Never had time seemed to pass so slowly for Ole Devil Hardin. From the start of the interview, he had been working towards this moment. If he was accepted, he could begin to carry out the far from easy task which had brought him into the center of General José Urrea’s domain.
At Ole Devil’s side, Mannen Blaze lounged as if half asleep. Despite his lethargic attitude, the burly Texian was just as tense as his cousin. Although it took all of his self-control, he contrived to avoid letting his true feelings show. So did Tommy Okasi. In that respect, the little Oriental was helped by the fact that he did not understand much of what had been said. However, sharing his companions’ awareness of the precarious situation, he still maintained his usual inscrutability.
‘I’ll say one thing about you, young man,’ Major Francisco Alvarez remarked. ‘You’ve been very frank with us.’
‘Why shouldn’t I be?’ Ole Devil asked. ‘I want to make enough money to set myself up in a new life in Europe. I have come to a man who I feel sure can help me do it.’
‘Some might think that would be a poor reason for hiring you,’ the Paymaster pointed out.
‘Others, with greater intelligence, wouldn’t agree,’ Ole Devil countered, looking straight at Urrea. ‘They would know exactly how things stood with me.’ His eyes flickered away from the General and returned as he continued, ‘Which is more than can be said of others.’
‘What does that mean?’ demanded Colonel Sebastian Saucedo, having noticed that he was the recipient of a pointed glance from the young Texian.
‘Only that, not being Mexican, I have no ambitions beyond doing my work so as to earn as much money as possible,’ Ole Devil replied.
‘I don’t see what we would have to lose hiring him and his men,’ Major Carlos Badillo declared, reaching the decision chiefly because he guessed his hated rival would be against it. ‘From all we’ve heard they’re good fighters, and we can always use men like that.’
‘As long as we can trust them,’ Saucedo supplemented.
‘I’m willing to take a chance on that,’ Badillo announced, glaring defiance at the colonel. ‘In fact, if you don’t object, General, I’ll take them into my troop and let Senor—Smithers—replace Escalier.’
‘Are you willing to assume full responsibility for them, major?’ Alvarez inquired.
‘I am,’ Badillo stated. He had hesitated for just a moment until he saw the sneer on Saucedo’s face.
‘It’s your decision, Carlos,’ Urrea warned, having first glanced at the Paymaster and received what Ole Devil considered was a quick nod of confirmation. ‘I put them in your charge.’
Noticing the rapid by-play, the young Texian suddenly realized what it was that Alvarez reminded him of. During Ole Devil’s final year at school, one of the teachers had been paid by a wealthy parent to ensure that his son achieved a high scholastic record and passed a very important examination. Standing, apparently obsequious and unassuming, by the General’s side, the Paymaster looked much as the pedant had as he watched over and inconspicuously guided the far from bright student when others were asking questions.
If Ole Devil’s impressions were correct, Alvarez must be the brains behind Urrea. What was more, the young Texian told himself, in all probability the Paymaster and not the General had decided to have the Texian prisoners at Goliad slaughtered.
‘Gracias,’ Badillo answered. ‘I’ll look after them. And I’d like to suggest that we find some way to buy enough of these rifles to equip my regiment.’
‘Maybe Colonel Ortega won’t agree to it,’ Saucedo objected, although he knew that the titular commanding officer of the Tamaulipa Lancers had little actual say in the running of his regiment.
‘I think he will,’ Badillo replied, frowning at the reminder that he was—officially at least—subordinate to Ortega. ‘He’s not so old fashioned that he’ll refuse to see the value of the rifles.’
‘Why should your regiment get them, anyway?’ Saucedo demanded truculently. ‘You’re supposed to be Lancers.’
‘A lance is a poor weapon against a man with a firearm,’ the major pointed out. ‘And we may not find it so easy to take control.’
‘If we should agree to equip some of our men,’ Alvarez put in, clearly not wanting any definite statement regarding their plans for the future to be made in the Texians’ presence, ‘how much would, say—three hundred—cost, Senor Smithers?’
‘Three hundred?’ Urrea almost yelped.
‘Enough to equip two regiments, General,’ Alvarez elaborated, laying an emphasis on the fourth word. Clearly the Paymaster intended to ensure that the balance of power between Saucedo and Badillo was maintained. ‘What would they cost, Senor Smithers?’
‘Ours were forty-five dollars each,’ Ole Devil said, truthfully. ‘But you’d maybe get three hundred at a lower price because of the quantity. He supplies the bullet moulds and powder flasks fitted with measures that ensure just the right amount of powder is fed into the chambers of the slide. You’ll need percussion caps, plenty of them. Except for one thing, getting hold of all you’ll need won’t be too great a problem.’
‘Go on,’ Alvarez prompted and, to the young Texian’s way of thinking, it was significant that he instead of the General had done so.
‘According to the reports Santa Anna received, there was a lot of bad feeling against Mexico raised in the United States when word of the Alamo reached there,’ Ole Devil obliged. ‘He hadn’t heard how the people felt regarding what happened at Goliad, but I’d be willing to bet it didn’t make them any fonder of you—’
‘Carry on, please,’ the Paymaster requested, when the comment came to an end.
‘So the maker might not be too happy about letting it be known that he’d sold his rifles to somebody in Mexico,’ Ole Devil continued. ‘Which he’d almost certainly have to if he was paid in Mexican money.’
‘But he’d sell them for United States dollars, if we had them,’ Badillo guessed.
‘He’s a businessman, not a politician,’ Ole Devil replied. ‘So I reckon he would if the price was right.’
‘We don’t have any American money,’ Saucedo pointed out. ‘And the support Senora Alvarez raised in Matamoros wasn’t anywhere near as high as—’
‘I can’t answer for the exact state of our finances until I’ve had time to check on them,’ the Paymaster interrupted and, despite his apologetic tone, it was plain that he felt the colonel’s statement should not have been made.
‘If we had enough would we be able to change it for United States currency?’ Badillo asked and Urrea, to whom the question had been directed, threw his usual interrogatory glance at Alvarez.
‘Arranging for an exchange shouldn’t prove too difficult,’ the Paymaster declared pedantically. ‘It could be done through the bank in Matamoros.’
‘We’d still have to organize the purchase and delivery,’ Badillo said thoughtfully. ‘Which means one of us will have to go to the United States and do it.’
‘Who?’ demanded Saucedo, his whole bearing redolent of suspicion.
‘I don’t think it’s much use debating the matter further until we know whether we can raise the money to make the purchase,’ Alvarez put in with gentle firmness. ‘Also, my wife has been travelling all day. She is hungry and tired. So I’d like to suggest we leave things stand until we know more about it.’
‘That’s what we’ll do,’ the General stated, taking the hint, then his eyes went to the Paymaster. ‘What about Senor Smithers and his men?’
‘They’ll have to be given accommodation,’ Alvarez replied. ‘And, as he is to serve with the Tamaulipa Lancers, he may as well meet the other officers. So I suggest that you invite him to join us at dinner this evening.’
‘Of course,’ Urrea agreed, with the air of having had such an intention from the start. ‘They’re in your charge, Carlos. Take care of them.’
‘Si, senor,’ Badillo answered, but it was obvious that he did not care for the way the responsibility had been thrust upon him. ‘I’ll put him in Escalier’s room, if that’s all right with you?’
‘It is,’ Urrea confirmed, but not until after he had once more sought surreptitious advice from the Paymaster.
‘Come with me, Captain Smithers,’ Badillo ordered, darting a triumphant glance at Saucedo who was not troubling to try to hide his disapproval. ‘I’ll see to you.’
‘Gracias, major. Excuse me, Senora Alvarez, General,’ Ole Devil answered and went on in English, ‘Let’s go, men.’
‘I don’t like that damned gringo,’ Saucedo announced in his usual hard and carrying tones, almost as soon as the door had closed behind them. ‘Why didn’t he tell you who he was in the first place, senora?’
‘He had to use the name that was on Santa Anna’s pass,’ Beatriz replied, but her attitude implied that she did not care to be reminded of how she had been taken in by “Smither’s” false identity.
‘I suppose it’s genuine?’ the colonel asked, having no wish to antagonize the woman. ‘The pass, I mean.’
‘It’s Santa Anna’s signature,’ Alvarez declared, waving a hand at the documents which his wife had brought in as proof of the two Texians’ “identity”. ‘And I know that he did issue such things to renegade leaders.’
‘I’m satisfied with him. I think he’ll be useful to us,’ Urrea put in firmly, speaking for once without first having sought guidance from his Paymaster. He still remembered the young Texian’s admiration and complimentary comments regarding his brilliance. ‘And there’s certainly nothing he can do to harm us.’
‘He might be a spy for Santa Anna,’ Saucedo warned, never being willing to give up something that he had started.
‘He might,’ the General conceded, scowling unpleasantly at the continued protests. ‘But even if he is, there’s nothing he can do with el Presidente in the Texians’ hands.’
‘We’ve only his word for that,’ Saucedo pointed out.
‘May I make a suggestion?’ Alvarez requested, and went on without waiting to be given permission. ‘Even if he is working for Santa Anna, we can make use of him by giving him false information. In any case, it would be better for us if he is kept here. He’s already seen and heard too much for us to let him go.’
‘Why not shoot all three of them and make sure they can’t do anything—?’ Saucedo began.
‘Because I don’t want him shot!’ Urrea barked, coming to his feet. Although he had no great objection to having executions carried out, he was determined to enforce his will. ‘Is that clear, colonel?’
‘It is,’ Saucedo replied sullenly, stiffening into a brace. ‘With the General’s permission, I’ll retire.’
Instead of escorting the two Texians and Tommy Okasi to their quarters, Badillo had stopped just outside the door as soon as the little Oriental had closed it behind them. Motioning for the others to remain, and looking around the entrance hall to make sure he was not observed, the major moved close enough to the door to be able to hear what was being said in the room they had just left.
‘You’ve made a bad enemy in Saucedo,’ Badillo warned, hurriedly ushering the other three across the hall, after having heard enough to suggest that the interview in the General’s office would soon be over. ‘He wants to have you all shot.’
‘That doesn’t surprise me,’ Ole Devil admitted. ‘Damned peon upstart. They’re all the same when you give them a little authority.’
Satisfied that he had gained a useful ally in his feud with Saucedo, the major escorted Ole Devil and his companions up the main stairs. On the way, he gave them the gist of what he had overheard, with the exception of Alvarez’s suggestion. He laid great stress on the fact that the majority of the objections had come from Saucedo.
‘This will be your quarters, captain,’ Badillo concluded, throwing open a door. ‘I’ll have Escalier’s gear taken away.’
‘This’s really fine,’ Ole Devil enthused, advancing and looking around the large and well-appointed room. ‘Far better than I’ve been used to recently.’ He paused, then continued, ‘It might be as well if I have my cousin and the “Indian” staying here with me. That way, Saucedo will have less chance of getting at any of us. You can say that it was your idea. That you think it will be easier that way to keep an eye on us.’
‘That’s a good idea,’ the major praised. ‘They can stay, if you don’t mind having the “Indian” with you.’
‘I’ve grown used to it, and he can be very useful to have around,’ Ole Devil replied. ‘They can eat in the kitchen, or have their meals fetched up here, whichever is most convenient for you.’
‘I’ll make arrangements for their food to be fetched up,’ Badillo promised. ‘And it will help if you all go out together. I’ll have some of my troop close by when you do, just in case you should need help.’
‘I’m obliged to you, major,’ Ole Devil said, speaking with such sincerity that he might have been speaking the truth.
‘If you’re satisfied, I’ll go and get ready for dinner,’ Badillo answered. ‘If you’ll do the same, I’ll come and collect you on my way down. My rooms are just across the hall. Until later, senor.’
‘That’s where he’s gone,’ Tommy stated, having opened the door for the major and closed it only far enough to allow him to make sure that Badillo had gone across the hall. ‘But I’ll keep watching to make sure he stops there.’
‘You don’t reckon as how he’d’ve lied so he could sneak in next door and listen to us, do you?’ Mannen inquired sleepily.
‘Very old and wise Japanese saying,’ Tommy began.
‘Which you’ve just made up,’ the cousins chorused.
‘When you find an enemy has become your friend,’ the little Oriental continued, clearly having grown used to such interruptions and making no attempt to contradict their justified claim regarding the age of the “saying”, ‘watch him very carefully to make sure that he is friendly.’
‘Now that’s real old and wise,’ Mannen declared with lethargic solemnity. Then he became serious, although the change was only noticeable to men who knew him as well as his companions. ‘It’s all gone off pretty well so far, but I get the feeling we’re a long ways from being out of the deep, dark and piney woods.’
‘Keep thinking that way,’ Ole Devil ordered. ‘It’s a good way to stay alive. We’re still living on a knife’s edge.’
‘Should I slip, I’m going to make sure both feet go down the one side,’ Mannen said quietly. ‘Otherwise, it could ruin my chances of raising a family.’
‘They’re not what I’d call good right now,’ Ole Devil pointed out.
‘I wouldn’t know about that,’ Mannen protested. ‘Why I’ve been told by more than one lil ole gal—’
‘Why sure,’ Ole Devil interrupted, starting to unbutton his jacket. ‘What do you make of them, Cousin Mannen?’
‘There’s a man coming from the officer’s room!’ Tommy warned before the burly Texian could reply. Closing the door, he went on, ‘He’s coming this way.’
Opening the door at the man’s knock, Tommy allowed him to enter. He had on the uniform trousers of a Tamaulipa Lancer, but his white shirt, sandal-covered feet and general appearance gave a clue to his status even before he introduced himself as Badillo’s orderly, Tomas. Nothing the Texians or Tommy could detect from his behavior and expression suggested that he might have noticed he had been seen coming from his superior’s quarters.
‘Major Badillo says that I’m to have hot water and anything else you might need sent up to you, senor,’ the orderly announced, addressing Ole Devil. ‘I will also arrange for your property and another bed to be brought in.’
‘Two beds,’ the slender Texian corrected.
‘Two, senor?’ Tomas asked.
The “Indian” needs one,’ Ole Devil pointed out.
‘Si, senor,’ the orderly grunted, but was too good a servant to show his real feelings on the matter of supplying an “Indian” with a bed. ‘I’ll arrange for it and for somebody to attend to you during your stay.’
‘That won’t be necessary, he does it,’ Ole Devil answered, indicating Tommy with a jerk of his thumb. Then a harder, more commanding note came into his voice and he went on in English, ‘Go and fetch the water.’
‘S—!’ Tomas, at whom the words had been directed, stopped, then said. ‘I’m sorry, senor but I don’t understand.’
‘Show the “Indian” where to get my hot water,’ Ole Devil repeated in Spanish. ‘And hurry. I don’t want to keep the major waiting.’
‘Si, senor,’ the orderly assented and looked at Tommy. ‘Come with me.’
‘He doesn’t speak Spanish,’ Ole Devil warned. ‘But don’t let anybody play tricks on him. Those two swords are very sharp and he doesn’t hesitate to use them if he gets angry.’
‘I’ll remember and tell the other servants, senor,’ Tomas promised, studying the little Oriental and edging by him as if afraid that he might explode. ‘Ask him to come with me, please.’
‘Know something, Cous—Count—’ Mannen began, after Tommy and the orderly were out of the room. ‘What in hell do I call you now?’
‘Cousin will do, so long as you don’t take it any further, or at least make it “Cousin Jack”,’ Ole Devil replied. ‘We can get away with “Count” by saying you got used to using it while we were with Santa Anna.’
‘Likely,’ Mannen drawled. ‘Anyways, I think that Tomas hombre might have been lying when he said he couldn’t speak English.’
‘So do I,’ Ole Devil admitted, tossing his jacket on to the bed and drawing the pistol from its belt loop. ‘What do you reckon so far, Cousin Mylo?’
‘That’s one hell of a name you picked for me,’ Mannen protested, then started to answer the question.
While waiting for the hot water to arrive, the cousins carried on a quietly spoken discussion. Ole Devil found, not unexpectedly, that Mannen’s summation of the situation and general conclusions were much the same as his own. Nor was the similarity caused by a sycophantic desire to please a superior. The burly Texian was shrewd and a fair judge of human nature. What was more, having taken so little part in the conversation at Urrea’s office, Mannen had been able to devote all his attention to studying the Mexicans’ reactions to the various points as they were made. For the most part, Ole Devil had been compelled to concentrate upon the person he was addressing. So Mannen had formed a much better general impression of how the different aspects had been received.
‘I got more than a tiny feeling that Saucedo and Badillo don’t know about the money Fannin paid to Urrea as ransom for his men,’ Mannen commented.
‘I’ll go along with you on that,’ Ole Devil agreed. ‘Alvarez didn’t want too much talk about whether they could afford to buy the rifles or not. And it seems like they didn’t get anywhere near as much support as they expected in Matamoros.’
The return of Tommy with hot water brought an end to the conversation. Nor, with a constant flow of servants fetching and removing property under the supervision of Badillo’s orderly, did the cousins find an opportunity to resume it before Ole Devil was collected to go downstairs for dinner.