“They’re not here.”

Previously: There was but one survivor, Captain Obediah McMillan, the commander. With the first volley by the 1^st platoon, he dove for cover and struck his head on a rock—and when they found him he was just coming to, “Greetings, Captain, it appears your attack failed.”

Cooper’s men quickly disarmed McMillan and bound his hands, “But—how?”

Cooper grinned, “We fought you Indian-style. We forced you through a defile and engaged your troops from long range—on both your flanks and from cover in front of you—too far away for your carbines, and certainly too far for your sabres.”

“That ain’t fair.”

“Combat is not supposed to be fair, you outnumbered us by nearly 10:1, that’s not fair either.”

Chapter 6—Loco Part III—Fort Savage—Episode 10… Lt. Col. Cooper was ready to depart when Gray Wolf approached, “We will take our leave, Colonel, we have pressing business at Fort Savage. I am leaving the six extra Farkleberry-Henry Rifles we brought with your scouts—they learn quickly.”

“We will be moving directly there ourselves—we could ride together.”

“We will be moving directly there ourselves—we could ride together.”

“No offence, Colonel, but we ride faster than your cavalry, and we don’t have a prisoner.”

“Very well, Mingan-Silverthorn, I look forward to our next meeting. About those long-range Henrys…”

“When you arrive at the fort, wire Medlar Farkleberry and place an order. You might even ask for a bayonet fitting…”

“HA!” Cooper snorted, “Bayonet, indeed!”

And with that, a laughing Grey Wolf and his sharpshooters rode off—but not into the sunset—THAT was hours away.

Meanwhile—back at the Cantina… Now under new management! The two old cavalrymen had retired and settled-in to turning “La Cantina” (new management-new name) into a place where all are welcome (as long as they don’t cause trouble).

“Sergeant-Major Cantrell?” Chris began a question…

“Sergeant-Major Cantrell?” Chris began a question

“That would be Sergeant-Major Cantrell, retired,” Cantrell laughed, “Please continue Marshal…”

“Shouse, Chris Shouse. We’re here to find and arrest several troopers from Fort Savage who were extorting business owners in Loco, and ultimately attacked the town. Who can we trust to help us find them?”

“They’re not here.”

To be Continued…