"David L. Robbins - Endworld 02 - Thief River Falls Run" - читать интересную книгу автора (Robbins David L)

"There!" the first man exclaimed. All three wore green uniforms.

The three men stalked their prey, passing Hickok, intent on their
target.

What the blazes was going on here? They were after the cougher. Why?
Who were they? Even in the subdued light, Hickok could see they were
well dressed, their clothes appearing new and somehow different from the
homemade attire the Family wore. Each man held a polished rifle and
wore an automatic pistol strapped to his waist. Who are these guys?
Hickok asked himself.

Only one thing to do.

Hickok waited until they were a safe distance ahead, then pursued
them, crawling through the grass and skirting any bushes or trees in his
path. They were proceeding very deliberately, actually inching forward
now, and he easily kept them in sight.

The poor slob with the nasty cough wheezed once more.

Hickok saw the three men quickly rush ahead, beyond his vision. He
heard the commotion of a brief struggle, then a solid blow landing.

"Got you!" someone declared enthusiastically.

Hickok rose, keeping stooped over, and hastened forward until he
reached a tree about six yards from a small clearing. The men were
standing over another person, prone on the ground, grinning and smiling.

"You really gave us a run for our money," the gruff voice said. "I've got
to hand it to you."

"Answer him," snapped the tallest of the men, kicking the body in the
side, eliciting a moan from the unfortunate victim.

"Yeah, bitch!" teased the third man. "We can't hear you!"

Bitch? Hickok edged around the tree.
 "Stand up, woman!" the gruff voice ordered. "I have some questions for
you!"

Hickok's view of the woman was blocked by the legs of the men. He
heard her sob and mumble something.

"Can't hear you, squaw," the gruff voice stated, "and I need to know
where the little one is."

Little one? Squaw?