Golden Torment

by Janelle Taylor

  Kathy walked over to the front left corner; she trailed her fingers over the workmanship of the L-shaped cabinets. It would be easy and enjoyable to cook in this efficient area. A square eating table with four sturdy chairs sat nearby, a generous gift handmade by Mike and Griff. A black wood stove completed this kitchen section, a deep box for logs and kindling beside it.

  Danny and Fred had skillfully fashioned an elbow angled seat in the left corner; Kathy grinned at its similarity to a church pew. However, with feather cushions, it would be most serviceable. Moore had surprised them with two smaller tables with decorative carvings.

  Nathaniel Webb, a carpenter before getting goldfever, had designed and constructed an oblong wooden frame as their double bed, attaching it to the front corner wall. With most furniture built-in or gifts, the women had little to purchase. Moore had walled off an eight-by-nine-foot area on the right corner wall. He had cunningly divided it into three varying sized enclosures: a clothes closet, a storage room, and a private bathing closet—each with its own door.

  The bathing closet was Kathy’s delight. Mike had placed several horizontal wooden poles in one corner for drying washed garments and bath linens. A stark white chamber pot trimmed in red sat behind the door. Griff had constructed a long shelf on which to place articles for grooming. Dray had kindly gifted them with a precious mirror to hang over the shelf, a marvelously large tub which sat in the back corner, and four oil-lamps with pink and blue designs.

  Kathy looked over at Harriet and laughed cheerfully. “It’s perfect. We have everything we need,” she happily declared.

  Mike playfully injected, “Except your husband.”

  Kathy smiled and agreed, knowing she should. “Hell be surprised when he comes home. I can’t wait to see his expression,” she murmured, her real meaning lost to each of them. She missed him; she wanted to understand him; she wanted him here with her.

  They thanked the men for their unselfish labors and gifts, much of which had been done at night after a hard day’s work on the timberline. The men were overwhelmed by their gratitude and affection as the women complimented them on their talented workmanship and generosity.

  “Do you realize how much money you’ve saved us with all these furnishings?” Kathy thanked them profusely. “I really feel we should at least pay for the wood and supplies used.”

  “No way,” Moore declined for them. “We enjoyed doing something useful.” The others hastily agreed. Moore suggested they leave so the women could settle in.

  Once more Harriet and Kathy surveyed the entire cabin, laughing and joking together. There was a warm fire in the stove; the storeroom was filled; their clothes were unpacked; and the bed was made. They finally sat down at the table to converse over coffee on this thrilling first day in their wonderful cabin of tightly hewn logs which gave off the scent of spruce. At last, Skagway was home…

  “Kathy, what about Landis?” Harriet asked worriedly.

  “I don’t know when he’ll return. He could at least send word,” she said peevishly. “You know something crazy? I miss him.”

  “Perhaps that’s his plan; absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

  “I doubt it,” Kathy murmured, referring to him, not her.

  “What if he brings Jake with him?” Harriet speculated.

  “I’ll just have to wait and see…”

  At dawn the next morning, Moore came to inform Kathy his lead cutter was heading for Log Cabin with some reports. Having earned Moore’s admiration and respect during these past weeks and having played her marital role convincingly, he was allowing her to tag along. He hinted about a possible meeting with Landis, at least gaining some news about him and her father. Elated, Kathy rushed to her home and dressed in appropriate clothing. The round trip would take two days. She met the genial Mike Henry at the edge of camp. He was loaded with a heavy backpack which included camping gear. They began the long trek over steep hills and slopes, dotted with fragrant spruces and pines and powdered scantily with snow, which hinted at the impending winter. She had wanted to avoid winter, but that was before Landis Jurrell and her many hinderances. Suspense filled her. What if they did encounter Landis or learned something about her father?

  The trek required countless hours of demanding, body-racking work. A well-travelled path at least offered some help with this arduous journey. Mike was very kind and tolerant, knowing Kathy’s physical condition and stamina did not match his own. She grinned ruefully each time she breathlessly pleaded for a few minutes to catch her wind and to wet her dry throat. Just when she thought she could walk no further and was about to tell Mike to go on without her, he shouted, “There’s the lake ahead, Mrs. Jurrell; we’ll rent a boat to cross ’er. Just twelve more miles to Log Cabin. You can rest a spell now.”

  “I don’t see how you’ve had so much patience, Mike. Thanks. This trip is most important to me,” she said.

  “Moore told me why he suggested you tag along. I only hope these men can help you. Since you and Mrs. Pullen came to camp, things have been so nice. If there’s anything I can do to help you, just yell.” His bright eyes glittered merrily. “It’s such a long, hard walk over here. Course, if Landis is around, it’ll be worth it. If it was winter, we coulda used a dogsled. There’s snow then and the lake’s frozen solid. Sure makes for easier and quicker travelling.”

  “Don’t worry about me, Mike. I’ll be just fine.” She waited patiently as he made arrangements for their boat, then settled back in the sturdy craft while Mike used his powerful muscles to get them to the other side. He turned the boat over to another man until their return trip the next morning. Within minutes, his pack was in place and they were on the last leg of this exciting trek.

  It was nearing dusk when they finally arrived at Log Cabin. They headed toward the Mounty Headquarters. Once inside the oblong, wooden building, Kathy apprehensively sat waiting for Mike to complete his business first. Later, Sergeant Thomas looked up and stated, “You’re next, miss. What can I do for you?”

  Kathy observed the way his keen eyes seemed to drill into her. “I’m searching for my father, sir,” she began, then went on to explain her problem and her disappointment in being unable to find any trace of Jake Hammond. Thomas asked personal questions which she felt compelled to answer if he was to help her. Yet, she deeply resented the curious way he studied her and the indifferent and imperious tone of his voice. The interrogation insinuated Landis hadn’t been here to discuss her problem—which struck Kathy as very odd.

  Her mind was acutely analyzing his strange behavior. He almost seemed to resent her. But how was that possible? They were strangers. Why was he continually probing her for more information about her father, or rather demanding she tell him things she did not know? He sounded as if he mistrusted her.

  When she could no longer tolerate his pressure and inexcusable conduct, she asked, “May I ask you a question, sir?” She hastily continued before he replied in either way, “If you’ve never heard of Jake Hammond, why are you asking so many questions about him? I’ve told you all I know. You’re the authority. Find him for me, at least some word about his fate. This not knowing is sheer misery. If my father is…dead, then I would like to know. Landis Jurrell is searching for him, but we could use your help,” she stated, witnessing the sergeant’s inexplicable reaction to that news.

  “Landis Jurrell is searching for him?” When she nodded, he scowled and oddly commented, “I doubt Landis can assist you.”

  She sighed heavily. Her mind was rapidly pondering this nerve-racking episode. Obviously this man didn’t know they were married. She should tell him before he made embarrassing statements. Yet she hesitated, then probed, “Exactly who is Landis Jurrell and what does he do around here?” causing the man’s brow to lift quizzically and his beady eyes to narrow and frost.

  In a sullen tone, he stated, “I don’t discuss Landis or any other friend with strangers to these parts. What’s your interest in him?”

  Cautioning herself to d
isarming guile, she cheerfully answered, “We met in Skagway where I cook for Moore’s lumberjacks. Landis and I were married several weeks ago. Landis left to look for my father; I was hoping to catch him here. I guess he went another route.” As with her father, Landis Jurrell was a haunting mystery which she needed to understand. She sensed Thomas’s uncertainty and dishonesty.

  “Married?” he echoed as if stunned. He recovered his poise and stated, “Sorry, Mrs. Jurrell, but I can’t help you. I haven’t seen him for ages. Don’t expect to see him anytime soon either. He stays up north. If I do, I’ll tell him you’re looking for him.”

  She almost shrieked no, but realized how foolish that would sound. Besides, she didn’t owe Landis Jurrell an explanation. If she was going to search for a missing person, why not begin here? After all, Landis had been gone for weeks! She wished she knew why the sergeant had nearly choked on her new name. Thus ended her unsatisfactory first visit into the Canadian frontier.

  On the way to the area where they would camp, Mike and Kathy leisurely strolled along. Kathy glanced at him and suddenly blurted out, “Mike, when I mentioned my father’s name, the sergeant looked and acted very strange. I don’t like it,” she murmured suspiciously. “Something’s wrong. I don’t trust him…”

  As he began to unpack their supplies and bedrolls, he replied to her curious statements, “I think you’re imagining things, Miss Kathy. The Mounties wouldn’t be up to some illegal mischief. I think he was just startled to meet Landis’s wife. I do hope you find your father. But if you don’t, you have nothing to worry about. You have Landis. And when he’s away, me and the other men won’t let anything happen to you.”

  She smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Mike. Everyone in Moore’s camp has made me and Harriet feel so safe and welcome.”

  As they joined forces to prepare their supper, Mike asked, “Why didn’t you ask the sergeant to give Landis a message? He stopped in there a while back, and he’s suppose to return in a day or so. But don’t fret, hell probably head for Skagway afterwards. I’m sure he’s anxious to get home,” he innocently commented, unaware of the blatant lies told by the sergeant.

  Shocked and angered, Kathy observed him closely. “Are you telling me that Landis went to Log Cabin recently and he’s suppose to return there soon?” she asked as calmly as she could manage.

  “Yep. At least that’s what Moore told me. Anyway, that other Mounty was talking about Landis’s two visits. He said Landis told them about you and Mrs. Pullen’s cooking. I bet they were envy green,” he stated with a chuckle, missing the effect of his words on her.

  Kathy reasoned on these disturbing facts. Those haunting feelings of trickery washed over her again. Sergeant Bill Thomas had actually gone livid and flustered at news of their marriage. Why lie to her?

  As she lay in her bedroll staring up at the full moon and listening to Mike’s gentle snoring, the memory of that fateful afternoon in Drayton’s cabin came to visit her. Thoughts of that fiery union caused her traitorous body to quiver with longing. Gradually a bittersweet reality settled in: she wanted him desperately, but she couldn’t trust him or his friends.

  Drayton Cardone…He was different from Landis, but they were good friends. He seemed kind and honest, genuinely delighted by her marriage to Landis. In the past few weeks since Dray’s return, they had become friends. They had played checkers many nights. He was a well-educated and well-travelled man. Often she sat listening to him relate his countless adventures and tales of daring and suspense, which sometimes included Landis. They had discussed plays which they had seen and places they had visited. Dray’s friendship had relieved many lonely hours while she waited for Landis and news of her father. With connections to suppliers in Seattle, he did most of the ordering for everyone in the area. She drifted off to sleep thinking of Landis.

  Mike aroused her just as the first streaks of dawn etched the horizon. “I hate to wake you, but we haveta get up and going if we’re gonna make home before night.” She was up and moving quickly, helping him with a light breakfast and with rolling the sleeping bags into a neat bundle. Once more their laborious walk was under way.

  It was almost dark when they wearily trudged into the settlement. Kathy went straight to her cabin to freshen up before heading to the supper tent to help Harriet. She quickly removed her heavy pants, black boots, and parka. After putting on a lovely red dress, she brushed her hair and placed a red silk ribbon in it. There was a knock at the door. When she answered it, Harriet hurried inside.

  Harriet was so glad to see her safely returned she hugged her fiercely. “I was so worried about you, Kathy. Did you learn anything?”

  “Not enough, but more than I wanted to,” she replied mysteriously, then related her intriguing visit to Log Cabin.

  Harriet looked disturbed by her news. “I think I would be careful around your husband, Kathy. Evidently there’s more to him than meets the eye. What do you think it means?”

  “I don’t know, Harriet, but I fully intend to find out.”

  To distract Kathy, Harriet informed her, “We have company tonight. A man by the name of Jack London arrived yesterday morning after you left. From the colorful tales I overheard, he takes big chances on those Yukon rapids. Sounds like he lives as if there’s no tomorrow. A most pleasant and genial lad.”

  “Who did you say?” Kathy asked, becoming alert.

  “Jack London. He lives near Stewart, above Whitehorse. He pilots boats up the Yukon River. The men say he’s the best at running those dangerous rapids. He certainly has the size and manner to prove it.”

  “Describe him,” she coaxed. “I might know him.”

  “He’s around twenty, blond hair, very tall. Kind of serious, but friendly. An adventurer through and through. They said he came looking for gold, but gave up his search. Hasn’t been here long.”

  Amazement flooded Kathy’s face. “It surely sounds to be Jack. Maybe he can help me, since Landis obviously won’t. The sooner I can get this matter settled, the sooner I can get on with my life.”

  “You know Jack London?” Harriet inquired.

  “He’s like my brother. We’ve known each other for years. How can I tell him, Harriet?” she wailed abruptly, distressed.

  “Tell him what, Kathy?” she entreated confusedly.

  “About mother. Jack’s been madly in love with her for years.”

  “London and Dory?” she ventured incredulously.

  “I know, he’s practically my age. You knew mother; she looked young; she was beautiful and carefree. Jack wanted to marry her. He wrote her all the time. Until the first of the year…At least she told me he quit writing. I thought he’d gone to sea. Hell be devastated. Poor Jack. He was so sweet to both of us.”

  Harriet left her to fret alone. Kathy quickly finished dressing, eager to check out this new event. She hurried over to the supper tent. As she walked in, a masculine voice sang out, “Kathy? Saints alive, what are you doing here?”

  “Jack!” she squealed in delight. “Looking for you.”

  “Looking for me?” he asked, bewildered.

  “I need help, Jack,” she vowed, dreading her coming words.

  “What’s wrong, little sister?” he fretted, wondering what Kathy was doing in Alaska. His heart leaped; was Dory with her?

  “Family business, you might say. I need to talk to you privately, Jack. But it’ll have to wait until I’m finished here.”

  “You and I have some catching up to do. You’re the last person I expected to see here. Lordy, how you’ve changed!” His eyes roamed her features. “Is Dory with you?” he helplessly asked.

  She inwardly grimaced. “No. I never dreamed I would see a place like this. It’s just like those paintings we saw in San Francisco. At first it was awful. Now that my big brother’s here, I feel better.” She thought it best to have their family reunion and crushing talk in private. “I’ll talk with you after supper. I work for Mr. Moore and I’d best get busy. I’ll explain everything later.”


  She smiled, then spoke to several friends as she weaved her way through the jovial group near the front. She nearly froze in mid-step as she saw Landis waiting near the stove, his gaze locked on her. She almost forgot everything and was about to race into his arms. His stance and expression prevented it; he was glaring at her with unsuppressed anger furrowing his brow and squinting his stormy eyes. Surely it couldn’t be jealousy on his face? Quickly recovering her poise and wits, she headed his way. She smiled and spoke politely to him before starting her work. After Log Cabin, she found their pretense difficult, something which clearly did not sit well with him. He was unaccustomed to being ignored or embarrassed in public. He fumed in tightly leashed fury; his smoldering eyes warned her to tread lightly. Mistrustful of him, she resisted his previous orders for romantic behavior.

  He whispered, “Aren’t you forgetting we’re married? Is this any kind of greeting for a returning husband? You’re playing with fire.”

  “Surely you don’t expect me to fall all over you with hugs and kisses in public? Stop acting like a spoiled child, or you’ll make everyone suspicious,” she quietly scolded. “I have work to do.”

  Before Landis could react, Drayton came over to them. “I’m glad to see you two back safely. I told Landis Mike would take good care of you. You two want to visit me after supper?”

  Kathy sighed in fatigue, partly for Landis’s benefit. “I’m sorry, but I can’t, Dray. I’m really exhausted.”

  Kathy hoped to avoid Landis tonight with her excuse. Without even glancing at him, she could feel the heat from his glare. She almost smiled in spiteful pleasure, but controlled herself. Let him stew for a while like I did, she mentally plotted.

  “I understand. You’re a lucky devil, Landis. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” Dray walked off to give them some privacy, cognizant of Landis’s foul mood. Would he ever understand this unpredictable friend?

  “Well talk later, Landis; I must get busy,” Kathy excused herself and headed to see what needed to be done, needing some thinking distance. The only person at the back of the long tent was Harriet, who was diligently working on the completion of supper. Twinges of guilt chewed at Kathy. She had agreed to do half of the work, but was not carrying out her part of the bargain. The only thing which made her feel better was her insistence that Harriet keep all of the gold nuggets which the men occasionally left for them.