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[Concluding chapter six]
“I told you that this would work,” Walker told Fontaine and Wheat. The animals had been fed, and the supplies in the wagons topped up to allow another day’s travel. Now the column was ready to move out, and there were still a couple of hours of daylight, plus a long dusk, left before travel would become difficult. According to Pickett, the next sixty to seventy miles of road were dotted with farms suitable to serve as a source of supplies. If God was with them and sped their way, they might not have to replenish their supplies more than once until they reached Bowie county, better than half-way to Washington.
“We are moving faster,” Wheat admitted—reluctantly, Walker thought.
“Is there a problem, Captain Wheat?” Walker asked.
“Begging your pardon, Colonel, but don’t you think we’re increasing our risk of early discovery by supplying ourselves this way?”
Walker nodded; the thought had occurred to him as well. “There is a risk,” he said. “But it’s justified by our increased speed. We’re now moving quickly enough that we will be in the vicinity of Washington, and have joined up with our allies in the Texas Army, before the authorities in the capital can be notified and take any decisive action. In addition, word of our strength my help persuade the populace that we are a force to be treated with respect. Never underestimate the power of fear, Captain.”
“Assuming we want these people afraid of us,” Fontaine said.
“Most Texans have no need to fear us,” Walker said. “Those who do have cause to be afraid should know sooner rather than later that Texas is about to enter upon a new path. We are the messengers of a new freedom and a new glory for the Lone Star Republic, gentlemen. Let us be quick about delivering our message, quick and decisive.”
“By God,” Wheat said, laughing, “when you talk that way I want to go out and whip the entire world with both hands tied behind my back.”
“Whipping the British and their allies will be enough, Captain Wheat,” Walker said. He returned the smile. “Let’s move, gentlemen, while we still have daylight. I want to be well beyond Carthage before we stop for the night.”
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