The Vengeance Trail of Josey Wales by Forrest Carter

Author:Forrest Carter [Carter, Forrest]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Cherokee, cowboy, Fiction, Indians, Texas, Western
ISBN: 0860075141
Publisher: Futura Publications
Published: 2017-06-10T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

When Chato fell forward at the rifle shot, Escobedo clapped his hands in delight. Dead center. There was no doubt. No, no need to chase the rider. Coyamo was not the horse’s home. He would run two, three miles and stop to wander and graze the grass.

The shooting had brought Rurales running from the cantinas into the street. While he had their attention, Escobedo shouted, “To the stables! Alert!”

Whirling back into his room, he motioned Valdez and the Sergeant to follow. “Ahora! Now! This you must do. First you, Lieutenant; pick forty of your best men with the rifle. Ride to Coyamo as fast as the horses can stand. Send twenty into the town shooting every bandido on sight. With the additional twenty, encircle the town. Shoot all who run, and those who surrender. No one, NO ONE! of them must live. Comprendes?”

“Sí, Capitan,” Valdez snapped.

“Most especial, Pancho Morino must die! Assign five of your best riflemen to concentrate. You know his dress. Get Morino!”

“Sí! It’s done!” Valdez responded vehemently.

“And when you find the Alcalde, who will be hiding beneath his bed no doubt,” Escobedo sneered, “tell him our ever vigilant scouts reported to me the movement of bandidos on his town. That I sent the greater part of my force to rescue Coyamo, leaving a small number for me to fight the Apache. Comprendes?”

“Sí, Capitan!”

“This,” Escobedo placed his hands on the shoulders of Valdez in a grand manner, “will bring much glory to you. Perhaps a promotion to Capitan!”

The eyes of Valdez shone with the eagerness of a bloodwolf. Capitan Valdez! The words rolled around beneath his breath. His chest rose in pride. He snapped to attention and saluted.

“VAMOS!” Escobedo said, and then softly, “Vaya con Dios.”

“Gracias, Capitan,” Valdez said. He was on a mission of God, and of course, with it came glory as it should. He rushed through the door.

Escobedo had used the genius of approach to Valdez, first, the promise of glory and promotion; second, softly, the feeling of holy mission. He would not fail.

Already, outside he could hear the crisp shouted orders of Valdez, the running feet, the mounting of horses, the thunder of hoofs as the men swept down the street of Aldamano and faded eastward.

Now he turned to the Sergeant. It required effort, but he allowed the merest hint of benevolent smile to touch his lips. He considered the bearded brutal features, the matted hair stringing beneath the sombrero. A bestia.

“Sergeant, we are bringing our district into order. We will be recognized by the Governor! When Lieutenant Valdez becomes Capitan, it leaves the open place. That is for you, Sergeant—Lieutenant!”

The low brows of the Sergeant lifted. His grin showed yellow teeth. “Sí! Mi Capitan!”

“Now!” Escobedo continued, “you are left with a small force; counting yourself, only nineteen men. I place the safety of Aldamano in your hands. Only five may sleep at each time. The others on guard of four hours. Comprendes?”

“Comprendo, Capitan. It’s done!” He saluted and moved to the door.

“And Sergeant,” Escobedo called, consulting his timepiece, “it is a little past nine.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.