"Spirit Dog" was the name the Indians called Adolphus a dachshund that traveled the Texas Road to Oklahoma Territory with Jeffery Martin and his family Adventure begins at Fort Gibson when they explore a riverboat where they discover a captive Cherokee Indian boy named Hawk. The threesome head for freedom only to be captured by fierce Osage Indians. Unlike the Indians' wolf dogs, Adolphus is a strange new breed with a long, low body, short legs and drooping ears that fascinates the Indians. He must be a spirit! At the Osage village they are befriended by an Indian Princess called the Ancient One. An opportunity to escape comes at the annual salt boiling but now the boys hesitate leaving an ailing Ancient One behind. As their plans to escape begin to evaporate she helps them find a solution and a way back home. Their adventure brings the boys and dog closer together with their competitive spirits growing into admiration, and a new respect for living in America's expanding West. Set against a background of history and folklore. Grades 3-5.