The Inheritance of the T Bar Ten

By E.R. Nicodemus

In this sequel to The Inheritance of Tanning Masters we discover Tan and his crew struggling to make a successful business against terrible odds.

With his new wife, Maggie, in tow, Tan sets out to claim land for a ranch, but finds he isn't able to meet the requirements by himself. A letter sent to him demands--work the land or lose it. Tan turns to the boys on the streets of St. Paul for help. These orphans are notorious thieves, known as scallywags only fit to work prison farms. Forced to grow up fast, they dodge the local sheriff and commit any crime necessary in order to survive, but Tan has faith in them, and attempts to save them from a life of jail and forced labour.

Soon Tan finds himself with a band of hungry, dirty, undisciplined, and selfish boys on his hands. What hope does he have to make a family out of these individuals? What skills will it take to train them? Will there be enough time for Tan and the boys to save the ranch land? Will Tan and Maggie be able to give them a hope for life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Word Alive Press
• Release date: Jun 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781486606696

Book preview

Chapter One

Maggie

I rode away from camp without regret. I had a desire to get back to Lower Fort Garry and see some of the folks I loved.

My horse was ready to travel, and I had packed food for myself and grain for the horse. We travelled most of the day, wending our way through the forest, moving from the spruce and pine, then entering the maple and cottonwood.

I made camp early in the day by a bubbling brook that hadn’t been muddied by the melting runoff. After cooking my meal, I sat by the fire, feeling the pressure of responsibility drain from my mind. I felt the loss of Duval, knowing that he was almost a part of my family. It’s odd how greed and jealousy can eat at a man to cause such damage to others. Duval could have had a good business in this rich land had he not been controlled by such a vengeful attitude. As my memories played out, from our first meeting to the fatal end, they flew from my present awareness into the far recesses of my mind. I was never bothered by their presence again after that night.

Having slept well in the fresh spring air, I was awakened by my horse. It was late as the sunshine streamed down through the trees. I made coffee and unhurriedly got under way.

Thus I spent the following week making my way north.

I came upon a familiar stream, which I hadn’t been able to define as a creek or small river a year earlier, and saw spawning fish swarming upstream in the sunlit waters. I decided to go downstream to see where they were coming from. I camped at its mouth, looking out over a large lake bigger than most in the area. The following day, I retraced my trail until I came to open prairie, where I had first come upon this flowing body of water. As I rested by the evening’s campfire, I remembered that I wasn’t all that far from Scotty’s place. I anticipated being at his table the next evening.

Hellooo, I called as I rode into the yard with the afternoon sun at my back.

Over here, at the barn! Scotty called.

I dismounted and led the horse to the barn. There I saw Scotty and Tom bent over a cow lying in a stall.

What’s going on here? I asked with interest. The men were concentrating so hard on their task that they failed to greet me.

Finally, Tom turned, changing his smile to laughter. Hey, Tan! What are you doing here? It’s good to see you! We’re treating a young heifer. She’s in hard labour and can’t have her calf.

By his answer, I could see that Scotty had taught much to Tom. I wondered what Tom would have done if he’d been around after his drunken father was killed in a fight. Tom hadn’t been part of the group who wandered the streets, and Mary couldn’t have kept supporting him forever.

I don’t know what to do, Tan, Scotty said worriedly. I’ve not cared for cattle for very long, and this isn’t a natural thing. What would you do?

Back in England, I saw a man cut the cow, choosing the calf in place of its mother. I don’t know what her chances are either way, so you’ll have to choose for yourself, Scotty. I knew this didn’t offer much comfort.

Why don’t you and Tom go to the house and start supper, Scotty suggested, allowing his fatigue to show. I will be there in a while.

Tom was capable in the kitchen, warming the leftovers and cleaning the dishes from breakfast and dinner. This is our habit, he said. We do our housework after the day’s work. The farm progresses better that way.

So how do you like it here? I asked, finding the towel to dry the dishes.

I really want to stay here if I can. I’m learning my letters and numbers so I can go to school in the fall, he volunteered enthusiastically.

I’m glad you’ll be going to school. It will give you more opportunities in life.

Boom!

We waited in silence until Scotty came to the door. With a stern face, he said, I used your Sharps 50 to put her out of her misery. She gave me a fine heifer as a replacement. I took it to the nurse cow, and she nudged it in to nurse right off, for which I do thank the Lord! We’ll skin the carcass and butcher her tonight. That is, if you’re staying the night?

I come a-calling and hope to stay, if you’ll have me. I smiled, putting on a surprised look.

Can we cut some steaks right now, just to celebrate? Tom asked.

Scotty and I both laughed.

Not so fast, Scotty said. We got your stew to finish tonight. There will be steak for breakfast. It needs a mite of time to cool. For now, you got housework to do.

After supper, Scotty and I went to butcher the cow.

If we only had the knowledge, we may have been able to save this cow. Someday a man will know and be able to teach others, I said as we finished hanging the last quarter on the rafters. Then another thought came to me. Scotty, I’m pleased to see that you’ve done a lot for Tom. He appears more confident and capable in his manner and work.

Tan, if you only knew the half of it. That boy is smart! Not so much in inventing things, but figuring out how things work and how to fix them. He can do housework better than me, and that’s saying more than it sounds. He helped this place improve many times over because he steps back and looks things over to figure out the best way to accomplish each task. Many times, he’ll say, ‘Scotty, just a minute!’ When he does, I’ve learned to listen. He’s a clear thinker! A good quality in a boy so young. I want to give him every chance possible to get ahead in life. He’ll not be a farmer, though.

You know him better than I, and I’m happy to hear such a good report, I said. It seems it would be good for every man to help orphans. It would keep them safe, giving them an opportunity for a more productive life. Keep encouraging him! I paused. I heard you thanking the Lord. Have you been listening to Captain McCleod?

Listening? I’ve been sitting under his preaching for the last two years. Good preacher. Scotty’s eyes shone. You should listen, too. Sunday’s the day after tomorrow.

I plan to! I haven’t seen or talked to Mag—I mean, Margaret—since I watched her being rowed away from Point Pierre. The thought gave me a moment of sadness. Yes, I will be there for sure.

Want a cup of coffee before turning in?

Uh, no thanks. I think I better get some sleep. Come to think of it, I better let you fellows sleep while I stay in the barn loft. Harry Waite must have told you by now about the noise I make at night.

That old codger never stops telling stories. You give him a name, and he has a story!

We all laughed at the personality of the man.

* * *

Tom was milking the cow when I awoke the next morning. I climbed down from the loft.

Good morning, Tom greeted. Not all the things Harry Waite says are just stories!

There was a moment of silence. Tom couldn’t hold it any longer and burst out laughing. I laughed with him.

As we entered the house for breakfast, it smelled of steak and eggs and biscuits.

Well, did you tell him? Scotty asked Tom. All Tom could do was laugh as he nodded his head.

I guess I’m not a farmer like you folks, I said. You’ve been up so long that you’re way ahead of me. I’ll just wait my turn.

I ate their fine breakfast as they continued to tell yarns about me. They thought it funny that my snoring had chased two dogs out into a storm.

After breakfast, I was about to mount my horse when Scotty asked, Do you want the Sharps 50 with you?

No! You seem to have found a use for it. I have my own rifle back in camp, and I don’t hunt as much as I used to.

Arriving in Lower Fort by late afternoon, I went right to the parsonage and knocked on the door.

Yes… Tan! Margaret cried out. It’s so good to see you! I didn’t think I would ever see you again. You were here a year or so ago, but I missed seeing you. I wondered how you were getting along, and if you had been reading the Bible, and if you had a family change, and if you knew Jesus, and if you were a part of our family yet, and—

Captain McCleod had made it to the door and held her by the shoulders. Maggie! Maggie, dear! Let the poor travelling man get inside the door before asking and telling him everything you’ve been saving for all time. He will be our guest, and he can answer the questions one at a time.

He gently pulled her back to allow me to enter.

Sit here, Tan, the captain said as he led me into the kitchen. Maggie will finish making supper. Later, she can sit and ask questions as much as you’re able to answer. But let me talk with you a mite. How is your venture with the sawmill?

We completed our contract, and I’ve invited the men back for another season, but not under the same conditions. They were good men, proving themselves by accomplishing the difficult task efficiently.

And your foe from York Factory?

We planned to capture him and take him to the law in St. Paul. He fell on an axeblade as I was fighting him, and he died. I kept the details few, so it wouldn’t be distorted in the telling.

McCleod was satisfied with the report. How has the Lord been working in your life?

We kept vespers and Sunday services. I didn’t know very much, but I did read the Bible and pray. I plan to be here for at least two months. I’d like you to teach me the truths of the Holy Bible. I want to learn so I can teach this knowledge to my men.

We ate Maggie’s beef stew and potatoes.

After supper, it was Maggie’s turn to ask questions. She had grown taller but was very much her inquisitive self. I answered her every question. We laughed about the past, the ship, and all we could remember. It was late when we retired for the night.

Tan, you can stay here if you wish, McCleod said. Or you can stay in the cabin beyond the church. I stayed there when Rothington was preaching here. It’s comfortable!

Thanks, I’ll take the cabin. It’s better for each of us. I’ll see you in the morning!

I found the cabin and spread my blankets on the bed. I slept well, as much at home as I would ever be allowed.

* * *

In the morning, I was ready with my suit and shiny boots.

McCleod let me in for breakfast. Tan, you look like the preacher himself! Where did you get that suit?

You know Scotty Frazer, I said with a smile. It’s his father’s.

Why, I’m glad to hear that you know Scotty. He’s a good man and will be a preacher someday.

He says as much.

Let’s eat before we go over to the kirk! The captain’s brogue strengthened a little as he finished the sentence.

The service was well-attended, and for being the first church meeting I had been to since I was in school, it was a good one! Captain McCleod led the singing for most of an hour, and then he preached. We met most of the community of Lower Fort Garry. I was hearing their names for the first time, so it wasn’t easy to remember them all.

Hi, Tan. Sure is good to see you in a suit and in church, Tom said cheerfully. He blushed when he saw Maggie. Oh! Hi, Margaret. That’s a pretty dress.

Hi, Tom, Maggie said. You’re looking good in that new shirt.

Do you think he likes you? I whispered to her when we were alone.

He’s so shy, but I think he might be struck. I don’t have any emotional feelings towards him, except maybe respect for his hard work, which anybody would admire.

Just don’t give the boy hope if you don’t have any feeling for him, I said, trying to be gentle. It’s mighty hard on a boy. I speak for both sides, so please don’t misunderstand me.

She nodded. Yes, I know it’s hard. I’ve only spoken kindly to Tom, but he still tries to talk with me on Sundays. I don’t want it to go any further than that. I’m too young for such things, but the boys think that as long as you’re tall enough, you’re marriageable. That’s not so. Margaret was firm in her conviction.

Captain McCleod has taught you well, and it’s appreciable. After all, you’ve always been around men on ships and the like.

I’ve learned much from those men, which helps me to judge men for who they are. That kind of learning can’t be taught by just one man, not even by my good father! She was honest in her evaluation, and that quality drew me to her.

We left the church and slowly walked back to the house.

Just keep on walking! Factor McTavish has asked for us to dine at his place, McCleod said with a grin as he took one of Margaret’s hands, wrapping it over his forearm.

We continued the rest of the walk three abreast, keeping our conversation to small talk and the weather.

At the doorstep of McTavish’s house, the factor himself hailed us. Come right in! Don’t bother to knock!

We stepped through the door, and McTavish grabbed my hand.

Twas I who was worried about you when you left here last year, McTavish said, but as the news came to me, I got excited about your work in sawmills. I’d like to see one here, but we don’t have any wood to cut, so it isn’t practical. It’s so good to see you face to face again!

It wasn’t long until we sat down to a roast of pork with vegetables and potatoes. Bread and dessert were also visible on the table. Coffee was served afterward.

We talked all through the meal, everything from furs to the new steam-powered machines. The sawmill was fascinating to these people, and they wanted every detail, but much of the time I had to explain the specialized terms I used.

I didn’t see Harry Waite at church today, I said, trying to excuse myself. I would like to call on him to let him know that I’m here.

He was in for the preaching but left before the benediction, McCleod said. It seemed he was in a hurry to get somewhere.

Well, I’ll find out where he had to go. Please excuse me. I turned to Maggie. Margaret, would you like to walk with me?

Papa likes me to rest on Sundays, so I better not, she said politely. Thank you for your invitation. Through this exchange, the captain’s face held no expression.

I left and went over to Harry’s house.

Is there anybody awake in there? I called.

There was no answer but the scurrying of feet, followed by the appearance of his wife. Shhh, he’s fine’y sleepin’! He bin up aw night wit’ the die-ree, cramps n’ all! Come tomorry, an’ he’ll talk. I’ll tell ‘im you was heah, and he’ll ‘spect you fer dinner. That’s hawh noon in this heah house. Her wrinkly face smiled, her dark eyes shining warmly.

I’ll be here at noon for sure. Thanks, ma’am! I returned her smile.

I walked to the dock, and saw how low the water was compared to the spring before. I sat alone, thinking for about an hour, trying to determine what my course would be while I was here. I wanted the captain to teach me the Bible, but I needed a better excuse to stay here. I didn’t want to work for the Company, but there wasn’t much else to do, it seemed.

The cabin became my living quarters, and I remained their guest.

The next morning, I was about to step out for a walk when McTavish came over. Tan, you are a blacksmith and a gunsmith. I’ve got about thirty teams of oxen and carts that need work for a hunt coming up. I also have various weapons that need cleaning. Other folks have carts to repair and shoes needed for their stock. There’s no lack of work. Would you be willing to help us out?

Do you have a place where I can work? I would need a forge and tools.

We have just the place, and it’s behind the Company fence. There’s a shed with all the tools waiting for you, and a small house to live in. You’ll find that the people are very hospitable around here and pity the bachelors. He patted his stomach and smiled. Come, I’ll show you!

He led me to the place, and I was stunned at my forgetfulness.

Why that’s my trunk. My tools! I exclaimed. But how did you know all this was here? Oh, I see. You had this all planned!

No, no! This is Harry’s business, McTavish said. He was going to teach himself how to do it, but now you can teach him. It’s going to work out. Many hunters come here to get things fixed, and there’s nobody to help them. We got the coal all the way from England, to have good hot fires. You can really soothe a sore spot in the community. What do you think?

I’ll do it, but I can only stay until the last part of June. I have to work at the mill before start up!

I didn’t want to be too permanent in their community. At least, not yet.

Good, McTavish said. You can start now. Put things in order so that work can begin in earnest tomorrow morning, bright and early.

McTavish went back to his post.

I felt a little taken back at the suddenness of finding my reason to remain in Fort Garry. As I got to arranging the tools and setting the forge, my knowledge of the work came back to the forefront of my memory. I could do this and help Harry, too!

I wondered if the house was in as much disarray as the shed, so I went into the house and found a box full of the remains of rifles. None were completely whole. There was a bed, a stove, a table, and two chairs. That was the sum of its furnishings.

It would work. I’d have to talk with McCleod so he could help me explain to Margaret what had taken place. She would feel disappointed in the change of living arrangements. In times past, she would get angry at such things.

I went back to the shed. The coal needed more care to keep it dry, so I straightened it up and looked at the carts that lay around. Some of the carts were hopelessly beyond repair, while others, with the right piece, could be put back to use. Nonetheless, it would be a challenge!

Noon came, and I headed over to Harry’s place. I raised my hand to knock on the door.

‘Mon in! Ah bin waitin’ all mownin’ for yuh to git here, Harry drawled from his chair at the table.

I hear you have been lying in beds of ease these past days, I teased him in return.

Now, see heah! Ah bin sickly an’ don’ kick a man when he’s down. A small grin shadowed across his face.

Husband, he jus’ wants yer dander up so’s you’ll git up, his wife put in.

He looked at me and winked. That rat!

Yup, I said. I need you up on your feet if you want to learn anything. I just got introduced to your plan, and now you have to get healthy so you can swing that five-pounder I got out there. I was only half-kidding.

Well, set up an’ eat, then we’ll see who’s a gonna swing a five-poun’ hamma’! He motioned with his hand that I should sit at the table.

With talking about old times and stretching stories, our meal passed pleasantly into the afternoon. There was lots of laughter. The dogs seemed to follow as they would wag their tails at the appropriate times.

Eventually, we got over to the blacksmith shop, as we came to call it, and began working on the repairs stationed there. Hitches were easy, as long as there was enough metal. Wheel rims could be fitted where rust wasn’t too excessive. Equipment beyond repair was still valuable for parts and material. There would be need for new banding for some of the cart wheels. Otherwise they would fall apart. I showed Harry how to heat and shape hot metal. Harry was a little awkward with the hammer, but his understanding of the basic principles was clear.

The next day, we looked at teams of oxen. They needed their shoes replaced or reset with hoof trimming. That was a new experience for Harry, but with time he was able to do it.

So Harry worked as my blacksmith apprentice—and in the evenings and on Sunday, I studied under Captain McCleod.

There were some fun times on Sundays as visitors came over to talk over tea with the captain and Maggie. Other times we would play games. The reason I came was to talk to Margaret. We would walk to the river, talk about anything that interested her, or just throw stones into the water. I had taught her in school, and I thought I knew her pretty well.

As Maggie skipped a stone across the water, she asked me a direct question. Tan, do you think I’m too young to get married?

That was difficult to answer, as I considered that what she really meant was whether or not she should get married to me. Saying yes would mean a commitment, but saying no would be a rejection! How to answer?

If I understand, I think you’re asking if I think your decision not to marry Tom is correct, I said. You’re fourteen this fall. I don’t believe you are mature enough to get married. I advise that you wait.

Maggie’s face went from white to red. Mature enough! Her words came out like cannonballs. I’ll have you know that I can marry anyone I please, and I’ll be plenty mature when I do it!

She ran back to the house, not giving me any chance of rebuttal. She was furious, and I didn’t know why. It took more walks and talks to settle that blunder.

In further visiting together, we discovered each other’s opinions and beliefs in areas of life. This is where her belief in God was stronger than mine. I needed more teaching!

The two months seemed to go by as if it had only been a day.

Taking my leave had never been my strength. I got used to talking with people who were closer to me than working associates, and I got attached to them. To make the pain easier, I said my goodbyes in the evening and informed them that I would be gone in the morning before dawn.

You could stay for breakfast, Maggie half-pleaded.

No, it’s better my way. When I come back, it will seem like no time at all! I hoped that I sounded convincing.

Maggie was about to be insistent when the captain came to my rescue. Maggie, it’s easier on the heart if you let time cushion the pain. Joy comes in the morning! It matters not which morning.

Chapter Two

Back to the Sawmill

The next day, I headed out early, as planned, and within ten days I was in Mary’s restaurant eating supper. I stayed in the old barn because I didn’t want to spend money on a hotel.

The following morning, I went back to the restaurant. Mary wasn’t busy and wanted to talk.

Sure is nice and quiet around here since you got the sawmill crews working again, she said, rambling on as I ate breakfast. The saloons are calm, and that’s good for me and the law. Saturdays are the same, though, and I lock up early just to keep myself safe!

Is the riverboat in today? I asked when she gave me time to ask.

She smiled jokingly. Yes, I think it is. What are you expecting, another engine?

Good guess! I’m looking for a sawmill that cuts boards from squared timber. It’s called a gang saw.

Well, you’ve had such good success with two engines, why not another? This whatchamacallit sounds like something new. About the guess, well, I’m just getting to know how you think.

You’re a perceptive person. I smiled lightly and got up from the table. I gave her a tip as I paid the bill. See you next spring!

The riverboat was in, and