Half a mile later, I emerged from the ravine so I could once more be seen. Then I rode hard to the north, putting distance between the enraged killers and myself. The gunfire had ceased, so I assumed Panther and his family had taken the opportunity to slip away from the stranded militiamen.
Some distance farther, I paused to consider whether or not to shoot the animals. When released, most would eventually find their way home, which didn’t serve my purpose. Although six mounts represented wealth to an Indian family, the horses also presented a danger. Yet perhaps not if they were removed from this general area. My decision made, I turned back and approached the badlands by the route Panther and his family would likely take. Before long, I ran into them.
Spotted Panther drew up sharply. H
