Silver Moon
Adventurer
Chapter 165, “Cowboys and Indians” , Sunday, January 22nd, 1882, 12:30 P.M.
After Leaving the soldiers, Chester walks over to Drover's Livery in search of Danby Jones. Chester see the man fixing a fence. "Mr. Jones. I want to talk to you." Jones comes over to Chester. The ex-solider asks, "What do you want?" Jones says, "Follow me." They walk into a nearby alley. "What do you know about the bank robbery last week, Danby? I don't like being shot at and a friend of mine was almost killed."
Jones replies, "You'd know more than me. You were there at the time, I wasn't. Believe me, I'm not involved with Deadeye Douglass. But since we're on that subject, has Silver Dollar talked to you about our plan yet?”
Chester answers, “And why should I believe you? You've been talking about stealing from the place. A short time later, the place gets robbed. Interesting, don't you think? And why are you still trying to rob the bank. After Deadeye got through with it, there can't be much left."
Jones says, “Deadeye didn't get much of anything, he took the dummy bags. Talk to our other partner, Silver Dollar Cook, he knows where the real money is hidden. Don't worry Chesty, you'll get your third of the take." Chester sighs and thinks to himself, “I don't think this guy can steal candy from a baby, much less a bank. But, I should tell the Condons, just in case.” He tells the man, "OK. OK, Jones. I'll ask Silver Dollar. Just don't start anything yet."
Chester decides to work off his frustration with Danby Jones by taking a ride out to the silver mine. How would I make it safe for the mine wagons? It'll take a few people. After doing a brief reconnaissance, he heads back to the city. Chester checks his pocket watch and sees he has some time to wash up before dinner. He goes up to his room, washes his face and changes his clothes.
Nanuet spent the first half of the day working in the grove. Several of the plants were not indigenous to the area so he spent much of his time studying them. After some time his stomach reminded him that food was a priority so he headed over to the El Parador for lunch.
While there for the mid-day meal, he overhears more talk about a clash between the Apache and soldiers. It pains him to hear this as it reopens memories of what happened to his family and tribe. "Kajika might know what is going on, and I did promise that I would do some speaking for the Apache. Maybe I should try and meet with him." Nanuet thinks to himself.
Nanuet thanks Dorita for another fine meal and makes sure to pay and leave a generous tip. He makes his way out of town towards the abandoned boarded up mine head. He calls for Maska. When she arrives he asks her to find and bring Kajika. Nanuet then finishes the journey and approaches the mine head looking for any signs of its current state of occupation.
Maska leads Nanuet off and into the hills. They travel for several miles until they come upon an Apache encampment. Nanuet sees ten mounted warriors, all with their faces painted for war. They are carrying bows but also have Springfield rifles strapped to their backs. Kajika is also among the group. He appears to be making something in a clay pot that looks to be a whitish paste.
Nanuet approaches cautiously and in plain sight making sure to show that he has no weapons in his hands. He approaches Kajika and asks "Master, we need to speak. I need to know what is happening between the Apache and the white men. Can we speak here?" Kajika says "Yes. Geronimo has put me in charge of these braves. They answer to me.”
The Shaman continues, “Two days ago the Army broke their agreement with the Apache. Morgana and Qualtaqa, the prior Ambassadors to the Apache, had made an arrangement several months ago where the soldiers and sheriff would stay out of the Chiricahua Mountains. Geronimo says that this is just another example of the white man's broken promises and treaties. I have urged caution, and for the time being the braves will be seen but will not attack unless provoked. But I fear it is only a matter of time until an another altercation occurs, and then Geronimo will then want to purge the humans from this land."
Nanuet nods his head in understanding. "Once again you have proven to be wise Kajika. If you tell me the details of the agreement made I will do what I can. I will speak to the soldiers about their violation of the agreement. I believe Storm was also knowledgeable about the situation so I will ask her for her guidance."
Kajika replies, “"The agreement pertained to the outlaws known as the James Gang. They robbed Promise City last summer. It was suspected that they would return to the area so Morgana had the Apache offer to apprehend them if these human attempted to go through the mountains. To avoid any misunderstandings the military and territorial authorities agreed to stay out of these mountains as well. This is our homeland, Geronimo only seeks for us to keep what is ours."
Nanuet replies, “So I speak the truth when I say the soldiers from Fort Huachuaca have entered your land, is that correct? Has there been violence and what is the reason that they give for entering the lands?” Kajika answers, "They did not explain their actions. They just entered our land and started shooting. The men ran but also fired back to deter the soldiers from following. We had wounded as did they. As to which Fortress they come from, we do not know."
Nanuet winces at the explanation by Kajika. He replies, "I will go and talk with the white man soldiers. Please continue to be patient, I know you will do your best. I will spend the rest of the day and night here with you and share with you my story of the earth spirit and begin this quest tomorrow if that is agreeable with you Master."
Kajika agrees. He very much wishes to hear the story of the Earth Spirit and what had happened to his blood brother. He tells Nanuet that he knew of Riley's death when it happened, due to their bond. He tells Nanuet not to grieve, that Riley had a tortured soul and in the end felt that he had made a difference.
Nanuet shares the evening meal with the Apache warriors and Kajika. He works on his knowledge of the Apache tongue while there and then after the meal he sits with Kajika and relays the story of the Earth Sprits, especially Riley's involvement. The two talk late into the night about Nanuet's story and Kajika tests Nanuet on some of his shaman skills. Eventually both begin to tire and they enter into their nightly meditation trance.
Back in town, feeling refreshed, Chester walks to the Lone Star. The others must already be there. He comes in through the front door and sees Comstock and the other soldiers. He looks around, but doesn't see Kate, Jake, or Ruby. Odd. I'd figure one of them would be around tonight. Where could they be? I'm sure they're fine. "Hi Bill. Ready to go back and defend the frontier?"
Comstock replies, "Yep. Although the frontier's getting smaller every day. Since the hunt didn't go so well, it'll be nice to get back to the fort." He adds with a grin, "Now how bought them cheap drinks you promised us?" "OK. I got it." Chester asks Harry Rote at the bar for a round of beers and a bottle of whiskey. "Put it on my tab, Mr. Rote. Jeff can tell you I'm good for it." He passes the drinks around, and the group settles down to tell more stories about frontier life.
Once Chester has several drinks in him, he starts to really talk. "I tell you, that Bill Cody is always hogging the limelight. I don't think he even got a shot off at the Chi… Chi… monster. That big game hunter, Jim McClushkey or something killed one of the heads and me and my friends got the rest. That was a fun fight."
Comstock and his friends press Chester for more details about the battle, especially the part about Cody not firing a shot. Chester replies, “"Well, you see, we'd been waiting for the thing on that mountain. I had this big gun, almost a cannon. I see the thing land in the woods. That's when my friend and I met you."
Chester takes a deep swallow of beer. "Anyway, the monster flies over the rest of my group. But, I had left the gun up there, so I couldn't shoot at it. I was dreadfully worried about them. I guess Riley picked the gun up and fired. He even hit it. Didn't think he could hit the broad side of a barn. Killed one of his own friends in a shootout some time ago. That's when you guys left to get bigger guns, right? Right. It flies away only to get one of its heads shot off by Big Jim. Name fits him.
"So my friend and I climb back to where we used to be. The beast comes back, but now I've got the gun. I let one fly, bang, right in the kisser. It falls to the ground and my Indian friend… You met him that night on the road… He shoots a few arrows into it, finishing it off. That gun's amazing. It fires these navy shells that really pack a punch." He lowers his voice to a whisper, "But you didn't hear that from me."
Whittemore slaps Chester on the back and says "Navy, what do they know about weapons! Army's where the action is!" Chester replies, "I'll drink to that. My temper got me thrown out on my ear. Punching out your sergeant will do that. He was a cruel man, though. I couldn't stand him any longer and bam, my career was over. Oh well. That's in the past."
The seven continue to drink until the Lone Star closes, they then stagger across the street and over to the Gay Lady Variety Hall and Saloon, which will still be open for a few more hours. Chester states, "It's great talking with fellow soldiers. My friends are dreadfully nice, but they are still civilians. But, I guess I am too, now. But back to more pleasant things."
The group stays at the Gay Lady until closing. Many toasts are made. Eventually, all good things come to an end. After much back-slapping and goodbyes, Chester leaves the group and returns to the El Parador. He lurches up the stairs and collapses into bed.
Chester wakes up late the next morning with an awful hangover. He staggers downstairs and Dorita takes one look at him and hands him something, exclaiming "Drink". He takes one sip and then spits it out, saying that it is the worst thing he has ever had to drink. She says "Drink, will get you back on feet. You need to be at bank job in ten minute."
He replies, "Not so loud, please. I'll have to skip breakfast, then. Sorry." Chester swallows the rest of the concoction and makes a face. Then he jogs to the bank, checking his pocket watch along the way. He makes it with a few minutes to spare. "Hi Mr. Condon, I'm feeling much better today." Luckily the late night makes Chester look like he was ill.
Frank Condon looks up at Chester and says "Are you sure that you are alright? You don't look so good. My brother Morgan went to check with you at your hotel on Saturday morning and the hotel owner said that you were in a bad way, that he hadn't seen you come out of your room since Thursday. Chester thinks to himself, “Didn't plan for that. I'll have to thank Dorita and Pedro.”
Condon says, “Look, Morgan will be by in a few minutes. We can handle the security until you're feeling better. Go take the day off. Take tomorrow off too, we'll see you on Thursday." Chester says, “Oh, OK. Thank you, Mr. Condon. Are you sure?" Condon replies, "Yes, yes. Don't come back until you're in perfect health."
Chester returns to the El Parador and thanks Pedro for helping him with the Condons. Pedro says "I didn't lie. On Saturday morning I say that last time I see you come out of room was Thursday. It was. I just didn't tell him you weren't inside after that.”
He laughs, "You're right. It wouldn't be good to lie to a banker. Sorry to put you on the spot like that." Chester goes back to his room and fetches the case containing the hand cannon. He walks to the gunsmith. He sees Pierre. "Hi, me again. Could you look at this for me? I was in the mountains shooting it and I dropped it. It looks like the barrel is dented."
Pierre brings Chester into the back room. He examines the gun thoroughly. He says, "It looks like it might be. You should get it fixed." Chester asks, "Can you do it? I know the gun's a custom job and all." Pierre replies, "Oh no, this is a Bailey made weapon. He alone should be the one to fix it. Nobody else could do justice to his craftsmanship."
Chester replies, "Dang. I think you said Bailey was in Mexico, when I stopped in before. Where exactly, if you know and will tell me? Do you think he would mind visitors?" Pierre answers, "Well, I wouldn't try sneaking up on him.” Chester comments, "I'll keep that in mind."
Pierre continues, “He has a place in the Sonora Province south of Arizona, along the Gulf of California. His home is in the Tepoca area, a day's ride south of the town of Desemboque. From here, that would be around 300 miles or so to the southwest." "That's a long journey. So I probably won't do that right away. Thanks." With that, Chester repacks the weapon, and drops it off at his room.
Nanuet returns to town mid-morning on Monday. He stop by the Lone Star. Jeff Mills and his construction crew are hard at work on the third floor but with Jeremiah Peck back Nanuet is no longer needed to help out. Niles Hoover tells Nanuet that Kate and Ruby will probably be coming back from Tombstone on the afternoon stage. He next heads over to the El Parador. Sanoma is busy helping Dorita get ready for the Monday lunch crowd.
Chester comes downstairs from up in his room and sits down at a table. Nanuet heads over and sits with Chester. "Good day Mr. Chester" he starts. "I know you have work and all, but I have a question to ask you. " He pauses and says "Wait, why are you not at work today?" "They still believe I am ill." Chester says with half a smirk. "I have off until Thursday. What's up?"
Nanuet says, "Well, I wanted to get your opinion about a situation involving soldiers. See, the Apache and the soldiers had a deal. The soldiers were to stay off Apache land and leave them alone, but lately for unknown reasons they have been coming to Apache lands. Geronimo is not happy and wishes to wage war against them and the other white men in the area. Kajika has bought some time, but it may not be long before Geronimo acts. Not so long ago I pledged to a friend, Storm the centaur, that I would take her duties of being a peacekeeper and negotiator upon myself.
Now you heard at the cave with the Earth Spirit that my duties had been fulfilled. The Apache are not my people, but they are still elves. I feel a sense of duty to them in some way. I am elven, they would never let me near the soldier's fort, but you were a soldier. Maybe you could help? Talk to the soldiers and find out why they are going on Apache land. If you think it is a crazy idea then just say so."
Before Chester can give an answer to Nanuet's question he looks up to see Billy Comstock and his five friends enter the El Parador. This surprises Chester at first, as they had planned to leave that morning. Then he notices how bleary-eyed and hung over they are and realizes that they woke up in as bad shape as he did. He gestures for them to come join him.
Chester says "You've all met my friend Nanuet before. I'm glad you gentlemen are still in town. We have a growing situation between the Army and Apache that we could use your assistance with." Elisah Whittemore replies "We heard about that. That's why we decided to wait until tomorrow to leave." Comstock says, "Yeah, we did a bit too much celebrating last night. We're not exactly at the top of our game right now. Since our route back to New Mexico takes us through the pass between the Apache's mountains we figure we'd better not attempt it until we are at our best in case of trouble."
Chester says, "Good thinking." He turns to Nanuet and says, "Billy and Elisha here are retired from the Army but the other four are still active, just on leave at the moment. If talking to the Army is what you need they could probably be of help. Captain Mizner here is the commanding officer of this group."
Andrew Mizner nods and introduces Nanuet by name to his three men Corporal Harrison Grier and Privates Gabriel Chapman and Charles Brookings. He says they are posted out at Fort Stanton in south-central New Mexico Territory, and that their Colonel Dudley was kind enough to grant them this leave to join up with his old friends for the hunt.
Nanuet states, “"The soldiers I need to speak to are at Fort Huachuaca. I am not sure where that lays in relation to where you have to travel to, but I would accept any help you are willing to offer. I have nothing to give you other than a chance to keep the peace and prevent a war between the Apache and the humans."
Mizner says, "I do not understand. If you are not even an Apache then what can you do to help prevent a war? And this Lieutenant Oscar Gamble who had the skirmish with the Apache is indeed is from Fort Huachuaca. I may outrank him but I have no jurisdiction here." Billings adds, "Their fort is near Sierra Vista, in the southwestern corner of this county. We are traveling to the northeast, the opposite direction as that."
Chester replies, "Dang. I was afraid of that. Well, can you come with us just today? I know it's a hassle, but I don't to see any more Indian Wars. Gamble has it in for me, so my going alone would be a tough task. A good ride will shake out some of those cobwebs." Mizner turns to Comstock and Whittemore and says, "What do you guys think? We didn't get a chance to win that hunt, but I think that stopping an Indian war would certainly be worthwhile."
"Don't you and your boys have to get back to Fort Stanton?" Whittemore asks. Mitzer replies, "Colonel Dudley is a reasonable guy and every officer in the American southwest remembers all the trouble Cochise caused for the Army and settlers. If a short detour to the other end of the county can avert a war, that would be great, but I'm still not sure how this one Indian who isn't even an Apache will make a difference?"
Nanuet replies, "I am friends with the Apache. I have met with Geronimo and have the authority from Geronimo to speak with the soldiers as an ambassador. I need your help so that I may approach the soldiers and discover why they have started trespassing on Apache land. I will go myself if it will cause you trouble. I was asking Chester for his advice, I do not want to cause any more trouble for anyone. I want to get going soon, it is a trip of about sixty-five miles I believe and the sooner I get there the better."
After Leaving the soldiers, Chester walks over to Drover's Livery in search of Danby Jones. Chester see the man fixing a fence. "Mr. Jones. I want to talk to you." Jones comes over to Chester. The ex-solider asks, "What do you want?" Jones says, "Follow me." They walk into a nearby alley. "What do you know about the bank robbery last week, Danby? I don't like being shot at and a friend of mine was almost killed."
Jones replies, "You'd know more than me. You were there at the time, I wasn't. Believe me, I'm not involved with Deadeye Douglass. But since we're on that subject, has Silver Dollar talked to you about our plan yet?”
Chester answers, “And why should I believe you? You've been talking about stealing from the place. A short time later, the place gets robbed. Interesting, don't you think? And why are you still trying to rob the bank. After Deadeye got through with it, there can't be much left."
Jones says, “Deadeye didn't get much of anything, he took the dummy bags. Talk to our other partner, Silver Dollar Cook, he knows where the real money is hidden. Don't worry Chesty, you'll get your third of the take." Chester sighs and thinks to himself, “I don't think this guy can steal candy from a baby, much less a bank. But, I should tell the Condons, just in case.” He tells the man, "OK. OK, Jones. I'll ask Silver Dollar. Just don't start anything yet."
Chester decides to work off his frustration with Danby Jones by taking a ride out to the silver mine. How would I make it safe for the mine wagons? It'll take a few people. After doing a brief reconnaissance, he heads back to the city. Chester checks his pocket watch and sees he has some time to wash up before dinner. He goes up to his room, washes his face and changes his clothes.
Nanuet spent the first half of the day working in the grove. Several of the plants were not indigenous to the area so he spent much of his time studying them. After some time his stomach reminded him that food was a priority so he headed over to the El Parador for lunch.
While there for the mid-day meal, he overhears more talk about a clash between the Apache and soldiers. It pains him to hear this as it reopens memories of what happened to his family and tribe. "Kajika might know what is going on, and I did promise that I would do some speaking for the Apache. Maybe I should try and meet with him." Nanuet thinks to himself.
Nanuet thanks Dorita for another fine meal and makes sure to pay and leave a generous tip. He makes his way out of town towards the abandoned boarded up mine head. He calls for Maska. When she arrives he asks her to find and bring Kajika. Nanuet then finishes the journey and approaches the mine head looking for any signs of its current state of occupation.
Maska leads Nanuet off and into the hills. They travel for several miles until they come upon an Apache encampment. Nanuet sees ten mounted warriors, all with their faces painted for war. They are carrying bows but also have Springfield rifles strapped to their backs. Kajika is also among the group. He appears to be making something in a clay pot that looks to be a whitish paste.
Nanuet approaches cautiously and in plain sight making sure to show that he has no weapons in his hands. He approaches Kajika and asks "Master, we need to speak. I need to know what is happening between the Apache and the white men. Can we speak here?" Kajika says "Yes. Geronimo has put me in charge of these braves. They answer to me.”
The Shaman continues, “Two days ago the Army broke their agreement with the Apache. Morgana and Qualtaqa, the prior Ambassadors to the Apache, had made an arrangement several months ago where the soldiers and sheriff would stay out of the Chiricahua Mountains. Geronimo says that this is just another example of the white man's broken promises and treaties. I have urged caution, and for the time being the braves will be seen but will not attack unless provoked. But I fear it is only a matter of time until an another altercation occurs, and then Geronimo will then want to purge the humans from this land."
Nanuet nods his head in understanding. "Once again you have proven to be wise Kajika. If you tell me the details of the agreement made I will do what I can. I will speak to the soldiers about their violation of the agreement. I believe Storm was also knowledgeable about the situation so I will ask her for her guidance."
Kajika replies, “"The agreement pertained to the outlaws known as the James Gang. They robbed Promise City last summer. It was suspected that they would return to the area so Morgana had the Apache offer to apprehend them if these human attempted to go through the mountains. To avoid any misunderstandings the military and territorial authorities agreed to stay out of these mountains as well. This is our homeland, Geronimo only seeks for us to keep what is ours."
Nanuet replies, “So I speak the truth when I say the soldiers from Fort Huachuaca have entered your land, is that correct? Has there been violence and what is the reason that they give for entering the lands?” Kajika answers, "They did not explain their actions. They just entered our land and started shooting. The men ran but also fired back to deter the soldiers from following. We had wounded as did they. As to which Fortress they come from, we do not know."
Nanuet winces at the explanation by Kajika. He replies, "I will go and talk with the white man soldiers. Please continue to be patient, I know you will do your best. I will spend the rest of the day and night here with you and share with you my story of the earth spirit and begin this quest tomorrow if that is agreeable with you Master."
Kajika agrees. He very much wishes to hear the story of the Earth Spirit and what had happened to his blood brother. He tells Nanuet that he knew of Riley's death when it happened, due to their bond. He tells Nanuet not to grieve, that Riley had a tortured soul and in the end felt that he had made a difference.
Nanuet shares the evening meal with the Apache warriors and Kajika. He works on his knowledge of the Apache tongue while there and then after the meal he sits with Kajika and relays the story of the Earth Sprits, especially Riley's involvement. The two talk late into the night about Nanuet's story and Kajika tests Nanuet on some of his shaman skills. Eventually both begin to tire and they enter into their nightly meditation trance.
Back in town, feeling refreshed, Chester walks to the Lone Star. The others must already be there. He comes in through the front door and sees Comstock and the other soldiers. He looks around, but doesn't see Kate, Jake, or Ruby. Odd. I'd figure one of them would be around tonight. Where could they be? I'm sure they're fine. "Hi Bill. Ready to go back and defend the frontier?"
Comstock replies, "Yep. Although the frontier's getting smaller every day. Since the hunt didn't go so well, it'll be nice to get back to the fort." He adds with a grin, "Now how bought them cheap drinks you promised us?" "OK. I got it." Chester asks Harry Rote at the bar for a round of beers and a bottle of whiskey. "Put it on my tab, Mr. Rote. Jeff can tell you I'm good for it." He passes the drinks around, and the group settles down to tell more stories about frontier life.
Once Chester has several drinks in him, he starts to really talk. "I tell you, that Bill Cody is always hogging the limelight. I don't think he even got a shot off at the Chi… Chi… monster. That big game hunter, Jim McClushkey or something killed one of the heads and me and my friends got the rest. That was a fun fight."
Comstock and his friends press Chester for more details about the battle, especially the part about Cody not firing a shot. Chester replies, “"Well, you see, we'd been waiting for the thing on that mountain. I had this big gun, almost a cannon. I see the thing land in the woods. That's when my friend and I met you."
Chester takes a deep swallow of beer. "Anyway, the monster flies over the rest of my group. But, I had left the gun up there, so I couldn't shoot at it. I was dreadfully worried about them. I guess Riley picked the gun up and fired. He even hit it. Didn't think he could hit the broad side of a barn. Killed one of his own friends in a shootout some time ago. That's when you guys left to get bigger guns, right? Right. It flies away only to get one of its heads shot off by Big Jim. Name fits him.
"So my friend and I climb back to where we used to be. The beast comes back, but now I've got the gun. I let one fly, bang, right in the kisser. It falls to the ground and my Indian friend… You met him that night on the road… He shoots a few arrows into it, finishing it off. That gun's amazing. It fires these navy shells that really pack a punch." He lowers his voice to a whisper, "But you didn't hear that from me."
Whittemore slaps Chester on the back and says "Navy, what do they know about weapons! Army's where the action is!" Chester replies, "I'll drink to that. My temper got me thrown out on my ear. Punching out your sergeant will do that. He was a cruel man, though. I couldn't stand him any longer and bam, my career was over. Oh well. That's in the past."
The seven continue to drink until the Lone Star closes, they then stagger across the street and over to the Gay Lady Variety Hall and Saloon, which will still be open for a few more hours. Chester states, "It's great talking with fellow soldiers. My friends are dreadfully nice, but they are still civilians. But, I guess I am too, now. But back to more pleasant things."
The group stays at the Gay Lady until closing. Many toasts are made. Eventually, all good things come to an end. After much back-slapping and goodbyes, Chester leaves the group and returns to the El Parador. He lurches up the stairs and collapses into bed.
Chester wakes up late the next morning with an awful hangover. He staggers downstairs and Dorita takes one look at him and hands him something, exclaiming "Drink". He takes one sip and then spits it out, saying that it is the worst thing he has ever had to drink. She says "Drink, will get you back on feet. You need to be at bank job in ten minute."
He replies, "Not so loud, please. I'll have to skip breakfast, then. Sorry." Chester swallows the rest of the concoction and makes a face. Then he jogs to the bank, checking his pocket watch along the way. He makes it with a few minutes to spare. "Hi Mr. Condon, I'm feeling much better today." Luckily the late night makes Chester look like he was ill.
Frank Condon looks up at Chester and says "Are you sure that you are alright? You don't look so good. My brother Morgan went to check with you at your hotel on Saturday morning and the hotel owner said that you were in a bad way, that he hadn't seen you come out of your room since Thursday. Chester thinks to himself, “Didn't plan for that. I'll have to thank Dorita and Pedro.”
Condon says, “Look, Morgan will be by in a few minutes. We can handle the security until you're feeling better. Go take the day off. Take tomorrow off too, we'll see you on Thursday." Chester says, “Oh, OK. Thank you, Mr. Condon. Are you sure?" Condon replies, "Yes, yes. Don't come back until you're in perfect health."
Chester returns to the El Parador and thanks Pedro for helping him with the Condons. Pedro says "I didn't lie. On Saturday morning I say that last time I see you come out of room was Thursday. It was. I just didn't tell him you weren't inside after that.”
He laughs, "You're right. It wouldn't be good to lie to a banker. Sorry to put you on the spot like that." Chester goes back to his room and fetches the case containing the hand cannon. He walks to the gunsmith. He sees Pierre. "Hi, me again. Could you look at this for me? I was in the mountains shooting it and I dropped it. It looks like the barrel is dented."
Pierre brings Chester into the back room. He examines the gun thoroughly. He says, "It looks like it might be. You should get it fixed." Chester asks, "Can you do it? I know the gun's a custom job and all." Pierre replies, "Oh no, this is a Bailey made weapon. He alone should be the one to fix it. Nobody else could do justice to his craftsmanship."
Chester replies, "Dang. I think you said Bailey was in Mexico, when I stopped in before. Where exactly, if you know and will tell me? Do you think he would mind visitors?" Pierre answers, "Well, I wouldn't try sneaking up on him.” Chester comments, "I'll keep that in mind."
Pierre continues, “He has a place in the Sonora Province south of Arizona, along the Gulf of California. His home is in the Tepoca area, a day's ride south of the town of Desemboque. From here, that would be around 300 miles or so to the southwest." "That's a long journey. So I probably won't do that right away. Thanks." With that, Chester repacks the weapon, and drops it off at his room.
Nanuet returns to town mid-morning on Monday. He stop by the Lone Star. Jeff Mills and his construction crew are hard at work on the third floor but with Jeremiah Peck back Nanuet is no longer needed to help out. Niles Hoover tells Nanuet that Kate and Ruby will probably be coming back from Tombstone on the afternoon stage. He next heads over to the El Parador. Sanoma is busy helping Dorita get ready for the Monday lunch crowd.
Chester comes downstairs from up in his room and sits down at a table. Nanuet heads over and sits with Chester. "Good day Mr. Chester" he starts. "I know you have work and all, but I have a question to ask you. " He pauses and says "Wait, why are you not at work today?" "They still believe I am ill." Chester says with half a smirk. "I have off until Thursday. What's up?"
Nanuet says, "Well, I wanted to get your opinion about a situation involving soldiers. See, the Apache and the soldiers had a deal. The soldiers were to stay off Apache land and leave them alone, but lately for unknown reasons they have been coming to Apache lands. Geronimo is not happy and wishes to wage war against them and the other white men in the area. Kajika has bought some time, but it may not be long before Geronimo acts. Not so long ago I pledged to a friend, Storm the centaur, that I would take her duties of being a peacekeeper and negotiator upon myself.
Now you heard at the cave with the Earth Spirit that my duties had been fulfilled. The Apache are not my people, but they are still elves. I feel a sense of duty to them in some way. I am elven, they would never let me near the soldier's fort, but you were a soldier. Maybe you could help? Talk to the soldiers and find out why they are going on Apache land. If you think it is a crazy idea then just say so."
Before Chester can give an answer to Nanuet's question he looks up to see Billy Comstock and his five friends enter the El Parador. This surprises Chester at first, as they had planned to leave that morning. Then he notices how bleary-eyed and hung over they are and realizes that they woke up in as bad shape as he did. He gestures for them to come join him.
Chester says "You've all met my friend Nanuet before. I'm glad you gentlemen are still in town. We have a growing situation between the Army and Apache that we could use your assistance with." Elisah Whittemore replies "We heard about that. That's why we decided to wait until tomorrow to leave." Comstock says, "Yeah, we did a bit too much celebrating last night. We're not exactly at the top of our game right now. Since our route back to New Mexico takes us through the pass between the Apache's mountains we figure we'd better not attempt it until we are at our best in case of trouble."
Chester says, "Good thinking." He turns to Nanuet and says, "Billy and Elisha here are retired from the Army but the other four are still active, just on leave at the moment. If talking to the Army is what you need they could probably be of help. Captain Mizner here is the commanding officer of this group."
Andrew Mizner nods and introduces Nanuet by name to his three men Corporal Harrison Grier and Privates Gabriel Chapman and Charles Brookings. He says they are posted out at Fort Stanton in south-central New Mexico Territory, and that their Colonel Dudley was kind enough to grant them this leave to join up with his old friends for the hunt.
Nanuet states, “"The soldiers I need to speak to are at Fort Huachuaca. I am not sure where that lays in relation to where you have to travel to, but I would accept any help you are willing to offer. I have nothing to give you other than a chance to keep the peace and prevent a war between the Apache and the humans."
Mizner says, "I do not understand. If you are not even an Apache then what can you do to help prevent a war? And this Lieutenant Oscar Gamble who had the skirmish with the Apache is indeed is from Fort Huachuaca. I may outrank him but I have no jurisdiction here." Billings adds, "Their fort is near Sierra Vista, in the southwestern corner of this county. We are traveling to the northeast, the opposite direction as that."
Chester replies, "Dang. I was afraid of that. Well, can you come with us just today? I know it's a hassle, but I don't to see any more Indian Wars. Gamble has it in for me, so my going alone would be a tough task. A good ride will shake out some of those cobwebs." Mizner turns to Comstock and Whittemore and says, "What do you guys think? We didn't get a chance to win that hunt, but I think that stopping an Indian war would certainly be worthwhile."
"Don't you and your boys have to get back to Fort Stanton?" Whittemore asks. Mitzer replies, "Colonel Dudley is a reasonable guy and every officer in the American southwest remembers all the trouble Cochise caused for the Army and settlers. If a short detour to the other end of the county can avert a war, that would be great, but I'm still not sure how this one Indian who isn't even an Apache will make a difference?"
Nanuet replies, "I am friends with the Apache. I have met with Geronimo and have the authority from Geronimo to speak with the soldiers as an ambassador. I need your help so that I may approach the soldiers and discover why they have started trespassing on Apache land. I will go myself if it will cause you trouble. I was asking Chester for his advice, I do not want to cause any more trouble for anyone. I want to get going soon, it is a trip of about sixty-five miles I believe and the sooner I get there the better."