Blessed are the Merciful

by Al Lacy

  Seth grabbed the man’s gun and tossed it off the train. He used the man’s own belt to bind his hands behind his back, then dragged him into the coach.

  He flashed his badge to the passengers and said, “Folks, I’m Marshal Seth Coleman. This man and his cohorts have a train robbery planned. If a couple of you men will keep an eye on him, I’d appreciate it. I’ve got to move fast.”

  Seth dashed through the coach, opened the back door, and stepped onto the platform. Moving into car number two, he saw Harmon’s man just as he got out of his seat and pulled his gun, telling the passengers they were being robbed. Before the robber could completely clear leather, Seth struck him square on the jaw. The passengers looked on stunned as the man’s feet left the floor. He bounced off the edge of a seat and landed flat on his back, out cold.

  Seth picked up the robber’s gun and said, “This man and three others were planning to rob the train. I’ve got one of the others already subdued. Will a couple of you men take this guy’s belt and bind his hands behind his back for me? I’ve got to keep moving.” Seth turned to go back toward the engine car.

  The wind whipped Seth’s face as he bent low and made his way forward on the roof of the baggage coach. When he reached the coal car, he stepped onto the catwalk, pinned the badge on his chest, and drew his gun.

  Dave Harmon’s back was squarely toward Seth when he reached the end of the catwalk. Harmon was holding his gun on the engineer and fireman.

  Seth leveled his gun on Harmon’s head and shouted, “It’s all over, Harmon! Toss the gun out in the field!”

  Harmon whipped his head around to find himself looking down the muzzle of Seth Coleman’s Colt .45. His eyes went from the black muzzle to the shiny badge to Coleman’s face. “You!” he gusted, eyes bulging.

  “Yeah, me! Throw the gun off the engine. Now!”

  Harmon hesitated.

  “I mean it!” Seth growled.

  Harmon reluctantly tossed his gun off the train. When the train pulled into Omaha, Pastor Ken Myers and U.S. Marshal Seth Coleman followed the other passengers toward the front door of the coach.

  “If you need a ride to the U.S. marshal’s office, I can take you there,” Myers said. “One of the men from the church is picking me up.”

  “Thanks, but Chief Houser is supposed to meet me.”

  “I know him well. He lives next door to the parsonage. In fact, here he comes now,” Myers said as they stepped out of the coach.

  Frank Houser was a robust man of sixty. As he drew up, he noted the badge on Seth’s chest, glanced at Myers and said, “Seth Coleman, welcome to Omaha! Is this outlaw next to you your prisoner?”

  Myers laughed.

  Seth shook Houser’s hand and said, “Pastor Myers isn’t my prisoner, Chief, but I’ve got four men tied up in the caboose. I need to get them to the Douglas County jail.”

  Houser was surprised to learn about the foiled train robbery but was glad to know that no passengers had been hurt. He chuckled to learn that Myers had coldcocked the robber in coach number three the moment he moved to the front of the coach and pulled his gun.

  The man Myers was expecting arrived, and Myers introduced Earl Chambers to Seth. Then he turned to the law officers and said, “Is there anything I can do for you gentlemen?”

  “You’ve done your part,” Houser said. “I’ll contact Sheriff Bowman and get those robbers off the train and transported to the jail.”

  “Robbers?” Chambers said. “What happened?”

  “I’ll tell you on the way home, Earl,” Myers said.

  Seth extended his hand to Myers. “Pastor, I can’t wait to hear you preach. If you can preach as good as you punch, it’s got to be good.”

  “I’ll look for you, Deputy.”

  The pastor and Earl Chambers walked away, and Chief Houser said, “We’ll get you settled in a boardinghouse as soon as we get your prisoners settled in their cells, Coleman. Tomorrow morning you’ll meet some of your fellow deputies, and within a day or two I’ll have you working with one of the more experienced men who’ll take you with him on an assignment and show you the way we do it here.”

  “I can’t wait, sir,” Seth said.

  “On the other hand, maybe I should have you teaching the other deputies how to stop a train robbery!”

  ON MONDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 5, Adam Burke got up at dawn, excited about Olivia Dahl’s first day on the job. He stood in front of the mirror, carefully using the straight-edged razor to shave, and thought about how Olivia had been delivered almost magically into his life. He was sure she would make a good secretary. Her bright eyes displayed a keen intelligence as well as a vivacious personality. And she wasn’t wearing an engagement ring.

  Adam splashed water on his face and grabbed a towel, then looked at himself in the mirror. “Who knows, ol’ pal. Maybe something will develop.”

  He dressed in his best suit and tie and put on the shoes he had shined to a perfect gloss the night before. After an excellent breakfast downstairs in Minnie’s dining room, Adam left for work. He reached the office just after seven o’clock. At seven twenty-five, a wagon pulled up out front and moments later the door opened.

  “Mr. Burke?”

  “Good morning, Olivia. Welcome to the Adam Burke law firm.”

  Adam showed Olivia around the office, acquainting her with the files and explaining what her job would entail, and that she must keep everything she learned about clients and their businesses confidential. He was pleased at how quickly she caught on to all his instructions.

  The day went well as clients came and went. Olivia was excellent with people, and she had a special charm about her.

  The last client booked for the day left just before four o’clock. When Adam came into the front office, Olivia was at the file cabinet, putting client records in place. She had already tidied up the office and had it looking even better than when she had arrived that morning.

  “Sure looks nice in here, Olivia,” he said. “And you handled yourself well with the clients.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Burke.”

  “Looks like you’ve got things ready for tomorrow. Even though your quitting time is five o’clock, you can leave early today if you want.”

  Olivia glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner and said, “Russ won’t be here to pick me up until five, Mr. Burke. That’ll give me time to dust your desk and do anything that’s needed in your office. If it’s all right for me to go in there, I’ll take care of it for you.”

  “Of course,” he said, pondering what she had just said. “Russ? Is that your brother?”

  “Oh, no,” she said, giggling. “Russ is my fiancé.”

  It took Adam a few seconds to get his breath. “Oh … your fiancé. I didn’t realize you were engaged.”

  “I guess I didn’t mention it last week. You remember when Mother thanked you for giving me the job and said that the extra money would be a great help? Well, Russ and I are trying to put aside money for when we get married. Right now he’s getting together enough money to buy me an engagement ring. We probably won’t be able to get married for another year or so, but my salary is going to help.”

  “What does Russ do for a living?”

  “He’s a ranch hand at the Box K Ranch, which is close to ours. Just so you’ll know, Mr. Burke, Russ and I talked about it after you hired me. We don’t plan to start a family until we’ve been married a couple of years. So you’ll have me around for some time yet.”

  Adam forced a smile. “Well, I’m glad to hear that.” He excused himself and went into the storeroom, staying there while Olivia dusted his office and straightened it up.

  Russ Kline showed up at five o’clock, and Olivia introduced him to her new boss. When they drove away in the wagon, Adam stepped back into his office, sighed and said to himself, “Well, at least I’ve hired a good secretary.”

  The next day, Adam had already seen four clients by the time he came out of his office late in the morning. Olivia was busy at t
he filing cabinet.

  “Since there aren’t any more appointments till this afternoon, Olivia, I’m going across the street to the general store to pick up some things. If somebody should come in, tell him I’ll be back shortly.”

  “Would you like me to go over to the store for you, sir?”

  “No, thanks. I’ll take care of it.”

  Adam started toward the general store, which was across the street and a few doors down. He paused to let a ranch wagon pass, then headed for the boardwalk. He happened to be looking toward North Platte Clothiers when the door opened and Patch Smith started outside. Adam decided he might as well introduce himself to the merchant and veered toward him, but Smith abruptly retreated into the store. Adam stopped at the edge of the boardwalk and shook his head, then headed toward the general store.

  Adam suddenly stopped, wheeled about, and headed back toward the corner. When he stepped inside North Platte Clothiers, he saw Smith standing near the back, talking to a man. Smith caught a glimpse of Adam, said something to the man in a low voice, and disappeared through an office door. When the man turned around, Adam recognized him as Jack Brady.

  “Well, hello, Adam!” Brady called.

  “I didn’t realize you worked here, Jack,” Adam said as they shook hands.

  “Didn’t I tell you that day we met at the café?”

  “No.”

  “Guess it slipped my mind. What can I do for you?”

  “I’ve been meaning to come over here and introduce myself to Mr. Smith. I’ve been in town almost a month and he’s the only merchant I haven’t met.”

  “Well … uh, Mr. Smith is quite busy right now, Adam. He can’t be disturbed.”

  “I see. Do me a favor?”

  “Sure.”

  “Tell Mr. Smith I’d like to meet him sometime soon. He’s welcome to come over to my office … or I can come back over here. Ask him to contact me at his convenience, will you?”

  “All right. I’ll give him the message.”

  Adam thanked Brady and left the store. As he walked toward the general store, the thought wouldn’t leave his mind. He and Smith had met before. But when and where? And what had happened that would cause the man to avoid him?

  After making his purchases, Adam crossed the street and noticed two young women, employees at the bank, coming along the boardwalk. The ladies spoke to him in a warm and friendly manner, and Adam greeted them in turn, then went inside his office.

  Olivia, who sat near the window, smiled at him and said, “Those girls were sure friendly to you!”

  “Just western hospitality, dear secretary. That’s all. I happen to know that both of them are engaged to be married.”

  He carried his purchases into his office and set them down. When he turned around, Olivia was standing at the door. “Yes?”

  “Mr. Burke, you haven’t mentioned whether there’s a young lady in your life. I don’t mean to stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong, but you seem rather lonely. Is there someone back in Philadelphia? Someone who might be coming here to become your wife?”

  Adam sighed. “There was someone in Philadelphia, but she didn’t want to leave there and come to this little western town. Excuse me. ‘Dried up, dusty, backwoods, little cow town.’ ”

  “I’m sorry, sir. I see I’ve touched a sensitive nerve. Please forgive me.”

  “Nothing to forgive. I appreciate your concern.”

  “I just don’t like to see you so lonely, Mr. Burke. I know this much … you’ll make a good husband to some fortunate young lady someday.”

  Adam sighed again. “I sure would like to meet that young lady you just mentioned. You’re right. I am lonely. I believe there’s somebody for everybody, Olivia, but I’m getting a little impatient. I’ll turn twenty-five in a few months. I should be a married man.”

  “Well, Mr. Burke, there’s a way to find that young lady.”

  “And how’s that? Hang a sign on my back that I’m available?”

  Olivia giggled. “Well, not quite. Many men out here are finding their wives through the mail order bride system.”

  “I know that’s true. But I’ll find my bride another way.”

  The friendship between Bettieann Ralston and Danielle Sharrow grew close as time passed. Bettieann knew she had much to learn about the Bible and God’s will in her life, and she drank in every Sunday school lesson and sermon at church. But she also leaned on Danielle to teach her.

  Danielle and Bettieann had many discussions about Christian growth and walking close to the Lord. As they prayed together for Seth Coleman’s salvation—wherever he was—Danielle made sure Bettieann understood that even if she found Seth, she must not marry him until he became a Christian.

  The two young women had become almost inseparable. Bettieann was included in many of the things Danielle and Lance did. At the same time, Lance tried to get Bettieann interested in some of the young men at church who were showing interest in her. She thanked him for his desire to help her social life, but she could not give up on finding Seth.

  One night in late November, Lance drove Danielle and Bettieann across town to attend a revival service. They found a pew and were about to sit down when a voice called, “Bettieann! Hello!”

  “Ruth! How are you?”

  The two women embraced, then Ruth said, “I’m so glad to see you here for the service.”

  “And I’m glad to be here. Let me introduce you to my friends.”

  Bettieann introduced Ruth Nelson to Danielle and Lance and explained that Ruth had worked at Stinsons and had witnessed to her on several occasions. She then told Ruth that Danielle, who now worked at Stinsons, had recently led her to the Lord.

  “Oh, Bettieann!” Ruth cried. “I’m so glad!” Then to Danielle, she said, “Thank you for leading her to the Lord.”

  “The pleasure was mine,” Danielle said, smiling.

  Ruth turned back to Bettieann and said, “You used to date Seth Coleman, didn’t you?”

  “Why … yes.”

  “Were you still dating him when he became a Christian?”

  “He … he became a Christian? When did this happen?”

  “Shortly before he left for Washington, D.C. Some of our members led him to the Lord. He was baptized here.”

  Bettieann turned to Danielle with tears in her eyes. “Did you hear that? Seth’s saved! The Lord has already drawn him!” She turned back to Ruth. “I know Seth has become a deputy U.S. marshal and is somewhere in the West, but I don’t know where. Do you know how I could get in touch with him?”

  “Sorry, I don’t.”

  “Would the people who led him to the Lord know?”

  “I have no idea, but I’ll find out. Be back later.”

  The music started, and everyone took their seats. Soon the song leader had the crowd on its feet, singing a rousing gospel song. Bettieann had stayed at the end of the pew, on the aisle. She was singing with joy in her heart when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

  Ruth bent close to her ear and said, “I talked to the Sheldons. They haven’t had any contact with Seth since he left. They don’t know where he is.”

  “Thank you for trying,” said Bettieann, squeezing Ruth’s hand.

  “Danielle, I’m so glad we came tonight,” Bettieann said as they drove across town after the service. “It’s so good to know that Seth has become a Christian too!”

  “That is good news, isn’t it. I told you before … the Lord knows where Seth is, and though it looks impossible, He can bring the two of you together. Praise the Lord, He’s already taken care of Seth’s salvation!”

  “Yes, I’m delighted about that,” Bettieann said, “but I’m still having a hard time understanding how God can bring us together.”

  Lance had been quietly listening to the conversation as they drove home. He chuckled and said, “God created the universe; He certainly can handle anything that happens in it!”

  “The Lord will work out everything in your life and bring you to the joy
and happiness He has for you, Bettieann,” Danielle said. “It may be with Seth, and it may not. But whatever your heavenly Father does in your life will be right. So often we think we have everything all worked out the way it should be, but we must be careful not to get in the Lord’s way of bringing about His will. We must trust Him and desire that the outcome—whatever it turns out to be—will glorify Him.”

  Bettieann sank to her knees beside the bed and prayed for God’s help in understanding His Word and His ways. With a willing spirit she prayed for God’s will to be done, and for the strength and grace to accept His will if it was not in His plan for her and Seth to be together.

  She turned down the covers, propped the pillows against the headboard, and climbed into bed. She remembered a passage her pastor had preached on, and she opened her Bible to Psalm 63 and found the verse she had marked during the sermon. Her eyes misted as she read, “Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.”

  A newfound serenity flooded Bettieann’s soul and a smile formed on her lips as she slipped down into the blankets and quickly fell into a restful sleep.

  The new year came, and as the early days of 1878 passed, Deputy U.S. Marshal Seth Coleman was making his mark as a federal lawman.

  On a cold day in late January, Seth rode into snow-laden Omaha, leading a horse carrying a dead man draped over the saddle. When he entered the U.S. marshal’s office he found the chief in conversation with another deputy. Both turned to the door when they felt a blast of cold air and smiled when they saw him.

  “So how’d it go, Seth?” Frank Houser asked.

  “He’s draped over his saddle out there, Chief,” Seth said tossing a thumb over his shoulder.

  “Wouldn’t let you take him alive, huh?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Come on into my office.”

  When the two men were in Houser’s office, the chief laid a hand on Seth’s shoulder. “I can’t tell you how pleased I am with your work. You’ve proven yourself a brave and proficient lawman. I’ve lost count of how many outlaws you’ve brought in since you pinned on that badge … and I’m not including those train robbers you captured on your way here.”