The Legend Of Shorty Dawkins
Book Two
Chapters 1- 5
Chapter One
_ Word of the birth of Shorty and Maggie's son, John Lester Dawkins,
spread rapidly through the valley. It was welcome news in the middle of
the hard, snowy winter. After a respectful few days, the visitors began
arriving to see the first baby born in the valley. Uncle Too-Tall and
his family were the first to arrive, which didn't surprise Shorty. His
Father had taken a ride around the valley on the afternoon of the
child's birth, announcing the new arrival, and Shorty was sure his first
stop was at his brother's house. Bob Billington and his son, Evan, were
wintering with Annie and Too-Tall, and of course they came, too.
“That's a fine looking young boy, Shorty. He's a cute little fellow. Congratulations to you both.” Bob shook Shorty's hand. “So, Little Shorty is the first to be born in the valley. That's nice. It makes it seem more like a place where folks can live and grow.”
“Yes, and Molly is due soon. It seems like Uncle's dream is becoming a reality.” Shorty watched his Uncle holding his son. For a big man, Too-Tall was surprisingly gentle.
“Yes, indeed. There are a lot of really fine folks living in this valley now. All of them, as near as I can tell, are just as committed to freedom as the folks were back in Uptons Corners.” Bob nodded in Too-Tall's direction. “Your Uncle is quite a man, Shorty. Quite a man. I'm glad I met him.”
“He is quite a man, isn't he?” Shorty watched Too-Tall holding little John Lester. “So, Mr. B. what are your plans? Will you be starting a new bank here in the valley?”
“Yes, and no, Shorty.” Bob smiled at the confused look on Shorty's face. “Let me explain. Evan and I are going into partnership with Angus. We'll be minting coins, both gold and silver, from mines here in Montana which Angus is part owner of. We'll loan out the coins, or bullion, to folks here in the valley, at nominal interest of 2 percent, simple interest, so folks can get their homes built and their farms and businesses up and running. We'll have a small office in the front of our little mint, but we won.t really be a bank.”
“Uncle is part owner of a gold mine?” Shorty blurted out in surprise.
“Yes. And a couple of silver mines. It seems he met some rather interesting fellows before he came to this valley, and now the four of them own two silver mines which are very productive, and a gold mine which is not quite as productive, but is still profitable.”
“Well I'll be. He never mentioned anything about the mines before.” Shorty looked over at his Uncle once more. “He's full of surprises.” Shorty watched his Uncle hand John Lester to Maggie, whereupon he came over to join Shorty and Bob.
“You have a cute little boy, Shorty. Congratulations.” Too-Tall said with a smile. “He's got big hands and feet. He'll be big, like you.”
“Thank you, Uncle. Yes, he'll be a big boy, I figure. Luckily his features are more like Maggie's.” Shorty grinned.
“Well, he's healthy and cute as can be, Shorty. He's your little boy, yours and Maggie's, to protect, nourish and love. I have no doubt the two of you are up to the task. And never forget, Shorty, you have the support of all of us in this valley. We're all one big clan. Clan members look after one another.”
“Thanks, Uncle. I know what you mean. I.m glad we have the chance to raise our little boy in this valley. He'll live a free life. And with Molly due in a month, or so, he'll have a playmate his own age, plus Sarah, Zach, Amanda and Tommy, along with the other kids in the valley. Come to think of it, there will be lots of children
running around here in the valley. Won't that be nice?”
“Indeed it will be.” Bob agreed. “There's nothing better than watching and listening to children at play. It.s fascinating to watch how inventive they can be, given the freedom to be themselves. I'm looking forward to many years of watching these youngsters grow and develop. Not just my own grand-children, but all the children.”
Conversation continued among the group for a while, when Shorty decided there was a story he couldn't wait to hear about any longer.
“Mr. B tells me you're part owner of a gold mine and a couple of silver mines, Uncle. I suspect there are some interesting stories to be heard about those mines. I'd be pleased if you'd tell us a couple of them. My mind has been compiling all kinds of stories and I'd like to hear the real ones, if you don't mind telling them.”
Too-Tall grinned and looked at Annie, who grinned also. “I'm not sure where to begin, Shorty. You're right, though, there are some interesting stories to tell.”
“Why don't you start by telling them how you came to know Bull?” Annie suggested. She couldn't help but giggle as she thought of what was to come.
“All right, I'll start with Bull.” He smiled and shook his head as he remembered the event. “Keep in mind this all happened before I met Annie, and before I found this valley. In fact, I met Bull a few months after I arrived in Montana.
I was riding along, one day, over in the Gallatin Valley, which is about seventy miles east of here. I'd been following the Missouri River and had reached Three Forks, which is where the three rivers join, forming the Missouri; the Gallatin, the Madison and the Jefferson Rivers. I was following the Jefferson River, basically, but decided to take a little detour up to a place I'd heard about called Pony. Well, I never did make it all the way to Pony, and here.s why. As I came over the top of a hill I saw a man and a grizzly bear wrestling. That's not a sight you see very often, so I rode down to have a closer look. The man was a big man, bigger than me. As I matter of fact he's the biggest man I've ever had the pleasure to meet. He and the bear were roughly the same size, it appeared to me, though maybe the bear had a few pounds on the man, yet in wrestling ability they seemed to be pretty evenly matched. I kept a distance from them of maybe twenty yards, not wanting to interfere with the wrestling match. The man took notice of my presence, as did the bear, though neither of them said anything to me as the match continued.
“I'm getting a mite bit parched.” The man finally called over to me. “I don't suppose you'd take over here while I got myself a drink of water?”
“You suppose right, mister. I can't say I want to tangle with that critter, but you're giving him a good workout. Maybe if you ask him nicely he'll back off long enough for you to have a sip or two from my canteen.”
“I tried that a half hour ago. He wouldn't agree.” The man replied as he gave him a tremendous punch to the jaw. “There, you no good furry beast. Take that. I'll teach you to mess with Bull Mosely.”
The bear decided he'd had enough and ambled off.
“Look at that! That damn critter ruined my favorite hat.” Bull exclaimed as he picked up the remnants of his hat. “I'm not through with you, you damned hat wrecking, furry son of a bitch. I owe you another good punch.” He called after the bear.
“Its too bad about your hat.” I told him. “A man gets attached to a good hat.” Bull looked at me, sizing me up. “I'm Too-Tall Dawkins. I've only been in Montana for a couple of months. I came here from New Hampshire. I enjoyed watching you wrestle that bear.”
“I'm Bull Mosely and I've lived in these parts my whole life. You talk funny, with your accent, and all, but you don't get all nervous and excited like a city feller. Hell, most folks would have pulled their rifle out and shot that bear. I thank you for not doing that.”
“I didnt want to spoil your fun. Besides, it looked like an even match to me. What made you decide to wrestle him, anyway?”
“It was his idea. He snuck up on me while I was having a drink in that stream over there. Now that I think of it, I'll have me a drink, right now, if you'll excuse me for a minute. Hell, you can join me if you have a thirst of your own.”
“That's mighty neighborly of you, Bull. I think I'll join you.”
We went down to the stream and began to drink our fill, when I noticed something shiny in the bed of the stream. What do we have here, I thought to myself? I reached into the water and picked it out. In the sun I could see it was a gold nugget, about the size of a peach pit.
“Look at this, Bull.” I tossed it to him, and he quickly recognized what I had found. He tossed it back to me.
“Well, Mr. Too-Tall Dawkins, that's quite a find. Let's see if we can find any more.”
We spent the rest of that day wading in the stream, hunting for gold, and found a sizable amount. At dusk we set up camp, and, after a quick supper, we compared our finds. We were like a couple of kids opening our presents on Christmas morning. Each piece we looked at made us laugh and exclaim with joy. We convinced ourselves we'd found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Well, we didn't find that much gold, but we had a decent stash of it, and we planned on looking for more at daybreak.
As we talked late into the night, I found I really liked Bull. He shared my beliefs in freedom and self-sufficiency, and was a likeable giant in his own right. He seemed to take a warming to me, also, as he made an offer I couldn't refuse.
“I've got two friends, Ted Miles and Elias Masterson, who share interest in two silver mines with me. One of the mines has a real good vein, and the other holds good promise, according to Elias. You won't believe me until you see for yourself, but Elias can smell out gold or silver, or any metal or ore you can think of. It's uncanny how he can find it. He'll get this faraway look in his eye and his nostrils will quiver, and sure enough, he's on the track of something. I've never known it to fail. He found a good vein of coal, once, too. That was for a friend of Ted's. We were doing some hunting on his land and, sure enough, old Elias starts to sniffing and goes into his trance, and he gets down off his horse and picks up a rock and throws it against a hillside. “You.ll find a good vein of coal right there, Bill, if you're interested.” Well, Bill found coal there, alright. He didn't go big time, though. He digs enough for himself and his friends, and we keep his secret for him, just as he keeps our secrets. If word got out we found gold or silver, there would be a ton of prospectors flooding that valley. We don't want that, so we keep it quiet. Ted, Elias and Bull live simple lives. They don't flash their wealth around. None of us would ever have to work another day in our lives, but that's not our way. We don't use much of the gold and silver for ourselves.”
“If you don.t use it, then what do you do with it?” Maggie wondered aloud.
“Let me explain by continuing my story.
"I wanted to meet Ted and Elias before entering any agreement with them, so in the morning Bull and I packed our gear and our gold and headed to a little town, or rather a village, called Willow Creek. Willow Creek is just six or seven miles from the headwaters of the Missouri River. There's not much to it, with only a hardware store, a café and saloon, and a General Store. There are about twenty families in Willow Creek, and they make their living mainly by ranching.
" When we rode into town, Bull pulled up in front of the café/saloon and took me inside. “We'll see if Elias is having his usual coffee inside.”
" It was after seven o.clock in the evening, which made me think it was a little odd for Elias to be having coffee in a saloon, but I didn't say anything. To each his own, I figured. Maybe Elias was not a drinker.
" Anyway, when I opened the door, there was the tinkling of a bell, which reminded me of Millie's store back in Uptons Corners, which made me smile. Inside, the place was rustic, but neat and clean as can be. Behind the bar stood a tall woman, very handsome, with a stern look, who turned to see who had entered.
“Where have you been, Bull? I expected you last night.” She said when she noticed Bull behind me. She didn't look at Bull more than enough to see he was there, as she was looking at the stranger who came in with him.
“I'm sorry, Tildy, but I had a run-in with a bear and met this fellow, here, and then we found something else of interest that delayed us.” He gave her a quick hug as he met her behind the bar. He turned to look at the corner table where a man and woman were sitting. The man, though obviously only in his twenties, had a long mane of snow white hair, with a full beard to match. The woman was a beautiful black haired Indian girl, who didn't look more than twenty, though I learned, later, she was twenty-four.
“Hey Elias, I've got someone here I want you all to meet. Too-Tall Dawkins, this is my wife, Tilda, and over there is Elias Masterson and his wife, Fawn.”
After the initial introductions, Elias insisted on buying me a coffee, and seeing as how I was the newcomer I decided to accept, though I would have preferred a beer. The joke turned out to be on me, as the coffee was actually more whiskey than coffee. I darn near choked to death when I took my first sip.
We talked late into the night. Bull told of his run-in with the bear, and I told of finding the gold. I was watching Tilda while Bull was telling the story of the bear, and was surprised she didn't seem worried about Bull's safety. I asked her about it, and she laughed.
“That bear and Bull have been wrestling since it was a cub.” She poked Bull in the ribs, then. “Poor Elmo is probably feeling sad that you hit him, like that.”
“It'll serve him right.” Bull responded. “I asked to take a break to get a little drink of water and the damn fool wouldn't let me.”
“So, you led me to believe the bear attacked you, Bull. That hardly seems right.” I said, slightly miffed.
“No. You led yourself to believe that, Too-Tall. I merely said the bear jumped me, which he did. It is the way we've played since he was a cub. He sneaks up on me, if he can, and jumps me when I'm least prepared. I never said he attacked me.” Bull smiled. “It's a trick I learned from Elias. Choose your words carefully and you can trick people into believing something which is not true, though what you say is completely true.”
“It can be useful, at times.” Elias insisted. “Particularly when dealing with the law. Be aware of precisely what is being said, not whatever implications come to mind, and you'll find yourself able to avoid some difficulties.”
“Do you have trouble with the Law?” I asked.
“Not here in Willow Creek, but when we go to Three Forks it's always a possibility. We're a tight knit community here, but we're pretty much outsiders in Three Forks, or anywhere else.” Elias informed me. “We have a strong network of friends scattered here and there, though, which we are attempting to expand.”
“A network? What kind of network?” I asked.
Elias looked at Bull who shrugged, then nodded, yes.
“All right, Bull. I'll trust your judgment on this one.” Elias turned back to me. “We're in a war, Too-Tall. Powerful forces are working against individual freedom. The Federal Reserve and the Income Tax are only the beginning, the tip of the iceberg to come. If we are to survive, (by we, I mean people who want to live free lives), we must create a network of like minded people, people we can trust, who believe as we do, to stand against the forces being arrayed against us. Not necessarily in a fighting sense, though I fear eventually it will come down to that, but in a sense of resistance to their philosophy of State first, individual last. We are establishing our network to be a bastion against those who are attempting to seize control of the world, not with armies, (though they use those armies for their own ends), but with money.”
I looked at Elias for a while, thinking about what he had said, and I realized he was right. Yes, I was looking for a place to hide, to be honest about it, but deep down I knew I would need support from those outside my hideout, when I found it. If I were to receive support, then I knew I must give it.
“Let's talk.” I replied. “And I'd like to meet Ted, if I could.”
Ted and his wife, Maddy, (Matilda), were sent for, and we talked through the night. Elias explained his thinking about how to fight the enemy.
“They're setting up a system of control around two things, money and education. Yes, it extends into the political arena, also, and into the control of newspapers, but it is based on controlling money and education. We're building a network to operate outside theirs, denying them the support they need.”
"The Network they were creating was a fascinating, clever piece of work. It was based on the use of precious metals as a means of exchange between members of the network. Elias, Bull, Ted and their wives drew up a price list for as many goods and services as they could imagine. The prices were based on current prices for the items and services at the time the list was drawn up. The prices were based in gold or silver. The members agreed to abide by the price list, charging only what the price list allowed, in either gold or silver. This system thereby eliminated inflation and deflation, at least between members, two of the tools of those who seek to rule the world.
"Another thing they did was to offer two percent loans to members for the purposes of buying land, investing in their businesses, or for building a house or barn. These loans were made from the profits of the silver mines, and were on an “as available” basis. Though it is on an “as available” basis, the profits from the mines have been such that no loan has been denied for lack of money.
"There are two requirements to become a member of the network. One is, you must agree to home school your children. The other is, you must be proposed for membership by one of the existing members, or by Elias, Fawn, Bull, Tilda, Ted or Maddy.”
“How many people do they have in their network?” Shorty asked.
“At that time, they had 38 members. That was twenty-two years ago. Last I knew it was up to 6,000 in five states.”
“Wow! That many, huh?” Shorty was impressed.
“Not nearly enough, though.” Too-Tall replied.
“For what, Uncle Too-Tall?” Maggie inquired.
“To challenge those in power, either by force, or financially. But we're working on it. Do you remember me saying I had a project, a mining project, in mind?”
“Yes. I wondered what you were talking about.” Shorty waited, expecting his Uncle to continue.
“Well, Elias, Bull, Ted and a few others will be here in June, and we'll begin that project. Elias. sniffer was working overtime in one area of this valley.” Too-Tall grinned and didn't say anything more.
“I gather we'll have to wait till June to learn any more.” Shorty said.
“You gather correctly, Shorty. Some things are worth waiting for.” Too-Tall grinned again, then focused his attention on Little Shorty, giving him a little wave.
There was nothing Shorty could do at that point, though he was dying to learn more.
“Patience, Shorty.” Annie whispered, leaning over to him and patting his arm. “Have patience. Bear likes to keep his secrets.”
“I'm learning that, Aunt Annie. I'm learning that.” Shorty admitted. He watched his Uncle for a while, but there was nothing to learn, as Too-Tall had seemingly forgotten he had left he and Maggie hanging in anticipation.
He'd learned a good deal about his Uncle since arriving in the valley, but he was also learning there was a good deal more to learn. Uncle Too-Tall was a man of many facets and surprises, Shorty realized. He wondered what else he'd learn about him. Yes, Aunt Annie was right, he'd have to be patient.
Chapter Two
As Molly.s time drew close, Jack became a pain in the neck. He became overly solicitous of Molly, and wouldn't give her any space to even breath. Just about every evening Molly would get fed up with Jack and kick him out of their end of the cabin, and he would either visit Shorty and Maggie, or, sometimes, Caleb and Celia. Maggie thought it all quite funny, but Shorty wasn't so sure. Jack, when he was being his normal self, was fun to have around, but in the state he was in, he was a real pain.
“Jack, you need to get a hold of yourself.” Shorty told him one night. “Molly will have her baby whether you get all nervous and wound up, or not, so why don't you just relax and let it happen?”
“I can't help it, Shorty. I keep imagining everything that can go wrong. I mean, what if Molly works too hard and the baby comes too early? Huh? What then?” Maggie started laughing, which, of course annoyed Jack. “It's not funny, Maggie. Can't a guy worry? All right, maybe I worry too much, but I love Molly and I want everything to be good for her and the baby. Damn, you'd think I was a mean old man, or something.”
“Jack you.re not being a mean old man, but you are being a pain. I know you don't want to hear it, but you are.” Maggie laughed. “I happen to think it.s funny, but you're getting on Molly's nerves, and Shorty's, too. As Shorty says, just relax. Molly will have her baby, you'll be a proud Father, and life will go on.”
“That's easy for you to say, Maggie, but I remember Shorty acting strange the last few weeks before you had John Lester. Women aren't the only ones who suffer during a pregnancy, you know.”
And so it continued until the afternoon when Maggie came down to the workshop to tell Jack Molly was in labor. She braced herself for Jack flying off the handle, but, surprisingly, Jack remained calm.
“Has Doc Weedon been sent for?” He asked, calmly.
“Yes. Edna Mae is on her way right now.” Maggie informed him.
“Who is with her now?” Jack asked.
“Momma Dawkins, Millie, and Celia.”
“That's good. I'll go up and boil some water. Boiling water is what the husband does, if I remember correctly.” He put on his coat and hat and calmly walked out of the workshop.
Maggie looked at Shorty, who looked back. Both were stunned.
“I'd better see if he's all right.” Shorty suggested. He caught up with him half-way up the hill. “Mad Mountain. Is that you?”
“Yes, Shorty. Jack couldn't handle it, so I took over.”
“I'm not sure if that's good or bad, but at least you're under control.”
“It is what it is, Shorty. It's neither good nor bad.” Mad Mountain shrugged. “I'm here to protect Molly and Jack. That's what I do. Jack would be useless right now, and a possible detriment, so I'm here. I guess I'll boil some water. That's what the husband does while his wife is having the baby, isn't it?”
“Yes, it gives him something mindless to do, I suppose.”
“I'll use your quarters, if you don't mind.”
“Sure. Help yourself.”
When Maggie returned, with John Lester, Shorty gave her a look and said, “Mad Mountain is boiling water.” He assumed she'd understand, which she did, giving him a nod.
Shorty was thankful that Mollys labor was short, for Mad Mountain was not good company. If he'd played the fiddle he would have been jolly, but that would have been out of place, so he remained in his danger mode, and when Shorty tried to make idle conversation, Mad Mountain answered in short replies. Shorty gave
up after a while and spent time with John Lester. When John Lester fell asleep, Shorty sat by his crib, idly rocking it.
At 8:31 in the evening, Pierre Andre Rioux was born. At the first cries of the newborn babe, Jack returned and there was much celebration. Jack was beside himself with joy, rushing around in circles, repeating over, and over, “It's a boy! I'm a Father. It's a boy!” Shorty and Maggie got caught up in the excitement, too.
“I'll go get Dad.” He suggested. “He'll be as proud as any Grandparent.”
Shorty rushed over to the main house to alert his Father of the new arrival, and Lester beamed with joy, for Jack and Molly were like family to him.
“This is just wonderful, Shorty. I'm happy as can be for them. Come on, Julia, lets go see the new arrival. You, too, Jane.”
Shorty and his Father carried Julia in her wheelchair and found Jack in high spirits.
“Grandpa D. I'm a Father!” He exclaimed, alternately pumping Lester's hand and hugging him.
“Congratulations to you and Molly, Jack, my boy.” Lester squeezed in. “Have you seen him yet?”
“Not yet. Any minute now they'll let me in, Doc says.”
The door separating the two households opened, just then, and Millie stepped into the room.
“Jack, you can go in now and see your wife and son.” She smiled gently and stepped out of Jack's way. She gave a wink to Lester and Julia. Jack hesitated, looking at Lester for support. Lester smiled at Jack and nodded his head, indicating it was all right for Jack to go. Reassured, he crept into the room.
“Molly? Are you all right?”
“I'm fine, Jack. Just tired. Come see little Pierre.” She held the baby in her arm at her side. “Isn't he adorable?”
Jack crept closer and peeked down for the first view of his son. “Yes, Molly. He looks like you, don't you think?”
Erma, Doc and Celia quietly left them alone, closing the door behind them as they departed.
“Well, that was an easy delivery. Molly will be up and about in no time.” Doc announced. “Little Pierre is healthy as can be, too.”
“Thank you, Doc.” Erma spoke up. “I'm sure Molly and Jack thank you, too.”
“Yes, thank you, Doc.” Lester shook his hand. “Send the bill to me, if you will, Doc.”
“If that's what you want, Lester.” Doc patted Lester on the arm. “It doesn't surprise me, I'll admit. You're a generous man. I'll be off, now. Sally will be wanting to hear the news.”
“Give her and the kids our best.” Lester added as Doc headed for the door.
“I will.” Doc put on his coat and headed out the door.
“Hold up, Doc. I'll help you saddle your horse.” Shorty offered.
“All right, Shorty. Thank you.”
Doc suspected Shorty had something he wanted to talk about, so he waited patiently as Shorty saddled his horse.
“You've known Uncle Too-Tall a long time, haven't you, Doc?”
“Yes, I have, Shorty. It must be more than twenty years ago I patched up poor Ned, after Too-Tall brought him in.” Doc didn't push Shorty, but continued to wait.
“He's a man of many surprises.” Shorty offered. “And secrets.”
“Secrets?” Doc looked at Shorty with a look of surprise. “What makes you think he has secrets? I mean, more than any of us have secrets.”
“Do you know of a fellow by the name of Elias?” Shorty asked.
“Do you mean Elias Masterson?” Shorty nodded yes. “Sure, I know Elias. I've been to his Café on a couple of occasions, and Sally and I had he and Fawn over to our place in Cobbs Crossing once or twice. Bull and Tilda Mosely, too.”
“Ted and Matilda Miles, too?”
“Yes, Ted and Maddy, too. They're part of the Network.”
“You know about the Network?”
“Yes. Of course. Sally and I are part of it.”
“Well, …. I mean, … Why the big secret? How come none of us new folk knew about it?” Shorty was flustered, Doc saw.
“It's not that it was a big secret, Shorty. It's just a matter of timing.” Doc paused a second to collect his thoughts. “You folks from Uptons Corners were under a great deal of pressure - what with the move and getting ready for winter - and there was no need to bring up things that could just as easily wait. Now, with Elias, Bull and everyone else coming here in a couple of months, and with things settling in around here, a bit, we can begin to expose you folks to the big picture.”
Shorty realized what Doc said made lots of sense. “All right. I can see that makes sense. Thanks for explaining that to me, Doc.”
“You're welcome, Shorty. I'll be off now. Sally will be chomping at the bit, wanting to hear the news.”
Chapter Three
It was March, which meant it was lambing season. Just days after Molly gave birth, Shorty's ewes began having their lambs. Cap and Jake lent Shorty a hand; though most of the ewes had their lambs without difficulty, a few needed assistance. When the last lamb was born, Shorty looked around at his flock and was pleased by its growth. He now had himself quite a flock. Come spring, he'd have to increase their grazing area. One more thing to add to his list of things to do. Not that he was complaining, though. Why should he complain? He had a wonderful wife, a young son, his flock of sheep, his chickens and ducks, a fine horse, and he lived in a valley with wonderful friends who lived free lives.
He was chatting with his Father, one day, and he mentioned some of the things on his list of things to do.
“I certainly have a full plate before me, Dad.” Shorty chuckled. “And somewhere down the line I'll need to build a nice house. Maggie doesn't complain, but our quarters are tight. It must be worse for Edna Mae and Charlie, though. Two youngsters in their half of the cabin must make it crowded.”
“Once the weather breaks we can think about doing something to help out.” Lester said. “I'm thinking we should have a Clan meeting to decide on our course of action.”
A meeting was called for that Sunday afternoon. It was decided to have it in the workshop, as that was the only place big enough for them to all meet together, comfortably. As usual, Lester lead the discussion.
“You all know what we're here for, so let's get down to it.” Lester began. “Charlie and I were talking yesterday and I think he's got some good ideas. Charlie, why don't you tell everyone your ideas?”
“Sure, Dad.” Charlie stood up so all could see and hear him. “As I was saying to Dad, it doesn't make much sense for us all to start building our own houses. None of us would get very far along with it before next winter came. We all have gardens to plant, cash crops, too. Besides, I think we owe lots of people, who helped build our cabins, some help building their places.
" So, if we don't all work on our own places, individually, then whose place, or places, should we work on? I thought about that a good deal. It occurred to me that Edgar and Chuck could really use a place of their own, where they'd have more room to do their leather work. A house and a workshop, if you know what I mean. The work they do is important to the whole valley, it seems to me, so we should make their work as easy as possible.
"Now, Will and Jamie both have land out behind my land quite a ways, and if they plan to raise horses and hogs, as they mentioned to me, then they should have a place, which they can share, as soon as we can get it for them. They can't be having their animals exposed out there for predators to get to. Once we get Edgar and Chuck, and Will and Jamie, and their families into their new places - hopefully before winter sets in - it
will free up some room for the rest of us to spread out, a bit.”
“I like your thinking, Charlie.” Cap spoke up. “It pains me that Edgar and Chuck are always having to move, or pack away, their stuff, all the time. They waste a lot of time, it seems to me.”
“It's no bother, Cap.” Edgar insisted. “You deserve to have some space when you're there, after all.”
“Be that as it may, you will spend less time packing things away if you have your own place.” Cap replied.
“I was just doing some figuring on how everyone could gain space once the new places are done, and I think Edna Mae and Charlie, having two youngsters, should move into the big cabin.” Jane suggested. “Cap, you and Jake could take over their place, and maybe John could live in Will's or Jamie's place. That leaves one empty space.”
“Well, we can decide what to do with the empty space when it happens.” Millie said, looking in a significant manner at Erma and Julia, who both nodded their understanding.
Lester saw the look which passed between the ladies and hid a smile behind his hand. They were still up to their matchmaking tricks, he knew, though he had to admit they seemed to be right about Jane and John, as the two of them were definitely turning into quite a matched pair. It wouldn't surprise him to hear of an engagement soon. He wasn't blind to the way the young couple was acting. They were in love, he could see. The question in Lester's mind was whether John, being as shy as he was, would have the courage to propose to Jane. Time will tell, he decided.
“What do you think, dear?”
Lester was jolted out of his daydream by his wife's question.
“About what?” Lester asked. He had no idea what she was talking about. “I'm afraid my mind drifted off, for a while. I apologize. What is it we were talking about?”
“Jake was just suggesting he and Cap could help the Upton boys build their place, and you, Shorty, Jack, Charlie and Caleb could help Edgar and Chuck on their place.” Erma told him.
Lester thought about it for a moment. “That works out nicely. It divides the talent and experience between the two places evenly. It sounds good to me.”
With the plan of action decided upon, Will and Jamie started designing their place and Edgar and Chuck did the same. The houses would be permanent houses, not temporary lodging, so care was taken to plan for the future, as well as the present. Jamie insisted that Will's house be built first, since he was the oldest, while Edgar kept insisting that Chuck's house be built first, and Chuck, likewise, insisted that Edgar's be built first. They finally settled it with a coin toss, and Edgar's house would be the first built.
Will and Jamie spent some time walking Will's land, choosing the best spot for the house on a knoll near the back side of his property. From the knoll he had a good view of his own property and of his cousin's land as well.
Shorty was spurred by their plan making to develop some plans for his own farm. He and Maggie decided where to place their home, when it was time to build, and, of course, a barn for the sheep and a smaller barn for their horses. Maggie and Jane would need a place to do their pottery, so a spot was chosen for a shed for
the two of them, complete with kiln. Pasture land and a vegetable garden were decided on, and an herb garden and space for fruit trees and bushes was also planned.
“When we get our farm to where we want it, sweetie, it'll be quite a place.” Shorty decided.
“Yes, dear, it'll take a lot of work, but I agree, it's going to be a nice place. A good place for our children to grow up in.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Shortly after the first of April, Shorty, Maggie and John Lester went to visit Ned and Dot. It was good to see them, as the winter was beginning to wind down.
“How did your lambing season go?” Dot asked.
“Very well, as a matter of fact.” Shorty replied. “We only lost one lamb, which was stillborn.”
“The lambs are adorable. They really are.” Maggie added. “The way they follow their Mommas around is cute.”
“Baba, that's little Caleb's nickname, really enjoys them. He toddles over to them and gives them hugs. The Mommas don't seem to mind, so we let him do it.” Shorty chuckled.
“Shearing season's not that far off. Baba will be in for a surprise when the sheep are all shorn.” Ned commented.
“I can picture him, tugging on Shorty's pant leg, saying, Uncle Shorty, where are the sheep's coats?” Maggie giggled at the thought.
“Speaking of shearing season, I'm going to want to buy some of your wool, Shorty.” Dot spoke up.
“How much do you want, Dot? There will be plenty.” Shorty assured her.
“Well, let me think. I bought three large potato sacks worth last year from George Wool, but he's pretty much gotten out of the sheep business. He slaughtered all but a few of his flock in the fall, once he learned you were planning on raising sheep. He only kept them so we could have a supply of wool here in the valley. He told me he needs to devote more of his time to gunsmithing. Sally will probably take all of his output. With Maggie MacVeigh and Betty Tuttle taking up spinning and weaving, I'll need a couple of more bagsful for them, so why don't we make it five bagsful.” She decided. “How much are you charging?”
“How does two silver dollars per bag sound to you?”
“That sounds good to me. I'll take five large potato bags full.”
“Yes, ma'am, five bags full it will be.”
“While we're on the subject of commerce, there are a couple of things I'd like to mention.” Ned began. “First, we got the new still operating the other day, so we'll have more fuel for the tractors and trucks.”
“That's nice to hear, Ned.” Maggie said. “We'll have gardens to plant before you know it. Not having to use real horsepower to plow the land will be a blessing.”
“Actually, I was looking forward to seeing Shorty walking behind a horse, plowing his fields.” Ned grinned.
“Thanks, Ned.” Shorty replied. “I have done it, though. Dad felt I should learn how. It's tough work, I'll admit, but if it's necessary for survival, I'd do it in a heart beat.”
“I know what you mean, Shorty. We do what we have to do, for ourselves and our families.” Ned said, firmly.
“And our friends.” Shorty added. He and Ned exchanged a look, both, no doubt, thinking of the time Too-Tall almost drowned.
“Yes. Our friends.” Ned solemnly agreed.
“Have you told them what Too-Tall is up to?” Dot asked Ned.
“Should I?”
“Well, he asked us to spread the word, didn't he?” Dot reminded him.
“That's right, he did, didn't he? All right then, here goes. Too-Tall is selling off his cattle.”
“He's what?” Shorty was startled. No amazed. “Selling off his cattle? Why, Ned?”
“He says he wants to free up some time for his mining project.” Ned replied. “Have you heard about it?”
“Just that he has some sort of mining project in mind.” Shorty admitted.
“Has he told you about Elias, Bull and the Network?”
“Yes. Just a little while ago.” Shorty remarked.
“So you know about Elias' ability to smell out precious metals, and about the gold and silver mines.”
“Yes. Too-Tall told us the story of how he met them.”
“All right then, let me ask you a question. Why would Too-Tall choose to claim land for grazing his cattle way at the other end of the valley, when he could find just as good grazing land closer to his cabin?”
Shorty wasn't as quick as Maggie to recognize what Ned was getting at.
“Is there gold or silver down there, Ned?” She asked.
“Elias thinks there is a good deal of gold down there. I guess they think it's time to find out what is there.” Ned shrugged. “Elias and the others will be here in June. They're coming for Josh and Polly's wedding and then they plan to start looking for the gold.”
“And he wants to sell his herd before then?” Shorty asked.
“He'd like to, yes.” Ned replied.
Shorty looked at Maggie. “Do you think Will and Jamie, and possibly John would be interested?”
“I'm not sure. Possibly. But do they have the money to buy it?” She had her doubts.
“Too-Tall did say he was giving a dozen head to Polly and Josh as a wedding present.” Dot threw in.
“What about the cattle we bought for the winter? Are there many left?” Shorty asked.
“Too-Tall said there were about a dozen. Fred and Hattie's freezer still has quite a bit of hanging beef, too. Hunting was good this year, so not as much was consumed as we thought.” Ned told him. “Kent has agreed to look after the remaining cattle from that herd, until they're needed for slaughter, on his land.”
Shorty's mind was racing. He knew the land Will, Jamie and John had chosen would support a good sized herd of cattle, but would Will and Jamie want to take on cattle? John hadn't decided what he was going to do, but Jane certainly knew cattle. Maggie and Julia could be a source of knowledge for them, as well as his Father, Too-Tall and Annie. If his Father and Charlie could be convinced to chip in some money, with what he had, along with Will, Jamie and John, they could probably buy the herd. He'd speak with Will and Jamie. John might be willing to join his brother and cousin in a project such as this, particularly if he was thinking of marrying Jane.
Maggie and Shorty stopped off at his parents. place before going home. He told them of his thoughts, which he was free to discuss, as Jane and John had gone to visit Annie and Too-Tall. Millie and Erma immediately latched onto his plan as a means of spurring John to propose to Jane. Lester shook his head at the two matchmakers, but agreed to chip in on the purchase of the herd. He'd talk to Charlie, also, he said.
Shorty dropped off Maggie and John Lester and went to see Will and Jamie, who were working on their house plans. As it turned out Will and Jamie jumped at the chance to buy Too-Tall.s herd.
“Our first choice would have been cattle, but Too-Tall had a herd, and we didn't want to step on his toes.” Will told Shorty. “I would imagine John will want to throw in with us. The three of us get along real well.”
When John and Jane returned from their visit to Annie and Too-Tall's place, they had a couple of surprises. First, and most important, John had„ popped the question, and Jane had said, yes. They were engaged, subject to John requesting Julia's blessing. The second surprise was that he had arranged for the purchase of Too-Tall's herd for he, Will and Jamie, wanting only their approval. Bob Billington and Too-Tall had offered financing for the purchase, on very attractive terms, and Will and Jamie, stunned as they were by John's initiative, heartily agreed to be partners with him. Concerning the other surprise, well, yes, Julia gave her enthusiastic approval, and Millie and Erma could scarcely conceal their smug, I-told-you-so, looks. Lester warmly congratulated the young couple, but continued to shake his head at the match-making duo.
A few days later, Too-Tall rode up to Dawkins Falls looking for Lester. On his way past the sawmill, he spotted a group of men clearing land, which he knew to be Edgar's. On a hunch he rode over to see the men, and, as he suspected, Lester was with them.
“What brings you up here, Angus?” Lester called out as Too-Tall dismounted.
“I thought I.d come see if you were getting any work done.” Too-Tall replied.
“Not much, today, Angus, but we plan on giving it Hell tomorrow.” Lester replied with a sly grin.
“I knew I could count on you, Lester. Can you fellows spare a few minutes to hear some interesting news?”
“It's about coffee time, so why don't we head down to the Workshop. You can give us your news there.” Lester suggested.
When they all had their coffee, Lester turned to his brother. “All right, Angus, tell us your news.”
“I'm sure you are all aware of Elias and Bull, and their Network, and that they'll be coming here in June for Polly and Josh's wedding. After the wedding we will start mining for the gold Elias says is down where I keep the cattle.” He began. “Well, it seems they're bringing a few friends with them, to help folks out around the valley.”
“Is Ted Miles coming, also?” Shorty asked.
“Yes, Ted's coming, as well as some others.”
The smirk on his face was familiar to Lester. “How many others are coming, Angus?”
“Oh, about six hundred.” Too-Tall began laughing. “A messenger from Bull came by early this morning with a letter. Elias, that old dog, has gathered together six hundred of his network to help us build new homes and get our farms and businesses going.”
“Why would they do that?” Chuck asked.
“Because they are part of the Network, Chuck. You're part of the Dawkins Clan, right? You're helping get the Clan established here, in the valley, aren't you? Well, to the folks in the Network it's much the same. Most of us who were here before you folks arrived are part of the Network. They decided to lend us a hand, as we are lending you a hand. It's as simple as that. Some day we may be in a position to help others who need a hand. I would certainly hope we'd oblige.”
“Six hundred! Good grief, Angus, where will we house them all?” Lester was stunned by the numbers.
Too-Tall grinned. “It'll be a three ring circus around here. Literally.” He watched Lester change his thinking from amazement to curiosity.
“Literally? What do you mean, literally a three ring circus?”
“Does the name Papa Papadopolous mean anything to any of you?” Too-Tall asked, looking around at the faces arrayed about him. There was no response. “Well, a number of years ago there was a touring circus, in these parts, run by a man named Stavros Papadopolous. “Papa Papadopolous's Traveling Extravaganza”, he billed the circus as. I saw it once, when I first came out here. It was quite a show, actually. Anyway, Elias got to know Stavros, (or Papa, as everyone calls him), and Papa became part of the Network. He still has his circus tents, and he'll be bringing them, along with his circus wagons, and we'll set them up and have ourselves a regular three ring circus, here.”
“I was just thinking how much we could accomplish with six hundred extra hands.” Cap broke in. “How long will they be here?”
“The letter said they would be here at least a month. Some even longer.” Too-Tall replied.
“Cap's right. We can get a lot accomplished with that much help for a month or more.” Charlie agreed. “We won't have enough lumber, (dry lumber, I mean), ready by then, though.”
“That's all right, Charlie. We'll do as much as we can with what we've got.” Lester said. “There's plenty of work to be done. Crops to be cared for, animals to be looked after. Trees can be felled, turned into lumber. Fences can be built. There's plenty of work.”
“We'll need to get busy making plans.” Shorty suggested.
Too-Tall left to alert the rest of the valley folk and Lester suggested they knock off early that day to begin making plans.
“We'll need to adjust our thinking.” Lester said, as the Dawkins Falls clan gathered in the large cabin to discuss what to do. “There are a lot of folks coming to help us, but other folks in the valley might need more help than we do. We'll need to set priorities, it seems to me. Let's look at what will help us the most, and make
our plans from that viewpoint.”
Discussion and planning proceeded for several days. Ideas were given; some were incorporated, some discarded. Lester, Erma, Cap, Jake and Millie, being the Elders of the Clan, as it were, spent some time visiting folks throughout the valley, trying to get a sense of needs and directions.
In talking to Izzy Bolton, Cap learned Izzy planned on creating a pond near the stream, for holding water for his dairy herd. A windmill would pump water from a well he would drill, with the runoff from the pond feeding into the stream. Argyle had designed the windmill, while Evan Billington was working with Bill Jefferson, designing drilling equipment which would be manufactured at the Owens compound metal fabrication facilities. The three Upton boys, Cap knew, had no year round standing, or running, water on their land. It was planned that a well would be dug for each of them, for their needs. The windmill powered pump would certainly make things easier for them. When he told them about it, they immediately went to visit Argyle, then Evan and Bill Jefferson. The three of them purchased a set of windmill plans from Argyle and were put on the short list for well drilling and manufactured parts for the windmill. The tower would be built from Argyle's plans.
Millie decided to spend some time at Hattie and Fred's Store. Where better to see people, she figured? Sure enough, there was a steady stream of customers, and, she quickly learned, the big desire of the folks in the valley was for a Farmer's Hall, where folks could gather, have a dance, or maybe a pot luck supper. Many of them also wanted a library, either attached to the Farmer's Hall, or next to it.
Fred and Hattie were willing to donate land across from the store, and a jar was sitting on their counter for donations from folks who were interested. Beside the jar was a notebook for people to write down “Donations in Kind”.
“My goodness, Hattie! You've certainly made fast progress. Just look at all that silver in the jar. Do you mind if I look through the notebook?”
“Help yourself, Millie. It might give you some ideas.” Hattie replied.
Millie noticed Ned and Frank had offered to draw up plans for the Hall, and Joshua Owens was donating three window sash and four days labor. Further down the list she saw Lars Lundgren was offering a quarter side of beef for sale, the proceeds to be given to the Fund for the Farmer's Hall and Library. Argyle and Clarissa
were offering a goat kid in the same manner. George Wool was offering 100 rounds of ammunition, “Your Choice”. Bill Jefferson was offering three wrought iron strap hinges for someone's front door. Brenda Tuttle had a new hand-made quilt she was offering, and Maggie MacVeigh was offering four skeins of yarn.
Millie thought a minute, then wrote in the notebook, “Three jars of strawberry jam, and three jars of blueberry preserves.” She signed her name, closed the book and then found a silver dollar in her purse and dropped it into the jar.
“I'll start making a list of the books I'll be donating to the library.” She informed Hattie. “And I'll be sure to spread the news up at Dawkins Falls. I'm sure everyone will help out in whatever way they can.”
“That's just wonderful, Millie. We've just started and we're pleased as punch with the reception from everyone, so far. It seems everyone wants to chip in.”
“Well, everyone wants our valley to be a good place to live in. The Hall and Library will make it that much better.”
Millie saw Joshua and Mabel Owens enter and decided to chat with them for a bit.
“Good morning Mabel and Joshua. It's a fine morning, isn't it?”
“Yes, indeed.” Mabel smiled. “Have you heard the news?”
“About the Farmer's Hall and Library? Yes, I've just been talking about it with Hattie.” Millie replied.
“No. Not that. I was wondering if you'd heard about Joshua and Jacob. They're working on starting a hardware store.” Mabel patted her husbands arm. “Joshua has always wanted to own a hardware store.”
“Well, that is welcome news. Good for you, Joshua. Where will it be?” Millie asked.
“I made a deal to lease some of Fred and Hattie's land on the east side of this store. With the Farmer's Hall and Library across the street, it will make a little village, here in the valley.” Joshua smiled at the thought.
“Yes, indeed. This Valley is growing, and prospering, thanks to all you good folks who have joined us, here.” Fred said, joining the group. “You know, Bill Jefferson came in this morning and told me they're about ready to start casting kitchen woodstoves.”
“My goodness, we are progressing quickly. That's wonderful! So we won't have to buy them outside the valley, then?” Millie inquired.
“No. Unless you want something different than what they're making, that is.” Fred told her. “Come out back here and look at our stove. It's the same model Bill and the boys are making.”
Fred took them out back to have a look at it. Millie was pleased to note it was similar, though not identical, to the one in Lester and Erma.s kitchen.
“How soon before they'll have some for sale, Fred? Did Bill give any idea?” Millie asked.
“He said if all went well with the first castings they'd start taking orders next week sometime.” Fred replied.
“That's very good.” Millie said. “Once new houses get built, we'll need some of them. We have one available at the Falls, but that's not enough, obviously.”
“Knowing Bill Jefferson, as I do, there will be stoves available when folks need them.” Joshua assured her.
Erma decided to visit Jessie Bolton, down at the dairy. She knew Jessie was one of those people who are a magnet for information. Erma never understood why, but some people draw information to them like sugar draws flies. Edna Mae came with her, and, sure enough, Jessie had lots of information for them.
“Lots of plans are being made, Mrs. Dawkins.” Jessie exclaimed with her usual enthusiasm. Lars, Dolph and Doss are planning to set up a real butcher shop around the corner from the Farmer's Hall lot. It'll run the whole gamut of beef, pork, lamb, poultry and fish. Hams and sausages, liverwurst and bratwurst, as much as you could want. They've been talking with my Izzy about having a section of the place for dairy goods as well. Milk, cream, butter, goat's milk from Argyle and Clarissa, various cheeses, some yogurt, and anyone who has eggs to sell can bring them in to sell, if they want. It will be quite a place, by the sound of it.”
“Yes, it sounds great. Shorty and the Upton boys will have to speak with them, I.m sure.” Erma realized.
“What about wild game? Have you heard if they will be handling deer, elk, antelope and game birds?” Edna Mae asked.
“Oh, yes. Definitely. As it's available, of course.” Jessie replied. “Have you heard about the Farmer's Market, yet?”
“No, we haven't. Is someone planning one?” Erma asked.
“Dave and Sarah Morgan began the talk of it. Ed and Sam Parsons are helping plan it, too. Tom and Rachel Mixter have agreed to host it on a section of their land. Anyone wanting to have a space will pay a small rental fee to the Mixters for use of their land.” Jessie explained.
“Where is the Mixter.s land?” Erma inquired.
“It's just this side of Clarissa and Argyle's place. Do you know where that is?” Jessie asked.
“Oh yes. We know where their place is.” Edna Mae acknowledged. “I love their gazebo along the stream.”
“I do, too. At sunset, when the weather was warm this past summer, we could hear Argyle playing his banjo, or maybe a guitar, and he and Clarissa would sing together. It was really nice.” Jessie smiled as she remembered it.
“Shorty says Clarissa plays the harp. When she first saw Annie's harp, she asked if she could play it. Shorty says she was quite good. Wouldn't it be nice to hear her play a harp at the gazebo at sunset?” Edna Mae closed her eyes and pictured it in her mind's eye.
“Outdoor concerts!” Jessie exclaimed. “We'll have to have some outdoor concerts! Oh won't that be a treat! Mrs. Dawkins, you can play the piano. Annie and Clarissa can take turns on the harp. Evan, of course, can play his flute. I'll bet we could have quite a nice orchestra, what with all the talented musicians living in this valley.”
“Charlie and Mad Mountain on violin, of course, and Mr. Billington on the French horn.” Edna Mae joined in. “Doesn't George Wool play the trumpet?”
“Yes, and I believe Sally Weedon plays the clarinet.” Jessie chipped in. “Rev. Zeke, of course, can play his bass fiddle. And don't you still play the saxophone Edna Mae?”
“Yes. I still play it. We'll have a great time of it, I'm sure. Maybe we can get some singers together for a chorus.” Edna Mae was starting to get excited by the idea.
“Why don't the two of you plan on spear-heading the effort?” Erma suggested. “I'll certainly join in when it comes time, but I have too much going, right now, what with the Library being planned. I'll want to get together with Annie and some others about it. So much is happening! Isn't it wonderful?”
Jake had an idea, and went to visit George Wool. After a nice chat with him, he called the men together from the sawmill and the woodworking shop, the next afternoon. They all crowded into the woodworking shop to hear his thoughts.
“All right, everyone, just squeeze in here. There must be room for all of us. At least there was plenty of room for all of us when we built this place, just a short time ago.”
With difficulty they all found places to stand.
“This is what I wanted to talk about ….. Just look at how crowded this place is. Behind Will there is a stack of new window sash, and over there, behind Caleb are a half dozen new doors. If you'll turn around and look behind you, Lester, you'll see more windows stacked up, and a cabinet, or two, for someone's house that will be built soon. Right here, by me, are some bed frames, and Cap's standing next to a new kitchen table. Charlie's sitting on someone's new rocking chair, and Shorty's standing next to a new bureau.
"I'm not saying any of these things are bad. No, not at all; in fact they are good; they are signs of the progress we've been making. What I'm trying to point out is that this workshop, as big as it is, isn't big enough to be a storage place for all our finished goods. So, I've been thinking what to do about this problem, and yesterday I went over and had a chat with George Wool, and it seems he's got a similar problem at his workshop. We're all producing lots of good things, which will be needed, but we're running out of places to put them until they're needed.”
“Knowing you, Jake, you've got a few thoughts on what to do about it. Am I right?” Lester said.
“Well, Lester, I won't deny I've thought some on it, and I think I've come up with an interesting solution. Just hear me through on this, and let me know what you all think.
"When it first occurred to me that we didn't have enough storage space for everything we've been making, my first thought was simply to build a storage building. Simple enough to do once the weather improves. It was something Millie said which got me to thinking, though. Talking of the new hardware store Joshua Owens
was planning, she said Joshua mentioned the idea of a town center, where folks could conduct their business. Well, I thought that was a good idea. It struck me then that most of our stuff sitting here, our goods, which we've made, were meant to be purchased by folks in the valley, so why not have them as part of the town center, in a shop where folks could come and purchase them.
"As I was thinking of a new shop for our things, it occurred to me that Chuck and Edgar might want a place to sell their goods, though a place of their own might be stretching it a bit, still, the need would be there for them soon enough. Then I began thinking about Maggie and Jane and their pottery. Once we get them a workshop built, won't they need a place to sell their goods? Another thought popped into my mind, and I went to see George Wool. I asked him if he might be interested in having his guns and ammunition on sale at what I was thinking of as an Emporium. Well, he liked the idea, and he suggested maybe some of the ladies might want to sell some of their quilts, or sweaters, or what have you, in such a place.
"So, what I'm suggesting is to build a building down by the General Store, somewhere, as part of the new town center, for an Emporium where anyone can sell their handmade goods, of all types. No food, mind you. I think food should go through Fred and Hattie, or be sold at the Farmer's Market, when it starts.”
“Jake, old buddy, I like it. I like it a lot. Count me in.” Cap jumped in. “Damn, a nice place to buy everyone's goods sounds real nice.”
“Me, too.” Will joined in. “It makes sense. Lots of folks are making things and they'll need a means to sell them. Alice has been knitting some real nice sweaters, and I've been thinking I'll start making my hunting knives again. A place for Edgar and Chuck to sell their leather goods will be great. Same for Maggie and Jane's
pottery, once we get them set up. And all these woodworking projects gathering dust around here will have a place folks can look at them, and maybe purchase them. Yes, Jake, I'm all for it.”
“I'll chip in whatever time I can find to get it built, Jake, but I've committed myself to some time helping to build the Farmer's Hall.” Silas spoke up. “The Hall and Library come first, for me, but I'll definitely lend a hand when I can. It's a good idea. Maggie can sell some of her yarns she's been spinning, there. She'll like that, I'm sure. I've got a question, though. How will it be run? As a cooperative? Will we all spend a little time at the Emporium running it?”
“Well, Silas, I was thinking those who were interested in seeing it built would sit down and work out the details of just how it would work.” Jake replied. “I'm not wedded to any particular plan. I'm flexible. I figure there will be enough interest in the valley that we can make it work.”
“All right, Jake. I'm sure something can be worked out. Count me in.” Silas nodded his head and turned to look at the others. “So far there's Cap, Will, Jake and me. Anyone else interested?”
“I am, Silas.” John spoke up. “I think it's a good idea. Lots of people will benefit. And I like the idea of building up a Town center.”
“Count me in, Jake.” Caleb said. “I'm in the same position as Silas, though. I'm committed to the Farmer's Hall and Library, first off. I'll do what I can, though. And I'll chip in some silver, too.”
“I'm thinking that with all the help coming in June, the Hall can be built real quick, and then we can work on the Emporium and Joshua's Hardware Store.” Frenchie rubbed his chin a few times. “Yep, I'm in, Jake. Heck, Betty wouldn't speak to me if I didn't help out. She can sell her quilts at the Emporium.”
“Count me in, Jake.” Shorty said. “I'm not sure how much time I'll have, but I'll help out when I can. I'll add some to Caleb's silver, too.”
“That's a good point about the help coming, Frenchie. There will be lots of bodies around looking for things to do.” Jack Tuttle spoke up, which he didn't do very often. “Yes, I'll help out when I can.”
“I want to speak with Angus some more about the folks who are coming to help us in June before I commit any more of my time.” Lester admitted. “It's a good idea, but I don't want to commit myself, just yet, except to say I'll add to the silver collection. Put me down for five ounces worth.”
“I'll match that, Dad.” Charlie said. “I haven't any idea how busy I'll be come summer, except I know I'll be working on Will and Jamie's place, and the Mill will be very busy. Just how many of the folks who are coming to help will be good builders, is what I'm wondering?”
“They don't need to be, Charlie.” Jack stated. Charlie looked at him for an explanation. “If they can at least take our place doing chores and tending gardens and animals, it will free us up to do the building.”
Charlie thought about it for a moment. “I hadn't thought of it in that way, Jack. Thanks. It makes sense.”
Jake looked about at Jamie and Andre. “There has been nothing out of either of you two fellows. What say you? Are you interested or not?”
“I'm definitely interested.” Andre replied. “I'm just not sure how much I can do. At least not yet. I'll help out some, but I can't say how much, yet.”
“Yes, I'm pretty much in the same boat as Andre. I like the idea and I'll help out as I can, but I'm skittish about making any definite plans or commitments.” Jamie admitted.
“That's a fair and honest answer from both of you.” Jake nodded his appreciation. “Join us and help out if you can. If you can't, we sure do understand. We've all got lots of work ahead of us, that's for sure. I'm liking this valley a lot, though. Lots of good people here. Hard work never did bother me, as I know you all feel the same. I'll see if George can get together with us on Sunday, if it's all right with the rest of you, so we can begin making our plans.”
Chapter Four
The following day, Lester decided he wanted to speak to his brother. He had a suspicion that Angus was holding back information on the members of the network who were arriving in June. Something in the way he had said “some would stay longer” than a month made Lester wonder what he meant. He saddled his horse, told Erma where he was going, and rode down the way past the Mill.
It was a nice, sunny day for a ride, with the temperature already above freezing, though it was barely after dawn. A touch of Spring in the air, he thought to himself as he rode along. He saw smoke rising from chimneys about the valley, and he thought it good. Jared Higgins, Fred and Hattie's oldest boy, was outside chopping wood for the woodstove in the store, he saw. As he came closer to him, Lester called out a greeting.
“Good morning, Jared. It looks like we'll have some serious melting, today.”
“Good morning, Lester. Yes, it appears so. It's nice to see. Where are you headed?”
“I'm going to find Angus. I need to have a talk with him.” Lester confided.
“Very good. Tell him I said hello.” Jared replied and grabbed his maul.
“I will, Jared.”
Lester saw young Angus and Lester out feeding the hogs, as he approached his brother's place. “Good morning, boys. How are the hogs doing on such a fine day.”
“They're ornery as ever, Uncle Lester.” Lester smiled in greeting.
“That's hogs, for you. Ornery critters.” Lester chuckled. “Is your Dad at home?”
“Nope. He and Mr. Billington, and Evan, rode off a while back. He said they had something needed doing near the entrance to the valley, at the bottom of the big hill. That's where he said they'd be if we needed them.” Little Lester informed him.
“Well, I guess I'll go hunt them down, then. Tell your Mother I said hi, will you?”
“Yes, sir. We certainly will.” Angus replied. “Come on Lester. Let's get these hogs fed. We've got wood to lug into the house before we can have breakfast.”
“I'm coming. I'm coming. I'm hungry, too, you know.”
Lester turned his horse in the direction of the entrance to the Valley, wondering what Angus was up to. What could possibly need doing at the entrance to the valley? Well, he'd find out. It wasn't hard following the tracks the trio made. Not that they were trying to hide their tracks, but it was easy following their trail nevertheless. He caught sight of them when he reached the top of the hill. As he sat on his horse at the top of the hill, Lester saw Angus nailing something on a tree at the bottom of the hill, at the edge of the field. He decided to watch what the trio was doing. Bob held a piece of paper which he and Evan were looking at. Evan pointed off towards the east side of the field and Bob nodded, yes, whereupon Evan grabbed a piece of wood with some lettering on it, (which Lester could not read), and slogged through the snow and stopped at a big pine tree and, pulling a hammer and a nail out of a satchel he had wrapped around him, proceeded to nail the board to the tree. Meanwhile Angus had returned from nailing up his piece of wood and Bob was pointing at a spot further south, but on the west side of the field. Signs, Lester realized. They are putting up signs of some sort. But what sort, and why here? He hadn't any idea. He decided he wanted to find out, so he rode down the hill to meet them.
“Good morning, Bob.” Lester dismounted and tied his horse to a nearby bush. “It's a fine morning, don't you think?”
“Good morning, Lester. Yes, it is a fine morning. What brings you out here? Just out for a ride, or are you on a mission?”
“I guess you could say I'm on a mission, Bob. I've got a few questions for Angus, and seeing what you're doing here gives me a few more. So, Angus, what's this all about? Or is it none of my business?” Too-Tall joined the men and Evan was headed in their direction.
“Good morning to you, too, brother Lester.” Too-Tall grinned his mischievous grin. “We're staking claims. That's what we are doing.”
Lester bent over and picked up one of the signs. “Evy and Hannah” it read. He gave Angus a side-long look and picked up another. “Echo and Saucy” was written on it. A third read, “Patches and Buttercup”. He looked at Angus who was grinning broadly, as were Bob and Evan. A glimmer of understanding flashed into Lester's head.
“Circus clowns? The circus people are coming to live here? You are staking their claims. You said some of the Network people would stay longer than a month. How many are coming here to live?”
“You caught on faster than I thought you would, Lester.” Angus grinned a sly grin. “How many are coming here to live? Of the six hundred who are coming in June? All of them, eventually. This year, in the neighborhood of eighty.”
“Eighty!” Lester whistled between his teeth.
“They won't be living in the valley, though.” Bob jumped in.
“They'll be living outside the valley, at the entrance and further down the road.”
“Let me fill you in on the details.” Angus insisted. “When I said six hundred were coming to help us I meant it. Six hundred are coming in June for the sole purpose of helping us get established. Another three to four hundred are coming to get these people we are staking claims for set up with places to live and work.”
“We won't have near enough lumber, or windows, or doors, or anything, ready by then.” Lester exclaimed.
“Not to worry, Lester. They're bringing tons of supplies with them. Lumber, mortar and bricks, windows, doors, everything they will need, and then some, for building homes for those who will stay on.”
“In his letter Elias said they have over five hundred trucks and wagons lined up.” Bob gushed. “Can't you just picture five hundred trucks and wagons stretched out on the road up to here?”
“And leading the parade will be Papa Papadopolous with his calliope.” Angus roared with laughter. “Wait till you meet Papa. And Mama. They are incredible people. And their friends from the circus, too. A nicer bunch of people you will never meet. They're so alive, Lester. So full of life. Echo, Saucy, Patches, Buttercup, Freddie and
Minerva; all of them are wonderful, just wonderful.”
“They're not all from the circus, are they?” Lester questioned.
“Oh no. Only a small number. There are Elias and Fawn, Bull and Tilda, Ted and Matilda, of course, and Evy and Hannah Miller; they are brother and sister, not husband and wife. You'll find them interesting, I am sure. They are English, as is Evy's best friend, Basil Wingate. Evy and Basil have quite a story to tell. Very enlightening, but I'll let them tell it themselves.
"The folks who are coming are as varied as they are committed to living free lives, brother Lester. Farmers, carpenters, ranchers, chemists, storekeepers, musicians, miners; you name the occupation and there is probably someone who does it.”
“Why are they moving here? Why all of a sudden?” Lester wanted to understand.
“It's hard to say. Elias, Bull, Ted and I have talked a lot about establishing a community of freedom loving people, over the years. It's what I have been working for, as you well know. Maybe the Network is seeing the reality of it emerging, what with all you folks coming from Uptons Corners. Or maybe they just find it hard to live in the outside world. Maybe they are just fed up with the Government, and their taxes and rules.One thing 'i.s for certain, Elias wrote he made his decision to move here when he received my letter saying you folks were coming here.”
Lester picked up one of the signs from the pile and toyed with it as he considered everything Angus had said. He finally noticed what was written on it. “Happy Hallinan? Is he another circus clown?”
Angus smiled. “No, he is a fellow who is just happy by nature. He'll be building a big Inn over by the edge of the road. He will have some permanent lodgers, like Basil Wingate, Lionel LaBonte and Myrtle Rodgers. The rest of the rooms will be used by Network visitors.”
“Wow! You are throwing lots of names at me.” Lester exclaimed. “Let's get these signs put up and maybe you can tell me about them as we go.”
It took them three more hours to finish setting the signs in place. Throughout the process Lester learned more about the people who were coming to live near them. He learned that Elias, Bull, Basil Wingate, Evy Miller, Lionel LaBonte and Myrtle Rogers planned on building several very large greenhouses for growing vegetables,
fruits and herbs year „round. Mama and Papa Papadopolous, along with Echo and Saucy, and another former circus member, Ivar Najinsky, planned to raise sugar beets, both for making a sugar beet syrup, (called Zuckerrüben-Sirup in German), as a sugar replacement, and for feeding hogs, which two brothers, John and Bill Lofton planned to raise. Two brothers, Gunther and Adolph Schmidt, along with their grown sons and daughters, planned to have a small brewery and German Restaurant next to the Inn.
Freddie Gatto, and his wife, Minerva, had learned glass-making and planned to have a studio for their glasswork. Patches would be raising llamas, Lester learned. He and Buttercup, his wife, would then weave their wool into blankets. Vladimir Boesky, who had been the animal trainer in the circus, was currently raising sheep dogs and hunting dogs of several breeds. He would continue with his work when he arrived. Jackson Rivers, who was coming from Colorado, enjoyed woodworking. He had learned the almost lost art of a wheelwright. His craft would be welcome, Lester decided. Wheels for wagons wore out, and would need replacement. Plus, Lester had it in his mind to start making carriages and wagons. A source of wheels would be welcome.
Gilbert Perrault and his cousin, Louis Robillard planned on a combination print shop and used bookstore. Basil Wingate and Evy (Evelyn) Miller wrote books on gardening and horticulture, which they printed and sold through a friend's place in Denver. Guy Francq and his wife, Peg, were cattle ranchers. They wanted land down by the river. With their three sons and two daughters, along with eight ranch hands, they were planning on a big operation.
“Tom Conte is a gunsmith, which will take some of the load off George Wool.” Angus told him, as he nailed Tom's sign to a tree. Another interesting bunch is the Killin clan. Hamish and Calan are two brothers who came over to America from Scotland, together with their cousin, Sheiling. They've all got a whole passel of children, and they all are stonemasons and bricklayers.”
“That will be good having some stonemasons around.” Lester liked the thought. “I always did like a big stone fireplace.”
On his way home, Lester stopped by the Mill and asked Cap, Jake, Shorty and Charlie to come over to the main house after dinner. Rather than call a general meeting, he thought he would have a bull session with a few of the Dawkins Falls group. Erma, Millie, Julia and Jane would round out the group. Rather than spending the afternoon at the Mill, he decided to spend some time thinking, which he sometimes did.
After a light lunch, he announced, “I'll be doing some thinking, Erma.”
Erma knew what to expect and let the other ladies know to leave Lester to his thoughts. “You don't need to worry about making noise. Just don't talk to him. He will light his pipe and sit in his chair and be oblivious to everything around him.”
Once Lester had his pipe lit and was comfortably ensconced in his chair, he began thinking. His thoughts roamed far and wide, but everything was peripherally involved in how he, his family, and his Clan, indeed the valley folk as well as the new folk who were about to move to new homes just outside the valley, could live and prosper, help one another, and enjoy one another. What differences would the new folks have on their life in the valley? He had no doubt of their commitment to living in freedom. That was not a concern for him. He trusted Angus' judgment on that issue. His thoughts were on the opportunities and challenges presented by the numbers of future newcomers. Six hundred! That was more than double the number in the valley at present.
The Mill will be plenty busy for the foreseeable future. Of that he was sure. Everyone involved in the Mill would have plenty of work for a long time. Unless one of the newcomers decided to start a sawmill, of course. Everyone at Dawkins Falls, save for Edgar and Chuck, worked at least part-time at the Mill, so his small clan was
basically provided for. Edgar and Chuck were doing very well with their leatherwork, with orders coming in daily, it seemed, for boots, harnesses, gloves, shoes, vests and belts. The Upton boys would do well, he felt, with Angus. herd of cattle. By working part-time at the Mill, they would have a steady stream of income to buttress the income from ranching. They would need some horses, though. He'd have to speak with them. He would offer them help if they were tight on money to purchase them.
Caleb and Jack were set, he felt, what with helping him, Cap and Jake, by hauling the timber to the Mill. Caleb also planned on brewing his brown ale, which would give him something extra. Of course they both worked in the workshop, with most of the fellows at the Mill, though Jamie, John and Will might not get involved much.
Shorty's idea to raise sheep was a good one, he decided. He would do well selling wool, lamb and mutton. Long term, adding fruit was also a good idea. With his work at the Mill, and Maggie and Jane with their pottery, things looked good for everyone at the Falls.
Molly had her herbs, of course. She was teaching Celia and Katie, who were becoming a big help to her. Their work was very valuable to them all. Edna Mae and Alice had really taken to spinning and weaving. Charlie had made them each a simple loom, though by the look of it he'd soon have to build a large floor model, to satisfy their long term plans of making rugs.
Julia and Millie were question marks for him. Both of them were financially set for life and didn't need employment. He liked them both, and as far as he was concerned they were family and welcome to live on in his house. But what did they want to do? All he knew was that Millie had mentioned she and Julia might help out at the Library, once it was open. Maybe Erma had an idea. Regardless, he would have to find out from somewhere. Erma, he knew, planned to be active with the Library. She also planned to make herself available, often, for baby-sitting the grandchildren. Erma was a proud grandmother and nothing could stop her from seeing the grandchildren often.
Now it was time to finalize his own plans, Lester knew. He knew he didn't plan on working in the woods for more than five more years. Old age was creeping up on him. He was fifty, now. Five more years would be his limit, he decided. He might even start easing off in two or three more years. Cap was a year younger than him, and Jake three. In a few years the load would shift to younger men; Shorty, Caleb, Jack, or maybe Andre. Someone will fill the need. It always happens.
What to do, then? Yes, you plan on raising some horses and having a vegetable garden, but will that be it? Don't you want a challenge? Isn't that your way? You were thinking about making wagons or carriages, well, why not? Not right away, of course, but as something to work towards. Charlie talked a while back about doing it someday. And maybe Shorty would be interested, too. Or Cap, or Jake. Who knows, maybe Angus might find it interesting?
Then, again, there would be things that needed doing around the Falls. Charlie, or Shorty, or even Caleb or Jack, might need a little assistance, now and again. John, Jamie and Will, too. Without any new projects, he would have plenty of time for the grandchildren, too. All the children at Dawkins Falls he considered his grandchildren, though not all were biologically his. The same held true for Erma, Cap, Jake, Millie and Julia. All of us from the older generation are grandparents to all the children. They are all our family. Admit it, Lester, you and Erma had always wanted a large family. It hadn't worked out that way. Until now. Millie had always wanted children, too, but she was denied them.
A thought flashed into Lester's mind which made him sit bolt upright. Where it came from he didn't know, but he instantly found it intriguing. A horse drawn trolley car! Wow! Wouldn't that be a project! Why not? The valley is growing, and with the newcomers arriving and living just outside the valley a trolley car could be useful. Couldn't it? If not truly useful, it could at least be fun. Damn! I like the idea, he decided. Cap and Jake would probably think he was crazy, at first blush, but he bet they'd give him a hand, in the end. Shorty and Charlie would laugh, then join in, he was sure. This could be fun, he realized. Damn! This could be a lot of fun. Angus is going to like this, too.
He jumped out of his chair and found Erma. On his face was a smirk.
“Lester Dawkins, you are up to something.” She smiled at him. “I can always tell you.re planning a new adventure when you have that look on your face. Tell me about it.”
“You are a jewel, my dear. An absolute jewel. Where did I ever find you?” He gave her a hug. “I have decided to build a horse drawn trolley car, my dear.”
“A horse drawn trolley car.” She thought about it as she repeated it. “Lester, that sounds like fun. Millie, Julia, Jane! Lester is going to build a trolley car. A horse drawn trolley car. Won't that be great? We can ride around the valley together and wave at all our friends.”
“Good grief, Lester! What made you decide to do that?” Millie exclaimed.
“It just popped into my head.” He admitted.
“Just like all your adventures.” Erma said as she tussled his hair, playfully. “You and Shorty come up with some of the wildest ideas, but they are always great fun.”
“I will help in any way I can, Mr. D.” Jane offered. “I think it is a great idea.”
“I'll make seat cushions.” Julia proclaimed.
“I'll help you, Julia.” Millie offered.
“When do we start?” Erma asked.
“Um, …. well,… I hadn't thought about it.” Lester saw he couldn't back away from it. The ladies were excited about the idea. “Cap, Jake, Charlie and Shorty are coming over after dinner. We can start planning then.”
Shorty burst out in hearty laughter, at hearing the news, and Charlie chuckled to himself, as Lester had anticipated. Cap was scowling, which didn't surprise him. Jake seemed surprised by the news.
“Why?” Jake asked. “I mean, why now? Haven't we got enough to do already? Oh, I will admit it sounds interesting. It could be a lot of fun, even, but why now?”
“Why not?” Shorty answered. “We are doing fine, since moving here. We 'have worked hard, and we will continue to work hard, making things better, step by step. Why shouldn't we do something just because we want to? I'm with you, Dad. I think it will be fun.”
“The look on your face tells me you don't approve, Cap.” Lester watched his friend, as he collected his thoughts.
“I can't say as I do, Lester.” Cap responded. “We've known each other a long time, and I.ve always found your adventurous spirit to be refreshing, but once in a while, (not very often, I admit), it seems to be out of place. I think this is one of those times. I'll tell you why. We've got six hundred good people coming here, soon, to give us some needed help. Why do we need help, I ask, if we have time to be building trolley cars, just for the fun of it? Would you have considered the idea if you weren't expecting them to help?”
“Most likely not, Cap. To be honest.” Lester admitted. “If I had thought of it in that context I most likely would have dismissed the idea as just a crazy notion. In truth, when it popped into my head, I was thinking of it as a long term project. It didn't dawn on me to do it now. When I told Erma of my idea, I was expecting her to give me that cute smile she gives me every time I consider an adventure, and let it go at that. She surprised me, though. She got excited about it. Then Jane, Millie and Julia joined in with enthusiasm, offering to help out. They were all eager to get started on it, soon.”
“That's true, Cap.” Erma spoke up. “Personally, I think it is a delightful idea. It is something for the whole valley to enjoy and be proud of. We've been working hard ever since we arrived in this valley, doing those things that need to be done to get settled in, and we will continue working hard, but there is nothing wrong, in my opinion, with a little pleasurable diversion. At dinner we were talking about how we hope to get other folks in the valley involved in the trolley project. For instance, we thought of asking Argyle to design it for us. I'm sure we will need the help of Bill Jefferson, or someone in the Owens compound to make some of the parts for it, too. To me, at least, the trolley project is like the Library and the Farmer's Hall; something meant for the whole valley to use and enjoy.”
“But what about the folks coming to help us?” Cap returned to his original objection. “I can't get past what they are giving up to come help us out. Won't they feel they are being used, to a certain extent? They give of their time, and most likely a fair expense, while we play with trolleys?”
“Cap, can I add something here?” Charlie spoke up. Cap nodded, yes. “I don't see any difference between the trolley idea and the Farmer's Hall, or the Library. We don't need a Farmer's Hall. It is something we want, because it will be a place to get together; to be a community. And we don't need a Library. We've been making do without one, albeit in a clumsy manner. Again, it is something we want.
"A thought occurred to me, as I was listening. We are going to need a place to build this trolley, aren't we? And Will and the boys will be needing a barn, as will Shorty. Well, why not use a section of one of the barns for the trolley? At least until the bad weather comes, again.”
“I hadn't considered how the Farmer's Hall is really a want, not a need, Charlie. You make a good point.” Cap conceded. “For that matter, we have everything we really need, already. Everything from here on out is pretty much a want, I reckon. But, I still think the trolley is a bit frivolous, so I'll spend my time on the Farmer's Hall and Jake's Emporium.”
“That is fine, Cap. There is plenty to do, and we all have our priorities. As a matter of fact, that is what I originally wanted to talk to everyone about: priorities.” Lester paused to collect his thoughts.“We've talked to others, and we have talked amongst ourselves, since learning of the help that is coming in June. Where are we, right now, and where are we headed? What directions are we going in? Who wants to get involved with what? What changes to our earlier plan should we make? Let me tell you what I learned today from Angus, and then the rest of you can tell anything new you have learned. Afterwards we'll talk about what it all means to our plans.”
Lester quickly told them of the Inn, the greenhouses, the brewery and restaurant, and of the plans for sugar beets and syrup, and the kennel and glass-blowing shop. He smiled when he told them of the llamas and the blanket weaving. The print shop/used bookstore drew interest when he mentioned it, and Charlie raised his eyebrows when Lester mentioned the Francq.s cattle ranch.
“That's quite an assortment of people and occupations.” Julia quipped when Lester had finished. “They will be welcome, I.m sure.”
“Will and the boys will be facing a little competition, I guess.” Charlie noted. “There's nothing wrong with competition, though.”
“Yes, and Shorty will be up against some competition with his fruits.” Lester pointed out.
“One thing is for sure, it will be busy around here come June.” Jake pointed out.
“There will be over a thousand people here!” Jane exclaimed.
“That is true, Jane, and Angus intimated he expected more. Something in Elias. letter made him think more people might be coming from the network.” Lester explained.
“It's amazing how my visit here, to find Uncle Too-Tall, has snow-balled into so much activity.” Shorty shook his head in disbelief.
“Well, Caleb has always said interesting things happen around you Dawkins folk.” Jake grinned. “I tend to agree with him.”
After some discussion, they agreed to keep their plan pretty much the same, adding only a barn for Shorty, where the trolley could be worked on. One difficulty they encountered when establishing their plan was the lack of knowledge as to how many workers, and of what type, they would have available. Given that unknown variable, if plenty of help were available, they would divert some to the Farmer's Hall or Jake's Emporium.
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“That's a fine looking young boy, Shorty. He's a cute little fellow. Congratulations to you both.” Bob shook Shorty's hand. “So, Little Shorty is the first to be born in the valley. That's nice. It makes it seem more like a place where folks can live and grow.”
“Yes, and Molly is due soon. It seems like Uncle's dream is becoming a reality.” Shorty watched his Uncle holding his son. For a big man, Too-Tall was surprisingly gentle.
“Yes, indeed. There are a lot of really fine folks living in this valley now. All of them, as near as I can tell, are just as committed to freedom as the folks were back in Uptons Corners.” Bob nodded in Too-Tall's direction. “Your Uncle is quite a man, Shorty. Quite a man. I'm glad I met him.”
“He is quite a man, isn't he?” Shorty watched Too-Tall holding little John Lester. “So, Mr. B. what are your plans? Will you be starting a new bank here in the valley?”
“Yes, and no, Shorty.” Bob smiled at the confused look on Shorty's face. “Let me explain. Evan and I are going into partnership with Angus. We'll be minting coins, both gold and silver, from mines here in Montana which Angus is part owner of. We'll loan out the coins, or bullion, to folks here in the valley, at nominal interest of 2 percent, simple interest, so folks can get their homes built and their farms and businesses up and running. We'll have a small office in the front of our little mint, but we won.t really be a bank.”
“Uncle is part owner of a gold mine?” Shorty blurted out in surprise.
“Yes. And a couple of silver mines. It seems he met some rather interesting fellows before he came to this valley, and now the four of them own two silver mines which are very productive, and a gold mine which is not quite as productive, but is still profitable.”
“Well I'll be. He never mentioned anything about the mines before.” Shorty looked over at his Uncle once more. “He's full of surprises.” Shorty watched his Uncle hand John Lester to Maggie, whereupon he came over to join Shorty and Bob.
“You have a cute little boy, Shorty. Congratulations.” Too-Tall said with a smile. “He's got big hands and feet. He'll be big, like you.”
“Thank you, Uncle. Yes, he'll be a big boy, I figure. Luckily his features are more like Maggie's.” Shorty grinned.
“Well, he's healthy and cute as can be, Shorty. He's your little boy, yours and Maggie's, to protect, nourish and love. I have no doubt the two of you are up to the task. And never forget, Shorty, you have the support of all of us in this valley. We're all one big clan. Clan members look after one another.”
“Thanks, Uncle. I know what you mean. I.m glad we have the chance to raise our little boy in this valley. He'll live a free life. And with Molly due in a month, or so, he'll have a playmate his own age, plus Sarah, Zach, Amanda and Tommy, along with the other kids in the valley. Come to think of it, there will be lots of children
running around here in the valley. Won't that be nice?”
“Indeed it will be.” Bob agreed. “There's nothing better than watching and listening to children at play. It.s fascinating to watch how inventive they can be, given the freedom to be themselves. I'm looking forward to many years of watching these youngsters grow and develop. Not just my own grand-children, but all the children.”
Conversation continued among the group for a while, when Shorty decided there was a story he couldn't wait to hear about any longer.
“Mr. B tells me you're part owner of a gold mine and a couple of silver mines, Uncle. I suspect there are some interesting stories to be heard about those mines. I'd be pleased if you'd tell us a couple of them. My mind has been compiling all kinds of stories and I'd like to hear the real ones, if you don't mind telling them.”
Too-Tall grinned and looked at Annie, who grinned also. “I'm not sure where to begin, Shorty. You're right, though, there are some interesting stories to tell.”
“Why don't you start by telling them how you came to know Bull?” Annie suggested. She couldn't help but giggle as she thought of what was to come.
“All right, I'll start with Bull.” He smiled and shook his head as he remembered the event. “Keep in mind this all happened before I met Annie, and before I found this valley. In fact, I met Bull a few months after I arrived in Montana.
I was riding along, one day, over in the Gallatin Valley, which is about seventy miles east of here. I'd been following the Missouri River and had reached Three Forks, which is where the three rivers join, forming the Missouri; the Gallatin, the Madison and the Jefferson Rivers. I was following the Jefferson River, basically, but decided to take a little detour up to a place I'd heard about called Pony. Well, I never did make it all the way to Pony, and here.s why. As I came over the top of a hill I saw a man and a grizzly bear wrestling. That's not a sight you see very often, so I rode down to have a closer look. The man was a big man, bigger than me. As I matter of fact he's the biggest man I've ever had the pleasure to meet. He and the bear were roughly the same size, it appeared to me, though maybe the bear had a few pounds on the man, yet in wrestling ability they seemed to be pretty evenly matched. I kept a distance from them of maybe twenty yards, not wanting to interfere with the wrestling match. The man took notice of my presence, as did the bear, though neither of them said anything to me as the match continued.
“I'm getting a mite bit parched.” The man finally called over to me. “I don't suppose you'd take over here while I got myself a drink of water?”
“You suppose right, mister. I can't say I want to tangle with that critter, but you're giving him a good workout. Maybe if you ask him nicely he'll back off long enough for you to have a sip or two from my canteen.”
“I tried that a half hour ago. He wouldn't agree.” The man replied as he gave him a tremendous punch to the jaw. “There, you no good furry beast. Take that. I'll teach you to mess with Bull Mosely.”
The bear decided he'd had enough and ambled off.
“Look at that! That damn critter ruined my favorite hat.” Bull exclaimed as he picked up the remnants of his hat. “I'm not through with you, you damned hat wrecking, furry son of a bitch. I owe you another good punch.” He called after the bear.
“Its too bad about your hat.” I told him. “A man gets attached to a good hat.” Bull looked at me, sizing me up. “I'm Too-Tall Dawkins. I've only been in Montana for a couple of months. I came here from New Hampshire. I enjoyed watching you wrestle that bear.”
“I'm Bull Mosely and I've lived in these parts my whole life. You talk funny, with your accent, and all, but you don't get all nervous and excited like a city feller. Hell, most folks would have pulled their rifle out and shot that bear. I thank you for not doing that.”
“I didnt want to spoil your fun. Besides, it looked like an even match to me. What made you decide to wrestle him, anyway?”
“It was his idea. He snuck up on me while I was having a drink in that stream over there. Now that I think of it, I'll have me a drink, right now, if you'll excuse me for a minute. Hell, you can join me if you have a thirst of your own.”
“That's mighty neighborly of you, Bull. I think I'll join you.”
We went down to the stream and began to drink our fill, when I noticed something shiny in the bed of the stream. What do we have here, I thought to myself? I reached into the water and picked it out. In the sun I could see it was a gold nugget, about the size of a peach pit.
“Look at this, Bull.” I tossed it to him, and he quickly recognized what I had found. He tossed it back to me.
“Well, Mr. Too-Tall Dawkins, that's quite a find. Let's see if we can find any more.”
We spent the rest of that day wading in the stream, hunting for gold, and found a sizable amount. At dusk we set up camp, and, after a quick supper, we compared our finds. We were like a couple of kids opening our presents on Christmas morning. Each piece we looked at made us laugh and exclaim with joy. We convinced ourselves we'd found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Well, we didn't find that much gold, but we had a decent stash of it, and we planned on looking for more at daybreak.
As we talked late into the night, I found I really liked Bull. He shared my beliefs in freedom and self-sufficiency, and was a likeable giant in his own right. He seemed to take a warming to me, also, as he made an offer I couldn't refuse.
“I've got two friends, Ted Miles and Elias Masterson, who share interest in two silver mines with me. One of the mines has a real good vein, and the other holds good promise, according to Elias. You won't believe me until you see for yourself, but Elias can smell out gold or silver, or any metal or ore you can think of. It's uncanny how he can find it. He'll get this faraway look in his eye and his nostrils will quiver, and sure enough, he's on the track of something. I've never known it to fail. He found a good vein of coal, once, too. That was for a friend of Ted's. We were doing some hunting on his land and, sure enough, old Elias starts to sniffing and goes into his trance, and he gets down off his horse and picks up a rock and throws it against a hillside. “You.ll find a good vein of coal right there, Bill, if you're interested.” Well, Bill found coal there, alright. He didn't go big time, though. He digs enough for himself and his friends, and we keep his secret for him, just as he keeps our secrets. If word got out we found gold or silver, there would be a ton of prospectors flooding that valley. We don't want that, so we keep it quiet. Ted, Elias and Bull live simple lives. They don't flash their wealth around. None of us would ever have to work another day in our lives, but that's not our way. We don't use much of the gold and silver for ourselves.”
“If you don.t use it, then what do you do with it?” Maggie wondered aloud.
“Let me explain by continuing my story.
"I wanted to meet Ted and Elias before entering any agreement with them, so in the morning Bull and I packed our gear and our gold and headed to a little town, or rather a village, called Willow Creek. Willow Creek is just six or seven miles from the headwaters of the Missouri River. There's not much to it, with only a hardware store, a café and saloon, and a General Store. There are about twenty families in Willow Creek, and they make their living mainly by ranching.
" When we rode into town, Bull pulled up in front of the café/saloon and took me inside. “We'll see if Elias is having his usual coffee inside.”
" It was after seven o.clock in the evening, which made me think it was a little odd for Elias to be having coffee in a saloon, but I didn't say anything. To each his own, I figured. Maybe Elias was not a drinker.
" Anyway, when I opened the door, there was the tinkling of a bell, which reminded me of Millie's store back in Uptons Corners, which made me smile. Inside, the place was rustic, but neat and clean as can be. Behind the bar stood a tall woman, very handsome, with a stern look, who turned to see who had entered.
“Where have you been, Bull? I expected you last night.” She said when she noticed Bull behind me. She didn't look at Bull more than enough to see he was there, as she was looking at the stranger who came in with him.
“I'm sorry, Tildy, but I had a run-in with a bear and met this fellow, here, and then we found something else of interest that delayed us.” He gave her a quick hug as he met her behind the bar. He turned to look at the corner table where a man and woman were sitting. The man, though obviously only in his twenties, had a long mane of snow white hair, with a full beard to match. The woman was a beautiful black haired Indian girl, who didn't look more than twenty, though I learned, later, she was twenty-four.
“Hey Elias, I've got someone here I want you all to meet. Too-Tall Dawkins, this is my wife, Tilda, and over there is Elias Masterson and his wife, Fawn.”
After the initial introductions, Elias insisted on buying me a coffee, and seeing as how I was the newcomer I decided to accept, though I would have preferred a beer. The joke turned out to be on me, as the coffee was actually more whiskey than coffee. I darn near choked to death when I took my first sip.
We talked late into the night. Bull told of his run-in with the bear, and I told of finding the gold. I was watching Tilda while Bull was telling the story of the bear, and was surprised she didn't seem worried about Bull's safety. I asked her about it, and she laughed.
“That bear and Bull have been wrestling since it was a cub.” She poked Bull in the ribs, then. “Poor Elmo is probably feeling sad that you hit him, like that.”
“It'll serve him right.” Bull responded. “I asked to take a break to get a little drink of water and the damn fool wouldn't let me.”
“So, you led me to believe the bear attacked you, Bull. That hardly seems right.” I said, slightly miffed.
“No. You led yourself to believe that, Too-Tall. I merely said the bear jumped me, which he did. It is the way we've played since he was a cub. He sneaks up on me, if he can, and jumps me when I'm least prepared. I never said he attacked me.” Bull smiled. “It's a trick I learned from Elias. Choose your words carefully and you can trick people into believing something which is not true, though what you say is completely true.”
“It can be useful, at times.” Elias insisted. “Particularly when dealing with the law. Be aware of precisely what is being said, not whatever implications come to mind, and you'll find yourself able to avoid some difficulties.”
“Do you have trouble with the Law?” I asked.
“Not here in Willow Creek, but when we go to Three Forks it's always a possibility. We're a tight knit community here, but we're pretty much outsiders in Three Forks, or anywhere else.” Elias informed me. “We have a strong network of friends scattered here and there, though, which we are attempting to expand.”
“A network? What kind of network?” I asked.
Elias looked at Bull who shrugged, then nodded, yes.
“All right, Bull. I'll trust your judgment on this one.” Elias turned back to me. “We're in a war, Too-Tall. Powerful forces are working against individual freedom. The Federal Reserve and the Income Tax are only the beginning, the tip of the iceberg to come. If we are to survive, (by we, I mean people who want to live free lives), we must create a network of like minded people, people we can trust, who believe as we do, to stand against the forces being arrayed against us. Not necessarily in a fighting sense, though I fear eventually it will come down to that, but in a sense of resistance to their philosophy of State first, individual last. We are establishing our network to be a bastion against those who are attempting to seize control of the world, not with armies, (though they use those armies for their own ends), but with money.”
I looked at Elias for a while, thinking about what he had said, and I realized he was right. Yes, I was looking for a place to hide, to be honest about it, but deep down I knew I would need support from those outside my hideout, when I found it. If I were to receive support, then I knew I must give it.
“Let's talk.” I replied. “And I'd like to meet Ted, if I could.”
Ted and his wife, Maddy, (Matilda), were sent for, and we talked through the night. Elias explained his thinking about how to fight the enemy.
“They're setting up a system of control around two things, money and education. Yes, it extends into the political arena, also, and into the control of newspapers, but it is based on controlling money and education. We're building a network to operate outside theirs, denying them the support they need.”
"The Network they were creating was a fascinating, clever piece of work. It was based on the use of precious metals as a means of exchange between members of the network. Elias, Bull, Ted and their wives drew up a price list for as many goods and services as they could imagine. The prices were based on current prices for the items and services at the time the list was drawn up. The prices were based in gold or silver. The members agreed to abide by the price list, charging only what the price list allowed, in either gold or silver. This system thereby eliminated inflation and deflation, at least between members, two of the tools of those who seek to rule the world.
"Another thing they did was to offer two percent loans to members for the purposes of buying land, investing in their businesses, or for building a house or barn. These loans were made from the profits of the silver mines, and were on an “as available” basis. Though it is on an “as available” basis, the profits from the mines have been such that no loan has been denied for lack of money.
"There are two requirements to become a member of the network. One is, you must agree to home school your children. The other is, you must be proposed for membership by one of the existing members, or by Elias, Fawn, Bull, Tilda, Ted or Maddy.”
“How many people do they have in their network?” Shorty asked.
“At that time, they had 38 members. That was twenty-two years ago. Last I knew it was up to 6,000 in five states.”
“Wow! That many, huh?” Shorty was impressed.
“Not nearly enough, though.” Too-Tall replied.
“For what, Uncle Too-Tall?” Maggie inquired.
“To challenge those in power, either by force, or financially. But we're working on it. Do you remember me saying I had a project, a mining project, in mind?”
“Yes. I wondered what you were talking about.” Shorty waited, expecting his Uncle to continue.
“Well, Elias, Bull, Ted and a few others will be here in June, and we'll begin that project. Elias. sniffer was working overtime in one area of this valley.” Too-Tall grinned and didn't say anything more.
“I gather we'll have to wait till June to learn any more.” Shorty said.
“You gather correctly, Shorty. Some things are worth waiting for.” Too-Tall grinned again, then focused his attention on Little Shorty, giving him a little wave.
There was nothing Shorty could do at that point, though he was dying to learn more.
“Patience, Shorty.” Annie whispered, leaning over to him and patting his arm. “Have patience. Bear likes to keep his secrets.”
“I'm learning that, Aunt Annie. I'm learning that.” Shorty admitted. He watched his Uncle for a while, but there was nothing to learn, as Too-Tall had seemingly forgotten he had left he and Maggie hanging in anticipation.
He'd learned a good deal about his Uncle since arriving in the valley, but he was also learning there was a good deal more to learn. Uncle Too-Tall was a man of many facets and surprises, Shorty realized. He wondered what else he'd learn about him. Yes, Aunt Annie was right, he'd have to be patient.
Chapter Two
As Molly.s time drew close, Jack became a pain in the neck. He became overly solicitous of Molly, and wouldn't give her any space to even breath. Just about every evening Molly would get fed up with Jack and kick him out of their end of the cabin, and he would either visit Shorty and Maggie, or, sometimes, Caleb and Celia. Maggie thought it all quite funny, but Shorty wasn't so sure. Jack, when he was being his normal self, was fun to have around, but in the state he was in, he was a real pain.
“Jack, you need to get a hold of yourself.” Shorty told him one night. “Molly will have her baby whether you get all nervous and wound up, or not, so why don't you just relax and let it happen?”
“I can't help it, Shorty. I keep imagining everything that can go wrong. I mean, what if Molly works too hard and the baby comes too early? Huh? What then?” Maggie started laughing, which, of course annoyed Jack. “It's not funny, Maggie. Can't a guy worry? All right, maybe I worry too much, but I love Molly and I want everything to be good for her and the baby. Damn, you'd think I was a mean old man, or something.”
“Jack you.re not being a mean old man, but you are being a pain. I know you don't want to hear it, but you are.” Maggie laughed. “I happen to think it.s funny, but you're getting on Molly's nerves, and Shorty's, too. As Shorty says, just relax. Molly will have her baby, you'll be a proud Father, and life will go on.”
“That's easy for you to say, Maggie, but I remember Shorty acting strange the last few weeks before you had John Lester. Women aren't the only ones who suffer during a pregnancy, you know.”
And so it continued until the afternoon when Maggie came down to the workshop to tell Jack Molly was in labor. She braced herself for Jack flying off the handle, but, surprisingly, Jack remained calm.
“Has Doc Weedon been sent for?” He asked, calmly.
“Yes. Edna Mae is on her way right now.” Maggie informed him.
“Who is with her now?” Jack asked.
“Momma Dawkins, Millie, and Celia.”
“That's good. I'll go up and boil some water. Boiling water is what the husband does, if I remember correctly.” He put on his coat and hat and calmly walked out of the workshop.
Maggie looked at Shorty, who looked back. Both were stunned.
“I'd better see if he's all right.” Shorty suggested. He caught up with him half-way up the hill. “Mad Mountain. Is that you?”
“Yes, Shorty. Jack couldn't handle it, so I took over.”
“I'm not sure if that's good or bad, but at least you're under control.”
“It is what it is, Shorty. It's neither good nor bad.” Mad Mountain shrugged. “I'm here to protect Molly and Jack. That's what I do. Jack would be useless right now, and a possible detriment, so I'm here. I guess I'll boil some water. That's what the husband does while his wife is having the baby, isn't it?”
“Yes, it gives him something mindless to do, I suppose.”
“I'll use your quarters, if you don't mind.”
“Sure. Help yourself.”
When Maggie returned, with John Lester, Shorty gave her a look and said, “Mad Mountain is boiling water.” He assumed she'd understand, which she did, giving him a nod.
Shorty was thankful that Mollys labor was short, for Mad Mountain was not good company. If he'd played the fiddle he would have been jolly, but that would have been out of place, so he remained in his danger mode, and when Shorty tried to make idle conversation, Mad Mountain answered in short replies. Shorty gave
up after a while and spent time with John Lester. When John Lester fell asleep, Shorty sat by his crib, idly rocking it.
At 8:31 in the evening, Pierre Andre Rioux was born. At the first cries of the newborn babe, Jack returned and there was much celebration. Jack was beside himself with joy, rushing around in circles, repeating over, and over, “It's a boy! I'm a Father. It's a boy!” Shorty and Maggie got caught up in the excitement, too.
“I'll go get Dad.” He suggested. “He'll be as proud as any Grandparent.”
Shorty rushed over to the main house to alert his Father of the new arrival, and Lester beamed with joy, for Jack and Molly were like family to him.
“This is just wonderful, Shorty. I'm happy as can be for them. Come on, Julia, lets go see the new arrival. You, too, Jane.”
Shorty and his Father carried Julia in her wheelchair and found Jack in high spirits.
“Grandpa D. I'm a Father!” He exclaimed, alternately pumping Lester's hand and hugging him.
“Congratulations to you and Molly, Jack, my boy.” Lester squeezed in. “Have you seen him yet?”
“Not yet. Any minute now they'll let me in, Doc says.”
The door separating the two households opened, just then, and Millie stepped into the room.
“Jack, you can go in now and see your wife and son.” She smiled gently and stepped out of Jack's way. She gave a wink to Lester and Julia. Jack hesitated, looking at Lester for support. Lester smiled at Jack and nodded his head, indicating it was all right for Jack to go. Reassured, he crept into the room.
“Molly? Are you all right?”
“I'm fine, Jack. Just tired. Come see little Pierre.” She held the baby in her arm at her side. “Isn't he adorable?”
Jack crept closer and peeked down for the first view of his son. “Yes, Molly. He looks like you, don't you think?”
Erma, Doc and Celia quietly left them alone, closing the door behind them as they departed.
“Well, that was an easy delivery. Molly will be up and about in no time.” Doc announced. “Little Pierre is healthy as can be, too.”
“Thank you, Doc.” Erma spoke up. “I'm sure Molly and Jack thank you, too.”
“Yes, thank you, Doc.” Lester shook his hand. “Send the bill to me, if you will, Doc.”
“If that's what you want, Lester.” Doc patted Lester on the arm. “It doesn't surprise me, I'll admit. You're a generous man. I'll be off, now. Sally will be wanting to hear the news.”
“Give her and the kids our best.” Lester added as Doc headed for the door.
“I will.” Doc put on his coat and headed out the door.
“Hold up, Doc. I'll help you saddle your horse.” Shorty offered.
“All right, Shorty. Thank you.”
Doc suspected Shorty had something he wanted to talk about, so he waited patiently as Shorty saddled his horse.
“You've known Uncle Too-Tall a long time, haven't you, Doc?”
“Yes, I have, Shorty. It must be more than twenty years ago I patched up poor Ned, after Too-Tall brought him in.” Doc didn't push Shorty, but continued to wait.
“He's a man of many surprises.” Shorty offered. “And secrets.”
“Secrets?” Doc looked at Shorty with a look of surprise. “What makes you think he has secrets? I mean, more than any of us have secrets.”
“Do you know of a fellow by the name of Elias?” Shorty asked.
“Do you mean Elias Masterson?” Shorty nodded yes. “Sure, I know Elias. I've been to his Café on a couple of occasions, and Sally and I had he and Fawn over to our place in Cobbs Crossing once or twice. Bull and Tilda Mosely, too.”
“Ted and Matilda Miles, too?”
“Yes, Ted and Maddy, too. They're part of the Network.”
“You know about the Network?”
“Yes. Of course. Sally and I are part of it.”
“Well, …. I mean, … Why the big secret? How come none of us new folk knew about it?” Shorty was flustered, Doc saw.
“It's not that it was a big secret, Shorty. It's just a matter of timing.” Doc paused a second to collect his thoughts. “You folks from Uptons Corners were under a great deal of pressure - what with the move and getting ready for winter - and there was no need to bring up things that could just as easily wait. Now, with Elias, Bull and everyone else coming here in a couple of months, and with things settling in around here, a bit, we can begin to expose you folks to the big picture.”
Shorty realized what Doc said made lots of sense. “All right. I can see that makes sense. Thanks for explaining that to me, Doc.”
“You're welcome, Shorty. I'll be off now. Sally will be chomping at the bit, wanting to hear the news.”
Chapter Three
It was March, which meant it was lambing season. Just days after Molly gave birth, Shorty's ewes began having their lambs. Cap and Jake lent Shorty a hand; though most of the ewes had their lambs without difficulty, a few needed assistance. When the last lamb was born, Shorty looked around at his flock and was pleased by its growth. He now had himself quite a flock. Come spring, he'd have to increase their grazing area. One more thing to add to his list of things to do. Not that he was complaining, though. Why should he complain? He had a wonderful wife, a young son, his flock of sheep, his chickens and ducks, a fine horse, and he lived in a valley with wonderful friends who lived free lives.
He was chatting with his Father, one day, and he mentioned some of the things on his list of things to do.
“I certainly have a full plate before me, Dad.” Shorty chuckled. “And somewhere down the line I'll need to build a nice house. Maggie doesn't complain, but our quarters are tight. It must be worse for Edna Mae and Charlie, though. Two youngsters in their half of the cabin must make it crowded.”
“Once the weather breaks we can think about doing something to help out.” Lester said. “I'm thinking we should have a Clan meeting to decide on our course of action.”
A meeting was called for that Sunday afternoon. It was decided to have it in the workshop, as that was the only place big enough for them to all meet together, comfortably. As usual, Lester lead the discussion.
“You all know what we're here for, so let's get down to it.” Lester began. “Charlie and I were talking yesterday and I think he's got some good ideas. Charlie, why don't you tell everyone your ideas?”
“Sure, Dad.” Charlie stood up so all could see and hear him. “As I was saying to Dad, it doesn't make much sense for us all to start building our own houses. None of us would get very far along with it before next winter came. We all have gardens to plant, cash crops, too. Besides, I think we owe lots of people, who helped build our cabins, some help building their places.
" So, if we don't all work on our own places, individually, then whose place, or places, should we work on? I thought about that a good deal. It occurred to me that Edgar and Chuck could really use a place of their own, where they'd have more room to do their leather work. A house and a workshop, if you know what I mean. The work they do is important to the whole valley, it seems to me, so we should make their work as easy as possible.
"Now, Will and Jamie both have land out behind my land quite a ways, and if they plan to raise horses and hogs, as they mentioned to me, then they should have a place, which they can share, as soon as we can get it for them. They can't be having their animals exposed out there for predators to get to. Once we get Edgar and Chuck, and Will and Jamie, and their families into their new places - hopefully before winter sets in - it
will free up some room for the rest of us to spread out, a bit.”
“I like your thinking, Charlie.” Cap spoke up. “It pains me that Edgar and Chuck are always having to move, or pack away, their stuff, all the time. They waste a lot of time, it seems to me.”
“It's no bother, Cap.” Edgar insisted. “You deserve to have some space when you're there, after all.”
“Be that as it may, you will spend less time packing things away if you have your own place.” Cap replied.
“I was just doing some figuring on how everyone could gain space once the new places are done, and I think Edna Mae and Charlie, having two youngsters, should move into the big cabin.” Jane suggested. “Cap, you and Jake could take over their place, and maybe John could live in Will's or Jamie's place. That leaves one empty space.”
“Well, we can decide what to do with the empty space when it happens.” Millie said, looking in a significant manner at Erma and Julia, who both nodded their understanding.
Lester saw the look which passed between the ladies and hid a smile behind his hand. They were still up to their matchmaking tricks, he knew, though he had to admit they seemed to be right about Jane and John, as the two of them were definitely turning into quite a matched pair. It wouldn't surprise him to hear of an engagement soon. He wasn't blind to the way the young couple was acting. They were in love, he could see. The question in Lester's mind was whether John, being as shy as he was, would have the courage to propose to Jane. Time will tell, he decided.
“What do you think, dear?”
Lester was jolted out of his daydream by his wife's question.
“About what?” Lester asked. He had no idea what she was talking about. “I'm afraid my mind drifted off, for a while. I apologize. What is it we were talking about?”
“Jake was just suggesting he and Cap could help the Upton boys build their place, and you, Shorty, Jack, Charlie and Caleb could help Edgar and Chuck on their place.” Erma told him.
Lester thought about it for a moment. “That works out nicely. It divides the talent and experience between the two places evenly. It sounds good to me.”
With the plan of action decided upon, Will and Jamie started designing their place and Edgar and Chuck did the same. The houses would be permanent houses, not temporary lodging, so care was taken to plan for the future, as well as the present. Jamie insisted that Will's house be built first, since he was the oldest, while Edgar kept insisting that Chuck's house be built first, and Chuck, likewise, insisted that Edgar's be built first. They finally settled it with a coin toss, and Edgar's house would be the first built.
Will and Jamie spent some time walking Will's land, choosing the best spot for the house on a knoll near the back side of his property. From the knoll he had a good view of his own property and of his cousin's land as well.
Shorty was spurred by their plan making to develop some plans for his own farm. He and Maggie decided where to place their home, when it was time to build, and, of course, a barn for the sheep and a smaller barn for their horses. Maggie and Jane would need a place to do their pottery, so a spot was chosen for a shed for
the two of them, complete with kiln. Pasture land and a vegetable garden were decided on, and an herb garden and space for fruit trees and bushes was also planned.
“When we get our farm to where we want it, sweetie, it'll be quite a place.” Shorty decided.
“Yes, dear, it'll take a lot of work, but I agree, it's going to be a nice place. A good place for our children to grow up in.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Shortly after the first of April, Shorty, Maggie and John Lester went to visit Ned and Dot. It was good to see them, as the winter was beginning to wind down.
“How did your lambing season go?” Dot asked.
“Very well, as a matter of fact.” Shorty replied. “We only lost one lamb, which was stillborn.”
“The lambs are adorable. They really are.” Maggie added. “The way they follow their Mommas around is cute.”
“Baba, that's little Caleb's nickname, really enjoys them. He toddles over to them and gives them hugs. The Mommas don't seem to mind, so we let him do it.” Shorty chuckled.
“Shearing season's not that far off. Baba will be in for a surprise when the sheep are all shorn.” Ned commented.
“I can picture him, tugging on Shorty's pant leg, saying, Uncle Shorty, where are the sheep's coats?” Maggie giggled at the thought.
“Speaking of shearing season, I'm going to want to buy some of your wool, Shorty.” Dot spoke up.
“How much do you want, Dot? There will be plenty.” Shorty assured her.
“Well, let me think. I bought three large potato sacks worth last year from George Wool, but he's pretty much gotten out of the sheep business. He slaughtered all but a few of his flock in the fall, once he learned you were planning on raising sheep. He only kept them so we could have a supply of wool here in the valley. He told me he needs to devote more of his time to gunsmithing. Sally will probably take all of his output. With Maggie MacVeigh and Betty Tuttle taking up spinning and weaving, I'll need a couple of more bagsful for them, so why don't we make it five bagsful.” She decided. “How much are you charging?”
“How does two silver dollars per bag sound to you?”
“That sounds good to me. I'll take five large potato bags full.”
“Yes, ma'am, five bags full it will be.”
“While we're on the subject of commerce, there are a couple of things I'd like to mention.” Ned began. “First, we got the new still operating the other day, so we'll have more fuel for the tractors and trucks.”
“That's nice to hear, Ned.” Maggie said. “We'll have gardens to plant before you know it. Not having to use real horsepower to plow the land will be a blessing.”
“Actually, I was looking forward to seeing Shorty walking behind a horse, plowing his fields.” Ned grinned.
“Thanks, Ned.” Shorty replied. “I have done it, though. Dad felt I should learn how. It's tough work, I'll admit, but if it's necessary for survival, I'd do it in a heart beat.”
“I know what you mean, Shorty. We do what we have to do, for ourselves and our families.” Ned said, firmly.
“And our friends.” Shorty added. He and Ned exchanged a look, both, no doubt, thinking of the time Too-Tall almost drowned.
“Yes. Our friends.” Ned solemnly agreed.
“Have you told them what Too-Tall is up to?” Dot asked Ned.
“Should I?”
“Well, he asked us to spread the word, didn't he?” Dot reminded him.
“That's right, he did, didn't he? All right then, here goes. Too-Tall is selling off his cattle.”
“He's what?” Shorty was startled. No amazed. “Selling off his cattle? Why, Ned?”
“He says he wants to free up some time for his mining project.” Ned replied. “Have you heard about it?”
“Just that he has some sort of mining project in mind.” Shorty admitted.
“Has he told you about Elias, Bull and the Network?”
“Yes. Just a little while ago.” Shorty remarked.
“So you know about Elias' ability to smell out precious metals, and about the gold and silver mines.”
“Yes. Too-Tall told us the story of how he met them.”
“All right then, let me ask you a question. Why would Too-Tall choose to claim land for grazing his cattle way at the other end of the valley, when he could find just as good grazing land closer to his cabin?”
Shorty wasn't as quick as Maggie to recognize what Ned was getting at.
“Is there gold or silver down there, Ned?” She asked.
“Elias thinks there is a good deal of gold down there. I guess they think it's time to find out what is there.” Ned shrugged. “Elias and the others will be here in June. They're coming for Josh and Polly's wedding and then they plan to start looking for the gold.”
“And he wants to sell his herd before then?” Shorty asked.
“He'd like to, yes.” Ned replied.
Shorty looked at Maggie. “Do you think Will and Jamie, and possibly John would be interested?”
“I'm not sure. Possibly. But do they have the money to buy it?” She had her doubts.
“Too-Tall did say he was giving a dozen head to Polly and Josh as a wedding present.” Dot threw in.
“What about the cattle we bought for the winter? Are there many left?” Shorty asked.
“Too-Tall said there were about a dozen. Fred and Hattie's freezer still has quite a bit of hanging beef, too. Hunting was good this year, so not as much was consumed as we thought.” Ned told him. “Kent has agreed to look after the remaining cattle from that herd, until they're needed for slaughter, on his land.”
Shorty's mind was racing. He knew the land Will, Jamie and John had chosen would support a good sized herd of cattle, but would Will and Jamie want to take on cattle? John hadn't decided what he was going to do, but Jane certainly knew cattle. Maggie and Julia could be a source of knowledge for them, as well as his Father, Too-Tall and Annie. If his Father and Charlie could be convinced to chip in some money, with what he had, along with Will, Jamie and John, they could probably buy the herd. He'd speak with Will and Jamie. John might be willing to join his brother and cousin in a project such as this, particularly if he was thinking of marrying Jane.
Maggie and Shorty stopped off at his parents. place before going home. He told them of his thoughts, which he was free to discuss, as Jane and John had gone to visit Annie and Too-Tall. Millie and Erma immediately latched onto his plan as a means of spurring John to propose to Jane. Lester shook his head at the two matchmakers, but agreed to chip in on the purchase of the herd. He'd talk to Charlie, also, he said.
Shorty dropped off Maggie and John Lester and went to see Will and Jamie, who were working on their house plans. As it turned out Will and Jamie jumped at the chance to buy Too-Tall.s herd.
“Our first choice would have been cattle, but Too-Tall had a herd, and we didn't want to step on his toes.” Will told Shorty. “I would imagine John will want to throw in with us. The three of us get along real well.”
When John and Jane returned from their visit to Annie and Too-Tall's place, they had a couple of surprises. First, and most important, John had„ popped the question, and Jane had said, yes. They were engaged, subject to John requesting Julia's blessing. The second surprise was that he had arranged for the purchase of Too-Tall's herd for he, Will and Jamie, wanting only their approval. Bob Billington and Too-Tall had offered financing for the purchase, on very attractive terms, and Will and Jamie, stunned as they were by John's initiative, heartily agreed to be partners with him. Concerning the other surprise, well, yes, Julia gave her enthusiastic approval, and Millie and Erma could scarcely conceal their smug, I-told-you-so, looks. Lester warmly congratulated the young couple, but continued to shake his head at the match-making duo.
A few days later, Too-Tall rode up to Dawkins Falls looking for Lester. On his way past the sawmill, he spotted a group of men clearing land, which he knew to be Edgar's. On a hunch he rode over to see the men, and, as he suspected, Lester was with them.
“What brings you up here, Angus?” Lester called out as Too-Tall dismounted.
“I thought I.d come see if you were getting any work done.” Too-Tall replied.
“Not much, today, Angus, but we plan on giving it Hell tomorrow.” Lester replied with a sly grin.
“I knew I could count on you, Lester. Can you fellows spare a few minutes to hear some interesting news?”
“It's about coffee time, so why don't we head down to the Workshop. You can give us your news there.” Lester suggested.
When they all had their coffee, Lester turned to his brother. “All right, Angus, tell us your news.”
“I'm sure you are all aware of Elias and Bull, and their Network, and that they'll be coming here in June for Polly and Josh's wedding. After the wedding we will start mining for the gold Elias says is down where I keep the cattle.” He began. “Well, it seems they're bringing a few friends with them, to help folks out around the valley.”
“Is Ted Miles coming, also?” Shorty asked.
“Yes, Ted's coming, as well as some others.”
The smirk on his face was familiar to Lester. “How many others are coming, Angus?”
“Oh, about six hundred.” Too-Tall began laughing. “A messenger from Bull came by early this morning with a letter. Elias, that old dog, has gathered together six hundred of his network to help us build new homes and get our farms and businesses going.”
“Why would they do that?” Chuck asked.
“Because they are part of the Network, Chuck. You're part of the Dawkins Clan, right? You're helping get the Clan established here, in the valley, aren't you? Well, to the folks in the Network it's much the same. Most of us who were here before you folks arrived are part of the Network. They decided to lend us a hand, as we are lending you a hand. It's as simple as that. Some day we may be in a position to help others who need a hand. I would certainly hope we'd oblige.”
“Six hundred! Good grief, Angus, where will we house them all?” Lester was stunned by the numbers.
Too-Tall grinned. “It'll be a three ring circus around here. Literally.” He watched Lester change his thinking from amazement to curiosity.
“Literally? What do you mean, literally a three ring circus?”
“Does the name Papa Papadopolous mean anything to any of you?” Too-Tall asked, looking around at the faces arrayed about him. There was no response. “Well, a number of years ago there was a touring circus, in these parts, run by a man named Stavros Papadopolous. “Papa Papadopolous's Traveling Extravaganza”, he billed the circus as. I saw it once, when I first came out here. It was quite a show, actually. Anyway, Elias got to know Stavros, (or Papa, as everyone calls him), and Papa became part of the Network. He still has his circus tents, and he'll be bringing them, along with his circus wagons, and we'll set them up and have ourselves a regular three ring circus, here.”
“I was just thinking how much we could accomplish with six hundred extra hands.” Cap broke in. “How long will they be here?”
“The letter said they would be here at least a month. Some even longer.” Too-Tall replied.
“Cap's right. We can get a lot accomplished with that much help for a month or more.” Charlie agreed. “We won't have enough lumber, (dry lumber, I mean), ready by then, though.”
“That's all right, Charlie. We'll do as much as we can with what we've got.” Lester said. “There's plenty of work to be done. Crops to be cared for, animals to be looked after. Trees can be felled, turned into lumber. Fences can be built. There's plenty of work.”
“We'll need to get busy making plans.” Shorty suggested.
Too-Tall left to alert the rest of the valley folk and Lester suggested they knock off early that day to begin making plans.
“We'll need to adjust our thinking.” Lester said, as the Dawkins Falls clan gathered in the large cabin to discuss what to do. “There are a lot of folks coming to help us, but other folks in the valley might need more help than we do. We'll need to set priorities, it seems to me. Let's look at what will help us the most, and make
our plans from that viewpoint.”
Discussion and planning proceeded for several days. Ideas were given; some were incorporated, some discarded. Lester, Erma, Cap, Jake and Millie, being the Elders of the Clan, as it were, spent some time visiting folks throughout the valley, trying to get a sense of needs and directions.
In talking to Izzy Bolton, Cap learned Izzy planned on creating a pond near the stream, for holding water for his dairy herd. A windmill would pump water from a well he would drill, with the runoff from the pond feeding into the stream. Argyle had designed the windmill, while Evan Billington was working with Bill Jefferson, designing drilling equipment which would be manufactured at the Owens compound metal fabrication facilities. The three Upton boys, Cap knew, had no year round standing, or running, water on their land. It was planned that a well would be dug for each of them, for their needs. The windmill powered pump would certainly make things easier for them. When he told them about it, they immediately went to visit Argyle, then Evan and Bill Jefferson. The three of them purchased a set of windmill plans from Argyle and were put on the short list for well drilling and manufactured parts for the windmill. The tower would be built from Argyle's plans.
Millie decided to spend some time at Hattie and Fred's Store. Where better to see people, she figured? Sure enough, there was a steady stream of customers, and, she quickly learned, the big desire of the folks in the valley was for a Farmer's Hall, where folks could gather, have a dance, or maybe a pot luck supper. Many of them also wanted a library, either attached to the Farmer's Hall, or next to it.
Fred and Hattie were willing to donate land across from the store, and a jar was sitting on their counter for donations from folks who were interested. Beside the jar was a notebook for people to write down “Donations in Kind”.
“My goodness, Hattie! You've certainly made fast progress. Just look at all that silver in the jar. Do you mind if I look through the notebook?”
“Help yourself, Millie. It might give you some ideas.” Hattie replied.
Millie noticed Ned and Frank had offered to draw up plans for the Hall, and Joshua Owens was donating three window sash and four days labor. Further down the list she saw Lars Lundgren was offering a quarter side of beef for sale, the proceeds to be given to the Fund for the Farmer's Hall and Library. Argyle and Clarissa
were offering a goat kid in the same manner. George Wool was offering 100 rounds of ammunition, “Your Choice”. Bill Jefferson was offering three wrought iron strap hinges for someone's front door. Brenda Tuttle had a new hand-made quilt she was offering, and Maggie MacVeigh was offering four skeins of yarn.
Millie thought a minute, then wrote in the notebook, “Three jars of strawberry jam, and three jars of blueberry preserves.” She signed her name, closed the book and then found a silver dollar in her purse and dropped it into the jar.
“I'll start making a list of the books I'll be donating to the library.” She informed Hattie. “And I'll be sure to spread the news up at Dawkins Falls. I'm sure everyone will help out in whatever way they can.”
“That's just wonderful, Millie. We've just started and we're pleased as punch with the reception from everyone, so far. It seems everyone wants to chip in.”
“Well, everyone wants our valley to be a good place to live in. The Hall and Library will make it that much better.”
Millie saw Joshua and Mabel Owens enter and decided to chat with them for a bit.
“Good morning Mabel and Joshua. It's a fine morning, isn't it?”
“Yes, indeed.” Mabel smiled. “Have you heard the news?”
“About the Farmer's Hall and Library? Yes, I've just been talking about it with Hattie.” Millie replied.
“No. Not that. I was wondering if you'd heard about Joshua and Jacob. They're working on starting a hardware store.” Mabel patted her husbands arm. “Joshua has always wanted to own a hardware store.”
“Well, that is welcome news. Good for you, Joshua. Where will it be?” Millie asked.
“I made a deal to lease some of Fred and Hattie's land on the east side of this store. With the Farmer's Hall and Library across the street, it will make a little village, here in the valley.” Joshua smiled at the thought.
“Yes, indeed. This Valley is growing, and prospering, thanks to all you good folks who have joined us, here.” Fred said, joining the group. “You know, Bill Jefferson came in this morning and told me they're about ready to start casting kitchen woodstoves.”
“My goodness, we are progressing quickly. That's wonderful! So we won't have to buy them outside the valley, then?” Millie inquired.
“No. Unless you want something different than what they're making, that is.” Fred told her. “Come out back here and look at our stove. It's the same model Bill and the boys are making.”
Fred took them out back to have a look at it. Millie was pleased to note it was similar, though not identical, to the one in Lester and Erma.s kitchen.
“How soon before they'll have some for sale, Fred? Did Bill give any idea?” Millie asked.
“He said if all went well with the first castings they'd start taking orders next week sometime.” Fred replied.
“That's very good.” Millie said. “Once new houses get built, we'll need some of them. We have one available at the Falls, but that's not enough, obviously.”
“Knowing Bill Jefferson, as I do, there will be stoves available when folks need them.” Joshua assured her.
Erma decided to visit Jessie Bolton, down at the dairy. She knew Jessie was one of those people who are a magnet for information. Erma never understood why, but some people draw information to them like sugar draws flies. Edna Mae came with her, and, sure enough, Jessie had lots of information for them.
“Lots of plans are being made, Mrs. Dawkins.” Jessie exclaimed with her usual enthusiasm. Lars, Dolph and Doss are planning to set up a real butcher shop around the corner from the Farmer's Hall lot. It'll run the whole gamut of beef, pork, lamb, poultry and fish. Hams and sausages, liverwurst and bratwurst, as much as you could want. They've been talking with my Izzy about having a section of the place for dairy goods as well. Milk, cream, butter, goat's milk from Argyle and Clarissa, various cheeses, some yogurt, and anyone who has eggs to sell can bring them in to sell, if they want. It will be quite a place, by the sound of it.”
“Yes, it sounds great. Shorty and the Upton boys will have to speak with them, I.m sure.” Erma realized.
“What about wild game? Have you heard if they will be handling deer, elk, antelope and game birds?” Edna Mae asked.
“Oh, yes. Definitely. As it's available, of course.” Jessie replied. “Have you heard about the Farmer's Market, yet?”
“No, we haven't. Is someone planning one?” Erma asked.
“Dave and Sarah Morgan began the talk of it. Ed and Sam Parsons are helping plan it, too. Tom and Rachel Mixter have agreed to host it on a section of their land. Anyone wanting to have a space will pay a small rental fee to the Mixters for use of their land.” Jessie explained.
“Where is the Mixter.s land?” Erma inquired.
“It's just this side of Clarissa and Argyle's place. Do you know where that is?” Jessie asked.
“Oh yes. We know where their place is.” Edna Mae acknowledged. “I love their gazebo along the stream.”
“I do, too. At sunset, when the weather was warm this past summer, we could hear Argyle playing his banjo, or maybe a guitar, and he and Clarissa would sing together. It was really nice.” Jessie smiled as she remembered it.
“Shorty says Clarissa plays the harp. When she first saw Annie's harp, she asked if she could play it. Shorty says she was quite good. Wouldn't it be nice to hear her play a harp at the gazebo at sunset?” Edna Mae closed her eyes and pictured it in her mind's eye.
“Outdoor concerts!” Jessie exclaimed. “We'll have to have some outdoor concerts! Oh won't that be a treat! Mrs. Dawkins, you can play the piano. Annie and Clarissa can take turns on the harp. Evan, of course, can play his flute. I'll bet we could have quite a nice orchestra, what with all the talented musicians living in this valley.”
“Charlie and Mad Mountain on violin, of course, and Mr. Billington on the French horn.” Edna Mae joined in. “Doesn't George Wool play the trumpet?”
“Yes, and I believe Sally Weedon plays the clarinet.” Jessie chipped in. “Rev. Zeke, of course, can play his bass fiddle. And don't you still play the saxophone Edna Mae?”
“Yes. I still play it. We'll have a great time of it, I'm sure. Maybe we can get some singers together for a chorus.” Edna Mae was starting to get excited by the idea.
“Why don't the two of you plan on spear-heading the effort?” Erma suggested. “I'll certainly join in when it comes time, but I have too much going, right now, what with the Library being planned. I'll want to get together with Annie and some others about it. So much is happening! Isn't it wonderful?”
Jake had an idea, and went to visit George Wool. After a nice chat with him, he called the men together from the sawmill and the woodworking shop, the next afternoon. They all crowded into the woodworking shop to hear his thoughts.
“All right, everyone, just squeeze in here. There must be room for all of us. At least there was plenty of room for all of us when we built this place, just a short time ago.”
With difficulty they all found places to stand.
“This is what I wanted to talk about ….. Just look at how crowded this place is. Behind Will there is a stack of new window sash, and over there, behind Caleb are a half dozen new doors. If you'll turn around and look behind you, Lester, you'll see more windows stacked up, and a cabinet, or two, for someone's house that will be built soon. Right here, by me, are some bed frames, and Cap's standing next to a new kitchen table. Charlie's sitting on someone's new rocking chair, and Shorty's standing next to a new bureau.
"I'm not saying any of these things are bad. No, not at all; in fact they are good; they are signs of the progress we've been making. What I'm trying to point out is that this workshop, as big as it is, isn't big enough to be a storage place for all our finished goods. So, I've been thinking what to do about this problem, and yesterday I went over and had a chat with George Wool, and it seems he's got a similar problem at his workshop. We're all producing lots of good things, which will be needed, but we're running out of places to put them until they're needed.”
“Knowing you, Jake, you've got a few thoughts on what to do about it. Am I right?” Lester said.
“Well, Lester, I won't deny I've thought some on it, and I think I've come up with an interesting solution. Just hear me through on this, and let me know what you all think.
"When it first occurred to me that we didn't have enough storage space for everything we've been making, my first thought was simply to build a storage building. Simple enough to do once the weather improves. It was something Millie said which got me to thinking, though. Talking of the new hardware store Joshua Owens
was planning, she said Joshua mentioned the idea of a town center, where folks could conduct their business. Well, I thought that was a good idea. It struck me then that most of our stuff sitting here, our goods, which we've made, were meant to be purchased by folks in the valley, so why not have them as part of the town center, in a shop where folks could come and purchase them.
"As I was thinking of a new shop for our things, it occurred to me that Chuck and Edgar might want a place to sell their goods, though a place of their own might be stretching it a bit, still, the need would be there for them soon enough. Then I began thinking about Maggie and Jane and their pottery. Once we get them a workshop built, won't they need a place to sell their goods? Another thought popped into my mind, and I went to see George Wool. I asked him if he might be interested in having his guns and ammunition on sale at what I was thinking of as an Emporium. Well, he liked the idea, and he suggested maybe some of the ladies might want to sell some of their quilts, or sweaters, or what have you, in such a place.
"So, what I'm suggesting is to build a building down by the General Store, somewhere, as part of the new town center, for an Emporium where anyone can sell their handmade goods, of all types. No food, mind you. I think food should go through Fred and Hattie, or be sold at the Farmer's Market, when it starts.”
“Jake, old buddy, I like it. I like it a lot. Count me in.” Cap jumped in. “Damn, a nice place to buy everyone's goods sounds real nice.”
“Me, too.” Will joined in. “It makes sense. Lots of folks are making things and they'll need a means to sell them. Alice has been knitting some real nice sweaters, and I've been thinking I'll start making my hunting knives again. A place for Edgar and Chuck to sell their leather goods will be great. Same for Maggie and Jane's
pottery, once we get them set up. And all these woodworking projects gathering dust around here will have a place folks can look at them, and maybe purchase them. Yes, Jake, I'm all for it.”
“I'll chip in whatever time I can find to get it built, Jake, but I've committed myself to some time helping to build the Farmer's Hall.” Silas spoke up. “The Hall and Library come first, for me, but I'll definitely lend a hand when I can. It's a good idea. Maggie can sell some of her yarns she's been spinning, there. She'll like that, I'm sure. I've got a question, though. How will it be run? As a cooperative? Will we all spend a little time at the Emporium running it?”
“Well, Silas, I was thinking those who were interested in seeing it built would sit down and work out the details of just how it would work.” Jake replied. “I'm not wedded to any particular plan. I'm flexible. I figure there will be enough interest in the valley that we can make it work.”
“All right, Jake. I'm sure something can be worked out. Count me in.” Silas nodded his head and turned to look at the others. “So far there's Cap, Will, Jake and me. Anyone else interested?”
“I am, Silas.” John spoke up. “I think it's a good idea. Lots of people will benefit. And I like the idea of building up a Town center.”
“Count me in, Jake.” Caleb said. “I'm in the same position as Silas, though. I'm committed to the Farmer's Hall and Library, first off. I'll do what I can, though. And I'll chip in some silver, too.”
“I'm thinking that with all the help coming in June, the Hall can be built real quick, and then we can work on the Emporium and Joshua's Hardware Store.” Frenchie rubbed his chin a few times. “Yep, I'm in, Jake. Heck, Betty wouldn't speak to me if I didn't help out. She can sell her quilts at the Emporium.”
“Count me in, Jake.” Shorty said. “I'm not sure how much time I'll have, but I'll help out when I can. I'll add some to Caleb's silver, too.”
“That's a good point about the help coming, Frenchie. There will be lots of bodies around looking for things to do.” Jack Tuttle spoke up, which he didn't do very often. “Yes, I'll help out when I can.”
“I want to speak with Angus some more about the folks who are coming to help us in June before I commit any more of my time.” Lester admitted. “It's a good idea, but I don't want to commit myself, just yet, except to say I'll add to the silver collection. Put me down for five ounces worth.”
“I'll match that, Dad.” Charlie said. “I haven't any idea how busy I'll be come summer, except I know I'll be working on Will and Jamie's place, and the Mill will be very busy. Just how many of the folks who are coming to help will be good builders, is what I'm wondering?”
“They don't need to be, Charlie.” Jack stated. Charlie looked at him for an explanation. “If they can at least take our place doing chores and tending gardens and animals, it will free us up to do the building.”
Charlie thought about it for a moment. “I hadn't thought of it in that way, Jack. Thanks. It makes sense.”
Jake looked about at Jamie and Andre. “There has been nothing out of either of you two fellows. What say you? Are you interested or not?”
“I'm definitely interested.” Andre replied. “I'm just not sure how much I can do. At least not yet. I'll help out some, but I can't say how much, yet.”
“Yes, I'm pretty much in the same boat as Andre. I like the idea and I'll help out as I can, but I'm skittish about making any definite plans or commitments.” Jamie admitted.
“That's a fair and honest answer from both of you.” Jake nodded his appreciation. “Join us and help out if you can. If you can't, we sure do understand. We've all got lots of work ahead of us, that's for sure. I'm liking this valley a lot, though. Lots of good people here. Hard work never did bother me, as I know you all feel the same. I'll see if George can get together with us on Sunday, if it's all right with the rest of you, so we can begin making our plans.”
Chapter Four
The following day, Lester decided he wanted to speak to his brother. He had a suspicion that Angus was holding back information on the members of the network who were arriving in June. Something in the way he had said “some would stay longer” than a month made Lester wonder what he meant. He saddled his horse, told Erma where he was going, and rode down the way past the Mill.
It was a nice, sunny day for a ride, with the temperature already above freezing, though it was barely after dawn. A touch of Spring in the air, he thought to himself as he rode along. He saw smoke rising from chimneys about the valley, and he thought it good. Jared Higgins, Fred and Hattie's oldest boy, was outside chopping wood for the woodstove in the store, he saw. As he came closer to him, Lester called out a greeting.
“Good morning, Jared. It looks like we'll have some serious melting, today.”
“Good morning, Lester. Yes, it appears so. It's nice to see. Where are you headed?”
“I'm going to find Angus. I need to have a talk with him.” Lester confided.
“Very good. Tell him I said hello.” Jared replied and grabbed his maul.
“I will, Jared.”
Lester saw young Angus and Lester out feeding the hogs, as he approached his brother's place. “Good morning, boys. How are the hogs doing on such a fine day.”
“They're ornery as ever, Uncle Lester.” Lester smiled in greeting.
“That's hogs, for you. Ornery critters.” Lester chuckled. “Is your Dad at home?”
“Nope. He and Mr. Billington, and Evan, rode off a while back. He said they had something needed doing near the entrance to the valley, at the bottom of the big hill. That's where he said they'd be if we needed them.” Little Lester informed him.
“Well, I guess I'll go hunt them down, then. Tell your Mother I said hi, will you?”
“Yes, sir. We certainly will.” Angus replied. “Come on Lester. Let's get these hogs fed. We've got wood to lug into the house before we can have breakfast.”
“I'm coming. I'm coming. I'm hungry, too, you know.”
Lester turned his horse in the direction of the entrance to the Valley, wondering what Angus was up to. What could possibly need doing at the entrance to the valley? Well, he'd find out. It wasn't hard following the tracks the trio made. Not that they were trying to hide their tracks, but it was easy following their trail nevertheless. He caught sight of them when he reached the top of the hill. As he sat on his horse at the top of the hill, Lester saw Angus nailing something on a tree at the bottom of the hill, at the edge of the field. He decided to watch what the trio was doing. Bob held a piece of paper which he and Evan were looking at. Evan pointed off towards the east side of the field and Bob nodded, yes, whereupon Evan grabbed a piece of wood with some lettering on it, (which Lester could not read), and slogged through the snow and stopped at a big pine tree and, pulling a hammer and a nail out of a satchel he had wrapped around him, proceeded to nail the board to the tree. Meanwhile Angus had returned from nailing up his piece of wood and Bob was pointing at a spot further south, but on the west side of the field. Signs, Lester realized. They are putting up signs of some sort. But what sort, and why here? He hadn't any idea. He decided he wanted to find out, so he rode down the hill to meet them.
“Good morning, Bob.” Lester dismounted and tied his horse to a nearby bush. “It's a fine morning, don't you think?”
“Good morning, Lester. Yes, it is a fine morning. What brings you out here? Just out for a ride, or are you on a mission?”
“I guess you could say I'm on a mission, Bob. I've got a few questions for Angus, and seeing what you're doing here gives me a few more. So, Angus, what's this all about? Or is it none of my business?” Too-Tall joined the men and Evan was headed in their direction.
“Good morning to you, too, brother Lester.” Too-Tall grinned his mischievous grin. “We're staking claims. That's what we are doing.”
Lester bent over and picked up one of the signs. “Evy and Hannah” it read. He gave Angus a side-long look and picked up another. “Echo and Saucy” was written on it. A third read, “Patches and Buttercup”. He looked at Angus who was grinning broadly, as were Bob and Evan. A glimmer of understanding flashed into Lester's head.
“Circus clowns? The circus people are coming to live here? You are staking their claims. You said some of the Network people would stay longer than a month. How many are coming here to live?”
“You caught on faster than I thought you would, Lester.” Angus grinned a sly grin. “How many are coming here to live? Of the six hundred who are coming in June? All of them, eventually. This year, in the neighborhood of eighty.”
“Eighty!” Lester whistled between his teeth.
“They won't be living in the valley, though.” Bob jumped in.
“They'll be living outside the valley, at the entrance and further down the road.”
“Let me fill you in on the details.” Angus insisted. “When I said six hundred were coming to help us I meant it. Six hundred are coming in June for the sole purpose of helping us get established. Another three to four hundred are coming to get these people we are staking claims for set up with places to live and work.”
“We won't have near enough lumber, or windows, or doors, or anything, ready by then.” Lester exclaimed.
“Not to worry, Lester. They're bringing tons of supplies with them. Lumber, mortar and bricks, windows, doors, everything they will need, and then some, for building homes for those who will stay on.”
“In his letter Elias said they have over five hundred trucks and wagons lined up.” Bob gushed. “Can't you just picture five hundred trucks and wagons stretched out on the road up to here?”
“And leading the parade will be Papa Papadopolous with his calliope.” Angus roared with laughter. “Wait till you meet Papa. And Mama. They are incredible people. And their friends from the circus, too. A nicer bunch of people you will never meet. They're so alive, Lester. So full of life. Echo, Saucy, Patches, Buttercup, Freddie and
Minerva; all of them are wonderful, just wonderful.”
“They're not all from the circus, are they?” Lester questioned.
“Oh no. Only a small number. There are Elias and Fawn, Bull and Tilda, Ted and Matilda, of course, and Evy and Hannah Miller; they are brother and sister, not husband and wife. You'll find them interesting, I am sure. They are English, as is Evy's best friend, Basil Wingate. Evy and Basil have quite a story to tell. Very enlightening, but I'll let them tell it themselves.
"The folks who are coming are as varied as they are committed to living free lives, brother Lester. Farmers, carpenters, ranchers, chemists, storekeepers, musicians, miners; you name the occupation and there is probably someone who does it.”
“Why are they moving here? Why all of a sudden?” Lester wanted to understand.
“It's hard to say. Elias, Bull, Ted and I have talked a lot about establishing a community of freedom loving people, over the years. It's what I have been working for, as you well know. Maybe the Network is seeing the reality of it emerging, what with all you folks coming from Uptons Corners. Or maybe they just find it hard to live in the outside world. Maybe they are just fed up with the Government, and their taxes and rules.One thing 'i.s for certain, Elias wrote he made his decision to move here when he received my letter saying you folks were coming here.”
Lester picked up one of the signs from the pile and toyed with it as he considered everything Angus had said. He finally noticed what was written on it. “Happy Hallinan? Is he another circus clown?”
Angus smiled. “No, he is a fellow who is just happy by nature. He'll be building a big Inn over by the edge of the road. He will have some permanent lodgers, like Basil Wingate, Lionel LaBonte and Myrtle Rodgers. The rest of the rooms will be used by Network visitors.”
“Wow! You are throwing lots of names at me.” Lester exclaimed. “Let's get these signs put up and maybe you can tell me about them as we go.”
It took them three more hours to finish setting the signs in place. Throughout the process Lester learned more about the people who were coming to live near them. He learned that Elias, Bull, Basil Wingate, Evy Miller, Lionel LaBonte and Myrtle Rogers planned on building several very large greenhouses for growing vegetables,
fruits and herbs year „round. Mama and Papa Papadopolous, along with Echo and Saucy, and another former circus member, Ivar Najinsky, planned to raise sugar beets, both for making a sugar beet syrup, (called Zuckerrüben-Sirup in German), as a sugar replacement, and for feeding hogs, which two brothers, John and Bill Lofton planned to raise. Two brothers, Gunther and Adolph Schmidt, along with their grown sons and daughters, planned to have a small brewery and German Restaurant next to the Inn.
Freddie Gatto, and his wife, Minerva, had learned glass-making and planned to have a studio for their glasswork. Patches would be raising llamas, Lester learned. He and Buttercup, his wife, would then weave their wool into blankets. Vladimir Boesky, who had been the animal trainer in the circus, was currently raising sheep dogs and hunting dogs of several breeds. He would continue with his work when he arrived. Jackson Rivers, who was coming from Colorado, enjoyed woodworking. He had learned the almost lost art of a wheelwright. His craft would be welcome, Lester decided. Wheels for wagons wore out, and would need replacement. Plus, Lester had it in his mind to start making carriages and wagons. A source of wheels would be welcome.
Gilbert Perrault and his cousin, Louis Robillard planned on a combination print shop and used bookstore. Basil Wingate and Evy (Evelyn) Miller wrote books on gardening and horticulture, which they printed and sold through a friend's place in Denver. Guy Francq and his wife, Peg, were cattle ranchers. They wanted land down by the river. With their three sons and two daughters, along with eight ranch hands, they were planning on a big operation.
“Tom Conte is a gunsmith, which will take some of the load off George Wool.” Angus told him, as he nailed Tom's sign to a tree. Another interesting bunch is the Killin clan. Hamish and Calan are two brothers who came over to America from Scotland, together with their cousin, Sheiling. They've all got a whole passel of children, and they all are stonemasons and bricklayers.”
“That will be good having some stonemasons around.” Lester liked the thought. “I always did like a big stone fireplace.”
On his way home, Lester stopped by the Mill and asked Cap, Jake, Shorty and Charlie to come over to the main house after dinner. Rather than call a general meeting, he thought he would have a bull session with a few of the Dawkins Falls group. Erma, Millie, Julia and Jane would round out the group. Rather than spending the afternoon at the Mill, he decided to spend some time thinking, which he sometimes did.
After a light lunch, he announced, “I'll be doing some thinking, Erma.”
Erma knew what to expect and let the other ladies know to leave Lester to his thoughts. “You don't need to worry about making noise. Just don't talk to him. He will light his pipe and sit in his chair and be oblivious to everything around him.”
Once Lester had his pipe lit and was comfortably ensconced in his chair, he began thinking. His thoughts roamed far and wide, but everything was peripherally involved in how he, his family, and his Clan, indeed the valley folk as well as the new folk who were about to move to new homes just outside the valley, could live and prosper, help one another, and enjoy one another. What differences would the new folks have on their life in the valley? He had no doubt of their commitment to living in freedom. That was not a concern for him. He trusted Angus' judgment on that issue. His thoughts were on the opportunities and challenges presented by the numbers of future newcomers. Six hundred! That was more than double the number in the valley at present.
The Mill will be plenty busy for the foreseeable future. Of that he was sure. Everyone involved in the Mill would have plenty of work for a long time. Unless one of the newcomers decided to start a sawmill, of course. Everyone at Dawkins Falls, save for Edgar and Chuck, worked at least part-time at the Mill, so his small clan was
basically provided for. Edgar and Chuck were doing very well with their leatherwork, with orders coming in daily, it seemed, for boots, harnesses, gloves, shoes, vests and belts. The Upton boys would do well, he felt, with Angus. herd of cattle. By working part-time at the Mill, they would have a steady stream of income to buttress the income from ranching. They would need some horses, though. He'd have to speak with them. He would offer them help if they were tight on money to purchase them.
Caleb and Jack were set, he felt, what with helping him, Cap and Jake, by hauling the timber to the Mill. Caleb also planned on brewing his brown ale, which would give him something extra. Of course they both worked in the workshop, with most of the fellows at the Mill, though Jamie, John and Will might not get involved much.
Shorty's idea to raise sheep was a good one, he decided. He would do well selling wool, lamb and mutton. Long term, adding fruit was also a good idea. With his work at the Mill, and Maggie and Jane with their pottery, things looked good for everyone at the Falls.
Molly had her herbs, of course. She was teaching Celia and Katie, who were becoming a big help to her. Their work was very valuable to them all. Edna Mae and Alice had really taken to spinning and weaving. Charlie had made them each a simple loom, though by the look of it he'd soon have to build a large floor model, to satisfy their long term plans of making rugs.
Julia and Millie were question marks for him. Both of them were financially set for life and didn't need employment. He liked them both, and as far as he was concerned they were family and welcome to live on in his house. But what did they want to do? All he knew was that Millie had mentioned she and Julia might help out at the Library, once it was open. Maybe Erma had an idea. Regardless, he would have to find out from somewhere. Erma, he knew, planned to be active with the Library. She also planned to make herself available, often, for baby-sitting the grandchildren. Erma was a proud grandmother and nothing could stop her from seeing the grandchildren often.
Now it was time to finalize his own plans, Lester knew. He knew he didn't plan on working in the woods for more than five more years. Old age was creeping up on him. He was fifty, now. Five more years would be his limit, he decided. He might even start easing off in two or three more years. Cap was a year younger than him, and Jake three. In a few years the load would shift to younger men; Shorty, Caleb, Jack, or maybe Andre. Someone will fill the need. It always happens.
What to do, then? Yes, you plan on raising some horses and having a vegetable garden, but will that be it? Don't you want a challenge? Isn't that your way? You were thinking about making wagons or carriages, well, why not? Not right away, of course, but as something to work towards. Charlie talked a while back about doing it someday. And maybe Shorty would be interested, too. Or Cap, or Jake. Who knows, maybe Angus might find it interesting?
Then, again, there would be things that needed doing around the Falls. Charlie, or Shorty, or even Caleb or Jack, might need a little assistance, now and again. John, Jamie and Will, too. Without any new projects, he would have plenty of time for the grandchildren, too. All the children at Dawkins Falls he considered his grandchildren, though not all were biologically his. The same held true for Erma, Cap, Jake, Millie and Julia. All of us from the older generation are grandparents to all the children. They are all our family. Admit it, Lester, you and Erma had always wanted a large family. It hadn't worked out that way. Until now. Millie had always wanted children, too, but she was denied them.
A thought flashed into Lester's mind which made him sit bolt upright. Where it came from he didn't know, but he instantly found it intriguing. A horse drawn trolley car! Wow! Wouldn't that be a project! Why not? The valley is growing, and with the newcomers arriving and living just outside the valley a trolley car could be useful. Couldn't it? If not truly useful, it could at least be fun. Damn! I like the idea, he decided. Cap and Jake would probably think he was crazy, at first blush, but he bet they'd give him a hand, in the end. Shorty and Charlie would laugh, then join in, he was sure. This could be fun, he realized. Damn! This could be a lot of fun. Angus is going to like this, too.
He jumped out of his chair and found Erma. On his face was a smirk.
“Lester Dawkins, you are up to something.” She smiled at him. “I can always tell you.re planning a new adventure when you have that look on your face. Tell me about it.”
“You are a jewel, my dear. An absolute jewel. Where did I ever find you?” He gave her a hug. “I have decided to build a horse drawn trolley car, my dear.”
“A horse drawn trolley car.” She thought about it as she repeated it. “Lester, that sounds like fun. Millie, Julia, Jane! Lester is going to build a trolley car. A horse drawn trolley car. Won't that be great? We can ride around the valley together and wave at all our friends.”
“Good grief, Lester! What made you decide to do that?” Millie exclaimed.
“It just popped into my head.” He admitted.
“Just like all your adventures.” Erma said as she tussled his hair, playfully. “You and Shorty come up with some of the wildest ideas, but they are always great fun.”
“I will help in any way I can, Mr. D.” Jane offered. “I think it is a great idea.”
“I'll make seat cushions.” Julia proclaimed.
“I'll help you, Julia.” Millie offered.
“When do we start?” Erma asked.
“Um, …. well,… I hadn't thought about it.” Lester saw he couldn't back away from it. The ladies were excited about the idea. “Cap, Jake, Charlie and Shorty are coming over after dinner. We can start planning then.”
Shorty burst out in hearty laughter, at hearing the news, and Charlie chuckled to himself, as Lester had anticipated. Cap was scowling, which didn't surprise him. Jake seemed surprised by the news.
“Why?” Jake asked. “I mean, why now? Haven't we got enough to do already? Oh, I will admit it sounds interesting. It could be a lot of fun, even, but why now?”
“Why not?” Shorty answered. “We are doing fine, since moving here. We 'have worked hard, and we will continue to work hard, making things better, step by step. Why shouldn't we do something just because we want to? I'm with you, Dad. I think it will be fun.”
“The look on your face tells me you don't approve, Cap.” Lester watched his friend, as he collected his thoughts.
“I can't say as I do, Lester.” Cap responded. “We've known each other a long time, and I.ve always found your adventurous spirit to be refreshing, but once in a while, (not very often, I admit), it seems to be out of place. I think this is one of those times. I'll tell you why. We've got six hundred good people coming here, soon, to give us some needed help. Why do we need help, I ask, if we have time to be building trolley cars, just for the fun of it? Would you have considered the idea if you weren't expecting them to help?”
“Most likely not, Cap. To be honest.” Lester admitted. “If I had thought of it in that context I most likely would have dismissed the idea as just a crazy notion. In truth, when it popped into my head, I was thinking of it as a long term project. It didn't dawn on me to do it now. When I told Erma of my idea, I was expecting her to give me that cute smile she gives me every time I consider an adventure, and let it go at that. She surprised me, though. She got excited about it. Then Jane, Millie and Julia joined in with enthusiasm, offering to help out. They were all eager to get started on it, soon.”
“That's true, Cap.” Erma spoke up. “Personally, I think it is a delightful idea. It is something for the whole valley to enjoy and be proud of. We've been working hard ever since we arrived in this valley, doing those things that need to be done to get settled in, and we will continue working hard, but there is nothing wrong, in my opinion, with a little pleasurable diversion. At dinner we were talking about how we hope to get other folks in the valley involved in the trolley project. For instance, we thought of asking Argyle to design it for us. I'm sure we will need the help of Bill Jefferson, or someone in the Owens compound to make some of the parts for it, too. To me, at least, the trolley project is like the Library and the Farmer's Hall; something meant for the whole valley to use and enjoy.”
“But what about the folks coming to help us?” Cap returned to his original objection. “I can't get past what they are giving up to come help us out. Won't they feel they are being used, to a certain extent? They give of their time, and most likely a fair expense, while we play with trolleys?”
“Cap, can I add something here?” Charlie spoke up. Cap nodded, yes. “I don't see any difference between the trolley idea and the Farmer's Hall, or the Library. We don't need a Farmer's Hall. It is something we want, because it will be a place to get together; to be a community. And we don't need a Library. We've been making do without one, albeit in a clumsy manner. Again, it is something we want.
"A thought occurred to me, as I was listening. We are going to need a place to build this trolley, aren't we? And Will and the boys will be needing a barn, as will Shorty. Well, why not use a section of one of the barns for the trolley? At least until the bad weather comes, again.”
“I hadn't considered how the Farmer's Hall is really a want, not a need, Charlie. You make a good point.” Cap conceded. “For that matter, we have everything we really need, already. Everything from here on out is pretty much a want, I reckon. But, I still think the trolley is a bit frivolous, so I'll spend my time on the Farmer's Hall and Jake's Emporium.”
“That is fine, Cap. There is plenty to do, and we all have our priorities. As a matter of fact, that is what I originally wanted to talk to everyone about: priorities.” Lester paused to collect his thoughts.“We've talked to others, and we have talked amongst ourselves, since learning of the help that is coming in June. Where are we, right now, and where are we headed? What directions are we going in? Who wants to get involved with what? What changes to our earlier plan should we make? Let me tell you what I learned today from Angus, and then the rest of you can tell anything new you have learned. Afterwards we'll talk about what it all means to our plans.”
Lester quickly told them of the Inn, the greenhouses, the brewery and restaurant, and of the plans for sugar beets and syrup, and the kennel and glass-blowing shop. He smiled when he told them of the llamas and the blanket weaving. The print shop/used bookstore drew interest when he mentioned it, and Charlie raised his eyebrows when Lester mentioned the Francq.s cattle ranch.
“That's quite an assortment of people and occupations.” Julia quipped when Lester had finished. “They will be welcome, I.m sure.”
“Will and the boys will be facing a little competition, I guess.” Charlie noted. “There's nothing wrong with competition, though.”
“Yes, and Shorty will be up against some competition with his fruits.” Lester pointed out.
“One thing is for sure, it will be busy around here come June.” Jake pointed out.
“There will be over a thousand people here!” Jane exclaimed.
“That is true, Jane, and Angus intimated he expected more. Something in Elias. letter made him think more people might be coming from the network.” Lester explained.
“It's amazing how my visit here, to find Uncle Too-Tall, has snow-balled into so much activity.” Shorty shook his head in disbelief.
“Well, Caleb has always said interesting things happen around you Dawkins folk.” Jake grinned. “I tend to agree with him.”
After some discussion, they agreed to keep their plan pretty much the same, adding only a barn for Shorty, where the trolley could be worked on. One difficulty they encountered when establishing their plan was the lack of knowledge as to how many workers, and of what type, they would have available. Given that unknown variable, if plenty of help were available, they would divert some to the Farmer's Hall or Jake's Emporium.
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