Second Star to the Right - Chapter 12 and 13, and Epilogue

SECOND STAR TO THE RIGHT

Mctrip7

Rating: PG-13
Genre: Suspense, Angst, Romance
For: Connor, as requested
Archive: Trip
Disclaimer: The characters belong to Paramount, but the story is mine
Summary: This story takes place during the episode “NORTH STAR”.

~~~~

Trip’s restlessness continued. At one time Dr. Phlox was sure he saw a tear or two make its way down his cheek. He couldn’t imagine the anguish his friend must be enduring.

~~~~

CHAPTER 12

“Where is Red Eagle? Could Dr. Jensen help him?” Clay asked .

“Let’s go inside and I will tell you about the latest information I have. Don’t you want to change your clothes, Clay?”

Clay felt that he wasn’t ready just yet to discard his connection with Golden Eagle. “I will, shortly, Uncle John. Is Maria here?”

“I’m right here, Clay. How do you feel? You might need to go easy on the food for a few days. It might not agree with you right off. How are your hands? Do we need to call Dr. Jensen?”

“I’m fine, Maria. Do you have some cool water?”

Sam was the one that spoke up next. “It’s quite an experience, isn’t it Clay? Their way is harsh, but it is so uncomplicated, so simple.”

“That’s right, Sam. I couldn’t have said it better. I’ve learned to look at things from an entirely different perspective. These people and their ways are so maligned. Among themselves there is much honor and respect. The white men aren’t always honest and trustworthy; so what should we expect from the Indians.”

“Easy, Clay, those are fighting words to a lot of families around here! The Indians gave no quarter when the Settlers first encountered them. Both sides have a lot to learn,” Sam continued.

Maria returned with a glass of water and set it before Clay. He lowered his eyes a second before picking it up.

“Water is very precious here. We must remember not to waste it.” Clay said as he brought the glass to his lips.

“Clay, I think you need to take a little time before we head up to the north 40. Day after tomorrow will be soon enough. When you feel like talking, let me know,” John continued.

“Doc Jensen took the boy to Wichita Falls to the hospital. There’s a Doctor there that knows all about bone surgery. He says if there’s anyone that can help him, it’ll be this Dr Todd. We haven’t heard anything for a couple of weeks; so we should be gettin’ a report soon.”

Sam couldn’t stand it any longer. “Clay I’d like to know what happened after we left you. You were pretty much out of it.”

“I really don’t remember much about that first week. That cut hurt like the devil but that stuff they gave me to drink must have had something strong in it because I don’t even remember them stitching up my other arm.” Extending his arm he smiled as he said “You can hardly see the scar.”

For the others’ benefit, Sam said “That’s where the big cat got hold of him. Good thing he didn’t get a tendon or a muscle.”

Maria reappeared with a steaming bowl of stew. “Just start with the broth. There’ll be plenty of time for the meat and vegetables later. You need to get your strength back.”

“I’m fine, Maria. In fact I feel better than I have in a long time.” Pointing to his body he said “This is all muscle, no fat. After the first week, the Chief really kept me busy, learning about the way they do things. I learned to handle the bow and arrow, how to ride bareback, how to trap small animals and a lot of other things they consider necessary for survival.”

“This stew tastes good, Maria. I still hadn’t gotten used to all those peppers in my food. I think they’re supposed to kill any germs you come in contact with.”

“Did the Chief give you one of his wives to attend to your needs while you were recovering?” it was Sam again, watching Clay closely for his response.

“Yes. Her name sounded like Rori. Do you know what it means?”

“I think it means ‘fresh’, ‘newest one’; something like that. Was she pretty? Did she make you comfortable?”

“Men!” Maria shook her head as she headed for the kitchen.

Clay could feel the warmth in his cheeks as he laughed with the rest of the men. “She was lovely.” was all he said.

The silence was thickening until Larry said “I better check our supplies for the trail. We’ll probably head out day after tomorrow. See you later, Clay.”

Sam and Shorty followed Larry out the door.

“Glad to see you’re OK, Boy.” Shorty put in.

Sam hesitated, “I’ll talk to you again later. You know I went through that same ceremony a few years back. You’ll never be the same again. You’ll never forget what you learned. I think I’m a better man for it, though. Take you’re time. See you later.” Sam slapped him on the back as he left.

Clay sat staring at the embers left in the fireplace. He was overwhelmed by the turn of events and confused about the direction his future should take.

“Uncle John, I’m in a quandary. I’m so mixed up right now that I’m afraid to think about making a decision on anything. I have no idea what the future holds..”

“Don’t try, Clay. Just enjoy your experience and accept it as another milestone along the way. There’s no hurry to choose any particular path. There are many more to explore. You’ll know when you’re a little older and wiser. Take your time. For the present – I need to get things ready for you boys to head out. Come on out to the barn when you’re ready.”

“I think I will put my other clothes on. I’ll be out there shortly.”

Bright and early on this morning John and Clay together with Sam, Larry, Shorty, Dan and Billy rode north heading for the big monolith near the mesa. Golden Eagle had told Clay that the butte marked the original beginning of the land of the Southern Ute Nation, ancestors of the Comanche.

As Clay looked up at it, a stirring of pride within him reached his senses. He was a part of that great nation now, if only by adoption, and he would always honor those brave men who had fought for their homeland.

By noon they were in sight of a part of the herd. Once Clay had seen a dust cloud off to the southwest; and he wondered if the Chief was on the trail again. Then it disappeared and was not seen again.

Beau rode up to meet them. He locked arms with Clay and said “Glad to see you’re back. Looks like you’ve lost some weight. I want to hear about your experience. That’s quite an honor coming from the Comanche!”

“I think we’re all set, Dad.” Beau said to John. “I see Shorty brought the Chuck Wagon. I hope it’s packed full. We’ll head out tomorrow morning early. I’d say we’ve got almost 20,000 head ready. I think we should camp south of Fort Worth and take about 5,000 head in first and see how fast they’re movin’ them out before we bring the main herd in.”

“It’s your drive, Beau. You handle it the way you want; but that sounds like a good idea to me.” John commented.

“All right, Clay. It’s time you learned how a ranch operates to earn its income.” Beau advised Clay. “You can start by riding point with me. I always rotate with the boys after a while; so nobody gets lazy, me included. It’s easy to day dream when you’re just moseying along; but you don’t want to hurry the herd or they’ll loose precious weight. We want them nice and plump when they reach their destination. We’ll camp at the head of the herd tonight.”

Various hands rode up with reports for Beau. He seemed OK with the way things were moving along. As evening approached the herd seemed to be content. Shorty served small portions of thin beef stew. Beau turned to Clay and said, “We can’t start out on a full stomach. Better to wait ‘till we get there.” Clay nodded.

As Clay lay on his blanket looking up at the sea of stars, his mind seemed to roam. He felt sad that he might never see Rori again. He felt sad that he would have to leave this great country before too long. He allowed his thoughts to drift to Theresa. Their lunch at the Hotel seemed like a lifetime ago. He wasn’t sure now if he wanted to spend his life in a stuffy office in Philadelphia. His thoughts returned to Rori. The soft furs they shared. The little things she did to please him. He missed her. He fell asleep watching the stars make their way across the sky.

First light the camp came alive. He heard the rattle of pans from the Chuck Wagon as the men gathered around for that cup of black coffee. Shorty already had some biscuits baking and the smell was divine!

Clay saddled Chiric who still wouldn’t move more than ten feet from him. “I’m not going anywhere without you!” Clay said as he girded the big stallion. “We’re going to have to work today.”

Everyone had a job to do. The herd was reluctant to get moving; but with much hooting and coaxing, the cows came alive and moved on ahead. By noon the men were dropping out a few at a time to grab something to eat and get back to work. As the sun began fading in the western sky, Beau decided they’d bed down for the night. There was plenty of grass and a stream near by; so the cows were content.

Shorty had more stew ready, along with his fluffy biscuits; so everyone had a generous helping and got ready to call it a day.

Clay spread his blanket near Beau’s and took his mug of coffee to sit by the fire with his cousin.

The embers were still glowing as Clay recounted his time spent with the Comanche. “Beau, it did something to me. I thought I would feel different when I got back to the ranch, but I still can’t shake it. I keep wanting to return.”

Beau watched his cousin, knowing what life-changing events could occur in this vast country. “Tell me something about this girl you dated at Yale. What did she look like? Did it ever get serious?”

Clay pulled his thoughts of the warm furs and Rori’s beautiful face away as he responded to Beau’s question.

“You’re talking about Theresa? Yeah, we’re almost engaged, and she is beautiful. I still have to pass my Bar exam before I can open that office in Philadelphia. She has to begin her residency there, too. We plan to get married in a couple of years. Her family has good connections there; so that should give us a leg up.”

“Sounds like you don’t have anything to worry about. Do you love her?”

“I thought I did; but now, I’m not so sure. I can’t get Rori out of my head. She seemed so fragile, like she might disappear if you spoke harshly to her. What will become of her, Beau? Will she just return to being one of the Chief’s harem?”

“Don’t know, Clay. The Indians have strange ways. I never got real close to them; so I could only guess. I know they’re pretty hard on their women, but the women seem to take it in stride. Have you talked to Sam? He could probably give you some idea.”

Beau changed the subject. “Say, don’t those stars look close enough to touch? Bet you can’t see them like this back in Indianapolis.” Silence. “Tomorrow’ll be another day, Clay. Try not to let this worry you too much right now. Give it some time.”

“Good advice, Beau. And about those stars, see that real bright one over there above the horizon. It has three planets that orbit it. One is a lot like earth.”

“You pullin’ my leg? How would you know what it looks like?”

Clay seemed stunned. “I don’t know how, but I just know it.

“You need some sleep! Tomorrow’s gonna be a big day. Pull your blanket up. It gets right crisp before mornin’. Night.”

Clay lay there, wondering how he could possibly have this information. He finally drifted off.

Things went well the rest of the Drive. Beau’s plan worked. They had a steady stream of cattle loading on the train. By the morning of the third day, they waved ‘goodbye’ to the local handlers and headed back to the ranch.

“Boy, I’m glad that’s over.” Beau breathed a sigh of relief. “We didn’t lose a single head. Dad’ll be glad to hear that. This’ll be most of our income for this year. These people are pretty nice to do business with; but they sure don’t want any sick or maimed cows. Let’s go.”

They reached the ranch the following morning. John was waiting for them with a little person standing by him. Clay recognized him immediately.

“Red Eagle!” Clay slipped off Chiric and came to pick him up.

“Easy Clay. Watch how you pick him up. His bones are knitting, but he has a ways to go.” John advised him.

As Clay knelt down, Red Eagle came hurrying to him and threw his arms around Clay’s neck.

“Miss you.” he said.

“I’ve missed you, too. You’ve been learning English. That’s very good. Now we can talk. I have lots to tell you. Let’s find something to eat first. I’m starved.”

Later, Clay told Little Eagle all about his visit to the tribe. The young Indian sensed all the emotions Clay tried to play down.

“You come live with me?” the boy asked.

“I don’t know, just yet. We’ll see. When Dr. Jensen says you’re OK to go back, I will take you. Right now, you have to heal completely and grow strong. Maybe I will have an answer by then, too.”

By the end of the week, the ranch was operating normally. Everyone had picked up their chores where they left off. The new calves were brought down to be checked and branded. Dr. Jensen was making his usual house call. Clay was helping Shorty and Dan with the branding when someone called out that riders were coming in. Little Eagle came to stand by Clay. Clay immediately recognized the staff of Golden Eagle and walked forward to await him. He gave the tribal sign of greeting and the Chief acknowledged it. Little Eagle greeted his father, too.

The Chief dismounted and came toward the boy. There was a personal exchange, then he turned the boy around, inspecting his leg as he did.

“Good!” the Chief said.

“Healing” Clay said. “Not good, yet. By second moon, ‘OK’.” Clay used his hands to explain.

The Chief gave this some thought.

“You say?”

“No, Dr. Jensen says. He understands these things. “Must heal completely. I keep ‘till second moon. I will bring him to you.”

“Your word.” the Chief said as he put his hand on Clay’s shoulder.

Clay returned the gesture and said “My word.”

Golden Eagle mounted his horse, acknowledged John, and rode off with his Braves.

~~~~

CHAPTER 13

His eyes flew open as he rose up, instinctively on alert. He grabbed the shirt of the man standing by him and pushed it to his throat.

“You’re not Golden Eagle! Where has he gone? Where is Rori?

“NO! I’m not Golden Eagle!” Dr. Phlox struggled to say as he gasped for breath. “Commander Tucker, you’re in Sickbay. You’re on Enterprise, a Starship!” the Doctor managed to say as he pulled away.

Trip was not going to be put off so easily.

“Why won’t you tell me? Who are you?”

As he made another move to grab the Doctor, Phlox gave him a hard slap on the face. Trip blinked as he regained his position.

“Why’d you do that?”

“You have been in a coma for weeks. Your horse threw you when you and T’Pol were down on the planet. You’ve been unconscious ever since. The Captain can give you all the details when he gets here. Try to lie back and calm down. You seemed to be having a very vivid dream. I’m going to give you something to help you relax.

Under pressure from Dr. Phlox’s arm, Trip lay back on the bio-bed.

“But what happened to Uncle John and all the others?” He could feel himself drifting, finally ‘nothing’.

Again, his eyes snapped open. This time he closed them quickly. He told himself to open his eyes slowly, size up the situation and gradually let these people know he was awake. Something drastic must have happened. This place seemed strange, and yet somehow familiar. He heard another voice. “I know that voice!” he thought to himself as he moved his head to see the face. No recognition. He listened to the conversation.

“Is he awake, yet, Doctor? I heard he came around for a few minutes.”

“Not yet, Lieutenant. He was totally disoriented when he first regained consciousness. It may take some time for his memory to adjust to his surroundings. He called me ‘Golden Eagle’. We must be patient and let him come to us. Be sure to tell him that you’ve been here every day.”

Malcolm walked over to the bio-bed and placed his hand on his best friend’s arm as he said “You’re going to be OK. It may take a while, but it’s good to have you back.”

“I’ll check with you later, Doctor.”

Trip slowly opened his eyes. Everything was quiet. He stared at the ceiling, trying to sort out his situation. He wondered if Red Eagle’s mother came to get him. If the Chief would tell her how important it was for him to exercise his leg every day, but no running just yet. He wondered about Rori. He had wanted to see her again, maybe hold her in his arms. He still hadn’t dealt with leaving her. Could she possibly have come with him? And now this! Where was he?

Suddenly, he was aware of the Doctor watching him.

“I see you are awake.” Doctor Phlox said in his best bedside manner. Do you feel a little more rested now?”

“I’m not sure how I feel. Something terrible must have happened for me to be here. Yet, it seems kind of familiar. Do you know anything about me? About what happened? The last thing I remember was returning Red Eagle to his father and telling him to keep the boy still for a week or so until his leg was completely healed.”

“You must have been taking good care of him,” the doctor answered. “Golden Eagle” seems like the name of a great Leader, possibly an Indian.

“Yes. Golden Eagle was a Chief of the Comanche Nation, a great tribe of the Plains of North America. I spent some time with them and learned many of their ways. They are a great people. I need to return to them.”

“Well, until you are fully recovered, I need to keep you here. You would not want to return to them in poor health, would you?

“No. I feel drowsy again. Maybe I’ll sleep a little more first. . . “

Again, Trip drifted off. Dr. Phlox shook his head. “He should begin to come around soon,” he muttered to himself.

Trip had a restless night, calling out several times to someone named ‘Sam’. He never was fully conscious, but he broke out in a sweat once. Dr. Phlox didn’t get much sleep.

The next morning, Trip seemed to be sleeping soundly. The doctor was going about his usual routine when T’Pol entered Sickbay.

“I understand Commander Tucker is showing signs of awakening, Doctor. May I see him?

“He’s still sleeping at the moment, but you can look in on him.” Dr Phlox said as he walked toward the curtained off area. “Sleep is the best thing for him right now.”

T’Pol followed the Doctor and approached the bio-bed. Dr. Phlox seemed stressed as he said “Looks like he had another night sweat. I’ll get a cloth. He’s been doing this lately. I’ll have to change his bed and all. Could you give me a hand?”

“I will do what is necessary, Doctor. Where will I find fresh linens?”

“In that cabinet on the far wall. There’s a fresh gown there, too.” The Doctor continued stripping his patient, drying him off and rolling the bed linens under him while waiting for T’Pol. When she returned, they put fresh linens on the bed and a clean gown on the patient without rousing him. Dr. Phlox was a little worried until he noticed a slight smile on Trip’s face.

“I think he’ll be just fine now.” The Doctor remarked. “He’ll probably be conscious shortly, if you want to stay.”

“I’ll return again tomorrow.” she said as she turned to leave.

“Don’t go.” a voice from the covers said.

“You are awake. Are you recovered sufficiently to converse?”

As Trip looked up into her beautiful brown eyes, he murmured “Rori, you look just like Rori. Are you sure you’re not Rori?”

“I am T’Pol. I do not know Rori. Was she in your dream? Did you love her?”

Trip seemed puzzled. He frowned, trying to remember. . . .something. “I knew you once before, a long time ago. I can’t quite remember, but I know you were important. Thank you for coming. Will you come back soon?”

“I will return later,” T’Pol said as she was leaving, well aware that he had not answered her questions about Rori.

Returning to her quarters, T’Pol set her candles out. She felt the urgent need to meditate.

Later she returned to Sickbay. Trip smiled as he saw her approaching his bed.

“I am pleased to see that you are awake,” she said. “I have brought the book you were reading. I believe you said Lt. Reed gave it to you.”

“Yeah. I remember he gave me a book . . . for my birthday. I think I had just started reading it. I am beginning to remember a few things.” Trip took the book and glanced at the title. “SECOND STAR TO THE RIGHT!” His questioning eyes turned to T’Pol, then back to the book as he flipped to the first page. He read “Springtime in New England . . . .

“T’Pol, this is where I’ve been!” He flipped through more of the pages. “I’ve actually lived every day of this! Golden Eagle, Red Eagle, Sam, Rori, Uncle John – I’ve met them all! How could that be? These people were my friends.”

T’Pol’s soft brown eyes held his for a moment as she watched him struggle with the memory of the experience.

“I was there. I saw what happened.”

T’Pol felt his emotions. She didn’t try to block them out. As he lay there, turning back and forth, his blonde hair slipping down his forehead, he looked so hurt, so vulnerable. She reached for his hand, reason giving way to desire. She leaned forward and kissed his lips.

It felt like fire to Trip as he responded. Enfolding her in his arms as he pulled her to him, he gently entered her waiting lips, realizing she allowed him full access. They slowly parted, but Trip was aware of something drawing them together. It was their bond asserting itself.

“I know now you became ‘Rori’ to me. You were there by my side every day. The love we shared was real. Why didn’t you tell me who you were?”

As his flood of memories washed over him, he saw T’Pol stagger back, trying to gain control of herself. He thought she was going to fall.

“Doctor! Doc! We need help!” Trip was attempting to grab T’Pol before she fell. He had just gotten his arm around her when Dr. Phlox appeared. He scooped her up and lay her on the bio-bed next to Trip.

“What happened? She appears to be in a trance-like state. T’Pol can you hear me? Move your hand if you can hear me.” The doctor continued trying to revive her as he retrieved his hypo-spray. The shot seemed to relax her but she did not open her eyes.

“Mr. Tucker does this have anything to do with that connection you two have? Lie down and close your eyes and see if you can reach her.” Trip was experiencing a tremendous amount of confusion himself, but he did as the Doctor told him.

When the doctor heard him gasp, he gave Trip his full attention. “What is going on with you two? How can I treat you, if you don’t tell me what is happening?”

No response. Both appeared unconscious.

The erratic movement of the bio-bed readouts gave him his first clue. Rising heart rate, hightened synaptic activity, increasing temperature – so that’s it!” Dr. Phlox’s smile stretched from ear to ear. The possibilities of other cultures never ceased to amaze him.
He closed the curtains and went back to his desk.

It was Ship’s morning before he heard sounds coming from behind the curtains. He had checked on his patients several times during the night, but they were resting comfortably. As he pulled the curtains back, T’Pol swung her legs around to sit up. She began slipping off the bed.

“I must return to my quarters. I will return later.” was all that she said. Dr, Phlox nodded in acknowledgement, then shook his head as she exited sickbay. Maybe Commander Tucker would be more talkative. He would have to wait until late afternoon; however, as Trip slept quietly most of the day.

Jon had looked in on Trip earlier when he was sleeping and now Malcolm and Anthony stopped by. Trip acknowledged them, but couldn’t seem to keep his eyes open.

“We’ll be by tomorrow and maybe bring Hoshi with us.” Malcolm added as they left

“I must teach you how to reach out to me. You are safe now,” T’Pol whispered to Trip when she found him deep in sleep. She appeared lost in thought, meditating “I must regain my composure, I must control my emotions or I will endanger both of us.” She placed her hand by the side of Trip’s face and kissed him lightly on his cheek.

“My t'hy'la, I must continue my meditation. Our situation with the Zindi is still grave. I will return soon.”

Trip opened his eyes as he watched her leave, wishing she could have stayed longer; but he knew she would be back later. He picked up the book that seemed to have taken over his life recently. He didn’t feel like reliving its revealing pages; so he turned to the last Chapter.

He read: Clay had just returned Red Eagle to the Chief. The little Indian had started to hug him before he left, but, then remembered where he was. He stood straight and tall and made the sign of ‘go in peace until we meet again’. Clay returned the sign. “There is something I must ask of you, Red Eagle. I will be returning to my law practice; so I will need you to take care of Chiric for me. There aren’t many people he will allow to ride him; so I give him to you. Take good care of him.”

The little Indian ran to the horse and attempted to put his arms around him. “I will take care of him and love him with all my heart.” he said. He quickly turned to Golden Eagle, who nodded his head to say that it was as it should be. Red Eagle hurried off to tell his mother.

“You are a man of your word, Horse Rider of the Comanche. He will grow straight and tall, and be a Chief someday and he will ride the great stallion as a Chief should. You look for the maiden, Rori. She is not here. She has gone to the Lodge of my cousin, Quannah. She will be a comfort to her mother there. You are returning to the East, are you not?”

Clay nodded. “I hope we will meet again someday, my brother”, Clay said as he raised his gun in a salute to the Chief. He then turned and rode his Indian pony out of the camp.

Trip lay the book down as he closed his eyes. He still felt the warm, loving connection with Rori as when she lay next to him. She always anticipated his needs and made him feel fulfilled in his role as her protector, her human. And now the connection was renewed in the vibrant person of T’Pol. She wanted him, she seemed to need him, and he was eager to fulfill her needs. He had little memory of their previous relationship, but he knew that she belonged to him and he to her.

Had a loving dependence been his relationship with the beautiful Sub-Commander? He didn’t think so. He felt a more passionate, lustful connection with her, but he had no memory of it. Trip raised an eyebrow as he smiled to himself, “Guess we’ll just have to work on that.”

E P I L O G U E

Clay returned to his Uncle John’s ranch, gathered his things, said his goodbyes to Sam and all the ranch hands and rode east to St. Jo. It was late August now. The north wind would come howling before too long.

He arrived in Indianapolis the middle of September. After visiting with his parents and seeing his brother again, he headed to Philadelphia. His mother was not too happy about his plans; but she came to realize that it was not her choice to make. Besides, she would see him again soon at the wedding.

Clay and Theresa were married at Christmas time. Clay’s practice was doing very well and he had been encouraged to run for a seat in the General Court, namely the House of Representatives. He was successful and served many years, often speaking on behalf of the many Indian tribes that roamed the plains.

Theresa’s health began to fail and though she herself was a Doctor, there didn’t seem to be anything that could be done to improve her condition. One beautiful Spring morning she slipped away from her loved ones. Clay was devastated. They had never been blessed with children, and now the light of his life was gone. He tried for over a year to pick up the pieces. He threw himself into his work, but nothing seemed to fill the void.

As the Spring of the following year approached, he announced that he was retiring from his Government office and returning to Texas. He had been asked several times by the Western Congressmen to head the new Indian Affairs Department of the Government. He accepted.

He stopped in Indianapolis on his way West. His father and mother were now getting up in years and he didn’t know when he would get to see them again. In July he arrived at his Uncle John’s ranch. It had been twenty years since his last visit, and things were hardly recognizable.

John hobbled out to meet him, leaning heavily on his cane. Larry was now in charge of things; since Sam had died during the Flu epidemic. Beau and Curley fell prey to it also. The young ranch hands were eager to shake his hand as they had heard the stories about the young man who became blood brother to Golden Eagle of the Comanche.

Clay told them that he was the new Indian Agent for the area. They weren’t surprised. John said that he would make a good one; since he understood the redmen.

Clay had many meetings with Golden Eagle and the new Chief, Red Eagle, who still sat atop Chiric, though the horse was graying around his ears. Clay sat on the Counsel when the white men proposed that the Comanche moved to a Reservation. He sided with Red Eagle, to wait a little longer before deciding to move. The Indians were suffering more and more from the loss of their hunting grounds and lack of medical help. At one of the meetings, one of the Indian women approached him. Only a female member of the ruling tribe would do such a thing. Clay looked into those large brown eyes and knew instantly who she was. The years rolled away.

When Clay’s brother, Robert, came to Texas in 1897, he learned that Clay was believed to have married an Indian Princess and moved on to California. He was disappointed as he knew he probably would never see his brother again.

The End - - -

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