hatred of von Heusen so that she wouldn't be able to fear her own
future, and to wonder desperately about Jamie Slater.
Her eyes were lowered, her head was down when they came into the
village.
She stumbled and looked up to see where she was going.
Looking across the compound she saw that four Indians were in curious
costumes with huge headdresses, obviously preparing for the rites to
come.
But the Indians were staring across the compound at a stranger who had
come among them. For a moment he looked very much like Nalte. Tess
narrowed her eyes, watching the man, trying to figure out why he looked
so familiar. He was dressed in buckskins from head to toe and he wore a
cap adorned with eagle and owl feathers. His hair was black and straight
as Nalte's, but worn shorter. Even as she stared at him, he turned
slowly, pointing her way.
She gasped, stunned to see that the newcomer was Jon Red Feather. He
smiled at her briefly, a sign of encouragement, she thought, then his
expression quickly sobered again, and he continued to talk to Nalte.
The tall Apache was dressed for the ceremony, too. He wore a fringed
buckskin shirt, buckskin pants, high, laced boots and eagle feathers in
his hair. He was also adorned with a turquoise amulet around his neclq
and silver studs and beads upon his bonnet and shirt. He was listening
to Jori Red Feather--and watching Tess gravely as he did.
Nalte nodded, and Jon let out a whistle.
Then Jamie rode into the clearing. He was in calico shirt, denim pants,
knee-high boots and a Western hat. He didn't glance at Tess, but lifted
a hand to Nalte. When he reached the chief, he slipped from the horse
instantly and approached the man, speaking quickly.
She felt as if her heart slammed hard again. ~t her chest. He was a
fool! she thought. He didn't know Nalte, he didn't know how the Apache
chief hated the white man, nor did he seem to realize the things that
had been done to the Apache by the cavalry. Fool! She wanted to scream
to him, but she couldn't breathe, she could only pray that Nalte
wouldn't slay him right on the spot.
Nalte shook his head violently.
Forty warriors suddenly drew their weapons, facing Jamie.
His Colts were around his waist, but he didn't make a move to touch
them. He spoke calmly once again, and Nalte called out something
sharply. Guns and war clubs were lowered.
Frightened still, Tess cried out, shaking off the hands of the women
around her and racing toward Jamie. She pitched herself against him, but
he caught her shoulders hard and thrust her away.
Thrust her away--straight into Nalte's arms. Her eyes widened with alarm
and fury.
'What in God's name are you doing?' she gasped. She couldn't move.
'Nalte's dark fingers were a vise upon her.
Nor did Jamie seem to want her. His eyes flashed upon her with dark
fury.
'Stop it, Tess.'
