Summary

Chapter 43 is an entry in Michael’s account detailing the day after All Hallows’ Eve. The majority of soldiers were hungover, including Michael, though Tom was not as he did not drink the previous night. Michael and Tom go out on woodtrain guard and as they walk toward their guard post outside of the logging camp they see a group of Indian raiders descend upon the camp. The soldiers and woodcutters fight back but the Indians manage to steal a number of mules. The soldiers, led by Captain Brown, give chase, but the Indians kill the mules and escape into the mountains. Upon returning to the camp, they find Sergeant Nevin has been scalped and gelded, though he remains alive. They ride back to the Fort and Nevin lives for 10 more hours, though Michael prays for him to die and be put out...