They rode into Fort Ellis shortly before noon and went straight to the headquarters building. When his clerk alerted him that Lieutenant Conner was heading his way, with Hawk riding beside him, the major got up from his desk and came out to meet them at the door. “Hawk,” Brisbin greeted him. “I appreciate you coming to help us on this thing. I expect Lieutenant Conner filled you in on all the details. I agree with Lieutenant Conner that no one would be better qualified to scout on this mission than you. My sister’s only son organized a party of religious people to go to Helena to build a church. Donald was always a little shy when it came to being a man, and I know my sister wishes he hadn’t involved himself in this church business. I tried to talk him into joining the army, but he said he could not bring himself to take up arms against his fellow man.” He slowly shook his head as soon as he said it, then realizing he was drifting off point, he said, “I apologize for that misunderstanding about you being fired. Lieutenant Meade and I have talked about that.”

“There wasn’t any misunderstandin’ on my part,” Hawk said, finally able to get a word in. “The lieutenant said I was no longer employed in any capacity at Fort Ellis. He made it pretty clear.” He looked around at the open doors to the two inner offices, but he didn’t see Meade anywhere. From his experience trying to work with the man, he wasn’t surprised. He speculated that he might be off somewhere choking on his pride. “But I’d always be ready to help you in any way I can.” He felt he had to discourage the major from expecting any results other than sorrowful ones, however, since the group had been missing so long already. Just as he had advised Conner, he told Brisbin that it seemed totally unlikely that anyone escaped. But, since no one had showed up to tell what had happened, it was hard not to assume them all dead.

“I understand what you’re saying,” Brisbin said, “and I have to admit that I share your expectations. But, man, this is my sister’s only son! Not that I wouldn’t send a patrol up there to search if I didn’t have a personal interest,” he quickly added. “So you just tell Lieutenant Conner what you need and we’ll get it for you. I’ve authorized a patrol of fifteen men, with rations for ten days. They’re ready to leave when you are.”

“I’ll need some grain for my horse,” Hawk answered, “maybe some extra coffee from your food stores, some hardtack, some .44 cartridges. I’ve got meat. That’s about all I need, and I’ll be ready to start as soon as I pack it on the horse.”