Hercules had taken to frequenting the Mexican bars at the south gate of Fort Sam Houston past East Carson Street along North New Braunfels Avenue. The military derided the cantinas in the area as "blood buckets" and were declared off-limits to the Fort personnel. Still, the new recruits often snuck in their civilian clothes for a quick drink and ended up going back on payday for an unforgettable time. The Mexicans took care to watch out for the boys, and it was rare that the MPs were called to break up brawls or reel in an out-of-control soldier.
On this particular evening, Hercules Luzon was hanging out at the Depot at the foot of the wooden bridge crossing the railroad track leading to Burleson Street on the other side. He was checking out the action and noticed that a small Mexican fel
