Custer said. “In that case, I shall regard you as a brother officer.”
“I would not presume to put myself on par with those who are actually serving today,” Falcon said. “The army has opened up the West for settlement, guarded rail and stage lines, conducted campaigns against an enemy who is as amorphous as dust, yet as deadly as a rattlesnake. I have nothing but respect for those who go forty miles a day on beans and hay.”
Custer laughed out loud, then applauded. “Bravo, Colonel MacCallister, bravo,” he said.
As they left the club that night, Custer took a newspaper clipping from his pocket and handed it to Falcon. “You might want to read this,” he said. “At your convenience, of course.”
“Thank you,” Falcon replied.
In his hotel room that night, Falcon turned up the gas lantern to provide enough light to allow him to read the article Custer had given him. The article told of Custer’s appearance before the congressional committee.
Dishonesty at the Highest Levels!
PRESIDENT’S BROTHER INVOLVED.
Committee Hears Testimony from Custer.
WASHINGTON, MARCH 29—General G.A. Custer appeared before Congressman Hiester Clymer’s committee this morning. The noted Indian fighter is prepossessing in appearance, has regular features with a well-manicured moustache, reddish blond hair, an intelligent expression, and is rather handsome. He was attired in black coat, light pants, red vest, white ruffled shirt, and black cravat.
The general’s testimony was given with composure and gentlemanly bearing, without any hesitation whatever. In this respect he contrasted with great advantage to the previous testimony given in a nervous and halting manner by the accused government officials: Belknap and Orville Grant. In his testimony, Custer charged both Belknap and Grant with corruption. “In the frontier swindling business, they have sold their honor for money,” Custer said.
“So, what do you think?” Custer asked Falcon the next morning when he joined Falcon, Andrew, and Rosanna for breakfast at Delmonico’s restaurant.
“It’s an—interesting—article,” Falcon said, not sure how Custer wanted him to reply.
“Yes, well, to tell the truth, I wish I had never gotten involved in this nasty business in the first place,” Custer said. “I should be back at Ft. Lincoln, preparing my regiment for the scout we have planned. But I was summoned to Washington to give testimony, and I had no choice. And, since I have been released to return to my regiment, I guess it has all worked out well. The important thing is, Belknap has been forced to resign, and the army can only but benefit from that fact.”
“General Custer?” someone said, approaching the table. It was a young boy, wearing a blue cap that read WESTERN UNION.
“Yes?” Custer replied.
“Your hotel said I would find you here, sir. I have a telegram for you,” the boy said, holding an envelope out toward Custer.
“Thank you,” Custer said, giving the boy a coin and retrieving the telegram.
As he read it, his face registered surprise, then frustration.
“Unbelievable,” he said, putting the telegram down. “This is simply unbelievable.”
“What is it, General?” Andrew asked.
Sighing, Custer picked up the telegram and read aloud.
“In the matter of the hearing against former Secretary Belknap, the United States Senate hereby summons Lt. Col. Brevet Major General Custer to reappear before the Clymer Committee to give additional testimony. Stop.”
He put the telegram back down. “This is Belknap’s doing, I know it is,” he said. “Possibly it is even the president himself.” Custer shook his head. “I can’t be bothered with this. I have to get back to my regiment. We are going to take to the field soon.”
“What are you going to do?” Rosanna asked.
Custer drummed his fingers on the table. “I’m a soldier, which means I will respond to my orders. I’ll leave for Washington tomorrow.”
“Why, Falcon, that’s when you are going, isn’t it?” Rosanna asked.
“Yes, it is.”
“Perhaps the two of you can travel together,” Andrew said.
“Yes, I’m sure we can,” Falcon replied.
Custer looked over at Falcon and smiled. “Well, then, the one bright spot is that we will be able to continue our friendship.”
Chapter Five
Washington, D.C.
When Falcon met Custer at the train depot the next morning, both men were in uniform. And although they were the same rank, Custer had taken liberties with his uniform. Under his tunic, Custer was wearing a sailor shirt, with wide collars that protruded over the tunic. He was also wearing a bright red scarf held together at the neck with a turquoise and silver ring. The cuffs were trimmed in gold. He was wearing a white Stetson hat with one side pinned up by a pair of crossed sabers, while the other side was decorated with a long red feather.
“What do you think of it?” Custer asked.
“I beg your pardon?”
“My uniform. I see that you have taken an interest in it. What do you think?”
“I’ll say this for it, General. It is about the most”—Falcon paused to come up with the right word—“unique uniform I’ve ever seen.”
Custer laughed. “Yes, unique,” he said. “That’s exactly the way I want people to perceive it. Unique.”
Falcon had noticed, for the last several moments, that a young woman had been standing nearby, unabashedly staring at Custer. Finally, as if screwing up her courage, she approached him.
“Are you General Custer?” she asked.
“Yes, madam, I am he,” Custer replied a bit grandiloquently.
“Oh, I knew it!” the woman squealed excitedly. “I told my sister that’s who you are. I’ve read all about you, General. It is so exciting to be able to meet you.”
Custer took off his hat, made a sweeping bow, then lifted the lady’s hand and kissed it.
“Believe me, madam, anytime I get the opportunity to meet a beautiful woman, the pleasure is all mine.”
A uniformed official of the railroad stepped up onto a large box, around which was a fixed array of megaphones.
“Attention, attention! The train for Newark, Philade-phia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., now boarding on track number nine!”
“That’s us,” Custer said. “Come, we’ll find a comfortable seat.”
The
