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"Through Kiowa Eyes" By Wild Wind CHAPTER THREE By the time Rachel had lunch ready, the other riders had returned from town As they all took their places at the table Buck took the honor of introducing Clara. To both Rachel and Teaspoon's surprise Clara signed *hello everyone* followed by each person's name. Rachel smiled widely as did Buck. Teaspoon simply said, "Well I'll be." Buck signed the words for Clara and she smiled at the man she had called Grandpa since she arrived at the Rock Creek station two days ago, Teaspoon gave her a wide smile in return.
As the days passed Clara was getting better and better with signing and when he was needed Buck spoke her words for her just as he had done for Ike not so long ago. Teaspoon had noticed Buck smiling and laughing more now that he was working with Clara than he had in the two months since Ike's passing.
One afternoon Buck and Clara were watching the horses walk around the corral when Clara tapped Buck. He smiled down at her small form as she signed *Can I ride one?* *Sure* Buck replied and told her to wait there. He stepped just inside the fence and without giving it a second thought stopped Ike's horse and led him to the barn and returned to Clara moments later. Ike's horse was saddled and ready to ride.
Rachel walked out of the house and smiled at the two as she approached the corral she called to Buck. "Whoa" he said gently as he drew Ike's horse to a stop and lifted Clara back to the ground. She smiled at Rachel who smiled back and spoke with a hurried tone to Buck.
"Buck, Teaspoon needs you to take a run to Lone Tree there is urgent mail that needs to go out. He wants to leave first thing in the mornin'." "Alright I'll go." Buck agreed. Later that night as Buck walked Clara back up to the main house for bed, he stopped and knelt down so that she could see him as he signed to her *Clara honey I need to go away for a while tomorrow Grandpa Teaspoon needs me to deliver some mail - - -* Clara grabbed his moving hands to stop his unspoken words and quickly signed *Uncle Buck I don't want you to go.* It was Buck turn to stop her hands and he took them gently to do so. Clara flung her arms around Buck's neck in a fierce hug which he returned then he gently pulled her away from him and he quickly chose speaking over signing keeping his hand gently on her shoulders. "Now listen to me I have to leave first thing in the morning but I'll be back by supper ok?" And Lou knows enough of the signs he will help you alright?" Buck released his gentle hold on his little friend and she quickly signed *Uncle Buck Lou is a girl even I know that.* Clara flashed the rider she liked to call uncle a wide expectant smile causing him to swallow hard to stop an outburst of laughter. He signed quickly *You're right but it's a secret.*. He smiled warmly. *So don't tell anyone Teaspoon doesn't know ok.* Clara nodded quickly and placed her finger to her lips indicating the secret was safe with her.
Buck stood and took her the rest of the way to the house. He hugged her goodnight and told her he would have a surprise for her when he came back.
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