EXCERPT

After the meeting broke up, I saddled up a fast Appaloosa, and galloped towards the Air Force post. A car would have been much quicker, but I was so excited I felt the exercise would do me good. On horseback, a fairly long ride, and nearly sundown when I reined up on the cliff overlooking the peaceful valley where Chief Red Stars peyote patch used to grow. A great deal of activity surrounded the nearest silo, and then I saw it.

Rising vertically, an enormous phallic object was outlined in the glorious sunset. Then slowly it sank out of sight into the silo. I could hardly believe it! And one day soon it would be mine!

Whipping my horse, I galloped down the trail into the valley, and rode up to the low flat mound where a crew of men were dismantling equipment. One of them ran up and seized my reins. I started to reach for my hatchet but thought better of it. Sorry Miss. You cant come around here now. This is a classified operation, and youre on government property.

You lie, I said rather calmly. This is Black Hand property, and youre trespassing. But I dont object...Go on with your work.

Hey Frankheimer, he shouted while still holding my reins, Pocahontas says were trespassing on her property, but dont stop now. Its okay with her it we go ahead.

So dont laugh...shes probably right, a man in eastern street clothes answered. Youd better be careful what youre doing with her. Maybe shes the one whose been shooting all those arrows.

My captor shuddered and turned so he could see me again. Hey, baby, you a girl William Tell or something?

Well Im certainly a girl... I turned slightly in the saddle and stretched so he had a better view of my profile, or hadnt you noticed? In spite of his obvious appreciation I reached down, slipped my hand under his hat... Dear man, I dont know anything about arrows... grabbed a handful of hair, jerked him tight up onto his toes, and playfully chopped at is head with my riding crop. But Im real clever with a hatchet!

He screamed Heyyyy! and I released him. Jesus Christ, Lady...you aint no Lady! Keeping out of my reach but still holding the reins he hollered, Hey Frankheimer, this little wild cats got claws! What should I do with her?

While the eastern dude scratched his head and stared at us, I whispered, If you were a man, you wouldnt have to ask. That ought to shake him.

Sheeezz! he snarled back at me. Well, what a poor sport. You can see why I dont have much time for palefaces.

Tell you what, said the man called Frankheimer, Hang onto her for another minute, I think I see our new Missile Master coming up in that jeep. Its his problem now. Well let him decide.

Missile Master??? A Missile Master was to decide what to do with me? Too much! No doubt about it, a Missile Master...could as well be a Minnie Master! The jeep pulled up to the foot of the silo mound and Col. Koluns aide jumped out of the right seat. So he was the Missile Master. Didnt look very happy for a man with such wonderfully awesome responsibilities.

Back again, huh, Captain, Frankheimer said, Well there it is. All buttoned up and ready for you to sign for it.

No it isnt, the Captain said rather dispiritedly. What on earth was the matter with him? He looked so sad and worried. What ever it was, my heart went out and I longed to comfort him. The men around Frankheimer laughed.

Oh yes it is. Its right in that hole. I hope you believe me Captain. Because we cant open the cover from out here.

Its not in there. Col. Kolun just assured me that its not here. Cant possibly be here. He said so. The others looked at him rather blankly and a couple of them chuckled derisively. One of them spoke out.

Hey, Captain. Dont want to call your Colonel a liar, but thats no roman candle in there.

I grabbed control of the reins and kicked my mount. My captor had become careless but still managed to hold onto a stirrup. Riding over towards the Captain, and dragging along the guard I said, Believe me, Captain, there is a missile in that silo. I saw it myself. He acted like he didnt believe me either. Then his face began to light up. A smile cracked its way up towards his ears, and his eyes crinkled and roamed. What a contrast to his initial appearance.

Theres another problem for you, Captain Hire. Frankheimer spoke. This squaw was poking around just as we finished. What do ya wanta do with her?

Captain Hires smile became even broader. His eyes fixed on mine, and I couldnt have been torn away by a thunderbolt. His look told me what he wanted to do...with me...and I was all for it. God, what a transformation! From sad, unhappy and obviously confused man to suddenly confident and magnetic male. Oh, Minnie, I nearly sang out loud, youve really got it!

Captain! Hey! Captain Hire! Didnt you hear me? What should we do with her?

Let her go, of course. You guys trying to create an incident? Shes the Black Hand Princess, Minnie Catamount. Unhand her, you churl!

If hed been carrying a coup-stick, or lance or anything at all, Im sure he would have beaten my captor about the head. I almost handed him my riding crop.

Okay, Ill let her go, said the guard, doing so. But shes your responsibility now, Captain.

Dont sweat it, Dad. You can release her...in my custody. Ohhh too much! Come along, Princess. He took my reins and walked off to the side. Shades of the old days. Practically stealing me away. To give his action the right flavor, its too bad Im not married.










1