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"No Katherine, I was educated into the white man's ways and my God is your God. But the Shawnee, they are a little different. They believe Wos-so mon-nit-to which is like your God sends favor to them if they do right. Like your God."
Katherine smiled silently, "My mother thought all Indians were heathen."
"Some are," he nodded.
"I'm glad you aren't," she said breathlessly.
He moved away from her, clearing his throat. "Yes, well, get some rest. I will take over the watch. Lee…?" he called out to the soldier.
"Yes," the soldier acknowledged as he came to stand in front of him.
"Did you rest?" Chase smiled at the young man.
"Some," he answered as he twisted his head in bafflement.
"I will hold the first watch. The man from the ridge still watches and we do not know if he means us harm or not. So when it is your turn, keep your eyes trained on the ridges."
The young soldier looked about, spotting Hawks. "What do you think he wants?"
"Don't know yet, just keep your eyes open," Chase told him. "Until he makes a move we won't know whose side he's on."
"All right."
"And Lee…?"
"Yeah,"
"The soldiers may turn on you when they catch up. You will have to make a decision then where you stand. Who you stand with. It will not be an easy one," Chase said casting him a quick furrowed glance.
"Yeah….but it looks like…I already chose sides, now don't it?" Lee answered with a sly smile. "Besides, the Captain is a hard man to deal with. He ain't gonna take too kindly to me being with you."
Chase nodded. "I am sorry it put you between your work, but it cannot be helped, and I will fight beside you, no matter what."
Lee looked at him curiously, turning his head as though he hadn't expected the loyalty.
"Thanks…"
Chase nodded.
Chapter Thirteen
It was early afternoon when Chase heard the rumbling of the ground. He knew they were coming even before he bent to put his ear to the ground. He raised up quickly. He checked the sky, the wind, and the distance. He knew they were coming. And he knew it was bluecoats.
"Get your guns ready," he hollered at everyone who was asleep.
Katherine came to quickly, "What is it?"
"I'm not sure, either the soldiers or the Indians. I think it is the soldiers, Indians would not be so loud," Chase said, checking his rifle, and handgun. "You will take cover behind the rocks."
"But…I don't see anyone?" she protested.
"You will. Now get behind the rocks, stay hidden," he told her. His face was stern and unyielding.
Then she saw them, it looked like a whole Calvary troop swooping in on them. Katherine ran to Chase's side, and took his pistol. "I can shoot," she insisted.
He nodded and motioned for her to stay behind him.
Lee was shocked. The split decision to turn on them or stay registered on his face for only a second as three of the officers approached the camp from the west.
