When Casey is sufficiently recovered, he is taken out of the tepee and led to the corral. His ropes are untied, he is given the reins of his horse and told that he is free to leave.

He doesn't even ask for his clothes, but hops on his horse and gallops away, wearing only a smile on his face.

He speaks of his time with the Cherokee to no one, ever. Inwardly he is proud of himself for handling everything they dished out to him. He certainly did win his freedom honorably and courageously.

The End