Off To See The Wild West Show Part 1, Chapter 10 (3/4) By Frank Beill 1886: Hull, Yorkshire

(1/4), (2/4), (3/4), (4/4). Part 1 Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. Part 2 Prologue, Chapter 1, 2, 3.

I scrambled back and found my friend. He was stroking one of the ponies and talking to it but his hypnotic state didn't last for long. Two Red Indian braves in full war paint leapt out of nowhere and grabbed him. George struggled and screamed with terror, trying to break free but his captors were too strong for even him and he was dragged off in the direction of their campfire. Sliding carefully in between the ponies I tried to stay as close as possible to my friend but what could I do: a twelve year old boy against a whole Sioux war party?

All the fierce looking warriors were now standing. They surrounded George, all trying to get a closer look at their captive. One of the braves slipped his hand into George's red hair and ruffled it. He gave it an admiring look and spoke to his companions before laughing loudly. He was going to scalp him. I was certain.

I leapt into the group and pushed away the would-be barber. The brave leapt wildly in the air trying to avoid falling into the fire. 'Let him go you varmints!' This word was in my novel. Buffalo Bill always called his enemies 'varmints'. My fists were raised like a boxer waiting for the bell.

We were surrounded by a band of fierce warriors in full war paint. Some probably took part in the massacre General Custer and the Seventh Cavalry but I was prepared to defend my best friend even if it were our last stand. He had protected me so many times before. All other thoughts were out of my mind. 'What do we do now, Sammy?' George shook with fear. He was almost in tears. This threat was too much for even his courage. Loud guffaws of laughter came from the assembled group of warriors as though in mocking reply. I didn't know Red Indians laughed. Were they just taunting us?

One member of the group stepped forward. Empty palms were raised to show he intended no harm. There was a broad smile beneath the war paint. His head turned quizzically to one side and he looked directly at me. 'You are not a white man. Why you here?' 'I've come for me father.' My words made no sense to him and, at the time, they didn't make a whole lot of sense to me either. 'Father?' The warrior looked bemused. Before he could ask further we were interrupted by the arrival of a tall figure in full war paint. A war bonnet of flowing eagle feathers made him look even taller.

'Father!' It was my turn to repeat the word. It was Red Shirt. Red Shirt spoke but his words made no sense but from his manner he was questioning his braves and it must have been about our intrusion because he was pointing at us.

Continued... Next Page

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