Blood Trail by Jack Hanson

Author:Jack Hanson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

12

THEY PULLED OUT the next morning. The two sullen Short Robes headed mostly east and a little north, almost immediately fading into the mist that swirled around the river. Barlow wondered about the two more than a little. There seemed to be something about them that prickled the hair on the back of his neck. There was nothing immediate that he could put a finger on, but they left him unsettled. He had given considerable thought to Four Dogs and Big Eagle during the night—before Raven Moon had delightfully distracted him—and had concluded they were not to be trusted. What that would mean, he wasn’t sure, but he more than half suspected he would run into them again, and when he did, he would not be as trusting of them as Black Buffalo seemed to be.

Barlow’s group went almost due west. White Bear and Black Buffalo led the procession, riding together on the trail that wove through the trees along the banks of the river. Later, as the trail widened, they would spread out a little more, increasing the range of their watchful-ness, while never really getting out of sight of the others. The women and children—and Father Lambert—followed, along with the pack animals and extra ponies. Some of the women herded the animals, while the others kept an eye on the children. Barlow and Bull Heart brought up the rear, making sure no one lagged and keeping an eye out for any potential enemies who might follow. Buffalo 2 made his own trail, but usually did not stray too far from Barlow.

They rode steadily though not hurriedly, taking it easy on the animals and themselves. If the Blackfeet did decide to come after them, they wanted to be as fresh as possible for the battle. During the afternoon, Bull Heart cut out two pack animals and veered off, heading into the forest. He returned with an elk and a deer carcass on the pack mules. They would feed well tonight.

The day passed in uneventful monotony, and before dark Black Buffalo directed them to a quiet spot amid the trees along a swift little brook. Wood, water, and forage were all plentiful. With a storm threatening, the women put up two lodges—one to be shared by Barlow, Raven Moon, White Bear, and Far Thunder and the other for the rest of the Flatheads—and Lambert’s tent. A light rain started as the camp went up, but the people were warm and dry before the precipitation really let loose.

The meat was distributed, as was a supply of coffee and sugar. One of Black Buffalo’s old wives took care of serving Lambert. Raven Moon and Far Thunder cooked for Barlow, White Bear, and Yellow Leaf. There was less formality now that they were under cover, and the women often laughed as they worked.

With the growing darkness, the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. The rain fell steadily and hard, punctuated by bursts of driven rain. Adding to the atmosphere was the sharp, sizzling shards of lightning and the foreboding rumble of thunder.

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