Rise To Glory

After driving a herd of cattle from Central Texas to the Confederate army at Vicksburg, Mississippi, sailor turned cattleman, Andrew Butler, hijacks the steamship, Marie Labeaux.  When it is turned over to the Confederate Navy he is given command of the newly commissioned CSS Alamo and for four years his duty is to find and destroy Yankee shipping while trying to avoid Federal gunboats, including his avowed enemy, the gun runner, René Labeaux, whose only goal in life is to see Butler sent to the bottom of the sea or hanging from his own yardarm.

Andy moves through the gangway, and gently tries Labeaux’s doorknob.  It turns.  Good, the door is unlocked.  He opens it, and steps inside. 

Labeaux sits up in bed.  “Dubois, is that you?  What do you want?”  His answer is the metal click as Andy thumbs back the hammer on his Colt.  “Who’s there?”  Labeaux demands.

“Your old buddy, Andy Butler.”

Labeaux is surprisingly calm.  “What’re you doing here Butler?”

“I’m takin’ the Marie Labeaux.”  Andy answers.

“Are you crazy?”  Labeaux shouts.  “You’re not in Natchez you know.”

“Yeah, I know.”  Andy says.  “Let’s go up on deck and talk about it.”

As they start up the gangway Labeaux asks.  “How many men’ve you got?”

“Five.”

Labeaux shakes his head.  He almost wishes that things were different, and he and this willful Texan could be friends.  “How do you propose to take my ship away from me right under the noses of three Federal gunboats?”  He asks sharply.

Everyone on deck, including the rebel pirate team, jump when the pre-set mines go off simultaneously, lighting up the night sky, making the surrounding swamp look like a stage lit by spotlights and giving grim answer to Labeaux’s question. 

One gunboat sinks immediately.  The other two roll over on their sides, and burn, the first explosion setting off minor ones inside the holds.

“I must bid you adieu Mr. Labeaux, time for you to go over the side.”

The frightened crewmembers are already beginning to jump over the side, happy at not having their throats cut. 

Andy turns to Dubois.  “Mon ami, you may stay or go.  I would be happy to have you as part of my crew, but I’ll understand if you go.”

Dubois looks around sadly.  “My heart would stay with my ship, but my allegiance is to Madam Marie.  I must go and protect her grandson.”  He looks deep into Andy’s eyes.  “My ship is in gentle hands.  Take good care of her.”  And with that, he vaults over the side.

Labeaux climbs onto the paddle wheel casing.  “You’ll wish you had killed me Butler.”  Then he turns and dives into the black water.