Chapter 61

We adults settled on the porch to exchange news. Things were well with Cuthan and his family. The stagecoach’s way station had proved both boon and bane, as was the case with much in this life. It provided a good income to augment what the farm earned, but it also exposed the children to some unpleasantness. The travelers, most of them new to this country, were often taken aback when they found their hosts were Indians. Some were frightened or hostile, others downright rude—even to Mary, whom they obviously considered nothing better than a white squaw. More prejudices arrived with each new settler.

Cuthan dealt with such discourtesy in his customary manner, by being himself and performing his duties respectfully and courteously, his neck unbowed. Mary’s cooking helped. She served simple but delicious fare. Little Hannah usually broke the ice first, Cuthan claimed. She was a pretty child and had no idea everyone in the world wasn’t clamoring to be her friend.