The fire was burning low, and most of the tribe had returned to their tents and shelters. “You must have made me sound braver than I was to your father,” I said with an embarrassed laugh. She smiled over at me, and I thought my heart was going to melt! “I just told him exactly what happened,” she said. “You were very brave, very cunning, just like he said. You saved me from that bad man. My father is very pleased with you.” I stared down into the glowing coals. “Your father will be pleased with you too,” she added. She seemed aware of my silence. “Where is your father, Zack Hollister? Is he a man like Hawk?” she asked. “My family is in California,” I said. “Why are you so far away from them? Will you see them soon?” “I joined the Pony Express.
