Chapter 17When the spring winds ceased to blow, Howling Wolf filled the valley with smoke. I stood on the hillock behind the house and looked south to where a gray haze clung to the earth like nature’s fog. We were in that peculiar state where the air above pressed the smoke down to hug the ground.
There was plenty of army activity. I often saw patrols passing in the distance. Then one day, on a Friday, if I recall correctly, Gideon led one to my door. To my surprise, Rachel Ann accompanied them.
My brother-in-law handed his wife down from her horse, careful of the small bundle she carried, before turning to greet me. “Look who I’ve brought for a visit.”
I hugged my sister and gave her a peck on the cheeks. A broad smile brightened her pretty features as she held out an infant for my in
