Chapter 11

I awoke the next morning feeling just so warm and snuggly with the twins cuddled up on either side of me. I felt like just staying in bed with my two lovelies, but the call of nature was too strong and if I didn't get up we were going to have a wet bed. That unpleasant thought forced me to move. I untangled myself from the twins and made my way to the outhouse.

Damn! It was cold out here this morning! As I shivered in the early morning chill, I wondered, 'if this was only July, what would it be like come winter?' This was one thing I'd have to do something about, because I did not relish the idea of using smelly, tippy, chamber pots all winter. And, I certainly did not look forward to freezing my butt on a drafty, frosty privy seat with the frigid South Dakota wind blowing up my ass.

I knew that in this time, some of the more well-to-do homes in some of the bigger cities had inside privies. Maybe we could order something from the Montgomery Ward catalog? Hmmm ... even if we could just get or manufacture a toilet seat, I thought I could rig up a chemical toilet. I had a couple five gallon buckets in the camper...

Regardless, I figured I could come up with something that kept delicate skin off frozen boards without a lot of stink. And, I just knew that regardless of their cultural beginnings, the women folk would quickly adapt and be VERY appreciative of such a thoughtful amenity...

When I finished my morning ritual, I went back in to wake the girls so we could all go to breakfast with the rest of the family, but everyone was already stirring. While I waited for them to get ready, I noticed that Dawn kept glancing at me with a shy smile.

I thought, 'Oh no, I guess we were too noisy again. I'll have to tell the girls that we need to be quieter in our lovemaking.' So, as I kissed and hugged my sweeties good morning, I quietly mentioned, "I think we made too much noise last night — we need to try to be quieter" I nodded my head in her direction. "Dawn looks embarrassed this morning."

Instead of smiling or blushing in embarrassment, Running Deer became very serious as she observed, "She's not embarrassed — she wants the same. She's been a widow for too long. Maybe you should make her your wife too, and Standing Bear needs a father anyway." As she spoke, Little Doe was nodding in agreement.

Taken aback, I dissembled, trying to collect my thoughts. "I'll think about it. I just married the two of you and I don't think I need any more wives. Won't you be jealous of another wife?"

My sweeties were absolute dolls, and Dawn, as well as being a good worker, was very likeable, and more importantly for this discussion, was VERY attractive — any man would be proud to have the raven-haired beauty in his bed. I sure didn't want the green-eyed monster rearing its ugly head just because I acted rashly — something I had a bit of a reputation for, it seemed, and based on recent events, it was deserved.

The twins looked at me like a child who was slow with his lessons. You know — the schoolmarm annoyed-but-patient one ... Running Deer sounded almost exasperated. "Not be jealous! Much status! Man should have as many wives as he can provide for and who can give him lots of children to help him. Big family! Family VERY important to Sioux people!"

Talk about your culture shock! This was sure different from my time, where women were so insecure in their relationships they would kill you if you even brought up the subject of another woman. To suggest adding another to the relationship ... well ... let's just say it would be a slow and painful death. Here and now, at least with these two, they not only seemed comfortable with the thought of introducing another woman into the relationship — it was THEIR idea!

We were just about to the main house, so I pulled my two close and told them, "I said I would think about it. Now give me some time to get used to the idea. We will talk later, and we should talk to Dawn, too. I don't know for sure what she wants — just what you two say she wants."

As I reached for the door to let us in, Deer and Doe looked at each other then at Dawn, who had been standing by the doorstep waiting for us to catch up, and together, mouthed, "Later..." With me temporarily off the hook, we went in to meet the family and eat.

Before we sat down to breakfast with the rest of the family, I introduced the girls, Dawn, and Standing Bear to the family. Rose, who seemed to be the family spokesman (I DO NOT buy into that PC feminist crap! 'Spokesman' was good enough for hundreds of years. It's still good enough... ) for the family, said "We've known the twins all their lives but it is good to meet you, too, Dawn and Standing Bear. Welcome to the family, everyone."

All my kin greeted the girls and Dawn with smiles and hugs. Bear got handshakes from the men and hugs from the women. The poor kid just about died of embarrassment at all the open affection and attention from the women.

Over a huge country breakfast, we discussed what we were going to do today. Grandpa said, "We should go into town today. I need to go to the courthouse and see Judge Mitchell about those leases. We also need to tell him about those murdered miners we found and how it was made to look like Indians done it.

"And you, Clay, have a bunch of things you should do. Among others, you should let people know there is a new doctor in the area. You may want to bring your bag with you just in case you get some business while we're there. If he's around, maybe you should make the Marshal's acquaintance, too, and offer him your services as a deputy. I haven't met the new man yet, but I hear he's a fair hand. Also, you might want to get a few things for your new wives while we're there." That last got smiles from ALL the women. When I allowed as that was a good idea, the smiles got even bigger.

After breakfast, we got ready to go to town. Ed, Don and Larry were going to stay and continue to get things ready on the ranch for Red Cloud's camp to move in. All the ladies wanted to go with us (some things are the same in all time periods, like women and shopping... ). When the boys found out we were heading to town, they wanted to come too, which prompted me to ask if there was going to be enough room for all of us.

Grandpa explained, "Most of us will ride our horses, but Sally and the baby will ride up front with me in the wagon. The wagon is too uncomfortable for most. Only the driver's seat is on springs, so nobody likes riding in the back, but we'll throw in some hay and a blanket for the two youngest boys, Davy and Jake, to ride back there."

I didn't really need Grandpa's explanation. If I'd been thinking half-way straight, I'd have remembered about farm wagons because we still had some around the ranch when I was growing up. However, it got me thinking if there was a way to make my truck into a wagon. It would take a lot of work. I'd made utility trailers out of old pickups before, but without the tools I had the use of then, it would be much more work. Here and now all I had was the toolbox I carried in the truck. The only cutting tools I had in it were some chisels and a hacksaw with only a few blades for it. I also had a cordless drill, but no way of charging it, so it wasn't going to be a lot of help. This was going to take much thought, and if I did it at all, it was going to be a lot of work

After we saddled up and hitched the wagon, we mounted up as Grandpa had described. Once we were all moving, I motioned to Grandpa and we dropped behind a bit. I checked that we were out of ear-shot of everyone else and asked Grandpa, "What about money? I don't have any from this time."

Grandpa looked thoughtful, then said, "That could be a problem, but I still got the money that the army sent with Clay's belongings. It was to cover three months' back pay. That's rightfully yours — almost $150. When we get to town, I'll give it to you. If you need any more, I'll loan it to you, but you are probably going to be doing some doctoring while we're there, so you will be making a little anyhow. We should figure out a way you can be in each of the local towns a couple of days a month. Hill City, Silver City, and Deadwood are all close. Deadwood's the farthest from the ranch, a little under 10 miles."

The thought of traveling from town to town as a doctor made me think more seriously about using my truck — or at least parts of it — as a wagon. Maybe I could also use my camper as a mobile house between the towns, so I didn't have to travel so much back and forth.

The rest were still ahead of us and everyone was so busy talking and carrying on with their neighbor that they probably couldn't hear us anyway. Regardless, I kept Grandpa back a bit because I still wanted to talk with him in confidence. Then I told him about the twins thinking, no — insisting — that I should also take Dawn as my wife and of course therefore making Standing Bear my Son.

Grandpa took a few seconds to answer, and I appreciated the thoughtfulness of his reply, which included some very reasonable caveats: "Dawn's not much older than you — maybe a year or two. Two Knives was actually her stepson. Her first husband, his father, was killed in a hunting accident. She's still a real looker and would make a fine wife." I nodded and grinned enthusiastically, much to his amusement.

"Dawn is a proud woman. I have no idea how she might feel about it, though. You'll just have to ask her if you decide it's not such a bad idea. However, I think you should consider this: Standing Bear is a good boy (I nodded agreement.) but he really needs a father and a good role model now that his big brother is gone. Two Knives might have been stupid as far as the twins were concerned, but he was good to his little brother. Poor Standing Bear is having a hard time now, since his brother shamed the family honor. To the Lakota, that was the act of a coward."

I had been thinking about this a bit, and I wasn't so sure. I thought he acted more foolishly angry than cowardly. "He was no coward — just crazy from his desire for Little Doe. When he saw how things were between us, he probably thought that if he killed me, then as the winner, the twins would be his. And ... he wanted Little Doe so much he was not willing to lose. To him, there were no other options. He wasn't my enemy — he was just a contender for the girls who got lost in his frustration and it cost him."

Grandpa gave me a look filled with affection and pride as he said, "You're right, and it puts Two Knives in a lot better light for the rest of his family. You need to tell Standing Bear what you just told me. I know it's only been a couple days since it happened, but I can see that he is already a troubled young man over it. He really looked up to his older brother before all this, and now he looks up to you, too. It will make it a lot easier for him to accept his brother's actions and start holding his own head up if you tell him you don't think his brother was a coward."

As we rode, I continued to watch the family as they rode or drove ahead of us. I assured Grandpa I'd take his suggestion and I had some more questions. "That's a good idea Uncle Henry. If it will help make him feel better about himself, I'll talk to him and explain what I think. Now, back to Dawn, what do you think about me taking her for a wife also? I like her a lot, and I agree about Bear, but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the idea. Where and when I come from, the women would try to kill me if I even suggested such a thing. Here and now, they not only seem happy about it, they're the ones actually making the suggestion."

Grandpa tried to hide his grin at my discomfort and confusion, but his tone was serious when he told me, "Don't forget — they were raised in a different society than the white man. Most white women now would act like the ones where you come from, although with the Mormons in the country, a lot of people are adopting to their ways even if they don't take the religion.

"As for the Sioux and many other tribes, although most men only take one wife, it is not uncommon for a man to have more. The people think it's OK as long as he can provide for them. Sitting Bull is actually typical, as he has only ever had one wife and is devoted to her. Often, a man ends up with more than one wife for just the same reason you may take Dawn — her man is killed and another takes her into his family to provide for her and raise her kids. It will only happen though if his existing wife (or wives) says it's OK — if they don't, then it's a deal breaker. Jealousy isn't just for white folks, y'know...

"Remember, with the Sioux, kin, or otakuye, is everything. What we think of as a village or local tribe is actually one large, extended family, or tiyospe. That's why Red Cloud didn't make any fuss when I suggested the village, except for those braves leading the army away, stay with us on the ranch. Remember I said they were family? Well, through Dove, they are my family, and by extension, yours. And now, you have made it even more so by marrying the twins and adding Dawn and Bear, which brings me back to it. Yes, I think it would be a good idea, and not just for you, but for everyone."

"Well, if it's such a good idea, why didn't you take more than one then?" I asked, although I suspected he'd already hinted at the reason he was monogamous.

"Didn't need more than one. Besides, Dove would kill me. Remember, I said jealousy isn't exclusive to the whites." He smirked

"Yet you think I need a whole house full. Why?" I asked

Grandpa chuckled, "Your case starts out special because of the twins. They came as a package deal. They're already used to sharing with each other, so it's easy for them to share with another woman. Because they think that way, they consider it a real status symbol. So they actually want you to take Dawn as a wife and in the doing, adopt Bear. It doesn't hurt either, that those three have always been close friends.

"But I have my own very selfish reason for wanting it: I need as many kids around the place as possible — keeps me young, and with you having three wives, I think you'll be making lots of little ones for me. Besides, after I spoil them, I can send them home to you." Then he started laughing like hell at me.

Seems the idea of 'grandparents' revenge' is not a concept peculiar to my time... "Thanks a lot. You keep up that cackling, we'll have to check to see if you laid an egg." I grumbled as I pulled a face, which only made him laugh harder.

After that I just rode quietly, listening to the women chat with each other, getting better acquainted. I figured if I said anything else in the next little while it would just set Grandpa off laughing at me again. After awhile, when he had settled down and I had cooled off, I asked him what the plan was when we did get to town.

He said, "First, we'll drop the women and the boys off at the general store. The women know what supplies we need at home, and can shop very well without us looking over their shoulders. Standing Bear and the other boys can keep each other company and do the stepping and fetching for the women while you and I go to the court house and talk to Judge Mitchell.

"When we're finished talking with the Judge, I want to go over to the assay office and discuss an idea I have that might help Red Cloud's people. And, while we're about it, we'll introduce you to all the people along the way and maybe stop at a couple of the larger saloons to let people know we have a doctor in the area. Once people know who you are, you should be able to make some money."

It wasn't much longer before town came into sight and then we were there. We headed straight for the General Store, where we parked the wagon and tied up our mounts. Before the women headed into the store, Grandpa handed me the cash he said was mine, and I promptly handed most of it over to the ladies, less a few bucks for my own use.

I told them to get whatever they needed, but also to be careful, as it was all we had for now. The twins and Dawn weren't very familiar with money, but Grandma Dove was, and assured me she would look out for them. She appropriated the cash herself and promised that she would make it stretch. As Grandpa and I headed off toward the courthouse, we told the boys to stay with the women to help with the lifting, and also to keep an eye out for any trouble.

We were in the court house talking with the Judge when Jake ran in, yelling for us to come quick. As we rushed out of the courthouse, we could hear yelling coming from the direction of the store. When we got closer, I saw a crowd of people standing around, but they were blocking the view so we couldn't see what was actually going on. When we managed to push our way to the front, I saw a half-drunk miner was holding Dawn by the arm, trying to drag her into a dark alley. However, Standing Bear was blocking the way, his knife out and threatening. Half his face was turning black and blue and one eye looked to be close to swelling shut — he had obviously been struck very hard in the face.

I quickly drew my cross-draw pistol and put a round between the drunk's feet. I shouted, "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!"

The crowd, like any in a Western town at the time, quickly drew back at the sound of gunfire, mindful of what could happen to bystanders when there was gunplay. Startled by the noise and the impact of the bullet tearing up the boardwalk between his boots, the miner released his grip on Dawn then slurred drunkenly, "I was just going to get a little of this squaw, and that Injun kid got in my way so I swatted him."

I couldn't help but think that not only was this idiot drunk, but be was also incredibly stupid, when he couldn't or wouldn't recognize a son trying to defend his mother. Then I realized that he was also a typical-for the-times anti-Indian bigot, who thought he could do whatever he pleased with an Indian woman with no consequences. That realization only made me angrier than I already was.

My eyes narrowed and I fixed him with a frigid stare. In a deadly cold voice that should have frozen Hell, I told the dumbass, "That lady is my wife and that boy is her son. You touch either of them again and I'll kill you where you stand, understand? Hell, I'd just as soon shoot you right now, or let my boy at you with his knife, but if you lived over it, then I'd just have to patch you back up."

The drunk backed away from the immediate threat of my drawn weapon and Bear's still purposefully waving knife as he offered, "Don't want no trouble, Mister, you c'n have her — I'll just take one of these other squaws then."

The drunken fool still didn't get it. He thought I was just keeping Dawn for myself, but the other women were still fair game to his bigoted lust. Sorely tempted to put the sorry excuse for a man down anyway, I deliberately pointed my gun at him. "No, you won't be taking any women against their will today." I indicated Running Deer, Little Doe, and Dove. "Those two are also my wives and that one is my aunt, and this here is my uncle, her husband. Touch any of them, and you're a dead man."

Now even surlier at being thwarted in his unwanted attentions toward the ladies, the fool lurched threateningly toward me. "What are you, a Mormon or something? It ain't right you having three women all to yerself, and the rest of us having none."

Becoming increasingly annoyed with this idiot as he got too close, I warned him, "One more step, and I'll shoot."

The fool looked around and waved his arm to indicate several other men in the crowd, some of whom moved toward the front, and bragged, "You can't shoot us all!"

I smiled menacingly, "That may be, but you'll never know, because you'll be the first to die."

Still being stupidly belligerent, he claimed, "You shoot me, they'll hang you."

I'd about had enough of this dumbass — he was breathing air that decent people could put to much better use, and wasting my time. I'd figured it was about time to take out the trash, and was getting ready to fire when another shot rang out. A man with a US Marshal's badge stepped out of the crowd and ordered, "Hold it right there! You!" Indicating me, "Put up your weapon! And you," pointing at the drunk, "Stand away! Son, put your knife away, please. I think your mama is safe now. Now, somebody tell me what's going on here."

The dumbass who started it all, pointed drunkenly at me and declared, "This guy here is hogging all the women — said they're all his wives. 'T'ain't right! Why should he get all the women! They're just squaws anyway."

The marshal flinched and looked angry at the description of the women as 'just squaws', but he had to ask (and he looked impressed... ), "Is that right? Are you married to all these women?"

Before I could answer, Grandpa spoke up. "That's right, Jack. Clay is married to those three and this one is my wife, Morning Dove. This dumbass tried to rape one of Clay's women, and when her young son tried to stop him, he beat the boy up. My boy here," he pointed at Jake, "came and fetched Clay and me. We found this idiot tryin' to make off with Dawn. Clay pulled his gun and fired at his feet to stop him. If it had been me, I think I would've just killed the jackass and asked questions later! I don't hold with rape, regardless of who the woman is, where she comes from, or who her people are, and neither do any of these decent folk. When he found out he couldn't have Dawn, the fool wanted the twins or MY wife. Clay had about enough and if you hadn't stopped it, he would have shot this fool dead like he deserves, and I'd have backed him all the way."

When the marshal heard Grandpa speak, it was obvious he recognized the voice. He looked more closely and queried, "Hank? Is that you? What are you doing in these parts? What's it been — 25 years?"

Grandpa grinned at his old friend, "Hello, Jack! Yup, it's me! I guess it must be about that long since I was a marshal. Don't seem like it, though. Heard there was a new marshal, but didn't know it was you."

The marshal interrupted, "Before we get too busy catchin' up Hank, I think I'd better finish this business first." Grandpa nodded agreement and waved as if to say, 'go ahead.' Then Jack spoke to the crowd. "Anyone here see what happened?"

A well dressed middle-aged lady spoke up, "Yes, most of us saw it from the start. Hank told it just like it happened. We all know Hank and his family and we know they are good people. That ... that man there," her voice filled with loathing and disgust as she pointed at the drunken miner, "started the whole thing." She huffed as only a good Victorian lady could. "It's getting so a decent lady cannot step outside her own house without being accosted by rowdies, ruffians and drunkards! They should be ashamed of themselves! This used to be a nice town before that lot came after the gold. It seems all they do is drink and make trouble, though!"

Several people in the crowd nodded and their voices could be heard agreeing and urging the Law to take tighter control of the town. The mood of the crowd was decidedly against them, so the miners, who were in a minority, wisely decided to slip quietly away, leaving the original troublemaker to face the marshal and the crowd on his own. When he saw all his so-called friends had disappeared, he became much less belligerent.

The marshal got right in his face. "You're lucky to be alive, ya damn fool! If I'd have caught you messing with my wife, I'm like Hank — I would have killed you before asking any questions at all! We don't need your kind of troublemaking in these parts! You and your raping kind have already stirred up enough trouble and there's no place for you in my town!! Now git! I see you again, I'll lock you up and call Hank to shoot you!" Finally realizing he was in big trouble, the drunk turned and staggered away.

Jack turned to the crowd. "Thank you for your help, folks. Now, please move along about your business and let the dust settle. I'll make sure there's no more trouble."

The crowd dispersed quietly after that, and after Grandpa shook Jack's hand, he took up his tale to Jack as if there had been no interruption at all... "Good to see you after all these years, Jack. Let's see ... After I quit the marshals, I joined up with my brother John and we started a ranch together about 6 miles north of here. Meet Clay — he's my brother's son. He just returned home a couple of days ago."

The marshal turned to me and as we shook hands, he observed, "You're pretty good with that pistol, but you also showed you wouldn't be suckered into shooting in cold blood. Were you ever a lawman like Hank was?"

I explained a little of my 'history', with just enough truth from my own time to make the story now plausible. "I was a deputy back east for awhile while I went to school. Then I joined the army medical corps. I just got out. Now I'm just a doctor looking to set up a practice hereabouts."

Jack had smiled almost happily when I told him I'd been a deputy once upon a time. Now, upon hearing I was a doctor, the smile faded a little as he looked thoughtful. "Hmmm ... A doctor, huh? Hmmm..." Then he turned to Grandpa. "Hank, is there someplace we can all go to talk that's a little more private? I just started covering this area, and I don't know where everything is yet."

Grandpa told Jack, "Before that idiot went after our women folk and cuffed his boy around, Clay and I were just getting ready to go have a beer. I'm not sure how private we can be in a bar, but the one I was heading for is pretty good. I know the barkeep real well, and he'll make sure we're not disturbed. It sure beats standing out here on the sidewalk. If you want to join us, I'm buyin'."

Jack laughed and said, "Lead on, boys! I never turn down a free drink."

As the two old friends turned away, already catching up on the years they had missed together, I called after them, "You go on ahead. I'm going to check in with the women and make sure they're all right. I'll catch up with you. Where will you be?"

Grandpa replied, "Sounds like a plan, Clay — you look to your family. We'll be at Sam's place when you're ready. That's the second saloon down this way on the right." He shook his head and clucked his tongue in disbelieving disgust. "I can't believe how a town of less than three hundred can have 10 saloons now — there used to be only Sam's place. It's all these damn gold miners. The place is going to hell fast."

Grandpa and Jack strolled off talking together and from Grandpa's gestures I could tell he was still wound up over the number of saloons and all the problems that came with them and their drunken clientele.

Meanwhile, I turned back to my own affairs. I escorted the women back into the store and checked Standing Bear's injuries to make sure that they were no worse than bad bruises and that he was otherwise alright. To help bring the swelling down, I had Dawn place a damp cloth on his cheek and eye.

As I showed her how to treat Bear's bruises, Dawn nervously asked, "Why did you tell those men I was one of your wives and Standing Bear was your son?"

As I answered, my heart spoke for me, "This morning, the twins said I should ask you to marry me. They had some very good reasons why they thought it was a good idea, but I told them I had to think on it. When I saw you were in trouble, I didn't need to think anymore — my family was being attacked, it made me mad and I just spoke what I felt was the truth. I saw you being dragged away and it 'bout broke my heart.

"Then I saw Standing Bear all beat up, still trying to stop that ape, and I felt so proud of him, just as if he was my own son. In a flash, I realized how much I've come to care for you two, and that the twins were right! Standing Bear is a good boy but he still needs a father and you're a wonderful, beautiful woman who needs a family to support and care for her. So, seeing as how I already claimed you were in public, will you be my wife and Standing Bear my son?"

Dawn seemed dubious and unsure of herself. "But you have two wives already! I'm not as young and pretty as they are, and I still have shame for what Two Knives did to you."

As I listened to her, I was convinced even more that I was doing the right thing. "What are you talking about? I already said you were beautiful, and I don't say things like that lightly. I'll say it one more time, and then I don't want to hear any more about it. You're very pretty, beautiful, even. You don't think that dumbass grabbed you first because you were ugly, do you? He tried for the best looking one.

"Not only are you still pretty, but you have experience raising sons and running a household that you can only get by being older. You will make a good wife to me and be like an older sister to the twins, teaching all of us about life and love.

"As for Two Knives — what he did was a mistake that cost him dearly and he paid the price with his life. There is no shame in that for you. He did it because he was in love with Little Doe and he could not stand the thought of losing her. I didn't want to kill him because I understood why he was doing it, but he couldn't stand it. I'm sure when he attacked me from behind he knew that he would die before he ever got to me. He was young, headstrong and maybe foolish, but I'm sure he never intended to dishonor his family.

"Please believe me when I say both you and Bear will be welcome as full members of our family. If you're still not sure, talk to the twins. They'll tell you exactly the same thing. After all, it was them that mentioned it to me in the first place. Anyway, think about what I've said."

As I wound down, Dawn looked quite relieved. I think I had soothed most of her concerns. She smiled wanly then said. "I accept if the other wives tell me it is OK." I grinned because I knew what the twins thought already. As far as I was concerned, it was a done deal.

The boys had all been watching and listening quietly while I talked to Dawn. When I finished, I turned to them and praised them. "You boys did real well protecting the family and coming to get me when you did. I'm proud of you all. Now let's try to relax a bit after all the fuss. Here's a dime to buy some candy. Brad, you're the oldest, so you look after the money. Remember, it's for all of you so I expect you to share it evenly." Brad took the coin and assured me he'd do like I said.

Then I addressed Standing Bear directly, "I told you earlier, and you heard what I told your mama just now: Two Knives was not a coward. He just made a mistake and let his heart rule his head. You made me very proud, the way you protected your mother and the other ladies against someone so much bigger than you! Even though you were hurt, you still stood your ground. If you will have me, I'd be very proud to be your father." I could see his young body swell with pride at my praise. He finally understood that his brother was not a coward and that he and his mother had been accepted. I knew he would be alright now.

I left the family happily shopping and walked down to meet Grandpa and the marshal in the saloon. I ordered a beer at the bar and then carried it over to join them. As I sat at the table where he and Jack were sipping their mugs of beer and quietly talking, I heard him telling his friend about us finding the dead prospectors. "Jack, they were killed to make it look like Indians did it, but the arrows were Crow, not Sioux, and they were robbed! Now, Indians would have taken their weapons, horses and some of their gear, but they would have little use for their money or gold. These men were all fully dressed and still had their guns, but their valuables were gone. Even more importantly, all the tracks were made by boots. Do you know very many war parties that all wear boots? It's obvious, to me and Clay anyway, that someone is trying to stir up the Indians or make them look bad so the government takes away their land."

Jack had listened patiently, sipping his beer and looking troubled. "I can see that Hank, and you, Clay and me, ain't the only ones who think so. That's why I'm here. I was sent from Fort Laramie to try to stop the trouble brewing in the Black Hills and try to keep another Indian War from starting. Are you aware of what happened to Custer?"

I answered, "I was one of the doctors at Fort Laramie until a few weeks ago. The news broke just before I left."

Jack sat up. "I thought I recognized you. But ... I was told you were dead..."

I shrugged as if it was no big deal. "I was out of the fort treating a case of typhoid. By the time I got it under control, we had lost four men. When it took so long and they hadn't heard from me, but heard we'd lost that many, they just thought I was one of the casualties. By the time I got back, they thought I was dead and since my enlistment was up anyway, I just processed out and returned home. I guess they just didn't get the paper work right, 'cause all my belongings and back pay were shipped home to Uncle Hank as my last kin."

"Damn government types never could get anything right!" Jack grunted; then said very seriously, "Clay, you could be a big help to me. I have a lot of area to cover — and no help. You know the people here, and from what Hank tells me, you're on good terms with Red Cloud too. As a doctor, you're going to be in all the different towns around here and getting to know more of the people. Folks will talk to you easier than they would to me.

"What I'm sayin' is, I would like you to be one of my deputies. Hank tells me you need some money coming in. The pay is $50 a month, which gives you a regular income you can count on. You might make more doctoring, but there ain't no guarantee it will be very regular, and lots of folks won't be able to pay much, if anything."

I was getting uncomfortable. I wouldn't mind being a deputy, but I had my heart set on the doctoring. Jack saw the conflict in my face and hurried to reassure me. "Don't misunderstand me, Clay — you can keep up your doctoring as well. Either job has you moving around the country, and while you're doing one, you can be doing the other. You can help a lot of people and at the same time help to keep the peace.

"We don't need this to be another war zone. Custer was a fool, but what happened to him is going to be held against the Indians. Regardless of how it happened, the fact he was massacred has put fear into Washington. I really like this lease idea for the settlers already here that your uncle has been telling me about and especially the inspiration of leasing the gold claims. If Hank can pull it off, that should really help Washington understand how to deal with the greed of the miners. I agree with you fellers, they will enforce a written contract a lot better than they ever would a treaty. In theory, they're very similar concepts, but in practice, I guess there's a difference between dealing with a business rather than a people. Don't make sense, but that's how it is."

Just then I spotted Jake peeking in the saloon doors. I drew Grandpa's attention to it, and he called out, "Come here, Jake. What is it?"

Hearing his father call him in, Jake lost his shyness and raced in. "There's a whole bunch of people over at store looking for Clay. Mama sent me over to get him."

My first thought was more trouble from dumbasses, and demanded, "Are they causing more trouble? Are the women OK?"

Jake didn't seem very upset and I breathed a sigh of relief at his reply. "I think so. The people are just asking to see the Doctor."

I thought the women hadn't wasted any time in putting out the word there was now a doctor in town. I started to get up to leave and said, "Seems the word is out. Looks like I need to go to work."

Jack held up his hand to stop me and said, "Just a minute, Clay. We ain't finished yet. You never said for sure about being a deputy. Will You? Sorry to rush you, but I won't be in town for long, and you're going to be busy, looks like."

I had already decided when Jack told me I could do both at the same time, and even a dummy like me understood the good I could do for folks. "I'm sorry, Jack, I thought you understood it was OK with me. Yes, I'll be glad to be your deputy."

Jack became the official Marshall as be directed me, "Hold up your right hand. Do you swear to uphold the constitution of the United States and the laws of the territories, so help you God?"

I did as he said, and with my right hand up, I solemnly declared, "I do."

Reaching into his pocket, Jack handed me a badge. He said, "Congratulations! You're now a Deputy US Marshal."

"So what do I do now?"

Jack's instructions were simple. "You've been a lawman before, so I don't have to tell you all the fine details of how to do your job. Keep your ears open. Try to defuse any trouble, and uphold the law to the best of your ability. If you need me, you can contact me at Fort Laramie, but basically you're on your own. From what I saw of you in action today, I'm sure I can trust your good judgment."

"Should I wear the badge all the time?"

Jack couldn't resist a little gallows humor, "Might give them something to aim at. Seriously, though, I'd say just put it on when you need it. Those that want or need to know that you're the Law will find out soon enough."

With nothing else holding me there, I left Sam's place and walked back to the store. When I got there, I found several people waiting. It seemed that just like any other small town, the store was the place to gather and discuss business, trade goods or just to socialize with their neighbors. There were four people there to actually see me as the doctor.

Before I saw any patients, though, I first went to see Mr. Miller the storekeeper and asked if there was any place I could examine the patients privately. He told me he had a few cabins around back. He said each cabin had a small kitchen area and a separate bedroom.

I asked how much to rent two of them, as it looked like some days I would be staying in town. He told me he would rent them to me for $5 a month. I figured they probably needed a good cleaning before I used them, and Mr. Miller agreed to let me use the back room of the store for today.

Next, I asked to see what he had on hand for medicine. When he showed me, I was surprised at the amount of patent medicine on his shelf. Upon looking through them, I saw that while most was just junk, there were some powders, ointments, salves, liniments and clean linen bandages — all extremely useful. I realized that this store was probably typical, and I would be able to get most of my everyday supplies easily, allowing me to keep my personal kit stocked up, and making the use of some of my specialized supplies for mundane tasks unnecessary, thus keeping them for their intended use.

I fetched my bag in from the wagon and got set up to see my first patients. My wives would help me with the patients while Grandma watched the boys.

The first man I saw what appeared to be an insect bite on his hand. When I asked how long ago it had happened, he said he had been stung by a bee three days before. It was quite swollen and he said it was very painful. He was right to seek help. Usually a simple bee sting stops hurting and the swelling goes away after a few hours. For it to last this long indicated another problem.

Using a small scalpel, I opened the swollen sting, and once I had wiped off the pus, I found the stinger still stuck in the wound. I removed it with a pair of tweezers. I gave Little Doe some money and had her buy me some straight grain alcohol and bandages from the storekeeper. I used the alcohol to wash out and disinfect the wound and wrapped with a linen bandage. I told him to keep it clean and wrapped for a few days. It should be fine after that, but if it got worse to send for me. I charged him two dollars.

My next patient was an older man who was suffering from arthritis in his hands. I told him there wasn't much I could do to help him, but also explained that if he kept his hands warm and stayed out of drafts as much as possible, it would help. Then I took him out front and showed him a willow bark based headache powder which I told him would help with the swelling and ease the pain. I only charged him $1 for the advice. I wouldn't have charged anything, but I knew that if I didn't, he wouldn't take the advice, figuring it was worth just what he would have paid — nothing.

My third patient was a little girl with a burnt hand. I carefully drained the blisters and cleaned the area then cut a leaf off an Aloe Vera plant I saw by the window. I applied a generous amount of the clear Aloe juice to the burn then carefully wrapped the girl's hand with a clean dry bandage. I told her mother to make sure she kept it clean and dry. I also instructed her to bring the child to see me in a few days, when I was back in town.

When I was finished, the mother told me they didn't have much money and asked if I would take 3 chickens which she would deliver to me when I returned. I told her that one would be enough, then took the little girl out to the store and bought her a candy stick. Thinking it over, I bought candy to give everyone and to keep some on hand for patients.

The last patient I saw was a miner, who for some reason wouldn't talk to me until I sent the girls out of the room. After they left, he loosened up and complained that his 'member' hurt. He also said that it hurt terribly to urinate. My suspicions were aroused and I asked if there was any pus seeping from it. He said there was, so I had him drop his pants. When he did, I could plainly see that he had a case of Cupid's Revenge.

I told him. "You have the clap. I can cure it once if you follow my instructions. I can give you a shot that will help it, but you must not have any sexual contact for the next three months. You also need to tell me where you caught it from so I can try to stop anyone else from catching this. You can't drink any alcohol for the next 90 days either, as that will stop the medicine from working."

The man's shoulders slumped and he whined, "All that just to fix it, Doc? How bad a disease is it?"

"It's a bad one. You could go blind, lose your mind, or even die," I told him, hoping that would frighten him enough so he would listen to me. "Who have you been with lately? I need to know where you caught it so I can find them and stop any more spread."

"I must have got it off one of those whores at the Oasis Saloon up in Deadwood last week."

"Have you been with anybody since?"

"That's the first time I've been with a woman since I came out here. I only had enough money for the once, and I haven't been with anyone since then, neither, Doc."

"Good, at least you haven't spread it further yourself." Although this man hadn't spread it around, I knew I'd have to go to Deadwood soon and try to keep this from becoming an epidemic. I feared I was already too late.

I prepared to give him a shot from my very limited stock of penicillin. Although it was intended for veterinary use on horses, it worked fine on people. Unfortunately, however, I only had six horse-size vials, which although they were quite large, would have to last me. Not for the last time would I wish I could make a brief return back home to get supplies. Veterinary penicillin and tetracycline were available over the counter without a prescription in horse country, and I could stock up fairly cheaply.

"This is a very rare medicine and I can't get more, so if you don't do as I tell you, I won't waste the cure on you again," I admonished as I cleaned the injection site with alcohol.

The man sounded scared. "It sounds expensive. I ain't got no money or a grub stake, but I got this pistol I can give you."

I looked at it. What I saw was a 'Baby Lemat', a very rare pistol that had belonged to a very senior Confederate officer. Any original Lemats were rare, but the 'Baby' was extremely rare, both in my time, and now, as there had only been about a hundred of them originally. It was a nine shot .32. caliber percussion pistol, with a center .41 caliber shotgun barrel. The barrel was only 4 1/4 inches long. It was in excellent condition. Just looking at it practically had me drooling. I knew I wanted it.

I was curious where he got it. "Was this yours in the war?"

He snorted. "Naw! I took it off a dead Reb general. I got another pistol now that's better for longer shots, so you can have that one, if it's enough, for the cure."

We were both happy with the deal. I accepted the pistol, which included all the fixings for loading and cleaning. I gave him his shot of penicillin and reminded him of the conditions of the cure — no sex and no booze for 90 days.

After he left, and seeing there no more patients, I went back to the front of the store where I found Grandpa had finished his visit with Jack and had rejoined the family. I showed him my new pistol and told him I rented two of the cabins out back so we didn't need to go home after dark.

Mt news about the cabins seemed to piss him off. He said, "Boy, me and your pa built those cabins for us to use when we're in town. Miller here, just rents them out when we're not using them."

Miller said, "Hank, you know I have been keeping them up for you. I deserve something for my trouble!"

Grandpa looked like he was about to explode. "You've been able to keep all the money you take in when we're not using them, without us asking for a penny of it. Now give Clay back his money before I really get mad! Hell, you should be paying him because of all the new customers he's bringing in by having his doctoring practice right here — not to mention being able to sell all that patent medicine you got stuck with."

"Now Hank, a man's got to make a living..." Miller still defended his actions, but I didn't think he'd get much sympathy from Grandpa.

And no, Grandpa wasn't buying it, as he continued his rant, "You are a greedy bastard! Ever since this gold rush started, you've been making money hand over fist. I heard tell you been renting the cabins out to six or seven miners at a time, and making them hot bunk so you could collect more! I don't like the miners, but I won't see them robbed, either! That is going to stop now!"

Miller didn't know enough to quit when he was ahead. "But Hank! With Clay using two of the cabins full time, that just leaves me with one to rent!"

"That does it! You can just stop renting any of them! If you want to be in the hotel business, build your own!" Miller wasn't happy about that development at all, but he had no one to blame but himself. If he'd kept quiet, he'd still have a quite lucrative business renting out beds to itinerant miners at no cost to himself. Not only that, but his greed might have cost him an old friend.

With Grandpa's last words, we left a worried Miller behind and headed down the street to get something to eat. I could tell grandpa was still steamed. We got to the restaurant Grandpa had recommended, and when we sat down, the waiter said with a sneer, "We don't serve no stinking Indians in here."

This set Grandpa off again, and he started yelling, "BILL!! BILL!! You'd better get your ass out here right now!!"

A fat man came rushing out of the kitchen saying, "What's going on out here? What's all the yelling about?" He saw Grandpa and greeted him, "Oh, hello, Hank. Is there a problem?"

Grandpa was fuming. "We came in and this here feller, he tells us you won't serve us."

Trying to soothe his old friend, Bill tried to explain, "Sorry, Hank. The miners, they got together and passed an ordinance that we can't serve Indians. It's the law."

I spoke up then. "Did the people of this town elect those miners to council? Is one of them the mayor? Did they invite the rest of the townspeople to their meeting?"

Bill was agitated, but he allowed as no, they hadn't been elected, and no, none of them was the mayor, and for sure no, none of the town folk had been invited.

"Well then, there ain't no such law because the people of this town did not pass it. A bunch of drunks who are mostly passing through are NOT citizens of the town. Any so-called ordinance they passed is a fraud, and you can bet I'll be looking into that!" I declared loudly. "You will serve us and" I indicated the mouthy waiter, "if anyone calls my family a bunch of dirty stinking Indians again, they better be ready to back it up."

Bill looked like he agreed, but he had a business to think of. "Hank, who is this? If I serve you, just on his say-so that their law is no good, they will close me down!"

Grandpa reassured his friend. "Ain't anybody going to close you down, Bill. This is my nephew Clay. He's the new doctor in these parts. But most importantly for what we're talking about now, he's also a deputy marshal, which means not only does he know the law, he IS the law!" To prove it, he had me produce my badge and show it to everyone in the room.

Bill still wasn't too happy, fearing reprisals from the miners. "Sorry, we'll serve you because I respect the Law, the lawful Law, but they threatened to burn out anyone that broke their rules. I can't help but worry."

I understood exactly what Bill's problem was, and to a certain extent, sympathized. He was a law abiding citizen, and wanted to be, but despite that, some bullies had appropriated the lawful procedures in the town, their threats still carried weight. It was time for my first act as a lawman.

"Uncle Henry, it looks like I need to stay in town for a few days. It's time to get this mess straightened out. This looks like some more of the stupid things they are doing, trying to kick off a war. This is just the sort of thing we talked about and that Jack hired me for."

True to his word, Bill served us an excellent meal. He served it himself so we didn't have to put up with his nasty waiter. I had a notion that once I got things straightened out, that that parson would be looking for a new job.

After we ate, it was getting late, so we retired back to the cabins. Grandpa and Dawn took one end and we took the other end. Sally, Rose, the baby and the boys got the middle cabin. I hoped they weren't too crowded. I was all set to settle in for a quiet evening with my ladies, but the first thing I knew, the girls all, just right in and started cleaning the cabins. An hour later all three cabins were spotless, and only then did we retire for the night.

I was surprised when Dawn joined us in our bed. I grinned and asked, "I guess the twins said it was OK, eh? Don't we need to get the Chief's and the Holy Woman's permission?"

She punched me playfully in the arm. "You knew already! I just did not want it to be too easy for you. Getting the elders' permission is only for maidens, like when you married the twins. Since I am widowed, and no longer a maiden, we don't need all the ceremonies. When you announced I was your wife to everyone that was it. In fact, we were actually married before you even asked — we were as soon as you told that bad man I was your wife."

What could I say to top that? I wisely kept my mouth shut and allowed my wives to control the evening activities. The twins conceded first place honors to Dawn as the new wife. She and I were as perfect a match together as either of the twins and I. And so it came to pass that after much enthusiastic and yes, noisy, loving, I finally bid goodnight to all my wives with a tender kiss. With three warm bodies cuddled around me, I drifted off to sleep, exhausted.