Ben Ch 14

A ROYAL welcome awaited the caravan when it rolled into that new town in southern California. Like most of the other settlements developed in those early days by Mormon pioneers, it had a fort wall round it for better protection from Indians. As the train, piloted by some horsemen that had ridden out to meet it, rolled through the gate into the public square, someone called out, "Why, hello, Ben!"

Imagine his joyful surprise when he saw Joe Phelps, his boy pal from old Nauvoo. Off Buckskin he leaped, and a moment later the two were giving each other a "bear hug," and asking questions.

"How in the world did you get here, Joe?"

"We came a year ago over the same trail that brought you," was the reply. "Oh, I'm glad you're here! We'll have the best time of our lives."

Ben surely did have a joyous time all the days he spent in and around San Bernardino. The frontier town was vibrant with forward-looking activities. It was filled with young pioneers, too, boys and girls of about Ben's age.

With his pal, Joe, one of the popular boys of the place, to introduce him, he was soon one of the group. Such good fun as they all did have at "home parties," and enjoying dances with old and young. There were "home dramatics" too, with Mary Rollins, daughter of the teacher, starring in the plays.

Horseback rides with Mary and Joe and their pals was another delight. The mountains around San Bernardino had many trails and picturesque spots for picnics. For Ben it was a series of new and thrilling experiences.

Of course it wasn't all play and no work. There were duties to be done. Ben had to take a man's part; and he did it - first on a ranch, where there were hundreds of cattle to herd, calves to brand, and mustangs to break into good "cow ponies." His experience with Buckskin came in handy here. Towser, too, gave good help at times with unruly cows; he soon learned to nip their heels, and make them keep on the trail.

Garza, one of the Mexican vaqueros, seemed to take a fancy to Ben and Joe. He showed the boys how to use the lariat and gave them practical advice in handling bronchos. But these young cowboys had to learn how to stay on a bucking horse all by themselves. It was not until they had been thrown several times that they became expert in mastering the mustangs.

They learned a good deal of Spanish, too, with their ranching. It was pioneer Spaniards, we should remember, who developed the cattle industry in the Southwest. Many of the words linked with that industry as: ranch, rodeo, lasso, chaps, corral, broncho, are of Spanish origin.

Round San Bernardino many people then used that language. It was only natural that Ben and his pals should weave many Spanish words into their everyday speech. They took delight in doing so.

Another enriching experience Ben had while there, was hauling lumber from a sawmill in the nearby mountains down to San Pedro Bay. Uncle Starling had contracted to deliver a good many thousands of feet to one of the big sailing vessels, and Ben was needed to drive one of the mule teams. This was a trip of about 90 miles to the ocean. It meant some hard work and skill as a teamster; but, helped by his experience on the California Trail, he rose to the requirements. This new work brought some good fun and also some pocket money. He saw Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean and the big ships in the harbor. It was a glimpse of other worlds to watch sailors from everywhere bringing their vessels into port. San Pedro Harbor, even in those early days, was a busy place.

It was on one of his trips to the lively port that Ben had an experience he never forgot. While staying for a day in Los Angeles, he and Uncle Starling saw Olive Oatman and heard her tell a strange story.

Some years before, this American girl, with her parents and brother, were going to California. Out in the wilds of what is now Southern Arizona, the emigrant family was attacked by Indians. Her father and mother were killed. Her brother, though wounded, managed to escape. Olive was carried into captivity.

Recovering his health, the brother took up the search for his sister. Finally, aided by soldiers, he found and rescued her. He had just brought Olive on to California. In her colorful Indian dress, and with her face tattooed by her red captors, she was a center of interest. Hundreds gathered to hear her story.

Days sped by. With good work and pleasant pastimes, a fine home to live in, and wholesome boy and girl companions, the time raced along joyously for nearly a year and a half. Then came a change - rather suddenly, as changes often will.

One of the teamsters, who had just returned from Utah, handed Ben a letter. Not a word was in it suggesting his return; but he read between the lines that his mother and father needed him. A sweet little sister, Eliza, had been born.

Ben's father had been given a job as foreman in a large wagon-shop in Salt Lake City. This left the work in the home shop and on the little farm to Paul, Isaac and Parley, who were helping the best they could. All were well.

They hoped that Ben and Uncle Starling and Aunt Sarah were in good health and prospering. "It would be fine to see all of you and have a real visit. Everyone sends love" - the letter ended.

Next morning at breakfasts Ben said quietly, "Uncle and Auntie, I feel that I ought to go back home."

"You're not homesick, are you?" asked Uncle Starling. "Not a bit; but I'd like to see the folks; and something in the letter makes me think they need my help.

"You're right, Ben," said Aunt Sarah; "I can sense that they're overworked just now. Of course we don't like to let you go. You seem just like a part of us. But maybe you will soon be coming back."

"But I haven't gone yet, Aunt Sarah -, and I don't exactly know how I can."

"Perhaps you can go with the mail carrier," suggested Uncle Starling; "you know that a 'mule mail' goes next week. That carrier will be mighty glad to have you along for company and protection. You've been getting pretty handy with horses and 'shootin' irons' since you left Utah."

So it was all arranged, just three days before the mail was to leave. Besides Buckskin and Towser, there was another animal to take along, a fine California pinto pony which Ben had been given as part pay for his work at the ranch. It would make a good pack animal to take the various things he had bought for his folk back home. Besides, he had some new clothing and other articles he had procured for himself. He would need food, too, for the trip. Aunt Sarah was making sure he had a goodly supply.

"I just don't know how to thank you and Uncle Starling for all you have done for me," said Ben.

"Don't try," returned his Uncle; “you half belong to Sarah and me anyway."

When word was passed that Ben was to leave, his pals had to have a farewell party. Mary Rollins insisted that it be at her home; so there it was given, with good things to eat, games and songs and dancing. That pleasant evening made it harder than ever for him to leave. Next morning Mary and Joe and other young folk rode out a few miles with him.

At the place of parting, Ben said fervently, "You have all been so kind to me, I can't find words to thank you."

"Just promise you will come back very soon," returned Mary.

"Oh, I can do that easily. You'll see me before you know it."

"Well; good luck, old pal," said Joe. "Same to all of you. Goodbye."

At the bend in the Canyon he turned and saw Mary waving her hand.

"Adios!" she called.

"Adios!" came his echoing call.