Seized Goods

"Captain, there's something under this vehicle!" a soldier counting the cargo nearby reported to Branca.

"What is it?"

"It's packed in wooden crates. They look like the kind specifically used for munitions."

Branca walked over to inspect them and said to Romon, "Since you've already been captured, don't try playing these petty tricks. Tell us everything you know. I won't allow this to happen a second time."

Seeing this, Romon had no choice but to say, "Some of the supplies here really are munitions. They were all being transported from Bultfontein toward Boshof. But don't read too much into it. Our route is only a minor branch line, so there isn't much important cargo."

Branca had no patience for Romon's explanations. He had his men pry open the crates, then took out a Wunderl rifle.

"This rifle looks brand-new. It hasn't been used at all, and it's been maintained exceptionally well. You people can even get your hands on goods like this!"

"With money, nothing is a problem. Likewise, we can buy British rifles, straight from the mine owners in Kimberley." At this point, Romon revealed a smug smile.

"Hmph. Never mind Britain for now. This batch of weapons must have been supplied by East Africans. After all, you came through Bultfontein, and that is our controlled territory. You just marched through it so openly?"

"Heh heh, 'openly' might be overstating it, but the officers in Bultfontein are much easier to deal with than you. Just as I said before, there's nothing money can't solve. Frankly, seeing someone like you in the Transvaal Restoration Army is the truly strange thing." Romon sneered. Of course, his mockery was aimed at the Transvaal Restoration Army, not Branca personally.

"I'll take that as a compliment!" Branca snapped.

Romon's interruption made him feel as