Page 97 of The Spirit of the Wolf

Marietta inclined her head. “I see.”

“Therefore, we will most likely find the beast close to Fort Pierre. But if not, we should be able to discover his trail there and pursue him.”

“Hmmm. But still, is it safe to go in so close to Fort Pierre? You realize they might see you, and if they do, you will be shot on the spot.”

Grey Coyote nodded. “You are right. It is not safe. Therefore, we will be careful.”

“Yes,” said Marietta. “Let us be very, very careful.”

It was dark when at last Grey Coyote was able to pick up the beast’s trail.

“He is proceeding south and keeping to the river, where there is a good cover of trees,” said Grey Coyote. “I suspect he is en route to each major trading post along the river, for I still think he is accomplishing some duty for Laidlaw.”

“But why?” asked Marietta. “What could he be doing?”

Grey Coyote shrugged. “I do not know, unless it is to spy on other companies, and perhaps to create havoc. My brother-in-law has told me how the big companies spy on one another, for the jealousy between them is high. But come, I do not wish to confront this man at any one of these trading posts. Let us track him to his own hideaway.”

“But isn’t this a little too dangerous?” she asked. “After all, we know this man is capable of murder. Are you certain you want to enter his encampment alone?”

“I do not intend to. I wish merely to find it. And once I locate it, I will set mantraps all around it. And if I have to, I will do this each night until I catch the beast. Then from the safety of the trap, I will question him, until I can learn what he possesses which might end my people’s curse.”

“I see,” said Marietta. “What is a mantrap?”

“It is a trap like any other used to catch animals. But a mantrap must be placed in such a way that a human being will not suspect it. However, unlike animal traps, a mantrap is not used to kill, simply to bring to bay. They have great value, for when one is in enemy territory, one can arrange mantraps around his own shelter as protection.”

“Brilliant. But what are they? I mean, how do you outwit a man?”

“By the use of snares,” he replied, “or sometimes pits are used, covered with a blanket of dirt so they are invisible to the eye. The snare will catch a man’s foot, causing him to hang by it. The pit speaks for itself.”

“So if I understand you correctly, you will make a trap, catch this beast, and then from a safe distance, question him?”

“This is my plan.”

She thought a moment. “But what if he won’t talk to you?”

Grey Coyote shrugged. “He may not. I can only hope he will.”

“Very well. I think it is a fine plan.”

“Waśté, good,” said Grey Coyote. “We have only to follow his trail now, locate his hideout, and then I will set up these traps.”

Marietta nodded. “Lead on.”

Immediately, they set out, following the earthen impressions, the two of them gliding ghostlike across the moonlit landscape.

It was raining. Above Grey Coyote, dark clouds ruled the night while lightning streaked through the sky. The wind had become so strong that it rocked him almost off his feet, and thunder rolled menacingly through the heavens, as though to give warning.

But this was no omen. No, this was the Thunderer, perhaps even other gods, come to mock him.

However, the thunder and lightning, though annoying, did little to deter Grey Coyote. If anything, these things gave him encouragement. To his way of thinking, they confirmed he was on the right path.

Only hours ago, he had located the beast’s encampment. Though it was almost impossible to estimate the time of night, for there were no stars overhead, Grey Coyote figured there were still several hours left before sunrise. Within such a time frame, he must erect several mantraps.

Before he began his work in earnest, however, Grey Coyote had set up a temporary dwelling for Marietta, instructing her to stay within it. He had left her with plenty of work to do, as well—for she would fashion the ropes he would need for his snares. She had protested being left behind, of course, insisting she be allowed to help him. But Grey Coyote had denied her. He was taking no chances; she would have no contact with the beast.

Though their shared vision inferred they must both confront the beast, it did not necessarily follow he should endanger her life. He would confront the beast first, tie him up, make it safe. Only then would he allow Marietta access to the beast.

“But how will you break the enchantment if I am not there?” she had asked. “Remember, I am a part of this.”