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spreads, and to the east there are wondrous forests. If you venture west you would find the air considerably drier—though I daresay the temperatures would most likely remain high in the summer months. Still, all in all, this is a great state for raising animals. I’ve been doing some study on it. Cattle thrive here, and horses would no doubt do just as well.”
    “What about the Indian trouble? I hear up north the people are dealing with attacks from the Kiowa and Comanche. And out west it’s the Apache, as well.”
    “Yes, but now that the army is returning to the western posts, the Indian wars will soon be a thing of the past. Those savage renegades will be moved onto reservations, where they can be watched and kept under control. I wouldn’t let fear of Indians keep me from investing in property here in Texas. In fact, I haven’t. I purchased a large parcel of land for my family and plan to bring them out sometime next year. If not sooner.”
    “That’s quite a commitment,” Brandon said.
    “Susannah is all for this. She believes the boys will benefit by getting away from the city. Our daughter might not like it, but she’s only two and can’t raise too much fuss over the move.” He grinned. “I would love having a neighbor like you close at hand. You really should think about it. I know there are some properties available near mine that are yet unspoken for.”
    “I’ll think about it.” Brandon thought again of Laura Marquardt and decided to pose a question. “What do you know about Stanley Marquardt and his family?”
    Justin leaned back and thought for a moment. “Strong Union supporter with a wife and two or three daughters.”
    “Two,” Brandon said without thinking. Seeing Justin’s brow rise slightly, he shrugged. “I attended that party you were too busy for a couple weeks back.”
    “Ah yes, I remember. Why do you ask?”
    “No reason, really.” Brandon didn’t want to hear the comments when he explained that his real interest was Laura Marquardt and not her father. “I suppose I just wondered what sort of business Marquardt was in. I didn’t really have a chance to talk to him much.”
    Justin nodded. “I don’t know what all he has on his plate, but I do know he has fought long and hard for a deeper channel in the harbor. I learned that much from the general. Apparently Marquardt has a hand in engineering the improvements, although I’m certain it wouldn’t be a single-handed effort.”
    “No doubt it would require a lot of money and a great many hands to aid in the matter,” Brandon said. “But given all that I’ve heard, it would greatly help the commerce of the town.”
    “Exactly.” The major looked as if he were about to say something more, but just then a man appeared at the door.
    “Sir, beggin’ the major’s pardon, but this just came from General Russell.”
    Justin motioned the sergeant to bring the missive forward. He took the letter and read the contents quickly. “It would seem a good thing that you’re here, Brandon. General Russell wants to hear your report and see both of us in his office immediately.” He cast the letter aside and got to his feet. “I suppose we’d better head right over.”
    Brandon got to his feet while Justin began buttoning his double-breasted coat. He couldn’t help but wonder what Russell needed from them both. It would be the second time in a matter of weeks that Charles had requested his presence.
    Taking up Brandon’s report, Justin grabbed his hat and motioned to the door. “Let’s not keep the man waiting.”
    They walked in quick step to the Ironclad House and found the corporal busy instructing two privates.
    “Attention!” the corporal commanded, and all three drew themselves into the expected rigid stance.
    Brandon let Justin take the lead since he was the senior officer. In no time at all they were seated in front of an angry-looking Russell, wondering what could possibly have happened to cause such a