Providence by Karen Noland Read Free Book Online

a loss for words,” Kate smiled as she
placed a bowl of steaming oatmeal and a pitcher of milk on the table for her
daughter.
    The men had eaten, and Kate had
gotten to know a little about them during their breakfast. She had learned
enough to know that they were away from the reservation without permission.
They were indeed trying to find three lost ponies belonging to the boy, Nocona.
They had given her accurate descriptions of the missing beasts, and she knew of
the Comanche reputation with horses. They were highly skilled horsemen; their
horses were far more than mere possessions to them. The loss of these ponies
was enough to cause these men to risk severe punishment in the quest for their
return.
    Pouring milk over her cereal, Jo
began, “What happened to No.. Noc...”
    “Nocona,” her mother supplied.
    “Nocona. What happened to him?
Was he shot? Did a panther get him? How long have you been traveling? Where are
you going? Do you live in a teepee?”
    “Jo!”
    Tochoway laughed, and Mahseet
looked perplexed at the small girl, so full of questions. “We are searching for
ponies, which were taken away. Nocona got shot, the man who shoot, too far to
see.” Tochoway replied. “I lived in teepee as a boy, but I have a cabin now,
like yours some.”
     “Really?” Jo’s eyes were
large and shining.
    Rising, Mahseet went to sit
beside the still boy. He placed a hand softly on the bandaged arm, and murmured
quietly in the language of his people. Kate was touched by the tender concern
of the man. She prayed again for God’s healing upon Nocona’s life.
    The door opened admitting shafts
of golden sunlight along with the men and both dogs. Jon seemed concerned at
the presence of the Indians, but Jake was accustomed to them, having been a
freighter in the Indian Territory for so long.
    “Maruawe,” greeted Jake. Two dark
heads turned in surprise, to hear a greeting in their native tongue.
    “Maruawe,” answered Tochoway,
“you speak Nuumu?”
    “Naw, not really, just a word
here and there. How’s the boy?” Jake asked, indicating the pallet near the
fireplace.
    Tochoway looked at Kate. Her sad
eyes and pale complexion spoke volumes. “He’s in God’s hands now,” was all she
could say.
    The Insley men ate a hearty meal,
while Jake kept up a lively conversation with Tochoway. Jo and Jon listened
with delight, Jo chattering and asking questions whenever she could. It was
decided that Jon would ride the fence line, mending breaks where he was able,
and determining what supplies would be necessary for the rest of the repairs,
while Jake would see to the plowing. Jon’s face shone at the responsibility he
had been given, and Jo was filled with pride for her friend as she watched the
men leave for the day’s work.
     Kate and Jo set about
clearing the table and washing the dishes while the Indians kept watch over the
boy. A slight moan caught Kate’s attention and she hurried to the patient.
Mahseet stroked the boy’s feverish head, while Kate felt for a pulse. Nocona’s
eyes fluttered, finally opening. They were clouded and unfocused at first, but
it was a good sign. He seemed to be gaining strength. Kate stepped aside, not
wanting his first sight to be a strange white woman. Mahseet spoke quietly,
still stroking Nocona’s head. The boy turned trying to focus on his
surroundings. Mahseet soothed him, and Nocona closed his eyes again, sinking
back into the warm blankets.
    Kate approached again, his pulse
was stronger, no longer weak and rapid. He was sleeping now, deeply and
restfully. She smiled, saying a prayer of thanksgiving in her heart. As she
turned to the waiting men, the radiant glow that suffused her tired features
told them that all would be well.
    ***
    The rest of the morning passed
quickly, Nocona continuing to gain strength. Kate fed him a rich meaty broth,
which he sipped readily from a spoon, though still wary of the strange woman.
Jo promptly appointed herself nursemaid and companion to