Chapter 10

Plan of Attack

Not a cloud graced the bright blue sky next morning to show of the night's rain. The sun shone bright and the air had a clean and refreshing feel to it. Breakfast had finished nearly an hour before and the men were slowly performing morning chores and duties. Captain Parmenter had also relayed the news that he had received another telegram that morning from the railroad saying that the train had been put back on the tracks and was on its way; and for a certain sergeant and corporal, it couldn't come soon enough.

O'Rourke and Agarn stood leaning against the cannon as they discussed new ideas for O'Rourke Enterprises. Agarn straightened from leaning on the cannon wheel and stretched his arms, feeling the stiffness through his arms and back. He grimaced.

"Boy am I sore today. I got muscles that hurt I never knew I had before."

O'Rourke nodded in agreement. "Yeah, me too. That sure was some workout last night."

"I'm just glad we don't have to do it again, or I will desert." Agarn suddenly sneezed. He sniffed, wiping his nose like a little kid. "Hey Sarge, I think I caught a cold from working in that heavy rain."

"Don't worry. I've got a cure that'll make you forget all about it."

"What's that?"

O'Rourke leaned closer. "All the lovely profits that'll come rolling in when we sell those souvenirs and get the still running again."

Agarn grinned as he took a large breath. "I feel better already, Sarge." Agarn rested an arm on the cannon wheel. "When do we take 'em back up to the camp?"

"This afternoon. After the major leaves, I'll talk the captain into that picnic with Wrangler as we planned before."

"Beautiful, Sarge. Just beautiful! Nothin' can change our luck now."

Just then Major Chase came striding up and the two noncoms quickly grew quiet as they stood at attention and saluted.

Chase returned it. "As you were, men."

They did and O'Rourke asked, "You getting ready to leave now?"

"In a few hours, Sergeant. The train will be arriving at the station around one o'clock so I'll be leaving here by noon. Thought I'd just have one last look around before I did. I'll miss being on a fort once I'm back behind that desk in Washington. I used to command one myself, you know."

O'Rourke cleared his throat to stop him from continuing. "Uh, yes sir. You did tell us that."

"I did? Oh, yes. So I did."

"About fifty times," Agarn muttered so only the sergeant could hear.

Chase looked around fondly. "Yes, I'll certainly miss it once I get back. I had a lot of good times in my old fort. The feeling of waking with the sun, all the rigor and routine of a frontier fort, the drills, the adventures and thrills, the yells of "Charge!", the feel of the dust in your face and the sound of gunfire in your ears – charging into the teeth of the enemy!"

Agarn leaned close to the sergeant. "I don't know about you, but I think the major has an odd idea of 'good times'." O'Rourke suppressed a grin.

"Those were the days." Chase let out a long sigh after his little reminisce, then resumed his military baring. "Well, I'll better go make sure that the wagon with all my gifts are all ready to go." He started to turn but paused as though just remembering something. "Oh, that reminds me, there was one thing I was going to mention. It's about that wagon behind the barn."

Agarn's elbow fell of the wheel and he nearly toppled. A knot suddenly tightened in the pit of O'Rourke's stomach as he tried to ask as casually as possible, "Wagon, Sir?"

"Yes, the one behind the barn. I was looking around this morning and happened to see it back there. It really should be stored somewhere else, Sergeant. Good wagons like that are hard to come by."

"Oh, y-yes sir, Major. I'll take care of that right away, Sir."

Chase nodded with a pleased expression. "Good. You know, we need more men like you in the cavalry, Sergeant. You get things done without delay. Sign of a good soldier."

O'Rourke shrugged lightly, forcing a grin. "I do my best, Sir."

Chase patted him on the shoulder. "Well, keep it up, Sergeant. You're doing a good job." With an approving nod he looked around again, not noticing the anxious glances that passed between the two noncoms. "Yes, I must say I have enjoyed my time here."

"Well, I'm glad you did, Major," O'Rourke said.

Agarn put on a most earnest face. "The sergeant speaks for me too, Sir. And if I may say so, Sir; I'm positive I can say for the entire troop that it's been an honor and a privilege having a man of your heroic and outstanding record here with us at Fort Courage." Behind his back, Agarn tightened his crossed fingers a bit tighter.

Chase smiled graciously. "Why thank you, Corporal. That's very nice of you to say."

Agarn shrugged as he looked away while trying to appear modest. "Was just my opinion, Sir."

"Well it's very much appreciated, Corporal, I assure you. But I won't keep you men from whatever you were discussing. I have to go make sure I'm all packed anyway. And don't forget about that empty wagon."

O'Rourke saluted as did Agarn. "Yes, Sir."

Satisfied, Chase strode off toward headquarters.

Sagging against the cannon wheel, Agarn sighed in relief. "Boy that was close, Sarge. It's a good thing he didn't ask what was in those crates in that empty wagon." He stood there a second, then his eyes went wide as it penetrated. He and O'Rourke spun to face each other.

"EMPTY?!" they exclaimed.

Quickly glancing back to make sure the major was well gone, O'Rourke grabbed the corporal by the arm and started off. Agarn's strides became longer then he could remember as the sergeant pulled him along at a running walk crossed the compound. They flew around the corner of the barn and stopped short. Before them sat the wagon they had left the night before, only now it sat empty.

Nearly on the verge of panicking, Agarn rushed up and looked inside, feeling around to make sure he was really seeing nothing. He spun to the sergeant as he came up. "Sarge! What happened?! Where'd our lovely profit makers go?!"

O'Rourke stared in bewildered shock. "I – I don't know! They were here when we left last night! They've got to be around here somewhere!"

"You don't think Dobbs and Duffy found them again, do you?"

"Naw, they would've said something at mess." He ran a hand over his mouth as he tried to figure it.

Agarn's eyes went even wider as a terrible thought came to mind. "Sarge, you don't think … you don't think the captain found them do you?!"

O'Rourke shook his head. "No, he would've said something by now too. He's had more than enough chances to approach us with it."

Almost hyperventilating, Agarn asked, "What'll we do?!"

"We've got to find out where they went! We'll split up and try to find out something. Look in any place they could be! Don't do or say anything to let anyone catch on, but FIND THOSE BOXES!"

The next hour was spent in a game of hide-and-seek, searching through every barrack, shed, and building on the post. Every nook and cranny that a crate could and even could not hide. Innocent questions were slyly asked around to the other troopers, but none seemed to have any idea, even Dobbs and Duffy drew blanks.

It was nearly a quarter to eleven when O'Rourke finally ended up in front of the NCO barracks. He let out a tired breath as he scanned the post. It had been a fruitless search and there wasn't even a clue as to where to look next. He heard the door open behind him and turned to see Agarn come out onto the porch.

"Any luck, Sarge?" he asked.

The sergeant shook his head disgustedly to his friend's disappointment. "Nothing. Not even a single clue." He frowned curiously. "What were you doing in there?"

"Searching like you told me to."

O'Rourke looked at him in disbelief. "Our own quarters?"

"Well, it was the only place I hadn't looked yet." He spread his arms. "I'm telling you, Sarge, they're simply not here! I've looked everywhere. I searched the laundry, the mess hall, the rec hall; I even found a few places I never knew we had before!" Agarn deflated against the hitch rail. "Sarge, I hate to say this, but I think we've lost the trail."

O'Rourke sighed dismally as he too leaned on the rail. "I'm afraid you're right, Agarn."

"Well, even if these are gone, we can always make more to replace them, can't we?"

O'Rourke scowled. "Yeah, but I'd still have to pay Wild Eagle for making the new ones and if I know the chief, he's not going to exactly extend me a line of credit."

"What about the saloon? Couldn't that pay it off?"

"Serving what? Sarsaparilla and water? What whiskey we had on hand were in with those crates and we can't make more without the still. With the way business was going the saloon won't last another two days, then we'll have to shut down. And what money it has made the last week, I'll end up having to give Wild Eagle to pay off for the merchandise that we lost. And with that plus the tab for all the stuff the major, the captain," he looked hard at Agarn, "and you took while on that first-class tour, it won't be enough to cover even half my debt."

Agarn looked down at his boots and shifted uneasily. "I'm sorry about that, Sarge. I guess I just got … carried away."

"Yeah, and you carried my bankbook right along with you."

"I'll make it up to you."

O'Rourke blew out a breath that sounded like a sad laugh. "Doesn't matter much anymore anyway. I'm left with only one option."

"Desertion?"

"Bankruptcy." O'Rourke grimaced as the word left his mouth. "O'Rourke Enterprises is outta business, you and me are back in the Army, and that's that."

Agarn shook his head as he puckered his face. "I just don't understand it, Sarge. Where could they have gone? It's not like a wagonload of crates is easy to lose. Unless the rain washed 'em away last night."

O'Rourke scowled. "Are you kidding? It would've taken a flood to do that. Besides, the rain stopped before you and I ever even got inside, remember?"

"Oh, yeah." Agarn thought a moment. "You know, I've been thinking about that, Sarge. Even though your forecasting is off, I think you have a kind of knack there. Kinda' like what a medicine man does. Only instead of a medicine man, you're a weather man. You just tell it what you want it do, and it does the opposite." He shrank back uncomfortably under the sergeant's stare with a slight shrug. Then he sighed as he changed the subject. "Well, at least it didn't turn out all bad."

"And just how do you figure that?"

"Bad that they're gone, but good that the major didn't see them."

O'Rourke folded his arms. "Oh sure. Big comfort," he muttered.

"Just trying to see a bright side, Sarge." Just then, something caught Agarn's eye. He pointed up at the distant hill. "Hey, Sarge, look. Smoke signal from the Hekawi camp."

O'Rourke shaded his eyes as he watched the puffs of white smoke rising into the sky. "Yeah, it's from Wild Eagle all right."

"What's it say?"

Squinting, O'Rourke slowly read the message as it came up. "Come to camp … have good news … signed … Wild Eagle."

"Good news?" Agarn repeated. He gave a sarcastic laugh. "Good news?! We just lost all our souvenir stock to who-knows-where and we're going to go bankrupt! HA! How could there be any good news?!"

A bit later, the two soldiers rode once again into the Hekawi camp. After handing their horses off to Smoky Bear, they marched to the middle of the camp where Wild Eagle waited for them. O'Rourke decided not to waste time stalling. He walked right up and started talking.

"Chief, I'm not going to beat around the bush. I've got to tell you–"

"Good to see you, O'Rourke," Wild Eagle interrupted happily. "You too, Agarn."

O'Rourke grimaced as he thought how unhappy the chief would be in a minute. "Yeah. Look, I'm afraid I have to tell you some–"

"Glad you boys see signal. You come even quicker than me expect."

"Chief, will you listen to me?! This is very important! I'm afraid I got some bad news to tell you."

Wild Eagle held up a palm. "First, sergeant and corporal come with Wild Eagle. Show you why I send up smoke signal for you." He turned and walked off through the teepees. O'Rourke and Agarn exchanged puzzled glances and followed. Wild Eagle gave them a cryptic grin as they walked. "Have big surprise for you boys."

O'Rourke nearly laughed in misery. "Well, it's nothin' compared to the surprise I got for you. You see, last night we–" He suddenly froze in his tracks. "What's all those?"

They all looked. Before them was a large stack of crates.

"It couldn't be," Agarn whispered, then an exuberant smile slowly crept across his face. "It couldn't be … it is!"

O'Rourke turned in disbelief to the chief. "You mean to tell me – are those–!"

"Those all souvenirs," Wild Eagle said proudly. "After you tell about the trouble you in, I lead group of braves out to fort last night. We sneak in and bring boxes here."

"Well, what'da'ya' know!" O'Rourke exclaimed. "My good partner to the rescue! I knew you wouldn't let me down, Chief! Agarn, we're saved!"

Agarn clasped his hands. "Chief, you're wonderful!"

Wild Eagle smiled wide. "Was glad to help. After all, partners must stick together. Fifty-fifty on everything."

The sergeant slapped the chief on the back "Well, you just keep on thinking that way and you'll never regret it, Chief! This is going to earn you an extra bonus in your next cut of the profits."

Wild Eagle looked away as he shrugged. "Aw, it nothing. Not have to do that." He peeked up at the sergeant. "Unless you insist."

O'Rourke spread his arms. "It's the least I can do after what you did for me! I mean you've practically saved O'Rourke Enterprises."

"I help too," Crazy Cat put in hopefully. But when the chief shot him a look, he added, "But Chief the one who lead us."

O'Rourke laughed. "Well now, don't you fret none, my crazy kitty. They'll be a little bonus for all you workers!"

Crazy Cat's smile returned. "That mighty nice of you, Sergeant O'Rourke."

O'Rourke patted the assistant chief's shoulder. "Glad to do it, Craze. Glad to do it. After all, I'm sure it was no easy job sneaking into the fort and getting these out."

Wild Eagle nodded adamantly. "Can say that again. Had to sneak into fort, creep round in dark, and everything. Then it took while to get all boxes switched around. Then had to carry them all out and load them all in cart to bring them here."

Agarn looked up at the sergeant, with admiration on his face. "Now is he a wonderful human being or isn't he?"

"Yeah, he sure is. And now that we're in business again, I've had some ideas in my head–" O'Rourke's words chopped off. The smile vanished as he looked at Wild Eagle. "What did you just say?"

"Said we have to carry and load all boxes in cart to bring them–"

"No, the part before that."

Wild Eagle looked a bit confused but did as he asked. "Say we have to sneak into fort, creep round in dark, and–"

"No, no, Chief! The part after that!"

"You mean middle part?"

"Yeah, that's the part."

"Why not say so in first place. Save lot of time." Again Wild Eagle repeated, "Say it take much work and time having to switch boxes round. Then went on to last part."

Agarn went pale. He fell against O'Rourke, suddenly feeling sick. "Oh, Sarge. You don't think…?" He nearly toppled over when his support abruptly left. O'Rourke flew over to the boxes and pulled one down from the stack. He began prying the corner up.

"Agarn! Give me a hand!"

Together both heaved on the lid until it came off with a loud snap. O'Rourke tossed it aside and looked in. He blinked and looked again, trying not to see what was there. He gazed up to the sky and shook his head, looking as though he could cry. "Oh no," he moaned.

Agarn took off his hat and clutched it to his chest, chin quivering. He sniffled, "It … can't be …" He whimpered, "It's … just not fair …" He sobbed, "This can't happen…" Then he wailed, "It can't happen! It's not fair!" The last few words were muffled as he buried his face into O'Rourke's shoulder and continued to bawl hysterically.

Wild Eagle watched in puzzlement. He turned to Crazy Cat. "Didn't think they would get so emotional about it."

"That pale face for you," Crazy Cat answered. "Always get emotional over little things."

"Wild Eagle!" O'Rourke's voice thundered.

The chief moved over, smiling wide, expecting praise.

O'Rourke stared straight into the chief's eyes as he pointed down with a finger. "Look."

Wild Eagle did and the smile suddenly vanished. Instead of souvenirs, the box were loaded to the brim with the trinkets, blankets, and beads that he'd given the major two days before. "What this!" he exclaimed and spun to Crazy Cat. "What these doing in there? Where souvenirs?"

Crazy Cat stared, quite muddled. "Not know chief. We only did as you say."

"Well something sure went wrong!" O'Rourke growled. He shook the corporal who was still soaking his shirt in tears. "Agarn. C'mon, snap out of it, buddy. We can't figure anything out if you keep crying."

Agarn's quivering face reappeared, sniffing loudly. "I'm sorry, Sarge. I guess my emotions just … ran away with me." He wiped his eyes and put his hat back on.

Wild Eagle shook his head. "Not understand. You tell us souvenirs loaded on wagon inside barn. Others with Hekawi gifts on wagon behind barn. We sneak into fort, take boxes from wagon inside barn and replace with ones from behind barn, then bring ones from inside barn here."

It was all clear. A hand slapped over the sergeant's face and slowly slid down. "When…" came through clenched teeth, "did you switch the boxes?"

"Last night after big rain." Crazy Cat answered. "Was going to go sooner but big rain make us wait. Hekawi not like get wet."

Wild Eagle nodded as he made a face. "Should see commotion in camp when time for Saturday night baths."

The hand came down hard as a fist against O'Rourke's leg. "We had already switched the boxes!"

Shock flashed across the chief's red face. "What?!"

"Agarn and I figured out a way to switch them back and did it last night during the downpour! You've given the major the ones with the souvenirs!"

"Major got our merchandise again?!

"That's right! Again!"

Wild Eagle frowned. "Him have them so much, he should start charging for transport and storage."

O'Rourke scowled. "Ha ha. Very funny."

Crazy Cat turned to the sergeant, perplexed. "Sergeant, why you switch boxes during big rain? Good way to catch pneumonia, you know."

"I think I already have," Agarn practically moaned, putting a hand on his chest as he coughed. "And to think I'll have to suffer through it all for nothing."

"Oh, cut it out, Agarn. You're fine," O'Rourke scolded, then explained. "We had already started before the downpour began."

"Should have waited," Crazy Cat said.

"Why?"

"We would have been along in hour or so and could have helped you."

O'Rourke moaned behind the hand that rubbed over his face.

Agarn tossed his arms. "Can you believe it? The one time Vanderbilt couldn't see in the dark and it had to be then!"

"Him not miss us," Wild Eagle said.

"He didn't?" Agarn said with surprise.

"No. Him very polite about it. Call us "fellas" and even say he not going to shoot at us because we weren't Indians."

O'Rourke snapped his fingers. "He must've thought it was us out there again."

"Even if him wrong, did appreciate that very much," Crazy Cat added.

"How do you like that?" Agarn gripped loudly. "We could've just let Vanderbilt take his shift instead of going to all the trouble that we did."

Crazy Cat looked at Wild Eagle. "Chief, if them already switch boxes, why not have us just take those boxes instead of having us switch again before we take, if that only put us in worse corn mush?"

Wild Eagle turned to his assistant chief with a scowl. "How I 'spose to know them already switch boxes?" Exasperated, he picked up the lid and slammed it on top of the crate. "Here! Go and take box with you! Put lid back on!"

Crazy Cat picked up the crate. "Too bad all that sneaking and freezing for nothing," he said.

Agarn frowned as he watched him walk off. "Freezing?"

O'Rourke heaved a sigh. "We won't get another chance like that again. It's too late now anyway. The Major leaves at noon today."

"Me sorry 'bout this, O'Rourke," Wild Eagle apologized.

"Ah, it's alright, chief. You couldn't've known and you were trying to help. But if we're still going to save our skins we've got to come up with something – and fast."

Wild Eagle waved a hand through the air solemnly, his tone low and mystic. "Hekawis have wise old Indian saying for times like this: 'When chipmunk fall from tree in starless night and coyote howl at moonless sky, then will canoe sink in sunless day."

Agarn frowned. "What does that mean?"

Wild Eagle face turned bleak. "Mean: This what I call big mess."

O'Rourke nodded. "You can say that again. And we're going to be in an even bigger mess when those boxes get opened in Washington. That'll not only be the end of O'Rourke Enterprises, but the end the tribe – and us!"

"Will help any way I can," Wild Eagle offered. "What you want me do?"

O'Rourke shook his head, lips tight. "I don't know yet. I don't even know if there's anything we can do."

"Maybe they'll just store the stuff away and never look in them," Agarn threw out.

"Are you crazy? The whole reason of taking them back is to show 'em off!"

Agarn scuffed a boot in the dirt. "I was just trying to be optimistic."

O'Rourke gave an emotionless laugh. "Some optimism. Now let me think."

"Well, if we think of a plan as good as the one yesterday then we are in trouble." Agarn perked up. "Hey, Sarge, why don't you just tell the weather to have a drought. Then maybe it'll flood the road and wash it out and the major won't be able to leave."

Wild Eagle expressed surprise. "Him able to do that?"

Agarn nodded. "He did it last night, except he kinda works in reverse."

Wild Eagle looked impressed at the sergeant. "Boy, would my medicine man like to take lessons from you."

"Would you two just be quiet? I'm trying to think of something," O'Rourke snapped. The two fell silent as they watched the sergeant intently. A few moments of silence elapsed. Agarn leaned forward hopefully.

"Think of anything?"

O'Rourke's face was grim. "Nope. Have you?"

Agarn straightened with a deep breath. "Yes. There's only one thing we can do, Sarge."

"What's that?"

"I'll get the blindfolds. We'll just get it over with now and then we won't have to worry about it later." Agarn started to walk away, but O'Rourke grabbed him by his gun belt and yanked him back.

"We're not in front of the firing squad yet! We've just got to switch those boxes back for the ones that major thinks he has and we'll be alright."

"But how, Sarge?"

"I don't know yet! Now just be quiet and give me a minute to think." O'Rourke released Agarn and walked a ways off where he could be undisturbed. He began to pace with hands behind his back and head down in deep thought.

Agarn watched him a moment before turning to Wild Eagle. "While the Sarge is thinking, maybe you can come up with something."

Arms crossed, Wild Eagle squinted as he looked up, head cocked slightly to one side. Agarn held his breath. Wild Eagle finally shook it gloomily. "Sorry, Agarn. Got nothing at moment."

Agarn seemed to wilt. "Well, that's it then."

The chief put a hand up. "But not to worry. I think up something."

Not at all reassured, Agarn glared off into nothingness. "I never knew what that saying meant until now."

"What saying?"

"The one that goes: 'We're up a creek without a paddle'."

"Where you hear that Hekawi saying? Didn't think that one got around much."

Agarn looked at him. "You? We made that up."

Wild Eagle made a face as he flipped a hand. "Naw, that just said by jealous paleface who steal saying from Hekawi."

Agarn rolled his eyes with a sigh. "Chief, forget the sayings. Can't you come up with something to help us?"

Wild Eagle put his head up with a wise expression. "There be only one suggestion I can give you. Not guarantee it work, but have chance."

Agarn's arms spread out beseechingly. "What?! Anything that'll help! What is it?!"

"Pray that major get ambushed by Shugs on way to train station."

Agarn's hands fell limply to his sides. His eyes rolled. "Oh sure. Great advice," he grumbled.

"Said it not guaranteed."

"Why don't we just have them send the boxes back to us while they're at it? It'll save us the trip!" the corporal threw out sarcastically.

O'Rourke suddenly spun around with a snap of his fingers. "That's it!" Wild Eagle and Agarn started at the exclamation. O'Rourke ran over and slapped the chief on the shoulder. "That's it, Chief! You've just come up with the answer!"

Wild Eagle's stunned face broke into a toothy smile. He looked at Agarn triumphantly. "You see? I tell you I come up with something." He looked back at O'Rourke, grin turned lopsided. "What I come up with?"

"What you said about the major getting ambushed! That's the answer!"

He heard Agarn's voice came from behind. "Kind of a long shot, Sarge, but if you think it'll work, I'll give it a try."

"What?"

O'Rourke turned around, looking to where Agarn's eyes level should have been, but found his friend gone. Confused, he scanned around a moment before spotting the corporal kneeling on the ground near his feet, eyes closed and hands folded before his face.

His voice came softly up like that of a little boy's. "Now I lay me down to sleep–"

"Agarn!" O'Rourke grabbed him by the back suspender and jerked him to his feet. "What are you doin'?"

"Well, the chief suggested to pray the major get ambushed and you said that was our answer," Agarn explained.

"That's not what I meant and just how does "lay me down to sleep" fit in with that anyway?"

"That's how I always start my prayers. I have to get past that part before I go on to the rest of what I'm going to say."

O'Rourke let the suspender go with a snap. "Well, save it for bed tonight. We're gunna have a lot to do before then."

"What'd'ya mean?"

"Don't you see? If the major was ambushed and the boxes stolen, then they'd never make it to Washington."

Agarn put his hands on his hips. "Well, that's a great thought, but again, isn't that kind of a long shot for that to happen?"

A sly grin came to O'Rourke's lips. "Not if we help it."

Agarn looked sideways at him. "Help it?" When he saw the look in the sergeant's eye, a pathetic smile turned up at the corners of his mouth as understanding began to sink in. He gave an awkward laugh. "Now wait a minute, Sarge. You don't mean … we're going to ambush … a United States Army officer? A … a major?!" He gave another weak laugh and wobbled, looking as though he could faint.

O'Rourke caught him and lightly slapped his face to keep him awake. "Hey, don't worry. It won't be us actually attacking. We'll have the Hekawis to do it."

"Hekawis ambush major?!" Wild Eagle exclaimed.

"Right."

"But we give him gifts of peace! Will spoil brand-new friendship if we ambush him now."

"I got that figured out too. We'll dress up the braves to make them look like Shug warriors. He'll think it's the Shugs who are attacking and that'll leave you boys in the clear."

Agarn cut in. "But, won't it kinda' look bad for the major when he gets back to Washington without any gifts from the Indians? We could end up getting in trouble."

O'Rourke shook his head as he patted the air. "Don't worry about that either. They won't actually be "stolen". We'll just make it look like they're gunna be, then rescue them."

Brow furrowed, Agarn blinked, trying to sort this out. "But … won't that leave us right back with the same problem as before?"

O'Rourke chuckled smugly. "Not with what I got in mind." He turned to the chief. "What'd'ya' say, Wild Eagle? You with us?"

Wild Eagle thought a moment. "Well … okay, O'Rourke. If it mean saving business. But there one matter must be attended to first."

O'Rourke's head tilted. "Oh? What's that?"

"Will need you to pay in advance for attack. Let me see, that be …" Wild Eagle counted on his fingers a second. "94 dollars and 75 cents."

"What!?" Agarn and O'Rourke blurted.

"But we're in this together, Chief!" Agarn objected. "Besides, that's downright robbery! 94 dollars just for an Indian attack?!"

Wild Eagle stood unmoved. "Phony Hekawi attacks not cheap these days. Especially when pretending to be somebody else. Also covering tab for," he began counting off on his fingers, "first-class tour, souvenir headdress, ceremony, and overnight storage we have to give major."

"What's the 75 cents for?" Agarn asked.

"Charge for working tom-tom players overtime."

Agarn shrank back, mouth twitching guiltily.

O'Rourke spread his arms. "I told you I'd cover that. If I have to pay, let's just cover the attack right now. I'll give you the rest later."

"No better time to do that than when already paying for something else."

O'Rourke pointed at the chief sternly. "Now look, Chief. When we agreed to be partners that meant we share the good with the bad. Fifty-fifty on everything."

"Never specified what halves each had to take."

O'Rourke glowered at the chief. "Why you…"

Wild Eagle looked undaunted as he pointed at the climbing sun. "Better make up mind. Getting later all the time."

Caught over a barrel, the sergeant growled in relenting frustration. "Alright, Chief, alright. Tell you what, I'll pay half now and the other half once we get the crates back and the souvenirs on the market. How's that?"

Wild Eagle didn't look sold on the offer. "Well …"

"And I'll throw in two cases of whisky."

"Five."

"Three."

"Four."

"Three, plus the bonus I promised."

"Well…"

O'Rourke shrugged. "Course, I could take out the bonus…"

Wild Eagle quickly jumped in. "On other hand, don't want to be greedy. You got deal, friend. Three cases whiskey plus bonus."

Agarn pressed close as he whispered, "Sarge, what if it doesn't work out? You won't be able to pay it off."

"If it doesn't, then we won't have to worry about that."

"Why?"

"We'll be too busy running."

Agarn licked his lips as he backed off, fully understanding.

O'Rourke tuned back to the chief. "Now about the major. Here's what I'm thinking. We–"

"O'Rourke," Wild Eagle interrupted.

"What?"

"Like I say: you pay in advance. Have to cover expenses for fake attack, you know."

With a growl, O'Rourke dug into his pocket and pulled out a wad of bills, all that was left of his business. He counted off a pile and slapped them into the open red palm that quickly snatched them away. He looked sadly at the few scant bills left in his own hand. "Okay, now that's settled. Here's what I'm thinking we–"

"Wait!" The chief held up a hand.

"Now what?!"

Wild Eagle held up the bills in his hand. "This half of 94 dollars. Still owe 38 cents."

"Half of 75 cents is 37 cents. Not 38."

"Not if rounding up."

O'Rourke scowled. "Skinflint," he muttered and handed him a dollar bill. "There! Keep the change as an advancement on the next payment."

Wild Eagle smiled as he tucked the wad into his buckskin pocket. "Now we get down to business! What we do?"

Agarn looked up at the sergeant. "Yeah, Sarge. What we do? We're going to have to move fast. If the major's leaving at noon, we'll have to rush just to get back before he leaves the fort."

O'Rourke nodded. "Right. Now," he motioned for them to gather closer, "here's what we're going to do…"