“Does your Injun talk any?” she asked.
“I speak just fine.” Much to her surprise, the silent man spoke without even turning around. His voice was deep; like distant thunder. Violet was struck with surprise. Linus chuckled.
“Sitting Bear mostly keeps quiet,” Linus explained. “But when he does talk, he’s always got somethin’ to say. Ain’t that right, Bear?”
Sitting Bear had no response, and instead latched up the final saddle bag on the strong-legged, spotted mustang he had been tending. It was then that the sound of hoofbeats caught their attention. Eagerly, Violet turned to receive her horse and be on her way. But Mei, rather than calmly leading Maple on by her reins, was sitting in her saddle.
“I think it’s about time we leave, folks.” Her words were quiet, but urgent. Violet chanced
