| Show most of homes tion the pioneers called tents and caves in the earth theirschool house adjaceat to the homes was near comple As she walked the picture of the copper-colored chief on the white horse possessed her mind She had heard stories of fool-hardy settlers sneaking from their homes after dark to view the pageantry of the Utes followingvictory againstrival tribe Witnesses claimed captured squaws could be distinguished by their closely shaven heads Aroundcentral fire to the accompaniment of pitiless drums they were forced to dance each bearinglong pole pointed skyward Affixed atop the poles the painted scalps of their husband brother father or son vacillated tautingly Where firelight and moonlight rendezvoused the beams scintillated in rhythm with the ghastly monotony of the barbarous ordeal Fethodically the weakened minds of the squaws were worn barren like red sand instrong wind until tears and sobs gushed forth to interrupt the madness The painted faces of the Indians grimaced in satisfaction the fire cast them as picket-fenced ghouls encircling the spectacle Each sob fromsquaw was exchanged forderisive sneer fromUte brave The monstrous vision permeated Hannahmind dream from which she could not awaken Her stepe became more rapid The angle of the light lengthened the shadow of her weary body distended by her threatened bundle and warned her of the suninevitable departure behind the wickiups and mountains in the west Sunset had always been her favorite time of day but this afternoon she longed to begod who could miraculously eliminate its brassy crimson hues from the sky She prayed silently as she walked Bless my good husband Isaac she entreated Enable us oh Lord to find the answer that will save our baby Isaac must have sensed Hannahanxiety as she approached the group of men covered with the mud used to seal the logs stacked one upon the other to form the school house Hurrying to Hannah and the baby the 64 year-old Isaac his white hair combed forward to frame his face and cover his baldness queried My dear Hannah he said tone of disapproval in his voice what brings you out in the weather so late in the afternoon |
