章 27: Chapter 27

“’Bout as much as you!” Lee blurted out before he could stop himself.

“And you are?” Mrs. Wallace said with her eyes flashing.

“Lee Masters. I’m the boy’s other fa—”

“Friend,” Nate hastily intervened. “Works for the Birks.”

“Does he now?” Mrs. Wallace could make any situation seem suspicious with a word.

Just then Joshua returned from clearing off the porch. Sarah Beth had taken her seat. Joshua hung up his coat and did the same, taking a seat next to where Sleeps With Dog had reluctantly sat down. Mrs. Wallace stepped in front of her diminutive class.

“Well?” she said addressing the men with her eyes.

“I guess we’ll just be goin’ now,” Nate said. “S’unka, we’ll be seeing you.”

Lee didn’t trust himself to say anything. His heart went out to the boy as they made their way to the door. He looked over his shoulder and saw Sleeps With Dog following them out with his eyes. Tatanka said nothing and kept his eyes averted.

“Face forward, boy!” came the stern command.