The wagon train had been traveling for two months. When it arrived at Fort Laramie, one-third of the trek to California had been completed. Fort Laramie would be the last chance to mail a letter to loved ones back home. On a rare occasion, a message may be waiting for a traveler. It was a place to rest, resupply, exchange worn out stock, and make repairs before attempting to cross the grueling mountain passes to the west.
Messrs. Bullock and Ward, a sutler store, was crammed with people when Crow and Stump entered. The place was smoky and smelled of cheese, salted herring, and tobacco smoke. “Damn,” said Stump, “you can hardly move in here there are so many people.”
Crow, standing taller than most, located the counter over the heads of the other customers. Stump"s hat was knocked to one
