Curse of the Emperor's Gold

By John Truett

Mexicos Emperor Ferdinand Maximilian fights for his life against ruthless Benito Jurez, while cowboys in the Territory of New Mexico shoot it out with crazed outlaws. The stake for both sides is a fortune in gold and only beautiful Madrianne Von Webber knows where the treasure is buried!

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 19, 2000
• ISBN: 9781469700892

John Truett

John Truett is a member of Western Writers of America and National Outlaw and Lawman Association. He is a native of New Mexico and has published four novels, in which he weaves fictional characters with historic incidents that have transpired in the Old West.

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Curse of the Emperor’s Gold

John Truett

Authors Choice Press

San Jose New York Lincoln Shanghai

Curse of the Emperor’s Gold

All Rights Reserved © 2000 by John A. Truett

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.

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ISBN: 0-595-14884-0

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Contents

PREFACE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

EPILOGUE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PREFACE

The legend of buried gold and priceless jewels belonging to Emperor Ferdinand Maximilian has stirred the minds of treasure seekers for over a hundred years.

In Mexico, during 1865, Maximilian saw his short-lived monarchy teetering on the edge of an abyss. His once-loyal allies were turning against him, while at the same time he was being hounded by the president of Mexico, a ruthless Mexican Indian named Benito Juárez. Even Maximilian’s beloved Empress Carlota, with her determination and courage, would not be able to save Ferdinand Maximilian from disaster.

It is believed that on deciding to abdicate, the emperor had a large amount of treasure carried out of Mexico for shipment back to his Austria homeland.

One story tells of a beautiful maiden, perhaps a princess, who was among those transporting the gold and that they were set upon by bandits. For some reason the treasure was buried and never recovered. But what was the fate of the pretty young girl and those other brave souls who were entrusted to carry Maximilian’s wealth?

Some think all that gold lies hidden within the caves of Victorio Peak in the White Sands area of southwestern New Mexico. The most logical account, however, places Maximilian’s treasure beneath the scorched sands of Castle Gap, a portion of the forsaken Llano Estacado, or Staked Plains, in southern Texas.

With each telling, the story receives an added distortion. To many it seems only a dream–but not to all those greedy fortune hunters who are still looking for Maximilian’s gold.

CHAPTER ONE

Mexico City had been unusually dry, offering a crisp sunny morning at Chapultepec Palace. Madrianne Von Webber and her mother prepared for their horseback ride and the pretty blonde girl beamed with delight as she slipped on a pair of elegant hand-tooled riding boots. They were a prized possession, for Empress Carlota had given them to Madrianne on her seventeenth birthday.

Oh, they’re so beautiful, Mother–I don’t think I’ll ever take them off!

Laura Von Webber gave her daughter a loving smile. I’ve never heard of anyone sleeping with their boots on. Now, let’s go, dear, your father has had the groom saddle our horses, and you can ride Montaign.

Madrianne’s father Heinrich Von Webber, a captain in Emperor Maximilian’s Austrian Royal Guard, had received a magnificent looking horse due to Heinrich’s loyalty to the emperor. Madrianne fell instantly in love with the handsome animal and named it Montaign.

The snow-white horse raised its head up and down, now, happy to see Madrianne enter the stables. She hugged its neck and jumped into the saddle while a groom helped her mother onto another horse.

Your father said we must be careful, Laura Von Webber said as the horses carried them into the trees behind Chapultepec Palace. We’ve had so little rain, some of the animals are coming down from the hills looking for water.

Don’t worry, Mama, Madrianne told her. There are only a few squirrels or monkeys and they won’t hurt us.

They rode away from the sprawling castle, which had been a summer home since 1785 for early Mexican viceroys. Now, after seventy-five years, the interior was redecorated to suit the empress Carlota, complete with running water from a huge aqueduct stretching from mountain springs to the city below.

Madrianne and her mother trotted their horses along the large arcing path that returned to the palace. They had just rounded the bend when Madrianne heard her mother shout from ahead.

Madrianne, watch out–it’s a snake!

Madrianne rose in the saddle to see a large brown rattlesnake coiled in front of her mother. The rattles whirred a dreadful warning while the horse reared in panic. Her mother grabbed at the animal’s neck, but slipped from her saddle and fell to the ground beside the reptile.

Madrianne pulled Montaign to a quick stop and screamed with fear as the snake lashed out, striking her mother’s arm before writhing away into the bushes.

Madrianne leaped from the saddle and ran to her mother’s aid. Did it bite you, Mama?

Laura Von Webber clutched her arm. Yes, here on my arm, but I’m all right otherwise. She rolled up her blouse sleeve.

Madrianne saw the two ugly fang marks and shuddered. We’ll have to get you back to the palace right away!

She helped her mother into the saddle and the two returned to the stables at a fast trot.

Heinrich Von Webber, having just come in from his duties, stood waiting for his beloved wife and daughter. He squinted with concern as they rode up.

Oh, Papa, Madrianne cried, a rattlesnake has bitten Mama on the arm!

Von Webber quickly helped his wife down from the horse. Don’t worry, Darling, he told her, you’re going to be all right.

Her face had blanched as she started to collapse, but he caught her with his strong arms.

Go find Doctor Basch right away, he said to Madrianne, and tell him what’s happened.

Doctor Basch, a long-time loyal friend of Maximilian, had followed the emperor from Austria to Mexico as Maximilian’s personal physician. Now, with Madrianne’s urging he arrived at the apartment to find that Mrs. Von Webber had lapsed into a coma.

There’s not much one can do for snakebite, Basch told Madrianne and her father who stood by with anguished faces. I’ll lance the wound and try to draw out what poison I can.

Madrianne and her father waited anxiously in the sitting room while Doctor Basch tried to perform a miracle, but his patient’s life continued to slip through his hands. As any physician would, he felt angry and helpless. At long last, night settled over Chapultepec Palace and the battle was over; but, the doctor had lost.

I’m so sorry, he told the Von Webbers. You are the emperor’s dearest friends. I’ll have to go, now, and tell him the sad news.

Von Webber lit a kerosene lamp while Madrianne sat feeling cold and alone. Her heart was shattered and her eyes were red, for she had cried out all her tears.

They soon heard a soft knock on the door and Von Webber opened it to see the towering figure of Emperor Ferdinand Maximilian. His kind face, with a blond beard parted at the middle, showed profound regret.

My heart goes out to you, he told them. I would have come sooner, but I just returned to the palace and Doctor Basch told me of this terrible thing.

He moved over to Madrianne and knelt beside her chair. You are seventeen, now, he told her, and a grown woman must be brave. At times such as these, all we can do is place ourselves in God’s mercy.

* * * Adding to Madrianne’s devastation by the loss of her dear mother was the cloud of uncertainty that had developed over the palace. Hoping to find a bit of solace, she went to the stables and ran a loving hand over Montaign’s sleek white neck. Oh, Montaign, she moaned, you and father are the only ones I have left. Whatever happens, I hope we can always be together. The horse blinked his large brown eyes and gave her shoulder a nudge. Yes, I’ve come to ride you, she said and began putting on the saddle. She enjoyed taking her rides in the late afternoon, for it was cooler and the shadows were long and heavy on the path behind Chapultepec. Montaign knew the way and she let the reins fall slack as they moved slowly beneath the huge trees while she tried to sort the troubles in her mind. Emperor Maximilian’s French troops had been withdrawn and his operating funds cut off, which left everyone at Chapultepec on the edge of a precipice. Wild rumors were flying that he would be forced to abdicate. If so, he and everyone would return to Europe. She hoped that would be the case, for Chapultepec had become a depressing place and she ached to see Vienna again. But what if Maximilian decided to stay and fight those who were against him? Her father would surely not desert the emperor, but remain in Mexico to join in the struggle. If he did, then Madrianne would no doubt be sent back to Vienna to live with her grandparents. But she loved her father and vowed never to leave him. Montaign finally brought Madrianne back to the palace stables where her father stood waiting. The sight of his daughter on the white horse tore at his heart, for she was so much like his dear Laura, the beautiful English girl he had wooed and married in Vienna those many years ago.

Well, my little one, he greeted her, I thought I’d find you here.

Oh, Papa, I hope you’re not angry. I couldn’t find you, so I went ahead with my ride.

I hope you finished your schoolwork first.

Of course. In fact, the tutor says I’m almost as fluent in Spanish as I am in English and German!

She dismounted and they each took a brush to start grooming Montaign. The animal stood motionless under their gentle care.

Papa, do you think we’ll be going back to Austria? she probed.

I suppose that depends on the emperor’s decision.

If we do go back, will Montaign go with us?

Oh, yes. He was a personal gift from the emperor.

"I hope we do return home. I don’t like it here any more!"

He stopped brushing to give her a loving smile. It’s lonely here, now, for both of us. But whatever happens, I’ll take you back to Vienna.

"Is that a promise, Papa?

"Yes, that is a promise, Liebchen."

CHAPTER TWO

Abdicate!

Empress Carlota spoke the word as if it were tainted and the room in Chapultepec Palace rang with the distasteful sound.

Maximilian slumped in his large mahogany chair and winced at telling his wife of the prospect. My dear Carla, we must be practical. Emperor Napoleon’s letter made it clear that we have been deserted!

That may be, however many of the troops will stay out of loyalty to you. Then there are the Hussars, the Austrian Mounted Guard…and don’t forget the native Mexican forces.

Maximilian shrugged helplessly. Without the French soldiers, most of the others will return to Europe, also. And the Mexican conservatives are only a few. Besides, the United States is against me with most of Europe taking sides, and don’t rule out Benito Juárez. He is gathering more rebels each day. I know when I am beaten!

Carlota drew herself up in true imperial stiffness. As the former Princess Charlotte, daughter of Emperor Leopold I of Belgium, and, now, empress of Mexico, royalty was in her blood. Desertion of a throne was unthinkable.

Maxl, she argued, sovereignty is our most sacred possession. Think of the shame if we returned to Europe in defeat!

Maximilian clenched his jaw. I am really thinking of you, dearest Carla. Our lives are in danger. The shame of defeat if far better than having my beloved wife die in this violent land.

Carlota paced the floor, her long white gown rustling in angry sweeps over the polished tiles. I cannot permit this to happen. There must be a way to save the monarchy. She came to a decision of her own and turned to her husband. I will go to France myself and force Napoleon to keep his pledge!

Maximilian looked up, too startled to answer.

If necessary, I’ll break down his palace doors for an audience!

Carla, I cannot hide behind a woman’s skirts.

Do not stop me, Maxl, she warned. I’ll discuss my plans with the imperial staff–you’ll see if they do not agree! * * * Maximilian was not surprised when his trusted Chargé d’Affaires approached the next day. We see no alternative, Your Highness the man said. There is still enough money in the monarchy’s coffers to finance a trip back to Europe. However, the empress will need a full retinue to make a royal impression on Napoleon’s court. Pushed into a corner, Maximilian relented and authorized nine members of the court to travel with Carlota. Señora del Barrio, the empress’ lady-in-waiting, thrilled at the prospect of a trip to Europe and lost no time in helping her mistress pack the trunks, sprinkling the contents with lavender and dried heliotrope. As departure time arrived, Maximilian felt it impossible to say goodbye. I will go with you as far as Ayotla, he said to Carlota. At least give me these last few moments!

The carriages were loaded and mules pulled them out of Mexico City early in the morning, Maximilian and Colonel Miguel López riding their horses alongside.

Carlota peered through the small window of her carriage at the handsome Colonel López on his prancing white horse. She had to smile, for dear Maxl had ordered her favorite attendant to ride part way with him.

The short distance to Ayotla was easy traveling, but a difficult ride through tortuous mountains lay ahead. The carriages were brought to a halt and Maximilian got down from his horse. Colonel López held the reins while the emperor climbed inside Carlota’s carriage to bid her goodbye. They held each other in a passionate embrace.

Charlotte, my dearest, Maximilian said with a grieved heart, it is my fault for marrying you and putting you into this dreadful situation. I fear I will never see you again!

Carlota couldn’t stop the tears from ruining her powdered cheeks. Please don’t say that, Maxl. When we took the wedding vows, I knew that we would be facing our troubles together. After all, obstacles were made to be overcome, and we will do just that!

Would that I had half your courage.

You have more. Never forget what you are, Maxl. You are born of royalty, the Archduke of Austria and now emperor of Mexico. Napoleon will see that we cannot be trifled with!

Her words kindled a new fire within him and Maximilian kissed his beautiful Carlota one last time. He left the carriage and climbed up onto his horse.

Colonel López handed him the reins and the two sat on their mounts, watching the entourage rumble off toward the misty purple mountains rising in the east.

CHAPTER THREE

Colonel Miguel López admired his handsome face in the small mirror and ran a comb through his blond hair. With a smile of satisfaction he slipped into the smart uniform coat.

Please come back soon, a pleased woman’s voice called from the bedroom. We must do this again!

Yes, we must.

Another conquest, but that was hardly the word; all he had to do was wink slyly, give a little bow and the lady was his. With his good looks and being a commander in Emperor Maximilian’s Austrian Mounted Guards, López could choose from any of the comely females at the court of Chapultepec–even the empress, if she weren’t married. Carlota was obviously as charmed as the others, for she always insisted on having him escort her royal carriage.

López sighed and walked out into a bright afternoon. He pulled down his cap’s visor, cutting off the reproving sun, and decided to walk home; if he hired a ride, his wife Marta might ask questions. A devoted woman, she had never brought up his odd hours, although he knew she was aware of his escapades. Perhaps she merely accepted the fact, but if the matter ever came up he could handle it; a loving kiss and a few minutes in bed were all that was necessary.

López whistled a little tune while passing the Hotel Paloma where Prince Felix Salm-Salm and his wife Agnes had a room. Now, there was an unlikely couple–a slender feisty Austrian married to a beautiful robust American girl. With Salm’s wife full of such strong will, he would probably never think of committing an infidelity.

López chuckled with self-assurance amd left the hotel behind as he continued happily on his way home. * * *

The little upstairs room at Hotel Paloma had become stuffy in the late afternoon and Agnes Salm-Salm stirred the air with a palm fan. The heavy gown draped over her firm body only added to the discomfort while a dressmaker worked at pinning up the dress hem.

I do want it finished quickly, Agnes said in Spanish to the little Mexican woman. My invitation for audience with the Empress Carlota could arrive any day!

Sí, Señora, the woman replied with patience and stuck another pin into the material.

And I want to outshine every lady in the palace when I’m presented to the court!

How Agnes envied Felix for having dinner with the emperor and empress at Chapultepec! But now that Carlota was arranging an audience, Agnes bubbled with delight and immediately hired the best dressmaker in Mexico City, which brought a chuckle from her husband.

Why don’t you wear those pretty spangled tights you wore in that carnival show? Felix had teased her. Why, the first time I saw you standing in the saddle on that horse, I lost my heart!

I hope, she told him in shock, "that you’ll keep that part of my life a secret. If the emperor and empress ever find out, I’ll never get