Post by sandymarek on Dec 8, 2010 22:41:06 GMT -4
Part 390
Upon reaching the bank, Jim, Jim Jr and Jack go inside and walk over to Mr. Thistleman who is already there waiting for them, “You have it?” he asks of Jim.
“Right here,” Jim replies and handing him the envelope Mr. Thistleman takes it and starts reading it.
“If it’s not enough,” Jim Jr. says, “I have this here letter from Jarrod Barkley himself” showing him the handwritten letter he has in his hand.
“Jarrod Barkley,” Mr. Thistleman replies, “I thought you were him.”
“I’m afraid,” Jim mentions, “I am not him. I am Jim Barkley.”
“I’m sorry,” Thistleman says, “But you look just like him.”
“Yes,” with a crooked smile Jim replies, “We do share a resemblance.”
“A resemblance?” Mr. Thistleman mimics.
“Jarrod,” Jim Sr. asks, “Where did you run into him?”
“On the train,” Jim Jr mentions.
Jack says, “Along with Nick and Heath; they are on their way to San Francisco.”
“How did they find out?” Jim Sr. asks.
“From Gene,” Jack answers.
“And Ed,” Jim Jr then says.
“They both,” Jack mentions, “Sent wires to them and once they found out…”
Finishing the sentence “They,” Jim Sr replies, “Grabbed the first train back here.”
“Exactly,” Jack then says, “Nick also wants us to get the men and have them on the next train out to San Francisco.”
“We’ll do that,” Jim Sr replies, “Let’s just finish in here first.”
“We also gave Jarrod,” Jim Jr notes, “The envelopes with the money in them to hopefully be able to stall them until we’re able to get the rest.”
“Smart thinking,” Jim says.
Meanwhile as the whistle blows again Gene is standing there on the platform staring at the train car, “Gene,” Audra asks, “What are you doing?”
“Thinking,” Gene mumbles.
“Thinking what?” Audra asks.
“Sure wish,” Gene brings up, “We could go with them to San Francisco.”
“San Francisco,” Audra says, “Are you crazy?”
“No,” Gene says, “This is the only way to find out what’s happened to Mother.”
“Gene,” Audra says nudging him along, “We need to be getting back to school.”
“You go back,” Gene barks.
“What are you talking about?” Audra asks as she observes him gnawing at his lower lip while staring at the train car.
Glancing around and noticing everyone pre-occupied and no one paying attention to them as other passengers begin boarding the train as the whistle blows one last time, “Look! You stay and do what you want to do I’m going” watching as the doors close.
Grabbing hold of his arm “Going” Audra asks “Going where?”
“San Francisco,” Gene replies.
Audra asks, “How you gonna do that?”
Swallowing hard, “Watch!” he says and looking around one last time as the train begins pulling away Gene quickly picking up speed followed by Audra who calls out, “Wait for me!” who copies what he’s doing runs as fast as their feet could take them.
Reaching for the railing “Hurry Gene” Audra calls out “Hurry!”
“I’m trying” Gene replies “I’m trying” as he grabs hold of the railing with Audra continuing to yell out “Hurry Gene, hurry” as they both work feverishly together in gripping onto it for dear life with their feet now dangling in mid-air.
“Gene” Audra calls out again as the train slowly moves out “I don’t think I could make it” Gene calls out with Audra yelling “Keep trying, Gene, keep trying.”
“I can’t make it” Gene mumbles as they continue holding onto the railing while they now move under it and upon working on steadying themselves “You have to” Audra tells him while they keep pulling away from the station “I’m trying” Gene calls out while it begins picking up speed “I don’t think I can” Gene yells out “Yes you can Gene” Audra calls out “Keep trying, keep trying” as it continues moving away she manages to steady herself and upon landing her feet safely on the steps she quickly extends her hand, “Grab onto my hand,” she tells him.
Reaching for her hand and upon grabbing it Audra assists him with working on getting safely on board. Between her keeping her strong hold on him and his working and struggling; Gene manages to finally steady himself and after a couple seconds safely lands his feet on the stairs leading to the door outside the caboose. After shifting his position quickly and placing his back against the caboose with Audra doing the same they watch as the train continues traveling.
Catching his breath and placing his hand on his chest, “Whew!” Gene says letting out a sigh of relief as he runs the back of his hand over his forehead, “That was close,” while at the same time reaching for the door handle.
Replying “Too close” Audra is catching her breath “I can’t believe we just did that” watching as they are leaving Stockton at a fantastic rate as the train begins accelerating.
“I told you we could do it,” Gene then says, “Now let’s get inside,” and upon opening the door they quickly go inside and closing it behind them, “There! We made it!”
Just then hearing a voice clearing their throat says, “Not so fast!”
Standing there looking up at the black man who is attired in a blue uniform staring down at them, “You call this making it?” Audra asks of Gene.
Holding his hand out, “Let’s see your tickets,” the man says to them.
Swallowing hard but watching as Gene doesn’t say anything, “We don’t have any,” Audra informs him.
“Just what I thought,” the man says, “Stowaways.”
“Not exactly, sir,” Gene replies.
“Come with me,” the man orders.
“Where?” Audra asks.
“To see the conductor,” the ticket collector tells her, “Let’s go,” and reluctantly they go with the man who leads them through the cars on the way to the engine.
Hearing Audra’s voice calling out “Please sir, we could explain” as they are entering car two “Jarrod, Nick!” Heath says “Look!”
“Jarrod, Nick,” both Audra and Gene call out in unison to Heath.
Quickly getting up, “What’s going on?” Jarrod asks.
“What are you two doing here?” Nick asks.
“It was an accident,” Gene says.
“It was Gene’s idea,” Audra answers.
“You were supposed to be going back to school,” Nick mentions.
“We started to,” Audra replies.
“You know these two kids?” the ticket collector asks.
“They’re our brother and sister,” Jarrod says.
“They don’t have any tickets on them,” the ticket collector notes.
“We didn’t have time to get any,” Gene states.
“You stowed away,” Nick asks.
“Not intentionally,” Gene answers.
“I’m taking them to see the conductor,” the ticket collector mentions.
“Oh please sir,” Audra cries.
“Now,” the ticket collector orders, “Let’s go,” and nudges them to the doorway.
“Heath,” Jarrod says, “Stay here, we’ll be right back.”
And while Heath remains seated Jarrod and Nick quickly go with the ticket collector, Audra and Gene to see the conductor who is in the engine of the train.
As they reach the engine, “Charley,” the ticket collector calls out.
Glancing down at the two, “What have we here?” the conductor who is attired in a blue uniform asks.
“Stowaways,” the ticket collector tells him.
“Young Man,” the conductor says, “Young Lady, don’t you know it’s a crime to stowaway.”
“We know that sir,” Gene replies.
“Please,” Audra cries again, “It was an accident. We didn’t mean to do it.”
“But you did do it,” Charley notes, “Seeing that you are standing right here.”
Walking in “Excuse me,” Jarrod says.
“Who are you?” the conductor Charley asks.
“Jarrod Barkley,” Jarrod answers, “Their brother.”
“Do you have a ticket to be on here?” Charley inquires.
Showing them “We do,” Nick replies.
“And they don’t?” Charley asks.
“It was a misunderstanding,” Nick starts to say.
“We know being a stowaway is a serious offense,” Jarrod replies.
“It is,” Charley notes, “And I’m glad that you know the law.”
“Well,” Nick retorts, “He should; he’s a lawyer.”
“Is that right,” Charley says, “Well, I don’t take kindly to anybody stowing away on my train.”
“Please sir,” Audra cries again, “It was an accident.”
“Accident or not,” Charley mentions sternly, “It’s against the law to stowaway. There is a high penalty for those getting caught.”
“Penalty?” Gene mimics.
“That’s right Young Man,” Charley says, “Do you know what happens to those who get caught?”
“They go to jail?” Gene asks.
“Some do,” Charley replies, “If you were at sea and were caught you could easily be thrown out into the open water.”
“What about being on board a train?” Gene inquires.
“That depends on the federal government,” Charley says, “And the train laws. It’s considered a demeanor and a felony. I could have you both serving 30 days in a prison, I could have you two clapped in irons, you could be boiled in oil,” watching as Audra’s eyes widen in horror “That’s right Young Lady, you could easily be boiled in oil.”
“Boiled in oil?” Jarrod mimics, “Audra, Gene will you wait outside while we talk to them.”
Exchanging concerned glances Audra and Gene do as Jarrod says and go out the door to wait.
“Mr. Barkley,” Charley then says.
“You’re not planning on doing that,” Jarrod brings up, “To them.”
“Boiled in oil?” Nick mimics, “Look!” raising his voice he says, “Isn’t that a bit extreme? You wouldn’t do that to them. They didn’t mean any harm and right now they aren’t thinking too clearly. There must be some kind of insinuating circumstances that you would listen to.”
“Oh?” Charley replies.
“And,” Nick brings up, “I must tell you that right now they have other things on their mind.”
“Such as?” Charley asks.
“Right now,” Nick brings up, “Our mother has been taken hostage and we’re on our way down to San Francisco to find out what’s going on.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Charley mentions.
“And we know what they did was wrong by trying to come on here without a ticket,” Nick continues, “And they weren’t supposed to be here they were supposed to be going back to school. Seeing us here must’ve made them not even consider the consequences. We’re willing to purchase tickets for them and if you’re willing to give them another chance we are even willing to buy them even at a higher price if you agree to it.”
“And,” Jarrod says, “We do believe in upholding the law.”
“You said you’re a lawyer,” Charley mentions.
“I am,” Jarrod replies.
“As a lawyer,” Charley brings up. “You must know the laws.”
“I do,” Jarrod says.
“Have you ever stowed away on a train before?” Charley asks of him.
“No never!” Jarrod answers “And I never heard of anyone being boiled in oil as a form of discipline action either.”
“And,” Charley brings up, “You’re quite right.”
“You mean,” Nick asks, “You’re not going to do that to them?”
With his brow narrowed “No,” Charley answers, “Of course not. You must think I am an ogre or some kind of heartless man. Let me assure you I am not.”
“What kind of discipline action will you be taking with them?” Jarrod asks.
“That will depend on you,” Charley says.
“How’s that?” Jarrod queries.
“How about if you purchase the tickets for them” Charley offers “And I will consider the case closed and won’t be bringing up any kind of charges against them. Furthermore, I will leave the discipline action in your hands.”
“You mean it?” Jarrod asks.
“Of course,” Charley replies, “I only did that to scare them. I am sorry to hear about your mother and I do have children of my own who don’t always think rationally at times.”
“We’ll purchase the tickets for them,” Jarrod informs him.
“Very well,” Charley replies, “Clayton,” he says to the ticket collector, “Bring in the children.”
“Right away sir,” Clayton answers and opening the door, “Will you come in here please?”
Walking in skittishly they look at both Jarrod and Nick standing there before looking at the Conductor who says, “Young Man, Young Lady.”
Swallowing hard, “Yes sir?” they both reply.
“I’ve been talking to your brothers here,” Charley says, “And I am willing to drop the charges that will be brought against you if you both agree to never try stowing away on my train ever again.”
“We won’t sir,” Gene vows, “Never again.”
“This was our first and last time, sir,” comes from Audra.
“Very well then,” Charley says, “I’ll turn you over to your brothers.”
“Come with us,” Nick tells them who immediately go out the door while Jarrod remains behind to first thank the conductor and then to pay for the two tickets for them.
Part 391
After Jarrod exits the engine Charley looks at the engineer, “What?” asking.
Attired in a white shirt and blue pinstriped overalls, “Foolish, foolish” the engineer shaking his head replies.
“Ben,” Charley then says, “Didn’t you ever do anything foolish when you were their age?”
“Of course,” Ben answers.
“Well then,” Charley notes, “They aren’t much different than us we just did it long before they did.”
“I suppose,” Ben states.
Back at the bank after reading the document thoroughly, “This all seems to be in order and will take care of everything,” Thistleman informs Jim, “Wait here and I will get the money requested.”
“You did,” Jim asks, “Get it in the denomination they asked for?”
“I did,” Thistleman replies, “I had to scrounge around to be sure I had everything just as it was requested.”
“Very good,” Jim says.
“I’ll be right back,” Thistleman informs them as he returns the documents to Jim and then walks back towards the safe where he has the briefcase prepared with the money in the proper sequence of bills that were described in the letter.
As Nick returns to the car with Audra and Gene, “How did everything go?” Heath asks.
“Went well,” Nick replies, “But we have to have a talk. Sit down” raising his voice he then says, “Don’t you ever do something as stupid like that again.”
As they take a seat, “We know what we did was wrong,” Gene replies.
“Wrong?” Nick mimics, “It was more than wrong, you were violating and breaking a law.”
Starting to cry, “We didn’t mean to,” Audra says, “We were so worried about Mother.”
“I know you both were,” Nick tells them.
“Was he really serious,” Gene asks, “About boiling us in oil?”
Overhearing “No,” Jarrod replies joining them, “And he did agree to drop the charges as he said, however, you both did a very bad thing.”
“We know that Jarrod,” Gene mentions.
“Not to mention very foolish,” Nick adds.
“We know that too” Audra says, “And we’re sorry,” crying.
Taking hold of Audra’s hand into his “I know you are honey” Jarrod tells her “But not only did you do a bad thing by stowing away like you did, you also did a very thoughtless thing as well and you are going to be worrying far more people than you could possibly ever even imagine.”
“What do you mean?” Gene asks.
“How’s that?” Audra asks.
“You left school,” Jarrod points out, “So first you will be worrying Mrs. Stevens when she comes to realize that the two of you won’t be returning as you were supposed to be doing and second you’ll be worrying both Aunt Carol and Uncle Jim when they find out that you left school and are not going to realize that you are here with us right now.”
“We didn’t think of that either,” Gene mentions.
“No,” Audra replies, “We didn’t. What do we do now?”
“Well,” Jarrod says, “As soon as we reach the next stop I will wire Uncle Jim and Aunt Carol letting them know you’re with us but when we get back home, you both will be grounded for a little bit.”
“How long?” Gene asks.
Jarrod says “Well,” rubbing his chin with his right hand, “Seeing the conductor mentioned 30 days in prison I think that will be a fair discipline action for you. Thirty days!”
“Thirty days?” both Audra and Gene simultaneously mimic.
“That’s right, 30 days,” Jarrod then tells them, “When we get back home you will both be confined to the ranch and to your rooms. You will come out for meals, going to school and church but otherwise there will be no outside activities for either of you during that time. Furthermore Nick and I will give you 30 days of hard labor as well.”
“What kind of hard labor?” Gene inquires.
“We will put a list together of jobs that you will be given to do,” Jarrod tells them, “Maybe not so hard; to keep you busy, out of trouble and to think about what you did as being wrong. Also, I think writing a 30 page essay of why you shouldn’t be stowing away on a train again is a fair enough punishment for you both. Agreed?”
With their mouths wide open and nodding their heads they reply “Agreed” with Audra adding, “And I guess that is a fair punishment for what we did.”
“And lenient” Jarrod notes.
At the bank Mr. Thistleman retrieves the prepared briefcase and upon delivering it to Jim Barkley, “Here we are Mr. Barkley,” showing him the money inside, “You’re more than welcomed to re-count it if you should desire,” he informs him.
“No,” Jim Barkley replies, “That won’t be necessary,” taking it from him and closing the top, “We’re in a hurry so I’ll just take your word for it,” turning to his two sons, “Let’s go,” he informs them.
“Good luck with everything,” Mr. Thistleman tells them.
“Thank you,” Jim Barkley replies, “And right now we’ll need all the luck we could get our hands on. Take care,” as he and Jim Jr and Jack walk out of the bank.
Leaving the bank they first make a stop at the livery to borrow a buggy and a couple of horses. Returning to the train station to retrieve the family waiting for them Linda asks, “How did it go?”
“Went well” Jack replies, “We got the money.”
“Thank goodness,” Maureen says as Jim Sr. climbs into the driver’s box and as he grabs the reins he begins flicking them once and drives the buggy back to the ranch.
On the train sitting alongside of Heath, “Heath,” Audra inquires, “What happened to your arm?”
“A bullet was removed,” Heath informs her.
“A bullet?” Audra asks stunned, “You were shot?”
“Afraid so,” Heath answers.
“How?” Gene asks.
Heath goes on to inform them about how he got shot yesterday just prior to them catching the train headed for San Francisco. Jarrod joins in with once they arrive they will get a hold of a doctor to come out and check him over making sure he’s alright.
“Speaking of which,” Audra says, “Heath, you never been to Jarrod’s house before have you?”
“Can’t say I have,” Heath replies.
“Wait to you see it,” Gene brings up.
“It’s very fancy,” Audra says.
“I wouldn’t say that,” Jarrod replies.
“I would,” Audra says with Nick adding, “So would I.”
“I think you’ll like it,” Gene mentions, “I do.”
“If you all like it,” Heath says, “Then something tells me I would too.”
“And you will,” Audra tells him, “Trust me.”
Assuring her “I do” Heath says with a smile “Very much so” who in turn returns the smile.
Reaching the ranch Jim Sr. pulls up to the front of the house and while Jim Jr. assists Maureen and Jack assists Linda with climbing out of the buggy they are met by Carol, Jean, Tina and Chrissy who welcome them with open arms and help with bringing the children inside. Jack, Jim Jr. and Jim Sr. go and grab three horses and after getting them saddled up they quickly split up and begin rounding up the men having them stop what they are doing and to meet them back at the bunkhouse.
Bunkhouse
As the men begin piling into the sleeping area of the bunkhouse Duke is talking with Jim Sr asking, “You got it?”
“It’s in the house,” Jim informs him.
“You taking it to them” Duke then asks.
“Yes,” Jim replies, “While Jim and I go to San Francisco, Jack will stay behind and help you with running the ranch.”
Duke asks, “How was Nick doing?”
“For the moment,” Jack answers, “He’s calm.”
“But,” Jim Jr adds, “I think it will change once they arrive in San Francisco.”
“You’re probably right,” Duke replies.
Once the men have been rounded up and are now gathered in the bunkhouse, “What’s going on?” asks Browne.
“We have an emergency,” Jim Sr informs the gathered men.
“What’s the big emergency?” comes from Jack, the bunkhouse hand.
“First,” Jim Sr replies, “I’d like for you to meet my sons Jim and Jack.”
Doing a double take “Jim and Jack?” comes from Bobby.
“Well,” Browne says, “I’ll be.”
“If you didn’t say it,” Ron mentions, “I would never have believed it.”
“It’s incredible,” Barrett announces.
“It’s frightening,” Ciego says.
“Frightening?” Duke asks.
“Si,” Ciego replies, “Jim looks so much like Jarrod and Jack looks so much like Heath one could be taken for the other. If they were children they could’ve played tricks on their families.”
“I guess we could have,” Jack notes.
“If the times were different,” Jim Jr. adds.
“So true!” Jack comments.
“Now that you got all of that out of your system,” Jim Sr says, “We need to get down to some serious business.”
“How’s that?” Jack the bunkhouse hand asks.
“Mrs. Barkley,” Duke informs them, “Has been taken hostage.”
“Hostage?” some of the men chorally mumble.
“By whom?” Mike asks.
“We’re not sure,” Jim Sr replies.
“Mr. Barkley,” Duke mentions “Will be taking a trip to San Francisco to deliver the money that has been requested.”
“And that’s where you all come in,” Jim Sr replies.
“How’s that?” Hank inquires.
“What we need,” Jack Barkley says, “Is some of you to come with us.”
“We’ll be glad to join you sir,” Willard replies, “Which ones of us do you want?”
“That depends on you,” Jim Sr. says, “It’s strictly a volunteer mission.”
“We decided on 20 of you,” Duke mentions.
“How long will we be gone for?” Spot asks.
“Not sure,” Jim Sr, replies, “That depends how long it takes to find and rescue Mrs. Barkley hopefully not long at all.”
“But,” Duke says, “Bobby, Ron, Ciego seeing you are still recovering from your injuries you will have to remain behind with me.”
“We understand,” Bobby answers for him Ron and Ciego.
“Those of you,” Jim Sr mentions, “Who will be coming along you are to talk amongst yourselves but when you agree you are to pack your gear and meet Jim and myself at the train station.”
“What time is the train?” Vinnie asks.
As the Barkleys head for the exit, “The next train to depart to San Francisco,” Jim Sr replies, “Is scheduled to leave out of Stockton at 3:53 pm we are to be on it when it arrives.”
Glancing over at Johnny “We’ll be there,” Jim the ranch hand informs him.
As the men decide amongst themselves of who will be joining the Barkleys to San Francisco Duke goes with Jim Sr out the door telling him, “Don’t worry about anything here. Just go and find Victoria and bring her back here safely.”
Jim replies, “That is my plan my friend,” placing his hand over Duke’s who tells him, “Good luck.”
And while Jim Sr thanks him and goes inside the house to pack Duke goes back inside the bunkhouse to help and listen to the men deciding amongst themselves who should be going along.
Part 392
In the sleeping quarters of the bunkhouse the men deciding amongst themselves who will be going are gathered and busy packing their gear.
“So,” Vinnie asks, “What are our chances? I mean we’re walking right in the middle of a…” and then stops.
“Of a-what Vinnie?” Sam asks.
“Of” Davy says “A shanghaiing?”
“Yeah,” Vinnie replies, “I mean that is why Mrs. Barkley went down to San Francisco to begin with if I am not mistaken.”
“That is correct,” Jack says, “However, any time you want to back out Vinnie.”
“No,” Vinnie replies “No! We are all in this together my friend. I am just rambling on.”
“I wish I was going,” Ron mentions, “I mean I could use a little diversion.”
“A diversion, huh?” Bobby asks.
“And you know that won’t be possible,” Mike states, “You have to remain here.”
“I know,” Ron says, “I am just doing what Vinnie is doing and rambling on.”
“Rambling’s good,” Browne going over to him says, “It gives you character.”
“Some character,” Bobby quips.
“Maybe we should make some kind of side wagering,” Oscar suggests.
“What kind of wagering,” Spot asks.
“I don’t know,” Oscar states, “Maybe a little something personal of who will come back.”
“Not so much who,” Sam snickers, “More like when.”
“Side betting?” Austin says, “Are you nuts? We are about to jump into a crazy place looking for Mrs. Barkley, we don’t want to have to stay there any longer than we have to.”
“Indeed no,” Mike states, “It’s going to be a crazy place as you stated, we will all be lucky enough to even return in one piece.”
“Well,” Hank says, “Strengthening in numbers. If we all stay together or keep a close eye on each other’s backs we should.”
“And that is definitely,” Browne replies, “What we all have to do while we’re down there. I mean we all know the crimps could spot a stranger from miles away.”
“And,” Sam notes, “We definitely will stand out. And if we are there asking questions looking for Mrs. Barkley to whoever it was that took her will know we’re not from around there.”
“Which makes us even more vulnerable,” Davy notes.
“Which” Willard says, “Makes us having to be extremely careful even more important.”
“Indeed yes,” Hank replies, “When we go there we have to be careful on who we are talking to and watching our backs at the same time.”
“Don’t I know it,” Jack retorts.
“And we will,” Barrett announces, “Here,” as he brings over a few more guns.
“Hey, what’s this?” Chad asks.
“My, my, my,” Willard says, “Don’t we just look precious.”
“Precious?” Ciego asks.
“Well,” Willard says, “I couldn’t think of a better word to use right now.”
“I checked a little extra fire power,” Barrett notes, “Afraid we just may need it” as he begins distributing them.
“And you just may be right Barrett,” Duke says as he walks in, “I mean you are waltzing right into a…”
“We know,” Vinnie replies “A shanghaiing” with the rest of the men joining in.
“We were just discussing that,” Austin says, “Prior to you walking in.”
“And we know it’s going to be one long and dangerous mission,” Hank says.
“Oh?” Duke asks.
“We were just saying that too,” Oscar notes, “Boy if we sure could read minds we could all say we all have the same things on our minds.”
“That much we do know,” Hank quips.
“Indeed yes,” Mike replies.
“So,” Duke continues, “If any of you have any doubts about going, just say the word.”
“No,” Vinnie says, “No, we’re going. Just because we’re rambling on, doesn’t mean we’re backing out. We are just pointing out all the dangers we may encounter while we’re there.”
“We already came up with who will be volunteering,” Sam says.
“Oh?” Duke asks, “You’ve made your choices of who will be going.”
“We have,” Jim announces.
“And,” Duke says.
“And,” Johnny notes, “Seeing we are the best trackers here, Jim and I will be going.”
“And seeing I can’t go,” Ron says, “I thought I’d drive them in; it’s the least I could do on my part.”
“And,” Barrett says, “I packed enough guns for all of us, hopefully we won’t need them, but it’s always best to be safe than sorry.”
“And you’re quite right” Duke notes, “So I take it that you’re going too.”
“Of course,” Barrett says, “I wouldn’t want to be left behind. I want us to find Mrs. Barkley and we need to be there for the family.”
“Then I suggest,” Duke replies, “Those of you going get a move on and those who are remaining behind return to your work.”
Those remaining including Bobby, “On our way,” reply as they quickly bid the men that are going a farewell as they go out the door leaving the twenty and Ron behind to continue packing of who all slap on an extra pistol and ammunition around their gun belt.
3:00 pm
As the Barkley men head over to the school to retrieve Audra and Gene they are intercepted by Mrs. Stevens who informs them they weren’t there.
“What do you mean” Jim Sr asks “They are not here?” raising his voice slightly.
“They were here,” Mrs. Stevens’ answers, “But they left just when it was approaching lunch time and I haven’t seen them since.”
Glancing around the area, “Where could they have gone?” Jim Sr asks, “They didn’t come back to the house” rubbing the edge of his chin with his fingers.
“Not sure,” Mrs. Stevens says, “I was going to ask them where they were headed but they didn’t give me the chance to ask, they just quickly left.”
“You said they left,” Jack asks, “Just prior to lunch time?”
“Yes,” Mrs. Stevens notes.
“Gene,” Jim Jr mentions, “Was suppose to meet Jarrod on the train when it was to arrive. I wonder…”
“If they went to San Francisco,” Jack finishing the sentence brings up, “With them.”
“Yeah,” Jim Jr. says.
“But how could they?” Jim Sr asks, “They didn’t have a ticket.”
“No,” Jack replies, “Maybe they went another way.”
“How’s that?” Jim Sr inquires, “You mean stowing away?”
“There is that possibility,” Jim Jr notes.
Just then Jamie the 14 year old comes running over, “Mrs. Stevens,” he calls out, “Mrs. Stevens.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Stevens replies, “Jamie?”
“I got this here telegram for you,” Jamie says, “I was told to deliver it urgently.”
“Let’s see what it says,” Mrs. Stevens answers as she takes it from him and upon reading it, “Mrs. Stevens…The children are with us…if you see…Jim or Carol Barkley…let them know they are safe…Jarrod Barkley…” glancing up at Jim Sr. she mentions, “Mr. Barkley, the children are on the train with Jarrod.”
“Oh” Jim Sr says “Thank god” letting out a sigh of relief “That’s a load off my mind.”
“At least we were right,” Jim Jr. notes.
“We better be going” Jim Sr says.
And then after bidding Mrs. Stevens a good day the Barkleys head for the train station and wait patiently for the men and the train to arrive.
Arriving in a wagon driven by Ron the selected men going with the Barkleys to San Francisco retrieve their provisions and upon climbing out of the back and going over to Jim Barkley Sr, “We’re ready Mr. Barkley,” Chad informs him.
“Glad you could make it,” Jim Sr replies.
“We wouldn’t miss it sir,” Mike tells him.
“Anything,” Hank adds, “For the Barkleys.”
Then while Jim Sr goes to purchase tickets for the 15 men going with them to San Francisco, Jack returns the buggy back to the livery and then rides back to the ranch with Ron in the wagon who continues doing the driving.
Upon handing the men their tickets they hear the sound of the whistle blowing, “I think it’s coming,” Vinnie announces.
Jim Sr replies, “I think you’re right,” and as it pulls into the station Jim Sr followed by Jim Jr. lead the way on boarding the train.
After the men board the train they each place their gear up on top and take their seats; sitting next to one another as the train blows the whistle one last time as it begins pulling out of the station on its way to San Francisco.
“Well,” Davy announces, “We’re on our way now,” to Chad sitting on the side of him.
“So true,” Chad responds as he, along with the rest of the men: Vinnie, Jack, Hank, Mike, Davy, Barrett, Willard, Browne, Spot, Oscar, Austin, Sam, Jim, Johnny, Chris, Don, Joe, Pete and Alan watch as they depart from the Stockton train station with each one wondering, “What’s in store for all of us.”
The End of Train of Thought
Upon reaching the bank, Jim, Jim Jr and Jack go inside and walk over to Mr. Thistleman who is already there waiting for them, “You have it?” he asks of Jim.
“Right here,” Jim replies and handing him the envelope Mr. Thistleman takes it and starts reading it.
“If it’s not enough,” Jim Jr. says, “I have this here letter from Jarrod Barkley himself” showing him the handwritten letter he has in his hand.
“Jarrod Barkley,” Mr. Thistleman replies, “I thought you were him.”
“I’m afraid,” Jim mentions, “I am not him. I am Jim Barkley.”
“I’m sorry,” Thistleman says, “But you look just like him.”
“Yes,” with a crooked smile Jim replies, “We do share a resemblance.”
“A resemblance?” Mr. Thistleman mimics.
“Jarrod,” Jim Sr. asks, “Where did you run into him?”
“On the train,” Jim Jr mentions.
Jack says, “Along with Nick and Heath; they are on their way to San Francisco.”
“How did they find out?” Jim Sr. asks.
“From Gene,” Jack answers.
“And Ed,” Jim Jr then says.
“They both,” Jack mentions, “Sent wires to them and once they found out…”
Finishing the sentence “They,” Jim Sr replies, “Grabbed the first train back here.”
“Exactly,” Jack then says, “Nick also wants us to get the men and have them on the next train out to San Francisco.”
“We’ll do that,” Jim Sr replies, “Let’s just finish in here first.”
“We also gave Jarrod,” Jim Jr notes, “The envelopes with the money in them to hopefully be able to stall them until we’re able to get the rest.”
“Smart thinking,” Jim says.
Meanwhile as the whistle blows again Gene is standing there on the platform staring at the train car, “Gene,” Audra asks, “What are you doing?”
“Thinking,” Gene mumbles.
“Thinking what?” Audra asks.
“Sure wish,” Gene brings up, “We could go with them to San Francisco.”
“San Francisco,” Audra says, “Are you crazy?”
“No,” Gene says, “This is the only way to find out what’s happened to Mother.”
“Gene,” Audra says nudging him along, “We need to be getting back to school.”
“You go back,” Gene barks.
“What are you talking about?” Audra asks as she observes him gnawing at his lower lip while staring at the train car.
Glancing around and noticing everyone pre-occupied and no one paying attention to them as other passengers begin boarding the train as the whistle blows one last time, “Look! You stay and do what you want to do I’m going” watching as the doors close.
Grabbing hold of his arm “Going” Audra asks “Going where?”
“San Francisco,” Gene replies.
Audra asks, “How you gonna do that?”
Swallowing hard, “Watch!” he says and looking around one last time as the train begins pulling away Gene quickly picking up speed followed by Audra who calls out, “Wait for me!” who copies what he’s doing runs as fast as their feet could take them.
Reaching for the railing “Hurry Gene” Audra calls out “Hurry!”
“I’m trying” Gene replies “I’m trying” as he grabs hold of the railing with Audra continuing to yell out “Hurry Gene, hurry” as they both work feverishly together in gripping onto it for dear life with their feet now dangling in mid-air.
“Gene” Audra calls out again as the train slowly moves out “I don’t think I could make it” Gene calls out with Audra yelling “Keep trying, Gene, keep trying.”
“I can’t make it” Gene mumbles as they continue holding onto the railing while they now move under it and upon working on steadying themselves “You have to” Audra tells him while they keep pulling away from the station “I’m trying” Gene calls out while it begins picking up speed “I don’t think I can” Gene yells out “Yes you can Gene” Audra calls out “Keep trying, keep trying” as it continues moving away she manages to steady herself and upon landing her feet safely on the steps she quickly extends her hand, “Grab onto my hand,” she tells him.
Reaching for her hand and upon grabbing it Audra assists him with working on getting safely on board. Between her keeping her strong hold on him and his working and struggling; Gene manages to finally steady himself and after a couple seconds safely lands his feet on the stairs leading to the door outside the caboose. After shifting his position quickly and placing his back against the caboose with Audra doing the same they watch as the train continues traveling.
Catching his breath and placing his hand on his chest, “Whew!” Gene says letting out a sigh of relief as he runs the back of his hand over his forehead, “That was close,” while at the same time reaching for the door handle.
Replying “Too close” Audra is catching her breath “I can’t believe we just did that” watching as they are leaving Stockton at a fantastic rate as the train begins accelerating.
“I told you we could do it,” Gene then says, “Now let’s get inside,” and upon opening the door they quickly go inside and closing it behind them, “There! We made it!”
Just then hearing a voice clearing their throat says, “Not so fast!”
Standing there looking up at the black man who is attired in a blue uniform staring down at them, “You call this making it?” Audra asks of Gene.
Holding his hand out, “Let’s see your tickets,” the man says to them.
Swallowing hard but watching as Gene doesn’t say anything, “We don’t have any,” Audra informs him.
“Just what I thought,” the man says, “Stowaways.”
“Not exactly, sir,” Gene replies.
“Come with me,” the man orders.
“Where?” Audra asks.
“To see the conductor,” the ticket collector tells her, “Let’s go,” and reluctantly they go with the man who leads them through the cars on the way to the engine.
Hearing Audra’s voice calling out “Please sir, we could explain” as they are entering car two “Jarrod, Nick!” Heath says “Look!”
“Jarrod, Nick,” both Audra and Gene call out in unison to Heath.
Quickly getting up, “What’s going on?” Jarrod asks.
“What are you two doing here?” Nick asks.
“It was an accident,” Gene says.
“It was Gene’s idea,” Audra answers.
“You were supposed to be going back to school,” Nick mentions.
“We started to,” Audra replies.
“You know these two kids?” the ticket collector asks.
“They’re our brother and sister,” Jarrod says.
“They don’t have any tickets on them,” the ticket collector notes.
“We didn’t have time to get any,” Gene states.
“You stowed away,” Nick asks.
“Not intentionally,” Gene answers.
“I’m taking them to see the conductor,” the ticket collector mentions.
“Oh please sir,” Audra cries.
“Now,” the ticket collector orders, “Let’s go,” and nudges them to the doorway.
“Heath,” Jarrod says, “Stay here, we’ll be right back.”
And while Heath remains seated Jarrod and Nick quickly go with the ticket collector, Audra and Gene to see the conductor who is in the engine of the train.
As they reach the engine, “Charley,” the ticket collector calls out.
Glancing down at the two, “What have we here?” the conductor who is attired in a blue uniform asks.
“Stowaways,” the ticket collector tells him.
“Young Man,” the conductor says, “Young Lady, don’t you know it’s a crime to stowaway.”
“We know that sir,” Gene replies.
“Please,” Audra cries again, “It was an accident. We didn’t mean to do it.”
“But you did do it,” Charley notes, “Seeing that you are standing right here.”
Walking in “Excuse me,” Jarrod says.
“Who are you?” the conductor Charley asks.
“Jarrod Barkley,” Jarrod answers, “Their brother.”
“Do you have a ticket to be on here?” Charley inquires.
Showing them “We do,” Nick replies.
“And they don’t?” Charley asks.
“It was a misunderstanding,” Nick starts to say.
“We know being a stowaway is a serious offense,” Jarrod replies.
“It is,” Charley notes, “And I’m glad that you know the law.”
“Well,” Nick retorts, “He should; he’s a lawyer.”
“Is that right,” Charley says, “Well, I don’t take kindly to anybody stowing away on my train.”
“Please sir,” Audra cries again, “It was an accident.”
“Accident or not,” Charley mentions sternly, “It’s against the law to stowaway. There is a high penalty for those getting caught.”
“Penalty?” Gene mimics.
“That’s right Young Man,” Charley says, “Do you know what happens to those who get caught?”
“They go to jail?” Gene asks.
“Some do,” Charley replies, “If you were at sea and were caught you could easily be thrown out into the open water.”
“What about being on board a train?” Gene inquires.
“That depends on the federal government,” Charley says, “And the train laws. It’s considered a demeanor and a felony. I could have you both serving 30 days in a prison, I could have you two clapped in irons, you could be boiled in oil,” watching as Audra’s eyes widen in horror “That’s right Young Lady, you could easily be boiled in oil.”
“Boiled in oil?” Jarrod mimics, “Audra, Gene will you wait outside while we talk to them.”
Exchanging concerned glances Audra and Gene do as Jarrod says and go out the door to wait.
“Mr. Barkley,” Charley then says.
“You’re not planning on doing that,” Jarrod brings up, “To them.”
“Boiled in oil?” Nick mimics, “Look!” raising his voice he says, “Isn’t that a bit extreme? You wouldn’t do that to them. They didn’t mean any harm and right now they aren’t thinking too clearly. There must be some kind of insinuating circumstances that you would listen to.”
“Oh?” Charley replies.
“And,” Nick brings up, “I must tell you that right now they have other things on their mind.”
“Such as?” Charley asks.
“Right now,” Nick brings up, “Our mother has been taken hostage and we’re on our way down to San Francisco to find out what’s going on.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Charley mentions.
“And we know what they did was wrong by trying to come on here without a ticket,” Nick continues, “And they weren’t supposed to be here they were supposed to be going back to school. Seeing us here must’ve made them not even consider the consequences. We’re willing to purchase tickets for them and if you’re willing to give them another chance we are even willing to buy them even at a higher price if you agree to it.”
“And,” Jarrod says, “We do believe in upholding the law.”
“You said you’re a lawyer,” Charley mentions.
“I am,” Jarrod replies.
“As a lawyer,” Charley brings up. “You must know the laws.”
“I do,” Jarrod says.
“Have you ever stowed away on a train before?” Charley asks of him.
“No never!” Jarrod answers “And I never heard of anyone being boiled in oil as a form of discipline action either.”
“And,” Charley brings up, “You’re quite right.”
“You mean,” Nick asks, “You’re not going to do that to them?”
With his brow narrowed “No,” Charley answers, “Of course not. You must think I am an ogre or some kind of heartless man. Let me assure you I am not.”
“What kind of discipline action will you be taking with them?” Jarrod asks.
“That will depend on you,” Charley says.
“How’s that?” Jarrod queries.
“How about if you purchase the tickets for them” Charley offers “And I will consider the case closed and won’t be bringing up any kind of charges against them. Furthermore, I will leave the discipline action in your hands.”
“You mean it?” Jarrod asks.
“Of course,” Charley replies, “I only did that to scare them. I am sorry to hear about your mother and I do have children of my own who don’t always think rationally at times.”
“We’ll purchase the tickets for them,” Jarrod informs him.
“Very well,” Charley replies, “Clayton,” he says to the ticket collector, “Bring in the children.”
“Right away sir,” Clayton answers and opening the door, “Will you come in here please?”
Walking in skittishly they look at both Jarrod and Nick standing there before looking at the Conductor who says, “Young Man, Young Lady.”
Swallowing hard, “Yes sir?” they both reply.
“I’ve been talking to your brothers here,” Charley says, “And I am willing to drop the charges that will be brought against you if you both agree to never try stowing away on my train ever again.”
“We won’t sir,” Gene vows, “Never again.”
“This was our first and last time, sir,” comes from Audra.
“Very well then,” Charley says, “I’ll turn you over to your brothers.”
“Come with us,” Nick tells them who immediately go out the door while Jarrod remains behind to first thank the conductor and then to pay for the two tickets for them.
Part 391
After Jarrod exits the engine Charley looks at the engineer, “What?” asking.
Attired in a white shirt and blue pinstriped overalls, “Foolish, foolish” the engineer shaking his head replies.
“Ben,” Charley then says, “Didn’t you ever do anything foolish when you were their age?”
“Of course,” Ben answers.
“Well then,” Charley notes, “They aren’t much different than us we just did it long before they did.”
“I suppose,” Ben states.
Back at the bank after reading the document thoroughly, “This all seems to be in order and will take care of everything,” Thistleman informs Jim, “Wait here and I will get the money requested.”
“You did,” Jim asks, “Get it in the denomination they asked for?”
“I did,” Thistleman replies, “I had to scrounge around to be sure I had everything just as it was requested.”
“Very good,” Jim says.
“I’ll be right back,” Thistleman informs them as he returns the documents to Jim and then walks back towards the safe where he has the briefcase prepared with the money in the proper sequence of bills that were described in the letter.
As Nick returns to the car with Audra and Gene, “How did everything go?” Heath asks.
“Went well,” Nick replies, “But we have to have a talk. Sit down” raising his voice he then says, “Don’t you ever do something as stupid like that again.”
As they take a seat, “We know what we did was wrong,” Gene replies.
“Wrong?” Nick mimics, “It was more than wrong, you were violating and breaking a law.”
Starting to cry, “We didn’t mean to,” Audra says, “We were so worried about Mother.”
“I know you both were,” Nick tells them.
“Was he really serious,” Gene asks, “About boiling us in oil?”
Overhearing “No,” Jarrod replies joining them, “And he did agree to drop the charges as he said, however, you both did a very bad thing.”
“We know that Jarrod,” Gene mentions.
“Not to mention very foolish,” Nick adds.
“We know that too” Audra says, “And we’re sorry,” crying.
Taking hold of Audra’s hand into his “I know you are honey” Jarrod tells her “But not only did you do a bad thing by stowing away like you did, you also did a very thoughtless thing as well and you are going to be worrying far more people than you could possibly ever even imagine.”
“What do you mean?” Gene asks.
“How’s that?” Audra asks.
“You left school,” Jarrod points out, “So first you will be worrying Mrs. Stevens when she comes to realize that the two of you won’t be returning as you were supposed to be doing and second you’ll be worrying both Aunt Carol and Uncle Jim when they find out that you left school and are not going to realize that you are here with us right now.”
“We didn’t think of that either,” Gene mentions.
“No,” Audra replies, “We didn’t. What do we do now?”
“Well,” Jarrod says, “As soon as we reach the next stop I will wire Uncle Jim and Aunt Carol letting them know you’re with us but when we get back home, you both will be grounded for a little bit.”
“How long?” Gene asks.
Jarrod says “Well,” rubbing his chin with his right hand, “Seeing the conductor mentioned 30 days in prison I think that will be a fair discipline action for you. Thirty days!”
“Thirty days?” both Audra and Gene simultaneously mimic.
“That’s right, 30 days,” Jarrod then tells them, “When we get back home you will both be confined to the ranch and to your rooms. You will come out for meals, going to school and church but otherwise there will be no outside activities for either of you during that time. Furthermore Nick and I will give you 30 days of hard labor as well.”
“What kind of hard labor?” Gene inquires.
“We will put a list together of jobs that you will be given to do,” Jarrod tells them, “Maybe not so hard; to keep you busy, out of trouble and to think about what you did as being wrong. Also, I think writing a 30 page essay of why you shouldn’t be stowing away on a train again is a fair enough punishment for you both. Agreed?”
With their mouths wide open and nodding their heads they reply “Agreed” with Audra adding, “And I guess that is a fair punishment for what we did.”
“And lenient” Jarrod notes.
At the bank Mr. Thistleman retrieves the prepared briefcase and upon delivering it to Jim Barkley, “Here we are Mr. Barkley,” showing him the money inside, “You’re more than welcomed to re-count it if you should desire,” he informs him.
“No,” Jim Barkley replies, “That won’t be necessary,” taking it from him and closing the top, “We’re in a hurry so I’ll just take your word for it,” turning to his two sons, “Let’s go,” he informs them.
“Good luck with everything,” Mr. Thistleman tells them.
“Thank you,” Jim Barkley replies, “And right now we’ll need all the luck we could get our hands on. Take care,” as he and Jim Jr and Jack walk out of the bank.
Leaving the bank they first make a stop at the livery to borrow a buggy and a couple of horses. Returning to the train station to retrieve the family waiting for them Linda asks, “How did it go?”
“Went well” Jack replies, “We got the money.”
“Thank goodness,” Maureen says as Jim Sr. climbs into the driver’s box and as he grabs the reins he begins flicking them once and drives the buggy back to the ranch.
On the train sitting alongside of Heath, “Heath,” Audra inquires, “What happened to your arm?”
“A bullet was removed,” Heath informs her.
“A bullet?” Audra asks stunned, “You were shot?”
“Afraid so,” Heath answers.
“How?” Gene asks.
Heath goes on to inform them about how he got shot yesterday just prior to them catching the train headed for San Francisco. Jarrod joins in with once they arrive they will get a hold of a doctor to come out and check him over making sure he’s alright.
“Speaking of which,” Audra says, “Heath, you never been to Jarrod’s house before have you?”
“Can’t say I have,” Heath replies.
“Wait to you see it,” Gene brings up.
“It’s very fancy,” Audra says.
“I wouldn’t say that,” Jarrod replies.
“I would,” Audra says with Nick adding, “So would I.”
“I think you’ll like it,” Gene mentions, “I do.”
“If you all like it,” Heath says, “Then something tells me I would too.”
“And you will,” Audra tells him, “Trust me.”
Assuring her “I do” Heath says with a smile “Very much so” who in turn returns the smile.
Reaching the ranch Jim Sr. pulls up to the front of the house and while Jim Jr. assists Maureen and Jack assists Linda with climbing out of the buggy they are met by Carol, Jean, Tina and Chrissy who welcome them with open arms and help with bringing the children inside. Jack, Jim Jr. and Jim Sr. go and grab three horses and after getting them saddled up they quickly split up and begin rounding up the men having them stop what they are doing and to meet them back at the bunkhouse.
Bunkhouse
As the men begin piling into the sleeping area of the bunkhouse Duke is talking with Jim Sr asking, “You got it?”
“It’s in the house,” Jim informs him.
“You taking it to them” Duke then asks.
“Yes,” Jim replies, “While Jim and I go to San Francisco, Jack will stay behind and help you with running the ranch.”
Duke asks, “How was Nick doing?”
“For the moment,” Jack answers, “He’s calm.”
“But,” Jim Jr adds, “I think it will change once they arrive in San Francisco.”
“You’re probably right,” Duke replies.
Once the men have been rounded up and are now gathered in the bunkhouse, “What’s going on?” asks Browne.
“We have an emergency,” Jim Sr informs the gathered men.
“What’s the big emergency?” comes from Jack, the bunkhouse hand.
“First,” Jim Sr replies, “I’d like for you to meet my sons Jim and Jack.”
Doing a double take “Jim and Jack?” comes from Bobby.
“Well,” Browne says, “I’ll be.”
“If you didn’t say it,” Ron mentions, “I would never have believed it.”
“It’s incredible,” Barrett announces.
“It’s frightening,” Ciego says.
“Frightening?” Duke asks.
“Si,” Ciego replies, “Jim looks so much like Jarrod and Jack looks so much like Heath one could be taken for the other. If they were children they could’ve played tricks on their families.”
“I guess we could have,” Jack notes.
“If the times were different,” Jim Jr. adds.
“So true!” Jack comments.
“Now that you got all of that out of your system,” Jim Sr says, “We need to get down to some serious business.”
“How’s that?” Jack the bunkhouse hand asks.
“Mrs. Barkley,” Duke informs them, “Has been taken hostage.”
“Hostage?” some of the men chorally mumble.
“By whom?” Mike asks.
“We’re not sure,” Jim Sr replies.
“Mr. Barkley,” Duke mentions “Will be taking a trip to San Francisco to deliver the money that has been requested.”
“And that’s where you all come in,” Jim Sr replies.
“How’s that?” Hank inquires.
“What we need,” Jack Barkley says, “Is some of you to come with us.”
“We’ll be glad to join you sir,” Willard replies, “Which ones of us do you want?”
“That depends on you,” Jim Sr. says, “It’s strictly a volunteer mission.”
“We decided on 20 of you,” Duke mentions.
“How long will we be gone for?” Spot asks.
“Not sure,” Jim Sr, replies, “That depends how long it takes to find and rescue Mrs. Barkley hopefully not long at all.”
“But,” Duke says, “Bobby, Ron, Ciego seeing you are still recovering from your injuries you will have to remain behind with me.”
“We understand,” Bobby answers for him Ron and Ciego.
“Those of you,” Jim Sr mentions, “Who will be coming along you are to talk amongst yourselves but when you agree you are to pack your gear and meet Jim and myself at the train station.”
“What time is the train?” Vinnie asks.
As the Barkleys head for the exit, “The next train to depart to San Francisco,” Jim Sr replies, “Is scheduled to leave out of Stockton at 3:53 pm we are to be on it when it arrives.”
Glancing over at Johnny “We’ll be there,” Jim the ranch hand informs him.
As the men decide amongst themselves of who will be joining the Barkleys to San Francisco Duke goes with Jim Sr out the door telling him, “Don’t worry about anything here. Just go and find Victoria and bring her back here safely.”
Jim replies, “That is my plan my friend,” placing his hand over Duke’s who tells him, “Good luck.”
And while Jim Sr thanks him and goes inside the house to pack Duke goes back inside the bunkhouse to help and listen to the men deciding amongst themselves who should be going along.
Part 392
In the sleeping quarters of the bunkhouse the men deciding amongst themselves who will be going are gathered and busy packing their gear.
“So,” Vinnie asks, “What are our chances? I mean we’re walking right in the middle of a…” and then stops.
“Of a-what Vinnie?” Sam asks.
“Of” Davy says “A shanghaiing?”
“Yeah,” Vinnie replies, “I mean that is why Mrs. Barkley went down to San Francisco to begin with if I am not mistaken.”
“That is correct,” Jack says, “However, any time you want to back out Vinnie.”
“No,” Vinnie replies “No! We are all in this together my friend. I am just rambling on.”
“I wish I was going,” Ron mentions, “I mean I could use a little diversion.”
“A diversion, huh?” Bobby asks.
“And you know that won’t be possible,” Mike states, “You have to remain here.”
“I know,” Ron says, “I am just doing what Vinnie is doing and rambling on.”
“Rambling’s good,” Browne going over to him says, “It gives you character.”
“Some character,” Bobby quips.
“Maybe we should make some kind of side wagering,” Oscar suggests.
“What kind of wagering,” Spot asks.
“I don’t know,” Oscar states, “Maybe a little something personal of who will come back.”
“Not so much who,” Sam snickers, “More like when.”
“Side betting?” Austin says, “Are you nuts? We are about to jump into a crazy place looking for Mrs. Barkley, we don’t want to have to stay there any longer than we have to.”
“Indeed no,” Mike states, “It’s going to be a crazy place as you stated, we will all be lucky enough to even return in one piece.”
“Well,” Hank says, “Strengthening in numbers. If we all stay together or keep a close eye on each other’s backs we should.”
“And that is definitely,” Browne replies, “What we all have to do while we’re down there. I mean we all know the crimps could spot a stranger from miles away.”
“And,” Sam notes, “We definitely will stand out. And if we are there asking questions looking for Mrs. Barkley to whoever it was that took her will know we’re not from around there.”
“Which makes us even more vulnerable,” Davy notes.
“Which” Willard says, “Makes us having to be extremely careful even more important.”
“Indeed yes,” Hank replies, “When we go there we have to be careful on who we are talking to and watching our backs at the same time.”
“Don’t I know it,” Jack retorts.
“And we will,” Barrett announces, “Here,” as he brings over a few more guns.
“Hey, what’s this?” Chad asks.
“My, my, my,” Willard says, “Don’t we just look precious.”
“Precious?” Ciego asks.
“Well,” Willard says, “I couldn’t think of a better word to use right now.”
“I checked a little extra fire power,” Barrett notes, “Afraid we just may need it” as he begins distributing them.
“And you just may be right Barrett,” Duke says as he walks in, “I mean you are waltzing right into a…”
“We know,” Vinnie replies “A shanghaiing” with the rest of the men joining in.
“We were just discussing that,” Austin says, “Prior to you walking in.”
“And we know it’s going to be one long and dangerous mission,” Hank says.
“Oh?” Duke asks.
“We were just saying that too,” Oscar notes, “Boy if we sure could read minds we could all say we all have the same things on our minds.”
“That much we do know,” Hank quips.
“Indeed yes,” Mike replies.
“So,” Duke continues, “If any of you have any doubts about going, just say the word.”
“No,” Vinnie says, “No, we’re going. Just because we’re rambling on, doesn’t mean we’re backing out. We are just pointing out all the dangers we may encounter while we’re there.”
“We already came up with who will be volunteering,” Sam says.
“Oh?” Duke asks, “You’ve made your choices of who will be going.”
“We have,” Jim announces.
“And,” Duke says.
“And,” Johnny notes, “Seeing we are the best trackers here, Jim and I will be going.”
“And seeing I can’t go,” Ron says, “I thought I’d drive them in; it’s the least I could do on my part.”
“And,” Barrett says, “I packed enough guns for all of us, hopefully we won’t need them, but it’s always best to be safe than sorry.”
“And you’re quite right” Duke notes, “So I take it that you’re going too.”
“Of course,” Barrett says, “I wouldn’t want to be left behind. I want us to find Mrs. Barkley and we need to be there for the family.”
“Then I suggest,” Duke replies, “Those of you going get a move on and those who are remaining behind return to your work.”
Those remaining including Bobby, “On our way,” reply as they quickly bid the men that are going a farewell as they go out the door leaving the twenty and Ron behind to continue packing of who all slap on an extra pistol and ammunition around their gun belt.
3:00 pm
As the Barkley men head over to the school to retrieve Audra and Gene they are intercepted by Mrs. Stevens who informs them they weren’t there.
“What do you mean” Jim Sr asks “They are not here?” raising his voice slightly.
“They were here,” Mrs. Stevens’ answers, “But they left just when it was approaching lunch time and I haven’t seen them since.”
Glancing around the area, “Where could they have gone?” Jim Sr asks, “They didn’t come back to the house” rubbing the edge of his chin with his fingers.
“Not sure,” Mrs. Stevens says, “I was going to ask them where they were headed but they didn’t give me the chance to ask, they just quickly left.”
“You said they left,” Jack asks, “Just prior to lunch time?”
“Yes,” Mrs. Stevens notes.
“Gene,” Jim Jr mentions, “Was suppose to meet Jarrod on the train when it was to arrive. I wonder…”
“If they went to San Francisco,” Jack finishing the sentence brings up, “With them.”
“Yeah,” Jim Jr. says.
“But how could they?” Jim Sr asks, “They didn’t have a ticket.”
“No,” Jack replies, “Maybe they went another way.”
“How’s that?” Jim Sr inquires, “You mean stowing away?”
“There is that possibility,” Jim Jr notes.
Just then Jamie the 14 year old comes running over, “Mrs. Stevens,” he calls out, “Mrs. Stevens.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Stevens replies, “Jamie?”
“I got this here telegram for you,” Jamie says, “I was told to deliver it urgently.”
“Let’s see what it says,” Mrs. Stevens answers as she takes it from him and upon reading it, “Mrs. Stevens…The children are with us…if you see…Jim or Carol Barkley…let them know they are safe…Jarrod Barkley…” glancing up at Jim Sr. she mentions, “Mr. Barkley, the children are on the train with Jarrod.”
“Oh” Jim Sr says “Thank god” letting out a sigh of relief “That’s a load off my mind.”
“At least we were right,” Jim Jr. notes.
“We better be going” Jim Sr says.
And then after bidding Mrs. Stevens a good day the Barkleys head for the train station and wait patiently for the men and the train to arrive.
Arriving in a wagon driven by Ron the selected men going with the Barkleys to San Francisco retrieve their provisions and upon climbing out of the back and going over to Jim Barkley Sr, “We’re ready Mr. Barkley,” Chad informs him.
“Glad you could make it,” Jim Sr replies.
“We wouldn’t miss it sir,” Mike tells him.
“Anything,” Hank adds, “For the Barkleys.”
Then while Jim Sr goes to purchase tickets for the 15 men going with them to San Francisco, Jack returns the buggy back to the livery and then rides back to the ranch with Ron in the wagon who continues doing the driving.
Upon handing the men their tickets they hear the sound of the whistle blowing, “I think it’s coming,” Vinnie announces.
Jim Sr replies, “I think you’re right,” and as it pulls into the station Jim Sr followed by Jim Jr. lead the way on boarding the train.
After the men board the train they each place their gear up on top and take their seats; sitting next to one another as the train blows the whistle one last time as it begins pulling out of the station on its way to San Francisco.
“Well,” Davy announces, “We’re on our way now,” to Chad sitting on the side of him.
“So true,” Chad responds as he, along with the rest of the men: Vinnie, Jack, Hank, Mike, Davy, Barrett, Willard, Browne, Spot, Oscar, Austin, Sam, Jim, Johnny, Chris, Don, Joe, Pete and Alan watch as they depart from the Stockton train station with each one wondering, “What’s in store for all of us.”
The End of Train of Thought
