"It is north of here and west and is between the Marias and the Missouri rivers."
"Oh," said Amelia. "And, which way is north?"
"Well," answered Laylah, "the sun rises in the east, and if you look over that way"—she pointed—"you will see it is over there."
"Oh, yes, of course. And, since the sun rises only in the east, north must be this way." Amelia pointed in the correct direction. "Well, thank you very much."
"You are welcome," murmured Laylah.
"Well," said Amelia, "I had better be going. I am, after all, determined to follow him."
"But, why?" asked Laylah. "He doesn't really need your help, and you might be in the way, or worse. As he has said, you might take his attention off his opponent."
"I know," Amelia replied. "Yet, I must follow him. I can't tell you why. Just know I have a good reason to be going after him."
Laylah nodded. "Well, come on, then. The least I can do is help you to pack your horse. You can take my mount, Honey Sugar. I believe the fort is a few days' ride from here. You will need supplies. Come, I'll give you as much food as I have so you don't starve while you try to find the fort."
"I would like that."
"Good," uttered Laylah. "First, let's raid your wickiup for any supplies you might have, and then we'll go to mine. And then, since I have no more paper here, I will draw you a map in the dirt so you might find your way. You must follow the Missouri River north to where it intersects with the Marias, and there you will find the fort. But, beware. You will be traveling during the day, and it is not safe for you to do so. Do you think you might wait to do this until this evening?"
Amelia shook her head. "I must go now. Besides, I don't think I can travel alone at night. I would be too frightened."
"Very well," said Laylah. "Then, let us hurry and pack your pony with the things you will need on your journey. Do you have a gun you can carry?"
"I do," answered Amelia. "I have a flintlock .45, but I fear I have very little ammunition for it."
"Then, you will have to take my littler derringer," said Laylah. "I have plenty of ammunition. I know you can use it, because Father taught us both to shoot. But, know this: if you must use it, do it without constraint. This is because what you carry for self-defense can be taken from you and used against you."
"I know," agreed Amelia. "I will have a care."
"Good. C'mon, then, let's get to work."
