When Hawkins explained the mission’s objective to the scouts, they were as confused by it as the white officers had been. Sergeant Eagle Heart asked, “Do we fight the Lakota? Or maybe the Blackfoot? Or maybe we fight the Crow?”
“There is no information about the attackers,” Hawkins replied. “It could be anybody.”
“Aw!” Eagle Heart said. “May we fight goddam Pawnee sumbitches.”
Tall Bear shouted, “Pawnee sumbitches die!” This was followed by loudly expressed agreement and approval from his brother scouts at the idea of combat against the traditional most-hated enemy of both tribes.
“We have a day’s travel tomorrow to Fort Sill,” Hawkins said. “Be ready to leave at sunrise. And bring overcoats and blankets. It will be cold where we’re going.” He called the scouts to attention. “Sergeant Eagle Heart. Take charge of the detachment!”
Eagle Heart saluted, then turned to his charges and ordered them to prepare for the coming mission. The scouts’ women had heard the whoops and hurried to the corral. They shrieked encouragement to their men as Kiowa and Comanche women had done for eons when the warriors of the tribe went out to fight.
Just before dusk the next day, the scout detachment arrived at Fort Sill following a full day of travel. Although it was after duty hours the officer of the day at post headquarters was able to direct them to where they were to set up their bivouac at the edge of the cantonment area. He also informed Hawkins that he and Ludlow were to report to Major Edward Whitaker the departmental adjutant general first thing the following morning.
The detachment led their horses the short distance to the appointed campgrounds. Bedrolls were spread and coffee put over campfires. With that done, Sergeant Eagle Heart announced the guard roster.
The first sentry, Scout Swift Horse, was posted by Corporal Running Cougar. With that done, everyone consumed the food prepared for them by their wives. Hawkins and Ludlow had canned goods purchased at the post store for the evening fare. The lieutenant quickly gobbled down the last of the sugar cookies so he wouldn’t have to share any with the captain.
Later, with eating done, the two officers settled into small talk about what might be facing them in this latest deployment. When the post bugler sounded taps, they turned in, finally falling asleep after a few restless hours of wondering what sorts of challenges the future held for them.
Chapter Five
That next morning Captain Mack Hawkins and Lieutenant Ludlow Dooley presented themselves at the adjutant general’s office a few minutes past the sounding of duty call. Both were in a mood of happy anticipation at the prospect of the deployment that awaited them.
Major Edward Whitaker gave them cordial greetings and shook hands with each officer. “This will be your second mission, will it not, Hawkins?”
“Yes, sir. And we’re looking forward to it.”
“I’m sure you’ll do just as fine as you did on your first outing. Even though there was a bit of unpleasantness afterward.”
“Indeed there was, sir.”
Hawkins had faced two serious charges when he returned to Fort Sill after leading the detachment in pursuit of bandits who had stolen a large army payroll. Although they brought back prisoners and all the money, Hawkins was accused of disobeying a direct order as well as disrespect to the paymaster Major Harold Dewey, a superior officer. Either charge would have been enough to have Hawkins cashiered from the Army. In fact, when Major Dewey ordered him not to pursue the outlaws, the angry captain had told him to piss up a rope.
But when it was discovered that same officer had arranged the robbery with the outlaws to pay off gambling debts, the charges against Hawkins were dropped. The disgraced Major Dewey committed suicide by blowing his brains out with his Colt single-action .45 caliber service revolver.
Now, in the adjutant general’s office, Hawkins had a lot of questions regarding the details on the present mission. But his inquiries were cut short when Major Whitaker told him, “All I know is what’s in the orders you’ve received. They actually came from the War Department with little explanation. Your journey to your destination is not completely defined.”
“What the hell is this all about, sir?”
“Captain Hawkins, I haven’t the slightest idea. However, you’ll be receiving an operating fund in case you find it necessary to make purchases.”
“I don’t understand, sir.”
“Neither do I, Captain, since it’s not from the government or the Army. But I imagine it will be only for unforeseeable needs you may encounter. The money will be in eagle coinage obviously.”
Now Ludlow was curious. “I am acquainted with eagles of course. But why not dollar bills?”
“Greenbacks are devalued in some parts of the west,” the major explained. “Sometimes as much as fifty percent.”
Hawkins asked, “How much money am I getting?”
“Let me look,” Major Whitaker said, turning his attention to the orders. “You’re to get five double-eagles for one hundred dollars, five-eagles for fifty and ten half-eagles for another fifty. That’s a total of two hundred dollars.”
Hawkins let out a low whistle. “That’s a lot of money! So when do we start, sir?”
“All I know is that this morning you will be escorted by Major Thompson the departmental quartermaster general to the railhead depot north of Fort Sill. From there you will travel by train to Wichita, Kansas.”
“Really? I thought our destination was Montana.”
“I have no further information,” Major Whitaker repeated.
Ludlow was perturbed. “Respectfully, sir, all this troubles me somewhat.”
The major gave the young officer a look of sincere sympathy. “I understand completely, Lieutenant.”
“What about forage and rations for us on the trip to Wichita and beyond, sir?” Hawkins asked. “Is that what the funds are for?”
“The quartermaster has no orders regarding the matter,” Major Whitaker informed him. He checked the clock on the wall. “That reminds me. He will be at your camp at nine o’clock to accompany you to the railhead. I suggest you return to your command and be ready for him.”
“I have some bad feelings about this,” Hawkins groused. “And if we reach a point where we’re running short of vital supplies and ammunition and can’t buy or draw any, I am going to take matters into my own hands and damn army regulations.”
“Let me remind you once again of that situation you faced after your first mission, Captain.”
Ludlow glanced over at Hawkins. “Please remember not to tell anybody to piss up a rope, sir.”
Major Harold Thompson was right on time when he arrived at the detachment’s camp to accompany them to the railhead. Before leaving, he handed two hundred dollars’ worth of coinage to Hawkins, and had him sign a receipt.
With that done, they mounted up and headed for the railhead.
The scout detachment and major arrived at their destination at ten thirty. The major dismounted and went into the depot office, then returned in less than a minute. “The train should arrive in about an hour,” he told Hawkins. “I’ve been informed there is a single boxcar attached for you.”
“I see nobody’s worried about our physical comfort,” Ludlow said. “It’s going to be crowded with seven men and horses.”
Hawkins started to say something, then changed his mind. He ordered the scouts to dismount. Then he and Ludlow slipped from their saddles to wait for their transportation.
Major Thompson shrugged. “I’m really embarrassed about this. To tell you the truth I’ve never seen even a simple patrol begin with so little preparation.”
Hawkins temper settled down when he realized that none of this was the other officer’s fault. “Well, sir, we all know soldiering is a profession that offers little comforts and less good sense.”
“And there’s very little thanks expressed either,” the Major added.
Ludlow sighed. “They never told me that at West Point.”
The train arrived fif
teen minutes late, and the brakeman escorted the detachment to their boxcar. To everyone’s surprise, it was coupled behind the caboose. The railroad man and a helper opened the door and pulled down a loading ramp for the horses. The helper looked at the scouts, then at Ludlow. “How come them Injuns is wearing soljer suits?”
“Because they are soldiers,” the lieutenant replied testily. He knew that question would be asked a lot during the mission as it had on their last sortie. “Now please step aside while we lead our mounts into the car.”
The detachment clamored aboard, arranging the horses as best they could with a lot of pushing and pulling. The reins were tied to iron rings attached to the bulkhead that were normally used for ropes to secure cargo. With that done, the human portion of the detachment settled down toward the front of the conveyance and made themselves as comfortable as they could.
When the railroad crew started to close the door, Hawkins told them to leave it open. With the horses so close, he knew they would need lots of fresh air. A moment later Major Thomas glanced inside. “I want to wish you all good luck. I’m sure that no matter the situation, you will prevail.”
“Thank you, sir,” Hawkins replied. When the major gave a wave and withdrew, the captain leaned toward Ludlow. “Let’s face it. From the looks of things, this is going to be a do-or-die state of affairs.”
Before the lieutenant could reply, the train lurched, then gradually picked up speed for the run to Wichita.
The interior of the boxcar was uncomfortable with a monotonous rocking and swaying as the trip continued. This was the second train trip for the scouts, but they still had trouble with the shaking of the vehicle. Hawkins and Ludlow knew enough to brace themselves against the front of the car to minimize the annoyance.
As the hours passed, the train crossed the Washita, Canadian, North Canadian and Cimarron Rivers before reaching Enid, Oklahoma Territory. From there it steamed toward the Kansas Line and went through the town of Wellington. At seven o’clock that evening they pulled into the Wichita depot.
Hawkins and Ludlow walked to the door and peered out at the scene before them. The captain chuckled without mirth. “We’ve reached the end of our issued orders. From now on we can look forward to a lot of surprises.”
“Both pleasant and unpleasant I’m sure, sir.”
“Prepare yourself for a hell of a lot of the latter.”
Sergeant Eagle Heart, Corporal Running Cougar and the other scouts joined them to survey wherever it was they had arrived. The sudden appearance of a couple of rail workers surprised them. The pair said nothing as they pulled out the loading ramp. A well-dressed gentleman walked up, giving them a cheerful greeting. “Hello, my friends! I’m glad to see you arrived safely. Feel free to disembark and bring your horses with you.”
Hawkins set the activity in motion and within five minutes everyone was off the train and standing to horse by their individual mounts. The gentleman led them across the tracks to where two railroad cars were standing.
“The second car is for the animals,” he explained
It too had a loading ramp, and Ludlow led the way in. When he entered he came to a sudden stop. There were stalls, feed bins, water troughs and straw scattered across the floor. Everything was new and shiny. He recovered from the shock and led his mount down to the end. The rest of the detachment came in and experienced the same astonishment.
When their horses were all stabled the detachment began unsaddling the animals. The railroad greeter called out, “Never mind, gentlemen. There is a fellow available to take care of all that.”
“We’ll get our weapons and saddlebags,” Hawkins stated.
“Of course,” the gentleman agreed. He waited for them to retrieve the items. “There is enough hay, oats and water for the rest of the trip. We have a stable boy who will stay with the horses and look after them.” He made a gesture toward the other car. “That is where you’ll ride, my friends. Be so kind as to follow me.”
He led them into the vehicle. If the interior of the stable surprised them, this particular car shocked them into disbelief. It had nine bunks, stacked in three tiers of three at the back. Each one had pillows and blankets. A narrow door marked WATER CLOSET was just beyond the sleeping area. Ludlow quickly explained to the scouts that when nature’s call needed answering, they should go through that door.
The middle of the conveyance consisted of two tables with four chairs on each side. This was clearly a dining area. Beyond that at the very front was a counter that held plates, flatware, cups and glasses. At that particular moment, smoked ham, baked potatoes, rolls, strawberry jam and apples were available. A young black porter in a white jacket stood beside the victuals ready to serve them.
Ludlow gazed at the feast and laughed aloud. “Now I know exactly where we’re going.”
“Where?” Hawkins asked
“Heaven! Paradise! Shangri-La!”
The gentleman laughed. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken, young fellow. You’ll be traveling to Bismarck, North Dakota. Now let me present myself. I’m James Pleasence an official of the Northern Plains Railway System.”
Hawkins introduced himself and Ludlow. Then he pointed to each scout and spoke his name. They did not nod to their host, merely gazing at him with no emotion in their eyes.
Pleasence nervously cleared his throat. “Before I explain everything to you, why don’t you fellows give some attention to that food. I know you must be hungry. And there’s hot coffee in the urn, and if you look behind the counter, you’ll find some mighty fine whiskey. At least it’s there for you two white men. The law doesn’t permit intoxicating liquor be served to Indians.”
“We’ll take the coffee and nothing else just like our scouts,” Hawkins told him.
“Now that’s real nice of you two fellows,” Pleasence opined.
The black porter began filling plates to pass out to the travelers.
Chapter Six
It took forty minutes of constant eating to satisfy the appetites of the detachment. There was little conversation only grunts of pleasure and belches. The scouts ignored everything but the ham as they gorged themselves. Hawkins and Ludlow enjoyed the ham too, but each also fed on the potatoes and rolls smeared with strawberry jam. They finished up their meal with a couple of apples each as desert.
Now, with most of the food gone and all the dirty plates and flatware cleared away, James Pleasence requested their attention. The detachment, each with a cup of the strong coffee, settled down at the tables, waiting for the railroad official to fill them in on the extraordinary events in which they found themselves.
Pleasence stationed himself in front of the food counter holding a glass of whiskey. Before speaking, he took a swig of the liquor. “Now that we’ve reached Wichita, I am authorized to let you in on the task ahead of you,” he began. “Most of the expenses you will occur on this mission will be covered by the Northern Plains Railway System.”
That made Hawkins uneasy. “I don’t understand.”
“The government does not have sufficient funding to completely afford this undertaking. My employers are making up the difference.”
“That’s a new one on me,” Hawkins said.
“There is a surveying party laying out a route through the Haut-Prairie Gap of the Rocky Mountains in northern Montana. The location isn’t far from the Canadian border. The surveyors work was just getting started when a violent unexpected attack interrupted the project, killing two surveyors and their cook. The site was put under surveillance and nothing happened. Work resumed, then shootings occurred several times more. Naturally all work was eventually stopped.”
Hawkins was puzzled. “It couldn’t be Indians. There are no tribes in that area. All have been confined to reservations.”
“We don’t know who it is, Captain Hawkins. And I misspoke when I said ‘attacks.’ The nuisance, when it occurred, had been constant sniping.”
“I take it the shots are coming from hidden sites,” Hawkins commented.
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“That’s it exactly,” Pleasence answered. “There’ll be a shot and a surveyor or his equipment is hit. Then another bullet takes out one more poor fellow. All are fired from places above the worksite.”
“Can’t you pick out the exact spots the shooting is coming from?” Harkins inquired.
“No,” Pleasence said, shaking his head. “The shooters are using smokeless powder cartridges.”
Ludlow Dooley spoke up. “Aren’t there troops in Montana that could handle the problem?”
“It would seem so,” Pleasence remarked. “At first we employed detectives from the Pinkerton Agency. But after a half dozen of them were killed, the survivors were recalled by their head office in New York City.”
“Can’t you hire trappers and hunters to root out the shooters?” Hawkins asked.
“There are some in the area, of course,” Pleasence replied. “Unfortunately, we don’t know anything about them, so don’t feel they can be trusted.
“Perhaps they’re the wrongdoers,” Ludlow suggested.
“Could be,” Pleasence commented. “At any rate, we turned to the nearest military installation at Fort Terral for help. The soldiers went up to the worksite, but as soon as they arrived the shooting stopped. When they returned to their garrison the sniping started up again. The troops came back again, going up into the mountains and scouring the area, finding nothing. As soon as they returned to their barracks, the sniping resumed. This unhappy routine was repeated on three additional occasions. Their commanding officer said he couldn’t devote anymore time or troops to the situation. He recommended that U.S. Indian Scouts be called in. They have natural tracking and stalking skills. If Indians stayed in the woods they could eventually track down and eliminate the gunmen. So! Here you are.”
“There’s a Lakota Scout Detachment in South Dakota,” Hawkins pointed out. “Why not use them instead of hauling us all the way up there from the Indian Territory?”
Rocky Mountain Warpath (A Crossed Arrows Western Book 1) Page 3