At the scout camp, Tensleep performed the introductions. Sheriff Blaine didn't show any surprise about Deputy King and Deputy Coatsworth being women. The scouts had probably told stories about them, instead of keeping their gender a surprise.
"I'm sorry about Hannah, Mr. Blaine," said Ella.
"Thank'ee. We got the poster on Andrew Harper just a couple days after she left, so the sheriff sent some of the men with dogs out hunting. They found the cave along a creek that he must have been using for a hideout, but they lost his horse's tracks in the water. It looked like he had another man with him, and they rode out of there together."
"Well, you will be taking Andrew Hardy and his friend Owen Johnson on the horses they rode here on. In case either one manages to convince a jury that he's not guilty, there's a long list of places that will want to try him for the sake of their own lost daughters."
Tensleep said, "The supply train is leaving here in the morning. It will be easiest and safest for us to travel with that."
"That will slow us down," protested Sheriff Blaine.
"Johnson is still weak and not up to riding all day. If he can travel in an empty supply wagon until you get to Fort Laramie, he won't slow you down as much for the rest of the trip," replied Ella. "You won't be able to keep Owen in a saddle long enough to get all the way to Fort Laramie in one day, and camping out with the supply train between here and there will be safer. After Fort Laramie, there's less chance of finding an Indian raiding party."
Sheriff Blaine didn't protest any more. He didn't ask any questions, so Ella wondered exactly what the scouts had told him about the capture. The fire was allowed to die as everyone headed for their bedrolls.
Wednesday morning, Eldon and Peter, the other occupants of the tent that Drew and Owen had occupied, helped Ella and Tensleep to gather up their belongings while Bo saddled Drew's horse. Their weapons were not likely to be needed as evidence, so those were bundled up and left in Ella's custody. Owen had one roll of fabric, that unrolled to reveal a collection of locks of hair, each one tied with a colored silk ribbon. Ella went to get her desk, and the discovery of that was documented and signed by all the witnesses. Sheriff Blaine took custody of the deposition and the roll.
Once everything was ready, the prisoners were collected. Orville helped Owen walk to and get in the wagon that already contained his saddle. Owen's fever had not returned, and his wound was healing well. Tensleep would take care of bandages for the trip. Finally it was time to fetch Drew.
Only Bo, Ella, Scarlet and Tensleep followed the guard into the cell block at first.
"Drew, it is your moving day," Ella greeted him cheerfully. "Come on out of there."