There were several questions about distances and directions, and then Ethan asked, “What are we going to do when we find them?”

Clarke appeared to notice him for the first time, although Ethan was a foot taller than the average man, and obviously strong and able.

“As I’ve already said, we know where they are. We’ll use their own tactics, by surroundin’ them at night and then movin’ in at daybreak when most of them are still asleep.”

Ethan, apparently quite at ease, persisted, “And then what will we do with the prisoners?”

“They’ll not want to be prisoners and will probably fight to the end. I reckon we’ll treat the bastards the same as they would treat us. Ain’t that what the Bible says?”

There was a general murmur of laughter and approval, and Ethan decided not to pursue the matter further.

The men mounted their horses and followed in single file behind Clarke and the trader, who was consulted every now and then if there was a choice of trails.

Late in the afternoon, Clarke halted the group in a small clearing by raising his hand. When the others had gathered around him, he said, “We’ll stop here. We think they’re only about two miles away. Stay quiet, keep your horses close, don’t make any fires, and get some rest if you can. Later, a few of us will scout ahead on foot, locate the camp, and size up the situation. They’s enough of a moon so we can see to get around. Then we’ll come back here, work out some signals, and give everybody a rundown in time to line up for the attack.”

After it was dark, Clarke chose a few of his closest friends and they moved off toward the northeast, easing along silently down a dim trail in their moccasined feet. They were back in about three hours, finding all the men sitting up and talking softly in small groups.

Clarke called them together.