Fewer war parties went forth. Not none, but fewer. The men hunted for furs and there was for a time no mourning over fallen warriors. Autumn came, and Davis’ leg healed sufficiently for travel, so he and a Crow escort headed back to Kipp’s with a load of pelts and buffalo hides.
The men occupied their idle hours as they always had: in contests with bow and g*n, wrestling matches, and a game similar to Lacrosse; always betting, always laughing, bragging, and challenging one another. But there was more of this idle time now, and a restlessness. Also, power corrupts. From this, and from the idleness, Beckwourth would soon subvert his own best intentions.
Among the Crow women, there was one whose beauty stood out above all others. Slender and proud, with a piercing gaze, she knew that the ey
