Three of Aleski’s fierce-looking card-playing companions joined him. Crew members Ivan Gretsky and Ulys Young came to stand with them. Soot, ash, and sweat stained their faces.
Ulys shouted, “O’Neill speaks the truth. He and Miss Clayton passed by my house carrying nothing and returned the same way a short time later. They were walking proper and doing nothing they shouldn’t. Think, men. If you were walking with a woman as beautiful as the teacher, would you have destruction on your mind?”
A couple of the men chuckled. Others hooted and sent knowing looks Finn’s way. He didn’t like the inference, but he wasn’t arguing if the mob quieted and left them alone.
The first man glared at him. “Someone started that fire.”
Finn met his gaze. “You’re right, but it wasn’t me and it wasn’t Miss Clayton or her father here. You need to look elsewhere.”
The second man touched the arm of the first. “Guess we got carried away. Come on, Sylvester.”
People turned their focus back to the fire and left Finn and Council with their defenders.
“Thank you. You’ve made me proud and humbled with your show of support.” Council shook each man’s hand.
Finn looked each man in the face by turn as he shook his hand. “Thank you. You saved our necks. ‘Tis proud I am to know you.”
By midnight, the men dispersed while firemen continued to battle the blaze. Finn and his longhouse mates went to bed. He wondered where James had been. He appeared only as dirty as he had before they rushed out earlier.
Saturday morning, they learned the fire had burned for hours, but firemen prevented it reaching the explosives or spreading to other buildings. Smoke still drifted upward from the charred wood. Firemen stood guard, monitoring the site and watching for hot spots reigniting.
Finn followed his crew mates into the mine. The short night left him tired, but he worked as hard as his muscles allowed. This first day of October, he wanted to get a good start on this month’s bonus.
Although he hoped he wouldn’t be here all month, he couldn’t say he’d solved anything. All he’d done was cross off a few names. Farland would want more, especially now that his store had burned.
At the noon break, Finn pulled off a chunk of his bread. “Thanks again for supporting me last night. Your defense meant a lot to me and probably saved my neck.”
Council nodded. “Same goes for me, but double because my daughter was mentioned. I’ve heard the rumors about my involvement in the accidents here. I hope you know those are lies. Those of you with children can understand how upset I was to hear my daughter’s name mentioned because of me.”
Aleski clapped Council on the back. “We know the rumors aren’t true. We’ve been with you when the cave ins happened. We’d know if you had caused them.”
Council put away his lunch remains. “Then let’s get to work and win the October bonus.”
When they left work at six, a small man with thinning brown hair stood waiting. He singled out Finn. “Mr. Farland wants to talk to you about last night’s fire.”
Council asked, “Shall I come with you?”
The man shook his head. “Only O’Neill.”
“Thanks. I’ve done nothing wrong and I’ll see him on my own.” Finn met Council’s gaze. “If you hear I’m in jail, though, I’d appreciate you speaking up for me.”
Finn followed the man who hadn’t bothered to introduce himself. When they climbed to the top of the hill, they entered the mine offices. They stopped in front of a door with Farland’s name in large gold letters.
After knocking, Finn went inside and closed the door behind him. He braced himself for the chewing out he figured was coming.
Farland glanced up from his desk. “What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I’ve nothing to say except ‘tis sorry I am your store burned.”
The man leaned back in his chair. “I heard you might have set the blaze.”
“You know that isn’t true, but I was accused last night until my mates defended me.”
“I hired you to find out who’s causing this trouble. Instead of doing what you were tasked with, more trouble has come. Explain yourself.”
Finn nodded. “I’ve tried to find who’s guilty. I’ve crossed several men off the list, but haven’t found the guilty one.”
“Who’ve you crossed off?”
“Council Clayton and Aleski Karpinski and Darius Hartford are not involved. Although Hartford talks up the union whenever anyone will listen, he wouldn’t cause trouble.”
“Didn’t know about Hartford. Don’t want unions messing with my mine.”
“You have a problem then.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“You aren’t being fair to the men and their families. Prices at the store are too high. They can’t go elsewhere, so are forced to hand over their scrip.”
The owner’s face turned red. “You have a nerve. I make an effort to have something of everything in that store. Not that it makes any difference now that it’s destroyed.”
Finn shrugged and continued to meet Farland’s eyes. “You asked.”
Farland appeared to calm slightly. “So I did. What about Swensen?”
“I don’t like the man or his sons, but haven’t been able to find out much about him.”
“You’re too cozy with Clayton. Heard you’re seeing his daughter.”
“And if I am?”
“Nothing, just seems you need to be spending all your effort finding out who’s causing this trouble.”
“Someone had covered the vent holes with tarp and shoveled dirt on them and removed the warning poles. At night, you couldn’t tell they were there and a young man from my bunk…longhouse stepped through one. He could o’ died, and his leg is broken.”
Farland gave a dismissive wave. “I know about Gallagher’s leg. Didn’t know about the tarp though. Another incident to worry me.”
“Clayton helped me find the other vent holes. His reaction was genuine disgust that anyone would be so evil.”
“Harrumph, you’re sweet on his daughter, so of course you’d say that. We’ll see how you like working for Swensen. His crew can use a boost. Never come close to the output of Clayton’s crew.”
Finn was distressed by the news, but he’d hired on to do a job he’d yet to accomplish. “Clayton works harder than anyone on his crew even though we’re younger. We all work harder trying to match him. But whatever you say.”
“Damn right what I say goes. Monday, you report to Swensen. I’ve my hands full with the store burning.” He tugged at his ridiculous mustache. “What am I to do?”
“Mayhap you can make arrangements with the stores in Spencer to take the scrip and you could promise to redeem the paper until the store is rebuilt.”
Farland frowned and curled the ends of his mustache. “I’ll lose a lot of money.”
Finn was disgusted by the selfish man not considering the many people in his town. “Miners and their families have to eat. How else will they be able to buy what they need to survive?”
Farland pointed at him. “You’d better come through fast, O’Neill. Otherwise, you’re out of here and I’ll tell Uncle Victor to forget helping you buy that ranch.”
“Yes, sir.” Finn left the office and trudged down the hill to the longhouse. His dressing down had probably caused him to miss dinner. He hoped James had another spare apple.
Chapter Ten
Stella took special care getting dressed for church. She had only three dresses, and her best was a green foulard with lace at the throat. The ribbon Finn had given her matched the shade. She knew the garment’s color complimented her hair and skin.
Would he still come to walk her to church? Her pulse raced at the memory of his kiss. She touched her lips, reliving the touch of Finn’s mouth on hers.
“You’re daydreaming again.” Nettie nudged her.
She turned to face her sister. “What if I am?”
“I’m glad you hav
e a beau, Stella. You deserve special treatment.”
“No more than you. But I was just wondering if he’d really show up to walk me to church. Words are easy. Actions are harder.”
A rap on the front door sent her rushing. Lance beat her there and invited Finn inside.
Adjusting her hat, she walked toward him. “I’m ready.”
“You look lovely, but I wanted a word with your father.”
She wondered what he wanted to say to Papa. Surely he wasn’t going to ask for her hand. Not that she would mind if he truly planned to leave mining.
Papa stepped from his bedroom. “Here I am. What came of your summons?”
“Farland is transferring me to Johann Swensen’s crew starting tomorrow.”
Of all the things, that was the last she expected. Did that mean he’d stop coming around to see her?
Papa said, “That’s bad news. I’ve enjoyed having you on the crew with me. You’re a hard worker and smart as well as easy to get along with. The men will miss you.”
“And I’ll miss your crew, but I’m lucky not to be fired with all the talk.”
“Does Farland believe you or I are guilty of the fire?”
Finn shook his head and stared at the floor. “Apparently not, but he said I was too comfortable working for you. He said Swensen’s crew needs a hard worker, whatever that means.”
Papa chuckled. “Swensen is always at the bottom of production. I’ve wondered why he hasn’t been replaced as crew chief by now.”
“Well, I don’t like the change but have no choice. We’d best get on our way, but I wanted to let you know in case you run into him at church.”
Papa clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks.”
Finn offered Stella his arm and she smiled her thanks. They had plenty of time to walk to the small church, but she was happy they didn’t have to hurry. She’d liked their walk Friday night and wanted to stroll with him today.
The rest of her family followed them so they were all in a group. She was disappointed they would hear anything she said to Finn.
“Papa said people accused us of setting the fire.”
“As upsetting as the charge was, others defended us. ‘Tis grateful I am the Youngs saw us walking both ways and he spoke up.”
“I wish the person doing these things would be found and all these rumors would die forever.”
“Yes, ‘tis what I want too. I can’t figure out who’s behind the trouble.”
“Why would you?”
“I don’t want anyone else hurt. Mick Gallagher could have died. As it is, he’s in a lot o’ pain and will miss months o’ work. I understand that men have died in the cave ins. I’ve wracked me brain about who might be causing all this.”
From behind them, Papa said, “So have I with no solution. Someone has it in for me, that’s for certain.”
“Mayhap because you so often win the bonus. Would that cause a man to go off the deep end and kill others?”
Papa sounded angry, “Small reason to cause the death of innocent men. I’ve considered everything I can think of, but can’t figure out what’s going on here.”
Beside her, Finn said, “Farland should learn who’s guilty. Right now, he has his hands full with the store’s loss.”
They reached the small white church with a steeple. Stella and Finn garnered some stares. Several women looked their way and nudged one another or put their heads together whispering. Worrying, she hoped he wasn’t so embarrassed he decided not to come with her again.
When she gazed into his face, though, she saw his eyes twinkling and a broad smile on his face.
“Don’t fash yourself, lass. Our walking together gives the gossips something to talk about. ‘Tis harmless.”
She exhaled a large sigh. “Glad you think so, because there’s no way to prevent human nature.”
Finn sat beside Stella on the pew her family chose. The church service was not so nice as the one in McClintock Falls, but ‘twasn’t bad since he had Stella beside him. The minister was an older man who pounded the lectern as he spoke. He must be what Finn had heard called a “fire and brimstone” preacher because he sermon carried nothing hopeful or cheerful to say.
There was no choir, but the congregation sang out on the hymns. Finn thought the Clayton family voices blended so well they carried over the others. He was pleased to join with them.
At the end of the service, the preacher read a note. “Mr. Farland had written to let you know that he’s arranged for the mercantile and butcher in Spencer to accept your scrip until the store here is reopened.”
After the service, they hurried to the Clayton home rather than linger to speak to others.
Later, Finn rubbed his stomach. “The stew was just what I needed. And the bread was the best I’ve had since the last time I was here.”
Nettie smiled mischievously. “Stella baked it, same as last time.”
Mrs. Clayton brought a pie to the table and commenced slicing it. “I hope you like vinegar pie, Mr. O’Neill. What with the store burning, this is all I could make with what I had on hand.”
“Mrs. Clayton, you’re a wonderful cook, so ‘tis sure I am the pie will be delicious. ‘Tis gracious you’ve been to have me in your home. Please, ma’am, call me Finn, and I ask the same o’ all your family.”
Appearing flustered, she smiled. “Well, I suppose I can.”
Council asked, “I’m wondering who Farland will send to my crew from Swensen’s. Did he give you a clue?”
“None. And believe me, the man was in no mood for questions. ‘Tis lucky I am he didn’t fire me.”
Stella gazed at him, an unreadable expression on her face. If he guessed, she was wishing he had been fired so he’d do something besides mining. He couldn’t quit yet, though, or he wouldn’t get his loan. He prayed Lippincott’s ranch hadn’t been sold to someone else.
After their meal, Mrs. Clayton waved away her daughters’ help. “You young people go ahead and get on to Spencer. Lance, you have my list. See you don’t add anything else.”
Each of the girls carried a medium-sized basket and Lance lugged a large one.
Council walked them to the door. He handed one of his dollars to each of his children. They stared at him then at the money then back to him.
“About time you had money of your own. Doesn’t mean you have to spend all of it, but you need some in your pocket or purses.”
Stella blinked as if she might cry. “Papa, this is your bonus. You worked so hard. I can’t take your money when you provide for us.”
He shook his head. “No, you three and your sweet mother are why I work. Go, now. Have a nice walk there and back.”
He nodded at Finn and turned back to his chair by the stove.
Finn took Stella’s elbow to guide her down the steps. “Come, let’s get to the Spencer store before the droves o’ others sure to be on their way.”
Finn’s three companions appeared lighthearted as they strolled toward the next town. Fall was upon them and even this far south a few of the trees had turned gold. A light breeze kept the sun’s rays from overheating them.
Behind and in front of them other people from Lignite made their way toward Spencer.
“Isn’t this a lovely day? Look at all the wildflowers.” Stella asked.
“I’ve learned the names o’ a few. The woman who raised me brother in law is a healer who knows the names o’ them all and she’s taught me ma and sister a bit.”
“I recognize yellow evening primrose and yellow broomweed and sunflowers. Oh, and the white flowers are milkweed. I’m not sure of the others.”
He gestured to where a vine covered a fence. “That’s orange trumpet flower. The vine along the road with pink flowers is wild morning glory.”
Lance skipped a stone at tree. “Mama sent a long list. I hope she sent enough scrip. If we went over at the store in Lignite, Mr. Frampton put it on our tab.”
Nellie hugged his shoulders. “Don’t worry. Mama knows the cost o
f everything, so I’m sure you’ll have enough.”
Finn said, “Aye, and I’ve my bit along if you run short. As often as I’ve eaten with you, ‘tis only right I contribute.”
When they reached Spencer, the store was crowded. Stella and Nettie wanted to see everything. Lance did, too. Finn was content to let the Claytons look their fill.
At the cash register, a sign proclaimed
“Scrip worth 75 cents on the dollar.”
Finn stared at the hand-lettered sign and met the gaze of the owner.
Mr. George scowled. “I’ve already had my ear chewed off about the sign, but that’s what Farland is willing to pay me for the scrip I collect.”
Finn nodded. “Sounds like the man. Frankly, I’m surprised it’s not less.”
The store owner lowered his voice. “Since you mentioned him, O’Neill, I’ll confess he only wanted to pay 60 cents. I had to talk him up to 75 cents.”
“Sure and ‘twas good o’ you. Folks must have food and he gouges somethin’ awful on his prices. Naturally he wouldn’t want folks to know how much.”
“I hope you’ll spread the word I’m not to blame.” He turned to add up someone’s purchases.
Finn browsed the store. When he reached the Clayton sisters, Stella beamed at him.
“I can’t decide what to buy and neither can Nettie.”
He laughed, hoping he didn’t offend her. “Sure and you aren’t obligated to spend your money. Your father only wanted you to have the option.”
“We won’t spend it all. But I must have something to mark today.”
Lance carried a book. “I found Huckleberry Finn for a quarter so I’ll have 75 cents left for another day. Isn’t it funny his last name is the same as your first?”
“Sure and I vow you’ll like that book.”
“You’ve read it?”
“Aye, that I have. Me brother in law and his family have more books than I knew existed before I met them. Say, if you’ve finished the other one, would you mind loaning it to Mick Gallagher, the lad in the hospital?”
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