All was quiet in the Vengador encampment atop Cupula Mountain. This steeply elevated terrain feature was an earthen dome located on the Chihuahuan desert some fifteen kilometers south of the Rio Grande. It offered little inducement for settlement by farmers because of its isolation as well as the steep climb to the apex.
The area at the top was open and measured approximately seventy-five meters across on all sides. Additionally a bubbling spring within the trees on the north rim guaranteed an unending source of cool water This was located a short distance inside a thick forest of palo verde and pinyon pine trees that surrounded the area. The copious cover was an excellent wind break and stretched down the mountain’s slopes to a spot where the desert prevented further growth.
Comandante Karl Jager considered the location a garrison and he insisted on guard duty, mess calls, drill and other such military activities to maintain efficiency and discipline. Two large tents—one for a headquarters and the other for the two comandantes’ quarters—had been erected under some overhanging branches of a palo verde tree. The vengadores had smaller shelter tents for two individuals each on the opposite side of the clearing.
Sanitation was the most important consideration after security. A slit latrine was dug in an area below the spring, and strict orders were issued that it be used for defecation. The vengadores were used to outhouses and found that squatting down with a foot on each side of a narrow ditch awkward and a little embarrassing. At least urination was permitted on the downside ground of the outer perimeter.
A sheltered area within the trees was chosen for the storage of ammunition while food was kept in a cool spot within a small stand of boulders. A tarpaulin had been stretched over it to make sure no sunlight would warm the rations. The horses were kept in a corral on the western edge of the bivouac. There was no proper grazing for the animals, so forage had to be brought up from San Patricio.
When all the preliminary work was done, Comandante Jager considered defensive measures. After fighting in similar surroundings while serving in French Indo-China, he knew the proper thing to do. He ordered the digging of unconnected trenches in strategic positions around the perimeter. The ex-legionnaire would have liked to clear areas of trees downward on the slopes for expanded fields of fire, but bare spots would attract attention from the desert below.
Regularly scheduled trips were made back to San Patricio for needed rations, equipment and tools to maintain an orderly and secure area.
~*~
Two weeks after the establishment of the hilltop garrison, Lieutenant Roberto Gonzales and Sergeant Humberto Sanchez made an appearance in the area. The two spies were the ones who had discovered and explored the top of Cupula Mountain. Now, returning to the spot for the first time, Gonzales and Sanchez reached the hidden entrance at the bottom of the natural dome. This was the location of the trail that led upward to the garrison. They were favorably impressed when challenged by guards before they began the ascent to the encampment. After they were cleared to begin the climb, they rode up the trail until emerging into the garrison proper.
They headed directly to the command post and dismounted. Jager and Gomez looked up from a making a list of needed supplies when the two spies appeared at the tent opening.
“Welcome,” Jager said “We hope you brought us some interesting news.”
“Indeed we have,” Gonzales replied. “We discovered another target and Colonel Valenzuela wants you to attack it.”
“We brought a sketch map with us,” Sanchez added. “I apologize I could not make it to scale, but it was the best I could do.”
Gomez pointed to the interior of the tent. “We have an excellent table on which to spread your drawing, Sergeant.”
The four went inside and Lieutenant Gonzales began his briefing. “There is a stage coach line that travels north along the Rio Grande from Santo Cielo to Tobeyville.”
Jager and Gomez found the places on the map. “How far is it between the two towns?”
“We estimate some sixty kilometers,” Gonzales replied. “There is an area of rolling hills where the road makes some narrow turns. The drivers slow the horses to a walk at one that’s particular sharp. That is where you should strike. The brush is thick along the road and makes it a perfect spot for an ambush.”
“Are we to rob a stage coach?” Gomez asked.
“Exactly,” Gonzales answered. “Take whatever strongboxes and mail they have. Afterward el coronel wants all the travelers killed.”
“We can do that, of course,” Jager said.
“Colonel Valenzuela thinks it is time to really infuriate the Gringos,” Gonzales clarified. “We have reached a point in the campaign where we need to stimulate a more violent reaction to our efforts.”
“That is plausible,” Jager remarked. “Have you discovered any conspicuous reactions from the enemy so far?”
Sanchez shrugged. “There is supposedly a small detachment of cavalry wandering about the area. But they’ve shown no inclination to cross the river into Mexico.”
“But we have never seen them,” Gonzales added.
“We must provoke a fight with that unit,” Gomez stated. “Wiping them out would incite a major reaction from the American Army.”
“True,” Jager agreed. “But right now we must concentrate on waylaying that stagecoach. It is a most significant target.”
“Exactly,” Gomez said. “I will order Sergeants Sulivan and Rayan to ready their teams for the assignment.”