cheeks in greeting.
“This takes care of one problem. . .,” Lewis said, roughing the dog's head. “But we still need to see if we can negotiate for food and horses on our return.”
“Looks like maybe that mutt of your'n already got started,” Clark replied wryly.
“So it seems,” Lewis chuckled. “And now we're about to find out how he has done.” Lewis raised his arm in greeting as Chief Yellept approached.
Using Sacajawea as his interpreter, Lewis passed on greetings from President Jefferson, and explained the purpose of the expedition.
Chief Yellept listened patiently and then invited them to sit by his fire.
Of course, the chief had already heard reports about the explorers coming from the east. Still, he was curious to learn more about them and their people. He was also more than willing to help them out with horses, food and anything else they might need.
No one noticed when the boy slipped away. He came back as they were finishing their meeting, leading a beautiful white horse. He marched up to the group by the campfire and spoke to Lewis.
“He wants to trade his horse for your dog,” Sacajawea translated.
Lewis patted Seaman's head. Since the party had arrived, he hadn't left Lewis's side. “Tell the chief's son that I thank him for his offer, but that Seaman isn't for sale.”
Lewis watched the boy's eyes harden as he listened to Sacajawea's words. His reply came out in a torrent of anger.
“He wants to know why you dislike his gift,” Sacajawea whispered.
Lewis thought for a moment and then said, “Tell the boy that he offers a wonderful gift. But Seaman chooses me as much as I choose him. I cannot give him away.”
Lewis watched the boy's eyes dart towards Seaman, and then back up. He stared intently at Lewis, and then gave a slight nod.
He understands, Lewis thought with relief. “Ask the chief if I can honor him by giving his son this,” Lewis said. He pulled his knife from the sheath at his waist.
Sacajawea spoke quickly. The chief took the knife and handed it to his son.
A knife was no substitute for a dog. But as the boy turned the blade over and over in his hands, he managed a smile nonetheless.
That night, Lewis watched the men of the expedition and the Wallawallas take turns dancing to fiddle music.
Even though he was sitting near the campfire, Lewis welcomed the warmth and the weight of his dog, Seaman, leaning against his side.
Likewise, Seaman didn't mind the warmth and weight of the boy, his new friend, leaning comfortably against him.
The next morning, the expedition continued on its way. Of course, this wasn't the end of Seaman's adventures. Along with the rest of the explorers, he made it across the mountains, all the way to the Pacific Ocean and back again. It was a journey no dog had ever done before.
The End
MORE ABOUT SEAMAN
Although Dognapped is fiction, parts of the story are based on actual events.
Before the Lewis and Clark Expedition set out, Captain Meriwether Lewis purchased a black Newfoundland dog for $20 - an extraordinary amount for that time. He called his dog, Seaman.
On at least one occasion during the expedition's journey, Seaman disappeared, “dognapped” by Native Americans. Captain Lewis was enraged by this and immediately took a party to secure his release.
In the fall of 1805, the expedition camped near the junction of the Columbia and Snake rivers, in what is now Washington State. While camped there, they met with Chief Yellept of the Wallawalla tribe, who asked the explorers to stay with his people for a few days so they could learn more about them. Lewis and Clark declined, but promised to stay longer on their return. They were anxious to get to the Pacific before winter set in.
Before they continued on, however, they did enjoy an evening of dancing to fiddle music around the campfire with their Native American hosts.
Upon their return the following spring, the expedition stayed with the Wallawallas for three days. Chief Yelept provided horses and food and more importantly, information on the best way across the mountains.
After they left, Lewis wrote that the Wallawallas were the “. . .most hospitable, honest, and sincere people that we have met on our voyage.”
About the Author
MICHAEL WENBERG lives just up the road from the Point No Point lighthouse on Washington State’s Puget Sound. In addition to working in technology, he’s the former CEO of the Walla Walla Symphony. He enjoys backpacking, hiking and kayaking the waters of Puget Sound with his wife, Sandy, and their dog, Gracie. Michael’s nickname when he was six-years-old was “Mickey.”
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Connect with Michael Wenberg online
You can find Wenberg online at www.michaelwenberg.com, or contact him at
[email protected].
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