Summary

In Chapter 9, Wellington lies on his deathbed and confesses to Thomas that “he didn’t know what life was for” (105). He is hopeful that they will catch Caught-His-Horse-First eventually. Just before dying, he shares his regrets with Thomas. Meanwhile, Mrs. Neale runs a school where she teaches the “captured Indian bairns” (107), among them Caught-His-Horse-First’s daughter Winona. Caught-His-Horse-First requests a meeting with the colonel, which the major agrees to in hopes that it might lead to “better times between us and the tribes” (107).

On the wintry day of the meeting the cavalry is ranged in position for the meeting. Caught-His-Horse-First comes in alone to talk to the major, wearing a full armor Sioux dress. The troopers notice that he is gaunt and thin, which prompts Thomas to feel sympathy as he says ”ain’t no soldier don’t have a queer spot in...