Chapter 101

“Arithmetic,” Eagle declared.

I smiled. Such was the nature of each child.

* * * *

I kept the boys for another moon, during which I labored long into the night after they slept exhausted from the day’s fieldwork and their lessons. I knew what I intended to give Bear in payment for his work; Eagle’s wage took some thought and considerable labor in secret. First, I chewed pieces of buckskin until they were as soft as cotton and rubbed oils into the material before washing and bleaching it. Then I began cutting and sewing.

When the fields were well weeded and growing nicely, I told the boys to pack up. Eagle showed some eagerness at the prospect of going home, but Bear drooped at the idea. I wished Mary would permit them to feel their red blood more freely, but I understood her reasoning. The world in which they were growing up was a white one, not a red one. Still, the youngsters needed to understand that side of their nature, as well.