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man who seemed elegant despite his dusty garb, studied Anabel with keen interest. For the first time since arriving in this interminable wilderness, Peter Abbot was actually happy his father had insisted he accompany him to Texas.
    But before Peter could approach the carriage and introduce himself to the señorita, Matthew Abbot blocked his path in order to confront the Ranger.
    “See here, Mister… what is it? Gandy? I have undertaken this appraisal of the Republic’s military preparedness at the request of both your own president, Anson Jones, and James Polk, President of the United States. No less than Sam Houston has blessed my efforts. If Texas is annexed as the twenty-eighth state, there will no doubt be war with Mexico. The United States Army is extremely interested in how you Texicans handle yourselves. Well, sir, if rudeness was a crown you’d be king!”
    Gandy seemed nonplussed by Abbot’s outburst. He hooked a thumb in his gun belt and glanced over at his captain.
    “I believe you owe our guest an apology, Ranger,” Captain Pepper suggested, tugging at his mustache. “General Abbot has come to us in an official capacity. These are delicate times. I expect you to show the general the same respect you show—uh—” Pepper stammered, and his voice trailed off. Damn, he couldn’t think of anyone Gandy showed much respect for. He was a quarrelsome individualist, a man who went his own way and asked nothing of anyone. Sometimes he could be downright infuriating. But the vast country west of San Antonio was ugly, mean, and ruthless, and it required those same qualities in the men who dared to ride its lost and lonely places. “Well… just show him some respect.”
    Gandy shrugged and kicked at the dirt. Then the wiry Indian fighter smiled, though no one was fooled by the pretense. “Beggin’ your pardon, Mister Abbot. But if you want to know how a Texican handles himself in a fight, just ask Spotted Calf… or maybe Brass Buttons over there.” Gandy made a halfhearted attempt at a salute, then turned and ducked through the door.
    Color crept into Ben’s stubbled cheeks as Matthew Abbot, Captain Pepper, and the soldiers nearby focused their attention on him. He didn’t appreciate being put on the spot. Fortunately, Anabel came to his aid. She left the carriage and approached the porch.
    “Excuse me, Capitan . May I say something?”
    Amadeus Pepper quickly doffed his hat. The unmarried sister of San Antonio’s own Father Esteban had been the center of speculation since her arrival from Mexico City, and talk hadn’t stopped. She was one of the most sought after young women in the town.
    “Why, certainly, Señorita Obregon.”
    “I foolishly went alone to visit a family north of town. The Comanches tried to capture me. The lieutenant saved my life and with Mr. Gandy fought off an entire war party. Both men behaved gallantly.”
    Ben looked at her in disbelief. She never ceased to amaze him. What exactly was she up to? Then again, what did it matter? He was beginning to enjoy her surprises. It sure kept things from getting dull. And by heaven, he certainly liked her version of the incident better than his own.
    “I thank you for your candor, my dear,” Matthew Abbot said. He took her hand and patted it, then bowed slightly before releasing her into Ben’s good graces. “Lieutenant McQueen, please escort this young woman safely to her home.”
    “My pleasure, sir,” Ben replied.
    “I assure you I am perfectly safe here in town,” Anabel said. “And we are practically neighbors, for I live with my brother there in the hacienda alongside the church, just across the plaza.” Anabel noticed a look of disappointment cross Ben’s face. That was just what she wanted. “However, I suppose a soldier ought to obey the orders of his commandant, sí ?”
    “Absolutely.” Ben offered her his arm and proceeded to escort her back to her carriage. Peter Abbot hurried to catch up to the officer. Anabel