1840 Indian Rebirth

Chapter 125 [The Barbarian's Answer]

The two had obviously known each other for a long time, they were old acquaintances, so after meeting, they first chatted about many trivial matters in life, asking each other about their health.

"How is your son?" Amijo took a sip of the wine in his glass, and the two talked about their children.

Margoffin said: "I sent them to Lexington to study. I hope they will become lawyers in the future, especially Joseph. I even think he has a talent for politics."

"Talent for politics?" Amijo didn't know what talent was needed for politics.

The corner of Margoffin's mouth twitched: "I mean, that kid has been very good at lying since he was a child."

Amijo laughed, shaking his wine glass: "Haha, indeed. But I have to say, being in politics is more than just lying."

"Of course, one must be well-informed, adaptable, and aware of current affairs in politics." Ma Goffin changed the subject, "Actually, Amijo, I'm not here for business this time."

Amijo seemed to have some expectations, stopped shaking the wine glass in his hand, and waited for the next article.

"Stephen Carney's army is coming." Margoffin lowered his voice, "and there are many, Fort Leavenworth almost came out in full force, and they also captured a group of Mormons. Carney has a total of almost 5000 Man, they're coming to Santa Fe soon."

"5000 people!" Amijo was surprised, "Are you sure?"

Magfinn nodded solemnly: "I have seen it with my own eyes. Not only are they numerous in number, but they are also well equipped, with many advanced new weapons."

Amijo frowned tightly, with worry lingering on his face.

Margofin was not surprised by his reaction, and even snickered in his heart ahead of time.

After all, the governor is probably best known for being scared off a few years ago by a Texas army less than half his own size, 140 miles away.

Amijo also won some victories, but as an old friend, Magoffin knew that those victories were not directed by Amijo himself.

"For them, Santa Fe wasn't the only goal, not even the number one goal," Magoffin continued, "I don't know if you remember Polk's original goal in the campaign."

"The president of the United States, who works eighteen hours a day and is almost ascetic, regards California as one of his most important work goals. In this war, Polk's army will sweep across the entire west, from New Mexico to California, all He is determined to win all the territories."

After a pause, Margoffin continued: "But you know that I have something to do with Washington, and I have won you a chance."

"what chance?"

Margoffin: "As long as you are willing to give up resistance and surrender Santa Fe and New Mexico peacefully, Carney's army will not harm you, nor will it massacre or plunder the city of Santa Fe."

"Not only that, but you will also receive a $[-] prize in recognition of your contribution to peace."

Thirty thousand dollars!

Amijo is considered an excellent corrupt official.

Still, it was a number that made his heart flutter.

Ma Goffin paid attention to his expression, and continued: "Think about it, Mexico has no possibility of war with the United States. Its destiny is manifest, and the vast and fertile land should belong to the United States. Why do you have a meaningless struggle?"

"The peaceful surrender of the city of Santa Fe will not only benefit you, but also relieve the suffering of the Mexican people. At that time, you will still be the governor, and the country will be safe and the people happy. Isn't it beautiful?"

When he said the last sentence, Ma Goffin's tone was graceful and gentle, and he spread his hands.

Amijo is not a firm person, at least not on the issue of struggle.

So, with Margoffin's kind words, his heart was quickly shaken, like butter that melted quickly.

"Bang!" However, at this moment, three young men suddenly pushed the door open. The person who pushed the door was Manuel Chavez, Amijo's nephew, and Colonel Archuleta was among them.

"Uncle, I heard that an American is here?" Chavez's voice sounded at the same time as the door was pushed open.

Then as soon as he entered the door, he saw Margoffin and narrowed his eyes: "So it's you, Mr. James Margoffin."

"Oh, Chavez, long time no see." Margofin hurriedly got up, squeezed out a smile, tried to look as natural as possible, and was ready for a warm hug.

Chavez looked sternly, and pushed him away: "The United States and Mexico have declared war on each other, and we are enemies now!"

Amijo frowned: "Chavez, Margoffin is our old friend, you are too unreasonable."

"I don't care what's close or not," Travis blurted out, and then walked up to Amijo. "Uncle, don't tell me you were just talking about surrender."

Amyjo was silent.

The answer couldn't be more obvious.

Chavez was not surprised by this either, he knew his uncle's personality.

He turned to look at Margoffin again: "Go back and tell your boss that Santa Fe City will not surrender, we will resist to the end!"

Margoffin hesitated: "Chavez, this is not a question of surrender or resistance. I think we should pay more attention to casualties. You should know that the power of the United States far exceeds that of Mexico—"

Chavez raised his hand and interrupted him: "I know what you want to say. Maybe the United States does have a good chance of winning, but even if it is doomed to fail, I will not surrender without a fight. I am a soldier!"

After a pause, he continued: "What's more, I don't think you have a good chance of winning."

Margofin heard a confidence that surprised him, and he couldn't help asking: "Why?"

"Because." Chavez seemed to think for a moment, "because we are on the side of justice and civilization."

"Ha!" Ma Goffin really couldn't help it. He thought it was some great reason, but he didn't expect it to be such a stupid word.

He felt that even his youngest son, who was under ten years old, would not say such stupid things.

As a young man, Chavez found this sudden stupidity inconceivable.When he heard this sentence, he felt like he was choking on water.

"Mr. Chavez, you should grow up and know that these are the most worthless words." Ma Goffin said, and gradually lost his restraint and politeness.

"Regardless of the facts, all people will claim to be just and civilized, and even the Indians will not admit that they are savages!" He challenged, "Tell me, who in this world will say 'I am a savage'? tell me!"

"But facts are facts. Civilization will not become barbaric because it claims to be barbaric, and barbarism will not become civilized because it claims to be civilized. America is prospering day by day. This is an indisputable reality. It is God's will—America is the destiny!"

Chavez suddenly took out a revolver from his waist and put it on Magoffin's forehead.

Margofin's brain instantly cooled down, and a thin layer of sweat oozed from his forehead: "Chavez, calm down. There is some misunderstanding between us, I think we can have a good talk."

"No, there is no misunderstanding between us, what you just said is quite right." Chavez stared at him, "so I decided to tell you the answer."

"What answer?" Ma Goffin did not respond.

At the same time, he suddenly fixed his eyes, but noticed that Chavez seemed to be holding a Browning revolver

Wait, there's a Browning revolver here too!
Margoffin wanted to ask, but alas.

"Bang!" There was only a gunshot, and the bullet passed through his head.

"The answer is—I'm a savage!" said Chavez coldly.

Margo Finn obviously couldn't hear this sentence. For him, the answer was actually a bullet.

(End of this chapter)