The Argo Goes West

121, Apple of Discord, part 3

Sergeant Paul Reisman pointed his rifle at John Carter above the city gate. Of course, it was too far away and even if Riseman shot it, it wouldn't hit Carter. But many times he imagined killing Carter.

Clay Roberts, vice-captain, came up the ladder and called out to him. "Sergeant Riseman."

"Yes sir," Riseman replied with a salute.

"What do you think of Carter's demands?" asked Roberts. "I want to hear your frank opinion."

"I have no opinion."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm a soldier. I just follow orders."

"Will you follow my orders?"

"Of course I will. The vice-captain is my superior."

"Good. Take it easy."

Roberts then asked Romolo and several other subordinates the same question. Roberts felt that most of the men would take his side.

When Roberts returned to Car 6, Cassandra had changed into the Gibson Girl-style outfit Miss Craig had lent her.

"I think it's best to ask Mr. Williams, a lawyer," Cassandra said. "He's talkative enough to convince everyone. And Mr. Turner, Councilman. He's popular with women. And Mr. Davis, Chief of Police—"

"If possible, I want to do it calmly. I want to take command without shedding blood."

Cassandra smiled and said, "Let me introduce you to the right person. The man who was with me in the hospital. His name is—"

"I'll be home then," said Theodore Roosevelt to Captain Harris. "I'll leave the rest to you. Thank you."

Theodore Roosevelt left the room with Miss Craig.

They boarded a horse-drawn carriage arranged by a Sacramento city official and headed for the Argo, which was stopped at Arcade Station.

The vibrations of the carriage were soothing that Roosevelt soon fell asleep. Miss Craig gently closed the curtains. It was Miss Craig's consideration, but it was also her mistake. The carriage went straight where it should have turned right and took them to a different location than Arcade Station. It wasn't until the carriage stopped and the door opened that Miss Craig realized it.

Five strong men emerged from the brick porch and walked to the carriage porch.

"Where am I?" asked Miss Craig. "Who are you?"

The men didn't answer, but got into the carriage and the two of them grabbed the sleeping Roosevelt by the arms.

Roosevelt woke up startled. "What are you doing!" he cried.

A boxer-faced man with a crooked nose gagged Roosevelt's mouth.

Theodore Roosevelt writhed in protest, but could not utter a word. Miss Craig spoke for Roosevelt.

"Do you know who he is? Theodore Roosevelt, Mr. Vice President!"

However, the quintet ignores it and drags Roosevelt's body into the building.

"Wait!"

Three gentlemen appeared before Miss Craig as she got out of the carriage to chase her boss.

"My name is Williams, a lawyer," one of them greeted. "This is the hospital grounds. There are other patients, so please refrain from shouting."

"Hospital? What kind of hospital?"

"It's a psychiatric hospital."

"A psychiatric hospital!" Miss Craig's eyes widened in surprise. "Maybe you think he's mentally ill? He's certainly pushy and dreamy, but he's not mentally ill."