Part 2 The Seventy-Sixer, pgs. 250-301 Summary

The 17th chapter opens with Flashy glad he is not present for Spotted Tail's formal rejection of Allison's offer, knowing he would have exploded in anger. Allison warns that the government will proceed, with or without payment. Standing Bear is sent to talk with the hostile chiefs. Flashy doubts if either side wants a treaty and the U.S. assumes that the Sioux will not fight. It orders the Sioux to the agencies before February of 1876, but word reaches them after snow makes compliance impossible. The Flashmans continue their train ride to the Rockies and return to New York. Flashy wants to sail for England, but Elspeth gets involved in the Philadelphia Exposition. One day in New York, Flashy encounters George Custer, who is frustrated at reverting to his prewar rank of lieutenant colonel and...