“When we have time. The Indians are our main concern, and we are spread very thin.”

“Then I shall take my case to the governor. We will see what he thinks about officers who shirk their duty and let murderers go free.”

The captain’s face colored. “You are free to take your case anywhere you wish, Colonel Dawkins. To hell, if that be your choice.”

“I see I will get no justice here. Willingham, please help me to my feet.” One of Dawkins’s men lifted the big man from his chair. Dawkins trembled from the exertion. Clearly, the wound had weakened him considerably. Dawkins raised his hand to his side, his face twisting in pain. Rusty could not see why the bullet had not killed him. He guessed that James had fired in haste, without taking proper aim.

Dawkins said, “I strongly suspect, Whitfield, that your company is harboring men whose loyalties are open to question. I believe Shannon is a unionist, and it stands to reason that some of his fellows are as well. The governor will receive a full report from me, you may rest assured of that.”

The captain struggled to control his anger. “Will you be equally eager to report to him that you have taken it upon yourself to hang men you believe are disloyal?”

“You should be careful in making charges you cannot prove.”

“And you as well, Colonel.”

Rusty stepped aside to allow Dawkins to pass, aided by the man he called Willingham. He felt conflicting emotions, on the one hand relieved that James had not become a murderer after all, and on the other a wish that he had been a better shot. It was unlikely that Dawkins would rest until either he or James was dead. Granted a wish, Dawkins would probably choose to see Rusty and James buried together.

The captain said, “Stay a minute, Shannon.” He waited until the sound of horses and squeaking harness told him Dawkins was leaving. “You know, I suppose, that Caleb Dawkins has marked a target on your back. He will be pleased to put a bullet in your chest or a rope around your neck.”

“He’s a hopeless zealot.”

“It’s zealots who’ve brought about this war. Good men can be as dangerous as bad men when they let passion turn them into fanatics. You should be careful not to leave this camp alone. Have other rangers with you wherever you go.”

“That’s almost the same as runnin’ away.”

“There’s no disgrace in runnin’ when the odds are dead set against you. You live, and you fight another day.”

“I guess so, but I don’t like the feelin’.” Another concern came to him. “Am I liable to bring trouble down on you and this company, Captain?”

“Trouble is what we’re here for. We can handle it.”

“In case the Monahan family doesn’t already know, I’d better go warn them that Dawkins is still alive. He might take it in his head to revenge himself on them.”