Song Of The Warrior Read Online Free Page A

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    Willow decided maybe this wasn’t the time to tell the reverend that she was in favor of women suffrage herself. “My, my, imagine that!”
    â€œThe ungrateful little twit ran away on a stagecoach, got carried off by some big savage. What a family scandal.”
    A big savage. In her mind, Willow saw Bear in his buckskin shirt and riding that Appaloosa stallion. “So you don’t really like Indians, do you?”
    â€œI love all God’s children,” the old man said piously and sipped his coffee. “I pray for these poor savages that they will see how much they need to learn to deal with civilization.”
    That was something she could agree with, Willow thought as she got up from the table. Maybe the wild ways were better off forgotten; it was inevitable anyhow. “I’m going out to the Indian camp this morning and looking forward to meeting some of the children.” She didn’t want to ask, but her curiosity got the better of her. “I hope that hostile one, Bear, won’t be around.”
    He looked at her over the rims of his bifocals. “I doubt you need to fear running into that brave. He and his brother are usually off hunting or breaking or racing those Appaloosa horses.”
    â€œThat’s all the Nez Perce have done for generations.”
    â€œThen, bless God, it’s about time they changed; the wild, free ways should give way to sensible civilization.”
    â€œYes, I know,” Willow said dutifully and wondered if she felt relief or disappointment that she would not have to have a confrontation with those two brothers again. Raven seemed adaptable enough, Bear was the stubborn, primitive one. “Are there any school supplies?”
    Reverend Harlow shook his head. “Not yet. A few slates, a Bible or two. The ladies’ prayer group back in Boston is supposed to help gather up some supplies. Did you bring any of your own books?”
    â€œJust my favorite novel, A Tale of Two Cities .”
    â€œA novel?” The elderly preacher drew himself up stiffly. “Really, my dear, I don’t think—”
    â€œIt has some godly thoughts,” Willow hastened to say, “and civilization triumphs over disorder and violence. I thought I might use it for spelling words and such until we got some textbooks.”
    â€œHmm.” He readjusted his glasses. “Nothing too profane or sensual?”
    Willow thought about the love story in the novel, decided her guardian would not approve. She shook her head.
    The reverend began to cough.
    â€œOh, sir, are you all right?” Willow went to his side, but he waved her away.
    â€œI’ll be all right, just a mild case of the grippe, maybe. I was planning on driving you out to the camp myself, but I’m none too well—”
    â€œYou don’t seem to be in any shape to go out in this early morning chill,” Willow said, deeply concerned. “I can drive a buggy.”
    He stifled a cough. “A lady out unescorted in this wild country? Why, it’s unthinkable.”
    â€œPerhaps I can find someone at the livery stable who would escort me.”
    He took a deep breath and the coughing subsided. “Nothing, really. What’s been bothering me are these shooting pains in my left arm—”
    â€œHave you seen a doctor?”
    â€œHe says it’s probably rheumatism at my age. You know, I really don’t feel like driving this morning. Lieutenant Warton has been wanting to meet you, perhaps he would be available to escort you.”
    â€œI’ll ask about him down at the livery stable; I don’t want to delay my first day of school.” Willow began to gather her things.
    The old man looked relieved as he leaned back in his chair with a sigh. “Remember to set a good example, Willow. We want to show all the Indians that they, too, can be like you.”
    In her mind, Willow saw Bear’s sneering, dark face. “Not