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The boy grabbed the crate off the counter, looking at her expectantly with big brown eyes His black hair hung to his shoulders, which were thin and bare, showing the sharp edges of his collarbones The only clothing he as a pair of brown leather pants that stopped near his knees

S, Millie said, “Hello, Wind”

“Maruawe, hello, Major’s wife” Turning to the shopkeeper, Wind tipped his head toward the parasol “That, too?”

Mr Jenkins nodded

“I can carry it” She lifted the parasol off the counter “Good day, Mr Jenkins Thank you for all your assistance”

With a nod and a smile that was hard to see with all his facial hair, he said, “My pleasure”

The day arm, as most every day since she’d arrived had been, yet winter was around the corner Popping open the parasol, she shielded both herself and the boy froht “Do you live here, Wind, at the fort?” she asked, already thinking of theif the boy would let her sew clothes for him Not that she kne, but she could learn

“Kee, no We came for Per-Cum-Ske to talk to Major”

“Per-Cum-Ske? Is he your father?”

“No He Comanche leader”

“A chief?

“Kee, no A leader” The boy hoisted the crate higher in his ar-ton man Tell him we need buffalo”

“Washington man? Do you mean the president?”

“Haa Yes”

Sadness welled inside her Congress couldn’t know there were children out here, hungry and without clothes Surely they would have done so more if they did Wouldn’t they? It would be nice to believe they would have, but deep down, she had an inclination they knew The army had been out here for years They would have reported such things Another welling happened, one that filled her ars better