Submitted by Gary Compton
Traveling at night, there is not much to see. The moon and stars, the sounds of Owls, slow chirping Crickets an occasional sound of varmints fighting . Levi realized that he had a good friend "old Bully". Bully could sense danger and this set Levi at ease. Levi's thoughts soon turned to the gold they had found. He decided that tomorrow he would go and kill a elk and salt the meat down for winter food. Then scratch in the branch for more Gold.
He arrived at the cabin just before day break. There was a light blanket of frost on the ground and it was right at freezing. Before he could let everyone know he was home, Andrew was already up and met him at the door. Andrew seemed to always have something to tell Pa when arriving from away.This time Herman had stepped on a large thorn and it went completely thru his foot. Andrew stated "Me and mama pulled it out and made Herman wash it out in the Branch".
Levi had seen people die from this . His concerns were great. He had sulfur ointment that he had made up for wounds and sores. This mixture was a combination of Sulfur and animal fat. Levi grew up knowing that this was a cure-all that Mama always used on him and his brothers. He told Andrew to go wake up Herman and get him over to the candle light. Herman wasn’t to happy about being disturbed this early in the morning but he knew that papa would be mad if he didn't do as he was told. Levi looked at the foot and felt Herman's head to see if he had a fever---he didn't feel hot. The foot was swollen and red. Levi knew that infection was about to set in.
Son. this is going to hurt but I need to get this ointment into the wound so you won't get sick. Herman was the tough one and told papa "do what you got to do"
Levi fashioned him a stick about the size of the thorn and coated it with the ointment. He thrust it into the wound and worked it around. Herman gritted his teeth trying not to show any pain. He finally gave in to big tears running down his face. Papa pulled the stick out being finished.
By this time, it was beginning to get good daylight. Andrew took old Bully to the Barn, removed his saddle and bridle, and fed him. Levi was tired and needed a nap. He laid down on his straw bed and slept until mid morning. He woke up to the smell of Venison frying. Ma Gretchen was up going at it cooking breakfast; Salt Venison, and fried Buckwheat bread.
Ma could get anyone moving with her cooking. The first one up was Herman. He was walking on the heel of his sore foot and everyone could tell he was doing OK. Levi walked down to the branch to wash his face. Andrew was right behind him. Pa, He said, “What you gona do today“. Levi told him the plans he had thought up on the way home. Andrew was all excited exclaiming he had been watching a big bull elk next to where he and Herman had cleared the land. Andrew wanted to go with him so he could spot the Elk. Levi told Him, "after breakfast, you saddle up Old Bully and get my Musket" .
Andrew couldn't resist telling Herman what he was about to do. Herman didn’t share his excitement because He knew he wouldn’t be able to go. Levi made him feel better by giving him a piece of Taffy Candy then telling him he needed to soak that foot in the branch occasionally and while he was at it, look for some more of that Gold. Ma didn't thank much of the idea but she kept her thoughts to herself. So they all eat their fill. Levi gave Ma a big old hug . Herman would be close enough to the cabin that Ma could keep an eye on him. She told Levi don't let Andrew out of your sight. He nodded and they left leading old Bully. Herman went hopping down to the branch.
Ma got busy fixing a special treat for all, Venison Porridge, now this consisted of chopped up salt venison, Pulverized Buckwheat, fresh ground basal , chopped up wild onions, a small piece of Indian Turnip, lightly crushed chestnuts and seasoned with some Ground Sassafras leaves. Then she made a large piece of bread consisting of Ground Buckwheat and wild barley , venison stock, salt and water. The day was going well as she walked down to the branch to check on Herman. Herman had found more pieces of gold. The sun was bright and warm as she sat watching him. He was not having a care in the world. Involved in what he was doing. Ma begin to wonder where all their efforts would wind up. She begin to thank about her sisters back east and tears begin to fall realizing she may never see them again. They were so far away. . Her thoughts were quickly interrupted when she heard a commotion in the cabin. Out the door came a huge black Bear with what appeared to be a hind quarter of deer in it’s mouth.
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