Original Work The Stuarts of Texas

Glass stood there looking at the money with a guilt ridden conscience. If I keep the money, then this is not an act of war, but one of robbery and murder. Got myself into a hell of a fix on this one. What to do? He thought.

Standing for a few moments half watching the money, and half watching the Yankees he felt sick at heart. Never had anyone in his family done something like this before. On top of that, if he left with the money, the locals would likely be punished for it. Making up his mind Glass looked up and smiled into the accusing eyes of the green Lt.

“Lt. Bluebelly, If I keep this money for personal use, then I’m no better than some of you, and I just can’t have that. If I leave the money, then these gents might kill you and take the money, blaming it on me and no gain to my part. So, I will have to do something different and innovative. Put all the greenbacks into this bag.”

Lt. Jones did as he was told, but he betrayed his thoughts that Glass was nothing short of a murdering robber. Handing the bag to Glass the Lt. found the courage to say “Here hypocrite! You’re no soldier, you’re just murdering trash taking advantage of the situation.”

While the words stung, Glass had made up his mind so he smiled and made the officer lay down with the rest of his men.

“I’m going to complete this job, and if any one of you scoundrels attempt to interfere you will be shot. Any questions? I thought not.”

With that Glass carried the bag to the nearby fire then returned for the gold. Arriving at the fire he sat the gold on the ground then stirred the fire and added some of the nearby wood and waited for the fire to grow in size. Turning to the Lt. Glass said “I’m gonna give you boys and alibi and keep you out of trouble at the same time. It won’t even cost the tyrants in Washington anything but some paper and ink.”

Keeping an eye on his prisoners, Glass began feeding the greenbacks into the fire. Yells of protest erupted and Glass drew both guns letting the soldiers know he meant business.

“What are you doing that for?!?!” Yelled Jones. Its insane!!!”

“No Lt. I can’t take the money, and I can’t leave it, If I take it, then I’m a criminal, and if I leave it I’m a fool and traitor to the South. I am neither. If I destroy the money, then it is still an act of war, and I can sleep at night. The fire won’t destroy the gold, but will mar it up good and is evidence that your story to your superiors is true. You may get cashiered, but you are still alive, with your honor intact.”

With that, Glass dumped the rest of the bills into the fire and once they were burning well, he added the gold on top..

“Now, put all your firearms into the other fire and that will make a safe night for all concerned, and you won’t be able to follow me unarmed, Once the gold cools down enough to count that will keep at least some of you honest fellows busy.”

Glass mounted his horse, and waited until the firearms began to detonate from the overheated powder charges, then waved and said. “If you’re ever in Missouri, look me up.” Then turned his horse into the darkness and trotted away.

Heading north, Glass left an easy trail in the soft earth for several miles, then feinted a turn back to the east for a while eventually heading back west to the old mans farm.

 

Missouri?

 

Yes, a misdirection since he is an obvious trouble maker that leaves two places, Texas or Missouri. Or maybe out west, but no need to help them at all.

 

Arriving at the Brown farm, David reined in and told the old man what had transpired. How badly he had felt on killing the Yankee soldier, and how he’d burned the money.

Tim gave him an appraising look and a half smile. “I’d have been a bit disappointed with you if you had kept the money. I know you’re a good soldier and have never committed a murder. Don’t want that on your conscience. Besides, burning all that cash will have them madder than you can imagine! Didn’t take the money, just spit in their faces and showed them up for fools! The old man hooted. Calming down, Tim said You know they’ll be hot after you now, turning over every bush and rock they can find. I’m gonna have to hide you out in the swamp east of here.”

Think I’ll be safe there? I’d feel better moving around where I have more options.”

“The only options you’re gonna have is dancing the stri-angulation jig iffin they catch up with you! Tim snapped. There is some hard ground in the center with enough graze for your mounts. I reckon that you can cool your heels there for a couple of weeks until the hunt dies down. I know a way in that is hidden by a deadfall. Won’t leave no tracks for the first part, and won’t hit the mud until later on, so chances of you getting found is a might slim. IF you can maintain some discipline concerning fires and noise. Think you can manage that?”

Glass nodded and began to pick up his gear and head to the corral not likening the idea of playing Swamp Fox even a little bit. But, it did beat the hell outa the other choices.

After dropping off Glass in the swamp interior, Old Tim headed back obliterating any signs they had left on the way in, knowing it would take an Indian tracker to see the trail. With his small archery set, Tim began bagging a few squirrels and rabbits along the way. If stopped by a Yankee patrol, he could rightfully claim to be out substistance hunting and that his squirrel rifle had been previously been confiscated by the authorities. Which was good thinking, because that is exactly what happened.

Coming up on the deadfall, Tim sat and listened for any local activity. After about 30 minutes, Tim slowly emerged and followed the tree line away from his house, keeping eyes and ears open for small game and army patrols. Within a few minutes, Tim spotted another rabbit and added that to his stringer. Flush with game Tim headed back home. Figuring he might look less suspicious, Tim began walking down the middle of an open field. Not long after, he spotted movement ahead and set his mind to play the bumbling hillbilly for when the incompetent soldiers finally noticed him.

 

One of the men spotted Tim and gave a yell. Soon a mounted patrol thundered up and surrounded Tim pushing him around the center of the swirling mass of horses. Finally stopping the officer in charge moved up front and surveyed Tim with distain. Taking in his raggedy clothes, worn out brogans, and pathetic looking archery set, the captain was disgusted with what he thought was a terrified old man, that was probably a tramp. Obviously, he was not of military age and looked somewhere between fifty and seventy years of age.

“What are you doing out here carrying a weapon when you know it’s prohibited?” Demanded the arrogant captain.

Shifting uneasily, and feigning fear, Time stood stooped and shaking and stammered that he was only out hunting something to eat as there was nothing at his house and stated. “sir this ain’t no weapon, it will barely kill a squirrel or rabbit and would only anger a soldier if used on him. “I I I’ didn’t mean no harm, I’m just so hungry!”

“Let me see what you have there!” Demanded the officer, who rudely snatched up the game stringer when offered up by the old man. Holding them aloft, he said in a jeering voice.”Well, looks like we came upon the great white hunter here! He killed so much game that he can go back and feed the village! He bellowed with a laugh. The men with him joined in laughing and making further insulting remarks. “Hand over that lethal weapon, I want to see what you are threatening the Union Army with.”
Tim shakily handed over the small archery set with the three arrows and the officer snatched them from his hand.

Turning over the bow and arrows in his hands the captain could see that the arrow heads were made of hammered tin can lids and sharpened on rough stones. The officer made a show of testing the bow by pulling it to full draw then past that causing it to break in half with a crack. “Well, I guess it ain’t so much of a weapon after all, just a piece of crap!”

We’re looking for your friend that robbed a payroll shipment a few miles from here. Where is he at? If you cooperate, we might just let you live. Don’t cooperate, and you die! Said the officer with a wicked smile.

“I don’t have no friends around here, and don’t know nothing about no payroll. If I did rob a payroll, do you think I’d be out here hunting rabbits and squirrels for food?” Asked Tim in a fearful manner.

“How do I know what you Reb white trash would do? You’ve already proven that you have no sense by starting a war with the United States Government!”

Threats and intimidation were used on the old man for the next few minutes, then realizing that they were getting no closer to finding the robber, they threw Tim’s game stringer down and trampled it with their horses ruining the meat. And rode off laughing with glee.

Tim stood there watching them leave until there were out of sight, then turned and headed home.

 

During the next two weeks Glass drank cold brewed coffee that had sat in water overnite, ate cold rations, read his worn bible, and payed close attention to the animal activity around him. Seeking thick foliage for proper concealment, Glass moved his camp every day after cleaning up as much evidence of his presence as possible. Grass for his animals was provided by using his Bowie to cut a handful here and there in the abundant growth making his use far less detectable should the need arise. Equine droppings, were moved and scattered, his own waste along with coffee grounds were properly and deeply buried, then concealed with leaves and the like. Glass even returned his sleeping spot to its natural appearance and avoided that packed down appearance. The few times he made hot coffee, it was with small dry twigs that burned clean, and under a properly sized tree to spread any possible smoke, and during diffused light conditions at dawn and sunset. Then he moved. After having dodged Comanches for several years, this was all child’s play as long as he didn’t get unlucky or careless.

The first few days from time to time he had seen birds in the distance fly up from trees when disturbed by the passage of something, probably human. He also relied on the superior senses and instinct of his mustang and mule. Keeping them close at night and loosely saddled would allow for a very quick escape if needed. Luckily, the occasion never came.

On the fifteenth day, Socrates and his mustang went on the alert, heads snuffing the wind and staring in the same direction. A far bird flock spooked, then an half hour later another closer in did the same. Glass was already saddled and ready to move when a lone figure entered the glen and waved a white flag on a stick. Using his binoculars, Glass easily identified Brown and waved him in.

Being always cautious, Glass changed his position to one that allowed a quick getaway in case he had been betrayed. It never hurts to be careful. Leaving his horse loosely tied, he rode the mule bareback stealthily thru the woods and scanned the terrain with binoculars to see if Brown had been followed. Glass noted that Brown approached by moving around the edge for the glen thereby not leaving a clear trail thru the abundant grass. Guess I’m not the only one being careful he thought. Still….

 

Tim slowly moved to Glass’ location all the while looking around nervously. Glass noticed and went to a higher alert status.

“Morning Tim, drawled Glass. You’re looking a might tired this morning, not sleep well last night? Asked Glass innocently.

“No I didn’t! For the last week those Damned Yankees been hiding out and watching everything I did. They’ve followed me at a distance every time I left the house, even when I took my bow rabbit hunting. I don’t know if I’m the only one being followed or not, so I haven’t visited any of my neighbors, no use causing them any more trouble than they’ve already got.” Tim spat.

“Why are they following you?” Asked David suspicions rising in the back of his mind.

“I don’t know. They could be watching everybody as they are really hot to find you for burning that payroll. It could also be because I paid cash money for those supplies in town when I haven’t purchased anything for over a year, only trading furs and herbs. Don’t take much to get watched and hounded anymore. Oh, they also put a bounty out on you of 1,000.00 US currency. That will draw a lot of attention these days.”

“I bet it would” replied David thoughtfully. “Any chance the store keeper turned you in?”

Tim’s head snapped around and locked eyes with Glass. “Are you hinting that I might be a traitor? Demanded Tim. I ain’t never done such a thing, and I’d burn in hell to turn traitor to those Yankee dogs! That sorry trash even broke my bow and arrows I was using to hunt grub with. Wasn’t no sort of weapon anyways, just destroyed then outa pure meanness! And no, it wouldn’t surprise me of that crook tattled on me for having money. He always was one to curry favor from his betters!”He stated with extreme anger.

Recognizing righteous indignation when he saw it, David replied with a smile. “Calm down old timer, I’m just trying to get all the information I can. Information has saved my sorry life on more than one occasion. Will it be better for you to leave the area or stay here? I’m guessing a relocation is in order.”

Looking around and rubbing his scraggly jaw Tim thought for a moment, then made up his mind. “Yeah I think I’d better leave. Got kinfolks about 50 miles from here and can blend in with them for at least a while until I can decide what else to do.”

It occurred to Glass that he was the cause of at least some of the mans problems and should take a hand in solving them.
“What are the chances that they followed you here? Asked David gently.

“None at all! They tried more than once to follow me and I give ‘em the slip every time. Only way they’d find me is with a dog, and I took measures against that.”

“Well, I’ve considered it, and rather than bring trouble onto kinfolk, why don’t you pitch in with me and head west? I’ve almost got enough of an outfit for both of us, needing only a saddle for the mule. I have a couple of extra Colts, and you and use my cavalry carbine until we can get you something better.”

“That don’t sound so bad right now. They stole everything I have except my bible and the farm, and I’m guessing some blasted carpetbagger is gonna try for those soon. Though I don’t expect they’ll have any use for my bible even though they should. Let’s do it!” Brown replied. “I do want to get that family bible though, it’s near 100 years old and has some births and deaths listed.”

“Well, let’s get the gear divyed up and then go get your bible.” Said Glass with a smile.

 

David had Tim strap on two Colt revolvers settling them properly on his hips within easy reach of his hands and told him how they worked.

“I’ve never been nothing but a poor farmer, and mostly used a shotgun and squirrel rifle. I’ve only shot a flintlock pistol a couple of times, and I don’t know about these contraptions.” Tim stated.

“Once we get clear of here, I will show you how to shoot and maintain these pistols. They’ve reliable and potent enough if you take care of them, and they point naturally. Those flap holsters will keep most of the rain out for now, and I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”

“Thanks son, I appreciate that, but it does bother me to use Yankee guns.”

“Don’t think of them as Yankee guns, Colonel Colt was a Southern Sympathizer. He sold the South a lot of guns in spite of what the govt. wanted. The man had guts, and was a friend to Texas, as we helped his business buying and making his products popular. He was a good man. His factory burned to the ground in 64’ and it was blamed on Confederate sympathizers, but I’m reasonable certain the US govt done the deed. They seem to like burning out anyone not agreeing with them.”

“Damn shame, but I’m not surprised either. Guess I can wear these proudly.” Tim replied.

Glass saddled Buck and then gave Tim the choice of riding a horse or mule. Not likeing mules Tim chose Buck and the men slowly walked the animals thru the swampy brush loaded ground for almost two miles before coming to the swamp edge.

“We’ll wait here for a while to see of there is any enemy activity in the area, and if we have been followed.

 

While watching the immediate area, the two men saw a lone union soldier riding his horse at a slow walk while studying the ground. David clamped his hand over Socrates’ mouth and indicated for Tim to do the same with Buck. Socrates didn’t really like it, but Buck easily complied and was silent. The soldier passed out of sight, and returned a few minutes later surveying the ground previously gone over. Swinging back he covered ground further out. Stopping almost out of sight, the man took a drink from his canteen and spent a few minutes studying the area around him. Finally, standing in the stirrups he waved a white handkerchief then sat back in the saddle obviously waiting for some reason. Presently, the sound of hooves were heard, and six union cavalry joined him and stopped for a talk.

Tim turned to David smiling and whispered; “You beat everything I’ve ever seen in the woods mounted or afoot. You move slowly as if on a hunt, but then stop waiting and listening to see who is around. I thought it was a waste of time, but we’ve been under the noses of at least three patrols and they had no idea we were anywhere around. We haven’t left a handful of tracks anywhere we went except for muddy ground. They will need a good dog for sure if they’re gonna find us after all the trouble you’ve went to. Where did you learn all them tricks?”

“The Comanche taught them to me. First when I was trailing them, then more when they were trailing me. They found me every time too!” Commented David with a dark smile.

“I can’t imagine any hostile Indian finding you then letting you go” replied Tim doubtfully.

“They didn’t let me go.” Replied David with a soft steady voice while keeping watch on the patrol. “Which reminds me, stop looking directly at people you are watching, especially if you and them are hunting each other. One or more will pick up on it and know where you are at, which is why that trooper stalled so long here. Something just wasn’t quite right to him. An Indian will look right at you if watch him any length of time. Look off to the side or look at their behind if it is a man. A woman will almost always know when she is being watched so ignore them unless necessary.”

“How many times did they not let you go?” Queried Tim

“More than once.” Replied David. When this patrol leaves, we will backtrack and come out another way. I’m guessing you want to retrieve your family bible, so I’ll need to that tonight when they can’t see too well.” Finished David.

 

Someone suggested that I might be talking down to my audience concerning the amount of detail I tend to use. If this is the case, please let me know as part of the reason I write is to inform, but not to pontificate.

Thanks!
Jim

 

No, this is historical fiction, and you need detail in order to tell the story.

 

Thanks!

 

That's why I prefer reading to movies, because the written word conveys all of the minute detail that's just glossed over or lost in the movies. Whenever possible I try to read the book before seeing the movie, because then I notice the details. Let me know when the movie comes out.

 

After traveling the long way around, David and Tim arrived at a stand of trees about 1/4 mile from Tim’s farm house close to 9PM. Keeping their animals tied and given a bit of grain, the men laid down to rest and wait until after midnight.

Tim’s snoring awoke David, and he sat up quietly, wrapped a bandana around his head, pulled on his moccasins, and used some leather straps to secure his pant legs all in an effort to be as stealthy as possible during his approach to and entry of the farm house. David then removed his Colt revolvers from his waist and secured both gunbelts to his saddle up front with his two Dragoon Colts.

“How soon do you think we ought to head to my house?” Asked Tim.

“WE ain’t going to the house, this is a one man job as there could very well be someone waiting for you to show up. They probably know that you’ve been gone all day, and reported it to their Sgt., so there could be more than one waiting in ambush. By myself, I can probably get by them and retrieve your bible without them being aware. Where do you keep it ? I don’t want to go prowling around in the dark looking for it if there is anyone there.”

“I keep it by my rocker near the front window. Wish’t I had known that I wouldn’t be coming back, I’d have talken it with me.” Muttered Tim.

“It might be a good thing for you that you left it here, If they’d have come prowling around during your absence and found it gone, that would be a dead give away that you were up to no good in their book. Did they ever come into your house?”

“Sure did, just walked in like they owned the place after that first visit where they took everything I had!”

“Well, I’ll get it back for you if possible. No moon tonight and a bit overcast, so this may be an easy reconnoiter. If you will tighten up the saddle cinches and have the horses ready to move out I would appreciate it. If I give out a Rebel yell you mount up and head my way as I will be needing a ride right quickly. But if I don’t yell, then don’t head my way even if there is shooting, OK?”

Tim whispered “Understood” then began getting the animals ready to go.

David took a good drink from his canteen then used a little water to make some mud which he smeared on his face, ears, and neck, finishing up with the backs of his hands. He then checked his Bowie knife and ensured the Remington revolvers were secure in his shoulder holsters but retrievable, then set out moving silently thru the intermittent brush and trees toward Tim’s house. Moving slowly and maintaining his balance, David used his feet to feel for sticks or rocks that make noise if they were stepped on or disturbed. Moving down wind of the house he paused and listened from time to time for any activity. When he was about 100 yds from the house, he heard a horse stomp his hoof then shake his head. David froze in place and ceased to be. With his mind blank and all senses attuned to his surroundings David noticed the wind direction, and distance and direction to the horse without thinking of any of it. After a few moments David began to analyze the information. The horse or horses were between he and the house, the wind was toward David so the animals did not know of his presence. Good he thought and moved a few yards away to get behind a large oak tree. From there, David could see the houses roof against the sky but just barely. Waiting a few more moments David decided to move when he heard a subdued cough a short distance away.

Too close he thought but still stood immobile under the tree. His patience was rewarded a few minutes later as he heard a heavy footed man stumbling noisily thru the brush. “Where are you?” The man asked in a loud whisper. His companion answered and both men came together to speak.

Any Indian, much less the Comanche would have both their throats cut by now. David thought. Pitiful. Easily picking up their conversation David found that Clubfoot as he thought of the second man was leaving and taking one of the horses. That would leave only one man to deal with if he were discovered. Do I kill him out right or just sneak around him? Didn’t seem quite right to kill a man to retrieve a bible. The first man demanded the whiskey bottle that they had been sharing between them and a minor arguement ensued, but was brought to a close when a blow was delivered by the first man then Clubfoot rode out cursing under his breath.

David moved out, slowly working his way around the sentry. The horse nickered, but the sentry paid no attention to it and took another healthy pull from the bottle and sat down on a log. David could see him swaying back and forth slightly, so he waited a few minutes and saw the man lean against the tree behind him and began snoring. David then moved quickly but silently into Tim’s home and located the family bible and slid it inside his shirt.

As he was turning to leave David heard a board on the porch squeak slightly and he easily stepped over to the wall by the door and drawing his Bowie and changed it to his left hand and pressed against the wall. Evidently, there was a third man, and this one had been alert. Being too dark for proper identification, he had assumed that the shadow entering the house was Tim.

“Well old man you took your time getting here, I was beginning to wonder if you had already left the country. Why don’t you make it easier on yourself and just come on out so’s we can talk about what sort of traitorous activity you been up to.” Said the man. “I ain’t gonna wait all night, get out here right now! After a few seconds David heard the man shift his weight then yell “Here I come!”

The door exploded off the hinges and a large man burst into the room with a pistol pushed out in front of him. David shifted his weight lower and swung the knife in an arc and coming up point first stabbing the soldier slightly off center and up into his heart. Quickly withdrawing the Bowie David stabbed the soldier in the throat thru the larynx then back cut thru the right side of the neck severing the juggler vein sending blood onto the wall. The soldier dropped the revolver which went off and staggered forward collapsing to the floor with a thud. A shout came from outside and the drunk soldier came running from the tree line waving a Colt revolver, and then being drunk fired two rounds thru the front doorway. I wonder what he thought that was going to accomplish Thought David as he drew one of the Remington 1858’s and calmly shot the soldier in the chest as he reached the porch steps. Well, that’s two good invaders, time to go! David wiped his knife on the dead man’s crotch, then began the walk back to Tim’s location.

 

As Glass came close to the camp, he let out the low whistle pattern previously agreed upon. The old man smiled being relieved that Glass was returning and in no hurry. “Did you get it?” Asked Tim.

“Yes sir I did. Got caught by the only alert Yankee there, and since he entered the house with murder on his mind I had to finish him. His shot woke up the second guard, and he came running with his pistol out so I had to finish him too.” Glass said as he handed over the family bible.

“It come at a high price, probably too high as I coulda bought another bible. I just hated to lose this one.”

“They are the ones that made the price so high, not you. However, this proves they think you might be guilty of something so you are now an outlaw like me. I guess you’d best be heading to Texas with me . Probably best you come up with another name while we’re at it. Something easy to remember, and I’ll be calling you that all the way back. We need to change a lot about you since you’re obviously a farmer, but are carrying two pistols making you stand out to anyone that sees you. I’ll teach you to shoot and care for those Colts, to rope cattle, and whatever else I can come up with on the way back.” Said Glass

“I suspect that the only thing I’ll be good at is cooking and farming, but I’ll give it my best try.” Finished Brown.

The men saddled up and began the long journey back to Texas traveling cross country, staying off roads, and sometimes using darkness to cover their movements. The only danger they faced up close was crossing the Mississippi River, but they found a small ferry manned by three Cajuns who quickly figuring out what they were, crossed David and Tim (now called Albert Scott, going by Al) quickly at night, setting them finally into Texas.

 

They're in Texas, but Texas is a mighty big place. I read that the 9th Texas Infantry left Paris, Texas and it took 3 months to march out of Texas. They just did make the Battle of Shiloh. David and Tim (aka Al) are mounted, so it may only take a month of travel, plus time for adventures, so call it 2 months.

 

For long distance riding, I’d be inclined to put no more than 15 to 20 miles a day on a mount. The way David and Al are traveling, hiding from Federal forces is going to cut that down drastically. Not using roads, stopping to listen for other travelers, and sometimes traveling at night will put a crimp in distance covered every day.

They will be hitting Waco then continuing west to the Junction area. A nice little trip

Glass will have to get out of that uniform at some point since he is going armed all the time. Maybe I’ll get him some Union discharge papers so they can make a safer trip.

 

As the two men made their way west they traveled mostly back roads and trails, avoiding contact with people until one morning as they were saddling up a boy of about 12 yo approached them.

“My Pa don’t know I’m here, and would likely give me a switching if he knew I was here.” He announced as he stopped a respectable distance from their camp.

“Well, it’s always best to mind your folks.” Smiled Al. “But why are you here?”

“I seen yesterday evening that he was a Confederate Sgt. and well armed, so I figured you might be one of them soldiers that didn’t surrender, kinda like Capt. Bob Lee. Him and a few others have been giving the Yankees fits in the Northeast part of the state.I hate them devils and wisht I could do something my own self and cause ‘em some problems. Too young though.” He concluded.

“Come in and set a spell, we ain’t in no hurry and I just happen to have a piece of salt pork you can have if you like.” Offered Al

The boy looked at David for confirmation and was motioned in, and the pork was handed over and quickly devoured.

“Pa says I’ve got a tape worm cause I’m always hungry. Ain’t never enough grub since Pa got back from the war. Lost his leg below the knee and it makes farming mighty rough. I’m usually up and working in the fields by now, but got permission to see if I could catch some fish for breakfast. Got some drop lines out too I need to check.”

“Well, we don’t want to slow you up and ruin breakfast, your pa might get mad at you!” Laughed Al.

“I had a reason in stopping by here. Pa didn’t want me talking to strangers, but I figured I’d best drop by and leave a warning.” Said the boy.

Al and David exchanged looks then asked. “What kinda warning?

“There is Yankee stage coach that comes down this road every day, and every two weeks they are carrying something important cause when that happens there is always two blue bellies riding on top armed with shotguns, and about twenty to thirty horse soldiers that meet it in town about six miles from here down the road. They’re bound to be there now and if you keep on heading west toward town you’ll run into ‘em for sure. Since you’re armed, they’ll prolly shoot you on the spot. “

“You’re taking a big chance telling us all this, is it just to get even with ‘em?” Asked Al

“Well the sorry bastards shot and killed my dog two weeks ago just because she ran out near the road and started barking at the stage. She wasn’t no where nearer than 20 yds away barking and they shot her with a shotgun and laughed about it! I’d had her since she was a pup. We used to hunt a lot together. Won’t be no more of that I guess.” Said the boy as he teared up.

This didn’t sit well with the two men at all, and Al fingered the Colt at his side absently. “They shot my old dog too back in Alabama.” Muttered Al.

David’s face darkened with anger as he stood there thinking about the petty vicious act. Making up his mind he asked. “What do you think they’re carrying on that stage?”

“Most folks think it’s money for the Yankee bank in town, and for payroll somewhere else, but I don’t know where.”

David looked at Al and smiled.

 

The two eyed each other for a moment then David turned to the boy and asked. “What is your name?”

“Elroy, after my Grandpaw” came the reply.

“Well Elroy, you’ve done us a good favor and we appreciate it. I’m guessing that stage is due by today?”

“Yessir, prolly about mid afternoon. It never varies much in time either.”

“I’ve got some thinking to do, why don’t you run along and I’ll get with you later on today.”

“Sure thing mister.” Said the boy as he turned and left the camp area.

“You’re not thinking of robbing that stage are you?” Al asked.

“Yep, pretty much. The money is one thing, and I could pass on that, but I’m sure this boys dog ain’t the only one they’ve shot, in addition to robbing and stealing anything they can lay their hands on. I’m getting tired of running into this kinda mess wherever we go and they need to be taught a lesson.”

“Don’t you think there will be reprisals?” Asked Al.

“Yes there will be, but they’re gonna be first rate criminals no matter what does or does not happen. I haven’t surrendered or took an oath yet, and I never will. Until then, I’ve got the right and duty to commit war on them whenever and wherever I find them” Stated the younger man calmly.

“It does bother me a lot them going around killing younguns pets, along with all the stealing and destroying. They ain’t stopped warring on us, so I guess we got the right to fight back.” Said Al. “What are you thinking of doing?”

Glancing at his pocket watch, David said “Well, it’s just a bit after seven. To be safe, we’ve got about six hours before we need to be in place. I need you to scout ahead about five or six miles to the Northeast. Look for a few places that would be good to ambush that stage from and I need to know what kind of terrain is between here and there. I will be heading toward town where those soldiers are and checking the road between here and there. I will find a tree of suitable size and bring it back here blotting out my and our tracks?”

“That trick only works against city people, and leaves a far worse trail than if we’d just went down the road, or used some burlap on our horses hooves. Anyone that can see past his nose will know what you did and why.” Concluded the old man.

“I’m counting on it.” Grinned David. “Let’s get going. Oh, and take off them pistols and hide ‘em in your duffle bag. No point in drawing attention to yourself.”

“What about you?” queried Al

“I’m looking to draw some attention to myself.” David said with a smile.

They rode off in different directions with Al shaking his head at David’s actions. He knew David was smart and very trail wise, but his actions baffled Al. “He ain’t been wrong yet” the old man consoled himself.

Mean time, David went down the road slowly, stopping to listen for road traffic and the sound of cavalry moving down the road. Several times, he had to move off the road and allow farm wagons and pedestrians to pass without him being seen. Patiently, he moved closer to town until the farm houses and traffic started to become too heavy. Then retracing his steps, David had Socrates trot down the middle of the road back toward their camp. David had noticed several likely trees to fit his purposes, and re evaluated them as he passed each one. That one there! thought David.

Turning the mule off the road and tying him to a handy tree, David took his hatchet and quickly cut down the selected tree. Then, dragged over to Socrates and secured one of his lariats to the base. He then removed his grey Confederate jacket and replaced it with a union jacket from his pack and secured the grey one inside then mounted and began to drag the tree down the middle of the road while keeping an eye on Socrates watching for any signs that a rodeo was about to commence. Socrates looked back a couple of times, and then at David trying to figure out what was going on, but was assured by David that all was well, turned to his task. Glancing back, David saw that the tree was leaving gouges, drag marks and the occasional leaf or twig in the road and making an obvious track in the road. Smiling with satisfaction David continued down the road.

 

Finally reaching Elroy’s house, David stopped in the middle of the road and waited on Al whom he saw coming down the road. The old man rode the mustang right up along side of Dave and eyed his handiwork of dragging the tree down the road.

“Looks like you’ve made a real mess of the road with all the leaves and drag marks.” Al said with a stern look.

“Aw shucks Al, you shouldn’t be bragging on me like that, I might get a swell head.”

“Looks a might late to be worrying about that now. What have you got in mind?”

“First tell me what you saw on your reconnoiter.”

“The land and trees don’t change much for the next six miles or so. The road is in the same condition, and there are two rickety bridges. There are several places with bends in the road that would do for an ambush.” Stated Al

“Sounds good. Now I need to know something, do you prefer to help me on this, or sit this one out. It might come off without a hitch, but it might turn into a real shooting scrape too. Either one you want to do is fine with me, so you choose what you want to do and we’ll run with that.” Said Dave.

“I ain’t never shot anyone, and don’t honestly know if I could do it if I needed to. You might get killed or captured because of me”stated Al.

David sat his mule and calmly awaited Al’s decision while the man fidgeted a bit then made up his mind.

“OK, I’ll do it, but I ain’t too good with these pistols and you know that for a fact.” Said Al

“Would you feel more comfortable using the shotgun? It’s loaded with 00 Buck and missing completely would be more difficult to do.” Said Dave.

“I’ll take the shotgun and stand by you.” Al stated flatly.

“I don’t want you beside me. You will be needing to stand off to one side, while I brace them with the Henry. I’ll get ‘em stopped with this tree across the road while you be my second set of eyes. Don’t shoot any civilians if at all possible. The soldiers you can drop if they give you half a reason.” Concluded David.

“Sounds good to me. You will probably have to place me where I can do the best good though.” Said Al

“No problem.”

David stood in his stirrups and gave a loud whistle. Elroy, his father, mother, and sister came out on the front porch. “Elroy, come here a minute please.” said David as he rose in his stirrups and dug into his pants pocket then removed a tattered wallet. Emptying everything into his hat, David saw that he had twelve dollars and some change, all in union money.

“Elroy, if it’s ok with your Pa, I’ve got an errand that needs doing. There is twelve plus dollars here, and you get it all. I imagine y’all can use it, and you don’t have to do anything illegal.”

“What would I have to do?” Asked Elroy.

“Well, in another hour or two if you keep looking down the road that way, you will see a lot of smoke. I’m going to set the bridge on fire. When that happens I want you to head into town and report that you saw me dragging a tree down the road and you think I might have set the bridge on fire. Give them a good description of me and Al and the fact that I am still wearing a confederate uniform and heavily armed.” Said David.

“You want me to tell on you to them Yankees?” Said Elroy with a perplexed look.

“I sure do, and don’t let them know that you know our names or it will rope you into trouble. By reporting us to the authorities, that will have y’all working under the cover of the law, doing your civic duty so to speak. But if you slip up, you will be in more hot water than you can imagine. They might hang the lot of you.”David said pointedly.

While Elroy and David had been talking, Elroy’s father came hobbling up on one crutch and his good leg soon enough to hear most of the request. He quickly figured out that the stage was going to be robbed by the two men.

“I’m Elroy’s Pa, and I don’t want him involved in any of this. He is too young and might slip up if they pressure him. And, come to think of it, old Mrs Hudson lives up that way, and she don’t miss much of anything going on around there. The old cow is a union sympathizer and will bust a gut getting to town to report anything she sees. Just make a little noise when you go by her place, that’s all it will take.”

“About where does she live?” Asked David

“Just before the first bridge in that direction.” The father replied.

“That should work out very well, and I appreciate the information.” Said David

Looking around the place David could see that they had fallen on hard times like most others, and knew what he should do.

“Listen, this ain’t much but it could help you out a bit. I’m guessing those damned Yankees will be wanting to collect property taxes or take your place. No point in letting them run you off your place if you can help it.” Said David as he handed over the twelve dollars and change.

“That is exactly what has happened, and I’m ten dollars short. Been wondering how I’d get it without selling one of my plowing donkeys which if I did that, then I couldn’t do any plowing. Normally I wouldn’t take it, but I don’t want my family thrown out to go begging. Thanks, I’ll accept it.”