The Argo Goes West

66, Viva women!, part 1

"Hi-Yo!"

Bonnie Monaghan's shouted echoed across the meadow. Her horse, Gwendolen, sped up. A bronze giant chased them. The giant leaned forward and reached out, but could not catch them. Bonnie was calm. However, those watching were nervous. Lieutenant Colonel Shelby of Company B, 3rd Cavalry Regiment asked Pat Garrett with a frown.

"Why are you letting her do it?"

"Because that's her job," Pat Garrett quipped.

"I think there's someone else who's better suited. Or does that mean your subordinates are all cowards?"

"No way. They're all professionals. They each have their own unique talents. She's the best fit for the job, and they all agree."

"But she's a woman."

Pat Garrett felt uncomfortable with Lt. Col. Shelby. Shelby believed that women could only do housework and take care of children.

"Have you seen Annie Oakley?" Pat asked softly.

"Annie Oakley? Is that Annie Oakley from the Wild West show?"

"Yes."

"No."

"If you have the chance, you should definitely see her performance."

"Huh. Why should I watch acrobatics?" Lt. Col. Shelby laughed. Pat tried to argue back, but Theodore Roosevelt, who was standing behind them, interrupted their conversation.

"You're talking about Annie Oakley, aren't you? She's a great gunslinger. She hit dimes tossed into the air and shot cigarettes from her husband's lips."

Shelby said with regret. "Isn't that a trick?"

"It's not a trick," said Roosevelt. "Actually, I'm a big fan of Annie. I even got the name Rough Riders from Annie's 'Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World'. I asked her if she would like to participate in this expedition, but she declined. However, she promised to cooperate with us in logistical support. Specifically, training shooters, including women."

Shelby was unable to object. He excused himself by going back to work and left.

"Thank you," Pat said, and Roosevelt smiled and winked.

Theodore Roosevelt had ordered the giants not to be destroyed, but to be captured alive. And, if possible, unscathed. The Argo crew, the cavalrymen, the track workers, and the Rough Riders all mobilize to dig a huge pit. The holes were filled with water and covered with hay. Bonnie and Gwendolen ran straight towards the trap.

Seeing the approaching Bronze Giant, the people who were waiting raised their voices of admiration. The giant was as tall as a five- or six-story building. Washington Post cartoonist Clifford K. Berryman excitedly sketched the Colossus.

Just before the trap, Bonnie turned her horse around the outside of the hay. However, the Bronze Giant fell into a pitfall.

"Now or never!"

Deke Anderson shot the Harpoon cannon at the giant. The harpoon hit the giant's solid bronze body and fell into the water.Alternating current electricity, invented by Nikola Tesla, ran through the cable connected to the harpoon at breakneck speed, leaking into the water from the tip of the harpoon. At that moment, the giant who was struggling in the water was electrocuted and stopped moving.