She looked at Father. “Do you want to settle in Kalispell? Do you think you could be content there?”
He looked up at the sky for a long moment, then back at her. “I think I could be. I kind of like the idea of sticking around to see the national park put in place. Perhaps even be more intricately involved.”
There was excitement in her father’s voice! That had long been absent.
“What do you think, Ellie? Could you be happy in Kalispell?”
She shifted in her seat. “I don’t mind the idea of settling down. The longer I’m in this part of the country, the more I dread going back east for anything.” She let out a laugh. It was true! She actuallywantedto stay in Kalispell.
“Then let’s do it, Ellie girl!” His enthusiasm was contagious.
“I’ll speak to Marvella when we get home.” Eleanor grinned, the idea taking root. “She seems to know everyone and every bit of news about the town. She could probably tell us about a half dozen houses for sale.”
Father reached over and took her hand between his. She could feel the calluses on his palms from using the reins the last several days. “You’re a good daughter, my dear. And I’m glad we talked tonight.”
Happy tears burned the corners of her eyes. “I am as well.”
Father gave her hand a pat and let it go. “Let’s get some rest, shall we? Tomorrow will be another big day.”
Eleanor followed him to the tent. Would this conversation bring a new openness between her and Father? How wonderful that would be. No more secrets. No more surprises. She let out a happy sigh as another thought hit her.
They were going to put roots down in Kalispell!
Marvella was going to be as pleased as punch at being right.
Again.
Oh, this couldn’t be good. Grant’s stomach sank. “What’re you plannin’ to do?”
“None of yer business.” Alvin shoved things in a satchel. “I’m sick and tired of you standin’ in the way. I told ya that you better stand with us, and I meant it.”
“I can’t let you do anything stupid. You’re my little brother and I gotta take care of you.” He stood in front of the door and blocked it, crossing his arms over his chest.
But Alvin paid him no mind. Just packed his bag and grabbed several things around the room.
“Alvin!”
The frying pan came out of nowhere. Pain flared in the left side of his head, and Grant couldn’t keep his eyes open or stay on his feet.
Falling to the floor, he grasped for his brother.
But everything went black as he floated down, down, down.
MONDAY, JUNE6, 1904
On their tenth night camping, Eleanor gasped when several visitors entered their camp.
“Indians.” The whispered gasp escaped her lips.
They were dressed in regular trousers and shirts, but beneath their felt hats was their long hair either loose or braided. George Grinnell was immediately on his feet to greet them.
“Oki, Fisher Hat.” One of the Indians extended his arm.
Grinnell took hold of the man’s arm, and the native man took hold of his.“Oki, Jack Big Moon.”
Eleanor watched the exchange as Grinnell nodded toward each of the other men and held their arm. WasOkia hello of some sort?
Grinnell motioned Stewart and Eleanor to come. “Meet my friends, they are noble Blackfeet, and I’ve known them for a long time.”
