There Are Savages Out There

Do not go out west her parents warned Jobeth. There are savages there; they will harm you. Her man was there, so she went anyway. He was killed in autumn, and she was alone. With snow came additional grief. They had always spoken of living in the cabin together. Now Jobeth was alone and running out of food There was a knock on her door. An Indian was standing there, holding a basket of food. Jobeth was astounded; surprised, speechless. He handed it to her and smiled. She murmured an almost unheard thank you. Later she felt angry with herself. Jobeth never saw the man again. But he was God-sent. Brought enough food to allow her to live. She wrote to her parents asking them to never call Indians savages again.