A slight frown marred his forehead, and he pursed his lips. His dark beard was sprinkled with gray, bushy brows a shelf over deep-set, penetrating eyes. He puffed silently on his cigar a moment, blew out smoke and shook his head.

“Only one man has suggested it, but he has a vested interest, I believe. Still, he is powerful, and has enough wealth to help finance feeder lines to his mines if we make a deal.”

“A word of advice, Mr. Lott. If your investor is connected with Congress in any way, look elsewhere for your financing. When politicians run things, a simple business decision can get hung up for months or years before it receives the approval of Congress. And make no mistake, it would be Congress granting approval to build a feeder line even twenty feet from the main line to the stockyard.”

“You sound as if you speak with experience, Mr. Morgan.”

Steve shrugged. “I have experience with politicians.”

“And Mr. Gould? Is your experience with him profitable?”

“Let’s just say that I found it to be my best interest to get out of the railroad business, Mr. Lott. A man needs a strong stomach to deal with politicians and the labyrinthine workings of railroads.”

Lott leaned back in his chair, studying Steve. The colonel cleared his throat and turned to Ginny.

“Your husband tells me that you’ve spent some time in Mexico, Mrs. Morgan.”

“Yes. My home is there.”

“But—pardon me if I am too bold—you are not Mexican?”

“No, I was born in France but choose to live in Mexico. It’s a beautiful country.”

“Yes, it has its beauty, that is true. Do you not fear losing everything in the current rebellion?”

“A person cannot lose what was not theirs to begin with, Colonel. Mexico is not mine alone.”

“Nor does it belong to Lerdo or Díaz, yet they fight for it and people lose their lives and property.”

“Rather like the war between Texas and Mexico, I would think. Or even the more recent war between the Union and Confederate armies.”

“Or the French and the Juaristas?” Prime smiled. “And some on both sides lost everything. Lerdo is slowly losing his struggle with Díaz. Mexico is in danger of another bloody revolution, and I’m here to see that it doesn’t spill over into Texas.”

“Yet if Díaz emerges as the victor, Colonel,” Uriah Lott said, “I predict that commerce with Mexico will open up new doors, and the need for railroads will be more vital and profitable than ever before.”

Lott turned to Steve again, eyes glistening in the light afforded by the glow of lanterns. “Mr. Morgan, while I appreciate your reluctance to commit to anything without more information, a friend of yours suggested I talk with you.”