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Finally, after they were in a wooded area, he turned and let her catch up.
"Enough, go home. If they catch me with you, they will hang me. And you will be scorned as though you were raped. I am not ready to die for something I did not do, or that needed doing."
"No one saw you, but me. I know what happened."
"You would let them hang me, for helping you?"
"Helping me? You call murdering him, helping me?"
"I don't have the time to argue. Come on," he grabbed her hand and pulled her along quickly. Hoping to discourage her from this stupid journey. Maybe if he drug over half the mountain, she'd give up and go home.
Hadn't the man called her an old-maid schoolteacher? Where was her mind? Teachers were supposed to be smart, he thought.
When they passed a stream, she stopped and filled the canteens. For some reason he slowed down, as he had no water on him.
She caught up to him easily now. After a long silence, she asked almost hysterically, "A-are you sure he's dead?"
"Yes, he is dead." Shining Moon's patience was wearing thin. "He was not a good man, I would not worry over him."
"You think I'm worried about him?" she stopped and stared. "No, I'm not. Forever more, what a mess you've put us in!" she swallowed hard, and tears came to her eyes.
Suddenly she raised her eyes to the man. "You said you came in from the storm last night. But from where?"
"Rapid City," He told her quickly. "I sold some mustangs in Rapid City."
"Is that where you are from?"
"No."
"Then where were you going?"
"Down into the rocky hills, where I live. I came upon your farm last night late. The lights were out in the house and I saw the barn and took shelter, that is all there is to it. Can you not see the fallen trees about, the wet ground, the smell of rain?" He told her as they found the woods cluttered with branches everywhere from the storm.
She decided to try another tack. "I guess I should thank you for what you done, but you would have left me to explain, and I could not explain what happened. My father cared for Earl more than he did me. I had to come with you. I have no choice. And neither do you!"
"Do you realize what choice you'll have if they catch you with a torn dress and an Indian?"
"Well of course I do. They'd hang you before you got two words out. And they'd shame me for allowing you to take me. I suppose that does make sense, too. But I cannot go back. I will take my chances with you!"
"There's just one little thing you forget, I did not invite you to follow me." He smirked.
"I didn't invite you into my barn either!" She raised her voice with sarcasm.
"There is no time for this argument."
"Fine, then I will go with you."
He sighed and shook his head. "
Then keep up and shut up." Shining Moon's frustration made his anger flare. He should never agree to this situation, but he didn't have the time to stand there and argue with her.
What a mess!
She stopped and didn't move. "You are as ill tempered as they were, perhaps I shouldn’t follow you after all."
"Suit yourself, lady," he turned loose of her hand and ignored her self-righteous ramblings. He had no time to worry over her. White women were game players and she seemed no different.
She stood there watching him traipse across the countryside with such ease. Then with a loud huff, she followed him.
