Chapter 23

“I should have, Cut. They deserve to be warned. These things I have spoken are all true.”

His voice mirrored his disbelief. “Not even the white man can destroy the buffalo. They have always been here. They will always be here.”

I moved to more personal matters. “When you told them you would share my home, did they fathom our relationship?”

“No. That is a matter to broach with my father when I decide how to do it.”

“You don’t know how?” I asked, my voice rising. Somehow this was not working out the way I envisioned.

“Billy, do not press this thing too fast. It will take time.” He paused before continuing. “We must be careful with Spotted Hawk. Some win-taysare considered sacred because they are powerful people. Tonight you spoke as a man of power. You hinted at the future. Spotted Hawk must not become jealous of your power. He cannot see you as a threat.”

“Who was the big man who questioned me?”