After dinner the women cleaned up with the kids being directed to do odd jobs so as not to get too much in the way. The men gathered in the barn or Corn crib, if it wasnt too cold. Thats where the bottle was stored. A small whiskey bottle with small thimble like glasses were distributed and sips were had until they had believed the women were completed with the dishes. Then back in for Cards and coffee and maybe a bit more desert befor heading back home. But before they went in Henning divulged his discussion with the indisn and the reason he had gathered everyone together. It was like you could hear a pin drop. As he told his story of the old days in Sweden and of his loving parents who had long passed, abouth their struggles there and the desire for the children to have a better life, you could see a little wetness in his eyes. He blamed it on the cold. He spoke of his travels and of the good and not so good times with Mauny and Ellen in tow. He began to remember the indian and his struggles as well and told them that the indian would be at the farm at some point in the night. They laughed and thoght he was pulling their legs as he did quite often. Then all of a sudden they heard this mighty yell. An indian yell from the shelter belt. Loud low and clear. Henning went off in that direction, they tried to persuade him it was a wolf or just thier collective imagination. He was not detered from his mission, like all the rest, off he went into the darkness. The rest of the men began discussing what to do - he didnt have that much to drink --- maybe the indian was a bad medicine man and had a spell on Henning. Several of the women canme out calling for the men and asked if they had heard something. They discussed what transpired. They all decided to go find Henning. Ern was the first out, he was Hennings neighbor and kin by marrage, the others followed. They could see shadows in the shelter belt but really couldnt make anything out. They heard Henning call to them all not to come any closer !! He pleaded he was fine but this was between him and the Indian. A new arrival and a revival of old traditions comes next.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 22:27:15 +0000
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