Comanche Sunrise by Ethan J. Wolfe

Author:Ethan J. Wolfe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gale, Cengage Learning
Published: 2018-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Summoned to Judge Parker’s courthouse chambers, Bass Reeves and Cal Witson read Emmet’s telegram.

While they read the telegram, Parker filled three glasses with whiskey.

“There hasn’t been a problem like this since Custer,” Witson said when he set the telegram on the desk.

“At least,” Reeves said. “Is Jack still out there?”

“Along with Emmet,” Parker said. “I want you men to ride over to the fort and ask the commanding officer to meet me here in my office first thing in the morning. Tell him the problem is severe.”

They waited in the hotel lobby with cups of coffee. Emmet smoked his pipe, and Jack a rolled cigarette.

“I read in a newspaper that they’re planning to sell cigarettes already rolled in a box, or separate for a penny apiece in New York and Boston,” Emmet said.

“Already rolled?” Jack said.

“By machines.”

“A man should roll his own,” Jack said.

“It’s progress, Jack.”

“It’s lazy is what it is,” Jack said. “I doubt that fad will catch on.”

The telegraph operator came through the lobby door, holding a sheet of paper. “Got the reply you fellows are waiting on,” he said.

Emmet took the paper and read aloud. “Stay in Wichita Falls until I contact you with instructions. Judge Parker.”

Emmet lowered the paper. “He must be planning something,” he said.

“Me, too,” Jack said. “A good night’s sleep.”

“We need to inform the sheriff,” Emmet said.

“Go ahead then,” Jack said. “Just don’t wake me when you come in.”

Hogan was at his desk when Emmet entered the office and showed him Judge Parker’s reply.

“What do you suppose Parker is up to?” Hogan asked.

Emmet took a chair opposite the desk. “My guess is he wants to consult with the commanding officer at Fort Smith and send a team of marshals along with a patrol,” he said. “I’d advise wiring the Texas Rangers of the situation.”

“I already have,” Hogan said. “I’m waiting on a reply from Austin. It might not come until morning.”

“I guess there is nothing to do now but wait,” Emmet said.

Hogan stood and went to the woodstove where a pot of coffee was being kept warm. He filled two tin cups, returned to the desk, and gave one cup to Emmet.

“It isn’t good, but it’s hot,” Hogan said as he sat.

Emmet took a sip and nodded.

“Mind a personal question?” Hogan said.

“My mother is a quarter Sioux and Apache,” Emmet said. “Also French and Irish. My father was Scottish and Irish.”

“That accounts for the sandy hair and blue eyes,” Hogan said.

“I expect so,” Emmet said.

Hogan sighed. “I hate waiting. Fancy a game of chess?”

“How do you know I play?” Emmet asked.

“During the war I spent a lot of time in Boston with the 54th,” Hogan said. “Some of your words sound like you went to school there. Any man goes to school in Boston knows the game.”

“Law degree,” Emmet said.

“I’ll get the board,” Hogan said.

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