Soon White Bear glimpsed the Stars and Stripes fluttering among distant trees and the noon sun glittering on brass buttons. Federal troops. At a clear spot on the trail, where Nancy and Woodrow would be visible from a distance, he called a halt.
"You two stay on the trail. Nancy, pull your braids around to the front so they can see your blond hair. Woodrow, take that headband off. You want to make sure they see that you're white. Just hold your horses still, and when you see the first soldiers, raise your hands above your heads. And call out to them in English."
Oh, Earthmaker, keep them safe. This was the best he could do for them.
Nancy kissed him hard on the mouth.
"I love you so much," she said, her voice breaking. "And I know I'll never see you again. Go on, get away from here!"
White Bear led his horse back into the woods between the river and the bluffs. He tied the horse and then crept back through the shrubbery to watch Nancy and Woodrow.
Terrified by the thought that he might see them shot down before his eyes by careless soldiers, he held his breath.
He heard hoofbeats approaching at the gallop.
He heard Nancy cry, "Help us, please! We're white people!"
Good.