ourselves on that island."

White Bear followed Iron Knife's gesture. The sun had just set behind
the western hills, and the Great River now reflected a pale blue back at
the sky. A long, low island covered with spruce and hemlock trees bulked
darkly an arrow's flight from shore. White Bear shivered. His shaman's
senses told him that this was a place of grief and horror, an isle of
death. He did not like the name of this river at whose mouth they were
camped--the Bad Axe.

Trying to ignore the rapid thudding of his heart, White Bear readied
himself to talk to Iron Knife about Woodrow and Nancy. He hated having
to reveal his plan. If Iron Knife was against letting the two pale eyes
escape, all would be lost. He opened his mouth, hesitating.

But he needed Iron Knife's help getting horses and avoiding the warriors
guarding the camp. He reminded himself that Redbird's brother had always
given him help when he needed it. He decided to go ahead and talk to
him.

He said, "It would not be good for Yellow Hair and the boy to cross the
river or to go with Black Hawk. I have taken them into my care, and now
I am afraid for them. If there is a battle, the long knives may kill
them by mistake."

Iron Knife grunted. "I would be sorry to see that happen."

White Bear's heartbeat steadied. He felt more sure of himself now.

He took a deep breath and said, "I have been thinking of helping them to
get away."

Iron Knife smiled at White Bear, reached across Sun Woman and patted his
knee. "That is well."

"It honors you, my son," said Sun Woman.

White Bear felt knots released in his chest and shoulders. "I was hoping
you would see this as I see it."

"I will offer to watch the horses tonight," Iron Knife said. "Come when
you are ready, and I will have three picked for you."

Sun Woman said, "If the long knives see you with Yellow Hair and the
boy, they will try to shoot you."

White Bear put an arm around her bony shoulders and pulled her to him.
"There is danger all around us, Mother. I think those who follow Black
Hawk to the north will be safest. Redbird and the children will go that
way. I think you should too. Do not try to cross the Great River."

"I have walked enough," said Sun Woman. "My legs ache and my feet are
bruised. If I follow Black Hawk, I will end like the old people who sit
down by the trail and wait for death."

"I speak as a shaman," White Bear said. "I have a bad feeling about this
river crossi