Original Work The Stuarts of Texas

Don't you just hate it when someone gets the drop on you like that?! Doesn't matter if it's a broken stick, a shotgun being racked, or a bolt being dropped!

 

Yup! Been there done that, it was a shotgun wielding doper.

 

Raging Bull looked at the young braves and smiled in a deadly way and asked if any spoke English. They all just stood there staring at Raging Bull and casting hateful glances at the two white men. Raging Bull turned his head slightly, keeping an eye on the young braves and said. “They do not speak English, but may have Spanish. I will speak with them in our native tongue. Be ready to defend yourselves, as young hotheads are not known for their patience. If we fight, I will fight with you my friend.”, he said looking at Dave. Dave looked quizzically at Raging Bull and wondered if he meant he would fight Dave, or fight along side him. Never can be too careful. He thought.

Turning back to the young warriors, Raging Bull began addressing them, asking their business while taking a casual side step that shielded Dave from a direct line of fire. Dave silently side stepped, placing himself in a clear line of fire and shielding Al. Al felt a small relief and noted that none of the warriors could see him, eased a Colt .44 out of his holster and held it at a low ready position while turning his head about looking for anyone that might have maneuvered behind them.

The young braves noted this, and seeing that these men were unafraid of combat, respected them for it.

The leader of the small band dropped the broken stick in a disrespectful manner and demanded “Who are you and why do you ride with our enemies?!?! No real Comanche would ride with Whites! Are you a squaw?”

Raging Bull looked dead into his eyes letting him know that he was ready to kill in an instant, then looked into the souls of the rest of the men, then spoke. “I do not answer to growling disrespectful ill mannered cubs making demands. You are lucky I have not killed all of you for sport. I have known that you were trailing us for a day, and could have easily ambushed you children.” Turning slightly he whispered to Dave. “Be ready, these young fools are unseasoned and could attack on impulse.”

“What did you say to him?!?!”, demanded the leader. “Tell me you coward, are you planning on attacking us?’

“No, I only told him you were lost and asking directions home to the safety of your mother so she could wipe your behind and change your pants for you” Raging Bull said with a nasty smile.

This drew a chuckle from two of the braves, and gave the others a little bit of a scare. The leader glared at his small band, but before he could retort one of his supporters lowered his bow and said. “I have seen you before, when I was small. My father said you were a warrior to watch and that great things would be done by you. You had already taken scalps and counted coup many times. I am Two Mountains.”

Raging Bull looked him over and replied. “I am Raging Bull of the Quahada, and these are my newly found friends I met on my return from fishing the salty big water. What are you hunting for, meat or glory?”

“Both of course! It is an honor to meet such a warrior as yourself. My father will be pleased that I was so lucky.” Two of the other young braves nodded their assent and lowered their bows with a smile. “I have some pemmican and jerky of buffalo if you would care for some” offered one with extreme politeness.

“I would be honored to share your food. Who is your father?

“Red Knife, but his father calls him Iron Head most of the time, as does my mother quietly.” He said with a smile.

“I have heard of him under both names!”, exclaimed Raging Bull. “We have fish in abundance and some fresh venison, but my cheap friends here do not have any firewater to make it a really good time.”, said Raging Bull with a laugh. And thus a potentially dangerous situation was avoided and all but one, the leader, seemed satisfied. None of the tone was wasted on Dave, and the leader, Wild Horse, would be watched.

 

As everyone turned to go, Al was standing behind Dave with his Colt 1860 Army held in both hands and thumb on the hammer. His wild eyes darted about nervously as he looked from man to man to see what was going to happen. Raging Bull held up his right hand in a signal to stop with a smile, while Dave eased up and in a soothing voice said. “It’s alright Al. We’re all friends now except for their leader. He will bear some watching, but do it on the sly as he will use any excuse to take offense. Raging Bull and me will be watching him also.” Al looked at Raging Bull who nodded and smiled. Al lowered his pistol then reholstered it while still looking a bit shook up.

“I. I. I never thought I’d be guarded by an Indian from other Indians from the same tribe.” Stuttered Al

“Make that two Indians.” Said Two Mountains with a smile.

“Make it three.”, added Brown Eagle.

Raging Bull’s head snapped around at the replies spoken in English. “Hah! You young trouble makers had me fooled! I thought you could barely speak the tongue of The People!” He laughed. “You certainly played a good one on me!” Knowing this was a bonding moment, he slapped Two Mountains and Brown Eagle on their backs. “This will be a good story at the council fires, how two young pups snuck up and bit the old wolf in the behind!” This gesture instantly bonded the three men.

“So there will be no doubt, these two whites are my friends and will be my guests at my band’s camp on the river ahead. Any attack on them will be considered an attack me and my clan. The younger one with dead eyes is a grey rider and has killed many blue coats. Respect them.” Raging Bull said calmly as he stared into Wild Horse’s eyes. “To harm one of them would be a great shame on me, but not as big a shame as the scalp I would take to the great council to display for all to see. Do we understand each other Squatting Toad?” Asked Raging Bull.

“I am Wild Horse, call me by no other name!!!” Blurted out the Indian.

“Then you should state your name next time and not force someone to guess because of your actions.” Raging Bull said calmly.

Circumventing any future confusion, Raging Bull turned to the two white men and said. “I explained that the two of you are my friends and will be honored guests in my lodge at our camp on the river ahead. And, that I will not tolerate any attack on you.”

Dave nodded and inclined his head slightly. “And we are honored that the war chief Raging Bull is our friend. May it always be so.”

When Dave walked away, he crossed a spot with soft soil leaving clear boot prints. Two Mountains noticed this and examined the tracks. “I knew it! This is the Escopeta Man that killed the three blue coats we found earlier. I saw where you dropped the escopeta and shot the last one. Was it with a pistol?”

“Yes it was. I gave them a fair chance out in the open and they took it. They weren’t very good at it though. I am at war with them and always will be.”

The Indians nodded respecting this, and all went to the fire to brew more coffee.

 

After a sumptuous meal of fresh venison, fish, hardtack gravy, and sweetened coffee all the men sat around the small camp fire, joking and swapping stories. Excepting Al, these were men of action and had lived “interesting lives”, therefore, there were many stories to tell. Raging Bull had insisted on sitting to the right of Dave, with Wild Horse to his right. The rest of the braves sat round the circle which was completed with Al sitting on Dave’s left side. Once Dave had evaluated the general mood, he decided that a small drink between friends would not be out of order. Rising slowly from his place beside Raging Bull, he said. “I think I might have something in my saddle bags that everyone would like.”

Walking to his saddle and gear, Dave reached inside and pulled out a 16 oz flask and returned to the fire. The flask obviously contained whiskey, and he had the complete attention of all the men present. Al looked worried, and the rest were eager, even Wild Horse. There was not enough whiskey to make things get out of hand so Dave saw no harm in it. Removing the cap from the flask, Dave handed it to Raging Bull saying, “The greatest warrior should drink first.” Raging Bull smiled at the compliment and took a slug and found the whiskey to be first rate. Nodding his approval to Dave he hesitated slightly and looked at Dave who nodded letting Raging Bull know that Wild Horse should be next. After receiving the flask Wild horse looked insolently at Dave then raised it to his lips and Raging Bull cleared his throat staring Wild Horse dead in the eyes. A clear warning to take only his fair share. Wild horse did so then passed it along. Each man had his share then passed the bottle to his right ending up with Al who glanced at the mouth of the flask. Dave Locked eyes with him giving a slight half head shake no, then Al drank and passed it to Dave. Dave looked at the bottle and drank less than half down and passed the remains to Raging Bull as another sight of respect. Raging Bull nodded and held the flask up to the fire light and admiring the color said to Dave. “I cannot understand how such an ugly people can produce such a beautiful, and magical drink. It amazes me.” Then he drained the flask.

 

Very good. Thank you for sharing it with us.

 

Thank YOU!

 

Made a minor addition to Post #99 but couldn’t figure out how to post it here from my iPad.

 

Col. Stuart and Ramon toured the small town of New Braunfels with Ramon making some introductions and acting as tour guide. Ramon and his family were well known in the area, and that allowed Col. Stuart to make connections quickly that otherwise would have taken longer or been very difficult. Noticing that quite a few of the residents were walking about openly armed brought a question from Stuart.

“With the Union army dominating everything, how is it that the people here haven’t been disarmed?”

“Most of them had voted against Secession, and had remained loyal to the union. I suspect that they even did a little spying for them, so the Yankees are not worried that they might get shot. Guns are needed almost everywhere and this place is no exception. You will see the Comanche walking the streets trading furs and what have you for goods that they want or need, and as long as they behave themselves no one will bother them.”

“Well, that is good to know. Since I am French I should have no trouble purchasing firearms then?”

“Probably not, but one can never tell. Whatever you buy keep hidden until you are west of here in Indian territory, and carefully avoid army patrols as you can never know what they might do.”

“Do you know which store around here might have the best selection of firearms?”

“Yes, Henne Hardware has been around here for a while and should have what you are looking for. If not, then there are other stores. One way on another you can get outfitted.”

“Very well, let us proceed.”

The two men walked a couple of blocks and turned into the store. True to form it was packed with plenty of whatever one would need on the Texas frontier. Stocking had not been a problem once the blockade had been lifted, and old man Henne bought what was needed and had more coming on regular deliveries. Farm implements, clothes, cloth, canned goods, books, writing goods, dried foods, harnesses, paint, guns, ammunition, knives, even some fresh bread and fresh eggs.

“What kind of pistols would you suggest?, asked the Col.

Ramon gave him that “Really?” Look and whispered, “The same kind you carried during the war. The .36 Navy is economical of lead and powder, and is adequate around here. The .44 Army models will work best where you are going. Indians won’t be the only problem and maybe not even your most serious problem. Both shotguns and rifles are also needed. Just like in the war, a few buckshot blasts followed closely by heavy pistol fire can sometimes pull your fat outa the fire. I prefer Colts myself, but I hear the Remingtons are good too though a bit heavier. If money is no issue, then two pistols apiece, a rifle each, and a few shotguns. This includes the women and older children. Never know what you’re gonna run into.”

 

Dave had noticed that Al had been looking a little on edge with the amount of Comanche warriors in camp. He was being careful not to show it, but Dave could feel a little tension in the man. Later on, when they both “just happened to be” away from any warriors Al asked, “What about sleeping tonight? I don’t have any experience with Indians, but these seem like every one of them is an experienced killer, and it makes me nervous, especially that Wild Horse. He wants to kill us so bad he can taste it. What are we gonna do?”

“My friend, you are no more wary of this situation than I am. Too many unknowns. It’s not like any of them except Wild Horse has any ill will towards us, but they can sometimes be a bit notional. Something could happen to set them off, and we’d both be killed or worse, or they might become lifetime friends. Just no way of knowing. They might be just curious about us, and once that curiosity is satisfied…. If something does happen and they are all in front of me and not close then I can handle the situation. Too many ifs. Raging Bull has not offered to become blood brothers with me yet. He may not want to, or he may want to do the ceremony in their camp. He might want to then suddenly change his mind. Same with the others, though they’re not likely to go against Raging Bull. I will think on our sleeping arrangements, meanwhile, I’m going to lightly punch you in the shoulder, laugh then slap my hat off. Now!” He whispered.

All cackled just loudly enough and knocked Dave’s hat off and they both handled it like two brothers joking around.. Wild Horse who had been watching while concealed behind some scrub brush shook his head with the thought, “The white devils behave just like children! No sense of self respect.”

 

Glancing around, he caught Raging Bull’s eye and gave him the What did you expect? Look then walked angrily away. Raging Bull said nothing, his face a blank, but he was thinking.

“We are being evaluated, but that is normal. Their lives depend on being alert and ready to move instantly. Can’t blame them for that.”, said Dave.

“Now I’m even more nervous with that blasted Wild Horse staring at us every minute.”

“We will have to watch each other’s back on the sly from here on out. These loaded pack horses are a real find for them and a temptation to say the least. Act like you are warming to them but only be friendly to them a little at a time. Let it increase, but be careful of your own dignity. Practice your slow draw like I taught you when behind a horse or otherwise concealed. No need to let them see you for the obvious reasons. If for some reason they attack tonight or any other time, it may start with a war whoop, a bark, a bird call, or happen in total silence. Usually they make some noise but don’t count on it. I will slip you one of the shortened Colt .44’s once we bed down. I will handle everything on my side, and you shoot away from me toward the attackers if there are any. The discharge will be very bright and might catch clothing on fire, or maybe even some of that bear grease they have smeared themselves with. We will sleep on the sly in shifts, nudgeing each other for warnings, or to awaken. That’s the best we can do for now.”

 

I added a bit to this making it a little better.

What Wild Horse had not noticed was that Socrates, who roamed free in the camp, was keeping an eye on him while he stared hatefully at the whites. Ears not at full alert, but cocked forward. The average mule was smart, Socrates was quite a bit smarter than a regular mule and had an excellent memory. He remembered just who it was that had rescued him from a beating and pulling a wagon. He also remembered how Al always seemed to find some sort of snack for him from time to time every day. Being brushed down, having his ears scratched, and hoofs checked for rocks. The kindness stuck with him and he remembered the girl from where he lived before. She had treated him with love and caring. He saw how these strange people treated their horses, and how the horses trembled when approached. Socrates did not tremble before these people/wolves. He watched with the evil eye and ears laid back, and would kill them if need be. One carried a whip and Socrates knew what that was for, and he hated them. There was no mercy in his heart. Was Socrates a human mind with four feet? No. He was however, a genius for a mule, and was at least as smart as a 5-6 year old child, and a LOT more dangerous.

Dave looked about the camp, knowing he soon needed to make a decision. It was getting late., and the sun told him it was near five o’clock. What Dave had not told Al or any of the others was that he did indeed understand a little of the Comanche language. From time to time he had picked up on a few words that he did not like the tone of. Twice he had heard Wild Horse speaking in a normal conversational tone to Raging Bull, picking up words like Nebekaku, coupled with Ainu Taibo which meant kill/murder the no good White Foreigner, and also Wahtutsina, Popi, Ahi?buniitu, Tsukupu,Kutsu Taibo; Turuhka, Puku, Tuhuya; meaning scalp the old man and rancher and steal the horses and mule when Wild Horse spoke with the younger braves. None of this was good and Dave was sure that this was not just a casual confab between two warriors. Dave would be ready, but could Al deal with it.

They needed an edge beyond what Dave had confided to Al, and there was a partial moon out tonight that would shed enough light to catch nearby movement. Selecting a spot far enough from the creek to allow wildlife to get a nocturnal drink, and with the partial moon at their backs so their eyes couldn’t be seen by the nearby Indians, he deposited the two saddles and bedrolls. Noting this, Raging Bull thought it a good spot and brought his blanket over also. Looking at Dave, he said. “This is a good place, mind if I share it with you?”

Knowing it would be strong insult to refuse him, Dave smiled good naturedly and said. “Of course, you are welcome to a spot. Be warned . The old one snores loud long at times.”

Raging Bull smiled and said, “That does not surprise me. If it would be good with you, I will sleep on one side of you, with Al just Al on the other side. Then Two Mountains and Brown Eagle. Squatting Toad and his trail wife can sleep where ever they can find a place.

After a light supper the men settled down and smoked while the fire slowly died.

“Wish I had some of that firewater tonight.”, said Raging Bull hopefully..
“Me too!”, lied Dave.

Disappointed, Raging Bull commented, “Small town coming up, maybe you could get some there?”

“Didn’t know that. Must be a new town set up since the war started. We will see what we can find.”

“Good.”, said Raging bull as he settled down on his blanket.

Dave then did a strange thing even for a white man. He removed his gun belt and stowed it in a canvas bag by his head then settled down with his head on his saddle and folded his arms. Seeing this, Wild Horses heart quickened and the other braves also noticed but gave no sign of awareness. Neither did Raging Bull.

 

Eventually, everything quietened down and the area was silent save for the normal, insects, birds, and horses occasionally stomping the ground. Raging Bull laid awake for a bit longer than usual contemplating his present situation. About half of the younger braves wanted to to kill or torture the whites and take all the horses and supplies back to their camp. While having no love for whites, Raging Bull did not hate this particular gray rider. He is a brave man and does not fear death like most whites do. Respectful while not allowing himself to appear weak or subserving. I really like this man, and would love to fight alongside him, but I do not owe him anything. I do owe allegiance to my tribe, clan, and these young warriors. While whites are stealing our land, the Gray Riders held to their treaty and did not. But they lost the Great War in the east, and now we have to deal with the wretched blue coats again. The treaty with the Glass family has been honored generously, and never breached, but my clan is not part of that treaty. I owe them nothing, and there is still the issue of the horses and all those supplies. But are the supplies worth at least two lives? He will kill at least that many, perhaps more. The old one will die like a whisper of smoke, but David will take some with him, and will not be captured for torture. Which side will I take when Wild Horse gives the signal? Will I take any side and just go with the winners?”

“If it were not for that firebrand Wild Horse, I could have cut this off easily with all of us going our separate ways and no harm done. But not now. Now, something must be decided. Will David and I become friends, perhaps blood brothers, or will one or both of us die? How will my clan take this? Will I lose standing or have to kill some blabbering fool? I see no easy answers, and these young warriors will more than likely decide for themselves tonight. Blast!”

David waited until he detected even breathing of the man all around him indicating sleep or low awareness. Barely opening one eye he could see Wild Horse staring at him from the other side of the fire pit, malevolence just oozing from the man. Yeah, it would be tonight more than likely. Slowly easing his right hand David pulled one of the short barreled .44’s out and little bit by bit moved it down to his side and touched Al’s hand. He then eased the Colt into the older man’s hand and pushed down on his wrist signaling him not to move but to hold the Colt ready in case needed. Everyone seemed to be sleeping but Wild Horse, but then one of the younger men raised his head and looked toward Dave and Al, then at Wild Horse or Squatting Toad as Dave like to think of him. Wild Horse motioned for him to lay back and the man did so. Yeah, it would be tonight. Thought Dave.

 

Thank you. Good plot development. Like the period you are describing. My great grandfather came over from Germany and fought with the First Minnesota and went there when the war ended. Married a Lakota and homesteaded land.

 

Was he in the First Minnesota before or after Gettysburg? At Gettysburg, the First Minnesota fielding eight companies, numbering just 290 men (two companies were on detached duty) confronted Wilcox's Alabama Brigade. Their loses that day were 220 men, but their sacrifice bought the Union 10 minutes that saved the day.