Before long, they were both petting his pony, he changing his position until he was on one side of the pony and she on the other. It was an odd manner in which to communicate to one another, yet he could feel the horror of what had happened to her continue to lessen.
When she looked over the back of the pony and smiled at him, he felt himself a little bewitched by her, and it was now he who glanced away from her. They continued to rub down his pony until her hand accidentally touched his, and a powerful jolt that felt as though it could be a strike of lightning coursed through his body.
He grimaced.I have been away from a woman for far too long.
He turned his head to look in a different direction when he said to her in Crow, "We should be getting back to camp."
Again she smiled at him, and he watched her lips as she said, "Thank you. I will not forget your kindness. I promise you. I will not forget."
Gazing back at her, he looked into her amber-colored eyes and felt suddenly lost within her gaze. Truly, he admired her beauty so greatly, he suddenly didn't trust himself to be alone with her.
It was past time to leave. Coming around his prized pony, he indicated her, then the horse, and, with his hand, he patted the place where she would sit.
He would not find his seat behind her. Suddenly, he knew it would be wrong to do so.
Once more she smiled at him, and when he helped her up onto his pony, he could barely force himself to let go of her. It wasn't right, this sudden passion for the woman. Although he wasn't certain, it was possible she was married to the white man, which made his own feelings misplaced. Also, she was under the protection of the two brothers, Eagle Heart and Chief Chases-the-enemy, and of Gray Falcon, all to whom he owed his allegiance.
He returned her smile, then stepped firmly away from her, and, picking up his pony's halter, he calmly but firmly trod down the hill.
