THE IMPERIAL ENGINEER

by Judith B. Glad

  "Why am I so certain there will be one? Surely there's nothing worse he could do." She and Tony had almost nothing left to lose. Or had the vandal been a woman?

  No, because a woman would not have been able to carry off that exquisite ebony screen. Lulu had needed help just to move it.

  The telephone rang. With sinking heart, Lulu crossed the room.

  What now?

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  A CARD

  To the Executive Committee of the Anti-Chinese League:

  As I am informed that my name is mentioned in an unwarranted manner because a Chinaman has heretofore swept my store and cleaned my lamps, I wish to state that, being in favor of getting rid of the Chinese by all lawful means. I am looking about for a white man to do the work, and shall employ him as soon as I can.

  In the meantime, I respectfully but firmly request the members of the Executive Committee to refrain from bandying my name in an improper manner upon the streets, or to cause it to be done.

  H.J. FRIEDMAN

  Wood River Times - Paid Notice

  ~~~

  "Tell the yellow heathen to get out of town, or worse will happen." The voice was whispery and slightly muffled, as if the speaker had a hand cupped around the mouthpiece.

  Stunned, Lulu could do nothing but stare at the earpiece as if it were alive. Only when she heard the peculiar hollow sound that denoted an open connection did she react. Ringing the switchboard, she waited impatiently for Jack to answer. When he did, she interrupted his greeting with, "Mr. Denham, where did that last call come from?"

  "The Bullion Mine office. Why?"

  "Did you recognize the voice? Was it someone who usually called from there?"

  A pause. "I didn't really pay attention, but...no, it didn't sound like Mr. Pinnick. He's the only one whose voice I'd recognize, because he makes almost all the calls from there."

  "He wouldn't have made that call." Lulu had only met Dave Pinnick once, but he had surprised her with sympathetic comments about women's suffrage. She thought him an extremely intelligent man.

  "Did I make the wrong connection?" Jack sounded worried.

  "No. No, I'm sure you didn't. It's just that the caller didn't identify himself, so I'm not sure what he wanted. He only spoke a few words, then disconnected."

  "Perhaps he'll call back later."

  "Yes, perhaps." Lulu wasn't sure she wanted him to, unless it was to tell her who he was. That evening, when she was telling Tony about the call, she said, "I've tried to hear in my mind what he said. There was something about his voice...almost as if I'd heard it before."

  "Someone you've spoken to?"

  She shook her head. "I wish I knew. Have you ever had one of those feelings that you've missed something important?"

  He grinned. "Many times. Most often just before an examination at college." Then he sobered. "You're sure he said to tell me to get out of town? He wasn't talking about the Chinese in general?"

  "He said 'the yellow heathen', but I have this feeling he was speaking specifically, not generally. Whoever he is, he knows." A sick sensation had made its home in her gut ever since the telephone call, one she knew presaged something awful. Instinctively she spread her hands across the mound of her belly, frightened of what this all could mean for their child. "He knows you're Chinese and he hates you. I could hear it in his voice."

  "It doesn't make sense, damn it! If he's after me because of that, why was he trying to delay the telephone installation, way back last June? And why doesn't he denounce me to the League? God knows, if that bunch of fanatics found out what I am, they'd probably string me up to the nearest tree."

  An icy chill went up her spine all but taking her breath away. "It's not a joke! You could be in danger."

  "I'm more concerned that you are. Nobody but a crazy man would do the things this fellow's done. What if he decides to get at me by harming you?" He rose from the settee and came across the room. Going to one knee before the rocker in which she sat, he caught her hands. "Lulu, I want you to go to Boise. Attacks on the telephone exchange are one thing, but this destruction of our home is personal. Next time he might not stop at damaging our possessions."

  "Don't be ridiculous. I'm not going to run away from a little danger." Oh, she wanted to, for the sake of her baby, but it just wouldn't be right. "Besides, wouldn't that be admitting defeat? If I go away, mightn't he think you're sure to follow?"

  He frowned, fiercely. "What if I make it an order?"

  "I hope you won't. We'd only fight, and right now it's far more important that we work together." She pulled one hand free of his grasp and stroked his cheek. "Tony, I don't know where you got this outmoded notion that I need protecting. My mamma would be scandalized if she thought I'd let you stand alone between me and danger. And Soomey would probably be outraged you even suggested it. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

  He embraced her then, arms around her waist, head pillowed on her breasts. "Oh, God, Lulu, just be careful! If something happened to you--"

  As if to emphasize his words, the babe gave a tremendous kick, startling them both.

  Tony pulled back and laced his hands with hers, where they lay protectively across her belly. "Just be careful," he repeated. "Don't risk our son out of pride."

  "Our daughter," she said softly, as she bent to kiss him.

  * * * *

  Tony felt as if he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. With each day that went by without incident, he grew more apprehensive, rather than less. The vandal wasn't done with him, he was sure. When would he strike next?

  And where?

  One of the first things he did was install a telephone in the apartment. He told Lulu it was so Jack or Eph could get hold of him day or night. To himself he admitted it was so she could reach him if she needed to.

  He talked to Dave Pinnick, who denied making the call. "I wasn't here," he said. "The blower burned out a bearing and I was out working on it all afternoon." He had no idea who might have made the call. As far as he knew, his office had been unoccupied while he was in the mine.

  The sheriff was doing his best to discover who the vandals were, but he had his hands full with other business. Some members of the League were engaged in a boycott of merchants who still employed Chinese, going so far as to post signs warning away customers. There had been a few shouting matches, and a fist-fight or two, all related to the boycott. Nothing serious, but they kept people on edge.

  Tony was walking to the office Wednesday morning when he saw Ed Whittsett ripping a sheet of paper from the wall beside his front door. The tailor employed one of Mr. Yu's younger brothers. He'd been somewhat outspoken in his disagreement with the League.

  Curious, Tony walked across the street. "What's that?" he said.

  Ed turned around. "The dad-blasted League. I've got until tomorrow to send Danny packing, or they'll boycott me. I'll show them!" He ripped the placard apart and tossed the fragments into the street. "Danny! Get out here!"

  A half-grown Chinese boy came running. "You call, Boss?"

  "Durn right I called. Run down to Burkhardt's and get me a couple of showcards and some red paint. I'll show them." As the boy ran off, Ed said, "It ain't the important men in town who're doin' this. It's those blatherskites and do-nothings who hang around the saloon and talk their fool heads off. That lot! None of them ever bought so much as a shirt off me. So they're going to boycott me! Ha! I've got more work now than I can keep up with."

  "Watch yourself, Ed. Somebody's going beyond threats. You heard what happened out at my place Sunday?"

  "Yeah, I heard. That reminds me, do you need shirts? I've got a couple a fellow ordered, never picked up. I hear he left town real sudden."

  "I do, but I haven't had time to think about clothes. I'll come by when I get a chance." Fortunately he'd kept a couple of changes of linen in the office, so with that and the laundry Lulu had forgotten to pick up Saturday, he was able to dress respectably. But a couple more shirts wouldn't be am
iss.

  "Any word on who tore your house up?"

  "Not yet. I doubt we'll ever find out, unless we catch him--or them--at it again." He waved as he started again along the street. "See you later."

  There seemed to be more men than usual in the street this morning. Jacob Teller had mentioned that the smelter in Ketchum had cut back on production while they installed some new machinery. That must be where they all came from.

  Tony sure hoped they'd get back to work soon. What was that saying about idle hands and the devil? It sure was true in Hailey. Last night Eph had called to ask what to do about the fight going on in the street outside the newspaper office. Knowing the sheriff was probably keeping a close eye on it, Tony had reassured Eph and gone back to bed. If the vandals decided to torch the place, there wouldn't be a damn thing he could do.

  He hadn't slept though, not until Eph called again to say that everything was quiet.

  * * * *

  Eagleton wired Tony on Friday that he was staying another week. His telegram, which must have cost him an arm and a leg read, in part: AUTHORIZED AXMINSTER ADVANCE FUNDS STOP HIRE GUARDS AS NEEDED STOP BRINGING HOME BACON STOP.

  Tony wondered what bacon and why his employer was so sanguine about the possibility of more vandalism.

  Saturday evening there was a dance at the Miner's Union Hall. Tony offered to take the evening shift in the switchboard so Billy, Eph and Jack could attend. When she learned he'd be alone there, Lulu insisted on accompanying him. "What better opportunity for someone to do damage?" she demanded. "Everyone and his sister will be at the dance, and they'll all be walking about town afterward. Someone could go in, overpower you, and wreck the whole place, and be gone, with no one the wiser. "

  His objection was merely a matter of form. Her concern and determination to protect him gave him new hope for their marriage.

  As a matter of fact, their marriage was going so smoothly it worried him. He and Lulu had never been together this long without arguing about something, not in the twenty years they'd been friends. She had to be up to something.

  With so many at the dance, there were few requests for telephone service that night. He spent the time checking and rechecking connections, wiring, and the switchboard batteries, until Lulu laid down her book and said, "Oh, for heaven's sake, Tony. Will you relax! You're like a bear in a cage. Pacing. Poking your nose in every nook and cranny."

  He laid aside the electrometer he'd been using. "It's my job to make sure the system is working. I've not had as much chance this week to check it out as I'd like. So I'm catching up."

  "Pooh! You're bored, that's what you are. You've tested those batteries half a dozen times. You've traced every wire from where it comes into the building to the switchboard at least twice. I'm surprised you haven't waxed the floor."

  "I considered it," he said, rising and stalking toward where she sat on a high stool, "I can't do what I want to do, so I'm trying to occupy my mind so I won't think about it."

  "Oh? And what is it you're trying not to think about?" Her eyes laughed at him over the top of the book she'd been reading.

  "This." He snatched the book and tossed it aside. Before she could react, he caught her wrists in his hands. Slowly, gently, he forced them behind her. "Spread your legs," he said, desire making his voice husky. "Wrap them around me, Lulu."

  She obeyed, although her heavy skirt and wool petticoat were still a barrier between them. "What if someone comes in?"

  "The door's locked," he assured her. "But I'm not going to do anything that would embarrass you." He nipped at her throat and her head fell back, giving him greater access to warm ivory skin. With both her wrists manacled in the fingers of one hand, he brought the other back to slide under her skirts. Above the sturdy boots she wore, her leg was slim and warm in a thick wool stocking. The wool scratched against his palm as he stroked up her calf and clasped her knee. Just above the knee her garter was a surprising scrap of lace and satin. Lulu was always well turned out, but generally in clothing more severe than frilly.

  The garter held her stocking against soft, warm flesh. He snapped the elastic gently, then slipped a finger under the band and tugged it toward her knee.

  "Don't," she said. "I'd rather not be mussed, in case someone comes."

  Tony released the garter, and let his fingers rest on her thigh, enjoying the warmth. He was in no hurry. He'd be surprised if Billy came back before midnight. The young reporter was walking out with Minnie Hathaway. With his open, friendly nature, he was a good match for the pretty, giggly girl.

  "What are you smiling at?"

  With one thumb, he stroked the velvety skin of her inner thigh. "Billy and Minnie Hathaway. They both seem so... so young."

  "They are. She's what, eighteen?" Lulu caught his hand between her thighs, the sweetest trap on earth. "And he can't be much more than that."

  "She's twenty. Billy's a bit older." The last word came out on a catch of breath, as her fingers found him. "Yes. Unbutton me."

  She did, and he sprang free into her palm. As her hand closed about him, his fingers slipped through the opening of her drawers and found her hot center. She was wet and ready for him. "Can you--"

  "Yes, Let me--"

  "No, not like that. Pull your skirt--"

  Her legs clamped about his hips. He felt the stool rock as he entered her. "You're tipping..."

  "Hold me," she said, high and strained. "I'm going to... Ahhhh!"

  As the storm took her, he was caught in its force. He heard the stool crash to the floor, but then nothing except the roaring in his ears as his body convulsed. Erupted.

  His shaking legs were about to give way when she slowly unwrapped her legs. "you can let me down now," she said, "before you collapse."

  Tony's legs were trembling by the time they were sitting on the floor, leaning against each other. Both were still breathing heavily, and his heart still pounded. "Great God," he gasped.

  "Tony?" She spoke just above a whisper.

  "Um-hmm?"

  "I'm glad you forced me to marry you."

  He pulled her closer. "And I'm glad you seduced me, so I had to force you to marry me."

  She pulled free and sat upright. "Seduced you? I never--"

  He silenced her with a kiss. "Lulu, we've gone almost a week without a fight. In one hour we'll start a new week. Can we save the argument for then?"

  Leaning back against him, she said, "I suppose so. But no longer. I'd hate for you to get complacent."

  * * * *

  The truce lasted until Monday. That was when Tony said, quite casually, "I wish you wouldn't use the buggy until this nonsense about the boycott dies down. People will see you being driven by Ru Nan and some of them might decide to teach you a lesson."

  She turned from the stove where she was stirring the oatmeal. "Not be driven? What do you mean? You were the one who insisted I needed a driver."

  "I know, but I hadn't intended for you to hire a..."

  She slammed the wooden spoon down so hard its handle snapped. Oatmeal spattered across the stove and sizzled as it charred. "You hadn't intended for me to hire a Chinaman! No, I know you hadn't, because you're trying so hard to pretend you aren't one yourself. When are you going to quit lying to yourself, Tony? You can't run away from who you are, from what you are, no matter how you try. Sooner or later someone will take a good look at you and will see..." She sketched a line across her eyelids. In school she had learned the name for the fold of skin that gave the slant to Chinese eyes, but she couldn't remember what it was. "And that fake Boston accent. Honestly! How long did it take you to learn it?"

  "It's not fake," he retorted, "and it's not a Boston accent. Even Aunt Hattie says I sound like Silas."

  "Who cares what kind of accent it is. You didn't talk this way when you went off to Hah-vahd." Her grimace told him what she thought of the way he pronounced the word. "And you were proud to be Chinese when I first met you."

  "Bullshit! I would have given anything to be white.
If you'd seen how Celestials were treated in the gold camps. Great God, woman, I've seen men burned to death, just to amuse a mob of drunken miners."

  He turned away from her, but she could still hear him plainly. "I used to put vinegar on my face and hands, hoping it would turn them light like it did Ellen's hair. I held my eyes open so wide they hurt, trying to make them look less slanted--"

  "They aren't really slanted--"

  "I know that. But they still look Oriental. Why do you think I wear the spectacles? I can see perfectly well without them."

  "I wondered about that. They don't seem to magnify much."

  "Hardly at all, and they do help when I'm drafting or reading small print. But still..."

  "But still, you're living a lie. I wish you'd simply admit you're Chinese and stop trying to hide it."

  "And will you announce you're colored?"

  "I've never denied it. I just don't make an issue of the fact that my father is half Negro."

  "Let's take out an ad in the News-Miner then. 'Mr. and Mrs. Tony...' No make that 'Mr. and Mrs. Guan Tao Ni Dewitt wish everyone in the Wood River area to know they are not what they seem. He is Chinese and she is a mixture of white, Negro and Nez Perce.' We'll have it printed on the front page, just underneath the news about the League. And then we'll both get ridden out of town on the same rail."

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  It is falsely asserted that the League has over 400 members. The TIMES is assured that it has not got 200; that, furthermore, it comprises comparatively few hard-working or business or professional men who pay their bills.

  Wood River Times - Editorial

  ~~~

  "Tony..."

  "I'm going to work. Drive out or not, as you choose. It's your hide." He left before he could say anything else. If he'd stayed, he'd have taken her in his arms and told her how scared he was for her. For their child.