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S at the boy, she asked, “Mr Jenkins hired you to help him?”

The child spoke well, better than some of the older Indians she’d encountered, yet a frown rippled his forehead as he asked, “Hired?”

“Yes, he pays you to help him Gives you money?”

“Haa, yes Trade Gives sweet stick”

“Sweet stick?”

A sood”

“Candy?” she asked “He pays you with candy?”

“Haa Much good Mymy, uh, seester, she like”

“You share it with your sister?” Iirl as adorable as Wind was easy, yet a candy stick wasn’t an appropriate pay to the tribes They bartered for everything

“Haa,” he answered, still grinning

They were approaching the house, where Russ stood near the corner talking with the threefor snakes “Corporal Kemper, may I speak with you?”

“Yes,to theto the porch Standing stiff and straight, with his hands behind his back, he asked, “What can I do for you, Mrs Parker?”

Already digging in her bag, she pulled out several coins “Would you please escort Wind back to the trading post and purchase as much candy as this will buy for him?”

Russ’s green eyes went fro to dull and filled with unease “Ma’am, I don’t—”