The Last Patrol

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet listened while she sipped the cup of coffee she had poured herself. Bringing in innocent people, if Carrie was indeed innocent, it was the part of being a deputy she hated. If Carrie was tried by a local judge who may have known Moore she wouldn't have a snowballs chance in hell, innocent or not. Scarlet had seen that before.

Tensleep had said in the beginning Carrie had been seen traveling with Indians, no doubt her family. They would not let her go without a fight.

"To bad someone didn't say what the bruises looked like." Scarlet thought.

"What?" Ella asked looking in Scarlet's direction.

"What?" Scarlet said surprised.

"You said something about the bruises."

Scarlet raised an eyebrow. "Apparently my thoughts slipped out. I wondered if someone stated what the bruises looked like."

"What difference would it make?" Tensleep asked. He could tell by the look in her eyes her mind was turning something over.

"If you get bruises from falling they will be where you hit, the outside of the arms. But if I grab you hard enough." Scarlet reached over and took Ella by the arm in demonstration. "I am often going to leave a bruise where my thumb is. Here." She said pointing to the inside of Ella's arm "and two or three bruises from my index fingers. Here and here." She said pointing again. "Depending on how strong or angry I am. A hand print so to speak. A fall does not leave that kind of sign. So I was just wondering if there are any accounts of what the bruises looked like or how many there were. If they were the same bruises on different occassions that may support Ella's theory."

[Elegant Ella]

"Punches could leave bruises on the outside of the arms, that might look like bruises from a fall," said Ella. "She won't have complained about the abuse, partially because of her problems speaking English.  Bet Moore never encouraged her to improve her command of English, either.  Isn't one of the advantages squaw men give for taking an Indian wife that she can't nag if she doesn't speak English?"  Ella sighed, "Probably a lot of the case against her is based on her running after killing Moore.  Whoever was talking to the neighbors clearly wasn't interested in anything except clues for finding her.  If she had stayed, and had been assigned a sympathetic and competent public defender, she might have gotten off with self-defense.  But without a good lawyer, she wouldn't have had a chance at all.  If we find her, we might be able to have her family come with her and I can spend some of my saved-up salary on hiring a real lawyer to defend her.  If we don't bring her in, someone else might go after her who thinks she is a madwoman or a vicious murderer."

Ella stopped and thought a moment before continuing.  "When we find her, maybe we can take a deposition and send that to the judge.  If he still wants us to bring her in after he reads it, and any other evidence we find, we will.  She's had enough time to heal any bruises, but she might have scars."

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"REFUSE THE RIGHT!!!"

The line folded, Scott was the pivot point.  A new line formed at right angles, muzzles facing out. 

"Volley fre...Ready...Aim...FIRE!!!"

CLICK.  Hammers fell on expended casings.

"RELOAD!!!"

Cases ejected smartly.  Hands found more empties on the belt.

"Hurry Boys...Quickly now!"

Chambers snapped closed.

"Fire by files from the Right...Ready...Aim...FIRE!!!"

Again the hammers fell.  "Why the hell are we doing this?"

Johann heard the complaint, and moved from his position to intercept the complainer.  Fritz raised his hand.

"Trooper, how old are you?"

"Seventeen sir," the lad replied.  He looked more like fifteen to Fritz.

"So you would've been four in 1864, right?"  The boy nodded.

Fritz smiled.  "Then you didn't know John Buford.  Take a seat everyone."  The troopers sat down, and cracked open their canteens.

"General John Buford was the Commanding Officer of the First Cavalry.  He won the battle of Gettysburg.  How, you may ask?"  Fritz paused and sipped from his own canteen.

"On the first day of the battle, Buford's cavalry arrived in the town.  Buford recognized the value of the terrain, the "high ground," so to speak.  He dismounted his troopers and formed skirmish lines on Seminary Ridge.  He forced Harry Heth to deploy his infantry lines, and held them in place with his breechloading carbines.  His men could put out a higher volume of fire.  His cavalry held long enough so the John Reynolds and the First Corps could deploy.  His action saved the day, and eventually, the battle."

The men didn't say much.

"John Buford had fought on the plains.  He knew the value of getting his men there fast, and fighting dismounted.  That's what I plan to do.  A cavalry charge, though dramatic, is almost useless against massed infantry.  And never mind what happens with cannister."

He remebered his most recent experience with cannister.

"So that's why the hell we're doing this.  I want to practice this until the movements become second nature.  So, are we ready to continue?"

The men stood.  Fritz smiled.

"Form as Skirmishers!!!"   

       

[Scarlet Angel]

"I doubt her family would come with her. Even if they did it might make it worse for the bunch of them." Scarlet said. A smile slowly played on her lips  "I wonder if Judge Ferris is still working the circuit. Maybe if Ferris is not working he could recommend somebody that would be fair for the situation."

"Ferris someone Johnny knows?" Tensleep asked knowing Scarlet's family kept close ties with influential people who might trade favors at times. He knew he'd heard the name before, he just couldn't remember why or where.

Scarlet grinned and chuckled. "Dad knows of him. Johnny doesn't have the market cornered on knowing everybody."  Scarlet winked. "Ferris is hard but he is fair. If we got him involved and she was guilty he would not go easy on her because she is a woman. On the other hand he will not dismiss depositions we take because we may have to translate them into English."

[Elegant Ella]

"First we have to find her and talk to her.  How are you at understanding Cheyenne, Scarlet?" said Ella.  "Right now, it's time to go get the bread and take it to the mess tent before the soldiers start showing up for dinner."

[Scarlet Angel]

"Yes, first we have to find her." Scarlet repeated then answered Ella's question "I understand Cheyenne and I can communicate enough to get by but I am very rusty, unless you want me to tell them we are all crazy." Scarlet chuckled then looked over at Tensleep "but I believe there is one among us who can both understand and speak it if I am not mistaken."

[Tensleep]

"Cheyenne an' I go way back, right after the war when I first came to this country. When we find her or somebody that knows her or knows of her I'll speak with them. I'm a mite rusty too, but they will know what I sayin'."

Tensleep looked over at Ella as they walked to the mess. "You appear to have a bit more sparkle than usual this mornin' Deputy Coatsworth."

[Elegant Ella]

"I slept well last night," replied Ella.  "Maybe I had gone long enough on short sleep that my body decided it was time to catch up a little.  After dinner, I want to see if any of the scouts or soldiers would be interested in getting a little training in basic wound care.  I don't have enough pocket kits to distribute to everyone, but I have 50.  People with a little training might keep some people alive long enough for the real medics to get there."

[Scarlet Angel]

"I think a few of the scouts might be pretty good at medical care. May even already carry something. I think Teddy carries some kind of field kit. I know Bo does, he's used it on me enough. I have one too. If you need help or something that might be in a kit you should keep that in mind. Bo's very good if you could get him off the field." Scarlet replied.

Bo fell in behind the group only hearing the last part of Scarlet's statement. He put his hands on her shoulders. "I am veeery good." His was low and seductive.

Scarlet grinned and looked over her shoulder. "Do you have any idea what you are good at?" She teased.

"Why yes ma'am I do." He said before breaking into a grin of his own.

"Did you sleep well Ella?" He asked. 

[Elegant Ella]

"Yes, I did, Bo.  Thank you," replied Ella, certain that she was turning bright red.  She could control her voice, but her skin insisted on signaling.  Bo's voice triggered an echo of a dream she hadn't remembered when she woke up.  It seemed like it had been a pleasant dream starring Bo.  Ella got herself back under control.  "I still owe you a sample of the bread, and I need help to carry it down to the mess tent.  Do you have time to give me a hand?" she asked. 

[Scarlet Angel]

"I always have time for my two favorite girls." He said with a flirtatious smile.

"Remember what I said about that southern charm Ella. He will talk you out of two or three loaves if you're not careful." Scarlet chuckled.

Bo raised his finger to his lips "shhhh, don't tell on me."

[Elegant Ella]

"Maybe you won't care for this batch of bread.  It's oatmeal bread, which is very much a Northern variety," replied Ella.  Her face was cooling again.  It was strange how having Bo nearby excited her and calmed her at the same time. 

[Scarlet Angel]

"I'm sure you wouldn't bake anything nasty tasting. Unless you wanted to of course. Oatmeal is not bad with enough molasses or honey. Heck yer so sweet you just had to stick your finger in the batter to sweeten it." Bo grinned.

[Elegant Ella]

"I make plenty of nasty-tasting stuff," retorted Ella with an answering grin.  "Just ask the people who annoyed me before I gave then tonics!" 

[Elegant Ella]

Boston

"How was your day today, Doctor Coatsworth?" asked Mrs. Erdbeer when Alan returned from his lecture. 

"Very good, thank you," replied Alan. "I received a request to publish a book of this lecture series.  It took some negotiation, but I will correct the galleys after each set of 4 lectures, instead of all at the end of the series.  The publisher will mail me the final proof, instead of me staying in Boston until the work is done.  I would come back to Boston for a short stay when the book is released, maybe in October.  The financial aspects of the offer were very attractive.  The contract will be ready for my signature tomorrow."

"I received a letter from Ella today," she said, holding a sheaf of papers out to him.  He quickly took the papers and sat in the study to read about the trip to Fort Laramie and the people she had met there.  He looked up at the end and asked, "What did she say in the cover letter?" 

She handed that single page to him.  Alan read it carefully. 

"We head for Fort Fetterman tomorrow.  I don't know how long we will stay once we get there, and I don't expect to be able to receive mail.  We won't be heading back to the Starr for a couple months.
"Everyone expected Scarlet to be restless once Fritz left for his assignment at Fort Fetterman.  The only question was what she was going to do.  She went through the wanted posters looking for an interesting (meaning dangerous enough to keep her focussed on the task at hand) target and came up with a candidate.  However, Bo got a request for help from the leader of a scouting unit being sent to Fort Fetterman (there is more about him in the accompanying pages) which gave her excuse to follow her heart instead.  Marshal Ross had a target believed to be headed in the same direction for the posse to follow, so the four of us headed out. 
"It's a melancholy trip for me, likely to be my last long ride with them.  Once Alan and I agree on where to settle, my time will be tied up with helping establish our practice.  I won't insist on El Paso, but I won't accept Boston or any other major city in the Northeast.  After experiencing freedom in the West, I think I would feel even more smothered by the narrow conventions of 'proper womanly behavior'. 
"The problem is that Alan would have more opportunity for fame and fortune back East.  He could not find any more satisfaction in his work, however.  There is a great need for trained doctors out here, where most doctors claim the title based on an haphazard apprenticeship.  Fame and fortune didn't use to be Alan's goal, but he might have changed as much as I have over the past three years."

[Elegant Ella]

Samuel brought the empty honey jar to Ella before Bo and Ella went to get the bread. 
It looked like someone had boiled the empty jar in a coffee pot to get the last traces of sweetness. 

"Why don't you come along?  That way you can bring the scout camp's share of the bread," said Ella. 

Normal errands were run by two of the scouts.  A full half-dozen were coming along this time.  Everyone wanted to make sure all of the bread made it to the camp for distribution.  The party headed for the fort proper. 

The scouts decided to wait outside the gate for Ella and Bo.  The sentries on duty seemed to prefer it that way. 

In her room, Ella counted out the loaves for the scout camp, and wrapped them in a separate piece of cloth.  She went to put that bundle back on top of basket the bread came from, but Bo took it from her and put it on the full basket.  "Your basket is heavy enough, Ella," said Bo, picking up the full basket. 

He was right about the baskets being heavy. Although carrying 40 pounds was within her strength, Ella appreciated Bo lightening her load.  She also appreciated the way lifting the heavy basket displayed the muscles in his back and arms. 

Outside the gate, the scouts took over carrying the baskets.  The two handles made the baskets easy to carry between two men.  At the mess tent, the scouts put down the baskets where Ella directed, took the bundle she handed them, and headed for their camp before the cook reached full volume on his complaints. 

Ella stationed herself where she could hand out the bread to the soldiers when they got their chow, and Bo stationed himself where he could glower at the cook who was trying to insist that he needed to take charge of the bread. 

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Dusty and tired, hot and sweaty...all adjectives that fit the troopers of I Company, 2nd U.S. Cavalry.  Johann marched the men in, while Fritz and Scott walked back in a short distance behind.

Scott asked "well...what do you think?"

Fritz smiled.  "You've got excellent discipline, with a few notable exceptions.  They'll tone down once the shooting starts."

Scott looked towards Johann.  "I remember when he was like that...wouldn't get squared away, nor make his bunk."

"Yeah," Fritz said.  "I remember it too.  I offered him a French maid to help tidy him up.  I don't think we ever found him one."

"Well, we might want to look for one after this is all over.  If we survive, that is."

Fritz nodded.  "What's on your mind Scott?"

"I know they've under reported the number of Indians who've left the reservations.  This time, we're going to be up against large numbers of hostiles."

"This afternoon, we need to work on hand-to-hand combat.  The Army likes to fight at a distance.  The Nations like to fight up close."  Fritz fished around in his pocket for a cigar, but came up empty."

"Scott, make sure the men get good portions of chow.  They'll need their strength for what the future holds."

Scott smiled, and then saluted.  "I'll do what I sir, but I can make no promises."


The men couldn't believe their luck.  No hardtack today...there was BREAD!!!  Real bread in loaves, just like mom used to make.  There was even some honey and preserves to go with it.  This was almost like eating your dessert before the meal.  Sticky hands met smiling faces.  To see their happiness, in some cases, revealed the true ages of the troopers.  Ella smiled.  It was her honor to bring a little slice of home to the men.

"Hello Ella.  Anything left for me?"

"Hello Lieutenant," she replied.  "I've set aside a couple of loaves just for you."

The men smiled. Some even snickered.

Fritz asked "what's so funny?"
   

[Elegant Ella]

"I don't know.  I overheard some comments about bread rising earllier that provoked a lot of amusement.  It's good that the men are in good humor, no matter what is entertaining them," replied Ella.  "So far, they seem to be in reasonable health as well.  I'm not sure how long that health is going to continue on the diet they are getting:  salt-cured meat, no vegetables except potatoes, no grain except hardtack and occasionally biscuit.  Feeding them stew with canned tomatoes, onions, carrots, potatoes would be a big improvement.  Those supplies ought to be available.  The mess would also need an extra couple barrels of water every day.   I'd like to talk to your Captain, as my first step at going through channels to see what can be done."

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet leaned against a log near the scout's camp, Lucky stood behind her occasionally cropping grass but keeping a watchful eye on the people around him. She heard him shift his weight and sniff the air before she heard Black beard's footsteps then his voice.

"Talk around camp is you've been asking questions about me."

Scarlet looked up from the maps and smiled. Black beard heard her say something to the horse causing him to relax.

"Not you directly, someone who might know the area well."

"That animal ever kill anybody?" He said eyeing the stallion who eyed him back as he handed Scarlet a plate of food.

"Thank you." She said putting the papers in the side of her saddlebags then taking the plate. "Yes he has, but always in self defense."

"You follow the beliefs of the Indians. Do you think the soul of you're late husband lives within him?" Black beard said taking a seat near her.

"No, Lucky is too old for it to be Travis, if he is someone who came back to protect me it's Seth, a childhood friend."

Black beard looked at the horse again. "This man Seth, when did he die?"

"War of the Northern Aggression."

"He loved you?"

Scarlet half smiled "Had Seth come home from the war it is likely we would have married."

Scarlet looked at him again. "You are familiar with the area. We are looking for a woman who was rescued from the Cheyenne but has now returned to them."

Black beard heard the sarcasm in the word rescued when Scarlet said it.   "You don't believe she wanted to be rescued?"

"I know Carrie Moore is wanted for questioning for the death of her husband and two children." Scarlet replied. "I know she was taken or rescued from an Indian camp before she married Moore and now she has gone back to who I am guessing are the same tribe."

"You think a white woman would go back to a tribe of Indians who had abducted her?"

"I know some who have." A playful grin danced on Scarlet's lips as she looked into the man's eyes. "Just as I know women have returned to the pirates that have abducted them."

Black beard laughed out loud. "You would have been a good Pirate's woman Lass."

"I can swing from ropes alright but I don't care much for ships." Scarlet laughed.

"But a woman who fights with a blade the way you do."

"I've been told I should have lived in a castle with a knight to defend my honor."

"I still think you should be the woman of a pirate." He winked and then reached for the papers she'd been looking at.

"I know these places. We are a hard day's ride or so, I can take you or show you how to get there."

"I will tell Tensleep and Ella." Scarlet said.

[Scarlet Angel]

Cyrus walked to the mess tent. He wanted to thank Ella for her kindness towards them; he knew she was doing things she didn't have to do. He stopped short hearing the sound of laughter from Scarlet and Black beard. The two women really were something he thought stopping and looking at Scarlet.

"Would be a beautiful vision if Black beard wasn't sittin' next to her." Teddy said with a smile in his voice.

"I don't see him." Cyrus responded. A wicked smile pulled at the corners of his mouth when he realized he was within earshot of Fritz.  "Ya know Teddy, I been thinkin' if I die. I want to come back as Scarlet's horse."

"Do I dare ask why?" Teddy responded.

Cyrus chuckled. "She spends more time with that horse than she does anybody else. Makes me sweat when I think 'bout the way she wraps her legs around that animal when she's ridden him."

"You best be a little more precise about that wish. The bay she rides is gelded." Teddy laughed with a friendly slap to Cyrus's back. "Instead of standing here wishin' I was gonna come back as some gelding I think I will go and see what they are having such a good time talking about." Teddy laughed again as he walked away.

Cyrus stepped inside the tent and walked up to Ella. "Miss Ella." He said removing his hat.

Ella turned to him. "Hello Cyrus."

"I wanted to make sure somebody thanked you for all of your hard work and showing some kindness to the men, they appreciate it even if they don't tell ya so."

"It's my pleasure." Ella responded. "Do you know Lieutenant King?"

"Oh yes, we go back a spell. I hear you are putting the boys through some good training out there. One of them is friends with one of my scouts and for some strange reason he seems to think you know what you are doing." Cyrus chuckled.