Navajo Long Walk Read Online Free PDF Page B

sheep on the move they found him kicking and shouting at a ewe that refusedto get up. As soon as Eagle Feather saw Kee he shouted, “Tell your dog to nip this sheep and get it started.”
    Running to the sheep, Hasba saw a tiny, newborn lamb nestled beside the ewe. She turned in anger to Eagle Feather. “Of course she will not leave her lamb.”
    â€œShe will have to leave it,” Eagle Feather replied. “The lamb is too little and puny to walk. It will not live anyway. She must come without it.”
    Hasba’s eyes flashed. “It will live. I will carry it, then it’s mother will come along.”
    Eagle Feather laughed. “All right, I give the lamb to you. Carry it if you like.”
    â€œOh, sister,” Kee said, “We have a long way to go. You get tired without carrying anything. Besides it is so puny it cannot live.”
    Hasba did not bother to answer. She already had the tiny lamb in her arms. The ewe quickly stood up. After nuzzling her baby she walked contentedly at Hasba’s side.
    By this time Gentle Woman and Wise One had come to see what was keeping the children. “Look Mother, look Grandmother, this lamb is mine. Eagle Feather gave it to me.”
    Wise One clicked her tongue. “The lamb is very weak but we will save it for you if we can.”
    â€œI will carry it all the way,” Hasba said.
    Gentle Woman shook her head. “My child, the lamb will be half grown by the time we get there, I think.”
    â€œIt will not be good for you or the lamb to carry it,” Wise One said, “Come with me.” Walking over to Small Burro she rearranged the bundles on his back so there was a small empty hollow space in the center. When she put the lamb there, it cuddled down happily. “Now the lamb is as safe as in a cradle board,” she said.

    Small Burro snorted as he looked at the ewe walking beside him.

Chapter Nine
The Long Walk Continues
    On the third day of the walk, Wise One stood for some time looking over the landscape in all directions. She smiled. “We are not far from Bear Spring. I remember this country from when I was a child.” Patting Small Burro on the flank she said, “You will find much good food here, my beauty.”
    The next day they reached the valley of Bear Spring. Wise One was surprised to find that the United States now had a cavalry outpost nearby, called Fort Wingate.
    Word was passed along that there would be a stopover here to grease the wagons, repair harnesses, and replenish rations. The Navajos were allowed to spread out in the direction of the spring. Kee was happy to see that there were many pine, juniper, and oak trees here. As he gazed around, the faint red color in the surrounding mesas made him almost feel at home. While Gentle Woman made a neat camp, he gathered a stack of the abundant wood for their fires.
    The days of rest came to an end all too soon, and the bugle blew once more. Kee had hoped they would stay at Bear Spring. His father could easily catch up with them there.
    Hasba’s lamb had gained enough strength to walk a short distance beside its mother. As soon as the lambshowed signs of tiring, she asked her grandmother to put it on Small Burro’s back.
    The long caravan traveled slowly eastward, progressing about fifteen miles each day. When camp was made within sight of snow-capped Mount Taylor, Wise One became very upset. Looking at the mountain’s long slope she said, “That mountain is the southern sacred mountain. The sacred mountains were placed by the Holy People as boundaries for the Diné. Surely we will not be forced to live beyond them!”
    Kee watched as Gentle Woman took Wise One into her arms and tried to comfort her, saying, “Little Mother, this is a dark night for the Diné. But morning will come and we will return to our homes. I know the spirits are not pleased when we travel farther. But it is not our fault; we are being forced to