Texas Killers Read Online Free PDF Page A

It had been predicted gloomily by them that, even if bad luck failed to develop, there would be so many restrictions—such as smoking, chewing tobacco, spitting and the use of profanity all being prohibited—that life on board would not be worth living. Captain McKie had warned all hands to watch their language, state of dress andgeneral behavior, but she had demonstrated a satisfying tolerance when a slip was made in her presence. Without letting it be considered that she was interfering with the ship’s discipline, the Lady had managed each time to intercede on the offender’s behalf and save him from punishment.
    Like the Crown Prince, the Lady had soon become a universal favorite. She had the rare quality of being able to associate with men, yet avoid raising hopes which could never reach fulfillment. Even the most barnacle-encrusted seadogs, officers and enlisted men alike, were willing to concede she made a better shipmate than they had anticipated. For all that, her exact status in the entourage remained a mystery. If it was for the purpose which came most readily to mind, there had been no evidence during the voyage. The marine sentries who were in a position to know claimed no clandestine meetings had taken place after nightfall. Nor were the foreign servants any more informative. They had insisted that the Lady was merely an acquaintance of their master, well connected in British society, to whom he had offered passage when learning she wished to visit the United States. Such was her popularity that it went hard on the few who had dared cast doubts upon her virtue.
    In spite of various hopes expressed by some ofthe younger, more imaginative and lecherous of the foc’s’le hands, the Lady’s maid had proved as unattainable as her mistress. About the same age as the Lady, Florence Drakefield was some three inches shorter and had a buxom figure from which no formal black and white uniform could detract. Shortish red-blonde hair formed a curly halo to a pretty face bubbling with merriment. Yet, while friendly enough, she had never mingled with any section of the crew unless the circumstances were completely decorous. According to the entourage’s male servants, she was well able to ensure her wishes were respected regarding the avoidance of physical contact.
    â€œCharmed, Mr. Counter,” the Lady responded, studying the blond giant as they were shaking hands. “But you seem surprised and puzzled.”
    â€œLike I told His Highness, ma’am,” Mark replied. “I wasn’t expecting a lady along.”
    â€œI hope my being here won’t make things too difficult?” the Lady said, still watching the Texan quizzically. “But when I heard the rest of the party were being landed, I couldn’t resist the chance of setting foot on dry land again. Of course, if my presence is inconvenient, I can always go back on board—”
    â€œThere’s no need for that, as long as you don’tmind riding in a chuck wagon instead of a carriage,” Mark drawled, glancing to where the launch’s crew and four men in military uniforms were unloading a small amount of baggage. “I’ll tell you why we asked for you to bring that from the ship while we’re walking to the wagon, sir.”
    â€œI had wondered about it,” the Crown Prince admitted. “Shall we go?”
    â€œAny time you’re ready,” Mark agreed.
    â€œMr. Counter,” Liebenfrau put in. “I will be sending Captain von Farlenheim and three men as an advance guard.”
    â€œDo whatever you reckon’s best, Colonel,” Mark replied, showing no resentment. “Go through that gap and there’s a clear trail to the Coast Road.”
    â€œSend your three best men with Captain von Farlenheim, Mr. Richie,” Liebenfrau ordered. “Tell them to keep their eyes open. Have the rest help our servants with the baggage.”
    â€œYou must excuse