B00F9G4R1S EBOK

by Unknown

  Davy rode back with a grin on his face. “There is a barrier across the road up ahead. There are four of them manning it.”

  “Then we will ride around it and deal with it on our way back. They will not expect danger from the north.”

  As we rode through the brush and thin woods above the road we could easily see the four men who were huddled around their fire. We rejoined the road and reached the low heights above the bridge. They had left a dozen men to guard the flimsy pontoon bridge which now spanned the river. It was secured to the bank by strong ropes on either side.

  “Cecil, take half the men and go to the left. I will take the rest to the right. I will whistle. When I do we close in and secure the bridgehead. They will not be expecting trouble.” I sent Jimmy with Cecil and I kept Davy. We worked well together and that was important.

  We dismounted in the brush by the river. The old broken and burned bridge had been dumped there and afforded us some cover. As my men crouched in the dark I briefed them. “These men will be confident that this is an easy duty. Be confident and we can take them. Try not to use your guns; there may be more cavalry nearby.”

  I took out my cosh and led the way. There were four men around the fire and two on our side of the bridge. I halted the men and threw a stone in the river.

  “Hey Joe, there’s fish jumping.” The soldier wandered to the bank and peered into the dark waters. I stood and hit him on the back of the head. He fell into the arms of Bill who hauled him off.

  “Jacob? Where are you?” Joe made the classic mistake of walking towards a sentry who had disappeared. I hit him too and he joined Joe. We moved towards the men by the fire. They helped us by all staring at the fire. Their night vision would be destroyed. I waved my arms for the patrol to spread out. I hoped that Cecil had dealt with his two sentries too. If he had then we outnumbered the eight men who remained. We waited in the shadows and I saw Cecil on the other side. I gestured for the men to stand. I walked towards the fire with my Colt in my hand.

  “Boys you can surrender now or die for we have you surrounded.” As Cecil’s men stepped out with guns drawn, they all raised their hands. “Sergeant, secure the prisoners. Corporal Jones, start a fire on the bridge and then cut the ropes. Sergeant James. Secure the weapons and find anything useful in the hut.”

  We were now accomplished arsonists and the fire began to blaze. As the ropes were cut it began to drift out to sea. I heard a lot of noise from the northern bank and the pontoon began to be dragged towards that side. I smiled. By the time it reached them it would be a charred ruin. We mounted and I waved a cavalier hand at the sergeant who sat forlornly amongst his section. “Goodbye boys the 1st Virginia Scouts bids you farewell.”

  We galloped south and headed back to Kelly’s Ford. We were used to the road, even at night. Our various escapades had made us all very careful and alert. We rode through the Union checkpoint whooping and hollering. The four soldiers ran in all directions. I suspect they reported a regiment of Confederate cavalry had attacked them rather than the handful it was. What I did know was that they would waste time looking for men who were no longer in the area. We would be many miles to the west, safely in camp.

  We reached the camp at dawn. We were just in time for breakfast. The first thing I did, even before I reported to the colonel, was to see how Copper was. She was totally healed. Carlton proudly showed me the scar. There was no sign of infection.

  “You know sir I have a mind to take her to the horse doctor over with the brigade and show her to him.”

  “I am just pleased she is recovered. You get to ride Apples again.”

  The horse sergeant took an old gnarly apple from his pocket and gave it to the Appaloosa. “And I am glad about that too sir.”

  The colonel and the Sergeant Major were busy in his tent checking lists. They both smiled when they saw me. “Excellent intelligence lieutenant, although I am not certain that General Fitzhugh is interpreting it in the same way as I am. How do you read the situation? After all you have been closer to the enemy than any of us.”

  “I think they are planning an attack sir. You don’t gather that many cavalry and artillery without an attack in mind. If there were more infantry then I would have said it was a defensive move. They are going to attack.”

  “And the major and I are in agreement about that but the general thinks we have frightened the Union and they are getting more cavalry to stop raids.”

  “I would have thought, sir, that the easy way to stop raids was to hit us, here.”

  “And I agree. Tell me lieutenant if you were the Yankees what would you do?”

  “That is easy sir. There are two fords, one here and another at Wheatley Post Office. Our camp is the closest to the fords but we are almost a mile away. Our main camp is more than two miles from the ford. If I was the commander of the Union horse I would force the two fords and swim some across the river. We have done that before.”

  “Exactly. I think, Sergeant Major we will build some defences at the mill. We could do with some artillery but there is precious little of that about. Well done lieutenant, however I thought that you were to be away for a at least a week. There are five days before the court martial.”

  “I am sorry sir. I thought that an attack might be imminent and I was needed here.”

  “Highly commendable but… Sergeant Major?”

  “Sorry lieutenant but Trooper Neil has run off. We didn’t see him go and no-one was able to follow him. The major does not seem worried which makes me think he might be up to no good. He could be anywhere. So far the lads have found no trace of him.”

  I was not worried. I would deal with him when it became necessary.

  “So lieutenant, I have another mission for you. I want you and Captain Grimes to go to Winchester. I believe you both have uniforms to collect and the Sergeant Major has a list of other items we need. Take your sergeant and some of your Wildcats. Have the night in Winchester and return here, safely.” I opened my mouth and the colonel smiled, “And that is an order!”

  “Yes sir.” It was not an onerous task and normally I would have relished the trip but I felt that I was running. I was not afraid of the major or his henchman. I sought out Cecil first. “Get half a dozen of the boys and a couple of pack horses then see the Sergeant Major, he will give you a list. We are heading for Winchester.”

  “Grand news sir. I need a few bits and bobs for my repairs.” He strode off rubbing his hands.

  When I told Harry he shrugged. “It’s probably for the best. The rumour is that the major sent Neil to get some of his men although as they are supposed to be in Atlanta I wouldn’t be that worried but then again I am not one of the men they want to kill.” He saw my look and shook his head. “Swallow your pride, Jack. You are not running. Besides we could both do with a nice new uniform. You have an officer’s sabre and a fine one it is too. I have this one.” He held up the shabby sword which would have broken had he had to use it. “ I have a mind to spend some of my pay on a decent sword so let’s enjoy our little trip eh?”

  I went to my new tent which Ritchie and Wilbur had erected. I had told them to put it up in the same place. I was not going to be intimidated by a coward like Beauregard. I dumped my slouch hat and deer skin jacket inside. I would not need them and I picked up my sword. I would not be a scout for the next few days and I was aware that I ought to look like an officer.

  As I strode to get Copper I had to pass Major Beauregard’s tent. He was seated outside and I intended to pass by without comment but he made the decision to speak with me. “Shame about your tent, peasant! Still this is a dangerous world, especially for liars with big mouths. You and your precious major will get theirs.”

  I turned and faced him. I clenched my fists to stop me using them. “Listen to me, you coward. I have promised the colonel that you will live as long as you wear the grey. Unlike you I am a man of my word. The minute you are stripped of your rank and your uniform you and that brute Neil will be mine and you wi
ll die. Make no mistake about that. Remember that you and I know that you killed my father after Neil had killed my mother. We both know that you tried to burn my sister and me alive. If you had had any honour then you would have admitted that.”

  “Honour is only due those of the same rank. Gentleman! You will never be a gentleman. You will never be my equal. If this were England or Ireland then you would now be in jail.”

  I smiled. “I know but this is America, the land of the free. Hadn’t you noticed? Make the most of the next few days. They will be your last on earth. I am not the wee bairn you tried to kill. I am a man and I am a Ranger and you are mine!” I stared at him and saw him blanch. He heard my threat and knew that I meant it. As I walked to get my horse my only nagging doubt was Neil. He could be anywhere. I could defend myself but I wanted no innocents being hurt because of me.

  We decided to stop off at Front Royal for the night. It meant we did not need to push our horses too hard and would give us almost a whole day in Winchester. We also had good friends in Front Royal and we felt safe there. We took rooms at the tavern. Harry and I shared and the others had one bunk room in the attic. There was an easy familiarity amongst the Wildcats that was missing in ordinary cavalry regiments. We had all been equals and we retained that even though we had different ranks. I was not better than Ritchie just because I was a lieutenant. We strolled amongst the shops. We all had money to burn. Since we became regulars we had been in action and we had dollars to spend. Cecil went into a gunsmith to buy some replacement parts for the Colts and some tools. Harry went in because they had some swords for sale. I was standing with the others looking in the windows of the other shops and I saw a guitar.

  “Come along Ritchie. I am buying you a present.” Davy gave me a strange look. “Come on Davy. You will be interested in this.”

  The clerk handed the guitar to Ritchie when he asked about it. He tuned it and then began to pick out a tune. Davy’s mouth dropped open. I grinned, “See. We’ll take it and have you a case for this fine instrument?”

  The clerk beamed. Two sales in a few moments; this was a good day. “Yes sir.” He went into the back room.

  “I can’t let you buy this sir.”

  “Of course you can! You took the same risks as I did in Fredericksburg but I get more pay. Consider this a bonus besides I look forward to hearing you play. It will liven up the camp at night.” The look of joy on his face as the guitar and case were parcelled up was worth the paltry sum it had cost me.

  It did not take us long to reach Winchester the next day. We all rose early normally and we were eager to get to the bustling town. Harry and I were excited to get our new uniforms. Mistress Sandy was pleased to see us. We had paid her a deposit on the uniforms but she would now be getting the balance. Cecil and Davy were there to get new jackets too. They were issued ones by the CSA but the quality was poor. As Wildcats, we had money and we liked to use it well.

  We tried the uniforms on and the perfectionist that she was would not let us take them until she had finished them properly. “You gentlemen return this afternoon and they will be ready. You have both put on a little weight I think. Be off with you and enjoy the town.”

  We took her at her word. We took rooms at the inn opposite the imposing courthouse building. It was too early to be drinking and we wandered the city to fill the Sergeant Major’s shopping list. Cecil and the boys went off to do the shopping while Harry and I sat and watched the people going about their business on this fine spring morning.

  “Harry, when we started out with the captain, did you ever think we would get to be officers?”

  “I didn’t think we would make corporal never mind officers. We have been lucky, “he grinned, “especially you.”

  “I must be honest, until Major Beauregard arrived I didn’t think I was worthy to be an officer. When I look at him I know that I am a better officer. Do you think he did all those things he boasts about, in the Crimea?”

  He shook his head. “I know some blokes who were in the army and even the British Army wouldn’t put up with him besides he is a coward.”

  “You are right. You can see it in his eyes. Anyway just a couple more days and he will be history. He will no longer be an officer and I can kill him.”

  Harry nodded. He understood revenge. He suddenly smiled. “And you know what day that will be, don’t you?”

  “Of course, March 17th!”

  “Yes you daft Mick! St.Patrick’s day! Appropriate eh?”

  I hadn’t thought of that. “Well, as the boys are here I think that is a cause for celebration. We will go and pick our new uniforms up. I think these will be good enough to get drunk in tonight and we can ride back in style tomorrow.”

  It was a good inn with fine food and well brewed ale. Harry and I took it steadily as did Irish and Davy. I don’t think Ritchie was much of a drinker but he was busy with his new guitar anyway. The other three had, as all young men tend to do, drunk too much. Cecil and I took Wilbur out to the back so that they could empty the fine meal into the gutter at the back of the inn. While he was heaving I happened to glance up at the next building where there was an open window. Two men was talking on the small balcony and smoking cigars. When one of them half turned I saw that it was Andrew Neil. Although we were almost completely hidden by shadows I ducked my head back. “Cecil. Look up at that window. Who is it?”

  I heard the sharp intake of breath which confirmed my suspicions. “It’s the deserter, Neil!”

  “Let’s get this one back in and tell the others.”

  Harry could see something was amiss when he saw my face. “You look like you have seen a ghost. What is it Jack?”

  “Andrew Neil. He is in the next building. He is in a room on the second floor.”

  Harry started to rise. I shook my head. “Let’s do this right. Ritchie, can you get these three to bed on your own?”

  “Of course sir but I can come with you and help you.”

  “There are four of us and I think we can deal with the two of them.”

  “There are two?”

  “Yes he was talking with someone. I heard the major had sent for some of his men from Atlanta. This may be them. Let’s go.” We paid our bill and left Ritchie to struggle with the three drunks.

  The building next door was also an inn. There was a prosperous looking man standing next to the bar smoking a pipe. Harry walked up to him. “Are you the owner?”

  “Yes I am Benjamin O’Connor at your service. What can I do for such fine soldiers as you?”

  “Have you somewhere we can talk privately?”

  “Of course,” he leered at us as he led us to the small room at the back of the bar, “now you know that we are very discreet here why…”

  “We believe there is a deserter staying in your hotel.”

  He looked shocked, “My hotel! No, that can’t be true.”

  “Who is staying on the second floor?”

  “There are four men who are travelling to join the army. It can’t be them and then there is a clergyman travelling to Richmond. You must be mistaken.”

  “The four men who are joining the army; did they all arrive at the same time?”

  He looked surprised at the question. “Why no. Mr Hogan arrived two days ago and his friends arrived this afternoon.”

  That confirmed it. “The cheeky bastard! He is using your name.”

  “Tell me Mr O’Connor would you be able to get the clergyman out of his room. We wouldn’t want him getting hurt.”

  “He is in the bar having a meal.”

  “Then stop anyone going upstairs and we will deal with this.”

  He looked appalled. “Can’t you do this quietly and without damaging my room?”

  “We would love to but I suspect that these are all dangerous men. Believe me we will do all that we can but we can’t promise anything. Which is their room?”

  “The last one at the end of the passage from the stairs. It is at the far end of the hall.”

&nbs
p; We gathered at the bottom of the stairs. I took out my Colt. “Davy, you knock on the door and say the landlord sent you with a message for Mr Hogan. When they open the door we burst in. Try not to shoot, I am sure the colonel would like to speak with Mr Neil but if you have to then shoot to kill. Remember, Neil is very dangerous.”

  The stairs and hallway were both dark and that suited us. The floorboards creaked alarmingly but the men in the room would not suspect anything untoward. They would not know they had been seen. We stood on either side of the door, just in case they blasted first. Davy knocked on the door. He put on a wheedling voice, “Mr Neil, sir. I have a message for you. Mr O’Connor sent me.”

  The voices inside went silent and then I heard Neil’s voice. “Just slide it under the door.”

  Davy shrugged and then continued, “I’m sorry sir, Mr O’Connor said I had to hand it to you especially.”

  I suddenly heard a pistol being cocked and I pulled Davy to the side. Four shots rang out making holes in the door. Cecil put his shoulder down and rammed the door. The door was not very solid anyway and the holes had weakened it. He crashed through and landed on a heap on the floor. I leapt into the room firing as I went. I hit one huge thug in the stomach and I fired again. He flew backwards and I stepped over him. There were six men in the room. Davy and Harry followed me and began blasting. I emptied my gun at anything not wearing grey. Suddenly a huge paw grabbed my shoulder. I whipped my Colt around and caught the man a blow to the head. I slipped my hand down to my boot and took out my Bowie knife. I lunged at the man whose hand still gripped my shoulder. I buried the knife in his throat, his blood pouring down my arm.

  I slipped my gun back into my holster and transferred my knife to my right hand. There were four dead men lying on the floor and one wounded man being pinned by Cecil. “Where’s Neil?”

  Davy was nursing a wounded arm. “He slipped out of the window.”

  “Cecil, you and Davy stay here. Harry, let’s get him.”

  The whole of the inn stared at us as we raced out. We must have looked a sight for I had a great deal of blood on my uniform. Fortunately none of it was mine. We reached the street. Harry said. “I will check the livery stable. He might try to run.”