He turned and stalked inside, leaving no course open to Hashknife and Sleepy except to follow him. He led them up the creaking stairs and into a bedroom.
“You flop into that bed,” he ordered. “When yuh get in, I’ll have Wanna bring yuh a hot drink.”
He turned to Sleepy.
“Put yore horses in the stable. Ike Marsh is down there and he’ll show yuh where to put ’em.”
He went back down with Sleepy and they met Lucy and Wanna in the living-room. Big Medicine turned to Sleepy.
“I beg your pardon,” he said slowly, “but I have never heard your name.”
“My name’s Stevens,” smiled Sleepy. “My friends all call me Sleepy.”
“Ah, yes.” He turned to the women. “May I present Mr. Stevens? Mr. Stevens, this is my wife, Mrs. Hawkworth, and my daughter, Wanna.”
The old squaw held out her hand.
“I like to meet you,” she said. “How do?”