"Hunter made the time pass more quickly by teaching her things while they rode: how to find water by watching the birds and wild horses and by searching for certain types of grass that grew only near underground springs; how to track; and, most fascinating, how to read the signs left by Comanches to show which direction they had traveled. "Hunter, if you leave signs for other Comanche bands, why do white men have so much trouble finding you?" "They are not smart." Loretta laughed softly. "I think I've been insulted. You think I'm stupid?" He threw her a look that made her laugh again. "A little bit smart. Because I teach you." "Ah, so I'm ignorant, not stupid? I suppose I can accept that." She scanned the endless expanse of golden hills, lined up ahead of them like loaves of fresh-baked unleavened bread. This harsh land was Hunter's general store, the shelves stocked with all he might need. To her it was an alien place and frightening, so immense it had the perverse effect of making her claustrophobic. "In my world, you wouldn't be smart, either." "That is good. The way is "