The card players threw down their cards and one gathered money.
Karpinski was first up to help. “Is he conscious?”
“Yeah, but he thinks his leg is broken. Kid’s sounds scared half to death.”
“We can get rope from the supply shed. Go talk to calm him and we’ll be along soon enough.”
Finn hurried back to the opening. How could Mick have stumbled in?
“Mick, some o’ the men are getting rope and tools to get you out. Stay calm, lad.”
“Hurry, I’m hurtin’ bad, man.”
“They’re coming. Don’t try to move.”
The sound of feet pounding caused Finn to turn. “They’re here, Mick. We’ll have you out in no time.”
Aleski lit a lantern and tied a rope around the handle. “I’ll lower the light so we can see what we’re up against.”
When he’d dropped the lamp down the hole, Aleski raised his head and exchanged a look with Finn. “We have a difficult job ahead of us.”
Finn stared at the pinpoint of light on the narrow ledge twenty feet below. A few inches to the left and Mick would have fallen at least into inky blackness. Finn took up another length of rope and made a loop.
Lying on his stomach, he peered into the hole. “Put the loop I’m lowering around you under your arms and we’ll pull you up.”
Mick reached for the loop and missed. He nearly fell off the ledge. As the loop swung by, he grabbed the line. Within seconds he had pulled it over his head and shoulders and secured it under his arms.
“I’m ready. Don’t drop the rope.”
Finn guided the line as three men behind him hauled the young man to the top. Finn grasped his shoulders and pulled him free. He lay on the ground and rolled away from the gaping maw that had almost cost him his life.
Aleski raised the lantern. “Say, Irish, guess you’ll learn to look where you’re going in the future.”
“The hole was covered with dirt on a tarp. When I put my foot down, the tarp gave way and I fell.”
Aleski gave a derisive grunt. “You must be mistaken. Why would anyone do such a thing?”
Mick’s voice quavered. “I’m telling the truth.”
Finn lowered the light again. “The boy’s right. I see a piece o’ canvas on the ledge.”
Aleski and a couple of the men joined Finn in peering into the pit.
The big Pole pushed against his knees then unbent his large frame to stand away from the gaping hole. “That’s a devil of a thing to do. And where’s the pole and flag meant to keep such from happening?”
One of his friends pointed to the ground. “Here’s where the pole stood. See the hole? It’s been removed on purpose.”
Finn helped Mick to his good foot and held him upright. “Is there an infirmary or hospital in Lignite?”
Aleski supported Mick’s other arm over his shoulder. “Doctor comes from Spencer but there’s a sick ward west of the longhouse.”
Together they half-carried the young Irishman to a place where he could rest and await the doctor. The small building housed four bunks, two of which were occupied. Finn and Aleski lowered Mick to a bed and tried to make him as comfortable as possible.
Aleski said, “Sorry I doubted you, Gallagher. I’ll walk to Spencer and rouse the doctor.”
When the Pole had gone, Finn pulled a chair near the younger man’s bed. “Can you think who would set such a trap for the unwary?”
“Whoever is causing the trouble. I don’t know if the problem is from those who want a union or against Farland. Too many things have been happening for coincidence.”
He poured a glass of water and brought it to Mick. “This was downright evil and intended to kill. Although you don’t feel it now, you’re lucky you hit the ledge. ‘Twas a long way to the bottom and you’d be dead by now.”
“You’re right, I don’t feel lucky. I lost most of me scrip and now I’m laid up and can’t earn more.”
“Sure and I’m that sorry. Try to stay calm and rest until the doctor comes. Now I’d best learn if other holes have been covered as traps. I’ll check on you tomorrow.”
Finn headed to the Clayton home. Wondering if James was still sitting with Stella, he rapped on the door. When Lance answered, he asked to speak to his father.
Council stepped to the doorway. Finn gestured him outside and explained what had happened. “Do you know where other vent holes are located?”
“That I do. They’re marked by poles with a flag attached. Follow me.” He strode off.
Finn hurried beside him. “The pole and flag had been removed from the hole where Mick through. Likely the same is true o’ the others.”
They located the three other openings, each of which was covered by canvas on which dirt had been spread to camouflage the deceit. The pole and flag for each had been tossed to the side. Council yanked each covering off. At each place, Council replaced the four-foot high marker with a yellow flag attached.
By the third time, Council’s anger appeared to have gone from simmer to rage. “If I discover who did this, I swear I’ll wring his neck then throw him down one of these holes.”
“I understand how you feel. Poor Mick Gallagher will be off work for a long time.”
“He’s fortunate to be alive.” Council let the way back toward his home.
Finn noted James walking toward the bunkhouse. “Sure and didn’t I tell him the same? He doesn’t feel lucky right now. He’s in a lot of pain. I hope you’ll report this to the owner.”
Council appeared grim in the oncoming dusk. “Yes, I don’t know that he can do anything more than pay the doctor to set the boy’s leg. And he’ll probably charge Gallagher for that. He’s not…um, not the most considerate man. Since this will slow his schedule, he’ll be angry.”
“He’ll not take this out on you, will he? ‘Tis not your fault.”
“Ah, but he’ll want to blame someone. Sometimes that’s the messenger.”
“Well, I’ll see you in the mornin’.” Finn stuffed his hands in his pockets and strolled in the direction of the bunkhouse deep in thought.
Who would gain by causin’ death and accidents in Lignite? How was he supposed to ferret out the truth? He was almost positive Council and Aleski were innocent. On the other hand, a clever man would appear so, wouldn’t he?
Chapter Five
Monday afternoon, Stella trudged beside her sister after a difficult day teaching. Another of her students, fourteen-year-old Peter Swensen, had quit to follow his father and older brother into the mine. In her head, she knew the world required lignite coal for fuel. At the same time, her heart broke at the thought of another boy leaving school for a future of backbreaking labor with little reward and usually a shortened life span.
As they walked, Nettie asked, “Did you know the man who was injured yesterday?”
“No, did you?”
“I heard he lives in the same longhouse as James Llewellyn and Finn O’Neill, but I can’t place him. Perhaps if we saw him we’d recognize him."
“Mama’s probably been to see the poor man today.” Stella admired the compassion their sweet mother displayed for those less fortunate.
Once again, she vowed to do everything in her power to keep Lance from joining their father in the mine. Lance was intelligent and somewhat sensitive. His physique was on the smallish side. She loved him and fought to protect him. He belonged in university studying to be a doctor or lawyer or something else that would benefit mankind.
Nettie glanced at her. “What are you going to do about Mr. Llewellyn? He’s quite smitten with you. I thought he’d punch Mr. O’Neill when he saw him in our parlor.”
Stella shrugged. “There’s nothing to be done. Although I’ve never been openly rude to the man, I’ve done nothing to encourage him, nor will I. You know very well my view about miners.”
“Yes, but I want a home and a family some day, don’t you?”
“Of course, but not with a miner. We’re going to take the state teacher�
�s exam so we can get jobs as real teachers with pay. Not much of a salary, I’ll admit, but we’ll be treated with respect and meet men in an ordinary community.”
They were treated with respect by most of the mining community now. Even though there was no value placed on education in this town, people appeared to look up to anyone who could teach reading and writing. She wished more miners sent their children to school. The miners apparently believed there was no point in learning things not needed for work. And every man they knew was a miner.
Nettie sighed dreamily. “I hope we can manage a post for the coming school year. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
“Heavenly. Too early to submit applications now. In April or May, we can send letters.”
“Poor Mama. She’ll hate losing both of us at the same time.”
“Both leaving the same week is unlikely, but I know she’ll miss us and we’ll miss her and Papa and Lance. I hope we get a post close enough to visit. Either way, that will mean she and Papa will have more money with two less to feed and clothe and more time for one another.”
“For one another?” Nettie lowered her voice. “You don’t think they still…, you know, do you? I mean, Lance is sixteen so surely not.”
Stella gasped and punched her sister’s arm. “Nettie Sue Clayton. You do think of the most astonishing things.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve never wondered the same thing.”
Stella giggled. “What if I have? Mama is thirty-eight. That’s the same age as Mrs. Miller who just had another baby.”
Nettie’s eyes widened and she grabbed her sister’s arm. “You don’t think Mama would have another child, do you? That would be awful.”
“Oh, I hope she doesn’t. I’m only saying people of that age must still…you know, or Mrs. Miller wouldn’t have a new little boy.”
“To go with the nine she already had. Where do they all eat and sleep?” After a few more steps, Nettie asked, “Do you ever wonder what being with a man would be like?”
“Sometimes. Don’t you?”
“Lots of times. But I haven’t met anyone who strikes my fancy. Not like you and Mr. O’Neill. You look at one another a little bit like Mama and Papa do.”
Stella concealed her surprise. She had sensed a connection with him, but suspected he was merely flirting. Certainly she had no intention of betraying her interest. “Nonsense, you’re letting your romantic nature run away imaging things. He’s a miner and I’ll never consider a miner as a husband.”
“No, I watched both of you Sunday. The look on your faces was as if an invisible cord stretched between you. I hope that happens to me someday.”
If her sister had noticed, perhaps the handsome Irishman truly was interested in her. A shiver of anticipation shot through her. He was a miner, so she didn’t want to feel this way about him.
“Nettie, you are impossible. How you come up with these ideas I’ll never understand. You should be writing those fanciful novels we read.”
“Maybe I’ll write one about a sister who gazes longingly at a handsome miner while denying she cares about him.” With a laugh, she twirled away and out of pinching distance.
Stella called, “Stop right now or you’ll find pebbles in your side of the bed tonight. Of course, as deeply as you sleep rocks wouldn’t bother you.”
Both girls were laughing as they reached their home.
Inside they found Lance sitting in the kitchen nursing a black eye and busted mouth.
Stella put her books down and hurried to her brother. “What happened to you?”
“Nothing.” He turned away.
Mama met her gaze. “He won’t say. Tore his best shirt too.” Her mother’s expression clearly conveyed worry.
Stella mouthed “You try” to her sister.
Nettie nodded. Her gentle ways often pried details out of their brother.
“Mama, I need your help with that dress I’ve been altering.” Stella led her mother to the other part of the house.
She and her mother stayed in the girls’ bedroom until she heard the front door slam.
Nettie slipped into the room. “He wouldn’t say anything except that someone accused Papa of something he didn’t do. I suspect this has to do with what Papa mentioned the other day after the cave in.”
Mama wiped away a tear with her apron. “I’m so tired of these accusations.”
Stella clasped her mother’s hand. “Plural, Mama? Who’s accusing Papa of anything?”
Their mother sat on the bed. “Did I say that? I must be upset.” She peered down as she pleated her apron in her hands.
Sitting beside Mama, Stella gently lifted her mother’s chin so their eyes met. “Explain, please. We aren’t babies. You should tell us.”
“I didn’t want to worry you, but some people are accusing your father of causing the so-called accidents that have plagued the mine lately.”
Nettie gasped. “That’s ridiculous. Papa would never hurt anyone.”
Mama nodded. “Don’t you think I know that? But someone wants him to take the blame. He can’t figure out who or why.” She told them about the false covers on the vents.
Stella slid her arm around her mother’s shoulders. “So that’s why that young man fell yesterday and what Papa meant about the cave in not being an accident. But surely Mr. O’Neill doesn’t agree or he wouldn’t have come to get Papa last night.”
“I suppose not, but who can say? When meanness like this starts, no one knows who to trust. Such goings on demoralize workers. Last week Juan Huerta refused to go down into the mine with Papa. Mr. O’Neill traded with Huerta and that’s why he’s on Papa’s crew now.”
Stella wondered who put Mr. Huerta up to wanting off the crew. Surely not Mr. O’Neill? No, she wouldn’t consider him doing so unless she had proof.
She tugged on her mother’s hand. “Why don’t you go lie down and Nettie and I will finish supper?”
Her mother rose. “I need to stay busy or I’ll worry even more. I’ve been a miner’s wife for a quarter century and this is the first time I’ve had the fear of evil among us.”
“Even when there were strikes back home?” Nettie asked.
Her mother touched each girl’s face. “Home? Do you girls still think of England as home?”
The sisters exchanged worried glances.
Stella said, “No, Texas is my home.”
“Me, too, Mama. I only meant our other home. Just a figure of speech.” Nettie appeared ready to cry.
“You’re good girls. Stella, perhaps you’d go find your brother and see he’s all right. I’d hate for him to get into more trouble.”
“I will. And then I’ll box his ears for worrying you.” She made a comical face and stood like a prizefighter.
Her silliness brought the desired smile to her mother’s face. “Go on with you.”
Stella left her home and peered around the town. The rows of small company-furnished homes had small dirt-packed yards. A few had straggly flowers planted near the door. More had small garden patches in back.
She missed the English gardens abundant with colorful blooms. She, Mama, and Nettie had tried to recreate one here. The weather was so different that many of the seeds they’d brought didn’t do well. They’d been able to trade with neighbors, though, and even the small sampling of flowers at her home brought her pleasure.
Children played in the dirt street or front yards, but she didn’t spot her brother. She strolled up and down the hill, searching for Lance. She spotted one of his friends but wouldn’t embarrass her brother by asking about him.
After searching until she couldn’t think where else to look, she met her father and Mr. O’Neill leaving the mine with other men as the night crew went inside. How odd it would be to work all night and try to sleep in the day. She supposed with the mine dark as pitch, once inside there was no difference. But sleeping in daytime with all the noise must be hard.
She walked to meet her father. “Hello, Papa.”
“
And what are you doing out at this time of day? Don’t tell me your brother has gone off again?”
“Okay, I won’t tell you.” She looped her arm with his.
He pulled away. “Careful, dear, you’ll soil your dress.”
Mr. O’Neill walked beside her. “Shall I look for the lad?”
“Would you? I know he’s embarrassed when I search for him. I don’t want to add to his problems.”
Papa asked, “What other problems?”
Instantly she regretted her choice of words. “I’ll let Mama tell you.”
He grabbed her shoulder and turned her toward him. “Tell me now, Stella Grace.”
Heaving a sigh, she met her father’s gaze. “He was in a fight but wouldn’t explain. When Nettie tried to get him to talk, he rushed out of the house.”
His face taught with anger and fatigue, Papa said, “More accusations, I suppose. You might as well know, there’s talk I’m behind the so-called accidents that aren’t accidental.”
She touched his arm, hoping to reassure her father. “But we know they’re lies, Papa. You would never do anything to hurt another person.”
Some of the tenseness left his face. “Doesn’t help your brother. Rumor says that’s why he doesn’t go into the mine, because I won’t let him since I cause the problems. Has to be hard on the boy.”
Mr. O’Neill clapped her father on the shoulder. “I’ll find him and see if he’ll talk to me. If not, at least I can send him home to you.”
“Thanks, O’Neill. I appreciate your help.”
Stella watched the handsome man she thought of as Finn even though she called him Mr. O’Neill. He strode swiftly to the wash area.
Her father caught her staring. “He’s a good man. Sure glad he’s here.”
“Let’s get you home, Papa, so you can rest until supper.” She wished she’d invited Finn to eat with them. If he walked home with Lance, she would. If he even found Lance. If Lance would come home.
Chapter Six
Finn washed up as well as he could without bathing. He strolled across the town, back and forth. He’d almost given up finding the lad when he saw a hunched figure seated on a rock high on a ledge overlooking the company store.
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