The horse and wagon were both purchased by Gerard using funds from the town. Gerard Mitchell was not only a good town mayor but also a good man; Winters had inexpressible gratitude towards him.
Winters additionally bought a double-hitched wagon, outwardly claiming it was for carrying the lieutenant's baggage while in reality, the lion cub was hidden inside.
Bell had no more strength to care for the lion cub; Winters retrieved the Little Lion from the hunter's cabin to the security office, feeding it a mixture of cooked minced meat and sheep's milk.
Watching the little guy grow bigger by the day, he had reached seventeen pounds in no time, and holding him felt like cradling a large dog.
Winters couldn't help but seriously consider Bell's suggestion: to hand over the "White Lion" to a certain Hurd tribe on the grasslands. Afterwards, he wouldn't need to worry anymore since they would surely be delighted to present the White Lion to their Khan.
