Quicksilver Passion (120 page)

It’s still
my
word,” Cherokee said,
and I just can’t break it, even to a Yankee. Call it foolish, call it old-fashioned, it doesn’t matter. Like I said, Dowdy, be careful. As big as you are and with that shock of red hair, you stand out in a crowd. You don’t want to say things that would attract our young colonel’s attention. I think he’s just itching to make an example of someone.”

They found out just how scared the green officer was the next day as the boat inched its way upstream. He called an assembly of the whole six hundred troops and announced that it had been reported that Willian Dowdy was urging treason. There would be a hearing, the officer announced, but he intended to make it clear that he would tolerate no treason or talk of uprisings among the former Confederates.

The hearing as such was a joke. In vain, the big, clumsy boy pleaded his innocence. In vain, Cherokee appeared before the hearing, speaking in the blacksmith’s defense and protesting Dowdy’s arrest while the boat chugged up the muddy Missouri.

The verdict was a forgone conclusion. Cherokee had already sensed that from the hostile faces of the officers hearing the case. Still he was shocked when Colonel Dimon announced that William Dowdy had been found guilty, and would be taken ashore the next day and executed.

There was a collective gasp from the assembled men when the verdict was announced.

Cherokee asked to see the colonel in his cabin and protested that even in war, no soldier could be executed for any reason without a chance to appeal. Anyway, the President himself had to sign the documents in a case like this and Lincoln was well known for his kind heart, and more likely than not, would commute the sentence.

Sir, you just can’t do it,” Cherokee said.
You are overstepping your authority.”

The youthful officer stood up and paced the small cabin.
My authority is what’s on the line here, Evans. You think I don’t know it hasn’t crossed everyone’s mind how easy it would be to mutiny, take over the
Effie Deans
, and float her back down the river to rejoin Southern guerilla fighters?”

I tell you Dowdy is innocent!” Cherokee said.
He’s not smart enough to plan something like you suggest. It was just loose talk.”

What’s loose around here is discipline, Evans,” The slightly built officer eyed him coldly.
An example has to be made so these men will know I mean business and will deal with troublemakers like yourself and the private without hesitation.”

Are you threatening me, sir?”

The young officer glared at him and Cherokee saw nervous sweat on the other’s almost beardless face.
Let’s just say I will command, I will control this bunch of Rebels, no matter what I have to do!”

It’s on your conscience then.” Cherokee turned to go.