Both men said the morning prayer to Ussen, facing the sunrise, arms raised. The sunlight dispelled the chill and Jock was glad of the warmth as they ate their cold breakfast of beef jerky and water. Jock wanted a firm grip of his surroundings before he"d risk a small smokeless fire to brew coffee and prepare hot food.
“I brought this.” Jim held up the wooden-handled cartridge loader, a device resembling oversized pliers with crooked handles. “Make ammunition for the Sharps.”
“I"ll find a place for it.” Jock packed the cartridge loader and the accompanying capper and bullet setter in the saddle bags. “Thanks. Extra bullets for the Buffalo gun never go wrong.”
They embraced in farewell.
“You"ll be back in the stronghold tonight,” Jock said.
“Yes. Take care out there; watch out for the W
