Andy argued, “The bluecoats have done little against The People since the white man’s war ended. The Texans cry for help, but the soldiers do not listen.”

“They will, and soon. The vision was very strong. For your own good, your place is among the Texans. You do not belong among The People anymore. If Fights with Bears and his friends do not kill you, the soldiers may. They will not see you as a white man. They will see you as one of us.”

The bleakness of Steals the Ponies’s vision left Andy depressed. He wanted to believe that his brother had simply experienced a bad dream. Yet during his years with the Comanches he had heard many stories about visions that came to pass. The People had strong faith in them. He could not dismiss this one lightly.

He said, “Perhaps the vision was a warning of what might happen. Were you not shown a way to avoid it?”

“The soldiers were too many. Their guns were too powerful.”

“If the vision was true, there is no future here for Billy either. I must take him back to his own. It is a matter of honor.”

Andy’s brother sat in silence a long time, his face an expressionless mask. But Andy imagined he could see the mind hard at work behind half-closed eyes. He could sense the internal struggle. At last Steals the Ponies spoke. “You talk of your honor. If I helped you do this thing, I would lose my own honor. I would betray my people.”

“Not all the people. Just Fights with Bears. You said you do not like him.”

Steals the Ponies Went silent again for a time, thinking. Finally he said, “There might be a way, but the spirits must be with you. You could die if they are not.”

Eagerly Andy asked, “What is it?”

“I have not thought it all through. We will talk of it later. Now I must move your horse so Fights with Bears will not see him and wonder.”

“I do not want to place you in danger. This is a thing I should do by myself.”

“Fights with Bears would not kill me, and I would not kill him. We are bound together by the blood of The People. But you are not of our blood, and neither is the boy. He would kill you both. So I will help you.”

Steals the Ponies was gone awhile. His wife was in and out of the tepee several times. Andy could sense that she was curious, but she asked no questions. The two children came inside and stared silently at Andy without approaching too closely. He wanted to tell them he was their uncle, but he decided against it. They might tell other children later, and word might find its way to Fights with Bears. He would know that Steals the Ponies was somehow involved in Billy’s liberation . . . if it worked.