Clint Keyes, Capt. Stewart, and "Rustler's Rhapsody"

File — Box: 1, Folder: 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

1: Clint Keyes is a hunted man. He broke out of a U.S. Cavalry jail wher he awaited hanging. The Charge: mutiny and desertion. Making is practically impossible for Keyes to fade inconspicuously into the New Mexico countryside is the U.S. camel Corps renamed Rosie on which he escapes. Tagging along is her young offspring, Thirsty. Rosie's clumsy agility and speed, a distinct advantage when pursued on horseback in desert regions, is offset by her hateful and uncooperative attitude.
2: Upon returning to the fort from desert maneuvers, Capt. Stewart the commanding officer, is perturbed that Raines, a lowly sergeant, has authorized the building of a gallows on his parade grounds. In the hearing that follows, Stewart learns why Keyes has been condemned: he tried to save the lives of Indian women and children during a cavalry raid. not happy about Keyes' conviction, but an officer first, he reluctantly orders the hanging to proceed.
3: On the day of the execution, Mark, with the aid of an Apache scout in the fort, causes a cattle stampede, creating enough disorder to allow Keyes to escape on Rosie just as the trapdoor was sprung. Mark is apprehended and the infuriated Raines leads a posse after Keytes, but the camel easily out-distances their horses. Turning back to the fort for fresh horses and supplies, Raines is ordered to "forget" chasing Keyes. Capt. Stewart tells him, "You can't hang a man twice for the same offense."
4: Charged with the responsibility of finding a home for Mark, the Chaplain takes the boy and rides after Keyes to let him know that he's a free man. They find him a short distance from where the soldiers gave up the chase. one of their bullets struck and killed Rosie. Mark's Cheyenne stoicism finally breaks and he cries for her. Keyes accepts custody of the boy and they set out for Colrado to find a certain young widow to make a home for both of them.
5-18: "Rustlers' Rhapsody"

Dates

1970-1989

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.