There was a good deal of hugging and kissing before Elisabeth, Simms and the others set off once more, this time towards Fort Bridger and the Federal camp.
At one point, as they were about to ride over the far side of the escarpment, she looked back to see the white-fronted ranch house standing bright and clean in the distance. She thought she saw them all, standing on the veranda, waving, but she couldn"t be sure.
“They"re good people,” said Simms.
“Yes,” she said, and brushed away the tear, which rolled down her cheek. “They took me in without question, never judging me. I will return to them as soon as I have talked to my father.”
“I"ll ask Colonel Johnston to send a telegram, see if we can arrange a meeting. It may mean you taking a train back east.”
“I know. How long, do you thin
