded, and turned to leave.

“Buck,” Teaspoon called as he stood and walked to the door where Buck was waiting. “You take as long as you need. Don’t worry about hurrying. We’ll cover for you as long as it takes. You find your nephew and get things settled between the army and Red Bear.”

“Yes, sir,” replied Buck.

“I’d like one of the boys to go along with you,” Teaspoon continued. “Can keep us informed on how things is going.”

Buck just stared at Teaspoon.

“I’ll go,” said Kid. “I can leave right now.”

“Thanks,” said Buck.

Kid, Colonel Smythe, and Buck left the office and headed to Fort Laramie. They had to ride hard and fast without much rest. Red Bear had only given the colonel seven days and he’d spent two getting to Sweetwater. It would take at least another day and a half to get back if they were lucky. That only left three days to find White Elk if Buck couldn’t convince Red Bear to hold off.

“This is where my scout lost him,” said Colonel Smythe. “Frankly I’m surprised he got this far. I think the scout got confused and we followed the wrong trail.” They had been riding hard for a good while. A few miles outside Sweetwater the threesome had left the normal pony express trails and gone onto a less traveled path about a mile and a half to the south. A little past what would have been halfway to Willow Springs the colonel had stopped to show them a marked spot.

Buck got down and surveyed the area. He couldn’t help but feel anxious. He looked at the colonel. “I can’t tell which would be his. There are many paths crossing here. It would be better if we go to the  fort and let me start from there.”

“Okay,” said the colonel.  “Why don’t we camp here for the night and get a fresh start in the morning?”

The three quickly set up a camp, ate a cold meal, and bedded down for the night.

As the sun rose the next morning the three men quickly broke camp and continued on their way to Fort Laramie.

Early the next morning Ike and White Elk were waiting outside of Willow Springs for Lou. She had decided it would be easiest if they met outside town after Lou picked up the return mail. Not long after sun-up the threesome was on its way back to Sweetwater.

“How did he end up out here all alone?” Lou asked Ike.

“The white man took me and lock me in room,” answered White Elk. “It dark when I get out. Not sure where was. Could tell town was near. Head for. Get lost in dark, fall down hill, hurt head, you find.”

“Oh,” said Lou.

“You know where your people are?” signed Ike.

White Elk nodded. “Village near what whites call Little Blue.”

“That’s a long way from here,” said Lou. “And it’s the other direction.”

“Father not there,” said White Elk. “He hunt near fort of pony soldiers. Think it call Corn Knee.”

“Fort Kearny?” quizzed Lou.

“Yes,” smiled White Elk.

“That’s back the other way too,” said Lou.

“White Elk and I could go and you could finish this  run alone,” suggested Ike.

Lou shook her head. “I’d rather we all stick together.”

“Why?” signed Ike.

“White Elk was kidnapped by white men,” explained Lou. “His father is probably upset. I don’t think going in by yourself is a good idea. You might get hurt, and then I’d have to explain all this to Buck and the others. I could probably deal with Teaspoon being upset because we didn’t stick together, but I don’t think I could handle dealing with Buck if anything happen to you.

“The way I figure one more day won’t matter. We get White Elk to Sweetwater and let Buck help us figure out how to get him home, just like we planned at Doc’s. Okay?”

Ike nodded.

White Elk nodded, “Who Buck?” he asked.

“Our friend,” answered Ike. “He’s the one I told you about. He’s part Kiowa.”

“Oh,” said White Elk. “Father has half-brother name Running Buck. He live with white man somewhere. Not see him for long time.”

“What’s your father’s name?” asked Lou glancing at Ike with a knowing look.

“Red Bear. He Kiowa war chief,” said White Elk with much pride.

Ike smiled at Lou. That explained the resemblance.

“Our Buck is your Running Buck,” signed Ike.

“You friend he come get from camp?” asked White Elk.  Ike nodded.

“I not there,” said White Elk. “I getting ready for vision quest. Miss Uncle’s visit. Hear about it from others in camp. They much impressed by his courage and loyalty. It be good to see again. Been long time - since I little boy.”

Upon their arrival at Fort Laramie they could see the smoke and hear the drums from the Kiowa camp at near by Chimney Rock. “Maybe I should go talk to Red Bear first,” suggested Buck.

“Why?” asked Kid.

“That’s not normal, everyday camp life,” said Buck.  “They are preparing for battle.”

“Then let’s go,” said Kid.

“No,” said Buck. “I go, you stay. Look around here. See if you can learn anything from these men that they wouldn’t tell the colonel or me. Look around where White Elk was held. Maybe the scout missed something.

“I shouldn’t be long. I just want to get him to agree to let me look first,” said Buck as he rode off.

The Kid and Colonel Smythe watched him leave, then entered  Fort Laramie and headed to the commander’s office.

Buck returned to the fort shortly after night fall.  The drums had stopped a few hours before and the colonel had waited tensely for news.

“Red Bear has agreed to give us more time,” said Buck “but he wants to see the men responsible locked up. He’s coming here in the morning to check.”

“They’ve been in the stockade since before I left to get you,” said the colonel. “I’ll meet him in the morning and take him there myself. Why don’t you join you friend and turn in? I’d like you to start looking at first light.”

“Yes, sir,” said Buck and he turned towards the guest quarters to find Kid. He stopped, “Colonel?”

“Yes, son?”

Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For understanding.”

“Not a hard thing to do,” said Colonel Smythe. “I have a son about the same age.”

Buck nodded and headed off to find Kid.

The next morning the two boys stood outside the back of the fort facing the storeroom wall. “This is where the army scout thinks he came out. Then he headed this way towards the river and the place we camped night before last,” said Kid.

Buck looked at the ground and the hole under the wall. He shook his head. “Can we get inside this room?”

“Why?” asked Kid.

“I don’t think that’s where he came out,” explained Buck. “I think he came out somewhere else, and then set this up.”

The two boys returned to the fort and were soon inside the store room.

“This is where we were outside,” said Buck pointing to an even smaller hole. “No way he went out there.”

“So where then?” asked Kid. “There’s no other place.”

Buck moved to the corner of the wall farthest away from the spot they had been facing.

“Here,” he said as he moved a buffalo skin to show a much larger hole.

“How’d you find that?” asked Kid.

“Just looked,” said Buck, “and smelled.”

“What?”

“Come back over here,” instructed Buck. Kid followed him back to the first opening. “Look,” said Buck.

“What do you see?”

“Daylight,” answered Kid.

“Right,” said Buck. “What do you not see?”\

“Not sure,” said Kid.

“Dirt,” said Buck. “There’s no loose dirt inside the room. Means it wasn’t dug from this side.”

Kid nodded.

“Now breathe deeply. What do you smell?” Buck inquired.

“Air is fresher than the rest of the room,” answered Kid.

“Good,” said Buck. “Follow me,” He moved along the wall. “Tell me what you notice.”

Kid followed slowly. As they approached the corner he noticed the change in the air and that the one buffalo hide was out of place from the others. When he reached the corner, he noticed the loose dirt scattered about the floor. “Subtle,” he said.

“That’s why it works,” said Buck. “I bet there’s a branch or rock or something covering most of this hole on the other side. He didn’t want to be followed. Those weren’t his tracks. He went towards town, not away from it.”

“Why?”

“To get his bearings. He’d need to know where he was before he’d know how to get home,” explained Buck.

“Guess we need to visit Willow Springs and see if anybody’s noticed him,” said Kid.

“Let’s see if I can find his trail just in case he didn’t make it all the way.”

“Whatever you think is best,” said Kid.

A couple of hours later Buck was carefully studying the ground. There were many tracks and the brief shower a few nights before made it difficult to tell exactly what had happened. All at once Buck stood and smiled at Kid. “It’s alright,” he said. “He’s with Lou and Ike.”

“Well I’ll be,” said Teaspoon as Lou finished explaining their adventure and new companion. “I’d of thought he’d be bigger, or smaller, or something.”

“What he mean?” asked White Elk.

Ike shrugged and looked at Lou who was just as puzzled.

“Sorry,” smiled Teaspoon. “Seems his disappearing is about to start a war. His father has given the army seven days to return him -- that started about five days ago. Buck and Kid left three days ago to try and buy more time. Surprised you didn’t meet up with them.”

“We should go after them,” said Lou turning to leave.  Ike nodded his agreement.

“You could,” said Teaspoon, “but I think it’s more important that we be sure White Elk here gets back healthy, and seeing as he just passed out I suggest you wait until he’s feeling a might better.”

Teaspoon gently pick the boy up from where he’d collapsed and lay him in one of the cells. “You two go get cleaned up, and let Rachael know we need some extra food. The other boys should be returning soon. They were just scouting the immediate area. Come on now, get.”

Lou and Ike looked at White Elk. “You think he’ll be alright?” signed Ike.

Lou nodded. “Teaspoon’s right. He needs rest and food. Plenty of both. We probably should have made him stay in Willow Springs to rest up longer. Let’s go. The quicker we clean up and eat, the quicker you get back here to sit with him.”

Ike smiled. They left and went to the way station where Rachael had a hot meal ready for them and the other boys who were returning from their days of searching and finding nothing.

“What do you mean he’s in the jail?” Rachael said.  “He can’t stay in the jail! Ike, go hitch up the buckboard. We’ll get him and bring him here. He can sleep in Buck’s bed.”

Ike quickly left to do as he’d been told.

“Lou,” continued Rachael, “you think you can finish up feeding these boys? I’m going with Ike,” with that Rachael left.

A few minutes later they returned with Ike carrying a sleeping White Elk. “Poor dear,” said Rachael. “He’s so tired he hasn’t even opened his eyes. He must be completely worn out.”

As Ike settled White Elk into Buck’s bed, Rachael began to gently wash his face and neck. The other boys watched in silence and then Cody broke into a grin and said, “Poor Dear? Seems to me we should be calling him Lucky Devil.”

The others all looked at him and then back at Rachael and White Elk. They whole group broke out laughing. Rachael shook her head slightly and smiled. She gently shushed the boys and took the bowl of broth Lou handed her to feed her charge.

“I can’t thank you enough,” said Colonel Smythe as he and Buck watched Red Bear being reunited with his son.  Buck looked from his brother and nephew to the colonel. “Just keep your word, Colonel, and it will be alright. Just keep your word.”