A New Beginning: Book No. 7 of the Wolde Family Saga

By Bill Conner

PART ONE ---New York City

Without a word, Nathan handed the cablegram to his son. Roy took it and walked away a few steps. He opened the envelope as he walked, dreading with every step, what he believed the cable would say; the Baron had died. The others watched quietly as he read, hardly breathing. The cable fell to the ground; Roys shoulders sagged, and he began to sob mightily. After a few minutes, he straightened his shoulders, shook himself like a wet dog, then turned to the others. All right gentlemen, I assume you all read what grandfather said; Tell Roy to stay the course, and that is exactly what were going to do. Michael, where do we go from here?
Offhand, Roy, Id say Kentucky, but its your decision; except I dont think you ought to be the one to go. How about you, Uncle Nathan?
I think youre right; Roy needs to stay right here and look after MacTavish Enterprises like hes supposed to. I had planned to go wherever we went, if Roy did, but since hell staying here, I reckon Ill go on to Virginia and rest a while. I guess that leaves you, Oliver.
Uncle Robert felt I owed him something, Oliver said, if I intended to take my rightful place in the clan; so he asked me to be the head of this new MacTavish division in this country. Hed been told there was a lot of open land and few settlers out west, and thats where I should go. Also, Id be able to pay for land with gold without too many questions. I agreed with that, and said Id do it. David is all eager to go, so I guess thats what well do.


PART TWO --- THE OLSENS


It was late in the day, August Twenty-first, eighteen fifty-six, and a perfect evening for fishing. A nice cool breeze barely ruffled the leaves on the trees providing shade for a man sitting beneath them in a strange looking chair; ostensibly, trying to catch his supper.
Oliver Olsen, once a sailor, now an adventurer; a banker; a farmer; a trader of livestock; a buyer of land; a builder; an entrepreneur extraordinaire; a man who wore many hats; was a man lost in retrospect. He found this happening more often lately, and if someone asked him why, would most likely answer, Im trying to figure out how it all came about.
Suddenly, he was aware someone was jerking on his arm. He looked around and saw it was his two year old grandson, David Junior. His mother, Penny, was standing right behind the boy. Grandpa, Penny said. I dont see any fish; youve been sleeping again, havent you?
I suppose you could say that, he replied, either that, or someones been standing beside me telling that same old story again. It dont get any better with the telling. Id sure like to hear something from David, wouldnt you? Its been three months since we heard from him and the boys.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781493151509

Bill Conner

I retired on the last day of the year 2008. I was seventy-eight years old, and it was a sad day; I found it very hard to let go. After several weeks of listening to my growling and complaining about having nothing to do, my wife gave me a challenge I could not refuse. I had talked for years about writing a book but claimed I never had time to do it. My wife said I now had plenty of time so I should get to it, and that’s what I did. I had no idea how to begin, but somehow I managed, and The Last Good Year is my eighth book to be published. I am halfway through writing the ninth and promised myself I would write a total of ten before I quit and retire again. It’s a pretty lofty goal for a man now eighty-four years old.

Book preview

CONTENTS

Author’s Note

Cast Of Characters

PART I

HOME AGAIN

NEW YORK CITY

CHAPTER TWO

SCOTLAND

CHAPTER THREE

THE MOUNTAINS OF VIRGINIA

CHAPTER FOUR

SCOTLAND

CHAPTER FIVE

BALTIMORE

CHAPTER SIX

SCOTLAND

PART II

THE OLSENS

DEDICATION

13996.png

I dedicate this book to two people because without either of them, it would never have seen the light of day; my brother, Don, and my step-daughter, Tammy.

Don is a world class researcher, and has traveled all over at least half of the world, but he is one of those aggravating kind of people one can never prove wrong about anything; at least, I never have, but I love him anyway.

I call Tammy a computer ‘whiz’ simply because I don’t know a word that would signify higher praise. Maybe I should have said, she is a whizzer! I made life difficult for her because of my ignorance of things electronic. Didn’t matter; she fixed my problems anyway. I love you too, Tam.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

The story begins with my book, "The Baroness and the Preacher, and continues through each of the following books; Roy Wolde and Sean O’Connor, A Home for David Sullivan, John Wilson Junior, The Preacher, The Barony, and now this book, A New Beginning. The books should be read in the order shown, for the story flows from one book directly to the next.

A New Beginning deals with the return of the Wolde family to New York City, after an extended visit at The Barony, in Dundee, Scotland. It tells of young Roy Wolde’s accession to the throne as head of MacTavish Enterprises, and deals with the dividing of power between some of the younger family members.

It tells of births and deaths, romances and marriage, long periods of separation, as well as the emergence of an unknown cousin, Oliver Olsen, who carries the tentacles of the giant MacTavish empire into western Kentucky, and sends his son to the Wyoming Territory to begin a colony there.

The year is 1856. A New Beginning is fraught with worries over the possibility of war between the Northern and Southern states and this book will take the reader all the way to 1858. The Preacher has predicted the year 1859 will be the last good year for a period of time yet undetermined.

I hope you enjoy my story, but I assure you, it is purely a work of fiction. The few people who are real, have been treated with the utmost dignity and respect, and many contributed greatly to the formation of the new state of West Virginia. The one who later fought for the Confederacy, in my personal opinion, did so with great reluctance, always hoping matters would be settled peacefully.

I have taken some liberties with the dates of certain happenings, in order for them to fit the flow of a completely fictitious tale, but no changes were made to the event or occurrence itself. The character’s names were made up by the author, and any resemblance to that of any actual person, is purely coincidental, and unintentional. I have treated my characters with love, kindness, respect, and honor, the same as I do my family; which, in a way, they are. I have also taken special care not to write anything I feel would embarrass the reader. I hope you enjoy my book.

Bill Conner

CAST OF CHARACTERS

NATHANIEL (NATHAN) WOLDE—Adopted son of Ethan and Sarah Wolde. Farmer/Preacher/Senator’s Aide/Statesman. Husband of Mary Catherine Collingsworth. Parents killed in Indian wars. Adopted at age 6.

MARY CATHERINE COLLINGSWORTH—Born out of wedlock daughter of Baron Robert MacTavish, Dundee, Scotland, and Judith Conaway. Raised by Judith’s sister, Maddie and her husband Clarence Collingsworth as their own child. Mother of 5 children. Step-sister of Ian MacTavish.

ROY, CHARLES RALEIGH (Riley), MARTHA JANE, SARAH, LUCY—Children of Nathan and Mary Catherine Wolde.

BARON ROBERT MACTAVISH—Son of Augustus MacTavish, Dundee, Scotland. Sent to America to oversee family’s investment in trapping beaver. Opens office in New York City, but declines to visit the Pacific Northwest. Remains in city. Introduced to Judith by a notorious madam, and enjoyed a long relationship with Miss Julie until his father found out and ordered him to return home immediately.

DONA ANNE-LEIGH RIBEIRO MACTAVISH—Daughter of a wealthy Portuguese Dom. Married Robert MacTavish, mother of Ian. Dies soon after giving birth to her son, Ian.

IAN MACTAVISH—Son of Baron Robert and Anne-Leigh MacTavish. Born in Jamaica, raised in Scotland. Mother was a Portuguese Dona. Half-brother of Mary Catherine. Actually a Baronet, he overseas the family enterprises world wide. Mentor of nephew, Charles Raleigh Wolde.

HANS AND INGA WILHELM—Long time members of the MacTavish household staff. Tutor of Ian, and accompany him on his travels.

CAPTAIN THOMAS STUART—CAPTAIN of the MacTavish flagship, Catherine Ross, a China Clipper.

LAWRENCE ROTHCHILD—Grandson of Sylvester. New York Solicitor, Husband of the lovely Anna.

MARTHA SAWYER—Widow of Albert, who drowned in the flood. A very wealthy lady, and Mary Catherine’s good friend. Companion of David Sullivan.

PATRICK AND LUCY O’CONNOR—Good friends and neighbors of Nathan and Mary Catherine.

SEAN, MICHAEL, AND MEGAN O’CONNOR—Children of Patrick and wife, Elizabeth, who died from influenza when the children were young.

DAVID SULLIVAN—Nephew of Lawrence Rothchild. Comes to territory seeking his fortune. Lives for a while with the Wolde family. A uniquely talented young man who becomes very wealthy and influential in family matters.

SAM JENSEN—Solicitor extraordinaire’. Classmate of Lawrence Rothchild. Attorney at Law, Fairmont, Va. Retained by MacTavish. A very affable person.

JOHN WILSON JUNIOR—Son of John and Elizabeth. West Point graduate, degreed engineer. Captain’s commission, having served two years active time in Army. Partner with David Sullivan in real estate venture on West Fork. Marries Lyllith Smythe.

ROBERT MACTAVISH (1635-1710) PATRIARCH—Sailing master, privateer, pirate.

EDWARD MACTAVISH—Son of Robert. Marries Gabriela Munoz.

DAVID MACTAVISH—Son of Robert. Marries Elizabeth Bolling.

CHARLES MACTAVISH—Son of David. Marries Gretchen McKinelly

MARION MACTAVISH—Daughter of David. Spinster

GERALDINE MACTAVISH—Daughter of David. Marries Konrad Olsson.

STEPHEN MACTAVISH—Son of David. Marries Sabela Benardes.

RICHARD MACTAVISH—Son of Stephen. Marries Genevive Cameron.

AUGUSTUS MACTAVISH—Son of Richard. Marries Catherine MacGregor.

ROBERT MACTAVISH—Son of Augustus. Marries Anne-Leigh Ribeiro.

IAN MACTAVISH—Son of Robert. Marries Ruth Rabinawitz.

MARY CATHERINE WOLDE—Daughter of Robert and Judith Conaway.

PENNY LEIGH MACTAVISH—Adopted daughter of Robert MacTavish and Esther Rabinawitz.

OLIVER OLSEN—Great, great, great, grandson of Geraldine Olsson nee MacTavish, First Mate of Catherine Ross, owner of Horse Country farm. Manchester, England. Nephew of Robert MacTavish.

KRISTINA OLSEN—Wife of Oliver. Born and reared in Iceland.

DAVID OLSEN—Son of Oliver and Kristina. Marries Penny MacTavish.

STEPHEN OLSEN—Son of Oliver and Kristina. Marries Alicia Fleming.

RODDY SPENSER—Overseer of Horse Country Farm. Marries Lydia Greeshon.

LYDIA GREESHON—Retired school teacher, Manchester, England. Marries Roddy Spenser.

ESTHER RABINAWITZ—Keeper of Accounts, The Barony, Dundee, Scotland.

RUTH RABINAWITZ—Secretary to Robert and Ian MacTavish. Marries Ian.

RACHEL RABINAWITZ—Assistant to Esther. Erstwhile artist. Marries Miguel Cardosa.

TYNE MCLAREN—Retired sailing master. Operates ferry on Firth of Tay.

CALVIN MCLAREN—Helps father, Tyne. Takes care of mail, acts as courier.

SEAN CULBERTSON—Manages shipyard at Newport. Marries Esther.

NILS GUFTASON—Captain of clipper ship, Anne Ross.

ALICIA FLEMING—Household staff, The Barony. Marries Stephen Olsen.

CELIA FITZGERALD—Household staff, The Barony. Adopted daughter of Grant and Bridget Fitzgerald. Born in the Netherlands. Marries Charles Raleigh MacTavish.

GEOFFREY GORDON—Overseer of MacTavish estate, Dundee, Scotland.

MARY GORDON—Wife of Geoffrey, head housekeeper, The Barony.

REGINALD MACCALLEN—Chief Veterinarian, Angus Farms, Dundee, Scotland.

NATHAN FLEMING—Assistant to Reginald MacCallen, father of Alicia.

KERRY FLEMING—Son of Nathan. Companion of Martha Jane Wolde.

CHARLES CAMERON—Special friend of Sarah Wolde.

CADIZ, KENTUCKY—THE OLSEN FACTOR

GILBERT WELLS—General manager of MacTavish holdings, Trigg County.

SALLY WELLS—Wife of Gilbert. Manages store.

JACK WELLS—Son of Gilbert and Sally Wells. Marries Rebecca O’Shaunessy.

TREY AND BENNIE SMYTHE—Twin sons of Lew and Sarolin Smythe. Skilled carpenters.

JOHN O’SHAUNESSY, ROBERT AND JESSE GRAY, JACK, JASON, JOEY, AND HENRY STRICKLAND, WESLEY GRAINGER, AND HAROLD STONE—People who came with the wagon train from Virginia to work for Oliver Olsen.

LIAM O’CASEY—The young man who manages Oliver’s bank.

SAM JENSEN—The attorney who came from Virginia with Oliver.

HERMAN BLEVINS—Mayor of Cadiz, Kentucky.

GILES LEE STEDMAN—Doctor

BOYD MacCALLEN—Oliver’s head of construction at Cadiz.

SHANNON MacCALLEN—Boyd’s daughter. Doctor Stedman’s nurse.

HANS STOTTELMEYER—Owner of brick kiln.

HENRY GUSTAFFSON—Wagon master extraordinary

MONIQUE (MONNIE) CHAMBERLAIN—Indian lady, Kristina’s housekeeper.

ALIETTA CHAMBERLAIN—Assists Sally in the store. Marries Liam O’Casey.

REVEREND DONALD BUCHANAN—Presbyterian minister.

MARY GORDON—Oliver’s secretary. Daughter of Reverend Buchanan. Marries Sam Jensen.

WALTER (OZZIE) CLEMMONS—Oliver’s first and best friend in Cadiz.

ELMER DICKERSON—Owner of saw mill in Ashland City, Tn.

PART I

Home Again

NEW YORK CITY

THE CHINA CLIPPER, CATHERINE ROSS ARRIVED AT THE SOUTH STREET PIER, NEW YORK CITY, OCTOBER 16TH. MIGUEL, ROY, AND DAVID WAITED ON THE SHIP, WHILE CAPTAIN STUART WENT TO FIND THE CUSTOMS AGENT AND BRING HIM ABOARD. WHEN THEY RETURNED, ALL FIVE WENT BELOW DECK TO INSPECT THE CARGO. AFTER THEY’D FINISHED, CAPTAIN STUART PICKED UP A SPECIALLY MARKED CASE OF RUM AND GAVE IT TO THE AGENT; HE HAD DONE THIS A FEW TIMES BEFORE, AND THE MAN HAPPILY ACCEPTED HIS GIFT. THE SHIP’S OFFICERS WERE HAPPY TOO, BECAUSE THE AGENT HAD MADE ONLY A CURSORY INSPECTION OF THE CARGO. AS SOON AS THE AGENT SIGNED OFF ON THEIR PAPERS, DAVID CARRIED THE CASE UP TOPSIDE; THEN WALKED OVER AND PUT IT IN THE MAN’S CARRIAGE. THEY WATCHED AS THE AGENT DROVE AWAY, AND LAUGHED ABOUT THE SMILE THEY COULD SEE ON HIS FACE, AS HE WHIPPED-UP HIS HORSE.

≈≈≈

WHILE THIS WAS GOING ON, NATHAN AND OLIVER WALKED DOWN THE GANGBOARD ONTO THE PIER, WHERE MICHAEL O’CONNOR STOOD WAITING. HIS BROTHER, SEAN WAS THERE TOO. WHEN HE GOT CLOSER, NATHAN COULD SEE MICHAEL WAS HOLDING SOMETHING IN HIS HAND AND FOR A REASON HE COULD NOT EXPLAIN, HE FELT SURE IT WAS A CABLEGRAM FROM SCOTLAND. IN HIS OPINION, THIS DID NOT BODE GOOD TIDINGS.

HE SHOOK HANDS WITH BOTH BOYS AND INTRODUCED THEM TO OLIVER. WITHOUT A WORD, MICHAEL HANDED HIM AN ENVELOPE, AND NATHAN SAW THAT HE HAD GUESSED RIGHT. HE READ THE CABLE QUICKLY, THEN, WITHOUT A WORD, HANDED IT TO OLIVER.

≈≈≈

MICHAEL ASKED NATHAN HOW HE THOUGHT THIS MIGHT AFFECT ROY.

CERTAINLY NOT GOOD, NATHAN REPLIED. OLIVER QUICKLY READ THE CABLEGRAM AND HANDED IT BACK TO NATHAN, ALSO WITHOUT COMMENT, BUT NODDED TOWARD THE THREE YOUNG MEN APPROACHING FROM THE PIER.

ROY SHOOK HANDS AND HUGGED BOTH MICHAEL AND SEAN, WONDERING WHY SEAN WAS THERE. ALSO, MICHAEL WASN’T BEING HIS USUAL CHEERFUL SELF. HE SHRUGGED IT OFF AND INTRODUCED THE O’CONNORS TO DAVID AND MIGUEL, THEN WALKED OVER AND STOPPED IN FRONT OF NATHAN, MEANING TO TELL HIM OF THEIR SUCCESS WITH THE MAN FROM CUSTOMS. HE THOUGHT HIS FATHER LOOKED VERY SOLEMN FOR SOME REASON; AS DID OLIVER. SOMETHING WAS WRONG. A CHILL CAME OVER HIM.

≈≈≈

WITHOUT A WORD, NATHAN HANDED THE CABLEGRAM TO HIS SON. ROY TOOK IT AND WALKED AWAY A FEW STEPS, OPENING THE ENVELOPE AS HE WALKED, DREADING WITH EACH STEP, TO READ WHAT HE BELIEVED THE CABLE WOULD SAY. THE OTHERS WATCHED QUIETLY AS HE READ, AS IF THEY WERE AFRAID TO BREATHE. SUDDENLY, THE CABLE FELL TO THE GROUND; ROY’S SHOULDERS SAGGED, AND HE BEGAN TO SOB MIGHTILY. DAVID RUSHED OVER, THINKING TO COMFORT HIS FRIEND, BUT ROY WAVED HIM AWAY, STILL SOBBING.

DAVID PICKED UP THE CABLE AND READ IT AS HE WALKED BACK TO WHERE MIGUEL WAS STANDING. SAYING NOTHING, DAVID HANDED IT TO HIM. HIS FATHER AND NATHAN WERE QUIETLY WATCHING ROY, WANTING TO COMFORT HIM SOMEHOW, BUT FELT IT BEST TO GIVE ROY A FEW MINUTES TO GRIEVE BY HIMSELF; MICHAEL AND SEAN OBVIOUSLY FELT THE SAME WAY.

≈≈≈

A FEW MINUTES LATER, ROY STRAIGHTENED HIS SHOULDERS, SHOOK HIMSELF LIKE A WET DOG MIGHT DO, THEN TURNED AND LOOKED AT THE OTHERS. ALL RIGHT GENTLEMEN, I ASSUME YOU ALL READ WHAT GRANDPA SAID, ‘TELL ROY TO STAY THE COURSE’ AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT WE’RE GOING TO DO. MICHAEL, WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

≈≈≈

"LET’S WALK BACK UP THE HILL TO YOUR OFFICE, WELL, I RECKON IT WILL BE YOUR OFFICE NOW, ROY. ANYWAY, I STOPPED IN AND SAW TOM PATRICK, DON AND EDNA, WHEN SEAN AND I ARRIVED EARLIER, AND TOLD THEM I THOUGHT THAT’S WHAT WE’D DO WHEN YOU GOT HERE. I HAD GUESSED AT THE DAY I THOUGHT THE CATHERINE ROSS WOULD DOCK, AND ASKED SEAN TO COME UP FOR A FEW DAYS, AND BRING ANY MAPS HE COULD FIND, OF VIRGINIA, KENTUCKY, AND TENNESSEE.

WE’LL GO LOOK AT WHAT HE BROUGHT AND TALK FOR A FEW MINUTES, BUT I WANT TO GET YOU ALL OVER TO THE FREDERICK HOTEL SO YOU CAN EAT SOME GOOD FOOD AND REST. WE CAN MEET YOU HERE AT, UM, SAY TEN OCLOCK IN THE MORNING. DOES THAT SOUND ALL RIGHT TO YOU FELLOWS? HIS ANSWER WAS A ROUSING ‘YES’. ME AND SEAN WILL HELP TOM PATRICK STOW EDWARD’S FOLLY SAFELY AWAY THIS AFTERNOON; HE’S GOT A GOOD PLACE READY FOR IT. NOW, UP THE HILL WE GO.

≈≈≈

"PARTNER, I’M NOT TRYING TO TAKE OVER HERE; BUT I’VE SPENT THIS WHOLE WEEK STUDYING OUR SITUATION, AND I’VE GOT A NEW PLAN TO TELL YOU ABOUT. PUT WACO, AND MAYBE THE WHOLE STATE OF TEXAS, OUT OF YOUR MINDS. THAT AREA IS VERY UNSTABLE, WHETHER IT’S BECAUSE OF INDIANS, OUTLAWS, OR MEXICANS, AND WE DON’T NEED TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH EITHER ONE OF THOSE. I’M PROPOSING A PLAN, ROY, THAT WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH WHAT I’VE BEEN TOLD IS SOME BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY.

"SEAN, SPREAD OUT THAT MAP OF VIRGINIA, KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE AND ROY, I’LL SHOW YOU A ROUTE THAT WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH THESE STATES, ALL THE WAY TO MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE. I THINK IT’S FOR YOU TO DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO GO FURTHER WEST FROM THERE. NOW, GATHER AROUND EVERYBODY, AND WATCH CLOSELY; HERE’S THE WAY ME AND SEAN THINK YOU SHOULD GO.

FROM FAIRMONT, YOU’LL GO SOUTH AND WEST TO CHARLESTON, THEN WEST OVER HERE TO HUNTSVILLE. THAT’S WHERE YOU’LL CROSS INTO KENTUCKY, AND HEAD FOR LEXINGTON. WHEN YOU LEAVE LEXINGTON, YOU’LL BEGIN DROPPING A BIT SOUTH, BUT CONTINUE ON WEST, TO BOWLING GREEN. FROM THERE YOU WILL GO MOSTLY SOUTH TO NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, AND THEN DUE WEST TO MEMPHIS. THIS IS MOSTLY GUESSWORK, BUT SEAN AND I FIGURE IT’S ABOUT EIGHT HUNDRED MILES.

MICHAEL, ROY ASKED, HOW DO YOU FIGURE ON US DOING ALL THIS TRAVELING?"

WELL ROY, THE WAY I SEE IT, YOU’LL GO BY WAGON AND HORSEBACK; BUT LET ME SAY THIS REAL QUICK, I DON’T THINK YOU OUGHT TO GO ALONG, ROY. WHAT IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN TO YOU OUT THERE? THINK ABOUT IT, PARTNER; YOU’VE GOT ENOUGH TO DO FOR MACTAVISH ON YOUR SHOULDERS NOW THAT’LL KEEP YOU RIGHT HERE IN THIS OFFICE DAY AND NIGHT.

NATHAN SURPRISED EVERYONE BY AGREEING WITH WHAT MICHAEL SAID. IF ROY’S GOING TO BE RUNNING THINGS FOR MACTAVISH, HE SAID, THEN HE DON’T NEED TO BE RUNNING AROUND ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. EVEN MORE SURPRISING WAS; EVERYBODY ELSE THOUGHT SO TOO.

TWO MORE THINGS, AND WE’LL QUIT FOR THE DAY SO YOU ALL CAN GET SOME REST. IF YOU REALLY DO TRAVEL THROUGH SOME GOOD LOOKING COUNTRY, FORGET ABOUT BUYING ONLY LAND THAT MIGHT PRODUCE OIL. IT’S MOSTLY A HUGE GAMBLE ANYWAY, AND THERE ARE EASIER WAYS TO MAKE MONEY IN THE OIL BUSINESS. JUST GO AHEAD AND BUY GOOD LAND, NO MATTER WHERE YOU FIND IT. SHUCKS, UNCLE NATHAN, I DON’T NEED TO TELL YOU WHAT TO LOOK FOR. WAIT A MINUTE, ARE YOU STILL GOING TO MAKE THE TRIP?

WELL, YES, I SUPPOSE SO, BUT EVERYTHING’S TOTALLY DIFFERENT NOW. AT FIRST, I WAS GOING BECAUSE OF ROY; JUST AS OLIVER WAS FOR DAVID. BUT IF ROY’S NOT GOING, AND I HAPPEN TO BELIEVE HE SHOULDN’T, THEN MAYBE I’D BETTER STAY HOME MYSELF. WHEN’S ALL THIS SUPPOSED TO TAKE PLACE, MICHAEL?

UNCLE NATHAN, MICHAEL SAID, "LOOK AT IT THIS WAY. IT’S ALREADY THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER, AND IT WILL TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS TO GET ANY SORT OF WAGON TRAIN SET UP. LET’S SAY TWO MONTHS FROM NOW, AND IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO DO IT THAT SOON. HOWEVER, THIS MEANS THE WAGONS WOULD BE LEAVING RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER. IN MY OPINION, NO ONE WILL WANT TO BEGIN AN EIGHT HUNDRED MILE JOURNEY AT THAT TIME OF YEAR. I’M THINKING YOU SHOULDN’T LEAVE BEFORE THE MIDDLE OF MARCH, IF YOU’RE READY BY THEN. LET’S DON’T GO INTO ALL THAT MUST BE DONE UNTIL ROY HAS TIME TO THINK IT OVER AND DECIDE WHAT HE WANTS TO DO; ALL RIGHT?

"SEAN HAS A FEW THINGS TO TELL YOU THAT I THINK YOU’LL FIND VERY INTERESTING. ROY, I’LL FINISH EVERYTHING I HAVE TO SAY IN THE MORNING; THEN I AM TURNING IT ALL OVER TO YOU. PARTNER, YOU’RE A MUCH BETTER ORGANIZER THAN I AM; IT WON’T TAKE YOU LONG TO MAKE YOUR PLANS, IF THIS IS WHAT YOU DECIDE TO DO.

WAIT, THERE IS ONE MORE THING WE’VE NOT ADDRESSED, AND I FEEL WE SHOULD TALK ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW. I’VE NO OTHER INFORMATION THAN WHAT YOU HAVE READ ABOUT BARON MACTAVISH’S DEATH. I’LL SEND A CABLEGRAM THIS AFTERNOON TO LET EVERYONE KNOW YOU’VE ARRIVED SAFELY AND WILL BE IN NEW YORK AT LEAST THREE DAYS. I’M SURE IAN WILL SEND MORE DETAILS, BUT FOR NOW, I WOULD VENTURE THAT THINGS ARE A BIT UNSETTLED. IF NO MAJOR PROBLEMS ARISE FROM HIS PASSING, I WOULD ESTIMATE WE’LL ALL BE REUNITED WITH OUR LOVED ONES IN A MONTH, OR MAYBE LESS. NOW, WHAT SAY WE CLEAR OUT OF HERE.

≈≈≈

HOTEL MANAGER, EMILE DUPREE, HAD NO DIFFICULTY RECOGNIZING NATHAN AND ROY, WHO’D SPENT THREE WEEKS AT FREDERICK’S THE PREVIOUS YEAR; WHAT PUZZLED HIM WAS THE APPEARANCE OF THE OTHER TWO MEN, OBVIOUSLY FATHER AND SON. THEY HAD BLOND HAIR AND BLUE EYES, SAME AS DID THE WOLDE’S, BUT OTHERWISE RESEMBLED THEM VERY LITTLE.

REVEREND WOLDE, ROY, WELCOME TO FREDERICK’S. I WAS VERY PLEASED WHEN YOUNG MICHAEL MADE YOUR RESERVATIONS. MAY I BE INTRODUCED TO YOUR COMPANIONS?

THANK YOU, MISTER DUPREE, NATHAN RESPONDED. I ASSURE YOU WE ARE ALL HAPPY TO BE HERE AFTER SPENDING SIXTEEN DAYS ON BOARD A SHIP. MEET MISTER OLIVER OLSEN AND HIS SON DAVID, WHO ARE MACTAVISH COUSINS, BY WAY OF NORWAY. IT’S A LONG STORY SIR, BUT A GOOD ONE.

MISTER DUPREE, SPOKE ROY, I BET YOU KNOW ALREADY WHAT COMES FIRST TO MY MIND.

YES ROY, HE SAID, WITH A CHUCKLE, I BELIEVE THAT WOULD BE FOOD, PREFERABLY A NICE, BIG, T-BONE STEAK COOKED MEDIUM RARE.

ROY JOINED THE MAN’S CHUCKLE, SAYING, YOU’LL DO, MISTER DUPREE, YOU’LL DO.

WAIT A MINUTE ROY, NATHAN SAID, WE’VE NONE OF US HAD A BATH OR CHANGED CLOTHES FOR TWO DAYS, AND I HARDLY THINK MISTER DUPREE WOULD APPRECIATE US ENTERING HIS DINING ROOM SMELLING AS RIPE AS WE DO. YOU’RE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO PUT YOUR APPETITE ON HOLD TILL WE’VE DONE THIS; MAYBE FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS.

THIS BROUGHT A LOUD GROAN FROM HIS SON, AND SMILES TO THE FACES OF OLIVER AND DAVID.

ROY, YOUR FATHER’S RIGHT, OF COURSE, MISTER DUPREE SAID. "I COULD SET UP A TABLE IN THE ROOM BEHIND THE KITCHEN AND SERVE YOU THERE, BUT I THINK YOU’D ENJOY YOUR FOOD MORE AFTER HAVING A NICE HOT BATH. IF YOU HAVE CLOTHING THAT NEEDS LAUNDERING, I’M SURE WE CAN TAKE CARE OF THAT WHILE YOU’RE ALL BATHING.

NOW MIND YOUR PAPA, BIG MAN, DUPREE CONTINUED, HERE’S YOUR KEYS. I BELIEVE YOU CAN FIND YOUR WAY UPSTAIRS; YOU’RE IN THE SAME SUITE AS BEFORE.

MISTER OLSEN, DAVID, FREDERICK’S IS HONORED TO HAVE YOU AS GUESTS. ROY, I’M GOING RIGHT AWAY TO ORDER OUR CHEF TO FIND FOUR EXTRA LARGE T-BONE STEAKS, COOK THEM MEDIUM RARE, AND HAVE THEM READY FOR YOU FELLOWS TO EAT IN TWO HOURS. IF THAT IS SATISFACTORY, THEN I’LL SAY ADIEU.

≈≈≈

ROY, DAVID SAID, AS THEY CLIMBED THE STAIRS, THIS IS CERTAINLY A NICE PLACE, AND IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, YOU SPENT LAST CHRISTMAS HERE, DIDN’T YOU?

YEAH DAVE, THAT’S RIGHT. GONNA’ BE A LOT DIFFERENT THIS TIME THOUGH; WE’VE A LOT TO TALK ABOUT AFTER WE EAT.

ROY, I DON’T BELIEVE IT WILL BE HARD TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WE NEED, NATHAN SAID. I THINK THE PROBLEM WILL BE FINDING IT, NATHAN SAID.

"WELL, LIKE I SAID, PAPA, WE’LL TALK ABOUT IT AFTER WHILE, IF I DON’T FALL ASLEEP FIRST, AND DAVID, I WANT YOU TO MAKE A LIST OF EVERYTHING WE MENTION, NO MATTER HOW DUMB IT SOUNDS. I’LL EXPLAIN THAT LATER; MAYBE WE CAN GET SOME PAPER AND A PENCIL FROM MISTER DUPREE.

I BELIEVE WE’LL EVENTUALLY GET WHAT WE NEED, PAPA, AND I HAVE SOME SUGGESTIONS WE’LL DISCUSS TOMORROW. HOWEVER, THERE’S ONE BIG PROBLEM THAT I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT, AT LEAST NOT YET."

WHAT’S THAT, ROY, OLIVER ASKED.

IT’S THE GOLD, OLLIE, THAT HAS TO GO ALONG WITH YOU ALL. ROY SAID, THEN NOTICED THE WAY THEY ALL LOOKED AT HIM. "YEAH, YEAH, PAPA, YOU AND MICHAEL ARE RIGHT, I SHOULDN’T GO, BUT I’D SURE LIKE TO. I BET NONE OF YOU’D GIVEN ANY THOUGHT ABOUT THE GOLD, HAD YOU? WELL, YOU’D BETTER START THINKING ABOUT IT. YOU’LL BE GOING OVER ROADS THAT I IMAGINE ARE WELL TRAVELED, HOPEFULLY THEY’LL ALL BE GOOD HONEST CITIZENS; BUT WHO’S TO SAY YOU WON’T MEET UP WITH SOME OUTLAWS ALONG THE WAY. WE’VE GOT TO FIND A SAFE WAY TO CARRY THE GOLD.

I HOPE I DIDN’T SPOIL ANYBODY’S APPETITE, BUT LET’S GO ON UP THESE STAIRS AND GET OUR LAUNDERING AND BATHING OVER WITH. I COULD SURE USE A QUART OF SOME GOOD BEER RIGHT NOW. THAT’D SURE PUT A HURTIN’ ON ALL THAT ALE I DRANK IN SCOTLAND.

ROY ME LAD, SAID DAVID, YOU KNOW SOMETHING, YOU’LL DO. HEY, I NEVER DRANK BEER BEFORE.

WELL DAVIE ME LAD, I’LL TELL YOU WHAT YOU’D BEST DO, ROY SAID. YOU TROT YOURSELF RIGHT BACK DOWN THEM STAIRS, FIND MISTER DUPREE, AND TELL HIM TO SEND FOUR QUART BOTTLES OF IT, REAL COLD, UP TO OUR ROOM.

THIS CAUSED OLIVER TO LAUGH. THE LAD CAN SURE CHANGE HIS THINKING IN A HURRY CAN’T HE NATHAN?

YEAH, OLLIE, NATHAN REPLIED. HE HAS NO PROBLEM DEALING WITH THINGS THAT ARE REALLY IMPORTANT.

AMEN, BROTHER, SAID OLIVER.

BITE YOUR TONGUE, REPLIED NATHAN.

≈≈≈

NATHAN HAD JUST OPENED THE DOOR TO THE SUITE, WHEN DAVID, PANTING HARD, CAUGHT UP WITH THEM. HOLDING OUT A KEY TO HIS FATHER, HE SAID, "MISTER DUPREE GAVE ME THIS KEY TO THE ROOMS ACROSS THE HALL, AND SAID ME AND YOU COULD USE THE BATHROOM TO CLEAN UP IF WE WOULDLN’T MESS UP ANYTHING ELSE IN THERE. I THOUGHT THAT WAS RATHER NICE OF HIM.

ROY, SOMEBODY WILL BE UP HERE IN A FEW MINUTES WITH THE BEER, AND WHOEVER COMES IS SUPPOSED TO TAKE BACK THE CLOTHES WE WANT LAUNDERED. I SURE HOPE IT THEY DON’T SEND THAT PRETTY LITTLE HOUSEMAID I SAW HANGING AROUND THE FRONT DESK. HOW’D WE MANAGE THAT FATHER, IF THEY DO? THE ONLY CLOTHES WE GOT ARE THESE WE’RE WEARING.

VERY CAREFULLY, SON, I’D THINK. OLIVER LAUGHED. MAYBE WE’LL JUST ROLL EVERYTHING UP IN A SHEET OFF ONE A THESE BEDS, AND LET NATHAN PUSH IT OUT THE DOOR; YOU KNOW, OPEN IT FAR ENOUGH TO GET THE BUNDLE OUTSIDE. THEN HE COULD STICK HIS HEAD OUT AND HOLLER FOR HER TO COME GET IT.

THIS CLEARLY GOT THE REVEREND’S ATTENTION. HE LOOKED AT OLIVER AND ROLLED HIS EYES UPWARD. WE HAVE GOT TO BE THE DUMBEST BUNCH OF PEOPLE I’VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF ASSOCIATING WITH. HAD IT OCCURRED TO ANY OF US, THE FIX WE’RE IN? NOPE, NARY A ONE, AND DON’T NOBODY LAUGH. OH, I’LL GET THE BUNDLE OUT THE DOOR ALL RIGHT, OLIVER OLSEN, AND THEN WE CAN ALL DO A GOOD SCRUBBING TILL WE GET OURSELVES NICE AND CLEAN. AFTER WE DO THAT, WE CAN SIT AROUND THIS HERE ROOM NAKED AS JAY BIRDS; DRINKING BEER, AND CHATTING IT UP LIKE WE’RE READY TO HAVE TEA WITH THE QUEEN. AND ROY, IF WE EVER GET HOME, AND I FIND OUT YOU’VE TOLD PATRICK O’CONNOR ABOUT THIS, I’LL, AH, AH, WHY I’LL JUST DIS-INHERHIT YOU.

THE THREE OF THEM BEGAN LAUGHING SO HARD, NOBODY HEARD THE FIRST KNOCKS ON THE DOOR; NEITHER DID THEY THE SECOND ONES. BUT ALL OF THEM HEARD THE LOUD NOISE WHEN SOMEBODY BEGAN KICKING ON IT. ROY TROTTED ACROSS THE ROOM AND JERKED THE DOOR OPEN, REVEALING A VERY IRATE YOUNG HOUSEMAID DESPERATELY TRYING TO HOLD ONTO FOUR VERY LARGE BOTTLES OF BEER.

WELL I’LL BE DAMNED, THE REVEREND SAID.

AMEN TO THAT, ECHOED OLIVER

≈≈≈

WELL OF COURSE THEY DIDN’T SIT AROUND NAKED. ROY AND NATHAN WRAPPED A LARGE BATH TOWEL AROUND THEMSELVES. SO HAD THE OLSENS, WHO DASHED ACROSS THE HALLWAY WHEN THEY FINISHED BATHING. THE BEER HAD THE DESIRED EFFFECTS, BUT ALONG WITH THE MELLOWING, CAME THE DROWSINESS. ROY AND DAVID WERE IN AN ESPECIALLY GOOD MOOD, HAVING DRANK THE LAST HALF OF THEIR FATHER’S BEER AFTER THEY’D FALLEN ASLEEP. HOWEVER, A SHORT WHILE LATER, THE BOYS GAVE IT UP, AND EVERYBODY WAS SLEEPING SOUNDLY WHEN THEIR FRESHLY LAUNDERED CLOTHING CAME BACK.

≈≈≈

THIS WAS EXACTLY WHAT EMILE DUPREE EXPECTED WOULD HAPPEN, SO HE’D ACCOMPANIED HIS TWO HOUSEBOYS UPSTAIRS WITH THE LAUNDRY. USING HIS KEY, HE OPENED THE DOOR TO THE SOUND OF SOME LOUD SNORING. THAT’S GOT TO BE ROY, HE THOUGHT, AND LAUGHED. MOTIONING TO THE BOYS TO PLACE THEIR BUNDLES ON THE FLOOR AND LEAVE, HE SET ABOUT WAKING THE REVEREND.

NATHAN, HALF AWAKE, THOUGHT HE WAS BACK ABOARD SHIP, BECAUSE HE SEEMED TO BE BOUNCING AROUND IN A BED. BED, HE THOUGHT, WHEN DID I GET IN A BED? THEN HE ROUSED UP ENOUGH TO SEE A MAN BENDING OVER HIM, SAYING SOMETHING.

TIME TO GET UP, REVEREND WOLDE, AND PLEASE HELP ME AWAKEN THE OTHERS, MISTER DUPREE SAID. YOUR FOOD WILL BE READY IN ABOUT TWENTY MINUTES, SO YOU’VE BARELY TIME TO DRESS YOURSELVES AND COME DOWNSTAIRS. OH, PLEASE DO AWAKEN YOUR SON FIRST, SIR, WE CAN HEAR HIM ALL THE WAY DOWN IN THE HOTEL LOBBY.

≈≈≈

THIS TIME EVERBODY WAS DRESSED AND PRESENTABLE WHEN A KNOCK ON THE DOOR CAUGHT THEIR ATTENTION. NATHAN, WHO WAS CLOSEST TO IT, OPENED THE DOOR, AND THERE STOOD THE HOUSEMAID HOLDING A TRAY WITH FOUR GLASSES OF WHAT APPEARED TO BE TOMATO JUICE.

MISTER DUPREE SAYS YOU MEN DRINK THIS BEFORE YOU COME DOWN TO EAT. I DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS; HE MIXED UP THAT STUFF HIMSELF. HE SAID I SHOULD TELL YOU IT WOULD HELP YOUR HEADACHE.

≈≈≈

ROY DECLARED IT A MEAL ‘FIT FOR THE KING OF PRUSSIA’ WHOEVER THAT WAS; THEN SURPRISED THEM ALL BY WHAT HE SAID NEXT.

I KNOW WHAT EVERYBODY AROUND THIS TABLE IS DOING, BECAUSE I’M DOING IT TOO. I KNOW I SHOULD SAY SOMETHING ABOUT IT; WANT TO SAY SOMETHING, BUT NOW’S NOT THE TIME; TOO MUCH FEELING, PAPA, AND THE WORDS WOULDN’T COME OUT RIGHT. BUT I CAN THINK ABOUT HIM, CAN’T I? WE ALL CAN, AND I BELIEVE HIM AND THE LORD WILL BOTH UNDERSTAND. DAVID, YOU WERE STANDING RIGHT BESIDE ME WHEN I HEARD HIS VOICE THAT MORNING; ‘LIFE IS GOOD. ALL IS WELL WITH THE WORLD’. WHATEVER IT TAKES, I MEAN TO DO GRANDPA PROUD. STAY THE COURSE, HE WROTE; SO THAT’S WHAT WE’LL DO.

AMEN, SAID HIS FATHER, AND REPEATED BY OLIVER OLSEN, AND HIS SON, DAVID. IN THEIR ESTIMATION, YOUNG ROY WOLDE HAD CLIMBED A FEW NOTCHES HIGHER ON THE FLAG POLE OF LIFE.

≈≈≈

UPON ARRIVAL BACK AT THE ROOM, THEY WERE SURPRISED TO FIND A STEAMING POT OF COFFEE AND FOUR MUGS SITTING ON THE KITCHEN COUNTERTOP. ROY AND DAVID PULLED TWO OVER-STUFFED CHAIRS OVER CLOSER TO THE SOFA. THEIR FATHERS FOUND A SMALL TABLE, CARRIED IT OVER AND SET IT BETWEEN THE SOFA AND CHAIRS; THEN BROUGHT THE COFFEE FROM THE KITCHEN. DAVID SPIED A BEAUTIFUL CERAMIC CUSPIDOR SITTING IN A THE CORNER OF THE ROOM, AND MOVED IT SO ROY, NATHAN, AND HE, COULD USE IT. MEANWHILE, OLIVER HAD PULLED OUT HIS OLD BRIAR, PACKED IT, AND FIRED IT UP. ROY FUMBLED AROUND IN A COAT POCKET AND CAME OUT WITH THREE BAGS OF MAIL POUCH TOBACCO, WHICH HE SHARED WITH HIS FATHER AND DAVID. FINALLY, THEY WERE ALL SETTLED AND READY TO TALK.

ROY, DAVID SAID, I PLUMB FORGOT TO ASK MISTER DUPREE ABOUT SOME PAPER AND A PENCIL. I GUESS I’LL HAVE TO HIT THEM STAIRS AGAIN.

WAIT A MINUTE SON, HIS FATHER SAID, GO IN THE BEDROOM AND CHECK THE DRAWER IN THAT LITTLE TABLE BESIDE THE BED. MOST HOTELS USUALLY HAVE SOMETHING FOR THEIR GUESTS TO WRITE NOTES, OR A LETTER ON.

IN A FLASH, DAVID WAS BACK, BEAMING, AND HOLDING A FRESH NEW TABLET AND A SHARPLY POINTED PENCIL. ALL RIGHT, ROY, I’M READY, HE SAID, AND I RECKON YOU’VE GOT THE FLOOR.

≈≈≈

WE HAVE A LOT OF THINGS TO DO, AND; EXCUSE ME, DON’T WRITE ANYTHING YET, DAVID, I’LL TELL YOU WHEN TO BEGIN. LET ME START OVER. AS I SAID, THERE’S A LOT TO DO, SO I AM GOING TO ASK EACH ONE OF YOU TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SEEING TO CERTAIN THINGS; ELSE WE’LL WIND UP FOLLOWING EACH OTHER AROUND AND GET VERY LITTLE ACCPMPLISHED. WE’LL GET TOGETHER EVERY NOW AND THEN, AND TALK ABOUT WHAT’S BEEN DONE. YOU ALL FOLLOW WHAT I MEAN DON’T YOU? WHEN THEY NODDED, HE CONTINUED.

"PAPA, I WANT YOU TO FIND THE ANIMALS WE NEED, INCLUDING HARNESS, SADDLES, AND SO FORTH. NO! DON’T SAY ANYTHING NOW; WAIT UNTIL I’VE FINISHED, AND WE’LL ALL TALK.

"OLIVER, YOU’RE THE EQUIPMENT MAN, AND DAVID, YOU’LL HANDLE ALL THE SUPPLIES AND BE IN CHARGE OF WEAPONS. I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FINDING THE PEOPLE WE NEED. ALL RIGHT, NOW LET ME TALK A BIT MORE, AND I’LL TELL YOU HOW THIS WORKS.

"PAPA, YOU CAN’T REALLY DO WHAT I’VE ASKED UNTIL YOU KNOW HOW MANY, AND WHAT KIND OF ANIMALS WE NEED, BE IT HORSES, MULES, OR EVEN, OXEN. DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN?

"OLLIE, YOU’RE IN THE SAME FIX, YOU DON’T KNOW HOW MANY WAGONS WE’LL NEED. BUT HERE’S A SUGGESTION. THE ARMY SURPLUS DEPOT IN UNIONTOWN, THAT’S UP NEAR PITTSBURG, WILL LIKELY HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED, IF WE CAN DECIDE WHAT THAT IS. LETS GO A STEP FURTHER.

"DAVID, YOU’LL HAVE TO PROVIDE FEED FOR THE ANIMALS, HOW MANY AND HOW MUCH, WE DON’T KNOW YET. PEOPLE HAVE TO EAT TOO, AND THEIR FOOD MUST BE COOKED BY SOMEBODY. WE’LL HAVE TO HAUL SOME WATER WITH US, BUT WE’LL CHECK THE MAPS FOR STREAMS ALONG OUR ROUTE AND TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW MANY FULL BARRELS WE’LL NEED ON THE WAGONS. WEAPONS? SAME PROBLEM.

"I’M THE ONE WHO’S HOLDING UP THE ANSWER TO SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS. IT’S HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I FIND WHO WILL GO WITH THE WAGON TRAIN? WELL, I WON’T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT UNTIL I GET TO FAIRMONT AND BEGIN ASKING AROUND.

"I WANT TO MAKE ONE THING VERY CLEAR TO YOU. MICHAEL WAS NOT FAR OFF THE MARK BY SAYING WE SHOULD GO THE MIDDLE OF MARCH, BUT I’M GOING TO TELL YOU EXACTLY WHEN THIS WAGON TRAIN WILL LEAVE, AND THAT’S WHEN WE SAY IT’S READY. THERE’S NO SET DATE FOR US TO START, SO WE’RE GOING TO TAKE THE TIME WE NEED TO GET EVERYTHING RIGHT. I DON’T WANT TO RISK THE SAFETY OF ANY PERSON OR TAKE UNNECESSARY CHANCES BY HURRYING. ALL RIGHT, LET’S SEE IF WE CAN BUILD A WAGON TRAIN.

≈≈≈

HOLD ON A MINUTE ROY, HIS FATHER SAID. I JUST HAD A THOUGHT, AND MARY CATHERINE IS GOING TO KILL ME FOR IT.

WELL PAPA, I’M GOING TO SAVE YOUR LIFE, ROY RESPONDED. YOU’RE FIXING TO TELL ME ABOUT THE LANDRIES WHO LIVE ON MOMMA’S FARM, AREN’T YOU? I THOUGHT ABOUT THEM TOO; THREE BIG STUDEBAKER WAGONS AND TWENTY-FOUR MULES. BUT IT WON’T WORK, PAPA. THEM WAGONS WERE BUILT TO HAUL FREIGHT AND THEY’RE WAY TOO BIG AND HEAVY FOR US. REMEMBER, THEY PULLED THEM THINGS WITH A SIX MULE TEAM. I’D LIKE FOR US TO BE ABLE TO USE TWO-HORSE TEAMS, AND FOUR AT THE MOST. WHAT DO YOU THINK, OLLIE?

ROY, I’VE DONE A LOT OF THINGS IN MY LIFETIME, BUT NOTHING THAT QUALIFIES ME FOR THE JOB YOU’VE ASKED ME TO DO. ON THE OTHER HAND, I BELIEVE IF WE TALK OUR WAY THROUGH THIS FOR A FEW MINUTES, WE’LL COME UP WITH SOME DECENT ANSWERS. EXCUSE ME ROY, YOU’D BETTER TELL DAVID TO WRITE THIS DOWN. LET’S PLAY A LITTLE GAME AND SEE WHAT COMES OF IT.

THIS WILL BE WAGON NUMBER ONE. DAVID, WRITE THAT DOWN. NATHAN, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO LOAD INTO THIS WAGON?

LET’S PUT EXTRA SETS OF HARNESS, LEATHER STRAPS, BUCKLES, SNAPS, EXTRA HAMES AND COLLARS, BRIDLES, REINS, FEED BAGS, OH YEAH, SOME ROPE AND CHAIN, THINGS OF THIS NATURE. HOW ABOUT AXES, SHOVELS, PICKS; OH, GREASE FOR THE WAGON AXLES. COUPLE OF HAMMERS, HAND SAW, AN ASSORTMENT OF NAILS, EXTRA BOLTS AND RIVETS; STUFF LIKE THAT.

ALL RIGHT NATHAN, I GOT THE IDEA. DAVID, WE’LL CALL WAGON NUMBER ONE, THE ANIMAL SUPPLY WAGON. HOW MUCH WEIGHT DO YOU FIGURE, NATHAN?

OH, PROBABLY NO MORE THAN A THOUSAND POUNDS, OLLIE. LIGHT WEIGHT WAGON; TWO HORSE TEAM.

YOU GET THAT DAVID? IT’S IMPORTANT. SAID OLIVER. NOW, LET’S DO WAGON NUMBER TWO. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO PUT ON IT, DAVID?

BAGS OF FEED FOR THE HORSES, FATHER. I THINK I SEE WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW, DON’T YOU ROY? WE’LL HAVE CLOSE TO THREE THOUSAND POUNDS, A HEAVIER WAGON, AND A FOUR HORSE TEAM. I GOT IT WROTE DOWN, PA.

GOOD, GOOD. MARK IT THE ANIMAL FOOD WAGON, AND LET’S DO NUMBER THREE. WHAT DO WE PUT IN THIS WAGON—ANYBODY?

OLIVER, WE NEED A WAGON FOR EVERYBODY’S CLOTHING, AND I’M SURE THERE WILL BE A LOT OF OTHER THINGS, PERSONAL THINGS, I MEAN, THAT WE’LL WANT TO TAKE ALONG. ALL THE GUNS AND AMMUNITION SHOULD GO ON THIS WAGON TOO, I THINK. FIGURE ON ABOUT THOUSAND POUNDS OF WEIGHT AND A REGULAR SIZED WAGON WITH A TWO HORSE TEAM WOULD BE FINE.

THANK YOU ROY. DID YOU GET THAT DAVID? LET’S CALL WAGON NUMBER THREE THE PEOPLE SUPPLY WAGON. ALL RIGHT NOW, DO WE NEED A FOURTH WAGON? WHAT’S THAT YOU SAID, NATHAN? OLLIE ASKED.

I SAID WE’D BETTER PLAN ON ONE MORE WAGON AND A TWO HORSE TEAM EVEN IF WE DON’T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE’LL PUT ON IT RIGHT NOW. I’D FEEL A WHOLE LOT BETTER HAVING THAT EXTRA WAGON ALONG.

YOU STILL NEED ONE MORE WAGON OLIVER, ROY SAID. AND I REMEMBER SEEING ONE IN THE CATALOG THE ARMY SENT ME. IT’S CALLED A CHUCK WAGON, AND IT COMES COMPLETE WITH ALL THE COOKWARE. LOOKED LIKE A PRETTY HEAVY WAGON TO ME, SO I’D PLAN ON A FOUR-HORSE TEAM.

THAT SOUNDS LIKE QUITE A WAGON, ROY. ALL RIGHT DAVID, MAKE WAGON NUMBER FOUR A SPARE WAGON AND A TWO-HORSE TEAM. NUMBER FIVE WILL BE CALLED THE CHUCK WAGON AND HAVE A FOUR HORSE TEAM. SO ROY, IT LOOKS LIKE WE NEED FIVE WAGONS AND FOURTEEN HORSES. THAT’S A START, DON’T YOU THINK?

YOU ALL DID GOOD WORK, BUT THAT’S ENOUGH FOR TONIGHT. LET’S GET A GOOD NIGHT’S REST, AND WE CAN TALK A LITTLE MORE AFTER BREAKFAST. REMEMBER NOW, WE’RE NOT IN ANY BIG RUSH TO DO THIS, BUT I’M GLAD WE’VE MADE A START WITH THE PLANNING. FOLKS, I’LL DO MY BEST NOT TO SNORE TOO LOUD TONIGHT.

ROY, IT AIN’T YOUR SNORING THAT BOTHERS ME, HIS FATHER SAID, AND I CAN SORTA’ TOLERATE THAT OTHER NOISE YOU MAKE. IT’S THE SCENT I CAN’T STAND, ROY, IT’S SO BAD IT’D KILL THE WEEDS IN A MAN’S GARDEN.

≈≈≈

OLLIE, THAT WAS A GOOD THING YOU JUST DID, NATHAN SAID. I FELT LIKE WE WERE REALLY FIXING TO LOAD THEM WAGONS. IT MIGHT NOT WORK OUT EXACTLY RIGHT, BUT BY GOLLY, I BELIEVE IT’D BE CLOSE.

THANK YOU BROTHER, OLIVER REPLIED, WHAT IT DID WAS SHOW US HOW MUCH WORK WE HAVE YET TO DO. LIKE, FIND PEOPLE, FIND HORSES, FIND WAGONS, BUY SUPPLIES. GOOD LORD NATHAN, WHAT HAVE WE GOTTEN OURSELVES INTO? YOU ARE GOING, AREN’T YOU?

OLIVER, RIGHT NOW, I JUST CAN’T ANSWER THAT, AND IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR YOU TO CHANGE YOUR MIND EITHER.

NO NATHAN, I CAN’T DO THAT. DO YOU RECALL ME TELLING YOU, AFTER BARON MACTAVISH AND ME HAD OUR LONG CONVERSATION, THAT I GOT THE FEELING HE WANTED ME TO TAKE CHARGE OF THIS GRAND ADVENTURE? WELL BROTHER, FOR SOME REASON, THAT FEELING WON’T LET GO OF ME, AND I BELIEVE IT WAS MEANT FOR ME TO DO THIS. DON’T MENTION IT, BUT I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT TAKING KRISTINA ALONG WITH US. WHAT’S STOPPING ME IS, DAVID WILL WANT TO TAKE PENNY TOO. IF THAT HAPPENS, AND SHE GETS IN THE FAMILY WAY, WHAT DO I DO THEN, NATHAN?

≈≈≈

THEY HAD FINISHED EATING BREAKFAST, AND WERE SIPPING ON A FINAL CUP OF COFFEE, WHEN ROY SPOKE.

PAPA, I THINK YOU OUGHT TO GO TO UNIONTOWN WITH OLIVER. BESIDES BEING GOOD COMPANY AND SOMEBODY HE COULD TALK TO, YOU COULD SEE WHAT THEY HAVE IN THE WAY OF EXTRA HARNESS AND STUFF LIKE THAT; YOU MIGHT FIND SOME OTHER THINGS WE NEED TOO.

"I GUESS YOU’RE RIGHT ABOUT THAT, ROY, BUT THERE AIN’T EITHER ONE OF US GOING ANYWHERE TILL WE’VE HAD A GOOD LONG REST. IT SEEMS TO ME ALL WE’VE DONE LATELY, IS GO HERE, THERE, AND YONDER, HALF WAY AROUND THE WORLD AND BACK. I CAN’T SPEAK FOR YOU FELLERS, BUT I, FOR ONE, WOULD LIKE TO PLOP MY BACKSIDE DOWN SOMEPLACE WHERE I CAN RELAX IN PEACE; HUM A LITTLE SONG, OR MAYBE WHISTLE IT, WHILE I’M A WHITTLING ON A STICK, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN, ROY, MAKE SOME SHAVINGS.

YOU SAID LAST NIGHT THERE WEREN’T NO REASON TO HURRY, SO I’D KINDA’ LIKE TO TALK TO OLD GEORGE GRAY; EAT SOME A HIS CHEESE AND CRACKERS TOO, BEFORE WE MAKE ANY HASTY DECISIONS. THE MAN HAS HIS FINGER ON EVERYBODY AND EVERYTHING THAT LIVES OR MOVES IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS, AND HE COULD BE A WORLD OF HELP TO US.

EVEN ROY WAS HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING FROM LAUGHING AT HIS FATHER, SO HE CUT A GLANCE TO OLIVER, WHICH CERTAINLY DIDN’T HELP. OLIVER, IN ORDER TO KEEP FROM LAUGHING, SUDDENLY BLURTED OUT, WHO’S GEORGE GRAY, ROY?, THINKING THIS MIGHT BE OF SOME HELP TO THE YOUNG MAN.

"OLIVER, HE’S ONE OF PAPA’S FAVORITE PEOPLE TO TALK TO, AND TRUST ME, WHEN THEY GET A CONVERSATION GOING, IT COULD LAST ALL DAY. THAT’S A TALKING CONTEST YOU TRY TO AVOID. SERIOUSLY THOUGH, PAPA’S RIGHT ABOUT ONE THING; OLD GEORGE COULD BE SOME HELP TO US, AND YOU CAN’T HELP BUT LIKE THE MAN.

THERE’S ANOTHER ONE AS BAD AS GEORGE GRAY, OLLIE, BUT PAPA DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT HIM, AND I WONDER WHY. I’M TALKING ABOUT PATRICK O’CONNOR, FATHER OF SEAN, MICHAEL, AND MEGAN.

YOU KNOW DOGGONE GOOD AND WELL WHY I DIDN’T, ROY. ONCE THAT MAN GETS A SNIFF OF WHAT WE GOT BLOWING IN THE WIND, HE’LL INSIST ON JOINING US. I FIND THAT INTOLERABLE.

ROY COULDN’T HOLD IT BACK THIS TIME, AND BEGAN LAUGHING LOUDLY. WHO STARTED THIS CONVERSATION ANYHOW? HE ASKED, STILL LAUGHING.

WELL MISTER HEAD OF MACTAVISH, IF YOU DON’T KNOW, I CAN ASK FOR A SHOW OF HANDS; BUT I BELIEVE YOU DID. NOW; I’VE HAD ENOUGH TO EAT, AND I’VE DRANK TOO MUCH COFFEE. WITH YOUR PERMISSION ROY, I’D LIKE TO USE THE TOILET. AFTER THAT, I’LL BE AT YOUR DISPOSAL, NATHAN SAID, GOT UP FROM THE TABLE, LEFT THE DINING ROOM, AND HEADED FOR THE STAIRS. OLIVER STOOD UP AND FOLLOWED HIM.

≈≈≈

GOLLY, ROY, DID WE SAY SOMETHING TO MAKE YOUR FATHER MAD? DAVID ASKED.

SHUCKS NO, DAVID, YOU JUST DON’T KNOW PAPA WELL YET. WHEN HE ACTS LIKE THAT, HE’S GOT SOMETHING ON HIS MIND THAT’S GNAWING ON HIM, AND HE’S TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. DON’T LET THE WAY HE TALKS FOOL YOU, HE’S SMART AS A WHIP.

DAVID LAUGHED. WELL YOU MUST HAVE INHERITED IT FROM HIM, ROY, CAUSE YOU ACT THE SAME WAY. DO YOU BELIEVE UNCLE NATHAN WILL GO WITH THE WAGON TRAIN WHEN WE FINALLY GET AROUND TO LEAVING?

NO DAVID, I DON’T THINK SO. THE PEOPLE OF GRANT TOWN HAVE LIKELY FINISHED BUILDING HIS CHURCH, AND EVERYBODY AROUND THERE LIKES AND RESPECTS HIM, SO I’M THINKING IT’D BE PRETTY HARD FOR HIM TO WALK AWAY FROM THAT. THEN THERE’S MOMMA; SHE’S GOING TO PUT PRESSURE ON HIM TOO. THAT’S NOT COUNTING WHATEVER IT IS THAT SENATOR WILLEY WILL HAVE TO SAY. TO BE QUITE FRANK WITH YOU, DAVID, I’D LIKE FOR HIM TO STAY HOME TOO. YOUR FATHER IS CERTAINLY CAPABLE OF HANDLING WHAT’S TO BE DONE, SO I THINK THIS WILL BE THE OLSEN’S VENTURE OFF INTO THE WILDERNESS. THERE’S A TOILET RIGHT DOWN THE HALLWAY, SO LET’S HURRY AND GET THE JUMP ON THEM.

≈≈≈

A RENTED CARRIAGE DROPPED THE FOUR MEN OFF AT THE MACTAVISH BUILDING, ON THE CORNER WHERE WATER AND PEARL STREETS MET, AND THEY QUICKLY WENT INSIDE. EDNA FARRELL SAW THEM COME IN, AND SAID MICHAEL AND SEAN HAD ALREADY ARRIVED, AND WERE WAITING IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM UPSTAIRS.

SHE OFFERRED THEM COFFEE, BUT EVERYBODY DECLINED, WITH ROY SAYING THEY HAD DRANK THEIR FILL BEFORE LEAVING THE HOTEL. HE THANKED HER FOR THE OFFER, AND THEY CLIMBED THE STAIRS.

MICHAEL AND SEAN ALSO HEARD THE MEN ENTER DOWNSTAIRS, AND WERE AWAITING THEM IN THE HALLWAY. ROY MICHAEL SAID QUIETLY, A CABLEGRAM ADDRESSED TO YOU, CAME FROM RILEY LAST NIGHT, AND I LAID IT ON YOUR DESK; UNOPENED. YOU GO READ IT WHILE ME AND THE REST CHAT A BIT IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM.

THANKS MICHAEL, ROY RESPONDED, THAT WAS VERY THOUGHTFUL OF YOU. ASK THEM TO TELL YOU WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT LAST NIGHT, AND I’LL JOIN YOU AFTER I SEE WHAT NEWS RILEY SENT. NOT GOOD, I BET; I’LL LET YOU KNOW IN A MINUTE OR TWO.

≈≈≈

SHORT NOTE ROY. SAD TIMES. IAN HANS INGA ESTHER COLLAPSED WITH GRIEF. MOMMA IN CHARGE EVERYTHING. TINA ALL GIRLS AND MARY G HELPING. WE ARE COPING. NOT TO WORRY. BIG FUNERAL NEXT WEEK. MANY DIGNITARIES. SOME MINISTER GOT ME INDEF LEAVE. GRANDPA BE BURIED ON HILL ABOVE SHEEP SAME OTHER MACTAVISH. TELL PAPA MOMMA BEARING UP. ACTS LIKE REAL BARONESS. BE PROUD. WILL CABLE TOMORROW. KRISTINA SENDING OLIVER TODAY. NEED YOUR SCHEDULE EARLIEST. CRW

ROY, SITTING AT THE HUGE DESK, UNDERNEATH THE PORTRAIT OF HIS GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GRANDFATHER, THE PROCLAIMED PIRATE, WAS NOT SURPRISED TO SEE HIS FATHER RUSH THROUGH THE DOOR.

ROY, YOU LOOK EVERY BIT THE BIG MAN YOU SEEM TO HAVE BECOME, BUT LET ME REMIND YOU I’M STILL YOUR FATHER AND I BELIEVE I DESERVE A LITTLE MORE RESPECT THAN I’VE BEEN SHOWN LATELY. I WANT TO SEE THAT CABLE.

WITHOUT A WORD, ROY HANDED IT OVER, AND WATCHED HIS FATHER READ IT QUICKLY.

HMPF! WAS ALL NATHAN SAID, AND LEFT THE ROOM, TAKING THE CABLE WITH HIM. ROY CONTINUED TO SIT WITH HIS THOUGHTS FOR A FEW MOMENTS, THEN GOT UP AND FOLLOWED HIS FATHER, FEELING THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD PRESSING DOWN UPON HIS SHOULDERS.

≈≈≈

THEY WERE SEATED AROUND THE BIG TABLE, WHEN HE WALKED INTO THE ROOM, EACH ONE READING THE CABLE AND PASSING IT ON TO THE NEXT. ROY STOOD BEHIND HIS CHAIR WATCHING UNTIL THEY HAD ALL FINISHED. "PAPA, I’M SORRY YOU FEEL I’VE NEGLECTED YOU, AND I DO APOLOGIZE, FOR IN A WAY, I KNOW IT’S TRUE. BUT PAPA, MY MIND’S SO FILLED BY THE THINGS I’VE YET TO DO, I SOMETIMES HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING WHAT DAY IT IS.

"I SAT IN YONDER AT THAT DESK, WITH GRANDFATHER THE PIRATE’S PORTRAIT HANGING OVER MY HEAD, AND ASKED MYSELF, ‘WHY ME’ GRANDPA? ESTHER TOLD ME SHE’D ASKED HIM THAT SAME QUESTION ONE TIME, AND HE SAID IT WAS BECAUSE HE KNEW I’D NEVER QUIT. WELL, I’M TELLING ALL OF YOU THE SAME THING. ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, I’M GOING TO MAKE THINGS WORK OUT.

"WAIT A MINUTE BEFORE YOU SAY ANYTHING. UNCLE PATRICK SAID HIS FATHER TOLD HIM THAT A SMART MAN WAS ONE WHO WAS SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW THERE WERE THINGS HE DIDN’T KNOW. THAT MAY NOT BE EXACTLY RIGHT, BUT IT’S CLOSE ENOUGH, AND I ALREADY KNOW THAT I’LL NEED A LOT OF HELP.

"GRANDPA’S RIGHT; I’LL NEVER QUIT, WON’T HAVE TO, AND YOU KNOW WHY? IT’S BECAUSE OF ALL YOU SMART PEOPLE SITTING RIGHT HERE, AND THE OTHERS, DAVID SULLIVAN, JOHN WILSON JUNIOR, SAM JENSEN, ROGER SHELTON, AND PATRICK O’CONNOR, TO NAME A FEW. MY ROLE IN THIS IS TO PUT THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT PLACES, GIVE THEM MY SUPPORT AND ADVICE, THEN GET OUT OF THE WAY. THAT’S WHAT I’M GOING TO DO.

NOW; I’D LIKE FOR US TO BOW OUR HEADS AND QUIETLY SAY GOOD-BYE TO GRANDPA. MICHAEL, I WISH YOU COULD HAVE KNOWN HIM, FOR HE CERTAINLY KNEW YOU. THANK YOU, GENTLEMEN. MICHAEL, YOU MAY HAVE THE FLOOR.

≈≈≈

"GENTLEMEN, THERE’S SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID IN ORDER TO ‘CLEAR THE AIR’ A LITTLE, MEANING WE CAN ILL AFFORD TO HAVE ANY MISUNDERSTANDINGS AMONG US. ALL THE MAIN PLAYERS IN OUR GAME, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF UNCLE IAN AND AUNT MARY CATHERINE, WHOM YOU REPRESENT, UNCLE NATHAN, ARE HERE IN THIS ROOM. HOWEVER, I ASSURE YOU, UNCLE IAN HAS BEEN MADE AWARE OF WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

"FIRST OF ALL, I’M HAPPY THAT ROY DECIDED IT WAS NOT IN HIS BEST INTERESTS TO GO WITH THE WAGON TRAIN. AS SOON AS IT IS PRACTICAL, HE WILL LEAVE HIS WORK WITH MISTER WILSON, SENIOR, AND JOIN ME IN NEW YORK; SPECIFICALLY, IN THE OFFICE ACROSS THE HALL. NOW, I’LL BRIEFLY OUTLINE OUR PLANS TO ESTABLISH MACTAVISH ENTERPRISES IN THIS COUNTRY.

"ROY AND I WILL DISSOLVE OUR PARTNERSHIP, SELL OUR HOLDINGS IN NEW YORK, AND INVEST THE MONEY IN MACTAVISH ENTERPRISES. MACTAVISH, AT ROY’S DIRECTION, WILL BUY OUT ALL OF OUR PARTNERSHIP HOLDINGS IN THE SOUTH, ALONG WITH THOSE OF DAVID SULLIVAN AND JOHN WILSON JUNIOR. THE SOUTHERN HOLDINGS WILL BECOME A SEPARATE DIVISION OF MACTAVISH, MANAGED BY DAVID SULLIVAN. THE SAME WILL BE TRUE, OLIVER, OF YOUR MOVE TO THE WEST, AND MIGUEL’S SHIPPING AND TRADING BUSINESS IN SCOTLAND.

"MACTAVISH ENTERPRISES, AS IT NOW EXISTS, WILL BE RE-INCORPORATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF OUR COUNTRY, SAME AS MANY OTHER LARGE COMPANYS HERE; THAT MEANS, HAVING A PRESIDENT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, AS MANY VICE-PRESIDENTS AS REQUIRED, A TREASURER, AND A RECORDER.

"THE PRESIDENT WILL BE AUNT MARY CATHERINE, ROY WILL BE THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, AND I WILL BE THE TREASURER. THE REMAINING OFFICERS WILL BE APPOINTED BY YOU PEOPLE SITTING HERE, AS WELL AS UNCLE IAN AND AUNT MARY CATHERINE. WE WILL ALSO ESTABLISH A BOARD OF DIRECTORS PICKED BY YOU, WHO SHOULD BE PROMINENT CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY, OR SCOTLAND, BUT COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE WHOM YOU’VE CHOOSEN TO NOMINATE. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND UNCLE IAN BE APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.

"ALL OF WHAT I HAVE TOLD YOU HAS BEEN CAREFULLY REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE LEGAL PEOPLE AT ROTHCHILD’S. ALSO, INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY ASSETS HAVE BEEN PROTECTED AND IN NO WAY HARMED. MY CONCERN, AND ROY’S, HAS BEEN TO INSURE WE VIOLATE NO LAWS OF THIS COUNTRY. THERE IS, OF COURSE, THE MATTER OF TAXES, WHICH MUST BE DEALT WITH, AND A CONSTANT THREAT OF WAR STILL HANGS OVER OUR HEADS.

UNCLE NATHAN, MACTAVISH WOULD BE HAPPY TO BUY OUT YOUR REAL ESTATE COMPANY AND INCLUDE IT WITH OUR SOUTHERN HOLDINGS, BUT THAT DECISION REMAINS WITH YOU AND YOUR PEOPLE. IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS, I’LL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER THEM, IF NOT, THEN I’LL RELINQUISH THE FLOOR TO SEAN.

≈≈≈

THEY ALL SAT QUIETLY, OBVIOUSLY PONDERING WHAT THEY’D JUST HEARD FROM MICHAEL. THEN NATHAN SPOKE.

"ROY, MY SON, AFTER LISTENING TO MICHAEL, I’M CONVINCED IT IS I WHO SHOULD APOLOGIZE TO YOU. I’M SORRY SON, I BESPOKE MYSELF. I BELIEVE MOST OF YOU HERE HAVE HEARD ME SAY, ‘I’VE BEEN CAUGHT STANDING OUTSIDE IN A COLD RAIN WITH NO CLOTHES ON’ AND THAT’S ABOUT WHERE I AM RIGHT NOW.

I UNDERSTAND MOST OF WHAT YOU SAID, AND I RECKON I CAN SEE WHY WE NEEDED TO HEAR IT. I GUESS WHAT AMAZES ME, MICHAEL, IS HOW THE DEVIL DID YOU AND ROY GET SO SMART?

UNCLE NATHAN, WE’VE BEEN A LOT MORE LUCKY THAN SMART, BUT WE HAD A VERY GOOD TEACHER, ANNA ROTHCHILD. BUT SIR, THE GREATEST THING WE HAD WERE WONDERFUL PARENTS, AND A LOT OF GOOD, LOYAL FRIENDS. WE BOTH OWE YOU AND AUNT MARY CATHERINE A LOT. THE SAME GOES FOR PAPA, AND MOMMA LUCY. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS, OLIVER?

YOUNG MAN, I’D HEARD A LOT ABOUT YOU, SO MUCH IN FACT, I SOMETIMES WONDERED IF IT COULD ALL BE TRUE. BUT BARON MACTAVISH BELIEVED IN YOU, AND IAN CERTAINLY DOES TOO. I’M GLAD YOU TOOK THE TIME TO EXPLAIN ALL THIS BECAUSE NOW, I HONESTLY BELIEVE WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN; JUST LIKE THE OLD BARON MEANT FOR IT TO. FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH, YOU AND ROY CAN COUNT ON MY SUPPORT, AND I PROMISE YOU, I’LL DO MY BEST.

≈≈≈

AFTER LISTENING TO MY BROTHER TALK, I WONDER IF I HAVE ANYTHING WORTHILE TO CONTRIBUTE, SEAN SAID. ALSO, I HAVE A BIT OF A PROBLEM TO DEAL WITH. I PLANNED TO TELL YOU ABOUT SOME LAND I KNOW WILL BE FOR SALE PRETTY SOON, BUT I’M AFRAID THERE’LL BE A CONFLICT OF INTERESTS IF I DO; I MEAN, UNCLE NATHAN AND PAPA MIGHT WANT TO BUY THE LAND INSTEAD OF LETTING MACTAVISH HAVE IT. I CERTAINLY DON’T WANT TO GET ON THE WRONG SIDE OF ANYBODY HERE; MAYBE I’D BEST KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT.

SEAN, NATHAN SAID, OF COURSE I’LL HAVE TO DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH YOUR FATHER AND MARTHA SAWYER, BUT I THINK IT WOULD HEAD OFF A LOT OF CONFUSION IF WE WENT AHEAD AND SOLD OUT OUR COMPANY TO MACTAVISH. YOU GO AHEAD AND SAY WHAT YOU MEANT TO, I ASSURE YOU WE’LL MAKE NO TROUBLE OVER IT.

"THANK YOU, UNCLE NATHAN. FOLKS, THE B AND O RAILROAD BOUGHT A LOT OF PRIME REAL ESTATE IN THEIR EFFORT TO SECURE A RIGHT A WAY FROM GRAFTON TO WHEELING; A LOT OF IT IN THE MANNINGTON AREA. I HAPPENED TO GET HOLD OF ONE OF THE OLD SURVEY MAPS, AND WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE WAS A LOT OF GREAT LOCATIONS FOR TOWN SITES AND INDUSTRY.

"I ALSO KNOW, THE RAILROAD IS INTERESTED IN RAISING MONEY TO FUND THE BUILDING OF A RAILROAD FROM GRAFTON TO CLARKSBURG, IN THE NEAR FUTURE. IT WILL HAVE ANOTHER NAME, BUT THE B AND O WILL BE IT’S PRIMARY INVESTOR, MEANING THEY WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE CONTROL ONCE IT’S BUILT. THERE WILL BE GOOD LAND AVAILABLE ALONG THAT ROUTE TOO. FRANKLY, I BELIEVE IT’S SOMETHING YOU ALL NEED TO LOOK INTO SINCE YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS.

WHICHEVER WAY YOU ALL DECIDE, UNCLE NATHAN AND ROY, JAMES MARSDEN IS THE MAN YOU’LL DEAL WITH. I’M SURE YOU BOTH KNOW WHO HE IS. OH, SOMEBODY IS SHIPPING HARD-WOOD LOGS ON OUR FLAT CARS, ALL THE WAY BACK EAST TO THE PAPER MILLS AND FURNITURE FACTORIES. YOU NEED TO ASK JAMES ABOUT THAT TOO.

≈≈≈

ROY STOOD UP AND STRETCHED. ALL THIS TALKING AND LISTENING HAS DONE WORE ME OUT; AND I’M HUNGRY TOO. ANYBODY KNOW IF THEM FISH PLACES ARE STILL OPEN DOWN THERE ON THE DOCK? I FORGOT TO LOOK YESTERDAY. I WOULDN’T TURN DOWN ONE A THEM FROSTY MUGS OF BEER EITHER. I VOTE WE GO FIND OUT. LET’S SEE A SHOW OF HANDS, HEAR, HEAR. GOOD, I WIN. DAVID, MY MAN, LEAD THE WAY DOWN TO THE PIER. TIMES A WASTING.

THERE NATHAN, YOU SEE, SAID OLLIE, HE’S DONE IT AGAIN.

WELL, YEAH, OLLIE, THE BOY DOES SEEM TO KNOW WHAT’S IMPORTANT. I GUESS THAT’S WHY HE’S THE BOSS, NATHAN SAID, LAUGHING.

≈≈≈

AS THEY DESCENDED THE STAIRS, A YOUNG COURIER WAS GOING OUT THE FRONT DOOR. OLIVER, MICHAEL SAID, I BET HE HAS DELIVERED THE CABLE FROM YOUR WIFE. HIS GUESS PROVED TO BE TRUE, FOR EDNA HEARD THE MEN ON THE STAIRWAY, AND MET THEM AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEPS.

MISTER OLSEN, SHE SAID, I HAVE A CABLEGRAM HERE FOR YOU, AND SIR, I BELIEVE IT’S FROM YOUR WIFE.

THANK YOU MISSUS FARRELL, OLIVER REPLIED, AS HE TOOK THE ENVELOPE AND BEGAN STUFFING IN IN A COAT POCKET. ROY HAPPENED TO NOTICE WHAT OLIVER WAS DOING AND STEPPED OVER AND TOOK HIM BY THE ARM.

UH UH, OLIVER, WE’LL HAVE NONE OF THAT. YOU GET YOURSELF BACK UP THESE STAIRS AND GO SIT DOWN IN MY OFFICE WHERE YOU CAN READ THAT THING IN PEACE AND QUIET. WE’RE JUST GOING DOWN TO THE PIER, SO WHENEVER YOU’RE READY, WALK ON DOWN THERE AND HANG A RIGHT. WHEN YOU BEGIN TO SMELL FISH, WELL, THAT’S WHERE WE’LL BE. NOW GO ON AND DO WHAT I SAY; OR DO YOU WANT ME AND DAVID TO CARRY YOU UP THE STEPS?

≈≈≈

MICHAEL TUGGED ON ROY’S ARM, CAUSING HIM TO STOP AND TURN AROUND. THAT WAS A NICE THING YOU DID, PARTNER. COULD IT BE THAT TOUGH OLD ROY IS BEGINNING TO MELLOW A BIT?

NAW MICHAEL, BUT YOUR SISTER’S STILL WORKING ON ME. IT’S HIS WIFE, MICHAEL; WAIT TILL YOU’VE MET HER AND I BELIEVE YOU’LL UNDERSTAND. SHE’S A TINY LITTLE THING WITH HAIR SO LIGHT A COLOR, IT’S ALMOST WHITE, AND THE BLUEST EYES YOU’VE EVER SEEN; SHE COMES FROM ICELAND. IN SOME WAYS, SHE’S LIKE MOMMA, THE WAY SHE TALKS AND ACTS. THE STAFF AT THE BARONY CALLED THEM FIRE AND ICE, AND THERE’S A LOT OF TRUTH IN THAT.

≈≈≈

MISS YOU LOVE. THINGS HERE VERY SAD. IAN HANS INGA ESTHER STILL MUCH GRIEF. PENNY COPING WITH MOTHER. CELIA ALICIA CARING FOR PENNY. RUTH TENDING TO IAN. BARONESS TOTALLY IN CHARGE DOING GOOD THINGS. RILEY BIG HELP. DON’T WORRY EVERYBODY HELP EACH OTHER. FUNERAL NEXT WEEK. MANY IMPORTANT PEOPLE. SEND YOUR SCHEDULE SOONEST. MUCH LOVE ALL FOUR.

≈≈≈

PAPA, OLLIE, WHAT DO YOU THINK THESE PEOPLE WOULD SAY IF WE TOLD THEM HOW WE ATE THEM FISH AND TATERS WITH OLD JACOB IN GLASGOW. IT WAS AWFUL MESSY, BUT I ADMIT I LIKED IT.

JUST A MINUTE, ROY? MICHAEL INTERRUPTED, IT COULDN’T HAVE BEEN MORE OF A MESS THAN THIS.\

OH YES, MICHAEL, FAR WORSE THAN THIS, OLIVER OFFERRED.

YEAH, PARTNER, ROY ANSWERED. YOU SEE, ME AND MEGGIE, JUNIOR AND LYLLITH, WENT WITH JACOB TO A PLACE DOWN NEAR THE PORT THAT YOU’D CALL A SHACK; REALLY, THAT’S ALL IT WAS. WE WENT IN AND SAT DOWN AT A BIG LONG TABLE AND ONE LADY CAME AND SPREAD A WHITE OIL CLOTH ACROSS THE WHOLE LENGTH OF IT. SOON, HERE COMES TWO MORE AND THEY JUST DUMPED THE FISH AND TATERS ON THE TABLE RIGHT IN FRONT OF US. THEN, THE FIRST LADY COMES BACK WITH A BASKET OF WET TOWELS AND SOME SALT.

UGH! EXCLAIMED MICHAEL. HOW ON EARTH DID YOU ALL EAT A MESS LIKE THAT?

JUST LIKE ME AND OLIVER DID, SAID NATHAN, WITH OUR FINGERS, MICHAEL. ME AND HIM WENT THERE WITH OLD MAN FERGUSON, WHEN WE WERE ON OUR WAY BACK TO DUNDEE, FROM ENGLAND. I HAVE TO AGREE WITH ROY, IT WAS GOOD, BUT OLLIE’S RIGHT ABOUT IT, MICHAEL, IT WAS DEFINITELY WORSE THAN WHAT WE’RE DOING NOW.

PARTNER, YOU BEEN EATING AT TOO MANY OF THESE FANCY PLACES IN NEW YORK, ROY SAID. SHUCKS, AFTER THE FIRST ROUND OF ALE, ME AND JUNIOR WERE’NT PAYING MUCH ATTENTION AS TO HOW WE WERE EATING. NEITHER WERE THE GIRLS; THEY WERE TOO BUSY CARRYING ON AND HAVING A GOOD TIME WITH OLD JACOB.

ROY, I’M CERTAINLY NOT DISPUTING YOUR WORD, SAID SEAN, BUT I’M HAVING TROUBLE PICTURING MY SISTER EATING IN A PLACE LIKE THAT.

WELL SEAN, ALL I CAN SAY IS, AFTER THAT FIRST PINT, SHE DIDN’T MAKE NO OBJECTIONS AND NEITHER DID LYLLITH; BUT I SURE WOULDN’T TAKE MOMMA IN THERE, ROY SAID, THEN STOOD UP. GENTLEMEN, IT’S BEEN NICE, AND I THINK WE ALL NEEDED TO CLEAR OUR MINDS A BIT. NOW; WHO’S GONNA’ HELP ME BACK UP THE HILL.

≈≈≈

THE NEXT THIRTY MINUTES OR SO WAS SPENT CHATTING ABOUT THINGS IN GENERAL, UNTIL ROY HAPPENED TO MENTION IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE FOR HIS FATHER AND OLIVER TO CATCH A PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD TRAIN AND GO STRAIGHT FROM NEW YORK TO UNIONTOWN. THIS CAUSED NATHAN TO SIT UP STRAIGHTER IN HIS CHAIR, AND POINT A FINGER AT HIS SON.

ROY, DIDN’T YOU HEAR ME YESTERDAY WHEN I SAID OLIVER AND ME WERE NOT GOING ANYWHERE UNTIL I GOT SOME REST? DOGGONE IT, SON, I WANT TO GO HOME, AND THAT’S WHERE I’M A GOING; AND HE’S COMING WITH ME. YOU AND DAVID CAN DO WHATEVER SUITS YOU. WHEN ME AND OLIVER GET OUR RESTING DONE, AND THERE’S STILL A GOOD REASON FOR US TO GO TO THAT PLACE, WHY WE’LL JUST JUMP ON SOMETHING AND FLOAT RIGHT DOWN THE MONANGEHELA TO MORGANTOWN. WE CAN WALK THE REST OF THE WAY.

ROY KNEW THE ONLY WAY TO DEAL WITH HIS FATHER WHEN HE WAS LIKE THIS, WAS TO REMAIN CALM; WHICH USUALLY MEANT AGREEING WITH HIM.

PAPA, I WAS ONLY MAKING A SUGGESTION AND TRYING TO BE HELPFUL.

I KNOW YOU WERE SON, AND MAYBE I’M BEING A BIT TOO HARD ON YOU, BUT HERE’S SOMETHING ELSE FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT. IF I RECALL RIGHTLY, YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING TO TELL US WHAT YOU WANTED US TO DO AND THEN YOU WOULD GET OUT OF OUR WAY AND LET US DO IT. I PROMISE YOU ROY, THAT’S WHAT ME AND OLLIE ARE GOING TO DO AND I RECKON YOU OUGHT TO HEED YOUR OWN WORDS.

INSTEAD OF BEING UPSET BY HIS FATHER’S WORDS, ROY BEGAN CHUCKLING. PAPA, I CALLED JACOB FERGUSON AN OLD CODGER, AND IT HURT HIS FEELINGS BECAUSE HE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANT. BUT YOU DO, DON’T YOU, PAPA? SO I’M SAYING THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE ACTING LIKE. YOU DON’T FOOL ME ONE BIT, PAPA, YOU’VE GOT SOMETHING UP YOUR SLEEVE BESIDES YOUR ARM, HAVEN’T YOU? YOU’RE JUST BEING A SLY OLD DOG, AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO SPRING IT ON THE REST OF US. NOW ADMIT IT PAPA. AIN’T I RIGHT?

NOW IT WAS NATHAN’S TURN TO CHUCKLE. "ALL RIGHT ROY, YOU’VE GOT ME COLD. YOU’RE PRETTY SMART, SON, I GUESS THAT’S WHY YOU’RE THE BOSS. ME AND OLIVER TALKED SOME LAST NIGHT AFTER YOU AND DAVID BEGAN SNORING, AND YES, WE DO SORTA’ HAVE SOMETHING IN MIND. I’LL TELL YOU ENOUGH TO MAYBE EASE YOUR MIND A LITTLE.

"HOW MANY WAGONS DO YOU RECKON I CAN FIND BETWEEN GEORGE GRAY’S FARM, OUR ESTATE AT GRANT TOWN, OR SOME OF THE OTHER FARMS DOWN THERE?

"WAIT ROY, LET’S TALK HORSES. LAST COUNT, I OWN SIX WE KEEP ON PAPA’S OLD PLACE, AND THERE’S ANOTHER DOZEN OR SO DOWN ON THE OLD MORGAN PLACE. TOM LEWIS PROBABLY KNOWS WHERE I CAN FIND A DOZEN MORE.

"WE NEED RIDING STOCK TOO, YOU KNOW. OLIVER’S THE BEST JUDGE OF HORSEFLESH I KNOW, OUTSIDE OF PATRICK O’CONNOR AND GEORGE GRAY, SO I’LL LET HIM DO THE PICKING AND CHOOSING. HE OUGHT TO FIND PLENTY OF HORSES WHEN HE GETS DOWN THERE TO KENTUCKY.

"I KNOW, I KNOW, ROY,