Many bad things have happened to the Navajos. Many bad things.

Frank T. Johnson Francis was up before sunrise and ready to ride. Rosario was there, holding the reins of his mount, sitting on Hobbs’s favorite gelding. Francis looked at her and gave a wide grin.

“What’s this, Mamacita?”

“I will go with you, Francis.” She handed over his reins, turned and started riding out, forcing the young man to catch up. He did and rode up next to her. She looked extra pretty today and he wondered at that.

“What are you up to, ma’am? How the boys goin’ to eat? They’ll starve to death without you.”

“No, they are fine. I made extra food and the boys are planning a stew, an Irish stew, God help them all, that sounds disgusting.”

They rode and Francis thought on it and waited for her to tell him her big secret. He knew there must be a connection. Maybe she wasn’t a Mexicana after all. Maybe she was some long-lost Navajo princess.

“I know Redshirt very well, Francis.” She saw him grin and knew he didn’t understand. She figured she’d just go ahead and get it over with. “He used to visit me when he was out this way doing business.” She smiled and looked on at Francis who she knew could be quite the bumpkin sometimes. He still did not understand. “In a biblical way, Francis.”

“Oh, oh!” He blushed and she smiled again.

“He’s a good one, Francis. He is a good lover and he is a good man and good friend. I am not going to give him any trouble. This is our secret. Redshirt has a jealous wife. You understand?”

“Sí, Mamacita, I understand. Mum’s the word.” He put a finger to his lips. He rode on and looked back at his companion. “You are full of surprises, Mamacita, full of surprises for sure.”

“I know he trusts you, Francis, but he trusts me, too. Between us we will get him to go in, I am certain of this. We need to do this. He’s a good man, and he’s had many bad things from you gringos. Many bad things have happened to the Navajos. Many bad things.” Allingham