Reverend Chapman, I have a favor to ask of you,” said Molly, as she watched the preacher sip his coffee. “Hannah and Gretchen are two fine elderly ladies who both worked for us at one time or another. They still provide our eggs. But what I was wondering, would you stop by and see them? I know Gretchen has been ailing and they don’t get out much.”
“There’s nothing on my calendar, so after I leave here I’ll go get Betty and we’ll go visit them. Tell me where they live.”
Molly gave him the instructions then said, “They are getting up in years, and I’m concerned about their eternal souls.” She took hold of the preacher’s hand, “I really appreciated this.”
He nodded, then pulled his hand from Molly’s, picked up his cup and drained the contents. Standing up, he looked down at Molly, “Be praying,” then walked on out the diner.
I walked out of the diner in time to see the stranger riding down the street, probably heading for Olson’s or the Broken Drum. It was time for me to do some checking around on the preacher’s cousin, Clyde Hoffner. I thought I’d check at a couple of places in town, then ride on out to Thompson’s in the morning. The first place I went was over to Solly Vendor’s place. He had a large window in front of his counter and he often was outside smoking some of his merchandise.
Though I didn’t approve of Solly’s ware I thought he was a good, solid man. He was honest and did his part to help out if a person was in need. We made the normal greetings and chat, but when I asked him about Hoffner he told me that he hadn’t seen him since he rode in with the preacher then went to work for Thompson.
Leaving Solly’s I went on down the street and peeked in the jail to wave at Lucas. He was busy sweeping the floor of the office, but took the time to wave back. Lucas was a changed person after his trip to Canon City. I wasn’t sure if he would stay on as deputy, and I don’t think he had come to a decision yet in his own mind. From the jail I went to Olson’s Saloon. I didn’t see the horse of the stranger tied out front so he either went to the Broken Drum or on out of town.
Rufus Dixon was working the bar. He did his job, caused no trouble, and usually knew when a stranger came to town. I asked him first about Hoffner to which he replied he hadn’t seen him. Then I asked about the stranger.
“Tall man, whiskered?” questioned Dixon. He wears his gun on the left side, for a cross draw.”
That could be several men in town, but I nodded, “Sounds like him. Has he been in?”
“Not today,” replied Dixon. “I only saw him once and that was last night,” he paused. “Be careful, Marshal. There’s something about him that is dark. Maybe it’s his grown of whiskers, but it seems to be more in his eyes and his attitude.”
“Thanks for the advice. Let me know if you see or hear anything of Hoffner.”
I was only a couple of stores from Foster’s Mercantile. It had been a while since I had talked to Darnelle or seen Mr. Foster, so I decided to stop by for a quick visit. There were several customers in the store and both Darnelle and Jessie Blackstone were busy. I waved and started to walk out when Darnelle held up her hand, “Wait Miles! Let me finish with Mrs. Ferguson and I’ll be with you.”
While she was finishing I gazed at the goods in one of the glass counters. There were all sorts of watches, rings, and other types of jewelry. I perused the watches as I hadn’t had one in several years. The one my Daddy gave me when I left home broke when I was riding for Pennington over on the Tomichi Creek. Moving on to the next counter; it was filled with shaving mugs and razors. Automatically my hand went to my chin and I rubbed it a few times, the shook my head. My razor was still good. On top of the counter were various types of soaps with their own curious aromas. I was in need new soap, but it would have to wait until later.
I was sniffing the different types of soaps when Darnelle accosted me. “Miles, what can I help you with? Soap, a new razor?”
Smiling, I replied, “Always tryin’ to make a sale. Yuh know, after a while they all begin to smell the same.”
Darnelle giggled and returned my smile, “Well, that’s why we are in business. Are you here for a reason?”
“No particular reason. I realized I hadn’t been by in a while so just stopped in. I wanted to check on you and also see how your Dad was doing.”
Her countenance became cloudy. “Not good. We’re not sure, but he made have had a minor stroke. Whatever happened it has affected his attitude again.” Quickly, however, she put away that expression and her normal smile and joyful attitude returned. “Have you heard that the Blackstones are leaving and moving to Oregon?”
Jessie Blackstone was married to a no-good saloon owner in Silverton. Reverend Chapman worked and worked on that man until one day he broke down and gave his heart to the Lord. For the past year he had been trying to sell his saloon, but wasn’t getting the price he wanted. I reckoned it finally sold.
“You’ll lose a good worker,” I said.
Darnelle nodded, “Yes, but it will be good for the family to be together again. Connor needs his father,” she said, then paused. “I can see that you’re anxious to be going so I won’t hold you up any longer, plus I’ve got customers.”
“Tell your father and mother, hi, for me. And say a prayer, I’m leavin’ town tomorrow on a job…”