Stone Hand by Charles G. West

Author:Charles G. West [West, Charles]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781101662953
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 1998-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

Jason stood for a few minutes, watching the lone rider in the distance until he was certain the man was definitely coming his way. Though the rider was still little more than a black speck pulling a small dust cloud, Jason felt it prudent to back his horse down below the crest of the hill. It was best to keep out of sight until the traveler was identified. There seemed to be little doubt the man was following the river and he appeared to be in a hurry. Jason dismounted and situated himself in the tall buffalo grass just below the crest of the hill. He checked his rifle and laid it down on the ground beside him and watched the horseman approach. Below him, beneath the crest of the hill, Birdie snorted, now aware of the approaching horse. Jason gazed at his horse for an extended moment. Birdie was a dependable mount but she was no match for Henry. Jason sorely missed Henry. He felt his loss more than for that of any horse he had ever owned. The little mare was a willing replacement though and Jason resolved not to become so attached to her as he had to Henry. Max Kennedy jokingly referred to Jason’s horses as the ugliest collection of uncurried flesh on the prairie, but Jason knew his Indian ponies were head and shoulders above the army’s sleek mounts when it came to taking care of a man in the open.

He glanced back in the direction of the approaching rider. He could make out the man’s features now as he neared the bend in the river below the hill Jason was crouched upon. It appeared to be Long Foot, one of the colonel’s scouts. He was easy to recognize by the way he rode slouched over in the saddle, giving the impression that he was sleeping as he rode. Jason stood up and took the few steps to the top of the hill.

“Long Foot!” he yelled, waving his arms above his head.

The scout pulled up short at the sound, and wheeled his pony around toward the source. Upon seeing Jason, he immediately urged his pony up the hill.

“What you in such an all-fired hurry for?”

The scout dismounted even before his horse stopped, running the last few steps to keep from falling. “Colonel say you come, damn right.”

“What for?” Jason asked. It was plain to see there was urgency in the command. What, he wondered, was so important that Long Foot was sent in search of him. Before Long Foot could answer, he asked, “How’d you know where to find me?”

The Indian smiled. “Long Foot damn good tracker.”

“Horse piss.” Jason grunted. “If I hadn’t hollered, you’d still be riding down the river.”

Long Foot shook his head. “No. Long Foot find you. Damn right.” The smile faded from his face when he remembered the urgency of his mission. “Colonel say you come,” he said. “Damn quick,” he added.

“What’s up?” Jason was already tying up his saddle pack, preparing to ride.

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