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Back Montana Territory
Chapters (25)
  1. Also by
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Dedication
  5. CHAPTER 1
  6. CHAPTER 2
  7. CHAPTER 3
  8. CHAPTER 4
  9. CHAPTER 5
  10. CHAPTER 6
  11. CHAPTER 7
  12. CHAPTER 8
  13. CHAPTER 9
  14. CHAPTER 10
  15. CHAPTER 11
  16. CHAPTER 12
  17. CHAPTER 13
  18. CHAPTER 14
  19. CHAPTER 15
  20. CHAPTER 16
  21. CHAPTER 17
  22. CHAPTER 18
  23. CHAPTER 19
  24. CHAPTER 20
  25. Teaser chapter

Meade did not miss the sarcasm in Conner’s reply. He responded with a knowing smile. “At least it’ll give you something to do for a few days. Hawk should be able to find Great Falls for you.” The sarcasm was too obvious to miss, and he paused in case there was a response from the solemn scout. “I was happy to allow his reinstatement as a favor to the major, for this one mission, at least.” He turned to address Hawk at last. “See that you take advantage of this second chance. I don’t make it a rule to grant very many.” He nodded to Conner, turned, and headed for the post headquarters.

Conner said nothing more, but turned to look at Hawk, who showed no evidence of animosity toward the pompous first lieutenant. It relieved Conner’s mind, for he had been a little concerned that if Meade made it a point to come out and chastise Hawk, the rugged scout might decide to tell him to go to hell. And if he did, that would give Meade reason to fire him again. But that didn’t happen. Hawk didn’t react, so there was nothing for Meade to base any punishment on. “Thanks, Hawk,” Conner said, then told Corporal Johnson to order the men to mount up.

“Thanks for what?” Hawk asked.

“You know what,” Conner said.

Hawk laughed and stepped up into the saddle. “Rascal wanted to answer him. I told him to hold his comments until we got off the parade ground, but he couldn’t resist leaving one little pile of comments.”

With the men in the saddle, Conner gave the order to march and they left the post, heading to the north, planning to travel with the Big Belt Mountains to their west and make their first night’s camp somewhere along Cottonwood Creek. As the horses settled into the pace, Corporal Johnson pulled up alongside Hawk and commented, “Maybe we’ll get a chance to shoot a deer or two, headin’ up this way. Right, Hawk?”

Hawk smiled at him. “Might at that,” he answered. Most of the men on the post knew that it was the best duty possible when riding on a patrol commanded by Lieutenant Mathew Conner and scouted by Hawk. Even though grousing with Conner the night before about the work he needed to do to put his cabin in order, Hawk had to admit that it felt good to be in the saddle again, heading out to see what tomorrow held in store.

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4