Arizona Ambushers Read Online Free PDF Page B

would pass up a chance to slay blue coats.
    Fargo reined over and Lieutenant Bremmer joined him. “Do we scatter them so the devils can’t come after us?”
    Fargo had a better idea. “We take them with us.”
    â€œSteal horses from some of the best horse thieves on the continent?” Lieutenant Bremer laughed. “I like the way you think, mister.” He barked orders.
    Quickly, the remaining troopers spread out. Whooping and waving their arms, they set the Apache animals into motion.
    Fargo wished he could see the looks on their faces when the Apaches found their mounts gone. It wasn’t often anyone got the better of them.
    After a mile of hard riding, he felt safe in slowing to a walk.
    â€œI reckon the worst is over for now.”
    â€œI certainly hope so,” Lieutenant Bremmer said. “I’ve lost too many men as it is.” He rubbed his chin in thought. “Do you think the ones who attacked us were the same bunch who attacked the paymaster?”
    â€œMost likely,” Fargo said.
    â€œGood. They’ve been getting away with far too much for far too long. It’s about time someone beat them at their own bloodthirsty game.”
    â€œWe’re not at the fort yet,” Fargo said. “We haven’t beaten anyone.”
    â€œWe wouldn’t be alive if not for you. Accept credit where credit is due.”
    â€œI’d rather have a whiskey,” Fargo said.

6
    Fort Bowie had been built the year before. It wasn’t named after the famous knife fighter Jim Bowie, as some might reckon, but after an officer from California who took part in the ongoing war against the Apaches. The Apaches, in fact, were the reason it existed. The post was intended to safeguard the road through the mountains, in particular a pass and a spring.
    Originally the army called it a fort but then changed the name to Camp Bowie because it lacked fortifications. There was no palisade, no permanent barracks or a hospital. The troopers went on calling it Fort Bowie anyway.
    The officer in charge was Colonel Chivington. Fargo had never met him but had heard through the scouts’ grapevine that Chivington was more than competent.
    Fully half the company was preparing to head out when Fargo and Lieutenant Bremmer arrived.
    The Apaches’ mounts were taken off their hands and driven into a corral, the wounded man was seen to, and Colonel Chivington called Fargo and Bremmer into his office to hear their report. One of the few actual buildings—the men slept in tents—it was Spartan, and small.
    Colonel Chivington, after accepting the dispatch from Fargo, listened without saying a word. When they were done, he addressed the lieutenant.
    â€œYou did all you could. Don’t blame yourself for the loss of your men. These are Apaches we’re dealing with. There are no better killers anywhere.”
    Fargo couldn’t have said it better, himself.
    â€œIf anyone is to blame, it’s that woman,” Colonel Chivington continued. “By going off by herself and forcing me to send you after her, she put you and the men with you at risk.”
    â€œThat she did, sir,” Bremmer said bitterly.
    â€œAs for you, Mr. Fargo,” Chivington said, turning in his chair, “you’ve been through quite an ordeal. I suggest you rest up while I personally see to the burial detail and the retrieval of government property. I’ll have need of you later.”
    â€œYou will?” Fargo asked. He was under orders to head back once he’d delivered the dispatch.
    â€œWe’ll discuss it when I return.” Chivington rose. “Right now I must attend to the paymaster and his men before the sun and the scavengers take a worse toll.”
    â€œI’d like to go with you, sir,” Lieutenant Bremmer requested.
    â€œYou’ll do no such thing,” Chivington said as he donned his hat. “You will stay and rest, as well. Captain Andrews will