She saw the last bundle taken from the machine,
and she saw Luck's head and shoulders disappear within the tonneau, making
sure that it was the last bundle and that nothing had been overlooked. She saw
the driver climb in, slam the fore-door shut after him and bend above the
starter. She saw the machine slide out of the group and away in a wide circle
to regain the trail. She saw the group break and start off in various
directions as duty or a passing interest led. But Wagalexa Conka never once
seemed to remember that she was not there. Never once did he speak her name.
Instead, just as Rosemary was leading the way into the house, this slim young
woman they called Jean glanced around inquiringly. "I thought you had a squaw
working for you," she said in that soft, humorous voice of hers. "The one who
did the Indian girl in The Phantom Herd. Isn't she here any more?"
"Oh, yes!" Luck stopped with one foot on the porch. "Sure! Where is Annie?
Anybody know?"
"She was around here just before you came," said Rosemary carelessly. "I don't
know where she went."
"Hid out, I reckon," Luck commented. "Injuns are heap shy of meeting
strangers. She'll show up after a little.
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