by Rita Hestand
"You think the Major is on the level about giving the money to the cause?"
"Don't you?"
"I don't know. Could be he's setting himself up, so he can run to Mexico and live good."
"But he's the Major, he's Confederate."
"Maybe, but I don't know any Major that is this crooked, do you?"
"I don't know, maybe we ought to find out?"
"How?"
"Not sure, we need a plan. It's got to be a good one, or we'll end up in prison."
"Yeah, you're right about that."
"I guess I ought to tell you, the Captain is the one that set this up. Planned it. He didn't like the girl for one thing, nor her boyfriend. But when the Major found him out, he sent the Captain on a wild goose chase to that Indian camp, hoping they'd take care of the Captain, and they did. Then the Major took over the plans. One thing though, the Captain planned to do right with the money. Can't say the same for the Major, I heard a rumor he's originally from the north."
"You think that's true?"
"Don't know, goes to show you, George, you gotta watch all them officers. I think the Major just wants the money for himself. That's what I think."
"I don't know. I trust the Major more than the Captain."
"Yeah, me too."
Quirt listened for over an hour to their talk then began forming a plan of his own. Jimmy stared at him. "I can't believe what I'm hearing."
"I'm glad you are along. If necessary, you can testify."
"You said the Major wanted the money. What did the Captain want?" one man asked.
"He was on the level. He wanted to refurbish all the supplies, so he didn’t' get in trouble with the General. And he hated Jennifer and me. The Major doesn't care about any of them. I think he just wants the money. He'll have that money deposited into his bank account. When he takes it out, that's when we catch him."
The men were talking again, and Quirt and Jimmy listened.
"You know which bank?"
"Sure do. Same place the Army payroll is kept."
"I just thought of something, what if the Major is a spy for the north?"
"We'll know for sure in three days. Let's go."
"Well I'm with ya."
"Good."
"How soon is this all going down?"
"Three days. So tomorrow we'll leave Neil here to do away with the girl, and we'll be there when he takes it out of the bank. Pretty simple."
"Seems simple enough. Only I kind of wish we could get the guy court-martialed for this."
"Yeah, but he'd cook our goose good too, so we'll just kill him and take the money. No one will be the wiser."
"You're right."
"Maybe we should keep the girl. She's kind of pretty."
"Naw, women are trouble. If we get the money, you can have all the girls you want."
Quirt found a resting spot, there was nothing to do until tomorrow. "Let's get some sleep, we're gonna be busy after tomorrow."
He got a little sleep, but he was worried about Jennifer. He hadn't heard a peep out of her. He didn't know if she was knocked out, hurt or just being quiet.
"You're worried about her, aren't you?" Jimmy asked.
"She is good about holding up. But yeah, she's never been through this kind of thing."
He honestly thought the Major played it straight, but the Captain, he wouldn't put it past him. He thought the Captain was a true southerner that wouldn't dream of doing anything wrong. Obviously, he was wrong. The Major must have feared his commanding officer to go so far out on a limb.
War did strange things to men, Quirt realized. It made some heroes and some outlaws.
The next morning, he got close enough to listen to them again.
"Neil, kill her, and meet us at the Horsehead Crossing by day after tomorrow." One of the men told Neil.
"Okay, see ya then."
The two men that did most of the talking left, and Quirt got a good look at them. Both lanky, dirty, long haired men, one with a slightly dragging leg, the other with bowed legs. He recognized them. He was sure.
He listened for Jennifer now.
It was nearly an hour later when he heard her scream, "Stop pulling my hair," she fussed.
"I'm gonna do a lot worse than that."
"Then quit talking about it and do it." She told him.
Quirt had to give her credit, even in the face of death, she was a strong woman.
Obviously, there was only Neil and herself there, so he cocked his gun and walked straight into the mine shaft. Jimmy was right behind him.
"Who is out there," Neil hollered.
"Put your gun down or I'll shoot," Quirt told him.
"In a pig's eyes I will." Neil shouted.
"You want to die today, or another day?" Quirt walked right up to him, put his gun to his head and smiled.
Jennifer stood staring, as if she'd seen a ghost.
"You kill me, I'll kill her," he said pointing his gun right at Jennifer.
"Okay…. I'll put it down." Quirt told him, he lowered his gun slowly and just as he came level with the man's gun belt, he shot him in the groin.
The man doubled over, then fell to the floor of the shaft.
Quirt grabbed Jennifer and they ran as the shaft started to fall apart. Jimmy was right with them.
"My God, I can't believe you pulled that off."
"Me neither," Quirt laughed, then pulled her against him and kissed her with all his might as they saw daylight again.
"How'd you know?" she asked. Then looked a bit surprised to see Jimmy with him.
"It's a long story. We've got a journey to make."
"Where to?"
"Horsehead Crossing."
"What's there?"
"Well, it will either be the two men you were with earlier, or the Major, which ever survives." Quirt laughed again.
"Why would the Major go to Horsehead Crossing?"
"To make sure Neil kills you."
"Oh…" she smiled and got on the back of his horse with him.
"Hold on honey, it's gonna be a lot of riding."
Jennifer doubled with Quirt, while Jimmy rode alongside them.
She put her arms around his middle and laid her head on his back. "I'm so glad to see you."
"I told you, no one was going to ever hurt you. I meant it." He laughed.
That night as they lay on the prairie under the stars, they kissed forever, and talked about their future together. Jimmy went to the creek to get some water for coffee in the morning. "You want a big wedding or a small one?" He asked her in a husky voice.
"I want all the ladies there, and their guests." She told him.
"Sounds good to me."
"Quirt, are we ever gonna get the ladies home again?"
"That's my plan…."
"But how?"
"The Confederates are not gonna stay a lot longer. When they leave, I'll see the ladies get home."
"I hope so. Some of them are very worried. Not so much about moving the graves any longer, but just getting home safely."
"I know, and we'll see to it."
Chapter Twenty-Four
Two days later, Quirt, Jimmy, and Jennifer found themselves traveling the vast expanse of the Trans-Pecos to Horsehead Crossing.
There hadn't been time to send Jennifer home, and she wanted to be with Quirt, so she rode along with them.
There wasn't a soul in site, they were early no doubt. One could see for miles around, for it was like a huge plain of prairie. It would be hard to hide anywhere. They camped on a lower part of the River and waited. Anyone coming could be seen for miles.
The two men from the mine shaft showed up first. Quirt saw them, and they moved closer, so they could see and hear what was going on.
"What are we waiting for?" Jennifer whispered.
"For the third party to show." Quirt told her.
They didn't wait long.
Quirt moved closer now, so he could hear what they were saying. It was the Major alright,
but he had a gun pointed at the men.
"What is this, are you pulling a double-cross?" The men asked as they threw down their guns slowly and eyed the Major with contempt.
"'Fraid so, men."
"Where's the money?" one of them asked.
"It's been returned to its rightful owner."
"What?" The men looked at each other in shock.
"You two are under arrest."
"What is this, Major?"
"Haven't you figured it out yet. I'm a spy for the north boys. We knew the campaign wasn't going well in New Mexico. It still isn't. We knew the Captain was desperate. He had a hard time keeping supplies, with the Indians stealing so much. Although, I'll give him this, he was going to put the money to use for the south, like he said. At least he was honest about that."
"You're a spy? For the north?"
"You're a damned Yankee?" the other spit the words out like acid.
"That's right, one of many, I'm afraid. There are a lot of us that will infiltrate your people during this war. I'm afraid you two are under arrest, for extortion."
"But… "
"And murder, if I find that girl dead."
"What girl?"
"Jennifer Weston, that's what girl."
"We didn't kill her."
Just then Quirt, Jimmy, and Jennifer came out of hiding.
"Major?" Quirt smiled, "you’re a union spy?" His voice was comically amused.
"Yeah, I see the girl is alright."
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you, you said the money was returned, to my father."
"That's right ma'am. And I'll take the liberty of letting him know you are alive and well when I make my report. So, what happened to the fella that held her hostage?"
"He's dead." Quirt told him.
"Good, one less to worry over. Well gentlemen, let's get you two to jail, and Quirt you better get back to the women. I've heard what a good job you've been doing for them. The government is sorry we put them through so much. Federal troops will be coming before long, and the fort will be closed, the women will be sent back home then. So, if you can take care of them until then… "
"Yes sir, I sure can. Kind of glad you weren't in on this." Quirt smiled. "I gotta admit, you had me worried there for a while."
The Major looked at Quirt, "This war won't be over quickly, but with spies, it will operate a little smoother than first planned. Lincoln's no fool, he knows what it will take to win this one, and it's gonna be a long rough ride, but people like you three will survive it, I'm sure."
"Thanks Major."
The Major loaded the men up and rode off. He wouldn't be going back to the fort and he told Quirt to tell them he'd been killed trying to rescue Jennifer.
The three of them rode home, weary, but happy.
"Man, you just never know about some, do you?" Jimmy shook his head. "I'd have never guessed the Major."
"Maybe not, but the Major is a good man."
"Yeah, I reckon you are right about that."
"You know Jimmy, it doesn't matter what color uniform you wear it's how you represent yourself. The Major was right, it will be a long war, but with spies maybe not as long."
Jimmy nodded.
"Let's get home."
~~***~~
The ladies were glad to see Jennifer safe and sound. Everyone felt bad about the Major when they simply told them he died saving Jennifer.
Quirt felt bad about lying to them about him, but he felt sometimes a war was easier without all the details of it. He knew instinctively that some would not like the Major for spying. The Major deserved their respect, this way he got it.
Having Jennifer home safe was Quirt's biggest concern. The fact that she was a Senator's daughter could cause her more trouble, so he encouraged the women to keep that quiet and Jimmy too. Sometimes the less people knew, the better off they were.
Lieutenant Myers took over the fort after the Major and reported consistently to General Baylor in New Mexico Territory. In July of 1861 Baylor had an astounding victory at the Battle of Mesilla. The Union soldiers surrendered, and Baylor set himself up as Governor of Arizona Territory. Although Baylor never set foot in Arizona, he and his troops controlled the area. On January 18th, 1862 the territory was organized by the Confederate States. However, Lt. Myers told everyone at Ft. Davis that Baylor had run into several difficulties with a news editor, and the editor ended up dead. Still, the real problem came when Baylor ordered a genocide for the Apaches there. He was setting up the biggest murder in the territory. He obviously hated the red man. What Baylor had done, Quirt later read was to order a peaceful roundup of all the Apache tribes, bring them in, and kill all the grown Indians, and sell the children. It was a huge trap and Jefferson Davis himself got wind of it. Davis relieved Baylor of his Governorship and stripped his commission as Colonel.
"That's quite a scandal, Lieutenant." Quirt told Myers.
"I guess he got too big for his britches. It happens. You'll see more crookedness in war time than ever. Officers wanting to become Generals and being appointed wrongly. War encourages men seeking such positions. But the war will be won by the men who believe in what they are fighting for."
"I agree, Lieutenant." Quirt smiled.
"The way things are going; our troops will be leaving in a few months I'm afraid."
"What makes you say that?" Quirt asked.
"Because I believe the southwest Campaign is failing and the troops will soon head back. Baylor was a tyrant, but he was the commanding officer. When they come back, we'll concentrate our efforts closer to where the war is actually being fought then. You can't fight the Indians and the Yankees and win. You must pick your battles. You know, your state seceded for several reasons, one of them being the Indians and no one doing anything constructive about it. That problem is still there. It's in New Mexico Territory too, Arizona, and right now the Unionist control California. Our fight is in Virginia, The Carolinas, Georgia, not New Mexico. That simply wastes our money and supplies. We'll be moving on, before the year is over, mark my words."
"I believe that."
"Tell me something. Why didn't you enlist? You were on salary pay by the former commander of this fort. I'm interested to know why?"
Quirt studied the question. Myers was an intelligent man and Quirt had no desire to lie to him. "Honestly, my concern is Texas. We fought hard for our independence. Old Sam Houston didn't want to secede, neither did I. Not because I favor the north, but because we are one nation. Texas entered as a state, to pull out so soon, didn't give this country a chance. I don't want this state to be blown up by cannons, our people killed. I believe in what Houston fought for, it's that simple. I'm a southerner that's true. But I'm a Texan first. I always will be. And if you want to you can shoot me for it, but my opinions won't change."
The Lieutenant smiled. "You know, what I like about you is that your so damn honest. You can't fight honesty."
"I try to be, to myself and others." Quirt told him.
"You'll have no trouble with me, Quirt. I know you've tried to do right by the Indians. You've carried out orders when asked. That's all I expect from you. And I know you'll tell me the truth, no matter what."
"Yes sir, I will." Quirt shook hands with the Lieutenant and left.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The Lieutenant had been right. The Confederate troops returned to Texas weary and humbled to some extent. After much discussion and orders from a higher command they told everyone at the fort that it would be evacuated.
The women looked at each other then Quirt.
"What does this mean for us?"
"It means, you'll be going home."
"Home?" Victoria put her hand over her mouth.
Hans came up to her and smiled, "Well, some might, some might not." He smiled at Victoria.
Victoria blushed.
They walked off together and the way he was holding her Quirt was reasonably sure that Victoria wouldn’t be going home but following the man she loved.
Jimmy didn't waste any time seeking Sylvia out either. He proposed that night.
Katherine's blacksmith came to take her arm and they walked off to talk.
Jennifer stood out by the creek, watching some pair up and others huddled together to talk of their returning home. She wondered where her future would lie now.
Quirt came up to her. "So, you've been kind of quiet since the kidnapping. Something bothering you?"
"No, not really. I was glad you let me come with you to see how that all came out."
"Lady, you can be by my side any time. Now, I think it's time to talk about us." He smiled.
"Us?" She questioned, suddenly shy.
"You didn't honestly think I'd let you get on some train to go north again, did you?"
"Well—I,"
He took her in his arms and kissed her solidly on the lips, leaving no doubt as to his intentions.
He got down on one knee and smiled up at her, "Jennifer Weston, I've had you in my arms, in my sites, in my heart for too long to let you leave me now. Will you be my wife, forever!"
She opened her mouth, and nothing came out, then she let go her breath and smiled, "Y-yes! Yes, of course I will!"
"I love you lady, and I want to make you mine, at least."
"Oh Quirt…." She cried as tears fell down her cheeks.
He glanced around at the other couples. "I think we might have to share our wedding day with a few others around here, but that won't matter, for the only girl I'll see is you."
"You'd marry a Yankee?" she laughed.
"Honey, I'd marry an abolitionist as long as it was you!" He chuckled.
"I'm not a Yankee or an abolitionist!" she laughed.
"No?" he quirked his head and smiled.
"I'm a true-blue, died in the wool, newly born Texan!" She snickered.
"God, I knew I loved you from the start, but I love you even more, now!"
She laughed, and he took her in his arms and kissed her wildly.
Later that evening the women gathered around her. "Are we all going to marry on the same day?" Victoria asked.
"I'm for it, " Jennifer laughed.
"Me too!" Sylvia chuckled.
"Do you think I'm too old to do this again?" Katherine asked them.
Jennifer came up to her, kissed her on the cheek and smiled, "You're never too old for love, Katherine."