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“The whites don’t mind him treating them?”
“Some do, but most don’t. He’s held in pretty high regard.”
Hiram said, “That’s good to hear.”
They’d just finished their meal when an unhappy-looking Ed rode up on his white stallion, Snow. Behind him were Cheyenne and Paint on a lead.
Spring stood. “What’s wrong?”
“Take your children home.”
“Jesus and three fishes,” she snarled with frustration. “What did they do?”
“Cheyenne keeps challenging the young stallions and Paint is running amok. As always. Between them they have the whole herd riled up.”
She dropped her head. “I’m so sorry.”
“We probably won’t need you for the rest of the day anyway. Helping Cass and her mare was my biggest concern. Thanks for working with them.”
“You’re welcome.”
Spring saw the visitors eyeing him. “Have you met Garrett’s family?”
“No. But I heard they were here. I’m Ed Prescott.”
Garrett introduced them, and Ed nodded in response. “I hope you’ll enjoy your stay.”
They nodded and stared, but Ed didn’t seem bothered by it. “Spring, if I need your help tomorrow I’ll send one of the hands over to let you know. Here are the ledgers.” He handed her the leather pouch he’d placed them in.
“I’ll check the numbers tonight.”
“Thanks. Nice meeting you folks.” He touched his hat and rode away.
Hiram said, “Not to be disrespectful, but is he a foreigner?”
“No. He’s a member of the Bannock tribe.”
Melody asked, sounding confused, “Tribe?”
“He’s what people back East call an Indian,” Garrett replied.
Vernon smirked. “What’s he call himself?”
“Ed,” Spring said coolly.
He seemed startled by the tone of her reply and the harshness in her glare.
Garrett added, “This is his land. That beautiful house on the hill? He built it. He’s an engineer.”
Vernon scoffed. “You don’t actually believe that, do you? Everyone knows they’re savages.”
Garrett snapped, “Some people view our race the same way. Are they correct?”
“Of course not.”
Spring wanted to rip out his heart. “My grandmother was Shoshone. How about you walk back to town? I’m sure you don’t want to ride in the wagon of a savage.”
Seeing all the angry eyes trained his way, heswallowed visibly. “My apologies for speaking out of turn.”
“Keep your bigotry to yourself.” She turned to the others. “I’ll be back with the wagon.”
She stalked off and her horses followed.
