Humps and Hooves

"Corporal, you are standing at a moment in history." The Major breaks into a smile. "This experiment can revolutionize the movement of supplies and communications across the Southwest." "Well, sir. What might that be?" Sam flicks a quick questioning look at Billy. "Camels, corporal. Camels." The hack stops in front of the tavern and the Major exits, walks inside, and leaves both Billy and Sam sitting and staring at each other. Into the pages of Texas history walk thirty-four Dromedary and Bactrian camels for the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps, and Corporals William Roberts and Samuel Adams are dispatched to escort them from Indianola to Camp Verde, Texas. What they aren't prepared for are the camels, a lovely German emigrant, Comanche and Apache Indians, a caravan across Northern Arizona, the approaching Civil War, or a maniacal, stalking French murderer. Billy sums up their camel experience. "You know, Sam did have it right. These critters ain't nothing but humps and hooves."