, gave us the leadership and strength
we badly needed to see us through. He was the only experienced
fighting man among us.

"I cannot bear to write more. The sights we saw when we came out of
the blockhouse will haunt my dreams forever.

"Though the Indians could not lay hands on our bodies, they
destroyed our property. Our house was burned down and our printing
press and woodworking machines ruined.

"When it was all over, Frank rode to Galena, though I begged him not
to, for fear there were Indians yet lurking about. But he must needs
publish his paper. He arranged to have an edition of the _Visitor_
printed on the press of the Galena _Miners Gazette_, and brought the
copies back here on a wagon. I am sending you a copy of the paper
under this cover. Frank's account will tell you everything there is
to know about the raid, and more perhaps than you would wish to
know.

"Our father is well. He and Guichard fought bravely in our defense.

"I do not reproach you. My heart goes out to you, Brother, for I
know you must be suffering. Remember that all happens as God
ordains. May He grant you peace."

_What the hell does she mean, "All happens as God ordains?" God wanted
my woman and my kids murdered by Indians?_

"Oh, Christ Jesus," Eli said. He shook his head, then resting his elbows
on his knees, pressed his hands to the top of his head.

_Even Papa had to fight._

Raoul's heart felt bruised, as if beaten with a hammer.

_I do not reproach you._ That was reproach enough. He had taken every
man who would sign up for the militia. He had promised them their wives
and children would be safe. He'd led them away in pursuit of Black Hawk,
vengeance and glory.

Eli looked up. "What does it say in the newspaper?"

Raoul started to hand it to him.

"You read it to me."

Raoul had forgotten that Eli couldn't read. Clarissa couldn't either.
Now she'd never learn. Nor would the boys.

He shook his head and brushed his hand across his forehead. "I _can't_
read this out loud."

Greenglove's eyes were hard as bullets. "You wipe your damned eyes and
read that damned newspaper."

Raoul rubbed his eyes and took another pull from the jug. Greenglove
held out his hand and Raoul passed him the jug.

Raoul picked up the newspaper, hating the sight of it, and began to read
the column headed with the single word, MASSACRE!

Frank's story told how