Talons of Eagles by William W. Johnstone

McGuire?” Jamie asked in a low voice.
    â€œOn their way, Major.”
    â€œLet’s do it.”
    The two walked their horses until they were at the edge of the city, attracting no undue attention from anyone. A mile out of town, they met up with several more Marauders. Fifteen of Jamie’s men remained in town, each with a different assignment.
    Jamie linked up with his group in a stand of timber about half a mile from the Thornbury mansion, and they waited for a time. Conversation was in low whispers. Jamie opened his pocket watch—a present from Kate with her picture inside the cover—and checked the time. They had one hour to do the deed, for at midnight, all hell was about to break loose in various parts of the city.
    â€œStay with the horses and keep them quiet,” Jamie told young Pardee.
    He nodded his head in understanding as Jamie and his band made their way silently toward General Thornbury’s great house. Just as they reached the rear of the house, a shrill cry came from inside.
    â€œOh, love!” a woman’s voice cried out, a definite Irish lilt to the words. “You do make a darlin’ lassie!”
    Dupree and Jamie exchanged quick glances. Jamie smiled and motioned McGuire on ahead to check out the house.
    A dog started barking; but Jamie had anticipated that and softly called the dog to him, opening a packet of food he’d prepared. The dog ceased its barking and immediately began eating the huge portion of meat and bread Jamie laid on the ground.
    McGuire returned and said, “You boys have got to see this to believe it. The general’s all dolled up in a dress! ”
    Corporal Bates had to put a hand over his mouth to stifle his giggling.
    â€œAnd the ladies?” Jamie asked.
    â€œTwo of them is nekked as jaybirds, and the third one ain’t far behind.” He shook his head. “The general sure likes his ladies on the hefty side.”
    â€œPerfect,” Jamie said. “Let’s go.”
    After several nights of observation, it was determined that no guards patrolled the mansion. And since this was a party night for Thornbury, Jamie felt sure the general would not risk having his antics observed by anyone.
    The lock on the back door was jimmied, and the men silently entered the house and made their way to the huge room located in the center of the mansion. Jamie stood in the shadows, just inside the archway, and watched the goings-on for a moment. General Thomas Thornbury was all dressed up in an evening gown, complete with gloves and a hat. He was dancing with one of the naked prostitutes while the other two sang a rather bawdy little ditty.
    The two singing spotted Jamie and his Marauders and abruptly stopped their singing, their mouths dropping open in surprise.
    â€œOh, don’t stop, Maggie!” Thornbury said. “You’re just getting to the good part.”
    â€œThe good part is over,” Jamie said, stepping into the room, a pistol in his hand.
    Thornbury whirled around, his face paling at the sight of armed men. “Get out of my house, goddamn you!” he shouted.
    â€œIsn’t he cute?” Dupree remarked, stepping forward with several lengths of rope.
    â€œWho are you men?” Thornbury shouted.
    â€œSome of those yellow-bellied Southern riffraff you talked about, General Thornbury,” Captain Dupree said. “We came to pay you a little visit. My, but don’t you look military?”
    â€œGet out of my house!” Thornbury squalled.
    â€œSecure them,” Jamie ordered. “Just as they are. And throw some logs on the fire. We wouldn’t want any of these ladies to catch cold now, would we?”
    Jamie had already told his men that nothing was to be taken from the house . . . except for any papers that might have some bearing on the war. But he suspected that nothing of any military value would be found, and after a careful search he was found to be correct in