Chapter 17, The Ride of Noah Babbitt Summary

When General Blunt reveals that he wants Jeff to become a scout rather than punish him, Jeff initial reaction is to shy away from the thought of becoming a scout. Eventually, Jeff reasons that acting as a scout has to be better than any punishment he would have been given, that is, if he makes it back alive. Jeff cannot forget the execution of Lee Washbourne.

Three hours later, the Union patrol of 40 men travels by horse toward rebel territory. A dozen men, including Noah, station themselves on the Union side of the Arkansas River. Another dozen men plant themselves across the river on the rebel side. The rest of the scout patrol ride to Fort Smith Road, which is the pathway of communications between the rebel Indian Commander Cooper and the rebel...