This is a work of fiction any similarities between the characters, events, or locations in this story and actual locations, events, or people are purely coincidental.

                                                           © 2004 Warlord         

 

Wild West

By: Warlord

 

 

Chapter 19

 

When Gaby saw me, she laughingly said, “We couldn’t wait, especially after we heard you in there, ‘talking’ to your new servant.”

 

I fell to my knees.  Leaning forward, I gave Hannah an upside down kiss.  Gaby crawled forward to receive her kiss.  I heard an exclamation behind me, “A bathtub.  I didn’t think I’d ever see another bathtub.  God I miss being clean.”

 

Mei Bao had spotted our claw foot tub.  Now I realized the other thing that seemed off about her.  Mei was much cleaner than her counterparts.  She had her modern sensibility about cleanliness. Even without the ‘proper’ facilities, she managed to stay clean! 

 

I set about one of the more enjoyable tasks of my stay in Cheyenne.  I stood each of my three ladies in the tub, washing her hair and body thoroughly.   They were becoming used to the sluice of hot water from the bucket rinsing them.  To the measureless amusements of Gaby and Hannah, Mei Bao washed my hair and then my body, using her gentle fingers to lather my body.  Mei rinsed me with the tin bucket.  Gaby and Hannah each took a full bucket, dumping it on me as well.  Gaby said, “You will have to wait to sit in your hot water.  We must get ready for the party.”

 

I nodded.  “Gaby, I want you to modify her Cheongsam.  I want to see décolletage.”

 

Gaby smirked.  “Yes, sir.  Anything else?”

 

I shook my head.  Gaby, Hannah and Mei kissed me in turn as they went into the bedroom to dress.   Gaby called me into the bedroom.  It was distracting and entrancing, as they were only partially dressed.  They swiftly, but with many kisses and caresses, helped me into my suit.  Gaby tied my four-in-hand, then she shooed me into the living room to wait. 

 

I decided it was bad form to go to the party armed. On the other hand, it was unwise to go unarmed. So I compromised.  I took my short-barreled Colt, opened the loading gate, and tucked it under my belt in back, on the right side, behind my hip.  With my dress coat closed, the gun was invisible.  I walked to the sideboard, picking up a decanter of brandy. I poured myself a small drink while I waited.

 

Mei Bao was the first to join me.    Her bright red Cheongsam was tight with its high slit sides on the skirt, now with its neckline plunging, exposing her full breasts almost to their nipples.  She posed for me, pirouetting, with her skirt flaring to give me the full, cock-hardening effect.  She giggled at my frank staring.  I poured her a small sherry aperitif. 

 

Gaby and Hannah came out together.  Their dresses complemented each other, in blue and green with black trim.  Their necklines were a deep scoop, edged in a soft veil that drew the eye rather than concealed.  The skirt back reached the floor, while the front was cut high like a mini-skirt, showing their colorful silk stockings with their alternating horizontal bands of primary colors, amidst the numerous flounces of their short, multihued petticoats.

 

They each posed prettily in the doorway for me.  I applauded.  I poured each of them a sherry.  Gaby stood next to me, with her breasts pressed into my, arm as she asked, “Do you like my dress?”

 

I handed her the sherry in its tiny glass, reached into the bodice of her dress, palming her breast and then pinching her nipple.  She took a shuddering breath as I nodded, saying, “Yes, it’s very convenient.”

 

Hannah and Mei, observing us, were laughing.  I kissed the top of Gaby’s exposed breast.  Just then, there was a knock on the door.  

 

I stepped to the door, while Hannah helped Gaby adjust her outfit.  I opened the door to greet a corporal in his dress uniform.  “With Captain Lyre’s compliments, sir and ladies.”

 

Behind the corporal was an ornate, white with gold trim, vis-à-vis limousine pulled by four white horses.  An enlisted man held the reins.

 

The corporal held the door to our quarters, while I handed my three ladies into the facing seats.  Gaby handed me my skimmer as I took my seat.  The corporal joined the enlisted man on the high seat.  The team took off at a brisk trot. 

 

We were quickly at the great hall of Fort Cheyenne.  More enlisted men greeted us, held doors, and conducted us into the great room.  It is a measure of my newly minted reputation that no one did more than look mildly askance at my Chinese companion. 

 

Captain Lyre joined us, welcoming us to the party.  His enlisted waiter was serving us champagne.  I lifted glasses off the tray for each of my ladies.  I introduced him again to Gabrielle and Hannah, then to Mei Bao. 

 

I explained, “Captain, I just acquired Mei today.  She will be my personal servant.  I am reluctant to leave her in my quarters.  I hope this is not a problem.”

 

Lyre looked at me carefully as he replied, “I understand you were a bit abrupt with someone today who questioned you about her accompanying you?”

 

I nodded.  “Yes, he was very rude.”

 

I paused as I looked around.  “Captain, I would be happy if you would seat us somewhat less than the center of attention.  I am always uncomfortable in crowds.”

 

The captain looked happier. He offered a table in the corner, away from the dais with its head table.  I soon had my beauties seated.  My skimmer sat on the table in front of my place.

 

I was forced to stand with the captain as the foremost citizens of Cheyenne greeted me, thanking me for my bravery in getting the stage through.  I finally asked Lyre why the Army did not just clear out the bad guys.  He replied, “I am far below complement.  I have almost constant desertions as troopers rush off to the gold fields.  In the fall, cowboys looking for a winter haven join, only to desert in the spring.  The cowboys make unreliable soldiers, who will pull out in the middle of a fight.  I am surrounded by hostile Indians, angered by our occupation of their hills and by General Cook’s destruction of the buffalo.  No, William, only after the Colonel spanks the Indians in his latest campaign, putting them in their place, will we have the resources to help you with your gold robbers.”

 

I nodded, wisely holding my tongue.  I knew something about who would spank whom! 

 

Captain Lyre walked to the front, cueing the color guard, who brought in the regimental colors.  Thus began the very formal multi-course meal.  Sergeant Smith, he of the southern accent, joined us at our table with his companion, a very young and quite lovely black woman, Dilcy Ann.  She was hardly black, more a café au lait.  In these far less than color blind times she was black and worse. 

 

My ladies were quite welcoming, which seemed a relief for the Sergeant.  Gaby made conversation, finding New Orleans a favorite city for them.  By the end of the meal with its several wine courses, Hannah again had the giggles, as did Dilcy Ann.

 

Now the formal program started, with several droning speeches.  I perked up when Captain Lyre welcomed us to the fort and asked me to step forward.   He described the stagecoach run in quite amazing terms, making it clear that only extraordinary courage of its plucky guard got them through against overwhelming odds. 

 

He had two enlisted men bring out a large solid Oak gun case opened to display its contents -- two guns:  An Officers Model Trap Door Springfield with a long heavy full octagon barrel, globe sights and a double set trigger.  In the same case, a matching Trap Door Springfield 20-gauge forager’s shotgun.  The gunstocks and fittings coordinated as much as possible, to make them a pair.

 

He and the City of Cheyenne presented these guns as a token of appreciation for getting the stage through.  I mounted the dais thanking them for their hospitality and for the gift.  I kept it short and very humble.  Mostly I kept it short!  Captain Lyre concluded the program, calling the regimental band to order. 

 

I quickly discovered I was expected to dance the first waltz in the company of the Captain, his lady and the leading lights of Cheyenne. A despairing look brought Gabrielle to the rescue.  She joined me on the dance floor, with quick instructions. When the band struck up, she ‘back led’ me, so gracefully and subtly I received several wholly underserved compliments afterwards.  

 

We danced the first few songs together.  I decided that it wasn’t so bad.  I led Hannah to the floor.  She could not dance either.  She was so pretty in her finery that no one noticed.  I kept her out there showing her off for the next couple of songs.  I whispered my regrets to Mei. She understood that it would simply be pushing it for me to take her on the dance floor.  

 

I invited Dilcy Ann to dance. She was a graceful dancer, who did her very best to make me look good.  I enjoyed her company, keeping her on the floor for another three songs.   When I led her back to our table, I received a grateful handshake from her sergeant. 

 

I walked to the bar area to light my cigar, just in time to catch the tail end of a comment about my choice of dinner and dance partners.  I quickly made eye contact with the speaker.  I lit my cigar and stood there quietly.  Then I said to the barman very softly, “I’m buying a shot of whiskey for any man who is willing to be seen drinking with me.  Line ‘em up.”

 

There was a pause as my words and their import percolated through the group at the bar.  The speaker led a stampede of men grabbing a shot glass, toasting my good health, and wishing me well.  Shortly after I saw him, looking a bit ashen, being led out the door by two friends. 

 

I ended the evening dancing with Gaby.  Our concluding dances became extended foreplay, as she teased and vamped.  I was painfully erect. with only the shelter of her full skirt preventing my arousal’s discovery.

 

The captain finally called the last dance.  Gaby took pity on me, throttling back her tease for our last song.  We moved gracefully as one across the floor.  We ended with Gaby in a deep dip, with my lips fastened to hers. 

 

I stood at our table, my partially engorged cock shielded by Gaby and Hannah, as members of the elite of Cheyenne took their leave, stopping to say goodbye and wish us luck on our return to Deadwood.

 

Finally, we could depart.  I thanked the Captain for a marvelous evening.  He thanked me for my tact in overlooking a boorish guest.  I shrugged.  He would deliver the gun case to the stage office for me, along with several hundred rounds of ammunition for each gun.  We took our leave, with the corporal bringing up our carriage. 

 

I again handed the ladies into their seats.  Joining them, I sat next to Gabrielle. The vis-à-vis was no sooner in motion than Gaby had my pants undone, with her lips engulfing my cock.  Her tits spilled out of her dress when she leaned over. My fingers were tangled in her hair as she sucked me deep in her mouth.  We reached our quarters.  Hannah called out, “Corporal, keep driving please.”

 

The two enlisted men had no comment; they just circled the fort at a trot.  The carriage action helped me fuck upward into Gaby’s mouth.  She sucked me deeply as she continued to stroke and caress my balls.  After our teasing dance I would not last long.  She felt my balls draw up, in response increasing her suction -- quickly I was spending into her warm mouth. 

 

Gaby sat up, with Mei tucking me back in my pants, as Hannah helped her arrange her attire.  Hannah called out, “Corporal, we can return to our quarters now. Thank you.”

 

The carriage was presently in front of our lodgings.  A now smirking corporal helped all of us to disembark.  He wished us a good night and took his leave, laughing as the carriage trotted away.

 

Gaby held my hand, while Hannah held Mei’s as we walked through the door into our quarters.  Gaby stepped into my arms, kissing me with her mouth opening immediately, her tongue playing with mine.  Hannah was leading Mei Bao into the bedroom.  I turned Gaby; with a light spank on the butt, I sent her into the bedroom. 

 

I undressed, setting my gun on the sideboard.   Locking the door, I walked around the rooms, extinguishing lamps.  I walked into a bedroom lit by a kerosene lamp, with its wick turned to its lowest point, barely above smoking the chimney.

 

The bed held three naked angels in a daisy chain.  Gaby, with her lips firmly attached to Mei’s pussy, whose mouth was between Hannah’s legs, who had her own tongue buried in Gaby’s cunt lips. 

 

Standing next to the bed, I slowly stroked myself, watching them in their girl on girl play.  Mei, in the middle of tongue lashing Hannah, pulled her finger out of Hannah’s cunt and suddenly pushed into her asshole.  Hannah screamed, coming instantly.   Hannah recovered as she again pushed her face between Gaby’s legs. 

 

Mei rolled away from Gaby.  Rising on her knees, she crawled back to suck on Gaby’s full breasts, while Hannah continued her oral assault between Gaby’s legs.  Gaby’s head was lashing from side to side as her feet beat a tattoo on the bed.  Suddenly, Gaby grabbed Hannah’s head as her legs came together.  Gaby’s mouth opened in a soundless scream as she slumped bonelessly.  Hannah lay with her head on Gaby’s stomach, turned so that I could see Gaby’s juices coating her face from chin to forehead. 

 

Mei Bao crawled to the edge of the bed.  Kneeling, she kissed me while stroking my cock.  Lowering her head, she took my cock in her mouth.  She released me, to lay supine on the bed with her head hanging off, pulling me into position.  I reached for her breasts as she took my cock in her mouth.  Her two hands were cupping my ass cheeks.  She urged me forward, until my cock was buried in her throat, my balls on her nose.  Her exhalation through her nose sent a shockwave through my body.  I began rapid stroking into her mouth and throat, using her tits as a handle as I drove forward. 

 

My cock thickened, with my balls drawing up I stopped with my cockhead in her mouth.  A pulse of cum shot into her mouth.  I pulled my cock out of her mouth, stroking it while I held Mei’s head up.  More pulses of cum shot on her face and chest, between and on her ample breasts.  She opened her mouth, sucking final pearls of cum off the head of my dick. 

 

I eased her head sideways until she was fully on the bed.  Gaby crawled forward to lick and suck the remnants of my bukkake, cleaning Mei like a cat.  Hannah slid to the floor, cleaning my cock with her mouth as she knelt before me.   I stood with my fingers tangled in her blonde hair as she gently sucked my balls into her mouth.

 

We settled in bed with me on my back, my right arm around, Gaby pulling her close, and my left around Hannah.  Mei was lying between my legs with her cheek on my thigh, gently holding my balls in her warm palm. 

 

I was ready to sleep as Hannah sat up looking at me, saying, “William, can you buy me a gun and teach me to shoot before we head to Deadwood?  This is important.  I never want to feel that helpless again.  Please?”

 

It was not an unexpected request.   I replied, “I won’t be able to make you a shootist.  I can, however, make you safe.  Frankly, I could use the help.”

 

I received enthusiastic kisses at this statement.   We settled down as Hannah’s blonde hair tucked under my chin.  I was asleep.   

 

Wakened by soft kisses, I opened my eyes to find Mei crouched over me.  She smiled happily when my eyes opened, kissing me enthusiastically. Hannah and Gaby were already up, but not dressed.  We washed up together.  Hannah had a question.  “Do we have to wear dresses?”

 

I shook my head as I replied, “Wear something comfortable. I’d like to leave right after our passengers arrive on the afternoon train.”

 

I dressed again in my jeans, with a short, soft brown leather jacket.  This time, it was one that Gaby picked out at the Suttler’s.  I was lining up saddlebags and carpetbags by the door of our quarters.

 

Gaby, Hannah, and Mei Bao appeared.  Gaby and Hannah, wearing jeans with cotton shirts, were shod in boots.  Mei was in another, simpler, every day cheongsam.  I told them not to worry.  We would have to visit the Suttler after breakfast, anyway. 

 

With that, we walked out of our quarters to the officers’ mess.  We ate a delicious meal of buffalo steak, potatoes and baked beans.  This time, it was Gaby flirting with the grizzled mess sergeant that seemed to pay dividends.  He even packed us a picnic lunch when Hannah told him we were going on an excursion.

 

Sergeant Moffett again provided the Surrey.  We stopped at our post accommodation to load it with our luggage and personal property.    We would take our luggage to the stage office right after we visited the laundry. 

 

At the stage office, we met manager George Noaks.  I told him I wanted to leave after the afternoon train from St. Louis.  He replied, “That’s a good idea.  The stage will be at the station, loading mail from the Post Office rail car.  You can load your passengers, and leave directly for Deadwood.  We’ll have the luggage and mail in the boot. I’ll collect Earl.  He’s NEVER missed a departure.”

 

We drove to the Suttler.  As we entered, my companions were on their way to ladies clothing.  I entered their extensive firearms display, with my favorite clerk Tasha close at my heels. 

 

They had short and long guns for every budget, ranging from muzzleloader to the most modern cartridge breechloaders and repeaters.  I had Tasha begin lining up firearms. I asked, “Tasha, do you have any Smith and Wesson revolvers?”

 

She pointed at a very full case with several Scholfield models.  I nodded as I said; “I want six of the Wells Fargo model with the five inch barrel in .44 WCF. Any shorter than that?”

 

She pointed at a pair of Scholfield in .44 WCF with three inch barrels.  I nodded, and she added them to the list.

 

The Smith and Wesson would be much easier for my students to learn.  The top break meant that all the chambers are visible, making reloading easier and also making it a safer gun for the novice.

 

I looked around as I asked, “Winchesters in 44 WCF?”

 

Tasha led me to a very large multi-level rack, holding all manner of lever gun.  One caught my eye immediately, “Tasha, what’s the fancy one?”

 

She quickly handed it to me, explaining, “It’s called a ‘one of one thousand,’ a model 1873 rifle with carefully selected barrel and action.  This one is a half octagon twenty-six inch barrel, single set trigger with a fancy stock and some engraving, chambered for .44 WCF. “

 

 Instantly I said, “I’ll take it.  Add another half dozen carbines in .44 WCF, please.”

 

Next Tasha led me to the shotguns.  I picked out six very nice Colt twelve gauge, hammer double barrel shotguns, that had been shortened to coach guns, with twenty inch barrels and leather slings added.

 

I looked in the corner of one of the glass cases to see an unusual gun. I asked Tasha to show it to me. She said, “It’s called a Burgess repeating shotgun.  It’s a twelve gauge but none of us can figure it out. We’re sending all of them back.”

 

I picked it up cycling the action briskly.  Tasha looked on in amazement.  The Burgess was an odd forerunner of the pump gun. The shooter used the pistol grip to cycle the action -- ejecting, loading and cocking the gun.  As such it was very fast in practiced hands.  The Burgess salesmen could empty the six shot magazine with all the empties in the air at the same time!  The model 97 Winchester pump guns ended Burgess.

 

I smiled as I asked, “Let’s see them.  I’ll probably want them all.”

 

Tasha brought out four police folding models with twenty inch barrels, four more take down models with twenty six inch barrels, and four solid frame with thirty inch barrels.

 

I showed her how the police model folded into its special belt holster.  I drew it, closed it and cycled the action.  Tasha shook her head in amazement, saying, “Buffalo Bill himself couldn’t…”

 

I nodded as I said, “Yes, he could.  Okay, add them to the list.  I want shot shells - all brass please.  Four cases with number seven shot. Four cases double ought buck, and one case slug; also, six cases of .44-40. Oh, and add a case of .45 LC. ”

 

Tasha called over another clerk.  They were placing long guns in hard leather luggage cases and the short guns in holsters.  I told her to put all the holstered pistols in a carpetbag.  She added cleaning supplies and gun oils.  

 

By this time, my lady shoppers had returned.  They were laden with purchases.  I simply included theirs with mine.  They were all in jeans and cotton shirts with boots.  They had sheepskin jackets, and India Rubber mackinaws with hoods, for the trip to Deadwood.  They had extras for all of us.

 

Tasha was busy, so I wandered the sporting goods section.  I found a one-pound tin of Colonel Abernathy’s Superior Lubricating Lotion containing beeswax, lanolin and olive oil.  The label said: ‘For the discerning sportsman.’  I added it to my purchases. 

 

Poor Mei saw the tin and was trying valiantly not to laugh.  I was afraid she might hurt herself.  I sidled up to her and whispered, “It’s a present, just for you.”

 

Now Mei did explode in laughter.  She picked up the tin and asked, “Will this be enough, do you think?”

 

I added two more tins as I asked, “How about now?”

 

Tasha was puzzled again.  No explanation was possible.  I settled up.  I special ordered case lots of ammunition for all of the guns that Dan, Jan, Krista and I had in Deadwood. 

 

We were heavily engaged in carrying our ‘plunder’ to the Surrey.  The wood ammo cases, with their five hundred brass shells, were particularly heavy.  I suddenly appreciated cardboard boxes with plastic shot shells!

 

I asked Tasha where we might practice with our new guns. She said, “The town dump is just a couple miles north of town on that road.”

 

Pointing to a northbound street.  We thanked her again.  As we trotted away, Tasha stood on the boardwalk, forlornly staring after us.  We arrived at the town dump, to find a flat area and several deep gullies filled with mounds of trash.

 

I took the first practice, with one of the Burgess police models.   I loaded it with the size seven birdshot, throwing extra shells in my pocket.  The dump rats were bold and well fed, with little fear of man.  The mounds of trash made a ‘Hogan’s Alley” with the nimble rats, small, rapidly moving targets.  Even after I had shot up the place with my shotgun, playing merry hell with the rodent population, the rats were quickly coming back into view to feed on the fresh garbage. 

 

My practice with the Burgess confirmed its usefulness. This would be my shotgun of choice.  I asked who was next?  Hannah raised her hand, as did Mei. 

 

I set a Smith and Wesson, a Winchester and a double shotgun on the tailgate.  I said, “Hannah, take a look at these.”

 

I took Mei aside, asking, “Are you sure?”

 

She replied, “When I was in school I was reflexively against all type of weapons, especially guns.  Now I agree with Hannah – I don’t want to be helpless.  That greasy cowboy WOULD have cut my tits off.”

 

I nodded, as I lined up a set of three guns for her to handle.  Gaby nodded, pointing at the guns, so I brought out three for her as well. 

 

I decided the S&W was first.  I took one, and showed them how to open, load and eject.  I found some bottles, throwing them up and breaking them with one shot; usually I could hit a large glass chunk with a second shot before it hit the ground.

 

I started them on ground targets, with them holding the gun in two-handed turret hold.  We had ‘limitless’ ammunition, so we took our time.  Soon, everyone was comfortable and confident that they could hit a close, stationary target.

 

We put pistols away and they started with the Winchester 73s.  The pistol cartridge in the carbine made soft recoil and a quiet report.  Holding the rifle in two hands, accuracy increased dramatically.  We backed up and the targets got smaller.  I again demonstrated aerial shooting, with Hannah throwing up bottles that I broke with my 73 carbine.

 

Now the shotgun!  I showed them how to tuck the stock under their arm, steadied with the elbow.  Suddenly, recoil was no problem.  After burning up shotgun shells shooting and reloading, they were feeling very good about using a double gun.  Hannah wanted a demo of my fast shots during the robbery.  I showed them how to hold two extra shells in your left hand for a quick reload.  Finally, I helped each of them select a simple strong side holster for their Scholfield.  We called it quits! 

 

We rode back to a grove of trees with a small creek running through it.  We unloaded our picnic, sitting next the creek.  I took the time to clean our guns, while the ladies laid out our meal. 

 

Hannah started a small fire to brew our coffee and warm our food. She showed us a small trunk purchased from the Suttler, filled with cooking utensils even a grill, and the metal rod on Y-stakes with hooks for hanging pots above the fire.   She was, it turns out, an outstanding trailside cook. 

 

I was leaning with my back against a wagon wheel as they served me.  It was an excellent meal in pleasant company.  At the conclusion of the meal, Hannah sat on my lap, with her arms around me, while Gaby and Mei cleaned up.  I quickly discovered that all the buttons on her blouse were undone.  While we kissed, my hands were exploring inside her top.  Hannah was a bit breathless as she asked, “William, I want to move away from my father.  I would like to live with you in Deadwood.  Can I move in with you?”

 

Stopping my caresses, I looked at her, carefully answering, “Are you sure that’s a good idea?  I live in a fucking whorehouse, Hannah.”

 

She looked serious as she said, “So do I!  The displays my father orders would rival any orgy of pagan Rome.”

 

I was still dubious, but I promised to ‘think about it’ and more important, to ask Krista.  That was the most important answer!

 

I checked my pocket watch.  It was time to head for the train station.  I pinched Hannah’s nipple, and she yelped.  Gaby and Mei laughed as they helped us up. 

 

I pulled off my leather jacket.   I attached the Burgess shotgun carry sling pocket, tucked away a loaded police model, and put on my cowhide coat.  Belting on my Colt and Bowie, I loaded my Winchester with its .50 Express loads.  I had only the twenty rounds on my belt in addition to the fully loaded rifle.

 

The girls put on their own sheepskin jackets.  I showed them how to carry their S&W in the cavernous right pocket without a holster.  We loaded the Surrey, climbing aboard for the short trip to the train station.  In addition, Gaby carried a carbine and Hannah a coach gun.

 

Mei Bao sat next to me, with Gaby and Hannah in the seat behind.  I leaned over to Mei and whispered, “Bad girls.”

 

Mei started giggling as I spanked the team into a canter toward town.   We arrived at the train station at the same time as Earl driving the stage, and Captain Lyre with his small detachment of troopers. 

 

The captain, and his Sergeants Moffett and Smith, quickly helped us out of the Surrey.  They swiftly put a detail to work, transferring our cargo into the stage now parked at the end of the train platform.

 

My ladies took great pleasure in supervising the loading.  Some items went in the boot, with others placed in the coach.  I stood with Earl, out of harm’s way, while he checked his teams’ harness.   I thanked Sergeant Moffett for use of the team. He thanked me for returning it in good condition.  The corporal from last night offered his smirking congratulations, walking away laughing.

 

Sergeant Smith asked to speak to me.  When we stood apart he asked, “How would I contact you?”

 

I replied, “Miss Emma’s Whorehouse in Deadwood.  I’ll either be there, or they will forward the message.”

 

I looked at him expectantly.  He said, “Dilcy Ann liked you a great deal.  I love her very much.  Life is not easy; we are not often accepted.  I rescued her from the plantation after the war. “

 

He stopped and looked at me carefully.  I nodded as I softly said, “Your plantation.  You weren’t wearing blue or named Smith.”

 

He laughed as he said, “Captain Lyre was a General and I a Lieutenant Colonel.  You are correct -- on very different sides.  The captain, even though he must suspect my secret, cannot ‘knowingly’ accept any confederate enlistees.  So I am ‘Smith’ in this army.  And Dilcy Ann, the youngest daughter of my families’ favorite slave, must keep our secret.  Our captain is a good man, with little patience for prejudice on his post, but the wives and camp followers are cruel.  I am near the end of my enlistment term.  I must decide if continuing the army life is best for us.”

 

He stopped, looking uncomfortable.  I said, “I don’t know exactly what we will be doing in Deadwood.  I would be honored if you and Dilcy joined us in our endeavors.  You have only to get in touch with us.”

 

Now he had a big smile as he pumped my hand, then he looked somber.  “If something happens to me, I wish Dilcy Ann to contact you. She will need a home and protection.”

 

I looked at him making eye contact as I sincerely said, “I give you my word.  She will live with me and mine in love.”

 

I paused, then I continued, “You just keep your fucking head down.  The Indians are about to go on a killing rampage.  You are too good a man to lose.”

 

Before he could quiz me further, the loud whistle of the steam train interrupted us.

 

TO BE CONTINUED