Some Rangers dealt with the livestock. Others, handier with tools, strung barbed wire. Still others cleaned rifles, distributed ammunition, and prepared dynamite. Pritchard reconnoitered the rooftops of each building with his rifle, assessing cover and concealment, gauging distances, checking fields of view, and selecting optimum firing angles.

Rangers took turns standing watch outside the town limits. One stood a post at the east end, and one at the west end, of Magdalena’s main street. It was expected Stiles and his men would arrive from the west, through the Badlands, across Magdalena Peak, but Franchard was taking no chances.

Miss Bina, along with several of the townswomen and her elderly Apache helper, spent their time making up the barbershop into a makeshift hospital. She told Franchard that Apache warriors were also standing watch, in the hills surrounding Magdalena. They were much farther out than his own men and would signal when the outlaws were sighted.

“It ain’t that I’m not appreciative,” Franchard told her after she informed him of the Apache lookouts, “but the Texas Rangers, myself included, and the Apache haven’t always enjoyed the most cordial of relationships. As a matter of fact, I’ve nearly had my scalp lifted a time or two. You’ll forgive me if I’m stingy with my trust.”

“Do not fear, Captain,” Bina said. “You are no longer in Texas. Here, these Apache do not wish to mix in the affairs of white men. But Major Stiles and his raiders, by their deeds, have defiled the Nations. The tribal elders believe the ga’ans, or mountain spirits, are displeased that the ‘killers of their own tribe’ roam Apache land. The Apache will not help you defeat them, for they also believe it is very bad medicine to interfere in another tribe’s disputes. But they will watch and listen. When the major approaches, you will know.”

“Tell ’em I’m obliged,” Franchard said.

Many of the women were tasked with collecting every bucket, pail, tub, basin, and container that could hold water. Each was filled, and strategically placed in front of the buildings in town, in case of fire.

At dusk each day, the men assembled and ate a steak dinner in the saloon. Captain Franchard, Sergeant Finley, and Ranger Atherton usually arrived late, after inspecting the day’s work.

“I’m right pleased with what you all have accomplished,” Franchard addressed his Rangers and the townsfolk at dinner on the second day. “We’re as prepared as we can be for what’s comin’. All there is to do now is rest, and stand ready to fight. You all know your assigned posts.”