He looked gravely at the snow, and thought about Emma's powers of discernment. To Joe, Gearey had been just another soldier. Emma had suspected him, and she was right. Joe must be sure to tell her what he had found out so Emma, in her own way, could tell Barbara. Dunbar broke the silence.
"Are you staying with us?"
"No. I reckon we'll winter at Snedeker's."
"The noises you'll hear at Laramie will be hearts breaking," Dunbar assured him. "Going on to Oregon when the weather breaks?"
"That's right."
"I've a notion to do that myself. My time is up in June. You know, I used to dream of going back to Boston and spend my time smoking a pipe and wearing slippers when I got a pension. Now I know I'd be lost in Boston."
"Why don't you come to Oregon? I hear it's a big country."
"Sure," Dunbar smiled. "I'll stake a claim near you and spend all my time playing with these kids."
"The kids wouldn't mind."
"Neither would I," Dunbar said earnestly. "Wish I could see my way clear. When are you leaving?"