The Untold Story Chapter Three - Part Two
- by Jean McQuaid
How can I show my love for you without turning you away? I don't want to frighten you, I don't know what to say.
I have promised to be patient and I'll do all that I can, But Michaela my heart's on fire, I'm just a normal man.
You've given me a reason to carry on with life, I wish I had the courage to take you as my wife.
But I've been married once before and love was lost to me, I've stayed faithful to Abigail, but now my heart is free.
To love again and be loved back I've felt the passion grow, Why won't you open up to me and let your feelings show?
You must have faith and trust me, you'll find our love is sweet, I'll hold you in protective arms, our lives will be complete.
-by Jean McQuaid
The evening air was crisp making even the slighest sound echo.
Sully had been taught well by the Cheyenne and had mastered the art of slipping silently in and out of town without being seen or heard. But on this night, his presence had not gone unnoticed and little did he know that not only was he being watched from the shadows, but was soon to be followed back to the reservation.
Sully mounted his horse with great care and hesitated momentarily when a sound from the trees made him stop.
Time seemed endless as he waited, but the silence was unbroken and his caution eased as suddenly a night owl began to sing his ritual song. He smiled to himself as he turned his horse into the night.
When Dorothy first entered the mercantile, Loren was busy dusting the shelves, a habit he had when something was troubling him. She knew him well and the moment was right for her to approach him.
"Loren?" He recognized that tone and knew he was about to be questioned. He stopped dusting and stared down at the floor from atop the ladder that leaned against the shelves. Without further hesitation he slowly descended the rungs until he reached the bottom. "Dorothy."
"Wanna talk about it?" She looked at him in her usual sweet sympathetic manner.
"What makes you think I got somethin' to talk about?" Loren finally looked up at her and it was very apparent by the wrinkles on his forehead that he was troubled about something.
"Why Loren Bray! You know darn well that you already dusted those shelves last night an' the night before that. I know you well enough by now that when somethins' botherin' you, you always get up that ladder and, dust off those shelves!"
Loren couldn't deny it. He was an easy man to read and he couldn't hide anything from Dorothy.
"I was just thinkin' of all the trouble Dr. Mike was in that's all," he sighed as he set down his duster and removed his apron placing it neatly on the counter. "And those kids, well they must be scared. Just imagine everyone in town thinkin' their Ma's a murderer. It ain't right Dorothy. It just ain't right!"
"No it isn't right Loren. You and I both know Dr. Mike couldn't hurt anyone. She's gone out of her way to help everyone at some time or other and now she needs our help."
Loren's head once again hung down. "But what can I do? Why I don't even know where she is and even if I did, well the only person to help her now is Sully. He's always there for her and the kids."
"Sully's a good man Loren, but this is much too big for Sully to do on his own. Besides, we're all Dr. Mike's friends an' friends should stick together in tough times. Don't you agree?"
Before she would let him answer she began again, "Loren do you have any idea why Jebediah Bancroft was back in Colorado Springs?"
Loren looked up at her in surprise. "Why would I know what that man was doin' back here? I know you think I was an old fool cause I fell for his men's club. But I swear to ya Dorothy, like I said back then, I didn't know things were gonna get outta hand. I never meant for anyone to get hurt. None of us did! Why I'd just as soon forget all that happened!"
Dorothy could see that he meant it. Loren could sometimes be as mean as an old grizzly bear but yet at other times as gentle as a lamb. He'd been taken in just as many of the menfolk were by Mr. Bancroft and his reason for returning couldn't possibly be to run Robert E. and Grace out of their home. No, she figured he was here for another reason.
"Is that what's been botherin' you Loren? The trouble with Robert E. and Grace?"
Dorothy was persistent, she couldn't stop now.
"No! Fact is I never even gave it another thought til just now. Like I said Dorothy, I been worried about Dr. Mike an' the kids......."
Loren's sentence was interupted by Dorothy. "Loren Bray! What's goin' on and I want the truth, now!" Dorothy's manner was stern and direct and cut into his soul. "Now Loren!"
"Aw, Dorothy. It ain't nothin' for you to be worrying about. Just some silly old letter I got from my banker in Denver. Seems the bank I been dealin' with was sold to another bank and he said there might be some trouble with the mortgage I got on the store."
"Trouble? What kinda trouble Loren?" She wasn't about to give up.
"When one bank takes over another bank's loans, sometimes if they think the risks are too high, they call in their loans or mortgages. But he told me I was okayed by the new bank until..."he suddenly stopped.
"Until?" Dorothy was very curious.
"Okay, Okay! I got another letter. This time it was from the new bank. Seems like my old bank was a little hasty in telling me I was already accepted and they wanted to send someone out to talk it over with me." Loren sighed as he leaned his tired body against the counter.
"And did they?"
"Did they what?"
"Loren Bray! Did they send someone out to talk to you?" A gleam came to Dorothy's eye. "Well?"
"The bank manager came himself," he admitted. "So Loren, what was the problem with that?"
"The new bank manager, it was Jebediah Bancroft." Dorothy gasped.
"You meant ta tell me Jebediah Bancroft came here to talk to you? Why didn't you tell me Loren?"
"Because woman, it weren't none of your business that's why!" Loren was angry.
"Course it's my business, you're my business Loren. I care a great deal about you and if somethin's happenin' to you, I wanna know!"
Loren seemed to settle down. "I'm sorry Dorothy, it's just that this store is my life. Why Maude an' me worked real hard to make it successful and it's my home. I don't know what I'd ever do without it. There ain't anythin' else I'm good at. This is where my wife, my baby girl Abagail and her baby is buried and this is where I wanna spend the rest of my days. It's only fittin' that I stay here."
Dorothy could see the tears begin to well up in Loren's eyes and felt bad for pressing him, but it had to be done.
"Loren, are you tryin' to tell me that Jebediah Bancroft was plannin' on callin' in the mortgage on the mercantile?"
"He said it was too much of a risk, that I was too much of a risk and that he couldn't trust me. Me! He couldn't trust me! Why he's the one that couldn't be trusted. He offered to buy me out lock, stock and barrel and said it was outta the goodness of his heart that his offer was a high as it was!"
"He offered to buy the store from you?" Dorothy couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"That's right!"
"But what did you tell him Loren?"
"Why No, of course. I told him I'd find another bank to take my business to and told him to get outta my store and never show his face here again!"
"Hmmm...." Dorothy put her hand to her mouth and was obviously taking in all that she had just been told.
"What's goin' on in that head of yours?" Loren placed his hands on his hips and stood up to face her.
"Nothin', just thinkin' Loren, that's all."
Michaela wasn't sure where to begin with Snowbird. Yes, something was bothering her, especially about men. In fact a lot bothered her, but was it proper for her to be discussing her personal doubts with this woman she was only beginning to trust.
Right now her exasperation with both Cloud Dancing and Sully took precedence. She couldn't restrain her words any longer.
"You know what really makes me angry, if either Cloud Dancing or Sully had been in the same position I'm in right now, I know they would have done the same thing. No one would call them children for needing to help themselves. Why they'd be considered weak if they didn't try. But because I'm a woman, I'm supposed to sit back and let others take care of me, as if I'm a helpless female who's unable to do anything for herself."
Snowbird was no longer smiling. The Medicine Woman had made a good point and she was herself aware of the way women were led to believe that only men could handle the dangerous situations and that a woman's place was in her teepee, safe and out of harm's way.
"My husband is considered a very wise man amongst our people and they trust his words. But you must be considered a wise woman amongst your people, my friend. You speak the truth. I have many times thought as you do but never had the courage to say what I feel to Cloud Dancing. You may think I have much to teach you but I think you can teach me how to be brave, and to speak out as you do. We do share a bond my good friend. First let me answer your questions then you will in turn, answer mine."
Michaela felt more assured now. She knew there was something so different, so special about Snowbird. So they did think alike after all and maybe this was the right time to address her emotional insecurities about her relationship with Sully.
"I don't know where to begin," Michaela seemed hesitant but took a deep breath and continued,
"I was brought up in a very different world from Sully and most of the people out here. I was taught that first and foremost, you must remain a lady and that it wasn't proper to show affection until after you were married."
Snowbird smiled once again. "Sully wishes to show you love in his way and you are afraid of this?"
"Yes, well I mean I do like it when he touches me, sometimes. But I feel, I don't know quite how to put it, embarassed? I don't know if I'm supposed to be returning his advances or if I should hold back until the appropriate time and place."
Michaela wasn't sure if Snowbird understood what she was trying to say, but all doubts were immediately dashed by the response of the Indian woman.
"I do understand, more than you know. You see, the white man calls us savages and thinks that we do not have rules and customs that we must also follow, but we do. From the time a woman is a young girl, she must do what is expected of her. She must act with caution when it comes to the young braves. Her future happiness depends on how she lives her life and when it comes time for her to find a mate, she must be clean and pure for him. This is the same in all worlds Medicine Woman. What you are feeling now is what the young woman feels. You have been taught to do what is right by your customs but your heart wants to travel a path of its own."
Michaela was amazed. Snowbird did understand and she now felt that she was not alone. Obviously it was natural to feel this way and she was not acting any different than any other woman in her position.
"What should I do Snowbird? Am I wrong when I want to return Sully's touches and....kisses," she looked down as she began to blush.
Snowbird gently lifted Michaela's head with her hands, "It is not wrong to show your love for this man. But only you will know what is right for you. If you worry that he will lose interest in you, then you must tell him what is bothering you. Share your doubts with him. If he is truely in love with you, he will be patient and understand. This is the test of true love."
"Perhaps you're right. Maybe Sully will understand if I tell him that I do love him but that I feel awkward about all the kissing and touching in front of others. But something else bothers me."
"What else troubles my good friend?" Snowbird asked.
"Well, I've always been a very independent person, one who could take care of myself without the need of others. But more and more each day, I seem to be relying on Sully to be there for me, and that scares me. Am I losing who I was when I first came to the west? Am I becoming too dependent on him?"
Snowbird thought for a few moments before she answered.
"It is not wrong to receive help from others. It does not show weakness, but trust. When you can trust someone to be your friend and allow them to help you, this is good. Just as you help people with your medicine from the East, they in turn help you with their knowledge of the West. You are not losing the strong woman you were when you first came here on your own, but you are becoming even stronger and wiser with each day, and this is good."
"But I feel like a captive here at the reservation. It's like my hands are tied and I can't get free. And my children. Oh Snowbird, I made a promise to Charlotte on her deathbed that I would take care of them and now, well look at me. Here I sit, unable to even see them, to hold them, comfort them. And what if Sully's unable to clear my name? What then? Who will take care of them?"
Michaela's eyes began to fill with tears.
"I feel like I'm letting Charlotte and her children down. What if I can't keep my promise?"
Snowbird wrapped her comforting arms around her friend. "You are a good mother to the children and a good friend to Charlotte. You must have faith that you will return to them. If you give up your fight now, there will be no future. This is how my people have survived so long. Through all the dark times, we have kept our pride and that allows us to continue on. As the Cheyenne are a proud people and must fight to hold their heads high, so must you."
Michaela slowly lifted her head a wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Thank you Snowbird. I promise to try and hold on and you can tell Cloud Dancing that I also promise not to cause any more problems. I don't like fighting with him, I respect him too much and I respect the kindness you and your people have shown me. I should be thankful to you for putting yourselves in danger just to help a friend. And I do consider myself a friend."
"Good, now maybe you can answer some questions for me Medicine Woman," Snowbird smiled. But their conversation was interupted by Sully's return.
"Michaela?" He seemed a little upset as he opened the flap to the teepee. "You been givin' Cloud Dancin' trouble I hear."
It took every ounce of strength for her not to jump up and fight back, but after her talk with Snowbird, she felt she could not longer argue with any of them. After all they were in danger as long as she remained here and it was best if she cooperated with them, not causing any more problems.
Snowbird stood up and faced Sully, "The Medicine Woman was right to question Cloud Dancing. She caused no more trouble than did he and I think we have all come to an understanding now."
She leaned over to whisper into Sully's ear,
"Do not be so hard on her, she is a strong woman but her strength grows weak. You need to listen to her words and to be understanding to what she says."
Sully was taken back by Snowbird's confrontation and realized that maybe he had been a little harsh with Michaela the last time he saw her, but he felt it was for her own good. But now, as he entered the teepee, he could see she'd been crying and longed to tell her everything would be alright. He longed to hold her and feel the softness of her skin next to his, the smell of her sweet soap and to listen to the beat of her heart.
If only.....but he couldn't change what had happened and was trying very hard to understand how he would feel if he were in her shoes.
"I will go now and leave you two alone. You have much to talk about. I will return later with food, but until then, talk to each other," and with that, Snowbird left.
Sully stood quiet, looking down at the woman he loved.
"Michaela? You alright?"
Michaela sighed, "I think so. Snowbird is a good friend and so is Cloud Dancing. I'm sorry I caused so much trouble but Sully...."
Her words were silenced as he sat down beside her and took her hands in his. "No, I'm the one who should be sayin' they're sorry. I know you Michaela Quinn. You're headstrong and stubborn and ya got a mind of your own. But that's what I love about ya, that an' many other things."
He leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek but Michaela turned so that his lips met hers. She took her hands out of his and slipped her arms around him, wanting to show him that she wasn't afraid. Sully was surprised but loved it. He responded and in turn wrapped her in his arms. It wasn't until she felt the kiss become more intense that she started to pull back. A little voice inside her kept saying 'It's all right, no need to feel ashamed, this is Sully, the man you love.' but she felt as though she was being pulled in another direction and when she did finally pull her lips from his,
"Sully, we need to talk."
He felt like someone had just splashed him with cold water. He was confused. One minute she was responding to his affection and the next, she cast him off. He would never understand her.
"There's something I need to tell you," she stopped and looked down as if she was about to confess something deep and dark.
"What is it Michaela? You know ya can tell me anythin' " Sully could see that whatever she was about to say to him, the words weren't coming easy to her and he promised himself to be patient and understanding as Snowbird had asked him.
"Sully, first of all I want you to know that I do love you, very much and that nothing could ever change that. We are two different people in many ways. Yes, I was brought up in a society where there is a right time and place for everything. I'm not saying that it was perfect or even right, but it's all I've ever known and to change the ways that I'm accustomed to, well frankly, it scares me."
"What are ya tryin' to say Michaela?"
"That when you touch me, I feel something wonderful inside," she made a fist and held it to her heart.
"That feeling is new to me Sully and I don't know how to control it. One side of me says it's okay to feel this way and let happen what will happen, but the other side of me, the Boston side, says 'Be a lady Michaela. You must always be a lady no matter what your heart tells you to do.' So when you feel me pull away from you, it's not because my heart wants to, it's because my conscience is telling me it's the proper thing to do. Can you understand? I need time Sully. Time to adjust to this new feeling inside me. I need you to be patient with me but I want you to know that if you feel that it's too much to ask of you, I'll understand. If you find that you can't wait for me Sully, if someone comes along that can return your love and affection the way you want it, need it, I'll........let you go."
Sully couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"You think that all I care about is kissin' and touchin' ya? That it's all that matters ta me?" He pulled away from her now.
"I love you Michaela. I love the person you are.The kind and caring lady doctor who helps people, even the Indians. The loving mother who took in three kids to raise all by herself, the strong willed woman who can stand her own against any man. That's why I fell in love with ya and all the kissin' and holdin' in the world ain't gonna change that. I wish ya'd of told me before about this. Ya must think I'm some kinda monster, that all I wanna do is...well, ya don't know me that well do ya Michaela cause if ya think I'm gonna let ya go now that I've found ya, well forget it! I love you and all the fussin' that comes with love can just wait til you're ready for it. And I know you will be some day."
What a wonderful man, she thought to herself. What did I ever do to deserve him? She'd never known anyone quite like Sully but then, 'there was no one else like him' and she was delighted that he was in love with her. Stubborn, pig-headed Michaela Quinn had finally found someone who she knew she could love til the end of her days.
"Colorado Springs!" called out the porter. John Tyler awakened from his sleep and waited til the train came to a complete stop before getting up to remove his bag from the rack above his head.
He'd never been to Colorado Springs and wondered how the people would react to their new sheriff. Sure, it was only temporary but they would have to get used to the idea that as long as he was here, he was the law. No 'takin' the law into their own hands'. He was here to do a job, the job of finding a murderer and as long as he was in town, he would be in control. His good reputation depended on it and he wasn't about to let the people here spoil that.
As he stepped down from the train, he was approached by a tall, wiry man, very eager to take his bag.
"You must be Sheriff Tyler, I'm Horace Bing, glad you finally got here!"
"Horace," John Tyler responded and felt his arm would fall off if Horace didn't soon stop shaking it so much.
"I'll be happy to show you where your office is but first I got somethin' real important I think you should know,"
Horace could hardly contain himself as he dragged the reluctant sheriff into his telegraph office.
"Okay, Horace! Calm down. Now what's so darn important that it can't wait until I get settled in?"
"Well," Horace had to take a deep breath before he could start relaying what he had discovered the night before.
"See, you're here to help us find the killer of Jebediah Bancroft and well, the townsfolk, think it was our Dr. Mike. Frankly, I don't believe she done it but they've been out lookin for her cause she disappeared and well..."
"Well..? What is it Horace?" Sheriff Tyler was getting impatient and if Horace didn't soon tell him what this was all about, he would head out to find the sheriff's office on his own.
"Well...I know where she is?" Horace finally answered.
"She? Who's she? And what's a 'she' got to do with all this?"
"Why Dr. Mike, that's who! See Dr. Mike ain't a Mike she's a Michaela. Seems her father wanted a son so he called her....."
"You trying to tell me that Dr. Mike is a woman?" Sheriff Tyler's eyebrows shot up.
"Yep! She's a woman all right!! And I know where Sully's been hidin' her!"
"I see, " replied the weary sheriff. "And tell me Horace, if the townsfolk couldn't find her, just how in the heck did you?"
"Well, I followed Sully last night after he left Grace and Robert E.'s place. That's where Dr. Mike's kids are stayin', anyway, I was just passin' by and I happened to see Sully come out of the house. I wasn't sure where he was goin' until I saw him slip out of town to get his horse and then I knew, he was probably goin' back to her."
"Well, continue Horace, please."
"I borrowed one of Robert E.'s horses. Seems there was one in the pen that still had his saddle on. I got lucky cause Robert E. don't usually leave 'em like that but I managed to slip out behind Sully without him seeing me and I followed him."
"First of all, who is this Sully and where did you follow him to, Horace?"
"Sully? Why he and Dr. Mike they're...kinda in love and he's been lookin' out for her and the kids ever since she got here. They're always together. Make the perfect couple if ya ask me!"
"I'm not asking you about their love life, I want to know where you followed this Sully to!" Sheriff Tyler had just about lost all his patience now.
"Why the reservation of course! Don't know why we didn't think of it earlier. Sully used to live with the Indians and Dr. Mike, well she takes medicine to them. They've become real close with them Indians."
"Are you sure Dr. Mike was there?"
"Sure am, I saw her with my own two eyes Sheriff! She and Sully both came out of one of them teepees and I watched them take a little moonlight walk."
"Did you tell anyone about this Horace?"
"No sir! I didn't want them gettin' all fired up and raiding the reservation without you bein' here first. No telling what might happen if we get the Indians all stirred up!!"
"Good thinking Horace. Now if you'll show me which way to the sheriff's office, I'll get started and Horace, thank you."
Tyler tipped his hat and followed Horace into town. He was glad Horace's tale was finally over and even more glad that Horace had the right idea. A visit to the reservation was in order but a peaceful visit would be to their advantage. He would however, take a hand picked posse with him and they would keep it a secret as to where they were headed as to catch this Dr. Mike and Sully off guard.
"Oh one more thing sheriff! Mayor Slicker was callin' a town meetin' this morning. Thought maybe you'd like to introduce yourself there!"
"Good, thanks Horace. I'll do that now if you don't mind, I want to get things put away inside the office and then you can take me to this meeting."
"Sure thing!" Horace felt as if he'd been given official duties and was happy that he was the one to bring the new sheriff to the meeting. But he was more relieved that if Dr. Mike and Sully were to be brought to town for questioning that he had sense enough to tell the new sheriff about their hiding place before the other's found out and got the Indians all riled up!! No telling what they might do when they get mad!
The meeting went well as people seemed quite content that the sheriff was finally here to take over.
"John Tyler's a good man," announced Mayor Slicker. "Got a good reputation for doing the job clean and fair and he always gets his man."
"Or woman!" shouted someone in the back. Most laughed but as Sheriff Tyler stood to address the town council he cautioned them.
"A man or woman in this case, has got a right to a fair trial and just because you feel you got solid evidence against Dr. Mike, don't let that go clouding your judgement. She needs to tell her side of the story as much as we need to hear it. And I'm warning you all right now, I wan't hesitate to throw any man in my jail who takes it upon himself to show his own kind of justice. The law doesn't tolerate those kind of actions and neither do I!"
It was plain to see, he was a straightforward, man of the law and maybe this whole mess would finally take some kind of order now that he was in charge.
John Tyler once again stood to make an announcement."I need a good posse and I plan to pick each one of you myself. I don't like hot heads or trigger happy men. I don't tolerate violence nor do I condone anyone who's been drinking. There's a right time and a right place for everything, and being in a posse requires a clear head and a steady hand. Now if you feel you qualify for the job, stay, if not, I'll thank you to leave now."
Some of the men got up and left but the majority that stayed were eager to prove their capability to this man of the law.
Sheriff Tyler interviewed them one by one and when he was satisfied that he had a trustworthy group he called out their names and ushered the others out. Hank had managed to remain calm and had been one of the men chosen by the new sheriff. He was quite pleased with the way he'd conducted himself and was ready to head out to his horse when the sheriff stopped him.
"Not just yet, Mr. Lawson. Our first order of business is to prepare a plan of action. Tell me now, do any of you have any objections to riding out to the Cheyenne Indian Reservation?"
The group went silent. Hank lowered the cigar from his mouth and with his usual smug smile, "Now why would we wanna' be goin' out there for?"
Sheriff Tyler waisted no time in replying," I've just received word that Dr. Mike and Sully might be hiding out at the reservation and I plan to make a surprise visit to search the place."
Hank's grin disappeared. "Where'd ya get a fool notion like that?" The sheriff was once again quick to reply,
"Never mind where I received my information from, I think it's valid and I plan to check it out. Now as I said before, do any of you have any objections?" No one spoke their feelings aloud but they all appeared a little hesitant.
"Good! Then gather round and we'll set up a plan of action. I expect this to be done in an orderly and civilized manner. We don't need the added trouble of getting the Indians upset."
The sheriff seemed to have everything under control. Just like clockwork, each detail was carefully worked out and each man had a position of his own to maintain.
"Now, I expect you all back here no later than 3 p.m. at which time we'll pack the supplies on the horses and prepare to leave. But, not a word to anyone, do I make myself clear?" John Tyler was very stern.
"The only way our visit to the reservation will stay a surpirse is if you all keep your mouths shut! The information discussed in this room will go no further!!"
Everyone agreed. The plan was set. The posse would ride out to the reservation and demand to search every inch for any sign of Michaela or Sully.
"Everyone set?" John Tyler was ready to head out.
"Hank ain't here," hollered Jake.
"Well if he's not here in the next five minutes we leave without him!" answered Tyler. But no sooner had he spoken than Hank came riding around the corner and stopped his horse just in front of the lawman.
"Where you been'?" asked Jake.
"Had some trouble with one 'a my girls. Sorry fellas. Let's get movin," said Hank as he led the posse out of town.
The afternoon sun was bright, the air was clear. No one spoke much as they came closer and closer to the edge of the reservation. It wasn't something they wanted to do but the sheriff had convinced them it was the only way. They had to apporach the Indians in full daylight. They had to be seen coming but hoped that their visit would indeed be a surprise.
The village was in full view now. The tension in the air was thick but no one stopped. They had all volunteered for this job and weren't about to turn back now. As their horses entered the encampment they were met by a small group of braves forming a barrier across in front of them.
"Halt!" ordered Sheriff Tyler. The posse stopped. It was evident that the Indians were not about to just let them ride in. More braves started to gather and before long it seemed as if the whole reservation was now on full alert. The men who formed the posse were tense. Some tried to back out but were quickly surrounded by more Indians. It looked as though their presence was unwelcome and if someone didn't soon speak, an attack from either side was apparent.
"We come in peace!" finally the sheriff spoke. "We mean you no harm. I wish to speak to your chief."
John Tyler was beginning to think this had been a bad idea. He was not accustomed to the ways of the red man and maybe this wasn't the proper way to handle it after all. But if Dr. Mike and Sully were here, he had to know. He must speak to them, get their side of the story. It was the only way to start his investigation and he was determined to hold out as long as the Indians didn't start attacking.
His other concern was his men. He hoped they'd use good judgement and stay calm. To make any sudden movements now could possibly mean death for them all.
"Please," John Tyler was resigned to plead once more, "We come in peace. I am the white lawman from Denver. I only want to speak to your chief. We are looking for someone. His name is Sully. Do any of you know of him or of a white woman doctor named Quinn?"
Not only were the men getting anxious but the horses they road in on seemed to sense the tension of their riders. Some were going round in circles as more and more braves surrounded them from all sides. Dust billowed up around them. Confusion was all about and when it looked as if one of the braves just might attack....
"Our chief will speak with you now, but only you, the white law man from Denver." One of the braves came out from a nearby teepee and approached them. "The rest of you will move back and stay out of our village."
Some of the men tried to protest but when John Tyler raised his hand and told them to do as they had been asked, they slowly and carefully backed away. The brave came closer to John Tyler as he dismounted his horse. He could feel the hairs on the back of his neck standing and he hoped the shaking of his knees wasn't noticed. The Indian beckoned for the sheriff to follow him and as the two men walked through the rows of teepees which lined either side of them, all eyes were upon them. John could see the faces of the people he'd heard so much about. Young and old, men, women and children. He knew them to be proud and strong and but hoped that they'd also be cooperative to his request. When the brave finally stopped in front of one of the teepees, he pointed to its flap and John bent down to enter.
Once inside he was overcome by sweet smells, ones that were totally new to him but not offensive. Sitting on the far side in front of an open fire, was an elderly man. His face was worn with age but he sat up straight and proud. One of the Indians seated, arose and came over to him.
"I am Cloud Dancing the Medicine Man."
He pointed in the direction of the majestic older man, "This is Black Kettle, our chief. Why have you come here?"
John was nervous and knew he had but once chance to state his business. He was in the middle of and Indian reservation being addressed by two of their most important figures and he was nervous.
"I am the sheriff from Denver. I've been brought here to find the murderer of one of our people. His name was Jebediah Bancroft. I understand he was found dead in the barn at the home of Dr. Michaela Quinn. I also understand that she's friends with your people. I was hoping that you might help me to find her."
He stopped and waited but they just looked at him as if expecting more information. As if not wanting to disappoint them,
"I am not here to harm Dr. Quinn, I only wish to hear her side of the story. Just like your people, mine too have laws and we feel that if justice is to be served that all the facts must be told to find the truth. So I have come in peace to ask that I may search your homes to see if Dr. Quinn and her friend Sully are here."
There he'd said it. Now all he had to do was wait to see if they respond favorably or if he should run like hell and hope to make it out alive! The chief beckoned to the tall medicine man. They were speaking now in Cheyenne and John could only guess as to what they were saying.
"Black Kettle has agreed to let you, and only you look into our homes but you will not find anything."
Cloud Dancing seemed annoyed and obviously had disagreed with the chief.
"Thank you," John nodded to Chief Black Kettle. "I am greatful for your help." The chief nodded back and then Cloud Dancing ushered the man out of the teepee.
"I am to remain with you at all times. I must warn you though, my people will not like thier homes being searched. Too often the white man has come to make peace with us. Peace that only benefits the white man. You and your people are not trusted here so Black Kettle has asked me to be with you, not only because he does not trust you but because he can not trust how you will be treated."
"Thank your chief for me. I am grateful to him and I promise that once my search has been completed I will leave your village."
John remained silent as the two men went from home to home, in search of Dr. Mike and Sully and after finally lifting the flap of the last teepee, he could find no evidence that either Dr. Mike or Sully had ever been there. Now he was no expert on the Indian people and he wanted to trust them. But if the two had been here, all signs were now gone and his search had been in vain. One more thing for the Indian to hold against the white man.
Tyler decided it was time to leave. He knew his welcome had been overstayed and maybe it was best that he take the posse back to town.
Cloud Dancing said not a word. He led John back to his horse and stood back as the sheriff mounted. John tipped his hat and said, "Good day." Then he was off to join his men.
The ride back to town was silent. However, one could tell that all were relieved that nothing happened out there. John could sense that the townspeople had seen their own share of problems with trying to settle in Indian territory and was also relieved the event was pulled off without any one getting hurt.
But that still didn't answer the question as to where Dr. Mike and Sully were, but for today enough had happened and it was time to return to town, maybe get a hot meal and a warm bed. That sounded real good to Sheriff John Tyler. It had been a very long day and tomorrow would see the beginning of his investigation into the murder of Jebediah Bancroft.