Chapter 90

The next day the troops filed down from the mountains. Upon confronting such a large party of Indians, the commander of the outnumbered dragoons formed his men boot-to-boot in a skirmish line. Even from this distance, we could see the troops held four mounted prisoners.

“I pray he is dead,” Cut muttered in a voice meant for my ears only. He glanced at the warriors, who formed their own skirmish line. “I don’t know if I can control them if he isn’t.”

“Do you want me to go meet them?”

“No. I want you to go with me.” He beckoned Bear Paw and Lone Eagle forward. I followed the three warriors down the slope. The line of troops halted and sat waiting. To my horror, the officer in charge was Captain Smith.

“Mr. Strobaw,” the officer said with a casual salute. “What is your business here?”

“I am here with the misco of the Yanube. He has come to see the situation for himself since these are his grounds.”