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Moistening the lead point, he wrote a quick note: “To Whoood Indian Pay twenty beefs for passing through his land” And Benteen signed it “Judd Boston” It was a dirty trick, but Boston had a few co those Indians beco back at the rival trail boss for being so forith Lorna He tore off the note and handed it to a grinning Spanish, who loved a good joke at someone else’s expense as much as the next cowboy

Spanish relayed the e The Indian considered it, then came back with a counter offer that widened the Mexican’s eyes “While he waits for the big herd, he says he will take ten steers and the young squaw to look after him”

Lorna’s mouth opened in shock Benteen didn’t blink an eye “Tell hiood She complains too much”

“Benteen Calder …” She breathed his nae

“Just shut up and stay out of it, Lorna,” he ordered “Tell Spotted Elk what I said and repeat the last offer”

When it was done, the old Indian looked at Benteen with a sidelong glance “He says you insult hiive hiht and you will not have any cattle”

“Tell Spotted Elk if his braves stae and kill all his warriors Then ask him how his women and children will eat when there are no men to hunt for them”

Lorna was stunned by Benteen’s threat The Indians were only hungry All they asked was for hi their land with his cattle The old Indian had not said anything about attacking the the cattle In her opinion, Benteen’s threat was much too harsh

There was a long silence while the old Indian held Benteen’s hard gaze and weighed his words Finally he nodded his head once

“He will accept the offer,” Spanish confirmed; then a smile twitched at the corners of hissquaw off your hands, too”

Benteen hesitated an instant “Spotted Elk can have the co squaw, but—”

“Benteen Calder, what are you saying?” Lorna was furious, and a little frightened, too “How dare you—”

He raised his voice to drown her out “—but tell him that she has had the spotted sickness”

The instant Spanish repeated Benteen’s state distance between himself and Lorna Aas well Lorna was too incensed to be relieved

“Rusty, tie a couple of tobacco sacks up with those bandannas,” Benteen ordered “When you ride out to the herd, Spanish, have the boys cut out those two laot a couple that have been trying to quit the bunch ever since we left”