““The next three days passed in a blur. Most of the time Loretta slept, while Hunter watched over her. When she awoke he was always nearby, either inside the lodge or within sight beyond the doorway. Instead of feeling nervous, she drew comfort from his presence. When she thirsted he brought her water. When she hungered he provided her food. When the night grew chill it was his buffalo robes she huddled under. On those occasions when she needed to use the bushes, he accompanied her, and despite the hostile glances she received from other Indians in the village, none dared approach because he was beside her. She came to depend on him for everything.””
