The Mockingbird's Ballad

"No sir, I ain't."

"Corporal Mayberry, give me that Navy pistol." J. N. pulled the revolver out of his saddlebag as ordered and gave the pistol to the major. He, in turn, handed it over to Lou.

"Sir, the ammo," J. N. said to the major as he handed him two packages of ammunition he had slung on the saddle horn.

"Yes, corporal. Here Fields. Charlie, when we stop, you give this boy some training on this weapon. You hear."

"Check," Sergeant Maddox said sleepily to the major.

"Thank you Major, just the same, I've fired a gun a few times but sure don't like to," Lou mildly responded.

"Well private, you're in a strange land, dangers all around. If you ride with Joseph Wheeler's boys, then you shoot, if'n it's called for," Major Stevenson ordered firmly.

"Yes, Sir." Lou looked down to her Ben's neck.

"Charlie, looks like we're going to be in Gunterstown for a bit. Guess we'll learn after we get there where we go next." Major Stevenson told Sergeant Maddox. Then, smiling "Carry on, troopers." He nudged his big old ugly war horse and said, "Lets go, Carmargo," and he was off in a sprint back toward the front.