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 and Andrew
was right behind him. "Pa", he said, "What you gonna do today?". Levi told
him the plans he had thought of 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. He also told 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. After saying grace, they all ate their fill of Ma's wonderful cooking. Levi gave his wife a big old hug as he walked out the door. Herman would be close enough to the cabin that Ma could keep an eye on him. She told Levi to not let Andrew out of his sight. He nodded. They were off, leading old Bully, and Herman went hopping down to the branch.
Gary Compton
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