“I am running away. I have decided to follow Chief Cameahwait and the Shoshone tribe to the buffalo hunting grounds. The buffalo are on the move—we must leave Camp Fortunate immediately.” Sacagawea sighed.

“What about Lewis and Clark?” Jacob sounded panicked. “You have to help them on the rest of their journey!”

“Lewis and Clark do not need me,” she replied, head hung low. “The Corps of Discovery will find their way.”

“You can’t just pack up and go!” I cried out. “You’re married! What about your husband?” If she wouldn’t stay to help Lewis and Clark, maybe she’d stay with Charbonneau.

“He’ll be fine without me too.” Sacagawea shrugged, then looked me straight in the eye and said, “I have no reason to stay. You cannot stop me. I quit.”

And with those words, she handed me the bear stone and refused to take it again.