Woodcutter's Revival (2 page)

Chapter Two

T
he three men traveled together for three days. With each step, Stewart and Raymond left their farmland further behind and the terrain was increasingly mountainous with no more traces of foothills. As they walked they kept the conversation light. Stewart and Raymond knew almost everything about each other – their families, home and backgrounds.

At first, they figured they would only be walking with Daryl a week or two and would then part company, so there was no need to get too familiar. Daryl and Raymond were closer in age than they were to Stewart. Each day, Stewart noticed the two seemed to be of like mind in most things they discussed. It was almost as if separated brothers had rediscovered each other.

Late afternoon, about the time they usually started looking for a place to camp, they came to a fork in the trail. They had been following a trail adjacent to a river cutting a valley through the foothills and a pass into the mountains. The fork in the trail appeared as another trail veered off along a stream that fed into the river. Raymond said, “It looks good to the right. It looks like we could stay on lower ground. You can't tell what might be ahead.”

“Taking either trail would have its advantages and disadvantages.” added Daryl. “Why don't we set up camp here tonight, decide on our course of action and begin fresh in the morning?”

After a tasty supper of beef jerky, nuts and raisins, they reclined near the fire to ward off the brisk night air. Daryl opened the conversation, “Raymond, you seem to want to take the safer route.”

“Yes, it seems the traveling would be easier, and the weather would be milder. I'm amazed how much cooler the temperature gets the higher we go. Even though it's mid September, it feels like November would feel down below. You also never know what we might run into in the mountains.”

“That's true,” interrupted Stewart, “but think of the brook trout and the wild game. Until you are up there, seeing from the height, you really never know what view of the world you might have.”

“That all sounds good,” added Daryl, “but Raymond, who seems pretty logical, has good points for taking the lower route.”

“Let me propose this,” responded Stewart, “I feel safe enough to take the higher route, and you two would be safe, taking the lower route. We can meet each other in Wellspring in a few weeks.”

Raymond argued, “You've never been to Wellspring. It might take up to Thanksgiving until we can locate each other.”

Stewart responded, “Now we think we'll be able to get back up into the mountains any time we want. Let me tell you. Once we start working down in Wellspring, we'll never find time to get back up here. If we have the time it will mean we are not working and won't be able to afford to leave. I heard Wellspring is outgrowing nature and will probably even swallow up these mountains someday. Then there won't be anything left worth seeing.”

Stewart knew he was exaggerating a little. He felt his argument had gained momentum and had begun to carry him.

Daryl added, “Stewart, you seem pretty independent, almost to a fault. I am sure you will be all right up here. Raymond and I will plug along and find him a place in town, um, in the city.”

Stewart reluctantly agreed, although he had an uneasiness that no rationalization would overcome. Daryl smiled a smile that would have indicated a sense of accomplishment, had his smile not been shielded by the night.

They soon drifted off to sleep. Lying on the hard ground, the fatigue of walking good distances each day, coupled with the briskness of the mountain air made a night's sleep seem short.

Stewart was up before the other two. He was anxious to get back on the trail. Raymond awoke to the smell of bacon frying and coffee brewing. They ate breakfast and did not talk much. Each person thought any further effort to convince the other two of the soundness of their plan might actually have the opposite effect. It might have sounded as if they were over-pleading their case. They quietly finished packing their gear.

As they broke camp and bid adieu, they made their promises to meet in Wellspring in two or three weeks. Since the two plainsmen had no concept of the size and magnitude of the sprawling Wellspring, Daryl made a suggestion, “Whoever gets into town first, find an inn close to the trail head and wait. The other will be along shortly.”

Stewart began his lonely trek. He soon lost visual contact with Raymond and Daryl. Although he was alone, he did not feel lonely. He felt strangely secure; even though he did not know if or when he would ever see another human being.

As he was walking, he was reflecting upon the parting scene with the other two travelers. Even though Stewart had been the one to suggest the arrangement, there was something haunting him about the way Raymond decided to travel with Daryl. He wondered why Daryl was so quick to agree to the separate arrangements. Could Daryl have had some hidden motive in predetermining the separate routes?

Stewart attempted to convince himself that his impression was wrong. He could not think of a motive for Daryl to divide the two or to coax Raymond into taking the lower route with him. Besides, he did not think badly of Daryl. Even if he decided to turn back and attempt to catch the other two, he knew that would be almost impossible. He reassured himself that the fatigue, coupled with the altitude and the solitude were just playing games with his mind.

Stewart walked about three days and ate plenty of fresh brook trout. He was grateful for the extra food. To pack light enough for the length of the trip, there was not room for extra provisions. Sometimes, without the victuals provided by nature, he knew the amount he was able to carry would not be enough. He decided then and there that if God was able to feed five thousand with seven fish and some loaves of bread, who was he to question the Almighty's motives or ability?

Toward noon, about the time Stewart usually stopped for lunch, he saw a tree which had fallen across the trail. He thought, “That seems strange. Why would a tree just fall across the trail, and who would be around to cut it?”

Then he heard the moaning of someone in pain. As he moved close enough to survey the situation, Stewart found the source of the distress. The tree was pinning a man to the ground by his left leg. Before he had time to ponder the situation, Stewart had thrown himself into action. He was chopping the tree in half a few feet from the man's leg.

The man was unconscious, but still had his color, so Stewart felt reasonably assured there was time to save him. There was no time to waste, as he needed to be treated for shock and the chills as quickly as possible. Within fifteen minutes the tree was chopped in two and the injured man lay on the path – barely alive.

Stewart gently placed his parka over the man and propped his head on the bedroll he had pulled from the pack frame. The leg was obviously broken, as it was bent in a direction that no joint would accommodate. Stewart made a splint and patched the man as well as he could. As the man warmed under Stewart's coat, he began to regain consciousness.

“Do you live close-by?” inquired Stewart.

Struggling to fight the pain, the man shook his head to the affirmative and pointed his eyes up the path to the left. Stewart gently carried the man in his arms. Fortunately, the distance was not very far. As they reached the cabin, Stewart was able to push the door open with his foot. He felt relieved when he was able to place the man in his bed. Although he now was reluctant to do so, Stewart knew he must set the break. He could see no signs of internal bleeding in the leg, so he knew the break was a clean one.

Stewart did what he had to do. Now that he had an old bed sheet to rip into bandages, he replaced the splint and attempted to make the dressing look a little more attractive. At this point he realized how effortlessly he had carried the man, but how extremely exhausted he now felt - both physically and emotionally.

As the man drifted off to sleep again, Stewart began to look around the cabin. From the cold ashes in the fireplace and the stale bread on the table, it appeared the man had been out of the cabin at least half of a day. He rekindled the fire and began to make some bean soup from a few slices of the cured ham hanging from the rafters and a bowl of beans that had been left to soak. After the beans and ham were cooking, Stewart found the tin of corn meal and made corn bread in the cast iron skillet.

While the beans were simmering and the cornbread was cooling, the cabin acquired the combined aroma of beans, ham, cornbread, coffee and a wood fire. The heat from the fire began to radiate throughout the room and he laid his head on the table. When he opened his eyes, the cabin was almost totally dark, except for the diminishing flicker and shadows cast by the embers from the waning fire.

At first he had no recollection of where he was or how he got there. Stewart fumbled around in the twilight and found the lamp in the center of the table. He stirred the glowing embers, placed fresh wood in the irons and soon rekindled the blaze.

Shortly, the man awoke. Stewart asked him if he was up to some ham and bean soup and cornbread. The man winced and nodded in the affirmative, as he struggled to find a more comfortable position. As they were eating Stewart began asking some questions. “How long were you under the tree?”

“I started cutting about daylight. That was my only tree I cut today.”

“I am amazed you survived. You could have been done in by a wild animal or the elements.”

“I learned a long time ago not to question some things. I am thankful when things work out.”

Stewart asked, “Does anybody live with you?”

“No, I manage by myself. I have for the past four years.”

“You know it's broken?”

“I had my suspicions.”

“Oh, how rude of me. My name is Stewart. I'm on my way to Wellspring.”

“Coming up from the farm?”

“Yes, how'd you know?”

“I've seen a lot of them coming through. Most of ‘em go the lower route. My name is Michael, by the way.”

“I am happy to meet you.”

“Son, you don't know how happy I am to meet you.”

For obvious reasons Michael already trusted Stewart. The trust was not entirely due to the fact of the sacrifice and skill Stewart demonstrated in saving Michael's life. Michael also trusted his ability to judge character. From his vantage point and his own past experience, he seemed to have a way of knowing people and being able to determine their motives. He knew he could trust his perceptions of people when he was wise enough to not allow his emotions to get in the way.

After eating, Michael drifted off to sleep. In the loneliness of the cabin and the awareness of growing darkness outside, Stewart realized Michael would need care and attention for some time. He entertained thoughts of Raymond. How would Raymond know Stewart was detained? Would he worry needlessly? Stewart also came to the stark realization that Michael would have died if he had not taken the high trail.

Chapter Three

W
hile Stewart was busy in the cabin, caring for Michael, Raymond and Daryl reached a settlement in the mountain pass. The settlement was a small mining town named Discovery. Discovery had one mining company. The town had an inn where a person could obtain a bath, a room and a meal.

The town also had a general store, a boarding house, a furniture factory, a saloon, a livery stable, a church and a school. The boarding house was used by single miners who came to town and stayed a while. There were also several houses for miners with families to rent. All the commerce in Discovery was owned by one man – Edward Thomas. Edward liked to be called “Ned” by those to whom he allowed the privilege.

Raymond and Daryl had no trouble in deciding where to put up for the night. The inn was small and plain, but after a month on the trail, it seemed inviting enough. It was used by travelers who came to town on business or an occasional wanderer passing through. There were also monthly rates for those choosing to stay until they could obtain more permanent housing. Two of the six rooms were available, so they decided to check in, take a bath and meet in the dining room for supper.

Daryl was already seated when Raymond appeared. “Have you been waiting long? I couldn't pull myself away from the tub.”

“No, I have only had time to have a cup of coffee and to take a quick look at the menu.”

“How is the selection?”

“Limited, but the food sure smells good.”

Raymond began to peruse the menu as he continued enjoying the aromas, the faint clinking of knives and forks, and the clatter of plates being carried from a nearby table. Daryl said, with a laugh, “This place sure smells different than Stewart's camp cooking.”

Raymond, added, “The coffee is better too.”

Raymond realized that he had not thought about Stewart much while they were busy surviving on the trail. Now that he had some time to relax, he wondered how Stewart was doing and how far along the trail he had advanced. His attention soon turned to studying the other faces in the dining room. The study consisted of quick glances at the other four tables, two of which were occupied.

The dining room was L shaped, with the smaller area being separated by a French door. In the alcove that was nearly as big as the main room was a vacant table, a sideboard and a hutch. The furnishings, including china, silverware and linens in the semi-secluded alcove seemed much fancier than the place mats, flatware and stoneware in the main room.

While he was wondering about the alcove, out of the corner of his eye, he caught the movement of another couple as they entered the dining area through the front door. The man took the woman's coat in a gentle but distracted manner. Raymond noticed an age difference as the man appeared to be about twice the age of the woman. Even though the woman was young in appearance, she exuded an air of self confidence in her mannerisms and the quality and style of her clothing.

Raymond felt that even though she dressed and carried herself so eloquently, she did not appear to be conceited or attempting to vainly convince herself of self worth. Raymond thought he had been sly in his observations until he glanced back at Daryl, whose face appeared ready to burst from the smile he gave Raymond. Raymond felt his face turning a bright red with embarrassment as he realized his observations were not quite as sly as he had thought.

The couple did not wait for the waitress to direct them to their seats but seated themselves in the alcove. As the French door closed behind them, Raymond could hear the waitress say, “Good evening, Mr. Thomas. How are you, Miss Victoria?”

“Good evening Sarah. I am fine, thank you. How is your family?”

“They are fine, thank you.”

As this exchange took place, another conversation began in a whisper. “It is not polite to stare.”

Raymond could not believe that he got caught staring again. After being so obvious and suffering the embarrassment of being caught the first time, he was so easily distracted and staring again. Blushing, he said, “I didn't think I was so obvious.”

As the young woman was talking to her father, she casually glanced in Raymond's direction, noticing that he was a stranger in town. As her eyes made contact with his, Raymond quickly diverted his stare. When the waitress sidled up to the table to take their order, Raymond, nonchalantly asked, “Who is the young lady who came in with the gentlemen?”

Sarah answered, “She is Miss Victoria. I'd be careful about getting too nosey. Her daddy, Mr. Thomas, owns this town and he don't like any strangers asking too many questions – especially about Miss Victoria.”

While Raymond sipped coffee and waited for his meal, he was amazed at how much he felt intrigued by Victoria. He could never remember meeting any person who had such an impact at the first glance.

Soon their meals arrived. They were so hungry for a home cooked meal they would not have noticed if the cooking was bad. On the contrary, the pork chops, corn, fresh bread and apple pie were very good.

After concentrating on the food for a while, Raymond asked, “What are your plans?”

Daryl answered, “I'd like to stay in town a few days and get rested. A person could become accustomed to accommodations like this real easy.”

“That's a fact, but we can run out of money if we aren't careful.”

Daryl grinned and casually, almost jokingly suggested, “We could check out the job situation.”

At first Raymond was amused, but began to think, “That is not a bad idea.”

After supper Raymond climbed the steps to his room. The room was very simple with a wooden floor, a well worn area rug, a bed, dresser, a night stand with an oil lamp, and a small wood stove. Raymond noticed a Bible on top of the night stand. Although the accommodations were not elaborate, with the experience on the trail, they seemed like luxury.

As fatigued as he was, Raymond thought he would go right to sleep. As he lay in bed, tossing and turning, his mind kept entertaining the thought of staying in town, at least for a short time. He thought he could work long enough to earn train fare to Wellspring, have a little spending money and arrive about the time he expected Stewart to reach town.

After struggling to sleep for some time he got up and lit the lamp. He reached for the Bible and started to read, “For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what shall a man be profited if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?” (Mark 8:36)

He laid the Bible back on the dresser. At first Raymond contemplated these words. He began to wrestle with them. “For what cause would be worth dying? More importantly, for what reason should a person live?”

Raymond did not like to miss sleep. He also did not like to interrupt his schedule, even while traveling. It seemed the harder he tried to sleep, the wider awake he became. He wondered why he had so much trouble sleeping when he was so exhausted, especially when he found himself in a real bed for the first time in a little over a month.

Finally, after wrestling with the verses he had read and considered every possible meaning, he drifted off to sleep. He slept longer than any one night he had spent on the trail. He was in no hurry to get out of bed in the morning, because he and Daryl had not set any specific time to meet for breakfast.

When he was finally fully awake, he figured the sun had been up for about a full hour. He was still not in any great hurry to climb out from under the covers. His room had no fire in the stove and the early-autumn night air had left the room with a briskly cool feeling. He could not shake the thoughts of the previous night. However, feeling his hunger and smelling the bacon frying from the kitchen below his room, he decided he could wait no longer to get dressed and go down to enjoy a hot breakfast.

After entering the dining area, he noticed the private alcove had already been set for lunch, while the other tables in the main dining area still had the trimmings for breakfast business. He chose a table near the window so he could look out during breakfast and take a better look at the town. He wondered how long he would stay in town and how he would fill his time. When Sarah, whom Raymond recognized as his waitress from the night before, came to fill his cup, he asked, “What does a person do to bide his time here?”

She responded, “Most people work six days a week. They ain't got time or money to do nothin' else.”

“What kind of work do they do?”

“Well, in a silver mining town, most people go into the mines or they do the smelting. Then, there are the rest of us who run the inn, the company store, saloon or the livery. Those are all owned by Mr. Thomas. Then you have the railroad.”

Just as Raymond's breakfast arrived, Daryl came bolting through the front door. He pulled up a chair and sat down. Raymond could not help but notice the enthusiasm Daryl attempted to restrain while he sat grinning at Raymond. “Ok, I give up. What are you trying not to tell me?” inquired Raymond.

I was just looking over the town. They always have openings in the mines. The pay seems good.”

“Hold on. I am just passing through!”

“I know! I know! I was just thinking this is beautiful country. I don't know if a man could get rich, but sure could earn a comfortable living.” beamed Daryl.

Raymond hadn't noticed that Daryl had gone from talking about a few weeks from the night before to ‘earning a living' today. “Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to check it out.”

They finished their breakfast and exited into the street. Daryl led the way. The mining office was almost directly across the street from the inn. As they were crossing the street, Raymond looked back to the right and to the left. At the end of the street, he noticed a Victorian house with a picket fence. The house was the largest in town and the only one with a fresh coat of paint. All the other buildings had gray, weathered boards with the original paint mostly worn off.

“Who lives there?” Raymond asked.

“That is the Thomas Home.”

Raymond looked back across the street at the mining office. Over the door was a sign that read, “Thomas Mining Company.”

Raymond and Daryl entered the door and saw a clerk sitting across the counter from them. Raymond could also see two open office doors behind the clerk's area. He gazed complacently at the open doors when he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure of a woman as she arose from her desk. As he looked, attempting not to stare, he thought the clerk and Daryl could probably hear his heart racing. He was, once again, shocked that he reacted so strongly and out of control to an individual he had only previously seen once in his entire lifetime.

He could only calm himself by diverting his attention. It was too late. He could not restrain himself from glancing back at the open door and noticing the young woman, also peering in his direction with what appeared to be a look of intrigue. The next moment Victoria was proceeding through the office door. Her look of intrigue was now replaced by a look of impatience over the clerk's complacency in greeting the two inquirers.

“How may I help you?” she asked.

“We came into the job to check out the office situation…I mean…I.” stumbled Raymond, feeling himself blush a brighter red.

“We would like to know if the mines are hiring.” intercepted Daryl.

“Yes, we do have some openings now. Do you have any mining experience?”

“No, but I have done a lot of farm work.”

“Well, stick around. Mr. Thomas will talk to you. He should be available in a few minutes.

Raymond, grinning, responded, “I'll wait.”

As Raymond took one of the two seats in the waiting area, he wondered how he could be waiting to interview for a job he did not want. He verbally affirmed to Daryl, “Well, I guess if I get this job, I could work a month, earn train fare, and still get to Wellspring about the time Stewart arrives.”

Hearing himself repeat his thoughts from the night before, Raymond wondered if he was attempting to convince Daryl or himself. Daryl smiled in acknowledgment.