EightIn the morning Simms bade farewell to his friend, agreeing to meet up in a few days' time. He spurred his horse and set off across the open prairie, avoiding the trail, which cut through the landscape like a serpent, winding its way inexorably towards the West. However, as he came to a rise, he noted a single chuck wagon rolling across the plains with two outriders on either flank. He reined in and studied them for a moment, wondering if they were aware of the constant threat from Ute Indians in these parts. So, taking his horse carefully down to level ground, he approached the travellers, or pilgrims as many called them, keeping his hands in the open where anyone could see them.
At fifty or so paces, the wagon stopped and the outriders wheeled around. Simms spotted the woman in the
