Chapter 4

In spite of the weights around his wrists and the injuries to his bare back, Ben held himself remarkably upright as Angelica plodded along. The rough terrain jostled him more than once, but the strongest reaction he ever gave was a mild frown. Whether it was pride or stoicism that helped him maintain such a brave front, Alonzo didn’t know. For now, though, the distinction was unnecessary. The important matter at hand was to get back to the presidio as quickly as possible.

Alonzo followed the tracks that they left in the soft dirt, squinting into the darkness as the sun fell faster and faster. Eventually, it was even too dark to follow those, but by then, Alonzo could see the vague outline of the presidio. Ben rode in silence. It was almost as if Alonzo was traveling alone again. Ben needed to keep his strength, so Alonzo did not prompt him to speak. Instead, he mulled over what he could feed the injured man. He had plenty of cornmeal, and a few eggs from the hens he kept.