Then after a time I said:
“We’ll not be much longer, dear.”
“I hope not,” said she, panting, her lips stiff, her eyes bright and feverish. “They’ll rush us at sundown; maybe before.”
“I believe,” said I, blurring the words, for my tongue was getting unmanageable, “they’re making ready now.”
She exclaimed and struggled and sat up, and we both gazed. Out there the Sioux, in that world of their own, had aroused to energy. I fancied that they had palled of the inaction. At any rate they were upon their feet, several were upon their horses, others mounted hastily, squad joined squad as though by summons, and here came their outpost scout, galloping in, his blanket streaming from one hand like a banner of an Islam prophet. 309
They delayed an instant, gesticulating.
“It will be soon,” she whispered, touching my arm. “When they are half-way, don’t fail. I trust you. Will you kiss me? That is only the once.”
I kissed her; dry cracked lips met dry cracked lips. She laid herself down and closed her eyes, and smiled.
“I’m all right,” she said. “And tired. I’ve worked so hard, for only this. You mustn’t look.”
“And you must wait for me, somewhere,” I entreated. “Just a moment.”