The first day out, she and Amy kept one eye on the horizon…

““The first day out, she and Amy kept one eye on the horizon behind them, terrified that Comanches would appear. The second day, both of them relaxed a little. By the third, Amy was convinced Hunter wasn’t going to follow them. “He must figger it’s good riddance,” Amy mused. “They can cover twice the distance we can in a day. What else could’ve took him so long?” Loretta had no illusions. Hunter would follow her--to the ends of the earth if he had to. “Maybe it’s Providence. Just thank God he hasn’t caught up to us.” “If he said he’d kill anyone who helped you, where we gonna go?” Amy had asked this question a dozen times. “Fort Belknap. The border patrol is headquartered there. Even Hunter can’t take on a fort.” “And what if there ain’t no border patrol there? What if they’re off ridin’ the ninety-eighth meridian?” “Then we’re in trouble. We’ll have to go home, gather some supplies, and ride out.” “For where?” “Anywhere--until we find someplace safe. Maybe Jacksboro. Maybe another fort. I need a map, that’s what.” Amy contemplated the endless expanse of flatland ahead of them. “A map? Loretta Jane, I got me this deep-down feelin’ that we’ve bit off a hunk too big to chew.” “We’re fine. Trust me. I rode to Hunter’s village, didn’t I?” “With directions from Hunter!” “Well, from now on I have to follow my nose.” “Enjoy it while you still have one.” Loretta rolled her eyes. “Could you try being a little optimistic? We’ll make it fine. I know we will.” Despite her words, a lump of dread rose in Loretta’s throat. She prayed she was right.””

— Catherine Anderson