Chapter Thirteen

Mr. Sweeney’s land on Calder Creek, Iowa Territory, April 20, 1834

After Ella Butterman and Penny got home, Mrs. Butterman talked to her husband. She told him about Mr. Sweeney and his gun. She told him how scared Mrs. Calder was. Mr. Butterman gave a big sigh. He needed to talk to Mr. Sweeney. He needed to make him understand he couldn’t scare his neighbors. Even if his two slaves ran away, that was not a good reason to shout at neighbors.

Jonathan Butterman walked up Calder Creek to talk to Mr. Sweeney. He went hunting the day before and shot two turkeys. He carried one of the turkeys with him as a gift. He walked until he could see Mr. Sweeney’s two log cabins. He didn’t think Mr. Sweeney was dangerous. But he did think Mr. Sweeney was old and maybe scared. He had to be careful as he got close to Mr. Sweeney’s house.

Mr. Butterman saw Alice outside one of the log cabins. Her twin children, Charles and Teeny, sat on a log nearby. It was very quiet. Alice saw Mr. Butterman but said nothing.

“Alice?” called Mr. Butterman. “Is Mr. Sweeney here?”

“Yes he is, sir,” said Alice. “But I’m afraid to go get him.” She pointed to the log cabin against the rocky bluff on Mr. Sweeney’s land. Mr. Butterman handed the turkey to Alice. She took it and said, “Thank you.” She told the children to come closer. She wanted their help getting the turkey ready to cook. Their feet were bare even though it was only April.

There was nothing to do but go closer to Mr. Sweeney’s house. Jonathan Butterman walked a little closer and then called, “Mr. Sweeney? Mr. Sweeney! Can you talk? Are you there?”

After a long minute, the door of the cabin opened. Mr. Sweeney appeared. He looked scared and tired. He said, “Tell your wife I’m sorry.” Mr. Butterman waited. Then Mr. Sweeney spoke again. “With Bowe and Tommy gone, I don’t know how I can live here. I need help cutting trees. I can’t do it by myself. I just didn’t think. I tried looking everywhere.”

Jonathan Butterman said, “Nate and I can help. And I know some men in Key City who are tired of mining. They’re looking for work. Do you want me to send them to you?”

Mr. Sweeney nodded.

“About Mrs. Calder,” said Mr. Butterman, “I think you need to tell her you’re sorry. You scared her. She doesn’t speak much English. She didn’t know what you wanted.”

“Yes,” said Mr. Sweeney. “Alright.”

Mr. Butterman then said, “Anytime you need help, you can come to me. I don’t know about Tommy or Bowe. I don’t hold with owning people. But next time, talk to me first.” Both men were quiet for a minute. Then Mr. Butterman said, “Maybe you can ask Tommy and Bowe to come back. They didn’t get far, I’m sure. Maybe you can pay them. You won’t have trouble if you do that.”

Mr. Sweeney didn’t answer.