He could no longer see the steamship when he answered, "Our world is not the same as it was when we were younger."
"Of course it isn't," she answered, although they could no longer see one another. "After all, two years have gone by since we last saw each other. But, there is one aspect about me thathas not changed, my long-ago tutor. I love you still. Always, I will love you."
"I, too, feel this way."
"Then, what is the problem?"
"There are many," he answered. "Do not fear. We will see one another again, but perhaps not when the boat-that-walks-on-water comes to Fort Benton."
"Please? Please be there when this boat pulls into its landing. I ache to catch sight of you again, if only for a moment. Won't you please make the journey to be there?"
Red Fox sighed. Perhaps it had not been wise to come here to see her.
"Of course it was wise," came her reply to his thought, and he smiled. He had forgotten for a moment that his mind was still open to hers.
In mind-speak, then, he said, "I will be there. You will have to look for me, but I will be there."
He could feel her relief before he "heard" her say, "Thank you. I will hunt for you if I have to."
And, then the communication between them ended, and glancing down at Hunts-with-the-wind, he asked, "You heard?"
"Yes," answered his pet.
Red Fox gulped down a sigh before he turned about to retrace his steps back to camp. But, before he set out upon the trail, he heard Hunts-with-the-wind say, "I want to see this female two-legged who loves you so much."
"And, so you shall, my friend. So you shall."
