War Cry by Charles G. West

Author:Charles G. West
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2010-06-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

When Will rode back into Fort Dodge he witnessed a bustle of activity that told him the troops were preparing for the campaign to the Smoky Hill. It came as somewhat of a surprise for him that the regiment could be ready to move this quickly. In reality, however, it was not a full-strength regiment on the move. Fort Dodge was normally a four-company post, while a full regiment was composed of ten to twelve companies. For the past four weeks, two additional companies had been assigned to the post, one of which was the regimental band, so it was more like a half regiment that was preparing to take the field.

Riding by the stables with thoughts of getting some grain for Spades, he saw Corporal Kincaid directing a detail that appeared to be inspecting the hooves of some of the horses. Will steered Spades over to speak to his friend. “I thought you boys were goin’ to get a day’s rest before you got ready to go,” he said.

“Huh,” Kincaid grunted. “So did I, but it didn’t surprise me none. I been in the army long enough to know better’n to count on somethin’ an officer says when it comes to benefitin’ the enlisted men.”

“Sounds like treasonous talk to me. Maybe I’d better detail a firing squad.” They both turned to see where the voice had come from and found Lieutenant Bordeaux rounding the corner of the stable, a wide smile across his pudgy face.

“Well, hell,” Kincaid replied, knowing the lieutenant was joking, “he did say we was to get a day’s rest.”

Bordeaux shrugged. “It takes a little longer to get a whole regiment on the road, and I reckon he’s eager to get moving before the Cheyenne decide to leave the Smoky Hill.” He glanced at Will then. “Did you see the colonel yet? He’s been lookin’ for you.”

“What for?” Will replied. He didn’t as a rule have much direct contact with the regimental commander.

“I guess he wants to make sure you’re gonna be ready to go with us,” Bordeaux said. “I think Captain Fischer sang your praises so loud that he’s got the colonel thinkin’ you’re the only man who can find the Indians.”

“Is that a fact?” Will responded without emotion. He might have been pleased by the praise had his mind not been dwelling upon more sober subjects.

Kincaid glanced at Will, remembering all his talk about quitting the business of scouting. “You plannin’ on goin’ on this little tea party?” he asked.

“Well, I don’t have no other plans right now,” Will said, “so I reckon I am.”

“You might wanna go see the colonel,” Bordeaux reminded.

“I reckon,” Will replied. “I planned on stealin’ some of the army’s grain for my horse first. He ain’t had much but grass for a while.” He left his two friends then, and after securing a sack of oats to his saddle, he turned Spades toward the headquarters building.

Passing the barracks that housed F Company, Will was hailed by a mounted officer who had been overseeing a work detail.

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