Chasing Pancho Villa

by R. L. Tecklenburg

  “No more fighting,” he replied. “Tell them to let me go.”

  She nodded and they released him.

  “Now, I will tell you what you want to know, but first….” She turned to her brother. “Daniel, clean yourself and get ready to travel. Mr. Jones, take the men and make the preparations.”

  The three men departed. José was the last to leave the room, reluctant to leave Maria with the angry white man. He kept his hand on the small caliber revolver in his pocket as he spied on the two who remained in the study. Only when he was certain the threat was past did he leave the house.

  Harrison sat down in the great chair. Maria sat on the desk, waiting.

  “Maria, why did your brother almost kill me out in that damn desert,” he asked.

  “It was a mistake,” she told him. “You were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

  “Accident?” Harrison was still very tense. “Did your brother kill the constable?” James asked.

  “Daniel said it was an accident but, before he realized what had happened, you came. They hid when they heard you.”

  “Your brother and somebody else just happened to come to the jail and accidentally kill the constable? Who was the other person?”

  “It was Carlos,” Maria answered. “Daniel did not kill the constable. He went to talk with him. Daniel swore it to me,” she said, visibly upset. “My brother is not capable of murder.”

  “He was capable of hitting me, Maria.” Harrison rubbed his scalp.

  “He thought you were going to kill him.”

  “Why did he think that?”

  “Daniel said he was hiding when you came and started firing.” She sighed sadly. “He says he did not want to hurt you. But when he saw you shoot Carlos he knew he had to stop you or be killed himself.”

  “That man clearly tried to kill me, Maria,” he said softly. “I shot Carlos, then?”

  A single tear rolled down her brown cheek. “Daniel was very angry, but he did not want to harm you. He left quickly after he struck you. You chased him into the desert.”

  “So Daniel hit me twice?” he asked. “How did I get rescued?”

  “Juan Parilla came to the hacienda the next morning. He told me he saw you ride into the desert. We waited for darkness to come again, but you did not come. We went to find you, Harry. We searched over many miles. I was almost crazy with you and Daniel missing, and the constable murdered.”

  “And Daniel? Where was he?”

  “He did not return to the hacienda until two days later. After we found you, Daniel rode in and told us what happened.”

  “I see,” he said, thinking about Daniel that night. “How did Juan know that I was out in the desert?”

  “Juan, he followed you when you rode west out of town,” Maria said. “He saw you were riding for the mountains. He tried to catch you, but he lost your trail in the rocks. When he could cross the border, he came here.”

  “Daniel did not know it was you,” she repeated tearfully.

  “What difference does that make, Maria? If not me, who then? The deputy? He left me out in the desert,” Harrison said. “You can’t always protect him.” His temper flashed. “You know what could have happened to me out there.”

  She smiled sadly, hopefully. “It was not your destiny to die in the desert.”

  At that moment, Harrison realized completely that he loved her. He could not hurt her. “What happened in the jail?”

  “It was a trap.” Maria looked at him sadly. “My brother told me.”

  “A trap for who?”

  “For Daniel. To arrest him for smuggling, I think.”

  “Why was I told to be there?” James asked. “The constable sent me a message to come to his office.”

  “I don’t know,” she went on. “I don’t understand why the constable wanted you to come at the same time that they were there.”

  “Daniel didn’t know I was coming?”

  “No, Harry. My brother did not know. You were there when my brother was to meet with Constable Arnold.” Maria walked over to sit on the arm of the big chair. She touched his hair with her fingers. “My brother went to Columbus to speak with him about a deal he offered us. Then there was a fight, and the constable was killed. Daniel said Carlos fought with the constable.”

  “But why was I supposed to be there,” Harrison wondered. He paused. “A deal? What kind of deal?”

  “The constable sent us a letter. He offered to give Daniel and me pardons if we came to Columbus. He wanted information about who smuggles rifles out of the armories and across the border.” She pulled a letter from the desk drawer. “We received this note from Columbus. It was delivered to Las Palomas by messenger. See for yourself.” Maria handed the envelope to James.

  “So why take that risk by crossing the border? You knew it could have been a trap.”

  “It is time to stop this work. It is too dangerous. And now profits will be small,” she said. “I was going, but the letter states that Daniel should represent me. The constable wanted to speak with my brother only. Carlos and Mr. Jones insisted that I stay here. So I consented. Daniel is a man now and can handle these things.”

  “And was Carlos invited to Columbus by the constable?” Harrison asked.

  “No. But he was always with Daniel, for safety. He said he would go to protect my brother.”

  “Did Arnold know Carlos would be with Daniel?”

  “No,” Maria answered.

  “I received a note also,” Harrison said, examining the envelope. He read her note slowly, to compare the handwriting with that from his note.

  “This writing is not the same as in my message. Here the penmanship is very poor and there is no signature, only the initials, A.A.” He looked at her. “I think you’ve been tricked.”

  “The cowards. Assassinos!” she said with a scowl.

  “Who?”

  “Those hombres in Columbus and El Paso. Those who also sell weapons across the border. They want to get rid of us. Maybe they wanted revenge for when we burned down their warehouse,” Maria told him.

  “Did Juan know anything about this?” he asked, still examining the note.

  “I told him to watch the jail. In case of problems, he could send a message back to me.

  “Did he know I went to the jail?”

  “Juan’s nephew, Miguel, saw him in the saloon where Juan usually goes to play poker after work, and told him about your message. Juan said he went after you. To warn you to stay away.”

  “To warn me of what?”

  “Juan knew that Daniel was coming to Columbus to speak with the constable,” Maria explained. I sent him a message. I wanted him to watch out for my brother. When Miguel told him in the saloon that you were going there, he wanted to stop you.”

  “Did he say what he saw at the jail?” Harrison asked.

  “Juan told me he heard gunshots and saw Daniel, and then you, ride west from town.”

  “Who in town knew that your brother was coming to the jail?”

  “We told only Juan. I think maybe he told his nephew,” Maria said thoughtfully.

  “Do you know what happened in the constable’s office before I got there?”

  “Daniel said there was a bad fight and the lights went out. Carlos beat the constable with his gun. Daniel said he tried to stop him, but it was too late.”

  “Do you believe him?”

  “Yes. Daniel is my hermano,” she answered.

  “I don’t think the killing was a mistake,” Harrison stated. “I think Carlos planned to kill him. But I don’t know why.”

  “Daniel did not know that. He could not have. And Carlos was not hired by me or my brother to kill a lawman. It had to be an accident,” she insisted.

  “Maria, it looks to me like a trap. But for what, I don’t know,” he shrugged. “Who found the bodies?”

  “Juan said he saw a group of men come out of the saloon where the soldiers d
rink. They heard the shots and headed straight for the jail. They found Carlos and Constable Arnold.”

  “Who would have wanted the constable killed?” Harrison asked, thinking.

  “I don’t know,” Maria said. “Someone worried much about him and they killed him to keep him quiet. Maybe they wanted to kill my brother with the constable. But you came too early. That’s why I believe you are good luck for us, Harry. And fate was kind, yes?”

  “Fate?” He smiled. “It’s all about gun smuggling.”

  “Sí,” Maria said.

  “You have dangerous competitors.”

  “Sí, Harry. Where there is much money, there is always danger.”

  “Now a dead lawman. That’s very serious.”

  James smiled. “I am in debt to you for saving my life, Maria.” He looked into her dark brown eyes. “I love you.”

  She touched his cheek softly with the back of her hand.

  “It was Juan who saved you,” she said finally. “He followed you into the desert, but he lost you in the darkness. Then he came to me for help. As soon as we could, we left to search the area where Juan said you might be. For hours, my men and I looked for you, and my heart was breaking. We even used lanterns and risked being caught. But we found you, Harry. You were in the secret wash that we use to cross the border, and we found you just in time.” She bent down to hug him, holding him tightly in her arms.

  “This is a different world,” Harrison said. “But it’s where I want to be right now. We’ll find out who is behind this,” he told her, sounding determined.

  Maria looked at him, alarmed. “More than just a few are smuggling guns across the border. It involves many. Some are very powerful Americans. They want more than dollars. They want power. Important people from Chicago, New York, Washington. Because of them the war in Mexico goes on forever and for them it is not about the people or liberty. They seek power to control minerals and oil. And the people of Mexico. They are very dangerous.”

  “Washington?” Harrison asked.

  “Sí. Políticos. The war here is good for them. And I think some want the Germans to win the great war in Europe, so they keep the fighting along the border from ending. To keep the American Army here.”

  “And my brother was involved in all this intrigue,” James said, amazed at all the subterfuge.

  “Bart was investigating for your Presidente, as I told you before. He did not care much about a few missing rifles. He was looking for more important people.”

  “Not gunrunners, but spies.” Harrison said slowly. “Who are they, Maria? Give me their names.”

  “I do not know their names. But if I did, I could not tell you,” Maria answered.

  “Traitors who spy for the Germans?”

  “Dangerous men,” she repeated. “That is why we must be very careful. They can kill us easily if they think you are after them. I will not allow you to die like your brother,” she added fiercely.

  “But the danger for you is really other smugglers—your competitors. Do I have that right?”

  “Yes, Harry.”

  “I must return to Columbus,” Harrison said.

  “No, Harry. Not yet,” Maria said concerned. “Mr. Jones tells me there is a warrant out on Daniel. And for you, my love.”

  “For me? I was only defending myself. And who besides Juan knew I was even there?”

  “Only two shots were fired. One from your pistol killed Carlos from your,” Maria said, concerned. “They say there were witnesses who saw you and Daniel run out of the constable’s office and ride away. And your pistola? We do not know what happened to it, Harry.”

  “I think I can clear all this up. I just need to get back to town,” Harrison said.

  “Oh no, you cannot go back there. Not yet. Wait and we will find a way,” Maria said, pleading. “Too many people want you now, I think. They’ve set a trap with no escape.”

  “What kind of trap?”

  “They wait for you. When you arrive, you will be arrested. Then, who knows what they will do,” Maria said, trying to frighten him. “The white man who rides with the Negro Washingtons?”

  “Gun runners, rebels, and spies,” James said, smiling tightly.

  “Yes!” She looked at him. “When he does not expect us, then we will take care of this bad hombre,” Maria said. “We must be patient.”

  James stared at her, not used to being put off. But before he could protest, Daniel entered the room.

  He ignored James and spoke to his sister. “Maria, we are ready,” he stated, and waited impatiently for her to respond.

  “Yes, Daniel,” she answered. “We will be there shortly.”

  “We’re waiting,” Daniel said, and turned to leave the house.

  “Waiting?” James asked. “For what?”

  She kissed him on the cheek. “Today, there is a big deal worth many thousands of dollars that requires everyone. When that is done, we will find your brother’s killer.”

  “Thousands of dollars?”

  “El Presidente Carranza offers a great reward to anyone who can break the American blockade and deliver weapons to General Obregón. The others have no weapons now, but I have worked out a plan to have guns for the general. I made a deal for the most modern rifles. So we have a good chance to make money.”

  “Maria, I have money. You don’t need to take any dangerous risks.”

  “Harry,” she told him with love, “I owe a debt. And I have a plan. It is a good plan.” Maria looked out the window at the rush of activity in the courtyard.

  “A plan?” Harrison asked. “Where will you get the weapons?”

  “The Japanese have guns to sell, my love,” she said with a smile. “We are going to ship arms across the Pacific Ocean, through the blockade, and up the Mexican coast.”

  Harrison was almost awed

  “I see. Then you are going to deliver those rifles to the pro-German government of Mexico?”

  “Not exactly,” she said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “General Obregon believes he will get the guns, but he will not.” She winked at him.

  “No?” Harrison asked, confused.

  “He will not get the guns because Villa will see to that.” She smiled. “But, we will get the money.” “I cannot tell you how I will do all this, querido. I am not yet certain.”

  “Villa will just take the guns and hand over the money to you?”

  “Of course,” she said. “He will have his guns, and I will redeem my honor and my life. That is my plan.”

  Harrison stared at her. He could not think of anything to say.

  “Harry, if he doesn’t get them then he will surely lose.”

  “Then we will all be dead. Is that it?”

  “Look out there,” she said. “This is the beginning.”

  Harrison watched her men assemble the train of wagons.

  “How do you plan to get Japanese weapons to Villa through the American blockade?”

  “We, Harry.” She kissed him on the forehead. “You and I are going to do it.”

  “Now I’m a gunrunner,” he mumbled.

  “You are a good businessman,” she answered seriously.

  He looked at her and smiled.

  “We must move quickly,” Maria told him.

  “Move where?” Harrison asked.

  “We go to the ocean. We ride with our wagons empty. “My plan must work. Come, Harry. The men are waiting for us.”

  “Who else knows of this other part of the plan?”

  “Only Mr. Jones. You must tell no one,” she insisted. “And now we will do a little play acting.”

  Harrison nodded.

  “But later, when we have our shipment, you will meet with that German officer who killed Bart’s spy.” He advises the Mexican Army,” Maria told him as they walked to the door. He will meet us at the ships, and take the weapons,” Maria said, as the two walked into the courtyard to join
the others. “We will receive our payment at our meeting with him.”

  “What about the rebels?” Harrison asked.

  “Don’t worry, Harry, they are hiding in the mountains,” she answered, now standing with the men. “They run from General Obregon.”

  James stopped to consider. He was still not convinced enlisting in her new adventure was a good idea. His business was across the border, in Columbus. Yet this German may just be the person he needed to speak with. He may hold the clues to Bart’s investigation and his death. And I cannot allow Maria to go on this adventure without me, James thought. If something happened to her…. I have a duty to her, as well as to my brother. He had made his decision.

  “Well then. I guess I’m now a smuggler, as well as a murderer and horse thief,” he said with a weary smile.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  An hour later, in the early morning darkness, six riders surrounded a train of seven heavy wagons, each driven by two well-armed teamsters. They had departed the walled hacienda and were following the well-worn road to Ascension, then through the Sierra Madres. The big grain wagons were each pulled by a team of six mules. The train moved faster than Harrison had expected.

  The wagons were partially loaded with sacks of grain. When he asked why, Maria said, “The Indian people are starving. Six years of war have destroyed almost everything but the oil fields. This grain will guarantee our safe passage through Yaqui lands.”

  Harrison felt good being out in the country. He was a bit saddle sore, but his injuries had healed. The cool, dry air refreshed his skin. Maria had given him a brightly colored, woolen serape to hang over his thin cotton shirt. She had managed to rescue his felt hat, although by now it was severely worn, with the bullet hole and stains from his own blood. He had mended the hole, creased it, and reworked the brim. Fashionable enough for a gunrunner, he smiled. His .32 Colt was lost, but Maria had provided him with a new model Colt .38, much heavier than his own weapon. Harrison had carried one before and knew what it could do.

  Riding next to Maria at the head of the train, Harrison looked over at his companion. Like him, she was draped in a serape. Hers was green and yellow. She wore no hat, and her pistol was riding high on her narrow waist. Boots covered her denim trousers to the knees. She rode her mount gracefully, something only a very experienced horseman could do in the rough terrain of northern Mexico. Seeing Maria poised on the stallion, he thought her a figure of exquisite beauty.