The 777 (A Historical Fiction Novella)

by CJ Quincy

  “How great is this Sam?” Benjamin asked, looking over at Samuel from behind heavy eyelids.

  “I will admit, this is a gorgeous town.”

  “Just think…tomorrow–you could own a silver mine!”

  Samuel sat up and leaned on his knees. “I still have to think like a businessman, Ben. My dad wouldn't want me to just jump into something without doing some research. And if this mine is so lucrative, why is Mr. Kingsley selling it?” That last question, along with Thomas’ odd behavior, had gotten under Samuel’s skin like a bad rash.

  “You worry too much, Sam. I'm here to help you and make sure that you don't make any big mistakes.” Benjamin grinned and put his hands behind his head.

  Samuel laughed and arched his eyebrow. “Those were the same words you said to me when you told me to jump off the Logan Bridge as kids in New York. And I wound up breaking my arm.”

  “Go to bed Sam.” Benjamin chuckled. “I won’t let you break anything this time.”

  With a sigh, Samuel lay back on the soft bed again. “Good night, Ben.” As his friend’s breathing evened and deepened, Samuel focused on the plush mattress, the sweet smell of the flowers wafting from the garden, and the girl with red hair who had hovered over them, like a honeybee, light and quick.

  Chapter V

  Kingsley’s big day had arrived. Before leading the two potential buyers to the train depot and showing them the mine, he’d stuffed them full of the finest breakfast he could muster. Weighed down with eggs, hot buttered toast, and sausages, Samuel and Benjamin’s spirits were high, just as Kingsley wanted.

  At the train depot, they walked over to the track for Kingsley’s mining train, with Samuel and Benjamin flanking Kingsley on either side and Thomas bringing up the rear. Once aboard the train, with a wave of Kingsley’s hand the whistle blew and the train began to leave the depot. So far everything had gone better than Kingsley could have hoped, but the true test was looming.

  As they cut through the rugged mountains, he sat quietly and just let the big city boys admire the scenery.

  However, Kingsley couldn’t resist sprinkling a little sugar on this deal for long. “Beautiful, isn't it?”

  “Yes, sir. I’m not used to this type of scenery in Manhattan.” Benjamin replied with a dreamy voice.

  Kingsley cleared his throat and winked. “I was speaking of the train. This Class 70 2-8-0 locomotive was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works out of Philadelphia, were running on a narrow gauge. The reduced spaces allowed us to get the rail through the mountain corridors.” With a flourish of his hand, he seemed to distribute the pride swelling in his chest across the train car.

  “Mr. Kingsley, can I ask you–why are you selling this mine and this property? I mean, if this business is so lucrative...”

  Kingsley sat forward like a bolt of lightning, leaning toward Samuel to drive his point home. He allowed himself a dramatic pause to take a deep breath and soften his voice for the appropriate gravitas.

  “Twenty-seven years I owned this mine, Samuel, and I will tell you–there is a lot of work involved.” He sat back and shrugged his shoulders. “Yes, it can be lucrative. Some days you may pull out a large amount of ore, but then you may go days on end with little results. But no matter the battles you may fight here and there, the fact is that this mine is one of the best producers of silver ore for hundreds of miles.”

  Samuel chewed on his lip for a moment and said, “So, it's too much work for you?”

  Kingsley sighed wistfully and nodded. “Partially. I also want to spend my remaining years enjoying the fortune I have amassed.” Kingsley cracked his knuckles and his neck. “It's time old man Kingsley retired. The money I will be making off this mine will serve as my retirement. But I can assure you–this mine will produce a fortune's worth of silver for you, Samuel.”

  Samuel’s eyes softened, and Kingsley knew he had him. “I understand, Mr. Kingsley.”

  Benjamin tore his eyes from the window and pointed at the ceiling of the train car.

  “Does this train come with the deal?”

  Kingsley grinned, “Oh, yes: the train, the mine and the land. It would all be included in the sale.” He dropped his smile and leaned forward once again, wagging a finger toward the men. “But I will have one stipulation in the contract.”

  “What's that?” Samuel asked.

  “This land is only to be used as silver mining property. I don't want to see it commercialized. This land is very dear to my heart.” He folded his hands over his chest. “I want to be assured that generations to come will keep the tradition of this land being used to produce and trade silver.”

  “So, I can't use the land for anything else?” Samuel’s brows furrowed, and Kingsley gritted his teeth.

  He shook his head. “Sorry, Sam. This is my one stipulation.” Had he gone too far too soon? He had no choice. This deal was going to be clenched, and it was going to be on his terms.

  *

  Samuel and Benjamin followed Kingsley and Thomas into the mouth of the mine. As they left daylight behind, Samuel squinted to let his eyes adjust. Benjamin, however, seemed to be having no problem and stared wide-eyed at the sweating and grunting miners they passed.

  Kingsley stopped behind of one young man hacking at the base of the wall with a pick. His brow was caked in dirt and sweat, but his face was relatively serene during the manual labor.

  “Any luck today?” he asked.

  The miner looked up at the four men and smiled. “Yes, sir!”

  “Let's see what you've got.”

  The miner reached to his right and dragged over a large bucket filled to the rim with silver ore. Samuel clenched his hands into fists and tried to keep a cool head.

  “How hard is it to get the silver out?” Samuel asked.

  “Show him, son.” Kingsley said. Thomas sneezed and looked away, wiping his nose with his handkerchief.

  The miner dug into one of the planted sections and easily removed some dirt and bedrock. After digging about one foot into the mine wall, he produced a chunk of silver ore about the size of his palm.

  “Jackpot!” Benjamin yelled, making both Samuel and Thomas jump. Samuel scowled and glared at his friend’s inability to stifle his over-exuberance.

  Kingsley was practically beaming through the darkness, but Samuel had more questions. “How much is that silver worth?”

  Kingsley let out a brief whistle. “That looks to be about 11 ounces. You could sell it for approximately $10 in town.”

  Samuel rubbed his chin and mused, “That's a nice profit.”

  “You bet it is.” Kingsley patted his and Benjamin’s shoulders.

  “What about the miners?” Samuel asked. “Will they work for me if I purchase the mine?” He watched the young miner, who had already seemed to tune them out as he resumed his work.

  “I will talk to each and every one of them.” Kingsley said. “I am sure they will be willing stay on with you, should you purchase the property. Good jobs like this are hard to come by. I doubt any of these miners want to lose their main source of employment.”

  “How much do they make a week?” Samuel asked. He noticed Thomas looking intently at the wall and still nursing a runny nose with his handkerchief. He must not be used to all this dust, Samuel thought.

  “For a 60 hour week, these boys get $35.”

  “That's it? Seems unfair, especially when you are making such a good profit on those small amounts of ore.” Samuel took a step back and crossed his arms over his chest. That low wage didn’t sit right with him.

  “Business isn't always fair, Samuel.” Kingsley shrugged and dismissed his concerns with a wave of his hand.

  “That's true, Sam,” said Benjamin. Samuel nudged Benjamin with his elbow, a silent reminder to stop seeming so eager. The miners’ pay wasn’t sitting well with Samuel, but it was something he could reconsider should the time come.

  Mr. Kingsley straightened and patted his round gut. “I don’t know about you boys, but I’m ready t
o eat. Let’s get back out into the open air, shall we?”

  Benjamin laughed nervously and nodded his head as they headed back toward the mouth.

  For a moment, Samuel shielded his eyes from the sun with his hand, but when he took a closer look around town into the Silverton valley he saw four dusty, old passenger cars sitting vacant, parallel to the primary track. These old cars caught Samuel’s attention.

  “What are those passenger cars for?”

  Mr. Kingsley took on a serious demeanor and sighed. “Those were brought to town by Sir Frederick, a city slicker from New York who swept into town promising a profitable passenger train service from Durango to Denver.” Mr. Kingsley paused and thoughtfully sucked his teeth as he looked out at the train. “He sold us these cars and left town with a large amount of my money and my nieces’ heart.” He turned to Samuel and Benjamin. “You two are the first city boys I’ve done business with since.”

  “I'm sorry to hear that, Mr. Kingsley.” Samuel said. “But not all of us ‘city slickers’ are alike, you know.”

  “I hope not, Samuel.” Samuel looked from the passenger cars to Mr. Kingsley’s wan smile to Thomas, standing quite a distance away and staring at his feet. He couldn’t place an uneasiness that had settled in his stomach, a nervousness that fluttered through his gut every time he looked at Mr. Kingsley’s mild-mannered assistant. He was a weird sort, but Samuel shook it off.

  “Are those passenger cars part of the mine sale?” Samuel asked.

  “Sure, Samuel: the mine, the mine train, the property and I'll throw in the passenger cars.”

  It was a hell of a deal, and Samuel felt heartened by Benjamin’s eager grin. For once, he didn’t feel like nudging his smile away. “Thank you.” Samuel said. He looked out over the vibrant terrain, the mining train, and the gaping maw of the mine itself as a soft breeze raised goosebumps on his arms. Mr. Kingsley wore a grin as big as the mountain they stood next to and he waved an arm toward their train, welcoming Samuel and Benjamin to their new life.

  *

  Penny pressed her ear to the smooth surface of the door, trying to pick up any tidbits from the conversation inside that she could. She knew that the second she pushed through with her platter of lemonades all of the men would fall silent. Her presence killed more conversations in her uncle’s office than a fly-swatter could kill flies.

  It was no use. Their muffled voices provided no hint to the details of their discussion, so Penny sighed and nudged the door open.

  “Hello, gentlemen.” She put on her best demure smile and most endearing sing-song voice. The ice in the glasses clinked softly as she knelt a bit to hand Samuel his drink.

  “This is my niece, Penny.” Her uncle said, his voice tinged with irritation at the interruption. While Samuel avoided eye contact when she first approached, she felt his gaze burning into her back while she served Benjamin and Thomas.

  “Hello!” Benjamin replied, wearing the goofy grin of a twelve year old. Penny was amused at the opposite personalities possessed by the two potential purchasers. She made her way carefully to her uncle last, standing over his shoulder and glancing down at his desk covered in papers when she leaned in to deliver the last glass.

  “So, I suppose you are the city slickers from New York who want to buy our mine?” Penny lowered the tray to her waist and rested on hand on the back of her uncle’s chair.

  Samuel opened his mouth to reply, but Benjamin beat him to it. “That's us!”

  “It's a beautiful piece of property.” Samuel said softly. He finally made eye contact with her, and she noticed the tips of his ears were bright red.

  Penny fashioned a pout. “Indeed it is. Or should I say indeed it was?”

  Samuel shook his head and seemed flustered. “It will remain beautiful. That’s a promise.” Benjamin nodded alongside him.

  “Well, I would guess that won’t be any of my concern once you sign that contract.” Penny scowled, just enough so her admirer could see but quickly enough so that her uncle couldn’t. Mr. Kingsley turned in his seat and looked up at her just in time to see her placid brow and a smile at the corners of her mouth.

  “Thank you for the refreshments, dear. A man’s work is hard and tiresome. What were you doing for the rest of this afternoon?”

  Penny turned away from them as she walked to the door and rolled her eyes. “I’ll be tending the garden if anyone needs me.” As she closed the door and paused, waiting for the murmuring to resume, she could still feel Samuel’s stare crossing her shoulder blades.

  *

  Samuel kept his eyes on Penny until the last wisp of her red hair was beyond the door. My. Kingsley loudly cleared his throat.

  “Ahem, back to business, boys.”

  Samuel felt his ears and face go hot. “Sorry, sir. Of course.” He didn’t have to turn and look to know that Benjamin was suppressing a smile, but he was surprised to see a lighter look on Thomas’ face. He’d been usually so dour the whole trip.

  Mr. Kingsley slid some papers across the desk. “This is the deed for the property. Like I mentioned, I added an addendum for the property to be used ‘for silver mining, silver trade and silver related business only.’”

  Samuel looked at the papers and then met Mr. Kingsley’s sharp blue eyes.

  “Understood, sir.”

  “Should the property be used for any non-silver related purpose...” Kingsley lowered his voice and leaned over his desk toward Samuel. “I retain the right to buy it back for $10,000.”

  “Don't worry, sir; we’ll uphold the tradition of this land.” Benjamin said as he put a hand on Samuel’s shoulder. Samuel felt a low burn begin deep in his stomach, and he welcomed his friend’s sign of solidarity.

  “So all we need is your signature, Samuel, and you'll be the proud owner of the best silver mine for 300 miles.”

  Samuel picked up the silver plated, feather tipped pen that Mr. Kingsley handed his way. It was slick in his hand, and he paused for a moment to look at Benjamin, who nodded softly. Samuel took a deep breath, ignored the tension in his gut, and signed the document.

  “Thank you, Mr. Kingsley.” Samuel said. He quickly wiped his hand on the knee of his slacks before standing and reaching out to take Mr. Kingsley’s meaty palm. As Samuel and Benjamin turned and walked out of the office, Samuel felt his heartbeat calm and the thrill of a new enterprise jolt through him.

  Chapter VI

  Kingsley crossed his porch into the mid-afternoon sun to face the miners lined up once again on his front yard. He stood quietly for a moment, observing their discomfort as they shifted and moved while standing in place and waiting to learn the fate of their jobs.

  “Gentlemen,” he boomed, “how has work been for you this last week?”

  Almost as one they stood straighter, at attention, and they began answering in outbursts and cheers. “Great! We love it!”

  “Fantastic.” Kingsley wiped his forehead with his handkerchief. “Well, I have another offer that you’re going to like. I want you all to know that I’ve temporarily sold the mine.”

  Silence descended across the field and the miners looked at each other in confusion. Kingsley could almost see some of their adam’s apples move as they gulped.

  “Now, don't worry. You won't be losing your jobs, but you will have a new boss.” The collective tension that had built snapped. Some of the miners even smiled. “His name is Mr. Samuel Weir, and I’m sure that most of you will be meeting him tomorrow.”

  A low murmur rippled through the men, and Kingsley held up his hand. “But! Before you meet him, I have a little proposition for you.” He put his index finger on the side of his nose and began to pace in front of his audience. “I want you to keep ‘our little secret’ about the mine's lack of silver to ourselves, so I am willing to continue paying you your weekly salary in conjunction with the salary that Mr. Weir will be paying you…provided that you do not tell Mr. Weir, or anyone else for that matter, about the mine being spent.”

  “So we'll be
getting paid double?” asked one of the younger miners, a boy in his late teens.

  Kingsley took his finger from the side of his nose and pointed it at the boy. “Exactly. I doubt Mr. Weir will have you playing ball or fishing, but you will get paid double.” Some of the miners chuckled and elbowed one another. “The only thing is, Mr. Weir is not to know that you are getting paid from me as well. So does everyone agree to our new little deal?”

  Applause roared in response, and triumph washed over Kingsley. Some miners, only a few, stood out in the mob as standing still with clouded expressions, but they were easily overlooked in the sea of approval and shouts that erupted. He stood with his arms open, basking in the smooth success of his plan.

  *

  Samuel breathed in the smell of strong whiskey and stale ale, still soaking in his newfound status as a mine owner. The raucous sounds of blackjack and roulette filled the air.

  He swished his glass around, watching the yellow gaslights glint off the caramel liquid.

  Benjamin slammed a shot glass on the bar and slapped Samuel in the back, “How does it feel Sammy boy? To be a proud business owner?”

  Samuel laughed a little and smiled. “It feels good. I'm just a little nervous.”

  “Nervous? Maybe you need another drink! This is a night to celebrate! What do you say, Sammy? Let's have a little fun.” Benjamin pointed to the roulette table.

  Samuel let out a deep breath and for once relaxed his sore and crinkled forehead.

  “Let’s.”

  They ordered two more drinks and squeezed between two women sitting at the game table. Benjamin put his arm around a short brunette and placed a bet on number two. Samuel decided to watch first, nursing his drink.

  *

  Samuel’s head felt fuzzy and heavy as he and Benjamin stumbled out of the casino.

  “I love this town!” Benjamin yelled before letting out a guttural howl of delight. The sound cut straight through Samuel’s temples and his stomach lurched.