Texas Killers Read Free

“First Taster” snapped, his normally excellent English given a harsh Germanic timbre as he made the correction, and his bearing implied that he wished he could disclaim all relationship. “Not brothers .”
    â€œCome now, Fritz,” Rudolph put in, employing their native language. “You can’t help the facial resemblance and everybody now knows it was Alex who was responsible.”
    â€œWhatever Your Highness says!” von Farlenheim answered, also in Bosgravnian and with no obvious sign of unbending. Reverting to English, he addressed the blond giant, “I trust my aunt and uncle were in good health when you last saw them?”
    â€œWhy sure,” Mark confirmed, having no idea of what had passed between the royal visitor and the captain. “They send their respects and hope you’ll be able to visit with them before you go back home.”
    â€œWhat is your official capacity, Mr. Counter?” Liebenfrau cut in, before von Farlenheim could reply, his accent more heavily Teutonic than that of the other three. “Are you in the United States’ Army?”
    â€œNo, Colonel,” Mark answered. “I served as alieutenant under General Bushrod Sheldon during the war, but that was in the Confederate States’ Army.”
    â€œAre you a law enforcement officer of some kind?” Liebenfrau suggested.
    â€œJust a cowhand,” Mark drawled, without explaining that he had worn a peace officer’s badge on occasion.
    â€œI’m not sure that I understand,” Liebenfrau declared. “Why have you been sent to act as our escort?”
    â€œSeems like Governor Howard figured General Hardin’s men could guard His Highness better than either the Yankee Army or peace officers,” the blond giant replied. “He asked for us, anyways. And I’ve been sent along to make a start at doing it.”
    â€œWhat arrangements have been made?” the colonel barked. “What force do you have at your disposal?”
    â€œThere are three of us—” Mark began, glancing at the approaching launch.
    â€œOnly three—? ” von Goeringwald snorted indignantly, bringing the Texan’s attention to him, but the words died away as Liebenfrau directed a prohibitive glance at him.
    â€œThat’ll be enough, way we’re handling it,” Mark stated.
    â€œAnd what way is that?” the Personal Attendant inquired.
    â€œThere’s a wagon waiting on the Coast Road, back of the trees there, to take whatever baggage you’ve got along with you,” Mark explained, wondering what had been out of the ordinary about the second boat. He had noticed something in his interrupted glance, but could not decide what it had been. “We’ve got some clothes that are a whole heap less conspicuous than your uniforms and you-all can change into them while we’re loading up.”
    â€œChange?” Liebenfrau repeated. “Into what?”
    â€œCowhand clothes something like mine,” Mark answered.
    â€œ Cowhand clothes?” von Goeringwald snapped. “Do you mean that you expect His Highness to make his first public appearance in your country wearing the dress of a commoner?”
    â€œWell now, seeing’s we don’t have them over here, I can’t say’s I’ve ever seen a ‘commoner,’” the blond giant drawled, although he knew what the term implied. “So I wouldn’t know how one would dress. I’ve got cowhand clothes in various sizes to help get you-all into the Blaby mansion without attracting too much attention.”
    â€œIt isn’t right, or fitting, that His Highness should enter the first town he visits in the United Statesin such a manner!” von Goeringwald protested. “He must make his entrance with all the ceremony befitting one of his rank.”
    â€œEven if doing so could set him up to be killed?” Mark challenged.
    â€œThere is no