Woodcutter's Revival, page 9
Finally, the train was progressing beyond the Discovery town limits and proceeding down the mountain pass. Raymond stared out the window. The gentleman across from him began a conversation. “So, you’re going to Wellspring. Ever been there before?”
“No. This is my first train trip. I have never been this far west.”
“So, you’re going down for some training? You mean Old Thomas is going to release some money to improve a mining process, and he is not the one going for training?”
Raymond was taken off guard. He was surprised to hear someone call Mr. Thomas anything other than Mr. Thomas. He also wondered how this stranger knew his plans. It was almost as if he were showing off that he knew something about Raymond, while Raymond had no inclination who he might be. Raymond also wondered if it might be a test to see if he would defend Mr. Thomas or eventually report back to him.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Forgive my lack of manners. I’m Robert Conner. I work with old Ned.”
Raymond had never heard anybody call Mr. Thomas “Ned” before. Raymond said, “Weren’t you at breakfast in the inn this morning? You don’t live in Discovery do you? What do you do for the mines?”
“Whoa, I object,” said Mr. Conner, jokingly to ease Raymond’s tension. “In court, I only have to handle one question at a time, and I usually ask the questions. I am chief prosecuting attorney in Wellspring. Before I became prosecutor, I was with Adams, Bailey and Conner. It is pretty bad when your name begins with a “C” and you are still listed last among the partners.”
Raymond looked a little puzzled. This guy could talk.
“I represent Thomas Mines, mostly on mineral rights and mining claims. I’m also an investor and general trouble shooter. It used to be easy. A miner simply staked a workable claim and the square footage was his. As miners began to tunnel deeper into the hills, adjacent boundaries had to be determined including the imaginary vertical division between the claims.
“Then the miners wanted to organize. They have even revolted, held strikes and caused riots in the coal mines. So now I have to keep up on who the organizers are and where they are working. We’ve been able to keep them out of Discovery, because there’s nothing else up here for them.
“They stand out in the community. The only way they can work is to get a job and infiltrate the mine, working from inside. So, I also have to keep contact with the Pinkertons, just in case. When you need them, there’s no time to locate them and get them moving. You need them on the next train up.”
Raymond had never experienced anything like this conversation. He began to feel as if Mr. Conner was watching his reactions to determine if he was with the Thomases or a possible infiltrator. Raymond could not define it, but he had a strange feeling the jovial multi-directional conversation was a professional, practiced means of lowering a person’s defenses to obtain more information and observe reactions. No doubt, it was second nature for a man in Mr. Conner’s position. Was it a coincidence that he was on this train, sitting directly across from Raymond and engaging in a conversation?
Raymond decided to talk about what was really on his mind and change the subject. “Have you met Miss Victoria?”
“Oh yes. She is a fine young lady. Anybody of her stature who can deal with the old man surely has pluck.”
“I’ve never seen such an amazing creature as her.”
“Boy, you’ve got it bad. I think your condition might be fatal.”
Raymond, a little embarrassed that he could so easily and obviously reveal his condition to a total stranger, acknowledged, “Possibly. Possibly.”
To once again ease the tension, since his first tack did not work, Raymond offered, “I’m going to the Mining Institute. Mr. Thomas wants me to learn about the use of steam for drilling and hammering.”
Conner burst out again, “Old Thomas is going to finally get the mines into the Steam Age.”
Raymond, smiling with a puzzled look, acknowledged the statement with a forced smile. Conner smiled back with a smile that revealed he must have been proud of his observation. “It sounds as if you are moving right into Thomas Mines. This doesn’t have anything to do with Miss Victoria, does it?”
Now Raymond grinned as he knew more than he was saying about the subject, but said nothing. Conner continued, “The man who ends up with her will be very lucky and very unfortunate. She’ll be a wonderful catch, but I’m afraid her old man will be a package deal for a while. One would certainly find it challenging, at best, to be his son-in-law.”
Raymond just smiled dreamily as he shook his head at the thought. Although Raymond might have thought to the contrary, he had only seen Mr. Thomas on his best behavior to this point. There would be time in the not-too-distant future, when he, like everybody else who had been around long enough, would see the other side of Mr. Thomas. The two passengers continued in small talk for a while. Conner took a sip from his pocket flask and offered one to Raymond. Raymond gracefully declined. Pretty soon, Conner drifted off to sleep.
Raymond was happy for the opportunity to take in the scenery. He had never seen such high bridges through the mountain passes. The first two times they crossed a trestle, he held his breath as he could see nothing below the train to suspend it in what appeared to be mid-air. He pulled some lunch that he brought from the inn and had placed in the leather courier.
Most of the spur lines at this time did not yet have dining cars. Raymond continued to watch out the window for the afternoon, listening to the gentle and rhythmic clatter of the wheels hitting the expansion joints on the track. He also enjoyed the gentle side to side swaying of the train as it reached its top speed of about twenty miles for every hour traveled.
Dusk came early and he watched as the sun going over the mountains cast a brilliant violet hue. After sundown, the porter lit a lamp near Raymond’s seat, so he began to read. He dozed off for a while. He woke as the train began a downward slope and changed the rhythm of clattering which had lulled him to sleep. As he awoke, he looked to the southwest as the train began to go down a grade of what seemed to be the steepest descent of the day.
There in the distance, the heavy sky of late autumn reflected the lights of Wellspring. He could not pull himself away from the window as he watched. He could see the town drawing nearer and beginning to take a definite shape as the train descended down the switch-backs. For a while the town would be on the right and then the train turned to the other side onto a new switch-back going in the other direction. Then Wellspring would be to his left.
The train continued until they proceeded through tent towns, in which the tents had wooden bases and a canvas top. The streets were in random order, of maybe disorder. Whenever possible, planks were placed to offer make-shift sidewalks. They soon began to pass through areas which appeared to be recently constructed wood frame houses, office buildings, stores, hotels and saloons. The only establishments that appeared as if they were still open for business were the saloons. Occasionally, a hotel would have the foyer lights on. He began hoping there would be a hotel near the depot once he arrived in town, as he did not have a reservation until Sunday night.
He was amazed how quickly the train passed through town. He watched as any pedestrians or horse drawn carriages had to wait for the train to cross the streets. They were now passing mostly brick buildings that looked as if they had been standing for years. He figured this was the center of the city. Soon, the conductor said, “Next stop, Wellspring.”
As the train screeched to a stop, Raymond gathered his things, said, “Good-by, it was nice to meet you,” to Mr. Conner and shook his hand. He followed the other passengers from the train to the depot and out into the street. There, across the street was a hotel with what appeared to be a casino in the lobby. The place was as busy as mid-day. Reluctantly, Raymond entered the Golden Nugget and asked for a room. By now he was worn out and did not want to look for a quieter setting. The clerk asked if he just wanted a room or anything else. Raymond, with a puzzled look said, “No, just a room.”
Sunday morning came and Raymond was up early. He had some important things to accomplish. He had to find out how to get to the Institute and find his hotel in which Victoria had booked a room. He did not know how long they would hold his room and he did not want to have to find a room further from the Institute. Secondly, he wanted to retrace his steps through town. When he and Stewart agreed to meet at the “edge” of town; did they mean the new shanties in Tent Town; the newly constructed boarding houses and commerce in the wood frame area; or the established brick and mortar central city?
He figured his best bet would be to go the greatest distance in which he could perceive the visible signs of the trail, as it would be obscured by buildings, trees or foothills. He almost wished he could have come in to town by the light of day. That way he would know what the trail looked like coming through the pass with visibility from the train. These were details they could never have foreseen in their planning.
He obtained directions from the desk clerk at the hotel and set out. As he started in an eastward direction, he found an interesting restaurant to get some breakfast. After eating, as he was walking, he noticed the trolley cars proceeding down the tracks in the middle of the street.
After asking for directions, Raymond found himself seated comfortably aboard one of the cars, heading in the general direction of the Mining Institute. As he rode across town, he drank in all the sights and attempted to keep his bearing, so he would later be able to get around on his own. After finding the Institute he checked into his hotel and placed his things in the room.
The next plan was to travel back across toward the trail head and begin to look around town in an effort to locate Stewart. Raymond rode the trolley back to the end of the line. Then he walked several blocks. After an hour’s walk, he reached an area in which the wood frame buildings began to be outnumbered by tents. He visited several stores and hotels.
At the establishments that had notes and cards on make-shift bulletin boards, he left notes to Stewart. The bulletin boards had a wide variety of notes on them, some fresh and others were so old the writing had long since weathered off. People did not bother taking the old ones down, they just pinned or tacked new ones over the old. After asking around to gather any information about Stewart or where a young man might go to in town, he started back to his hotel.
Raymond enjoyed the opportunity to learn at the Institute. The two weeks flew by. As Raymond spent his last night in town he reflected back on the trip. He thought Mr. Thomas would be impressed, if not a little threatened by what he had learned. It made him feel a sense of satisfaction that a man who had gained all that Mr. Thomas had gained, might be a little intimidated by him – at least by his newly acquired knowledge.
He also wondered if Victoria would be proud of him and if she would tell him if she was proud. Finally, he thought the men might respect him, or at least respect his newly acquired knowledge. Even though he had not found Stewart, he considered it a good trip.
Chapter Ten
MID-WINTER
Christmas Eve came to Discovery. The winter was fairly mild, for winter in the mountains. There was about a foot of snow on the ground in places where it accumulated without being cleared. Some of the newly fallen snow hid the coal soot and airborne wood ash that rolled from the home chimneys and the smelter.
The miners were in good spirits as they reported for work. They knew they would only work a half day today and not very hard at that. They also knew this would be the one night Edward Thomas would feed them and not charge any of his silver tokens.
At noon, Raymond pulled the long blast on the whistle to indicate the end of the work day rather than the shorter noon whistle he normally blew. It seemed to him as if most of the men cleared the mine before the end of the whistle blast. As the miners passed, tugging on their coats and hats, Raymond said, “Merry Christmas, see you at the dinner tonight.”
Several answered with variations to the same theme, “You better believe we’ll be there.”
Raymond arrived at the Silver Horseshoe, which was closed early; to help move tables around so there would be room for the party. They also kept a little space open so couples could dance after dinner to the music of the local musicians. This was the only night of the year most of them were able to celebrate collectively.
They could usually not afford to hang around the saloon or were simply too tired from work. Most of the family men could not justify visiting the saloon even if they did not imbibe. Tonight, the Silver Horseshoe was not a saloon. It was a place of celebration for families and friends.
As the guests started to arrive, most brought something they could share, a pie, a plate of cookies, or maybe some nut bread. Mr. Thomas had informed them he would provide the meat and vegetables. He also offered free alcohol, but encouraged the miners to only drink in moderation. A couple of men who liked to show off their hunting skills brought fresh game they shot that afternoon.
The atmosphere was quite congenial during the dinner. After everyone had time to eat, get seconds and visit the dessert table, Victoria signaled Raymond to announce the presentation portion of the party. During this segment, Mr. Thomas gave his remarks, congratulated people, gave the Christmas bonus tokens and received his present from all the workers. He always managed to act surprised as the gift was given and words of exaltation were bestowed upon him. In several of the private conversations around the room, more remarks were exchanged:
“I don’t know why he acts so surprised, the contributions for the gift are mandatory.”
“Yeah, and besides we buy it from his store. He actually makes a profit from the sale.”
Out of hearing distance from the previous conversation someone said, “It’s getting very difficult to think of something to buy.”
“I know, he already has everything.”
Mr. Thomas was thinking something else. His thoughts were, “I really don’t need this stuff, but I am so glad they show their true respect. They must really think I am a great leader and provider.”
As the evening wore down, families with young children began filtering out so they could get home and put the young ones to bed. Some of the couples, with no children or with children old enough to take care of themselves, stayed to dance. Raymond found himself dancing almost every dance with Victoria. They could tell most of the eyes in the room were glued to them - especially the eyes of Mr. Thomas.
Some more conversations could be heard in various places around the room:
“I think something’s beginning to develop there, don’t you?”
“I think it’s quite obvious.”
“I wonder how long it’ll take Victoria to break that young colt.”
“She already has. I wonder how long it’ll take Mr. T. to break him.”
Finally, only one couple remained besides Raymond and Victoria. “It’s getting late. May I see you home?”
“I’d be delighted. I didn’t even notice Father leaving.”
On the way to the Thomas house, Raymond noticed Victoria had a glove only on one hand - the hand further from him. He gently reached for her bare hand and said, “This might get cold.”
“I think it’ll be protected.”
“Victoria, there’s something I want to tell you, but I don’t want to tell your dad.”
“I guess, but I don’t know why you wouldn‘t want me to tell him. I tell him everything.”
“This pertains to work. I’m afraid he might misconstrue my thoughts. I really don’t know if I’m cut out for what I’m doing.”
“Oh, it’s natural to have doubts about your new job. My father will go a long way letting a person learn the job, if you confide in him and he feels you’re totally committed to the mines and to… him,” she responded in an attempt to encourage him.
By this time, they were standing in front of the door, and paused a moment to finish the conversation. I mean I am not sure I will be happy doing this forever.”
“If you stick with it, you have a chance to become very wealthy.”
“I know, but I don’t know if I’ll be happy.”
“Oh Raymond, you just lack direction. You don’t know what you want out of life,” Victoria replied, beginning to demonstrate a certain level of exasperation.
“I know what I want, but money isn’t part of it.”
“Raymond, you have to set your sights upon professional accomplishments too. Money isn’t everything, but it can sure release you from some of the burdens of life to enjoy the things you like.”
“Victoria, your dad knows exactly what he wants and would do anything to achieve it. I just don’t know if it’s worth it.”
“Raymond, I’m not sure I know exactly what you mean, but please take my advice and never speak ill of my father.”
The sharp rebuke stung Raymond like a slap across the cold cheek. He told Victoria, “Good night,” and was on his way. He had hoped this would be the night he gave her his first kiss, but was not as sure as he had previously been regarding where he stood with her.
The two interlopers did not realize the latter part of their conversation was overheard by Mr. Thomas. He waited up and could overhear Raymond’s concerns very clearly from his seat between the door and the window. He thought, “Good going, Victoria, thank you for the defense.”
He also thought, “As long as Raymond confronts my daughter instead of me, I have him right where I want him. If he has no dreams, I’ll give him mine.”
“Um, uhg, Is that you Victoria? I must have fallen asleep while I was waiting for you.”
Raymond had unwittingly become a greater challenge for Mr. Thomas. He was not calculating, but the amount of reluctance he demonstrated, became a goal for Mr. Thomas to overcome. After all, what could this young man know about leadership that he could not himself demonstrate?
