When he was sent on a mission for the secret Brotherhood of Free Soilers, Kirby expected trouble. All Colorado was seething, and when Lincoln was elected, Denver exploded into armed factions. The streets were filled with men like Kane, concerned for the Union -- and men like Dave Thorn, Kirby's friend and former boss, who was quite possibly a secessionist. Now Kirby sensed another danger: A winter storm was bearing down, and he was alone in a wild and unknown territory.