Newota was silent for a few moments and then said, “I know about you from my mother. You have been to my village several times while I was with my uncle in a northern tribe. Except for traders, you are the first white man who has done so. My mother says that you ask many questions, not just about plants and animals but even more about our history and customs. For what purpose do you study us? We have had only disease, cheating, and lies from those of you who have settled our land. And why do you examine these plants if it is not for healing or as part of your religion?”

These questions were difficult to answer, and Kindred had never addressed them even in his own thoughts. He finally gave an inadequate response.

“I try to learn about people and things for my own enjoyment and for knowledge, and so that I can share it with others who have similar interests. I hope to put this information to good use whenever possible.”

Newota nodded and said, “I can understand your desire to learn, and perhaps you may be able to teach others when you are much older. My own purpose is to use plants to ease pain, which is also a path to manhood as a medicine man.” He was surprised to hear himself add, “And perhaps a tribal leader.”

Both young men were pleased with the ease of their communication and the personal revelation of their ideas and ambitions for the future. They walked over to a nearby fallen log, sat down, and continued to explore mutual interests. Newota made it clear that he also wanted to learn about living things that were not of immediate benefit, and about the culture and even the language of the white settlers.

“This would be helpful to my people,” he said.

From then on, the two young men met frequently and visited each other’s home. In order to become more proficient in the two languages, each spoke in the tongue of the other and they prompted with new words and corrected mistakes, often with laughter. Kindred discovered that the Indian “boy” was almost eighteen years old and was contemplating marriage. Newota explained the mating customs of both the Creeks and Cherokees, and the procedure that he would have to follow when he decided to take a wife. On his recent trip a girl had been indicated that he might want, who lived in his uncle’s village and was of another clan. If he gave the word, the aunts or mothers of both would try to arrange a marriage.

Kindred asked, “How about the father?”