Quicksilver Passion (191 page)

Lon Brett stared at him.
What the hell are you telling me?”

You damned fool! The girl has been under your nose the whole time with her hair dyed and hiding behind spectacles and drab clothes so’s no one in the world would recognize her.’ He pushed his Western hat back.
Now remember what you promised me.” He turned to go.
The bitch you’re looking for is the governess to the Duchess’s kid!”

Cherokee came awake with a start in the darkness, wondering what had awakened him. Silver still lay curled asleep next to him.

The slight rap at the door echoed again. He got up, went to the door, and opened it. Keso stood there.

Boss, that man, that Jake Dallinger—”

Shh!” Cherokee held up a warning finger, then looked toward where Silver lay asleep. He tiptoed across the room, got his boots, coat, and pistol, went out into the hall, and closed the door behind him.
Talk soft and tell me what you know.”

That Dallinger fella came to the barn a while ago, saddled his horse, and took off like the devil was nippin’ at his heels.”

Headed where?”

East. Said something about going out the Cherry Creek Road. He’s goin’ to meet the Third soldiers. Colonel’s sent for him to scout the way to the Cheyenne camp on Sand Creek.”

Cherokee swore softly under his breath.
The volunteers might not even find that camp if he doesn’t get there. At least without a good scout, they’ll be slowed down. Iron Knife’s gone ahead to warn his people, but who knows if they’ll listen to him?”

He stood there a long moment. If he tried to do anything to stop Dallinger, Silver would realize he wasn’t blind after all and he might lose her.

Boss, it ain’t your problem. Don’t get involved.”

That’s just what I was thinking myself, Keso,” he said uncertainly,
and yet, if everyone thought only of himself, there would be no justice in this world.”

The boy looked at him, puzzlement in his face.
So does that mean you are going to try to stop him? How can you when—?”

It’s a long story, Keso, but I’m gradually getting my sight back. I owe the Cheyenne; they saved my life when I was desperate.” He paused, weighing the consequences of his actions. He could ride out to try to intercept Dallinger and help the Cheyenne, but in doing so, he would lose Silver. Honor against love. What a choice!

Boss?”