The Watchman's Grace

by Craig Johnson

  It had been a few months since five courageous souls fled from the shameful recesses of man’s malcontent to a land of imperfect liberty. And while there may be no utopia in this new environment, hope made endurance much more palatable.

  Resting Arms had given its founders a lesson in rough beauty one could not easily forget. Watching these people make a comfortable existence in a land so barren was to witness the first of numerous small miracles. Hardscrabble terrain granted in an afterthought to Colored settlers was taken as a beginning, versus the intended spite of futility. Yet necessities for basic survival were managed in such a blight of land.

  This terrain, which was less than promised when town founders first fled America after the Revolution, was not the workable fields of their White counterparts. In some places, rock with pebble-strewn surfaces was useless for anything other than waste. Who could blame these pioneers if their hopes were reduced from the outset? If this was salvation, a bitter root had sewn itself into promised earth.

  In addition, they lived with the constant fear of well financed plantation owners employing further attempts to recapture their liberty. For that matter, a raiding party of American bounty hunters could kidnap any one of them at a moment’s notice, selling them back to the United States for filthy lucre. Freedom in this new land was not an absolute, though rather a question of degrees.

  Fortunately, these Seekers were built of sterner will. As their character was forged in the most oppressive of human conditions, they expected no favors. Daily they adapted to abject circumstances, marking their efforts with crude structures that collectively became a community. Faith and a certain pride provided the unseen glue to bind the whole. Issues of life were resolved in union to achieve greater good.

  Gradually the full cost of liberty was paid in small wages of progress. If any residents from the rough inauguration of Resting Arms were asked what kept them going, one answer would be endlessly repeated. Hope, in all its forms, provided all with this steadfast conviction to take chance on and win. Thus these latest additions to the older community took this vision and molded their own achievements.

  As days endured on the run grew more distant their confidence gained hold. Each took the words of Captain Clark at full measure and attempted to establish their livelihoods. For example, Fortune was a blacksmith well in demand, with business steady enough to provide an income to support him in decent comfort.

  Each of these former escapees attempted to pay heed to Grady’s words concerning their commercial engagements with Whites. Since livelihoods depended on business from both townsfolk and local communities, many grievances were committed to memory though never spoken in protest.

  As opposed to townsfolk in Resting Arms, Whites demanded much more than standard comfort from their services. In addition, they were somewhat difficult when it came time to settle accounts. Despite these challenges, Fletcher’s last party endured well enough in their new found home.

  But not all was smooth sailing. Clarence, despite becoming a fine craftsman of furniture and a cooper of local renown, still struggled to find adequate business with White folks outside of Resting Arms. Their insistence on high standards without commensurate compensation afforded him a bare existence. For him to have a viable business, he desperately needed better terms of trade. Yet many White clients’ resistance put his future in the balance.

  Thomas and Rodney combined a love of open road into a cartage partnership. And though their service was performed to the highest standard, they too faced a daunting task luring trusting customers from outside Resting Arms. Eventually it came to the point where they were seriously considering disbanding the partnership to pursue other vocations.

  This caused the duo to continually assess their future in cartage. Charged rates were as good as the competition, but they were required to work twice as hard to land business. The barrier of color persisted to deny them reasonable due. They taxed themselves beyond expectations, though it still was not enough to support the haulage.

  The end point came into sharp focus with each passing hour. Then, within days of their agreed upon closing of business, unexpected tidings came forward. Thomas had just finished a local job in Resting Arms when a well-dressed White gentleman approached his cart.

  “Excuse me, but I’m looking for Thomas or Rodney of T&R Haulage. Are you one of their drivers?”

  A surprised Thomas jolted his head to attention. “I’m the T in T&R Haulage. My name is Thomas. How can I help you then?”

  The stranger immediately strode to Thomas’s side. “Glad to make your acquaintance Thomas! I have a situation which requires urgent attention. You and your partner may benefit from my quandary if you prove up to it.

  “My name is Reginald Grover, of the Grover merchant family here in Halifax. I have a large load of goods that will be coming into Halifax Harbor on regular shipment. My usual haulage firm has upped stakes to Canada West. They feel there’s more money to be made from boom times over there. Certainly one hears much talk about easy dollars to be made in that locale. So without even a farewell, they left me in a bad way.”

  Thomas looked Mr. Grover straight in the eyes. “We’ve been doing business around here long enough. People know we do good work at fair prices. But still none of you folks from outside Resting Arms gives us a decent chance! And because of that we too are considering upping stakes to get a fair shot for our enterprise. So why have you come to us instead of others like most you folk have?”

  Grover gave Thomas a penetrating stare. “Well Thomas, if you’re looking for charity in business I’m the wrong man to ask. In my view, success only comes from making good decisions and continuing that way.

  “And you’re wrong about one thing. I’ve heard from those people who did use you outside Resting Arms. They say T&R are good people and made them very satisfied. They were not repeat customers because there was no need for repeat haulage.

  “So let’s make this straight from the get goes. I don’t care if you’re green, pink or blue, but I do care about results! If you do well with my account there will be no limit to your potential success. But if T&R fail me in any way you might as well close up shop in Nova Scotia! If you take my business, those are my terms. Understand?”

  Thomas quickly thought over the chance opportunity before responding. “I would need to talk this over with my partner Rodney of course. And you would have to fill in the broad strokes Mr. Grover. But I can promise you we will give this offer due consideration. Please let me know where we can reach you if we’re interested in your proposal.”

  Mr. Grover stroked his chin in quiet contemplation. “My business has been successful because I go for the best deal possible and deliver on what I say; that I can promise you both. Be at my main harbor office in two days for noon sharp. I will be waiting at that time for your decision. Good day Thomas.”

  Thomas bade farewell in return while digesting this sudden turn of fate. He had little on which to gage the scale of opportunity before them. Though he knew if T&R were to survive, they needed to expand their customer base. With that in mind, he went to consult with Rodney immediately.

  When Rodney heard the development, his initial reaction was to question its merit. He could not understand why this offer came their way, in light of struggles to obtain accounts outside Resting Arms.

  “I’m afraid an appetite for survival has blinded your better judgment Thomas. Would it not be best to forego this chance and decide on the more practical route of dissolution?”

  “That’s a peculiar word Rodney, the word practicality! Remember back not so long ago when we could not speak such words like we do now! I recall back when escaping master’s clutches was too risky; the odds of being caught or captured too great. Practicality would say stay on the plantation where you got some shelter, food and less danger.

  “Well I say damn to practicality! Here we are in Resting Arms living a free life because we s
aid hell no to practicality, and Amen to uplift ourselves! I will not let that word get in the way of trying everything possible before we give this business to sunset. You had the courage to step up so many times Rodney. All I ask is once more.”

  Rodney was overwhelmed by Thomas’s will to see their venture through. He sat down at his desk before looking around their quarters.

  “Not bad for two former slaves, is it?” he remarked. “If we sold this on and closed business now we’d have funds for a new start. What do you say to that?”

  Thomas walked over to where Rodney sat, pounding his right fist firmly atop the desk. “No half measures in this man you see here! If you want to run, I will scrape to find the means to buy your share. I’m sick of running damn it! I make my stand today.”

  After a pause, Rodney rose from the desk, not taking his eyes off Thomas. As he came to face him, he raised his right hand solemnly.

  “Well Thomas, I guess this is it, isn’t it?”

  A surprised Thomas responded. “I imagine it is. I…”

  “No, you mean we will be going to meet Mr. Grover in two days’ time,” interjected Rodney. “If his offer is workable, we will do our level best to see this business through!”

  A firm handshake was exchanged. Two days later, Mr. Grover proved a man of good word. From that moment, an arrangement of mutual benefit was formed. Its success saved not only T&R Haulage, though a relationship which began in the dank recesses of Bitter Man swamp.

  With earnings provided from their unyielding dedication to enterprise, Thomas and Rodney then established sound individual homesteads. Their steadfast attention to growing the sustenance of Resting Arms turned its reputation into one of even greater renown.

  As for Fletcher, he did crave a return to the thrilling adventures associated with being an escape conductor. But in time, these feelings quickly wore off while he funneled efforts into gaining true equality for Resting Arms’ citizens.

  Here, Fletcher was compelled to utilize his substantial mental capacities in efficient fashion. Myriad obstacles demanded his full measure to achieve small gains for the community. But his ensuing victories gave him an elixir of personal euphoria, which surpassed those dangerous highs from conducting.

  Another facet to the game here gave Fletcher a deeper sense of accomplishment. Previously, no matter how many times he went into the dangerous South to do his noble bidding, Fletcher would never see the end product of his labor. What happened to these people? How well did they fare? What were the obstacles in transitioning to a decent existence in regular society?

  Now, for the first time, Fletcher could see this whole process. Here he witnessed a complete transformation in the life of a runaway. Armed with this insight, he could empower the chain from conductors to settlements, further enriching liberty for former slaves. In other words, Fletcher was finally coming into his own sense of purpose.

  Winter’s promise created a sturdier sense of nascent abilities among Fletcher’s latest escapees. It was surprising to observe how former Southerners met the sharp snap of seasonal cold with refreshing vigor. Due to a positive outlook instilled by Resting Arms, they viewed everything in its own context. Adaptability proved an essential quality, coupled with shared knowledge, to pull them and their community through.

  Spring soon cut its harbinger swell through frozen crystal creeks. Latent promise shook off the hibernating nature of man and creature alike. Passions too awoke in tune with nature’s redress. For Clarence had taken a fancy to the cousin of a respected community member.

  Clarice hailed from the lush green vistas of Annapolis Valley. Through the change of seasons their bond grew mutual. Inevitably they became betrothed. Everyone in Resting Arms was pleased with the circumstances. Were it not for this saving grace, townsfolk were concerned about how long Clarence would have been able to carry on. But Clarice had deep roots in the Valley. And her strong heart was loath to live elsewhere.

  Soon, everyone learned of their decision to leave Resting Arms. They would settle on a plot given by Clarice’s parents for a homestead. But Clarence’s departure was not before a fine wedding in Resting Arm’s beautiful church. A simple yet lovely ceremony ushered in a new stage of personal growth for Clarence. Here was sweet fruit from a plan formed in a fetid Georgian swamp.

  Fortune, Fletcher, Thomas and Rodney were pleased to see the beaming satisfaction of their old colleague. Though now a base fact presented itself. Once together in shared mission, the future would dictate to each man a different path for fulfillment.

  As the festively decorated wagon hauled these newlyweds on the road to Nova Scotia’s western shore, Clarence bade farewell. And for a town so accustomed to his presence, it was hard to say goodbye.

  In time, that first spring passed into a second. Again, winter bid a lamb’s farewell to acknowledge spring’s blossoms. Now Fletcher was teaching the basics of literacy and math to any willing resident of Resting Arms and beyond, funding a small school from his own resources.

  Intentions be known, Fletcher aimed to show Nova Scotia what a model community Resting Arms could become for the new Colored freeman. If successful, he hoped his methods would inspire others throughout Nova Scotia and beyond to copy and multiply such achievements. Here were the seeds of greater ambition mentioned by Grady in the still of that one roadside meeting.

  Fletcher was not ready for a return to the simmering cauldron of America. Resting Arms provided a comfortable base for the expansion of his burgeoning influence. As long as he could affect betterment here, Fletcher remained satisfied with his present situation, having no desire to uproot stakes.

  Thomas and Rodney experienced increasing success with their enterprise. Business had now reached a point where new locations could be pursued. Through acquaintances, they continued to hear of great opportunities in Canada West. People from all over were relocating there. And of course, many required the services of carters.

  Ever the clever principals, it was decided one of them would establish a presence there. The remaining partner would continue to direct their affairs in Nova Scotia. And so, one year after the departure of Clarence, Thomas announced his move to a burgeoning Canada West.

  By now, Fortune witnessed seven original escapees from Bitter Man shrink in number to three inhabitants at Resting Arms. He had seen change in the form of promising options leading others to spring forward and prosper. While his trade furnished a solid living, mild discontent was brewing a desire for more. Now he determined it time to find his big chance.

  Two weeks forward broke an uninviting spring chill, coaxing tender buds with milder clime. Fortune had finished for the evening, and was now closing down his shop. Feeling very hungry, he could not wait to sit down with a hot meal.

  Walking down the main street, he noticed an attractive young lady leaving church straight ahead. As he passed, Fortune gave a customary greeting.

  “Good evening miss. Fine weather we’re having lately.”

  The fetching stranger replied. “Yes, we should have a good summer season. I think I’ve seen you in town before around the blacksmith shop. My name is Dainty by the way.”

  “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Dainty. Yes, that’s my business. My name is Fortune. Pardon me, though why haven’t I seen you around the village until now? It’s a small place after all.”

  “You’re right. I arrived only a few weeks ago to teach at Fletcher’s school. Do you know him?”

  Fortune wore a big smile on hearing his friend’s name. “Yes, I know him quite well. Where did you come from?”

  “I came down from around New Glasgow, where I had been schooling primary age children. I heard of the wonderful work Fletcher was doing for Colored people in education and corresponded with him. Two months ago he offered me a position here in Resting Arms to teach. I was honored and gave my notice back home. And here I am today.”

  Fortune was encha
nted by her simple elegance. Dainty’s engaging yet confident disposition only stoked his interest further. He felt the beating heart of a young man, desiring to know more about this woman. Despite his calm demeanor, interest soon overtook mind.

  “Congratulations Dainty! I’m sure the community will be in good stead with your arrival. Forgive me for being so bold, though did you come to Resting Arms unaccompanied?”

  Dainty gave him a curious look before replying. “If you are asking if I am married Fortune the answer is no. And why do you ask?”

  Fortune’s heart jumped with jubilation. Now he determined to meet Dainty again under more comfortable circumstances.

  “I asked because there’s a community social happening on Saturday. I thought it would be a good chance to show you around Resting Arms and such. It would be my pleasure to be your escort if you’re available.”

  Dainty gave Fortune a quick once over before answering. “Well Fortune. There is one bit of information you didn’t offer.”

  Fortune’s heart dipped precipitously. “I apologize if I offended you. I hope my inquiry was not taken that way.”

  Immediately Dainty smiled. “I think you misunderstood me Fortune. You did not tell me where and what time to be ready.”

  A wave of relief rekindled his joy. “I can meet you at the church steps for two o’clock Saturday afternoon if that’s okay with you?”

  “Yes Fortune, that’s fine. I look forward to seeing you then. Have a good evening.”

  “And you the same Dainty,” replied a smitten Fortune.

  Fortune would always remember every nuance from the moment he met his true companion in a chance encounter. Their first date at the community social confirmed a natural bond between them.

  Dainty would later say she was equally impressed with Fortune upon meeting him. The difference was she could control her affections better. After a blissful summer of courtship, Fortune and Dainty were betrothed.

  Their delightful wedding made a changed man of Fortune. His life grew fuller with the added dimension of a loving partner. The townsfolk adored this fine looking couple as they wove their encouraging attitude into the fabric of many community endeavors. Fortune felt his need for self-achievement morph into a desire to grow within this new union. His house had now become a home.