Twenty-One“I'm here to speak with Major Porter,” said the hawkish man called Cross through the bars of the cell in which Simms sat, running the brim of his hat through his fingers. “He sent us on a wholly unwarranted journey across the range and I need to hear his explanation.”
“I have some serious questions I'd like to put to him also,” said Simms without looking up. “If you let me out of this damned cell, I could perhaps ask him.”
Through the main door came the young officer, two soldiers closely behind. The Lieutenant pulled off his hat and placed it on the nearby desk. He appeared hot, lines of worry written hard across his face. “He's nowhere to be found,” he said.
“That's just dandy,” breathed Simms.
“What in the hell do you mean,” said the hawk, turning on the Lieutenant, his fa
