Thursday, November 17 and Friday, November 18, 1910
Honk. Honk. Honk. Was the signal for all stop. Running Bear had designed a series of honks to indicate different messages that needed to be sent between the two trucks. Two honks in quick succession meant bathroom break. One long honk meant you should've turned back there. Running Bear did not need to know the specifics of the situation this time around. He knew what was happening when he saw his wife Mindy in the seat next to him. She rolled her eyes and gave a silent scream of frustration.
Lynn got out of the truck in front of theirs and slammed the door.
Emily got out of the drivers side and also slammed the door.
They yelled at each other the entire time they walked to Mindy and Running Bear's truck.
Lynn held a large map which she kept waving around in Emily's direction.
Mindy said, "For Pete's sake, here we go again."
Running Bear turned off the engine and stepped out of the truck. "Hey!" he shouted to get their attention.
They briefly stopped fighting but soon returned to the argument du jour.
Mindy found their antics mildly amusing; it reminded her of spats she used to have with her older sister.
"Stop! Stop right there! It's a lovely, warm day in November. Do you know how rare that is for Montana?"
They smiled to him but then continued their debate.
Mindy laughed when she saw his frustration with them.
"Ok, ok, let me try this again." He cleared his throat.
"Emily? Lynn? In two words, summarize the nature of the problem. Emily: you go first."
Emily scowled. "Map wrong."
Lynn smirked. "Emily crazy."
With that quip the clash returned to its previous ferocity.
"Quiet!"
The girls settled down.
"Emily, since you're the lead driver you're the one responsible for today's journey. Now then, leader, please explain to me what you meant by your two word answer. And, Lynn, do not interrupt us."
Emily gracious smiled. "Thank you. We have been driving in circles for the past hour because Lynn insists that there is a highway leading directly from the town of Warren, where we were this morning, to the town of Pryor where we are supposed to be tonight and tomorrow.
Lynn keeps telling me to turn on Highway 458. I have been trying to explain to her that there is no Highway 458. She keeps babbling that the map says it is there, so it must be. But, this is our fourth time around this little triangle of roads, clearly, Highway 458 is not there."
With that she curtseyed to Lynn.
"My dear Running Bear, Emily is mistaken. If you look at this map you will clearly see that Highway 458 runs between the two towns. She is simply missing it. Instead of keeping her eyes on the road, she keeps blabbing about how she misses Jeff, which for me is a treat because I get to hear this conversation every single day."
Running Bear swished his mouth and took the map from Lynn's hands.
"Emily Jean Clementine is the problem. If she would quit whining she might be able to get us somewhere so I can get this stupid dirty dress off and take a warm bath without being bothered. And another thing...."
Running Bear turned the map around and showed it to Lynn.
Lynn was defensive. "What? It says Highway 458. You can see it, I can see, only Emily cannot see it because she is..." Lynn gasped. "Oh no."
Lynn took the map from Running Bear's hands. Her face fell.
Running Bear spoke up, "Read it out loud."
Lynn mumbled incoherently.
Emily asked, "What was that you say?"
Lynn put her face in her hands. "Highway 458, a road between Warren and Pryor will bring new commerce and prosperity to Big Horn County when it opens... in 1912. Oh Emily, I'm sorry."
Emily gave Lynn a sympathetic pat on the back. "Let's just go back through Bridger, Fromberg and Edgar. We used that road a couple of weeks ago, that'll work. Come on, we can make it there before sunset."
The girls turned around and walked back to their truck.
Running Bear climbed in his cab with Mindy.
He shook his head. "What is the problem with those two?"
Mindy shrugged. "Has it been that long since you were sixteen-years-old?"
"Meaning what?"
"Meaning, we've been on the road for 9 weeks, prior to that we had 2 weeks of training. Night and day you worked them; as you should; I am not faulting you for that sweetheart. They've had 11 weeks of constant travel with little fun."
Running Bear shrugged. "That Malachite Mine we visited last Tuesday was insightful."
Mindy giggled, "Yes, it's every girls dream to crawl on their belly, in the dark, 1,000 feet underground. Come to think of it, that's what Cinderella is really all about isn't it?"
Running Bear sighed. "I feel for them, however, they volunteered for this grueling schedule. They knew that the state was not paying them to date in Helena. That being said, I can understand their need for male attention. It's only natural.
When I was there age my grandfather took me on a buffalo hunt. After two weeks I was more than tempted to sneak off back to Wolf Point and meet some girls. How many more cities do we have before the Thanksgiving break next week?"
Mindy pulled out a piece of paper from her satchel. "Today is Thursday. Tomorrow, we film the dulcimer factory in Pryor. Sunday night there is a county wide church singing in Hardin. Monday is travel. Tuesday we have a Founder's Day in Lodge Grass. Wednesday, Governor Norris wants us to film a political friend in Billings serving a turkey dinner to the underprivileged- gotta love that."
"Mindy, do we have time for a little break before we head back to Helena?"
"I suppose. But, with only one day in Billings, that does not give them much opportunity for a little relaxation."
Running Bear shrugged. "We'll have to play it by ear and hope they don't kill each other."
The trucks pulled in to Pryor about 6 pm. They parked next to a hotel.
Mindy, Lynn and Emily walked towards a restaurant.
Running Bear walked towards the hotel. "I'll check us in. Mindy, can you get me a...?"
Mindy yelled, "Roast Beef." 
Emily added, "Buttered beans and sweet corn."
Lynn finished. "Mineral water and wheat bread."
Running Bear raised an eye brow, "Am I really that predictable?"
Mindy replied, "I love you, too."
Running Bear went up the front desk of the hotel. He rang the bell.
A man came from behind a door. "What do you want?" 
"Good evening. I need two rooms for the night." He reached for his wallet.
"Don't bother; you're not staying here. I don't want no Indians stinking up the place."
Running Bear shrugged. "This is a public hotel, isn't it?"
"My business, my rules. Get lost."
"I have two white women traveling with me. Would you sell a room to them?"
"I'll sell a room to them but you and your little squaw can use the park two blocks down Main.
They have an outhouse and a creek for running water. Set up your tepee there. If the whites want a room then they are more than welcomed."
Running Bear nodded. "Here is the cash. Give me a key and you won't see me again."
A few minutes later, in the restaurant, Running Bear saw Mindy attempting to reason with Emily and Lynn. He signaled to her.
"Just a second girls."
Mindy walked over to Running Bear as he stood in the entrance way to the restaurant. She asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong with me but we do face a challenge."
Mindy rolled her eyes. "I've been trying to talk to them, they're still mad at each other."
"No, that's not it. I have to spend the night in a park a couple of blocks from here."
"I don't understand."
"The hotel is for whites only."
"What? That's nuts! If cash comes from a Sioux or an Irishman or a Martian what possible difference would that make?"
"Sweetheart, I agree, of course. It is ludicrous, however, if that man wants to be a bigot, that is between him and God. It's almost 6:30; we do not have time to drive on and hope to find another hotel in a neighboring town. Here's what will do. Tell the girls after dinner that you want to get a makeover. Have them really cake you with powder. I got one room. I told the front desk manager that there were white women in my group. If you stay with Emily and Lynn, he may not notice and you'll pass."
"Pass for what? I'm Chippewa and I'm a citizen of this state like anyone else."
"It's freezing outside."
"It'll be colder inside if I can't sleep with my husband. Remember saying 'For better or for worse'? Do you recall that promise you made to me that afternoon?"
Running Bear winked. "I mostly remember that night."
She held on to him. "I am your wife: I share your tepee. I will not deny my heritage for some bonehead. If you sleep in the park: I sleep in the park. My guess is Emily and Lynn will feel the same way."
"No, no, no. Emily and Lynn would not understand and if they did they might take it the wrong way. You and I are thick skinned this is not the first time we've encountered prejudice nor will it be our last. As in all cases, I feel sorry for that man. Emily and Lynn might end up hating him and they will probably continue their squabble. If they get a good night's sleep; they'll settle down. I'll hand them the key and then say we're off to see an old friend."
Mindy asked, "Which old friend?"
Running Bear whispered something in her ear.
Mindy giggled, "Oh, that old friend. Yes, the honeymoon was more memorable than the wedding."
They went back to the restaurant and ate dinner.
After dinner, Emily and Lynn went to the hotel; Running Bear and Mindy drove their truck down to the park and set up the tepee. Once inside Running Bear yawned, Mindy puckered up and they drew closer together.
"Hello? Anybody home?" came a stranger's voice.
Mindy cringed.
"Just a second," Running Bear replied.
Mindy wrapped up in a blanket. She blew a kiss to Running Bear and said coyly, "I'm waiting."
Running Bear stepped out of the tepee. "Good evening."
"Howdy. I'm Brad Harrub, I preach at the church around the corner."
"Running Bear. Pleased to meet you, sir."
"Running Bear? Running Bear? Is your wife named Mindy?"
"That's right."
"I read about your film project in the Billings Daily Gazette. If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing out here?"
Running Bear motioned for the preacher to sit with him on a bench near the tepee.
"We tried to check in to the hotel, but the front desk manager said it was for whites only." 
The minister shook his head. "I'm awfully sorry about that. Please do not let Barry Kolworth's idiocy reflect on this town. Pryor is filled with fine folks. Barry's normally a decent man. I don't know why he would choose to treat you so poorly."
Running Bear shook his head. "I'm not condemning the town. As a matter of fact, I'm not even condemning him. When I was a boy, I attended a mission school. I remember Romans 12:21."
The preacher gave him a warm smile and a nod. "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Running Bear said, "That's right. I can't transform his heart; that's God's job. I'll just move along and pray for it to change."
"Running Bear, you're a better man than I. If some pea-brain said me and my wife were not good enough for his hotel well, I don't know if I would be so quick to forgive him.
That is a very poor self-assessment, especially since I am a preacher; however, that is the truth.
This Sunday, Barry Kolworth is going to hear a sermon on the evils of prejudice."
Running Bear shook his head. "Don't bother. I'm sure he already knows it's wrong. What might be more effective is prayer."
"You are quite a man."
"Christ is quite a savior."
The two men prayed for Mr. Kolworth and themselves.
"Amen," said the preacher.
"Amen" echoed Running Bear.
The preacher put his hand on Running Bear's shoulder. "Will you stay at my house tonight?"
"I appreciate the offer but that's not necessary, we're fine. My wife and I have been on the move for weeks and frankly," Running Bear spoke in a softer tone, "we could use some... alone time."
"As a married man myself I thoroughly understand. If you are here on Sunday, I'd love to see you at church."
"I appreciate the invitation, but we're leaving tomorrow after we film a local dulcimer factory."
"Dulcimer factory?" He shook his head. "Tomorrow will be an interesting day for you, in more ways than one."
"How so?" 
The preacher chuckled, "You'll see. Believe me, it'll be insightful. Good night, Running Bear."
"Good night, sir."
The next morning, Emily and Lynn awoke refreshed. Running Bear and Mindy awoke smiling.
After breakfast, they headed to the Dulcimer factory.
Running Bear began unloading the equipment.
The manager met them at the front door.
"Welcome, we're pleased to have you." The manager froze. His face became red as a beet.
Emily said, "Good morning, Mr. Kolworth. I'm Emily Clementine, this is Lynn Watson: we met at the hotel this morning."
"Um, um, yeah, um, I remember."
Running Bear said, "The girls told me they had a clean, comfortable room last night."
Mr. Kolworth nervously swallowed. "Oh, yeah, that's um, good to know."
Running Bear walked up to the man and shook his hand. "It's a pleasure to see you again."
Mindy turned to the girls. "Come on, let's unload the truck."
Mindy and the girls went to work on the trucks.
Running Bear said, "Why don't you show me around the factory?"
Mr. Kolworth nodded. "Alright."
They walked inside. Before they went much further they stopped.
Mr. Kolworth stammered, "Um, um, I um, didn't know."
Running Bear asked, "Didn't know what?"
"Why didn't you tell me you were part of the film crew?"
"What difference would that make?"
"It would make all the difference!"
"It shouldn't. It's your hotel. You make the rules. I and my wife slept in a tepee... outside; so we would not stink up the place."
He ran his hands through his hair. "Look, I apologize. I hope this doesn't reflect poorly on this business."
"Apology accepted. Now show me the factory so we can film it and move along."
"I am so ashamed of myself. You have every right to be angry with me."
"I'm not angry with you. My wife on the other hand," running Bear shrugged. "Well, women tend to brew their wrath a while longer than men."
"I'm a married man so I'm familiar with that aspect of a woman's ways. Look," he sighed. "I got a letter from a lady named Lynn Watson saying that a film crew was coming to see me on November 11th. She would shoot footage and add it to a motion picture portrait of Montana.
Running Bear, please, whatever your opinion of me, I beg of you, don't let it reflect on the dulcimer factory. Twenty-five people work here, including my twin boys, Aaron and Stephen; we cannot afford bad publicity.
That hotel is just a side business. I bought it a month ago when Nance Wilson passed away. The front desk clerk called in sick last night. I had to run down there and do it all myself."
"Mr. Kolworth, I'm not here for revenge. I'm not here to assuage your conscience. God is the arbiter of human souls; take the matter up with Him. I and my crew are here to shoot footage of dulcimers being made."
"I can't do anything to make it better?"
"You can't. You apologized. I accepted. The matter is resolved. Let's get on with the tour."
"I still feel terrible."
"Mr. Kolworth, the issue at hand is not prejudice, sir, it is wickedness. You have darkness in your heart and you have become quite comfortable with it. Prejudice is merely a symptom that something is amiss. For some men, wickedness manifests itself through a love of liquor or carousing or brawling. We all have our demons. If I took revenge or hated you in some way, then I would spread that lethal fog to my mind. I don't want it. I have enough problems of my own.
See my wife for a detailed list of my faults." 
Mr. Kolworth chuckled as he wiped a tear from his eye.
Running Bear continued, "Sir, you make dulcimers. You chop down a tree, scrape away the bark, and do any number of things to turn that log into a beautiful instrument. That process does not happen over night."
He hung his head. "No. I think I see your point. Are you sure there isn't anything I can do for you?"
Running Bear plucked the strings on a zither hanging on the wall.
"Actually, Mr. Kolworth, there is something you can do, but I'm not going to tell you what that is. I'll let God speak to your heart in His own way and in His own time. As Supreme Judge, He is the administrator of second chances. He made all men: whites and Indians, out of dirt. He took the worst and made the best. If you truly want to make things right, somehow, you'll know what to do."
Mr. Kolworth shrugged. "How will I do it?"
Running Bear plucked a C. "How do I make a dulcimer?"
Mr. Kolworth shook Running Bear's hand again. "You make a dulcimer with all deliberation."
Mr. Kolworth paused. "When I was a boy there was an Apache family in our neighborhood...."
"Stop!" Running Bear said, "Your excuses are irrelevant. That's merely the darkness seeking a way to justify itself. Whomever or whatever happened is water under the bridge. I am not some Indian from your past. I am an individual. You've had bad run-ins with whites my guess is you still respected them as individuals.
Now we've got work to do. Show me the dulcimer factory."
Mr. Kolworth nodded. "Let me show you around."
The tour began with simple blocks of wood. Mr. Kolworth showed the film crew each step of the process.
In the final room, the sales floor, two young men gave a demonstration of the finished product.
One of the young men, Aaron Kolworth hammered out a happy little tune.
Lynn sat beside him, quite enamored.
Stephen Kolworth plucked an Appalachian Dulcimer in his lap.
Emily beamed; she was also smitten.
The girls giggled among themselves as they watched their expert musicianship and indulged in the young men's attentions.
Mindy filmed the young men playing. She turned to Running Bear and aped the girls swooning and pantomimed them falling hopelessly in love.
Running Bear chuckled as he nodded.
Mr. Kolworth smiled as he witnessed the mutual flirting. He said to Running Bear, "I have an idea."
He and Running Bear spoke for a minute.
Running Bear patted his back. "I like that idea. I like it a lot."
Running Bear spoke to Mindy. She smiled. "That would be marvelous."
Emily and Lynn continued to enjoy the music and admire the young men. When Aaron and Stephen's song was finished, everyone clapped.
Mr. Kolworth spoke up, "Well done boys, well done. I trust you will be just as entertaining tonight at the Pumpkin Ball. I'm sure these two ladies would like to have a dance with you."
Lynn cringed. "That does sound like fun, but we're on a tight schedule."
Running Bear said, "The singing in Hardin doesn't begin until Sunday evening. It's a couple of hours away."
The girls looked at each other excitedly.
Lynn's face soon fell. "We don't have gowns."
Mr. Kolworth said, "In town there is a dress shop. Get what you need and tell the owner to put it on my bill.
Emily pantomimed dancing; Lynn twirled her fingers on the table like two people kicking up their legs.
That night, Lynn and Emily went to the Pryor Pumpkin Ball in new gowns.
Emily wore a white, billowy affair with a faux fox wrap-around.
Lynn wore a hot pink satin ball gown with double spaghetti straps. It had a "V flap" at the bodice decorated with a lace pattern of roses.
They danced with both young men.
Since they were identical twins, the girls had trouble distinguishing Stephen from Aaron. Both men were quite versed in choreography and danced until 10.
When the opportunity arose for a good night kiss in front of the Pryor Hotel, Emily suggested both boys kiss her goodnight; that way she would be sure that her date was a success.
Lynn was a little embarrassed but went along with the plan.
Stephen kissed Lynn and then Emily while Aaron kissed Emily and then Lynn.
Emily promised to write both.
The girls spent the remainder of the trip in perfect harmony.
