The Far Battleground

F. M. Parker has emerged as one of the masters of the Western novel. Now this bestselling author has taken on added dimensions with this powerful tale taking place in a time of stirring deeds and fateful decisions in our nation's history.The FAR BATTELGROUND, set in 1847 when the U. S. was at war with Mexico, brings together F. M. Parker's most fascinating characters: Lt. Thomas Cavillin of the Texas Rangers and Lieutenant Mathew Chilton of the U. S. Cavalry's Dragoons. Marching through hostile territory from Vera Cruz to Mexico City with General Winfield Scott's army, the two men are drawn together in professional camaraderie. In battle, Cavallin leads his Rangers to punch a hole through a large force of Mexican Lancers to prevent the slaughter of Chilton's outmatched Dragoons and to snatch his gravely wounded friend from the brink of death. When Chilton recuperates, he is filled with vengeful bitterness and leads a renegade band of Dragoons on a marauding spree along the Camino Real, robbing every Mexican town of its gold and silver.Thomas Cavillin is ordered to catch Chilton and the pillaging Dragoons. It is a difficult test for Cavillin for Chilton is his friend...but Army law must be obeyed. In what becomes a dilemma of conflicting feelings and divided loyalties, the most painful questions of duty, conscience, and justice are brought into sharp focus. Interlaced with this vivid and gripping story is an intricate crisscross of action and intrigue, violence and ambition that brings to life the full significance of the siege and conquest of Mexico City by an outnumbered U.S. fighting force. F. M. Parker's command of historical detail and his spellbinding storytelling skill combine to make THE FAR BATTLEGROUND a powerful reading experience for all who treasure the thrilling adventure of the Western novel. From The Farbattleground"Good morning, Matt," Cavillin called out as he turned from the street and came up the pathway.Chilton glanced toward the call, raised a hand in acknowledgment, and turned back to inspect the firing pin of his weapon."Matt, I'd like for you to act as a lawyer for my Rangers if they have to go before a court-martial board," Tom said as he drew near. "Sumner and Ripley and I would help you prepare the defense, but we want you to present it.""Sure," Matt answered shortly. "But I have no time to talk about it now." He shoved the Colt into its holster.Cavillin saw the tautness in Chilton, the jaws rigid. "What's happening, Matt? You act like you're getting ready to kill somebody.""It may come to that.""Well, hell, tell me about it," exclaimed Tom."A man named Wade Ussing refuses to give Sophia the money he has been holding for her. That's eight thousand dollars and a lot of money. She needs it badly.""I'll be damned," Tom said in surprise. "This Ussing, is he a tall hombre and dark?""You know him?""If it's the same man I'm thinking of, I saw him kill an army officer in Vera Cruz. He ran a whorehouse down there. Now, what is he doing here in Mexico City?" In consternation, Tom fell silent.. Sophia had been Ussing's favorite whore. What relationship existed between her and Matt?"I know what she was," Matt said in answer to Tom's unasked question. "Ussing says he won't give her the money until she comes back to work. But she's not going to return to that business. She plans to go to New Orleans.""Matt, I've seen Ussing move. He'll be very quick. Maybe faster than you.""Maybe he is and maybe not. Doesn't make any difference. I'm going to make him give the money to Sophia.""Most likely he will have other men with him. Whoremasters know they are in a tough business and are prepared for the worst."Matt shrugged."Do you believe she tells the truth that Ussing owes her that money?""I'm certain of it. I heard them arguing about it.""Then I'll ride along with you. Perhaps I can keep his friends busy while you deal with Ussing.""I'd be damned pleased to have you with