Falcon cocked the pistol and pointed it at the spokesman’s chest. “And I really don’t want to do that, because then that would leave only two of you to do the work. Think about it. Wouldn’t it be easier for three of you to do it than it would be for two of you?”
“No, no, we’ll move the wagons,” the leader of the outlaws said, realizing not only that Falcon meant business, but that he was the one under the gun. “Come on, men, let’s get the wagons out of there so these folks can pass.”
As the three would-be robbers moved the wagons, the carriage driver spliced the cut line, then climbed back into the seat. Less than three minutes after they had been stopped, they were under way once more, en route to the office of the Secretary of War.
Once they arrived, Lorena asked Falcon to wait for a moment in the anteroom while she went in to see the secretary. A moment later, Secretary Taft himself came to greet him.
“Well, Mr. MacCallister, Lorena just told me what a hero you are.”
“Nothing heroic about it, Mr. Secretary,” Falcon replied. “A pistol against knives is just common sense.”
The secretary laughed out loud. “A pistol against knives is common sense,” he said. “Oh, my, that is a good one. Well, do come in, Mr. MacCallister. Or should I say Colonel MacCallister. I can guarantee you, your commission will be approved.”
“Thank you,” Falcon said.
When Falcon followed Secretary Taft into his office, he saw Lorena standing by the secretary’s desk, smiling at him.
“Miss Wood, if you don’t mind, would you act as a witness while I administer the oath?” Taft asked.
“I would be happy to,” Lorena replied.
“If you would please, Mr. MacCallister, raise your right hand.”
MacCallister responded as directed, then repeated the oath after the secretary.
“I, Falcon MacCallister having been appointed a reserve officer in the Army of the United States, in the grade of lieutenant colonel, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
“Congratulations, Colonel,” Secretary Taft said, extending his hand.
“Thank you,” Falcon said.
“May I offer my own congratulations?” Lorena asked, extending her hand as well.
Chapter Seven
As Falcon and Secretary Taft left the secretary’s office, Custer was waiting outside.
“General Custer,” Taft said, surprised to see him. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“Mr. Secretary, last Friday, when I spoke with General Sherman, he told me that he asked you to write a letter to the managers of the impeachment trial, requesting that I be released so I can return to my command,” Custer said.
Taft cleared his throat. “Uh, yes, he did ask me to write such a letter.”
“And did you?”
“I was ordered not to,” Taft replied. “I was directed to designate another officer to command the Seventh.”
“You were
“You are not wrong, Custer,” Taft replied.
“I cannot believe that Grant would endanger the entire campaign for political retaliation,” Custer said. “This is unconscionable. Where is General Sherman? I must speak with him.”
“The general is in New York,” Taft said. “Perhaps if you went directly to the president to plead your case, he would reconsider.”
“I have been to see the president,” Custer replied, fuming. “For three days I have been to see him, and today he kept me cooling my heels in his office for five hours. Finally Colonel Ingalls happened by and interceded with the president for me, but Grant sent word that he would not receive me.”
“I’m sorry,” Taft said.
“Yes, well, being sorry doesn’t get the job done, does it?” Custer sighed audibly. He looked over at Falcon, who had been standing by in silence for the entire time.
“Falcon,” he said, as if just now noticing him. “I’m sorry you had to be privy to this.”
“No need to apologize,” Falcon replied. “I can understand your frustration.”
“When are you going back?”
“I leave on the evening train,” Falcon said.
“I’m going back as well,” Custer said.
