Al looked both frantic and furious as he stomped the snow off his boots. Are you all right, Silver? Is there anything you want to tell me?” He glared at Cherokee. Silver feigned wide-eyed innocence. Why, no. I can’t imagine what you’re talking about.” Cherokee, drat his ornery hide, only grinned like a big tomcat caught with canary feathers on his mouth. Willie and Bill had come along and she was as relieved as Cherokee to see them, reassuring them over and over that she held no grudge and was grateful that they had risked their lives to bring help. She noticed Cherokee avoided her gaze while Al and the boys fussed over her, She told the story of how she’d ended up here while out looking for a claim to buy. Al looked from her to the big ’breed. Find anything you liked?” he asked pointedly. Not a thing!” She glared at Cherokee. ”I think I’d do better to invest my time and money in the Nugget from now on. With the men jubilant, Doc declared her shoulder healing. She let Al help her into the sleigh and they all went off to town, leaving Willie, Bill, and Cherokee behind.
