Quicksilver Passion (180 page)

If that’s the case, you’re needed by your people. You ought to go back.”

Iron Knife smoked and shook his head.
I won’t sleep easy until Dallinger’s dead. If he gets a chance to do anything to hurt the Cheyenne, he will. That white man carries a grudge that goes all the way back to my father.”

Cherokee looked at him for a long moment. Iron Knife was as big as he himself, but he was dressed as a Dog Soldier.
You can’t get to Jake Dallinger’s, someone would spot you, whereas I’ve been seen around here for several days and everyone accepts the fact that I’m blind.”

Are you, my friend?”

Cherokee shook his head.
My sight has gradually returned. And I won’t let you risk your life to get Jake when I intend to kill him myself.”

Quickly he told Iron Knife about finding his partners’ bodies and how it appeared one of them had been throttled and the other had been whipped to death.

Iron Knife frowned.
That sounds like Dallinger, all right. Do you think you can take him? I hate to give up that pleasure myself.”

Cherokee stood up.
I owe him this, my friend. Don’t do me out of the justice I owe him.”

Since you put it that way . . .” The warrior stood up and tossed the cigarette into the fireplace.
I’ll go back to camp now and warn my people that we may be attacked.” He looked uncertain.

What’s the matter?”

I’m not sure my people will believe me,” Iron Knife said.
We’ve been promised protection by the officer at Fort Lyon. I’m afraid Black Kettle and the others will think I’m fearful and suspicious for no good reason.”

Cherokee walked him to the door.
Believe me, I think it’s wise to be cautious. I heard Dallinger in a mob the other day. He said something about helping the colonel find the Indian camp.”