"Ryker's as loyal as the day is long."

   Within the hour, Ryker was at the head of a column of soldiers of the Sixth Minnesota, led by Colonel Crooks, heading southwest toward New Ulm. They followed the Minnesota River as Ryker said, but the going was slow because of the rough terrain. Several times Ryker advanced alone to scout out various ravines and draws leading down to the river, for there was ample cover there to hide marauding Sioux. About midway between Mankato and New Ulm, the troops came upon yet another draw.
   I'll check it out, sir," Ryker said. "This won't take long." So saying, he dismounted and with a quick pace moved forward on foot to the east side of the hillly draw.
   "Ryker can really move for such a large man," Colonel Crooks said to his aide, Captain Hiram Bailey.
   "That he can," Baily replied, watching as the buckskin-clad scout scurried deftly toward the draw. "You'd never know him to be that agile from the size of him."
   "Ryker's amazed me before," Crooks said. "We're darn lucky he is on our side rather than fighting with the Dakota."
   "I know he's got feelings for the Indians, but I sure hope he doesn't let it get in the way of his duty."
   Crooks reined in Prince, his high-spirited Arabian that had started to prance, and looked a Bailey. "You needn't fret on that account, Captain Bailey. Ryker's as loyal as the day is long."

Excerpt from Blood on the Prairie - A Novel f the Sioux Uprising. Purchase in the format of your choice here.

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Prairie-Novel-Sioux-Uprising/dp/0615247962/ref=la_B004S7CJ1Y_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345661575&sr=1-1