The Great Land 1

By Mike Liston

The era of the Alaska/Canadian Goldrush of 1898 and the saga of the Tlingit Indian Goldmouth Family who using their wits, manage to outsmart all obstacles placed in their path and become coinsiderably rich.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mike Liston
• Release date: Aug 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781792395987

Book preview

The Great Land: Them Golden Hills

Book One

By

Mike Liston

US Copyright: TXu 2-322-356

ISBN 978-1-7923-9598-7

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means without written permission by the author.

Characters (in order of appearance)

Barney Wobbles, a petty gambler, grifter, and Sally’s husband.

‘Bones’ that is: Rochester Tillbine Esq., Barney’s partner in folly.

Ivan Sam Goldmouth, Tlingit Indian trader and crafty businessman

Zloiya Krasa Goldmouth, Goldmouth’s beautiful yet dangerous Tlingit wife

Sally Goldmouth, their huge and ferocious daughter

Snarl, Goldmouth’s large and terrifying mixed (species?) dog

Abraham Levine, a Jewish businessman from San Francisco

Rebecca Levine, his Russian Jewish wife

David Levine, the would-be Jewish shaman (rabbi) and businessman

Commander Sam Steele, Northwest Canadian Mounted Police

Reverend Jamison Gerard James, Anglican minister of Dawson City

Molly O’Malley, his Irish housekeeper

Alphonse Applekor Flinders, Attorney

Soapy Smith, bunko master and petty crime boss

Captain Mike Arsenault, Skipper of the Anne Marie.

Bathsheba Brown

Sarah Steinfeldt

Crazy Willy P. Farbricks, gold shaman and addled prospector

William Adderbite, Adviser, Territorial Governor of Alaska

General P.U. Whackenthrop, General, US Army, Territory of Alaska

Table of Contents

Characters (in order of appearance)

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

ONE

Low clouds，sea gray scudded above the waves as a stiff biting breeze splattered the steel deck with a thin cold rain. Before the steamer stood the small town of Skagway huddled on the beach hemmed in by tall snow crusted peaks, Territory of Alaska, 1898.

What’s going on? whispered a cracked voice. Mates barked commands as the ship hove to.

Hell, if I know, whispered a high-pitched voice in return.

So, stick out your snout; take a goldarned look, hissed the first.

Stick out yer own; I ain’t gettin’ my head shot off.

Relax, the guy you cheated at cards last night is gotta be dead drunk.

I cheated? Who stood behind him signaling the fool’s hand?

And I was doing a pretty goddamned good job of it until you asked me right out loud if I meant Ace of Clubs or Ace of Hearts.

And whose fault was it for semaphoring wild like a drunk Mick dancing the Bog Trot?

And whose fault is it for being the dumbest goddamned card cheat in all San Francisco? Ouch, you motherless ape-faced son of a bitch, I’m gonna cut off that goddamned tent flap you call an ear!

You and what Mexican Army, you two-bit, whore mongering, split tailed skunk? Ow! Bastard, you’ll pay for that!

Put that back in your pants! A shot was fired, whistles blew and two scruffy unshaven pale faces, one fat, one thin, popped up like a couple of weasels out of a rabbit hole, ran and only just managed to scramble onto a pallet of freight just as it was being hoisted up over the side and onto the bobbing deck of a waiting barge.

Jesus Lord flaming Mother of Christ that was a narrow one, wheezed one Barney Wobbles now bleeding from where the bullet fired from a small derringer had just nicked his fat hand. He was wearing what appeared to be a preacher’s frock he’d swiped off a Seattle clothes line. His partner, Rochester Tillbine Esq., or ‘Bones’ as he was known to those unfortunate as to have made his acquaintance, was wearing a suit, this one taken from a passed out drunk, two sizes too large as Bones was thin, of small build-hence the name. They both lay there gasping on the deck of the barge when an enormous dark mass blocked the thin light of the sun.

What you do on my Barge? rumbled a bass voice deep as the sea.

Huh? the two responded stupidly as Ivan Sam Goldmouth, a gigantic Tlingit Indian reached down, grabbed each man up in his huge fists and stood them both up more or less on their feet. Above on the ship, seamen gathered at the rail laughed at their predicament.

Ya dumb shits, Goldmouth’s got you now! called one man just as a mate ordered them back to work.

You got ticket ride my barge? Goldmouth demanded just to keep things legal though he damned well knew the answer.

This ain’t part of the steamship fee? Barney asked hopefully. No tickee, no ridee, Ivan Sam Goldmouth grunted grabbing up both men by their shirt collars quite effortlessly. He stepped to the side of his barge dangling the two men over the cold gray waves. Water cold, he grinned, swim good, might live.

Wait! Bones shrieked. Holy mother of Jesus. Give him some cash for god’s sake!

I ain’t got no cash, you dumb hick, Barney croaked squirming helplessly in Goldmouth’s bear trap grip.

Well, give him somethin’. Look, he’s got big feet. Give him your shoes?

You look at his feet, pea brain. Not only is they not much smaller than his barge, he ain’t wearing shoes. Hey, give him your gun.

My gun? You don’t think we’s in enough danger as it is?

You got gun? asked Ivan Sam with middling interest.

Yeah, yeah, and it’s all yours, Bones said quickly handing the big man his derringer. Goldmouth held the derringer between a thumb and his forefinger.

This gun?’ he asked quite skeptical. I seen skeeters more dangerous."

It’s a gun, it’s a gun; look, look at Barney, you see he’s bleeding.

Pssh, Goldmouth Ivan Sam said contemptuously tossing the derringer to the deck. Hardly make a scratch.

Offer something else, Barney hissed.

I ain’t got nothing else. You offer, Bones hissed back.

And I ain’t nothing ‘cept my scalp.

Then go ahead and offer that, Barney replied glad for once he was bald.

Shut mouths, bums, Goldmouth ordered just as the barge hit the beach with a crunch. Snatching up the tow line, the big Tlingit jumped out into the rough surf and drug the loaded barge up onto the sand. Load wagons damned quick, the big man ordered glowering down on the two men. No tickee, you work.

I ain’t never slaved so goddamned hard my whole life, Barney groaned after they’d finally got two empty wagons all loaded; now barely able to stand.

I think I’m gonna die, Bones moaned and given the way he was kind of sprawled out on the gravelly sand, his imminent demise did seem likely. A horse was hitched up to one wagon. Goldmouth regarded the men with obvious dissatisfaction shaking his great shaggy head. He’d planned to hitch the two up to the first wagon in order to save wear on his horse-so much for that.

Goddamn useless white men, Goldmouth snorted with dark contempt. Lifting both men as easily as if they were a couple of sacks of spuds, he tossed them up on the load and with barely a grunt, yanked the wagon up the beach towards town. At that, the horse got its own wagon started with a jerk to follow in Goldmouth’s tracks.

Neither Barney nor Bones paid a lot of attention to what happened as the wagon shuddered and bumped over the rutted lane. It grew dark; the wind blowing icy from out of the White Pass. Why, if a feller was dead and cold in his grave, things couldn’t be worse. Eventually, the wagon jolted to a stop. Barney heard some strange talking he’d never heard before. Just then this huge moon-shaped ugly mug loomed up just over him. He screamed; right sure it was Satan come to drag him to hell.

What you call this? Sally Ivanov asked her dad.

Couple new ones keep you busy, her father grunted. Sally had been in heat since she was thirteen. It was hard to keep her in men.

You call these men? his daughter asked sourly her great moon face less than pleased.

Take both, one, or nothin’, up to you, Goldmouth grunted grabbing Barney and tossing him off the load into his daughter’s great big beefy arms. Just don’t bug me and yer mom.

Least this one’s got some meat on his bones, Daughter remarked giving Barney’s teeth a critical look as she gave his male parts a good squeeze. Barney was so scared and close to death he’d hardly the sputz to whimper.

Ain’t much but it ought to last you one night, Dad replied as he unhitched the horse and led it into its stall. He would have preferred his horny daughter to have a Tlingit boy but she’d pretty much laid waste all the available boys back home in Sitka and they’d been glad to see her go so they could rest.

Hmph, grumped daughter tossing Barney over an immense shoulder and with Bones in the crook of a massive arm, she stalked towards the family shack. Mom say hurry big brown ass up, she cried. Food gettin’ cold!

You betcha, Goldmouth said pulling tarps over the loaded wagons to protect them from wind and rain. It was too late to deliver these loads tonight but with Snarl standing guard, all would be safe. Where the hell that mutt anyway? he asked and just that second a great beast bounded up bear big, wolf shaggy and no less ornery than a wolverine. He’d been off terrorizing drunks and local dogs. Goldmouth grinned happy to see the beast and Snarl seemed to grin back. Since they’d got to Skagway, there’d been one attempt to pilfer Goldmouth’s wagons; the would-be thief could hardly crawl away minus a good chunk of thigh.

After Mr. Ivan Sam Goldmouth had seen to feeding his horse, he entered the family shack, his great shaggy head just scraping the eaves. His wife, a stunning raven-haired beauty stood glowering with menace. With a grunt, she glared at husband, plunked a huge bowl of salmon stew on the plank table and tossed him some dried fish.

You’re late, she growled in Tlingit.

You try get useless bums load wagon. Takes time.

Them two? Zloiya asked jutting her thumb towards Sally’s den. Daughter already had Barney shucked naked and was trying to get some action out of him as Bones stared petrified with fear. Goddammit, Sally, draw the curtain and keep it down, we trying to eat!

Sally giggled darkly yanking the curtain shut. She’d feed once she’d had her fun.

Where you find them two? Snarl scare ‘em up?

Nah, jumped ship onto the barge, Goldmouth said already having made short work of the huge bowl of stew. No pay passage, make ‘em work. He grabbed a handful of dried fish.

Zloiya Krasa, Zloi for short, sat down. Her name was Russian, its root ‘zloi’, which meant evil. She’d been given the name by the Russian priest whose finger she’d bitten her baptize day because he’d splashed her with cold water. She sat down to watch her man eat as she picked at her fish. Not hungry, she was bored. Wasn’t much to do these days but fish and keep this dump clean. Not at all like back home in Sitka where she had plenty to keep her busy and lots of neighbors to boss or bully. I just wish we could find the girl a better man. Someone sturdy enough to take her shit and dish it right back.

Man like her dad ain’t easy to find, said Goldmouth his jaws grinding away like a machine.

Them bums won’t last the night. What’re we gonna do with what’s left?

That’s why we got Snarl; ain’t gonna be no problem.

I guess, Zloi said and then sighed. Goldmouth looked at her. He knew she was bored and unhappy because they’d come to Skagway for the gold and while the freight moving business was okay, it wasn’t gonna get them rich.

We need to get out of this damned place; go north, she said.

Need more money buy a stake.

Yeah, got to think of something quick, gold’s gonna be all gone and we’re just gonna have to go back to Sitka with maybe a little cash saved and not much else. Goldmouth looked at his wife. She looked back. They both knew what the other was thinking. Although Zloi was wearing a small fortune in gold under her dress and Goldmouth himself had a mouthful of gold teeth, for the most part it was gold they’d brought with them from home, but so far, aside from what Goldmouth could earn barging freight from ship to beach, they hadn’t added much to their pile.

We’ll figure out something, she smiled. If nothing better came along, she and Sally could slip out late and roll drunks.

Something legal, remember who’s got the guns, Ivan Sam warned. Whenever wife got that smile, he knew she’d be up to no good.

Hmph... Zloi said getting up. From the back came a cry of pain. Sally, dammit, don’t kill the dumb bastards, huh?

We’s just playing, Mom, Sally giggled. Zloi heard a man groan-not likely pleasure but maybe. She shrugged and fished out the money box from under her bed and counted what was there.

Hey, where’s the money you made today? she demanded. Goldmouth fished around in his pants pockets and fished out some coins, a few bills and even a nugget of gold. Zloi glanced at it and tossed it in the box. Hardly even worth counting. Let’s get to bed. You ain’t making money, you ought to be good for something maybe.

Uh, huh, Goldmouth grinned. Loving Zloi was always best when she was in a dark place. He stuck his big shaggy head out the door to see Snarl grinning in the moonlight and then it was off to bed for some rough and ready Tlingit love.

As you know, Ivan Sam, Zloiya Krasa and even Sally had a liking for the bright shiny yellow stuff which was unusual for their people. Traditionally the Tlingit preferred to work copper, shells, and silver for what they considered valuable decoration. Real wealth itself was best measured by an abundance of food. Still, when gold had been discovered the first time in Alaska not far from Sitka, Ivan Sam’s Dad was fascinated with the metal brighter than copper. He’d been the first Goldmouth and his golden teeth still gleamed from his skull on a ledge in the family’s hidden burial cave.

As for Zloiya, her love for gold had been sparked by Ivan Sam’s first courtship gift: a huge gold nugget dangling from a golden chain. Sally herself liked the shiny stuff too but her real passion, depending on her mood at the time, was for fighting, sex and/or food.

The family home, Sitka, had been the capital city for the Russians when Alaska was a Russian colony and the Goldmouth Family especially had done pretty well for themselves what with conning, tricking and even stealing from the Russians for a good couple hundred years but the Russians had ‘sold’ Alaska to the Yankees and the pickings lean since. Thus, the move to Skagway and from there to the Klondike where gold had been discovered and the Goldmouths wanted theirs but getting theirs was taking longer than planned.

Skagway, unlike Sitka full of Tlingit, was a hundred percent white man’s burg. A few Stick Indians from the interior served as packers for the miners but Skagway was white and the whites big time racist, so the opportunities for a Tlingit, even Tlingit crafty as Zloiya and Ivan Sam, were few. Goldmouth had taken to unloading ships with his hand-built barge because he could outwork six white men and charge the lowest price but saving up the money for a good stake of food and supplies to last a year in the Yukon was tough to do in a town where a buck might buy you a single egg.

Next morning at dawn, Goldmouth was fed and shoved out the door.

You get us some gold today or I find me a man who can! Zloiya called from behind. Goldmouth grinned. It was wife’s way to inspire him on. He hitched the horse to one wagon, himself to the other and took off. As for Zloiya, she grabbed her net and her spear. She might get lucky today and find something tasty in the creek flowing from the marsh to the beach. Snarl barked bushy tail thrashing the air and loping off like, well, his full-blooded wolf dad, led the way.

Once the interior of the shack was more or less quiet except for the rumble of Sally’s snores, Bones dared give Barney a poke; no reaction, Barney lay staring at the ceiling. Bones wasn’t surprised, he’d witnessed some pretty terrible things the last evening. Sally, in fact, hadn’t laid a hand on Bones but his soul had been scarred deep.

Psst, Bones dared to hiss. Still nothing from Barney so it seemed fair to help himself to the wallet of the deceased.

Get your dad blasted hands out of my pants, Barney snapped scaring the bejesus from Bones.

You still breathing? Bones said only partially pleased. I thought you was dead. That monster did some evil things.

Who you calling a monster? retorted Barney. That there woman’s the love of my life.

Huh? Bones stared.

You heard me, the little lady’s gonna make me an honest man.

Your poor bastard... Bones muttered; the fat man had lost his mind.

Keep it quiet, my little honey needs her beauty sleep. Now get up, let’s see what’s there to eat. It took some time for Barney to free himself as Sally had him pinned to the bed with one of her tree-trunk legs and he barely escaped serious injury when she’d swung at an annoying mosquito but in a few minutes, he was back in his pants, had slapped on an apron, and set to boiling water for coffee and the last glimpse the horrified Bones got of his fat former partner in petty crime before he slipped out the door was a half-naked white man sweeping the dirt floor of the shack as he hummed a happy tune.

Bones had only managed to scurry halfway down the dirt lane in his haste to get into town when Snarl appeared from out of nowhere and let of a single loud bark which echoed off the hills. Bones’ first impulse was to run but knew that was useless so he just sort of stood there; knees knocking waiting for the end. Snarl bit him, sure but only a nip to the butt and the next thing Bones knew he was being chased right back towards the foot of the mountains and the marsh where he could see Zloi wading through clumps of sedge hunting fish with a spear.

Where the hell you think you go? she demanded keeping eyes peeled for a possible meal.

Nowhere, ma’am, Bones whimpered just as Zloi expertly skewered a fat fish, just taking the air.

Sally say you leave house? Zloi asked plucking the flopping fish off the spear and flinging it to Snarl who bit the head off the thing as his share.

She was still having a rest but Barney’s cooking and cleaning up.

Him maybe good for something, you...not so much, Zloi observed and with that Snarl snarled and chased Bones all the way to Goldmouth and his two wagons just as they pulled to a stop at the back door of Levine and Son, General Merchandise.

Bout time you showed up, Goldmouth muttered darkly. "Get this stuff inside.

Why hello, Mr. Goldmouth! cried a short chubby cheerful little man scurrying out onto his loading dock. Abraham Levine came quickly down the steps hand out to shake Goldmouth’s huge paw. Goldmouth didn’t smile but he was pleased.

Morning, Mr. Kike, he nodded giving the little fellow’s hand a surprisingly gentle little shake. After all, he didn’t want to cripple the only guy who not only acted halfway polite to an Indian but was his very best customer. Boat too late bring load here.

That’s no problem, sir, no problem at all, Abraham said gleefully looking over the two loaded wagons with great pleasure. His shelves were close to bare and he badly needed new stock.

Here’s freight manifest, I check good; nothing swiped.

Excellent, excellent, Mr. Levine said hardly taking a glance at the thing. Normally, loads were well pilfered by seamen, ship’s officers and longshoremen before they ever got to him but with Mr. Goldmouth in charge, a few broken arms and one mysterious disappearance, not a single theft since.

Good morning, Mr. Goldmouth! boomed Rebecca Levine filling the doorway her tall big boned peasant frame almost twice the size of her mate. Goldmouth nodded wordlessly. Abraham, where your manners, man? she scolded her husband affectionately as she tromped down the stairs. Invite Mr. Goldmouth into the parlor for coffee, there’s fresh biscuits on the counter and wild strawberry jam. I’ll see to the freight. She grabbed six boxes to Bones’ one and tromped up the stairs.

Is there an earthquake, Father? David Levine called eyes wide with concern from the door of his room.

No, no, back to your studies, it’s only Mr. Goldmouth. Mother might tromp loaded down with boxes of freight but when Goldmouth came stomping up the stairs to their home on the second floor the entire store shuddered.

Good morning, sir, David said in a small quiet voice and returned to his studies.

Hmph, Goldmouth grunted not sure at all what to make of this quiet skinny kid always deep in his books.

Please, friend, make yourself comfortable, Abraham said setting kettle to the stove for coffee. I see you’ve a new man.

Ain’t much use but he cheap, Goldmouth responded taking a seat on a kitchen chair. It creaked ominously under his weight.

You take your coffee black or sugar and cream?

Ain’t no matter to me, Goldmouth said taking a fresh baked biscuit off the plate. It disappeared in one bite.

And how are your lovely wife and little child?

Huh? How you know them? Goldmouth asked.

Uh, I don’t personally but you do have a family I’ve heard? He’d more than heard; there’d been rumors hard to believe.

Yeah, you bet but been long time since Sally little.

Sally, is that her name?

Yep Sally, she’s home now probably playing with her new toy.

That’s nice, not little you say but still enjoys her dolls.

Wouldn’t ‘zactly call poor bastard a doll... Goldmouth shrugged picking up another biscuit but this time he took the time to bury the thing in a huge spoonful of homemade jam.

Uh, Mr. Goldmouth? Rebecca Levine asked coming into the parlor. Your new man, he seems ill. That or dead as Bones had collapsed in the yard.

Don’t you worry that lazy bum. Snarl get him moving.

Uh, yes, that’s what concerns me. Is your...dog going to eat him? He seems to be biting the poor thing.

Damn dog, Goldmouth muttered getting to his feet shaggy head scraping the ceiling, he ain’t supposed to eat no one till the work’s all done. Hey, you! he snapped at David who was reading a book in his room. Get off your butt and get to work.

But- his mother called out in surprise but David had shot out his door and ran down the stairs.

It’s all right, a little physical activity won’t hurt the boy, Abraham said soothing his surprised wife.

A little physical activity wouldn’t hurt you either, she said affectionately stooping to kiss her man on the top of his shiny bald head. She then glanced out the kitchen window looking down into the yard just in time to see Goldmouth land a big foot to the prostrate Bone’s butt launching him back up to work. Bones snatched two boxes off the wagon as David took one staggering slightly at the unaccustomed effort, Snarl barking excitedly and once more the entire structure shook as Goldmouth came tromping back up the stairs.

Darling, a quick question, does Mr. Goldmouth always call you Mr. Kike?

That ain’t his name? Goldmouth asked who’d re-entered and was already reaching for another biscuit.

Now, Rebecca, Mr. Goldmouth can call me whatever he likes, as long he doesn’t call me late for supper, the genial Abraham said attempting to defuse the situation with a joke.

"Actually, Mr. Goldmouth, my husband’s name is Abraham Levine. Mr. Kike is not polite.

That so? It’s what all them white guys call him.

It’s nothing, we’re used to it, Abraham said quickly. It’s just a word, believe me, they’ve said and done worse.

So, you’re saying them white fucks calling you kike is like them calling me a no-good red skin? Goldmouth’s black scowl darkened the room.

Oh, no, nothing like-

Yes, yes, exactly like that, Mr. Goldmouth, Rebecca broke in.

Next time some white bum calls you kike, I fix him good, you betcha, Goldmouth said taking his seat at the table.

Now Mr. Goldmouth, we don’t want any trouble, Abraham tried to protest.

If Mr. Goldmouth would like to fix someone, that’s his business, not yours, Rebecca smiled. More biscuits? Another biscuit and the rest of the jar of jam promptly disappeared along with a second cup of hot coffee.

Call me Goldmouth, you ain’t got to be so fussy.

That’s fine, and you can call me Rebecca and this is Abraham.

And who the skinny kid all the books?

That’s David, he’s studying to be a rabbi, his mother announced proudly.

Why he want to be a rabbit? Goldmouth asked thinking he’d misheard.

No, not rabbit, rabbi, it’s like...a shaman, I suppose in a way.

That kid no shaman, Goldmouth scoffed. What kind of bad spirit scared of him?

Why, I don’t know, said Abraham seeing the humor of the situation. Rebecca, how would you respond?

I would say...let’s switch the subject. So... Mister, I mean, Goldmouth, how is business these days?

It’s okay but I ain’t making enuf money to keep the wife off my back. What I want is go north.

You know, we were just talking of that ourselves.

You were talking, Abraham cut in, I merely listened; I’m more than satisfied with Skagway.

We could sell the same goods in Dawson for six times what we get here-at the least.

But... Abraham said helplessly flapping his hands like the wings of a sick bird.

But, what? Goldmouth demanded his big shaggy head leaning in with the keen interest of a bear eyeing a fat fish.

Oh, it was hard enough to pry Abraham out of San Francisco. For him, Skagway’s adventure enough.

And our business doing so well, Abraham insisted.

Yes, well, but not rich and rich was our plan. You see, Mr.-I mean, Goldmouth, they buy from us retail here and in Dawson, they sell the same for a very significant profit.

Sounds kind of dumb, Goldmouth smiled as he nodded, and you ain’t dumb. He sat there looking at them for a moment. I got me idea.

Oh, no, Abraham said full of fear. He’d heard more than his share of good ideas and he was quite happy with things as they were. Yes, Skagway was a confused little town and there were criminal elements but his home was nice and warm and there were few wolves or bears.

What sort of idea? Rebecca asked with immediate interest as she went to put on a second pot of coffee.

We do business. I take your stuff north, sell it, we make profit split fifty\fifty.

Fifty/fifty but if there’s a loss?

Loss yer problem, not mine. I be risking my time.

Oh, I don’t know, it sounds awfully dangerous, Abraham said feeling the ground under his feet turn to jelly.

It’s a risk worth taking. Goldmouth, we have a deal, Rebecca said with finality. In fact, I’ll put it to paper immediately and we can all sign our names.

Hey, not so fast, Goldmouth raised his huge hand. Got to talk this over with Wife.

You see, he wants to discuss things with his wife first, Abraham said with a great sense of relief.

I am sure Mrs. Goldmouth will be quite happy with the arrangement.

Hard to say, Ivan added, she might think our share too small.

Mother, the wagons are unloaded. Could you tell him please? David said standing in the doorway all bedraggled and spent.

He’s Mister Goldmouth to you and since we might all be business partners quite soon, why don’t you tell him yourself?

Mr. Goldmouth, we-

Yeah, ain’t deaf, heard ya. The skinny bum still breathing?

Uh, he’s not moving and the dog-I think it’s a dog-is digging a hole.

Better go see to the bum, Ivan said gulping the rest of his coffee. Snarl loves burying things they even still breathing.

Mister, I mean, Friend Goldmouth, Rebecca smiled, what I was about to say is why don’t you and your family come back to our home this evening? We can discuss this over a nice dinner.

You sure? Goldmouth asked. Them women a handful.

I’m sure your wife is quite lovely and it would nice if David had a chance to socialize a little with other young people. Goldmouth nodded his big head and with a low rumbling chuckle he left.

Are you sure the stairs can handle the strain? Abraham asked once Goldmouth was out and the house stopped shaking.

I built those stairs myself so don’t you worry your little bald head, Rebecca smiled. Yes then, I suppose I’d better get to the butcher. I’d best prepare a big meal.

But...what kind of a deal is this where profits are split fifty/fifty and we take the loss?

Abraham, you know our goods are worth perhaps ten times in Dawson what they are here.

Yes, and here they’re worth ten times what they’re worth back home. Why take such a big chance when already we do so well?

Because, this is our chance, our big chance and it won’t come again. And you’ve said yourself Mr. Goldmouth has been the most honest man you’ve ever had to deliver your freight.

Honest, yes but the Yukon? It’s so scary and cold. And what about him?

He’s scary, yes, but seems very smart. I am certain all will be just fine. And no, that’s enough biscuits for you, she said snatching the plate of biscuits off the table and sticking them in her cupboard which she locked. Save the rest for our guests. And don’t you think it’s time to see to the store?

Oh, I suppose, Abraham admitted following his tall wife down the stairs as David sat head buried safe in his tomes.

Ivan Sam Goldmouth took horse, wagons and a comatose Bones down to the beach to wait for the next steamer. They didn’t wait long and soon enough, the barge was launched and Bones puking over the side as the waves were quite choppy but by late afternoon, Goldmouth was back home with his just emptied wagons and an exhausted Bones who was set to pushing the wagon pulled by the horse.

Invite for dinner? What for? Zloi demanded. Past dealings with whites made her instantly suspicious.

Friendly people, I guess, Goldmouth shrugged. He didn’t want to say anything about the business discussion because if she got pissed, be best for him if it was witnessed.

Sounds kind of strange to me, but you say they’s okay for white devils so I guess won’t kill me. Sally?

They got a kid but I don’t think she’ll bother him. She still happy with the fat guy?

Don’t know about her but the fat guy looks happy enough.

Sally! her dad bellowed. Get washed and get your best dress!

I don’t want to eat white man food! Sally bellowed from behind her curtain where she was working her Barney.

You’re going but take some dried fish for a snack! Mom yelled.

Guess I better, Sally grumbled from behind her curtain. You eat that white man stuff, hour later, you hungry again.

Goldmouth was waiting in the yard with Sally who was all dressed up in her Potlatch deer skin dress. It was supposed to be full length but she’d grown so much in height and bulk, the seams were clearly strained and it barely covered her knees. Several minutes later, Zloiya exited the door.

Damn, Ma, you look good, Sally exclaimed; Goldmouth grinned.

What are you staring at, you dumb Tlingit? Zloiya walked past him like a bad-tempered Helen of Troy. Hell, Sally, looks like I got to make you a new dress. Where I gonna find that many deer around here?

You ready?

Keep your pants on. Don’t want them white folks thinking we’re eager. We ain’t taking the wagon?

Horse tired, bum’s tired; ain’t so far, we walk. Sally, you tell your toy to stay put?

Oh yeah, Sally nodded with a smile. Back in the shack, both Bones and Barney were lashed to a post back-to-back.

Abraham was watching from the window when Goldmouth appeared. At his side was a tall dark slender woman with long black hair and while Abraham was most always interested in a woman’s cooking skills as opposed to her looks, Goldmouth’s wife was so incredibly good looking, his heart actually skipped beats.

Oh, my... Rebecca said from his side, you don’t see a woman like that every day. She next turned her gaze to Sally lumbering up in her undersized dress. She was not quite as tall as her dad but possibly half again as wide. Oh my...

She looks like a troll out of an old country folk tale, Abraham muttered.

I hope I cooked enough and now I am worried for my stairs, Rebecca said grabbing her Abraham as they hurried down to greet their guests.

David, as usual, was lost in his books when the Goldmouths came tromping up the stairs making the house shake so much he actually yelled out in alarm.

Come in, come in! Rebecca cried out leading the pack. Sally was the first to stride in. She instantly caught a glance of David and grinned.

Who dis pretty little boy? she asked walking right up to David who stared in total awe.

David, this is Sally Goldmouth, please remember your manners, his mom said.

Uh, yes...hello, David said clumsily getting to his feet. He put out his hand.

Hmph, not much meat on this one, is there? Sally announced crushing his hand in her giant paw. To his credit, he didn’t cry out from the pain.

Sally, you be good, Zloiya admonished aware daughter’s handshake could cripple most men. Zloiya took in the tidy parlor all furnished according to European tastes. Rebecca, originally from Russia, had grown up quite poor but Abraham came from prosperous German Jewish stock and what furniture they had was all from the old country.

Nice place you got, she remarked then turned to Rebecca. She stood there watching the woman for a very long moment. Finally, she nodded with the barest hint of a smile.

Please, have a seat, Rebecca beamed leading Zloiya to their best arm chair as Abraham entered a little winded. Mrs. Goldmouth, this is my son, David. Zloiya turned to give David a perfunctory glance but now that David could focus on the mother instead of the fearsome daughter, he found it suddenly hard to breathe. He choked out something that might resemble English and grabbing up his books fast as he could scramble, he hurried out of the room. Sally started to follow.

Sally, growled her dad. The girl mountain stopped instantly in her tracks and took a seat on the sofa but when it started to sag making a few odd creaks, she stood up with a big grin on her broad face.

You sit here, you big bear, her Mother ordered getting up from the sturdy armchair to take a seat on the sofa where Rebecca joined her.

Both Abraham and I are so glad to make the acquaintance of our future business partner.

Huh? Zloiya demanded. Goldmouth grinned.

I got witnesses, woman, be good.

You didn’t tell your wife? Rebecca turned to Goldmouth with some alarm.

You see what she’s like and she usually don’t like white people even a bit.

What’s this ‘bout? Zloiya demanded. And what business besides what you got?

Your husband is willing to take our goods up north to be sold. It’s a very good deal, Rebecca explained. All profits are to be divided fifty/fifty and we, that is the Levine side, will absorb any loss.

Sound good, sound too good to be true. What’s the catch? Zloi asked giving her man a hard stare.

Ain’t no skin off your butt. I take Sally and Snarl, you stay here.

Uh...there is something, Abraham piped up.

What do you mean, ‘something’? Rebecca demanded. You never mentioned any ‘something’ to me.

You were so busy cooking and while you were cooking, I was thinking.

Thinking what? Rebecca asked well aware husband wasn’t the least enthusiastic for this deal.

I was just thinking the goods we have here, presently in Skagway, are barely enough to keep this store stocked. We really have nothing extra for the Klondike.

We send this stock and that’s fine, said Rebecca.

But we can’t just close the store, we have customers and if the Klondike venture fails, then what? What we need are more goods and quickly if we are to minimize our risks and...to buy more goods, we need more capital and as you know, my dear Rebecca, our capital is already one hundred percent invested in what we have here.

Abraham, you are making me somewhat unhappy. Why didn’t you mention this before?

Things moved so fast; I had no time.

You say need more money buy more goods, huh? Goldmouth asked.

Oh, yes, that’s what he’s saying but I’m sure we’ll find a way. Abraham, we’re going to have words about this later; of that, you can be sure.

So, no business with white people; ain’t got to eat dinner. Zloiya Krasa got to her feet. Sally, we go.

Hey, who say we go? Goldmouth asked.

Him say, no money, no deal.

He got no money, we got plenty.

What money?

Got gold.

You have gold? Rebecca said with surprised pleasure.

Really? Abraham said his happy face deflating like a pierced balloon.

You dumb Tlingit, Zloiya hissed. Us Indians say got gold, white people grab it. Already grab all the rest.

They ain’t white people, they ki-

Jews, Rebecca interrupted helpfully.

Yeah, Jews, Goldmouth nodded. Them whites give Jews bad time same as give us.

It’s true. I actually had to leave Russia because the white Christians were persecuting us, Rebecca added in an attempt to be helpful.

That so... Zloiya said thoughtfully. The idea that these Jew folks were treated just as badly as the Tlingit put the whole thing in a new light. She sat back down. Okay, no promise nothing but listen. What’s this business you got planned?

Well... Abraham started, but Rebecca held up a hand.

I’ll take it from here, husband. You see, Mrs. Goldmouth-

Zloiya.

Zloiya? Rebecca repeated with surprise as she did speak Russian.

Uh, huh... Zloi smiled, you don’t worry, I no bad to friends. Get talking, I’m waiting.

The fact is, Abraham does have a point. The goods we have presently with more on order are just enough to supply this store. We could send these goods north, but then we’d have to close and not only would that be risky, it would cause concern with Abraham’s uncle who did loan a considerable amount of money to us.

How much? Goldmouth asked bluntly.

Thirty thousand dollars at no interest. His only requirement is we buy from him.

Prices good?

Excellent, couldn’t be better. He runs a large wholesale company in San Francisco and hopes to expand.

So, we keep this place, buy more stuff, how much it cost?

We’d need the money for transportation, probably hire men, more goods...

At least twenty thousand, Abraham piped up. Thirty would be best.

Thirty thousand bucks, huh... said Zloiya. We split profit fifty/fifty; you take any loss?

Doesn’t that seem fair? Rebecca asked.

Ain’t that great. We give thirty thousand, what if lose that?

Oh, I hadn’t considered that... Rebecca smiled uneasily. I suppose we could give you our store?

Our store? And how would we pay back Uncle Ethan his thirty thousand? Abraham choked.

I’m sure we’d figure out a way.

Ain’t gonna lose shit, Goldmouth stated forcefully. Don’t crap your pants.

Split profits 70/30, said Zloiya Krasa. You eat any loss and from this point on, this place half ours.

Oh...my, Rebecca stared.

It’s, it’s... Abraham said round face now quite red. He looked very close to tears.

Fifty/fifty just fine, Goldmouth broke in. They take loss and we take store only if we lose investment.

You touch my gold, you lose hand, Zloiya hissed.

We go talk, Goldmouth declared standing up.

O-o-h, Sally grinned always up for a good spat.

We go talk, you bet, Zloiya snapped facing off with her gigantic husband.

We’re happy to leave you both alone, Rebecca offered.

No, not good for house, we go outside, Goldmouth growled glaring at his wife. He stomped down the stairs. Zloiya followed drawing a knife from her belt.

What is going on? Abraham whimpered to his wife.

Just a friendly family discussion, I’m- She was interrupted by a great roar and then a blood curdling scream.

Oh, Mom landed a good one, Sally said with pleasure hanging her great head out the window. Ow, Dad’s grabbed her by the hair. That’s right, Mom, you get him! she cried. Dad, watch your back!

Wood splintered, Snarl barked, shouts followed screams and then just as suddenly as it all started, the great ruckus subsided and once again peace reigned in the North.

Dammit, Sally muttered momentarily her expression disgusted as she pulled in her great head.

Is someone dead? Rebecca asked.

Nah, they just kissing and hugging. Hell, that was a short one; them two getting old. Hey, when the hell we gonna eat? I’m starved. The house quaked. Goldmouth came stomping up the stairs carrying Zloiya in his arms. Entering the parlor, he deposited her on the sofa.

Him and his damn Tlingit sweet talk, Zloiya purred coming as close to a full smile as she could. Okay, Jew friends, we got deal.

We do? Abraham squeaked dangerously close to suffering a stroke.

Why that’s wonderful! Rebecca cried out joyfully wonderfully relieved. Please, everyone, sit! Dinner is served. David, come out now, it’s safe!

Abraham had expected the Goldmouths not to take to the Russian Jewish flavor of the food but not only did the family decimate all that was served, Sally dumped a bag of dried salmon on the table for dessert.

This is chewy, Abraham observed working his jaws hard.

But quite tasty, said his wife. It’s like lox which we haven’t had since we left home.

You eat locks? Sally asked. You got some good teeth.

No, lox, l-o-x, it’s lightly smoked salmon almost raw. Very tasty, I’m sure you’d like it.

It salmon; girl like it. Especially love head, Zloiya added.

Head? Abraham asked face queasy.

I’m sure it’s quite tasty, Rebecca added politely.

Yeah, you bet, Goldmouth burped. That good chow, huh? he turned to his wife.

Pretty good for white folk food, Zloiya had to admit. Okay, let’s talk this gold, she said her nimble fingers opening the top of her dress. There was an audible gasp from David. Sally giggled.

Mom, this white boy think you gonna give him a show.

Don’t he wish? Zloiya said with a dark smirk and while David did get just the glimpse of a beautifully curved breast, she drew out chain after gold chain studded with gold nuggets and slipped them over the top of her head.

Oh my... Rebecca admired looking down at her table and a small fortune in gold.

How can you wear all that and not hurt your neck? Abraham asked.

Hardly notice the stuff’s there, Zloi said simply. "Sally, show him yours.

Sure, Sally said not taking the time to unbutton anything. She just whipped off her dress to reveal a massive dark heavily breasted muscled body brilliant with gold. With a groan, David passed out and hit the floor with a thud.

Goddammit, Sally, grumbled her dad. How many times we got to tell you act polite.

Hey, I was hot, Sally responded giving the underside of one massive breast a good scratch.

Get your clothes back on, ordered Mom. They got the point.

I said I was hot, she pouted pulling her dress on over her head. You ain’t so damned picky at home. She looked down at the floor at David who was now conscious but quite stunned. Ain’t this kid ever had a woman? I can take him home if you want? she grinned at Rebecca who was clearly at a loss as for what to say.

Don’t be so damned greedy, you got your fat boy waiting now. Okay, there’s gold, Goldmouth said, and if that ain’t nuf, got more. He smiled broadly revealing his 32 gold teeth.

Oh, my lord, stammered Abraham, I thought perhaps you had gold fillings but nothing, nothing like this.

It ain’t pure gold, Zloiya said. Pure gold too soft to chew fish. He just like to show off.

And you don’t? Ivan responded. So that’s the gold. Now what?

Uh...we take the gold to the bank, have it weighed, sell it? Abraham said.

Damn, this gonna be tough, Zloiya said looking down at her golden treasure. I been wearing that stuff for years, gonna make me walk funny, that’s for sure.

We don’t necessarily have to sell the jewelry, do we Abraham? Rebecca wondered. It could be pawned.

Yes, yes, and there is a pawn shop in Skagway, but...there would be a high interest to pay.

What about a loan from the bank with the gold as collateral? Rebecca asked. What if we send it to your cousin back in San Francisco. Would Murray make us a deal?

Yes, yes, Cousin Murray would be happy to make a loan based on this kind of collateral.

You say we send the gold out for money. We pay money back, get back same gold?

I think we can do that. And yes, there would be interest to pay but Murray would be reasonable, I’m sure.

Okay, that’s it, she said standing and leaving her treasure on the table. Sally, give them the gold.

You bet, Sally grunted ready to whip off her top once more to contribute her own golden horde hanging about her tree stump of a neck.

No, no, Sally no need, Rebecca said quickly. Your mother’s gold is more than enough.

Easily thirty thousand, I’m sure, Abraham added hastily.

If it ain’t, you let us know, nodded Goldmouth getting heavily to his own log legs. You get money, buy goods, I take care all rest.

I am certain we’ll have a great success, Rebecca beamed.

And if we don’t, Zloiya added darkly, we know where you live. With a nod, the entire clan got to their feet and with a nod from Goldmouth, they tromped once more down the stairs rattling the eaves.

Well, there we are, Rebecca smiled bustling about to clear the table.

How on earth am I ever going to sleep with such a treasure under our roof, Abraham asked looking down at the heap of gold.

We have a safe, why are you worried? Rebecca said taking up the gold. I still don’t understand how this woman can wear such a weight around her neck.

Is she a human female or some sort of supernatural being? muttered her husband. I really can’t tell.

Next morning early, Zloiya was banging on the door. After thinking it over, she’d decided she’d be far more comfortable if she knew her gold was close as opposed to a couple thousand miles.

We go bank, make deal, she announced to a doubtful pair of Levines.

I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try, Abraham said although he didn’t think it would work. There was only one bank in Skagway at this point and they were very particular as to what they lent, for how much and especially to who.

That went surprisingly well, Abraham admitted following Zloi out the bank. She was re-counting the cash.

Gold damn good, bank man got sense.

More likely he saw his life at some risk, Abraham said quietly to himself. That snotty bank president had initially been quite condescending when a short Jew and an Indian woman walked in but after Zloiya Krasa dumped her treasure on his desk and just sat there staring at him silently for a very long single minute, the banker cracked like an egg. A loan was made on the spot for excellent terms and gold laid in the bank’s safe. The money was wired, goods ordered, put on the next steamer north that evening and while they waited for the steamship to arrive in Skagway, Goldmouth, Sally, Barney, Bones and Snarl prepared for the journey north.

What’re you hanging around for anyway? Barney asked. You had more than one chance to run. Bones looked up at his fat friend. They were both working on the sleds Bones himself had designed. Not only could these things travel over ice and snow, they were equipped with wheels that could be attached where there was no snow and water proofed bottoms to float like boats.

It’s that dog.

I stay for love of my Sally; you, for the dog?

I had a, you know, something spiritual-like experience of sorts, Bones reflected thoughtfully as he drilled through a piece of wood.

With that dog?

It was first day, maybe second. Just got done loading or unloading a wagon and I-I just sank to the ground. Couldn’t move, hardly breathe and then that Snarl, he just kind of gives me that look, you know, like he’s wondering if I’m worth eating. Anyways, the big monster shakes his head, walks off and the next thing you know, I’m hearing him dig, you know excavating a hole. I laid there, I knew what he was up to; he was gonna dump me in that hole, and cover it up.

I don’t get it.

Hold your horses, I’m still not finished. So, I’m listening, I hear the dog stop digging. That was it. He’d dug me a hole and it was all up to me. I could just lie there and let him bury me like he would a bone or his own shit or...I could get up and live.

I guess you got up?

You bet, I decided to live and owe my life to that dog.

Hey, bums, less yap, more work! Goldmouth snapped.

Yes, sir, Mister Boss Man Sir, both men responded. They worked in complete silence until Snarl showed up barking as he herded in another lot of dogs conscripted to pull sleds. Unlike most seekers that used horses to haul their loads, Goldmouth knew better from talking to Stick Indian packers. Dogs were better suited to the bitter wintry conditions of the Dead Horse Trail. That, and with all that horse meat littering the trail, his dogs would have plenty to eat.

It was a freezing cold day in March; snow flying, wind howling and Goldmouth, his crew were set to go. Snarl kept order in the teams all eager to start pulling as Zloiya Krasa affectionately nipped her man’s nose.

You don’t come back alive, I be big pissed, she threatened.

You learn store business good, don’t make big trouble, Goldmouth muttered back himself with a final affectionate squeeze of his wife’s shapely ass. Make a little trouble, okay. It still surprised him she didn’t jingle when he hugged her now minus her golden trove.

Try not have baby till you come home, huh? Mother told daughter.

No big deal, shrugged Sally. Drop brat here, there, all same me. Sally was pregnant. Barney had knocked her up in record time.

Take care my Sally’s little fat man, was Mom’s final warning to Snarl who grinned back and barked.

See you Partner, Abe smiled shaking the big man’s huge hand.

Good luck, we’ll pray for you, Rebecca added.

You pray we get big mountain gold, Goldmouth said. Let’s move! he yelled. Snarl barked, dogs howled; sleds disappeared into swirling snow.

Okay, they gone. Let’s get at it, Zloiya nodded to her partners. Hey you! she snapped at a man trudging up the road. What you buy?

Don’t want nothing, ma’am, just gonna have a drink at the saloon.

What you want waste money on booze? Get your butt my store, buy something you need, she ordered pushing her confused customer towards the store and up the stairs. Abraham gave his wife a look. She smiled.

Relax, I’m sure all will be just fine.

It wasn’t a few minutes later when the would-be boozer stumbled out the front door wearing a new coat, a hat two sizes too big and hugging a large sack of spuds in one arm; in one hand a heavy cast iron frying pan.

You be sure come back! Zloiya Krasa cried out after him from the open door.

Yes, ma’am, the poor guy agreed submissively as he hurried down the road to Diamond Gertie’s Dance Hall Emporium hoping to trade all he’d bought for something liquid to settle his nerves.

You know, Mrs. Goldmouth, Rebecca began already to give her new partner a bit of advice on selling, yes, but perhaps with less what might be considered coercion.

Call me Zloiya, we all big family, right?

Uh, yes, Zloiya, and can call me Rebecca if you like. Now if you watch me and Abraham, you can learn how we do our business. I’m sure you’ll catch on quickly.

You bet, Zloiya cut her off abruptly. I like this selling. Big fun, she stopped looked around. Hey, how come no customers?

The weather’s pretty bad now, Abe said. People tend to stay inside.

The hell they do, Zloiya growled. Not bothering to grab her coat, she strode out the door.

Less than five minutes later a whole herd of stunned looking men including two bartenders and three dance hall girls were herded into Levine and Son; Zloiya right on their heels. She had just cleaned out Diamond Gertie’s only missing her most recent ‘customer’ who’d seen her walk in and quick dashed out the back. Abraham and Rebecca watched on in amazement as confused drunks emptied their pockets to buy mostly things they had absolutely no use for including corsets, bolts of cloth; even shaving soap. Zloiya would just snatch stuff seemingly at random off the shelves, thrust them into stunned arms and then drag the poor thing off to the counter like a lamb to slaughter to be relieved of gold dust, nuggets and cash.

Do you think we should say something? Abraham asked his wife his expression somewhat horrified.

Are you crazy, look at this! Rebecca beamed as she made change and added small pokes of gold to the heap in their safe.

Rebecca’s sigh at the end of a long day reflected deep content and relief. Yes, she’d had her doubts about their new relationship with the Goldmouths as after all, the risks were great. But no matter how the venture in the Yukon turned out, one thing was clear: business here in Dawson would be much better thanks to Zloiya Krasa’s stunning good looks and take-no-prisoner sales tactics.

So how we do? Zloiya asked striding up to the counter. Her very last customer, a local horse trader was just staggering off under a big pile of blankets, canned beans, and a big box of shells for a shotgun he didn’t own.

We did very well.

What’s with him? Zloiya gestured to Abraham who was hunched down in a chair holding his head in his hands.

He’s just a little tired. We’re not used to being so busy. You know, Zloiya, I have a question: where did you learn to handle crowds of men so well?

Always good at that, Zloiya nodded as she fondled little pokes of gold. Back in Sitka, our men used to fish. Come in, sell fish to white buyers. Them white buyers smart, always try to get the men drinking, get them drinking, cheat them big time for fish. I, a girl; it was my job to get dad, uncles, brothers, cousins and plenty neighbors home sober so the clan had money to eat...So guess I’ll be taking my share. All this mine? she asked covering the small stack of gold-filled pokes with both hands.

Uh, you want your half now? Rebecca asked a little surprised.

That a problem?

No, no, I was just going to put it all in our safe...you know, for safety?

But how I know which is mine? Zloiya asked clearly suspicious.

Why it’s written down right here, Rebecca said using an index finger to point out a figure she’d written in her journal. Right here, gross receipts for March 12th, 1899.

Gross receipts means all money make today?

Yes.

Okay, you take that, divide by two.

But we have to take that figure and subtract costs, you know, price of our goods, labor, freight; other things we have to pay to do business.

So how much that?

I’m not sure, we usually figure that by the month.

So how you know we make money today?

We must have made money; the gross receipts figure is quite big.

So, give me my half after subtract costs. That profit, right?

Yes, but...

I feel better got money in hand. Otherwise, me nervous. I get nervous, I not so nice.

Abraham! Rebecca cried now flustered.

What? What? Abraham cried snapping out of his stupor. He jumped to his feet."

Mrs. Gold-I mean Zloiya Krasa wants her share now. Can you help?

Me?

You keep the books, don’t you?

Yes, yes, today, of course. Seems reasonable enough. Let’s see, gross receipts, average cost of goods sold thirty percent. Estimated profit...yes, yes, divide by two...Alright then, estimated share would be...oh my, two hundred dollars. Now that’s estimated. We can give Mrs. Goldmouth her estimated share and at the end of the month when I know things exactly, we can give her a little more or she can give us a little back so it’s all fair.

Sounds good to me. I want gold.

You weighed the gold?

Yes, the value is One hundred eighty dollars.

Okay, I take that, Zloiya said stuffing the pokes in her pocket. We settle up exact end of month. And with that, she grabbed her coat off a hook and headed towards the front door.

But where’re you going?

Home.

By yourself and all that gold in your pocket? You don’t want it kept in our safe?

Nope. See you morning. And with that, she was out the door and into the night.

This is so dangerous. She could get robbed, Rebecca said.

Who would dare? Abraham said.

"Thank you so much for your help by the way.