Page 30 (2/2)

“No” Benteen didn’t try to teh the tears made it difficult

When she saw that her appeal wasn’t swaying hihtly Mrs Pearce was crying as well, more emotional than Benteen had ever seen her There was even a sheen of dampness in her father’s eyes as Arthur Pearce stepped forward to clasp Benteen’s hand in both of his

“You take good care of irl” There was a stiffness to the id set of his chin

“I will, sir” Benteen pretended not to notice the huskiness in the man’s voice

Then Lorna was pulling out of hertearfully at her father “Oh, Daddy,” she sobbed, and wrapped her arhtly around his neck For a ed her close

“You be good, now, ya hear?” It was a gruff admonition to mask his pain

“I’llvoice

Benteen knew there wasn’t any easy way to end this “I’m sorry, Mr Pearce,” he intruded firmly on the e as Arthur Pearce tried to set his daughter away fro her by the shoulders, Benteen pulled her the rest of the way back Her hands re involuntarily toward her parents “It’s time, Lorna”

“I …” But the words were choked off as she turned quickly away fro and the pained look on her father’s face She practically ran toward the wagon, covering her h her whole body

Grion seat and followed her up It hurt hiuished, tear-filled face, so he kept his eyes averted She was barely seated and she was already turning to gaze longingly at her parents The reins to the horse team rapped around the brake handle Benteen unwound them

“Good-bye!”

“Good-bye!”

“Don’t forget to write!”

“We’ll miss you!”

“Good-bye!”